Becoming a nurse has always been a dream of mine, but my passion truly lies in cosmetic nursing. The idea of helping people feel confident in their own skin, enhancing their natural beauty, and providing care that empowers them excites me. I believe that aesthetic medicine is not just about appearance it is about boosting self-esteem, improving mental well-being, and giving patients a renewed sense of self. My journey toward becoming a cosmetic nurse practitioner has been shaped by my interest in both healthcare and the artistry involved in aesthetic treatments. From a young age, I was drawn to the medical field because of my desire to help others. I’ve always loved anything involving beauty and sports. I thought my calling was to go into sports medicine but as I did internships I realized becoming a nurse was really my passion. As I grew older, I became increasingly fascinated with skincare, beauty treatments, and the science behind non-invasive cosmetic procedures. Learning about injectables, laser therapies, and skin rejuvenation treatments made me realize that cosmetic nursing perfectly combines my passion for healthcare and aesthetics. This career will allow me to work closely with patients, understand their concerns, and develop personalized treatment plans to help them achieve their desired look while maintaining a natural appearance. To prepare for this career, I have taken several steps to gain experience and knowledge in both nursing and the cosmetic field. First and foremost, I am dedicated in my education and completing the necessary nursing prerequisites. I understand that becoming a nurse practitioner requires a strong foundation in medical knowledge, patient care, and clinical skills, so I am fully committed to learning everything I can in my studies. Additionally, I have taken the initiative to research the cosmetic industry, staying up to date with the latest advancements and techniques in aesthetic medicine. I’ve also to shadowed and have done externships in medical spas and dermatology clinics. I felt like that experience gave me a hands-on experience and insight into the field which truly made me realize this is what I want to do. I felt content knowing I loved how everyone was and it was a welcoming environment all while helping patience understand and learn more about cosmetics. Another important part of my preparation has been developing strong communication and interpersonal skills. Aesthetic nursing is not just about performing procedures it is about listening to patients, understanding their goals, and ensuring they feel comfortable and informed. Beyond the technical aspects of nursing, I am passionate about the positive impact that cosmetic procedures can have on a person’s self-confidence. I want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where patients feel safe discussing their insecurities and excited about their results just like I saw in my externship opportunities. I see myself not just as a provider but as a partner in my patients’ journey to feeling their best. In the future, I hope to work in a medical spa or plastic surgery clinic, specializing in injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers, as well as other non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments. There is so much to learn about this field and so much room to expand, it truly makes me excited. Eventually, I aspire to open my own practice where I can offer personalized, high-quality aesthetic care. My dedication to this field, combined with my passion for helping others feel their best, fuels my determination to become a cosmetic nurse practitioner. I am excited to take the next steps in my journey and look forward to making a meaningful impact in this industry.

Being a student-athlete has been a vital aspect of character development and shaping my future professional goals. Wrestling has been greater than a mere activity to me—it has been a teacher, a challenge, and a motivation. The sport has taught me discipline, resilience, and punctuality, all of which I will apply to achieve my dream of becoming a cosmetic nurse practitioner. The level of dedication it takes to be a successful wrestler has prepared me for the grueling academic and career journey that is ahead of me. Wrestling is a mentally and physically taxing sport that requires determination and adaptability. Every practice session and every game has tested me to the limit, forcing me to learn from my mistakes and continually improve. Such experiences have given me the ability to withstand pressure and remain focused, abilities which will be of great use in the medical profession. As a cosmetic nurse practitioner, I would need precision, persistence, and the ability to work under pressure, all which I have gained from my sports life. Balancing school and sports has also instilled in me the value of time management and responsibility. Early morning practices, school, practice, and study sessions have forced me to be organized and prioritize my objectives well. These are habits that will serve me well in my future career, where I will have to balance patient care, medical procedures, and ongoing learning in a hectic setting. My discipline and ability to multitask will help me perform well in my career. Apart from sports and academic work, I have a great passion for aesthetics, skin, and cosmetic nursing medical developments. I love having other people feel at ease with their looks, and I am happy about being able to help combine medicine and art. Whether it's supporting patients back to health after surgery or providing non-surgical intervention to enhance natural beauty, I would like to make a positive contribution to people's lives. Having a wrestling background has strengthened my determination to work hard and excel, virtues that will serve me well in this career. Apart from careers and sports ambitions, I have other interests that contribute towards personal development. I enjoy learning about health and wellness, finding out about skin care routines, and understanding how different treatments can build confidence and self-esteem. In addition, I enjoy watching TED Talks and other study material that expands my knowledge on a lot of things. My favorite TED Talk, The Dignity of Work by Richard J. Berry, inspired me to appreciate hard work in all aspects of life. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family since they create a strong support system that makes me down-to-earth. Whether it's traveling, eating at new restaurants, or simply taking time to sit together and discuss important issues, I enjoy the experience that allows me to connect with people around me. These experiences remind me to have a balance and live life beyond my goals. Ultimately, being a student-athlete has shaped me into a disciplined, goal-oriented, and determined individual. My wrestling career has taught me the importance of perseverance, and my passion for cosmetic nursing has given me a sense of direction for the future. With the values and skills that I have learned, I am confident that I will succeed not just in my career but in life as well.

Wrestling has profoundly shape the way I view adversity, transforming my mindset from one of hesitation to one of resilience. The sport is both physically and mentally demanding, requiring discipline, perseverance, and the ability to overcome setbacks. Through my experiences on the mat, I have learned that adversity is not something to fear but rather an opportunity to grow. This perspective has influenced not only my approach to competition but also my aspirations for the future, particularly in my goal of becoming a cosmetic nurse practitioner. One of the biggest lessons wrestling has taught me is that adversity is inevitable. There are days when training feels overwhelming, when weight cuts seem unbearable, and when losses feel crushing. However, wrestling has shown me that setbacks do not define me how I respond to them does. I have faced opponents who were stronger, faster, or more experienced, but instead of backing down, I learned to analyze my weaknesses and improve. Every loss became a lesson, pushing me to train harder and refine my technique. This mindset has extended beyond the wrestling room and into my daily life. When I encounter difficulties, I no longer see them as roadblocks but as challenges that will ultimately make me stronger. Wrestling has also instilled in me an unwavering work ethic. Success in the sport is not given, it is earned through countless hours of practice, conditioning, and mental preparation. There are no shortcuts, and this reality has shaped my approach to achieving my long-term goals. As I pursue a career in cosmetic nursing, I know there will be difficult moments long hours, rigorous studies, and challenging patients. However, wrestling has prepared me to embrace the grind, understanding that perseverance and dedication will lead to success. Just as I have pushed through exhaustion in practice, I am ready to push through the obstacles I will face in my career. Additionally, wrestling has reinforced the importance of self-confidence. On the mat, hesitation can lead to defeat, and second guessing myself has cost me matches in the past. Over time, I have learned to trust my training, instincts, and abilities. This confidence is crucial in my future career as a cosmetic nurse practitioner, where precision and decision-making are essential. Whether performing procedures or reassuring patients, I will need to rely on my skills and knowledge without hesitation. Wrestling has given me the ability to stay composed under pressure, a trait that will serve me well in the medical field. Ultimately, wrestling has changed the way I view adversity by teaching me that struggles are not signs of failure but stepping stones to success. The resilience, discipline, and confidence I have developed through the sport will help me navigate challenges in my future career. I know that the path to becoming a cosmetic nurse practitioner will not be easy, but just as I have faced tough opponents on the mat, I am prepared to face any obstacles that come my way. Wrestling has given me the strength to embrace adversity, and for that, I am grateful.

As a first-generation Hispanic college student, education holds a deep and personal significance for me. It is more than just a pathway to a career it is an opportunity to break barriers, redefine expectations, and create a future that was once only a dream. My parents have worked hard to provide me with opportunities they never had, and I see education as my way of honoring their sacrifices while building a life of purpose and success. For me, education is more than just earning a degree; it is a symbol of perseverance, ambition, and the pursuit of my dreams. I have always been drawn to healthcare, and my passion for helping others has led me to pursue nursing. Nurses are at the heart of healthcare, providing care, comfort, and support during some of life’s most difficult moments. I want to be that person for my patients, the one who reassures them in times of uncertainty and helps them regain confidence in themselves. It is more than just treating illnesses; it is about Improving quality of life, and making a meaningful impact on others, ensuring that my patients not only receive excellent care but also feel valued and understood. Eventually, I hope to specialize in cosmetic nursing, a field where I can blend medical expertise with artistry to help people feel confident in their own skin. Education is the foundation that will allow me to achieve these goals. Through nursing school, I will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become a compassionate and competent healthcare professional. However, my education is not just about earning a degree it is about using what I learn to inspire and uplift others, especially those who come from backgrounds similar to mine. The legacy I hope to leave is one of perseverance and empowerment. I want to show other first-generation students that they, too, can overcome obstacles and chase their dreams, no matter how daunting the journey may seem. By breaking into the medical field and eventually becoming a cosmetic nurse, I hope to pave the way for others to follow, proving that success is possible with dedication and resilience. For me, education is not just a personal achievement, it is a tool for change. It is the key to making a difference in the lives of my future patients, my family, and the generations that come after me. My journey may start with earning a nursing degree, but the impact I hope to make will extend far beyond that.

I never expected to find myself in a wrestling room, much less as an underdog fighting for a chance to compete. Before June of 2024, I had never stepped foot on a mat, but the moment I did, I knew I had found something special. Wrestling quickly became more than just a sport; it became my passion. However, my journey was far from easy. I started late, with no prior experience, in a sport dominated by athletes who had been training for years. Then, just one week in, I tore my ACL. At that moment, any dreams I had of competing seemed to slip away. The injury could have been the end of my wrestling journey before it had even begun, but I refused to let it define me. Instead of giving up, I turned my recovery into my first battle. I pursued plasma and stem cell therapy, committed myself to rehab, and worked tirelessly to get back on the mat. By mid-August, I returned, still an underdog, but now with an even stronger will to succeed. Coming back from an injury was one challenge, proving that I belonged in the sport was another. As the only wrestler at my school, I lacked teammates, resources, and representation. Competing against girls who had years of experience was intimidating, and losing matches was frustrating. But I refused to let doubt consume me. Every practice, every drill, and every match became an opportunity to learn. I knew I had to outwork my competition, so I trained relentlessly, pushing through setbacks and using my status as an underdog as motivation. Despite the odds, I started to improve. I earned my first wins, gained recognition, and began breaking barriers. My ultimate goal is to place in nationals not just for myself but for the future of women’s wrestling at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. I want to pave the way for other girls to follow in my footsteps, proving that even in a male-dominated sport, we belong. Being an underdog has shaped me into a stronger, more determined athlete. It has taught me resilience, patience, and the power of believing in myself when no one else does. Wrestling has become my passion, and every challenge I’ve faced has only fueled my drive to achieve my goals. I may have started at the bottom, but I am climbing my way up one match, one practice, and one shot at a time.

The sport of wrestling has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. While I’ve only been actively wrestling since August of 2024, its influence has been part of my journey for the past three years, thanks to my little brother, a national champion wrestler. Watching him train and compete, I was intrigued by the discipline within the sport. I didn’t realize then that wrestling would become my lifeline during one of the most difficult times of my life. Before I began wrestling, I was struggling. I was caught in a cycle of poor decisions, getting into trouble, and losing sight of who I wanted to be. My parents, worried about the path I was on, gave me an ultimatum to either remain grounded and do nothing, or try something new. They suggested wrestling, and while I hesitated at first, I chose to give it a chance. That decision changed everything. Wrestling gave me structure and purpose. It introduced me to a community of teammates and coaches who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. I built new friendships and learned the value of hard work and perseverance. The sport became my outlet and my sanctuary. Every practice, every drill, and every match became an opportunity to better myself not just as an athlete but as a person. My journey hasn’t been without challenges. In the first week of my wrestling career, I tore my ACL, a setback that sidelined me for a couple of months. This was the first lesson wrestling taught me: patience and resilience. I underwent plasma and stem cell therapy and returned to the mat with more determination than ever. On top of that, I faced resistance from my school. As a student at an all-girls Catholic high school, I wasn’t initially supported in my desire to wrestle under my school’s name. Despite my efforts to advocate for myself and women in wrestling, I had to compete independently. Still, I refused to let these obstacles hold me back. Now, I wrestle six days a week, dedicating three to six hours daily. I’ve competed in off-season tournaments and achieved significant progress, as I prepare for nationals in March. Wrestling has become more than a sport for me; it’s a part of who I am. It has taught me discipline, grit, and the importance of standing up for my beliefs. I’m not just wrestling for myself but also paving the way for other young women who want to break barriers in male-dominated sports. Wrestling saved me from a dark place and gave me a purpose. It’s more than a physical battle on the mat, it’s a mental and emotional journey that has shaped me into the resilient and driven person I am today. As I look ahead to competing at higher levels and potentially starting a women’s wrestling team in college, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and how much further I’m willing to go. Wrestling isn’t just my sport. It’s my passion, my community, and my second chance.

When I was a junior in high school, my anatomy class changed everything for me. On the first day, my teacher walked into the room with a life-sized model of the human body, which she named “daisy.” She didn’t just teach us anatomy she brought it to life. From tracing the paths of blood through the circulatory system to giving us life sized bones and skulls to remember each name of every bone. she captivated me with the intricate beauty of how the human body works. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and her ability to break down complex systems made me fall in love with the subject. It wasn’t just learning about the body; it was about how everything fits together so perfectly to create life. That class inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. I want to take the knowledge I gained in that classroom and apply it to help people. For me, the idea of diagnosing what’s wrong with someone and working to heal them is deeply rewarding. There is something fascinating about identifying the puzzle pieces of a medical issue and fitting them together to improve someone’s life. Nursing combines science, problem-solving, and compassion, and I can’t imagine a career more fulfilling than one that allows me to be part of someone’s healing process. As a Cuban Hispanic woman, I also feel a strong connection to my community and the unique challenges we face in accessing healthcare. Growing up in Miami, I’ve seen firsthand how language barriers and cultural differences can make it harder for people in my community to get the care they need. As a bilingual nurse, I want to bridge that gap and be an advocate for my patients. I want to ensure that they feel heard, understood, and supported, regardless of their background. My goal is to create a safe space where patients trust me to provide not only medical care but also kindness and understanding. Beyond working in a hospital or clinic, I hope to take my nursing skills even further by becoming a nurse practitioner. In this role, I will have the opportunity to make an even greater impact by diagnosing illnesses, prescribing treatments, and creating long-term care plans for my patients. This will allow me to expand my ability to help my community. In addition to my career goals, I want to inspire others to consider careers in healthcare. I believe representation matters, and I want young women especially those from minority backgrounds to see that they can succeed in nursing and beyond. By sharing my journey, I hope to make a difference not only at the bedside but also in the lives of those who aspire to follow a similar path. Nursing is more than just a profession to me. It’s about combining science, empathy, and determination to improve lives. I’m excited to take this next step in my education and begin a career where I can make a meaningful difference every day.

The ref says “shake hands” and blows the whistle “wrestle”. I felt a rush of adrenaline, knowing my match wasn’t just about winning it was about proving that wrestling had a place at my all-girls school. My passion for the sport started as a quiet fascination, but it quickly turned into pushing boundaries and creating opportunities for girls. Wrestling isn’t just a sport; it’s a lesson in discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. These values shaped me into the leader I am today. When I first approached school administrators about starting a wrestling team, I was met with hesitation. Wrestling wasn’t seen as a traditional sport for girls, and the logistics of launching a program seemed daunting. Rather than giving up, I doubled down on my efforts. I began by gathering support from my classmates and coaches sharing my vision of what a wrestling team could bring to our school: empowerment, resilience, and unity. The journey was far from smooth. But every challenge only fueled my determination. I spent so much time advocating for the benefits of the sport. Once the wrestling team was approved, the real work began. Wrestling is physically demanding, but the mental toughness it requires is just as important. I emphasized the importance of mutual respect and an environment where everyone felt supported. Watching my teammates grow in confidence, both on and off the mat, was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. This experience taught me that leadership isn’t about commanding others, it’s about serving them. My time as a student leader reinforced my belief in the power of service to drive meaningful change. As I transition to university, I plan to channel these leadership skills into initiatives that promote inclusivity and community engagement. Whether it’s through organizing service projects, or advocating for underrepresented voices, I want to continue making a positive impact. Pursuing a nursing degree aligns perfectly with this goal, as it combines my passion for helping others with my desire to lead by example in a meaningful career. The wrestling mat taught me how to fight not just for myself, but for what I believe in. The lessons I’ve learned as a leader will guide me as I strive to create opportunities for others, both at university and in my future career. Service is at the heart of leadership, and I’m committed to leaving every space I enter better than I found it.