Before I got accepted to LPN school, I left a man who was no longer serving me in any way except financially. I knew the hardship I was about to endeavor, but I knew I would be thankful if I got out of the abusive engagement. I quickly became a full-time nursing student going to school 35 hours a week. I worked 40 hours a week with a job that had me going to bed on the weekends around the same time I was getting up on the weekdays for school, and I still found the time to be involved in my church five hours a week. While doing what I needed to do, I still found the time focus on homework, studying, and clinical paperwork. My grades reflected on my hard work and dedication. I spent time to make study guides for the rest of the class, and I put together study groups. I encouraged my classmates to work together because I wholeheartedly believe that it’s more feasible to get through a nursing program when you work together - just as important as it is for a nurse to work as a team with CNAs, doctors, physical therapists, occupational therapists , and other nurses. I believe I was of help to my colleagues and companions because I was voted as vice president of my graduating class. I was so busy I didn’t even take the time to notice the workload I was giving myself, and I wouldn’t admit to myself that one of the roles in my life will have to be neglected at one point in time. I found myself more than half-way through the nursing program when I subconsciously made the decision to allow nursing school to be neglected. I typed a paper at the last minute and left it on the printer then slept way less than 8 hours before clinical the next day. I walked in to clinical and instantly realized the paper I was required to turn in to pass the class was still sitting on the printer. Going back to get it was not an option because I can’t be more than 5 minutes late to clinicals. My only option was to withdrawal from the class and hop right back in with the next nursing class. It was a minor setback, but even then, I didn’t have the mindset that was necessary to make the change in my life. Fast-forward to me joining the next class, on the night before my last day of clinical, I was once again so exhausted that I fell asleep without setting my alarm. I had to be at clinical at 7:30 a.m., and woke up at 7:31 a.m. exactly. I called my teacher immediately to tell her I was on my way, but the school’s policy states if I do not communicate prior to the time that clinical starts, it is considered a “no-call, no-show”. Not being able to finish the nursing program was one of the biggest life-altering moments for me thus far. It forced me to be still and to reevaluate some things. This is what made me realize I am constantly moving and going and rushing through life. The second I achieve one goal, I immediately think, OK, what’s next? I struggle to celebrate or enjoy any victory, because I’m always mindful of something bigger I could be doing instead. I had no idea that it made me one heck of a workaholic, and how it was affecting me. I’ve spent this time I’ve had to work just enough to save up money so I can work less while I return to nursing school, but not enough work to overload me. I’ve used this time to actually take vacations to be in God’s creations and focus on myself so I can be a better person now, and a better nurse in the future. I know I will be successful because I refuse to take no for an answer. When it comes to my dreams and my purpose in life, ‘no’ is not an answer; the word ‘no’ is not a reason to stop. Hearing ‘no’ from Tulsa Tech reminded me to slow down and think about how the new position I’m in can better me for my destination. I had to switch my perception, and I did by convincing myself to genuinely believe I will be grateful of this devastating failure because I learned very valuable lessons. Nothing is wasted, and every single moment matters; every moment is preparing me for the next. It was discouraging that my plan didn’t go the way I expected, but it was a reminder that my plan is not the same for me as God’s plan. This could have happened because God wanted to test me. He wanted me to fight for my career. He wanted to know that I would not give up even if it seemed impossible even if I was scared or doubtful. As a nurse, I will have to advocate for patients who have way bigger fears and battles I have never had to face. I believe that this experience of mine will help me become an even better nurse than I would have already been. I can relate to my future patients when I encourage them to keep fighting their battles. I will be able to communicate to my patients they are stronger than they think, they are not alone, and they can overcome any trial! Fast-forward to today... I am now in a BSN program, and got hired last week for my dream position in an Emergency Department. I hope to use my hardships as a first-generation Bachelors graduate and make my family proud. But most importantly, to make myself proud because keeping promises you make to yourself is just as important as anything else - you can't fill from an empty bucket!