This… is Blue. He was a shelter dog. His profile picture wasn’t all that great… but whose is? I needed to see him in person. I was so excited to see him and then he totally ignored me and went straight to pee in a fake bush. At that moment I knew he was mine. He was on the list to be put down. 4 years later, he’s my best friend, my hiking buddy and he loves pup cups and car rides. We love his crazy self. He enjoys the outdoors and he deserved a second shot at life.

We grow based on our environment. We develop our strengths from our encounters, and we become the people we are by viewing and learning from others who surround us. The role model that was in my life was my grandmother. She taught me that caring was a priority to others, and even though she never specifically verbalized it, she showed it through her actions. From her, I learned the value of family and knowing when to be there for them along with others we meet. She encouraged me to love and care for those who needed it and was always there for people even when she was far away. I learned that what I wanted to do in life was to do what she showed, and so I became a nurse. I understand her actions and potential to be a nurse in which she always wanted to be. She had the ability, but due to a hard childhood she took care of her family instead. I believe that my dreams that I’ve followed are for her, and taking care of others gives me the warmth inside, and I’ve felt that my job has been completed when those are back to their health. Because of my grandma, I’ve paid her caring and compassion forward by becoming a licensed nurse, and being close to completing my RN program and I am thankful that she gave me that push to keep going even in spirit. She gave me the experience and strength in which I have now been able to use in taking care of all patients even in this time of covid. Being able to sit next to patients just to keep them comfortable has all been for her. We share the same heart and love for nursing, and I will always thank her for being my role model. I pay it forward to this day and will continue for the rest of my career.

I am THANKFUL for my mom who has been by my side through all struggles. It is hard to always remember to appreciate moms because of our everyday lives, however mine has never once failed to let me know she is there. I would not be this strong without her, and without her crazy self, I wouldn’t have balance. She accepts everything, and always seems to stay afloat through all struggles. She is my motivation to keep pushing, and allows me to vent whenever I am feeling down. She does the best she can, and for that I am thankful. For all those who have their mothers, give them a hug, and for those who do not, just know she is there watching over you.