Introduction

About 10 years ago, I have landed on this great country to fulfill my “American Dream” as a first generation immigrant. Education is a powerful trans formative tool that I have always valued, a tool that can change my life as well the world. When I first came here, I was not sure which career path will help me fulfill my dream of doing well for myself. Finally, when I became pregnant for the first time, a potential career path started to take shape. Throughout my pregnancy, I was seen by and cared for by many great nurses. Their dedication to me not only helped me stay physically healthy, but also emotionally strong.

Of these interactions, one was extremely memorable. The night my oldest daughter was born, I was feeling very scared and alone as a result of my language and cultural barrier. However, the nurse who cared for me and helped me through that night presented herself like an angel. She really touched my heart and opened my eyes, became my role model. She showed me just how emotionally fulfilling and incredibly rewarding it could be to nurse someone in his or her most vulnerable state. Later, when it came time for me to make a choice in my education, my decision was greatly influenced by her and all those nurses that supported me through a life-changing phase in my life. I decided that I, too, would take on the honorable challenge of becoming a Nurse. And today, I am very proud and excited to have made that decision.

Becoming a registered nurse is my first step to a long and rewarding career in healthcare. I graduated from New York City College of Technology with the associate degree in Applied Science of Nursing in Spring of 2012. After graduation, I worked as a PACU nurse for one year in an ambulatory surgical center; at the same time, I continued to work on my dream to pursue a Bachelor’s degree as a part time student, along with taking care of my newborn daughter.  Later on, I have birth to two sons. I continued my education while being a mother to three children, which was rather challenging. Currently, I am hopeful and confident that I will graduate next semester. Despite the fact that my goals for myself never changed, the decision to continue working on my degree with three small children, whose demands are never ending, was far from an easy decision. However, starting the baccalaureate nursing program totally change my perception of and my drive towards the nursing profession, and is definitely an important step in my professional journey.

I have a strong desire to work in a hospital in PACU or Labor and Delivery unit. These are two units that I have been exposed to throughout my personal experiences. That said, I believe obtaining a higher education will provide me with flexibility as a nurse to move laterally, to another specialty, or to build on my education to move up. In the next five years, I see myself in various positions in the health care field, such as in different leadership roles, as well as on my way to finish a master’s degree to facilitate a growth in my knowledge and skill sets