Ever since I was a little girl, I've wanted to make a difference in people's lives. While I may not have known exactly what I wanted to do, you could be sure that it would involve engaging with and helping others. My career aspirations changed a lot back then. It went from being a missionary to orphanage director, then from orphanage director to singer/songwriter. Then, it changed again. In my sophomore year of high school I took a class at the local technical skills center that trained me to be a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant). Not only was I taught the skills necessary to succeed in that occupation, but I also was given the opportunity to help real people in nursing home settings. Those few months changed my perspective on the healthcare field, especially of geriatric care. I realized that, as a health care professional, I would be working to improve the quality of life of the residents I cared for. Because of my experiences in that class, I changed my career goals once again, from singer/songwriter to Registered Nurse. I am now working toward that goal, knowing that with hard work, perseverance, and a teachable heart, I can achieve academic success so that others may thrive.