Several significant events in my life have impacted my decision and calling to become a nurse. I have been told time and again by friends, family, and fellow employees that I am very empathetic and naturally able to connect with and care for others especially those incapable of caring for themselves. January 26, 2006, my aunt suffered a massive a stroke. I did not hesitate to make the six-hour drive to the hospital she was being treated in. For the next five weekends I stayed by my aunts side, paying close attention to the care she received. During this time, two of my uncles (one, an RN for 25 years) were observing the way I handled my aunt and dealt with the doctors, nurses, and certified nursing assistants. Much to my surprise, they offered to pay for two terms of schooling in nursing, physical therapy, or some other type of healthcare, in response to their feeling that I was made for this type of work. And so my passion for nursing began. Before accepting their generous offer, I felt I should first try my hand at healthcare to see if their feeling was accurate. My first experience in healthcare involved working at an Alzheimers facility for three months. My next step was in-home healthcare, which I did for a little over two years. Sure enough, I found that my uncles were right about me; I was created to take care of people. Since that time in my life, I have put all my energy into preparing for a career and ministry in healthcare. In the recent past I had the pleasure of working at a plasma donation center in Eugene, OR. Working in a different venue proved to be very educational and inspiring. On occasion I was faced with individuals who were alive only because of the benefits that plasma donation provides. Knowing I was doing my part to develop resources that provided life saving medications for countless individuals, was a constant reminder of how significant each role in the medical field truly is. This type of responsibility pushes me to embrace only the highest standards in every task I put my hands to. In December 2008, I was given the opportunity to participate in a missions trip deep into the jungles of Costa Rica. Our team ran a children's camp for orphans and children from single parent, poverty stricken homes. The look on the camp directors face was thanks enough for the large amount of medical supplies donated from my place of work. The lack of available healthcare in some of the poorest parts of Costa Rica is still fresh in mind. While there, my desire to participate in medical missions became the passion that is fueling my efforts to become a nurse. Currently, my number one goal is to complete the necessary requirements for my nursing degree. With that degree it is my hearts desire to engage in long-term medical missions within the areas of the world that are experiencing great poverty, low quality of life, and a lack of access to Christian resources. It is my life long goal to use my nursing skills in response to The Great Commission: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen (Matthew 28:18-20). It is my personal belief that whatever I do to the least the sickest, the poorest I do unto Christ, Himself. I believe wholeheartedly that nursing is the door that will allow me to share Christ's love among the poverty stricken nations of the world. Gods love is most effectively communicated through actions, not just words. Nursing is the best way for me to demonstrate Gods love. With this truth in mind, I have purposed to live my life by the following motto: "Preach the gospel at all times... If necessary, use words." -Saint Francis of Assisi-