All throughout high school my goal was to attend college, and I always knew I wanted that college to be somewhere I would feel at home. I knew that my family wouldn’t be able to afford much, but luckily, I was able to get some scholarships and financial aid to help with paying for school. When my mom and I were touring schools, I instantly clicked with Mizzou. I knew that I would find my home here. Coming to Mizzou and SSON, I knew that I would have a great support system and get the best education possible.

Growing up I always saw my parents work 12-14 hour shifts just to make ends meet and provide for our family. My parents gave me and my brother everything we wanted, but they also worked hard for the things that we had. This was the most motivational thing in my life because I knew that I didn’t want to work 12-14 hours in a warehouse. All their hard work that they put in really pushed me to attend college. One thing that my parents always told me was, “Do better than what I’ve done.” This has always resonated with me, and it keeps me going to know that I’m doing what my parents always wanted me to do.

I always knew I wanted to go into a career where I could help people and be there for them in a time of need. I thought that I wanted to pursue a career to be a pediatrician, but within the last couple of years I’ve learned that becoming a pediatric nurse would be way more rewarding. During my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that is very hard to detect, so I was passed around from multiple different doctors until, finally, I had a nurse who pushed for me to get a certain test and from that day forward, she changed my life and has been there for me through it all. From my own personal experience, I knew that pursuing a career in nursing would be right for me. I want to be the reason someone finds comfort in coming to the doctor. I want them to know that someone special will have their back and be in their corner through it all.

Something that I would tell other first-generation students would be always follow your heart and dreams – shoot for the stars because they are never too far to reach.  Just remember that it’s okay to do better than your parents did.