I was diagnosed with Epilepsy when I was 17 years old and I understand what it is like to be put in a scary situation at a young age because of your health. It has been my aspiration to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist, but also a nurse practitioner for kids/adolescents. There are kids with big dreams, and they are still in the process of finding their purpose in life. I feel like it is my purpose to provide a course of action for these kids when they are put in a vulnerable situation and an emotional rollercoaster because of their health.
Going through surgery or any treatment plans can be very scary for anyone because there can always be risks. As a future nurse anesthetist, I want to be able to reassure and calm them. Nurses have the duty to care; caring is the core value to a nurse and it's what differentiates us with other healthcare professionals. It is our face that they see before and after surgery and our job to monitor the patient’s life by being with them through the surgery. Ever since I was a child, I believed that I belonged in the medical field and couldn’t think of another field to be in, it was my strongest desire and burning passion.
However, when I started to get seizures, myoclonic jerks, and abnormal eye movement, I was terrified I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dreams. Epilepsy gave me multiple symptoms and taking the medication would help calm those symptoms, but there were still unwanted side effects like the nausea that kept me up at night or the hand tremors that made writing difficult. Both the symptoms of epilepsy and the side effects of the medications were frustrating. It scared me to know that I had these symptoms and that I’m in the nursing program. There were many days and nights where I thought that I should move on to a different specialty, but the thing is, I love medicine so much; I could never give it up. I knew that medicine was the only place I belonged in; it was my purpose in life.
I can’t help other people, if I can’t help myself. So, I take it step by step, day by day, and exam by exam. I make sure to follow instructions from my neurologist and go to check-ups so that I can maintain my health. I get proper sleep, take my daily medication, avoid caffeine, and flashing lights. I feel that I am as capable as the next nursing student who wants it and I won’t let my health bring me down to get in the way of my dreams. It is because I want to be a CRNA, that I take care of myself to the best of my abilities. I am saving my own life, by wanting to save other’s and I don’t regret it at all.
It is important for health care professionals to have full understanding in their work and be there for people. If other people are taught basic knowledge, such as knowing how to perform proper CPR, more lives could be saved. Technology has improved throughout the years, and people can also access this knowledge such as taking an online course to become certified in CPR.
At this point, it is not just the curiosity of medicine or healthcare, but the love for what I want to do and the compassion for others. I have volunteered for my community library and Habitat for Humanity to help set up events and make the community a better living environment by working together. Just like working in a hospital, teamwork is important, and volunteering helped me gain that skill. Being part of National Honors Society has also given me lots of learning experiences outside of an academic field such as leadership qualities and having the opportunity to bring gifts and some joy to the kids who may be in the hospital during the holidays.
Recently I joined in on a research group at Grand Canyon University and even though it hasn’t started for me yet, I joined because it demonstrates how serious I am to learn more. My love and curiosity for learning are endless, I’m excited to discover new ideas and experiences through this health research study. It is love that brings people together and it is the love that drives us, motivates us, and pushes us to want to save a life.
I want to live in a world where no one has to be afraid of illness or injury because people have the proper knowledge and confidence to respond to basic life support and CPR needs. I want to be a hero for kids, an advocate, and a shoulder to lean on or a friend when they need one the most. I want to share the message to people that they are not alone and that dreams can come true if you don’t quit because it is possible.
About the Creator
Doors to Life
Welcome! Everyone has gone through multiple doors in their lifetime, so let's continue to discover more hidden door's about life. What will the next door lead you to? Let me tell you what I discover in life one door at a time!
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