One morning I realized that I had to do something for myself. At age seventeen and a recent graduate of high school I found myself searching for answers and wondering why I was not heading in the direction I had always wanted. While most of my friends had headed off to college, I graduated to a full time dishwasher position at the nursing home where I had worked throughout high school.
For the first time in my life I knew had to take initiative to make a positive change for myself. It was a decision that I am eternally grateful for and I know I would not be half the person I am today if Ihad not made it. I walked into a recruiting station near work and asked to join the Army. My only request was money for college and training in the medical field. I got what I had asked for, and much more.
I received my medical training as a patient administrator, EMT and Respiratory Therapist; money for college was established in form of loan repayment and free tuition. The pressure that is endured through training is so mentally and physically challenging it breaks you down and brings out your drive to succeed. Once you succeed at something so challenging the pride is overwhelming and fills you with a sense of self-worth that I had never felt before. It made me feel whole and purposeful. The military has instilled qualities and characteristics in me that have enabled me to succeed and have made a definite impact in my life. I believe that these experiences will help me to succeed and mold me into a admirable nurse with a strong will and dedication to patients and education.
Working in the field as a respiratory therapist for over ten years has taught me invaluable skills that I will be able to utilize and expand upon as a nurse. I have been working as a night therapist which has enabled me to master my independent capability since there is only one other therapist scheduled and it can get very busy. I enjoy the fast paced nights when I can utilize my mind and make a...