Striving to be a Nurse that Aunt Laura would be Proud of by Ashley

Striving to be a Nurse that Aunt Laura would be Proud of by Ashley - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Striving to be a Nurse my Aunt Laura would be Proud of

In 2015, my aunt suddenly passed. I remember what it felt like to see my family standing without her. I remember what it felt like to walk into the church for her service. I remember returning to their house without her standing in the kitchen beaming with a smile. Then, I remember countless Christmases she was absent for. Then, I remember the feeling when it felt normal for her not to be there.
In 2010, my aunt Laura was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time, she had 2 young daughters, a husband, and a whole life ahead of her. At the young age of 32, she was faced with decisions and choices no one should have to make.
While battling cancer, Laura bragged to us about the care team she had. She believed that they made the bad times a little more bearable.
Six months before Laura passed, she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
When growing up, everyone asks you, "Well, what are you going to do when you grow up?” When a 12-year-old responds with, “I want to help people who have cancer,” you get a raw, real, emotional response back. Most respond with “Oh, that sounds hard,” but I eagerly get to explain how it drives me.
From a young age, I always knew what I wanted to do with my life. I would participate in any activity that would get me closer to reaching my goal. Last year, I participated in a mentorship program through my school. I shadowed over 20 hours at the Genesis Cancer Center in Zanesville. I saw everything from chemotherapy to radiology to dosimetry. I got the privilege of meeting many nurses and doctors. I sat in on several consultations with patients and learned right along with the patient. I relived the emotional rollercoaster the patient and their family go through, but in a new way. It wasn’t a sad experience this time; it was an eye-opening one.
Getting to experience the positive outlook that these people carry while going through the whole daunting process is truly one that is inspiring. As a young girl, I was always confused about how my aunt could be so happy while going through a miserable time in her life, but now I understand why. These patients are so grateful for even the time they are blessed with because the next day isn’t always promised, as it isn’t for anyone. Even being stuck at the treatment center for 3 hours every day of the week doesn’t dim the patients' hope or outlook they have on life. Their smile is contagious, just as my aunt Laura’s was. I see her through the patients. I get to see her smile again. A smile that has been missed.
While spending my time at Genesis, I learned that even though this career path can be stressful and very difficult, it is also very rewarding and life-changing. Seeing how people can stay positive during this hard time is something that changed how I live day to day. Seeing what these patients go through day in and day out just to make it through another one makes me grateful for everything I have. The little challenges I face couldn’t even compare to the ones these people face every day with a smile.
I strive to be a nurse who can make a difference in my patients’ lives. I strive to be a nurse who can put a smile on my patients' faces even while going through one of the hardest times in their lives. I strive to be the nurse who shows nothing but the most compassion and support for my patients. I strive to be the nurse that Laura would have bragged about.