Why Nursing? by Emma

Why Nursing? by Emma - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I get to college, I plan on majoring in nursing. This decision didn’t come from one single moment, but rather from a lifetime of experiences that have shown me the power of compassion, resilience, and the difference a skilled and empathetic healthcare professional can make in someone’s life. I’ve always known that I wanted a career where I could help people in a real, hands-on way, and nursing stood out to me as a path where I could truly make a difference every single day.

Growing up as a KODA (Kid of a Deaf Adult), I’ve always played a unique role in my family. I often acted as a bridge between the hearing and Deaf worlds, helping with communication in situations where accessibility was lacking, especially in places like doctors’ offices, pharmacies, or emergency rooms. Witnessing the barriers my family faced in healthcare inspired me to become someone who not only understands medicine but also understands people, especially those who are often overlooked or misunderstood. I want to be the kind of nurse who brings empathy and clear communication into every patient interaction, making sure that no one feels invisible in a moment of vulnerability.

I’ve always been drawn to science and how the human body works, but it was the human side of medicine that pulled me toward nursing. I volunteered in many medical settings during high school, and those experiences solidified my decision. I saw firsthand how nurses were often the first ones to comfort patients, the ones who stayed by their side during hard moments, and the ones who translated the technical into something understandable. They weren’t just caretakers, they were advocates, educators, and trusted supporters. That’s the role I want to take on in the world.

Another part of what makes nursing so meaningful to me is its versatility. Whether it’s working in pediatrics, emergency care, mental health, or community outreach, nursing offers so many paths to explore. I love the idea of never being done learning. I plan to start with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), but I’m also considering continuing my education to become a nurse practitioner one day. I want to keep growing in knowledge and responsibility so that I can take on even more leadership in patient care.

My goal is to work in communities that often don’t receive equitable access to healthcare. Places where language barriers, cultural differences, or financial struggles make it hard for people to get the support they need. I want to be part of the solution to those gaps. I believe that nursing is about more than just treating symptoms; it’s about treating the whole person and understanding the context of their lives. I’ve seen how much it matters when someone takes the time to listen, explain, and care without judgment, and I want to be that person for someone else.

In the end, I chose nursing because it aligns with both my head and my heart. It challenges me intellectually, but it also speaks to my values, kindness, service, and the belief that every person deserves to feel safe and respected in the most vulnerable moments of their life. I know nursing won’t be easy, but I also know that it will be worth it. I’m excited to begin this journey in college and to grow into the kind of nurse who brings strength, skill, and compassion into every room I enter.