Healing Hands, Inspired Heart by Erika

Healing Hands, Inspired Heart by Erika - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

At birth, my younger sister, Destiny Mbagwu, was diagnosed with a hearing impairment that resulted in permanent hearing loss in both her ears. From just a newborn, she endured more than three surgeries for cochlear implants and spent the majority of her childhood in and out of the hospital. Every day was like a dreadful routine. Go through the automatic doors, click button #4 in the elevator, wait amongst parents with unhealthy babies for our cue to enter the room, and eventually see my sister watching PBIS kids as she anticipates her next procedure.

As years went by, her adversities grew. It was quite evident that she was “different” compared to everyone else, considering how people rarely formed conversations with her. However, after my parents decided to enroll her in hearing and speech therapy, a transformation that was once deemed unattainable occurred. Her determination to communicate as those around her soared, aiding me to see the unwavering collaboration of healthcare professionals that help my sister reach her milestones.

What genuinely astonished me throughout these experiences was not only the efforts of the speech therapists and audiologists, but also the nurses who played a vital role during Destiny’s endless nights at the hospital. Though overlooked, they were the ones that reassured my apprehensive parents, monitored Destiny’s recovery, and reminded her that she was still a kid by bringing warmth and laughter into even the most serious moments. Their empathy, attentiveness and ability to combine emotional and medical support left a profound effect in my life. It was through their drive and passion that I realized my passion for nursing– a profession that blends science with human connection to make a tangible difference in patients' lives.

As I plan to study nursing at a selected university, it is no doubt that studying at this school will enhance my ability to provide the best care, especially to little ones like Destiny whose beginning stages can appear challenging at first. In addition, studying there will enhance my ability to advocate for patients, administer care, and support families navigating complex health conditions. Furthermore, participating in clinical experiences and specialized training will prepare me to work in environments that need critical thinking, empathy, and hands-on patient care. I aspire to contribute to healthcare in such a way that every patient, regardless of their condition, feels heard, appreciated, and supported.

Destiny’s journey has taught me that nursing is more than a profession; it is a calling—one that I am wholeheartedly ready to answer.