Making the Most of a Gap Year by Katherine

Making the Most of a Gap Year by Katherine - August 2019 Scholarship Essay

I would make the most of a gap year by helping and teaching others. I am currently a senior in the nursing program at Cumberland University and an officer for our school's chapter in the Student Nursing Association. Being a nursing student and part of SNA has taught me that everyone has a story and goes through rough times. Instead of judging others, we need to help others; because you never know what their story is or what they may be going through.
I never want to stop learning, because I want to be able to teach others and help others in a safe and holistic manner. Something I've always wanted to do is travel to other countries or in high poverty areas in the U.S. where healthcare is either absent or unattainable to them. It is extremely important and humbling to learn about other cultures/backgrounds and get a sense of what the poor have to go through. Little things can make the world's difference to people; such as: Bathing, teeth brushing, hair care, nutritious foods, regular dental and physical checkups, and simply feeling like they matter. Having a stable roof over our heads, daily meals, and access to emergency and non-emergency healthcare is something many people take for granted.
Something I have learned over the last few years is to anticipate the needs of others and to never stop helping people. Always pay it forward, because you never know when you may be the person in need of a helping hand.