Advice to my previous self by Roneldo

Advice to my previous self by Roneldo - July 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I could give one piece of advice to my past self, it would be this: Stop waiting for the perfect moment take the first step, even if it’s uncomfortable or unclear. For a long time, I believed that I had to have everything figured out before starting anything important school, career, saving money, even asking for help. I waited for confidence to show up instead of realizing that action builds confidence.

When I first started working in behavioral health, I doubted whether I was smart enough, strong enough, or prepared enough. I compared myself to others who seemed more experienced or polished. But through showing up consistently, asking questions, and staying open to growth, I found my own rhythm and my passion for healthcare deepened. That same mindset has carried over into school, where I now take one class at a time with the goal of becoming a nurse. Some weeks I work over 40 hours across two jobs, commute to campus, and study late into the night not because I have it all together, but because I’ve stopped waiting for the “right time” and started trusting myself to grow through the process.

Taking the first step has led me to new opportunities: balancing work and school, building better habits, saving money for the future, and even discovering goals like travel nursing and becoming a CRNA. If I had waited until everything was perfect, I’d still be stuck in place. So I would tell my past self: take the first step, even when it’s hard. Growth doesn’t come from being ready it comes from being willing.