From Paws to People: My Path to Nursing by Soriya

From Paws to People: My Path to Nursing by Soriya - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

You know that feeling when you just have to help? Whether it's a whimpering puppy or a person needing a hand, I've always felt that pull. So, deciding to jump into nursing for college? Honestly, it feels less like a decision and more like finally figuring out where I was headed all along! It’s the next step on a path paved with wagging tails, wet noses, and a growing desire to care for my fellow humans, too.

For over ten years, my world revolved around animals. I was a vet tech, a pet groomer, and an obedience trainer – basically, a professional animal buddy! Every day was about making a difference, whether patching up a paw, giving a much-needed bath (sometimes to a very unenthusiastic participant!), or celebrating a perfectly executed "sit." It was incredibly rewarding. But somewhere amidst the fur and the fetching, those really critical moments – the emergencies, the recoveries, the sheer relief in an owner's eyes – started sparking something new. I realized the deep compassion and focus I poured into helping animals could translate, maybe even grow, if directed towards people.

The real lightbulb moment, though, came from seeing healthcare through my own eyes and watching nurses in action. It wasn't just one thing, but a collection of moments – seeing their calm competence during frantic times, their kindness during quiet ones. They weren't just following procedures; they were juggling complex medical knowledge with genuine human connection. Seeing them navigate that blend of science and soul, supporting patients and families when they felt most vulnerable? That hit me hard. That’s the kind of impact I wanted to make.

So, choosing nursing isn't just switching careers; it feels more like leveling up! It's about taking all the empathy, patience (oh, the patience!), and resilience I built up working with creatures who can't tell you what's wrong, and applying it to the beautifully complex needs of people. My big goal? To eventually specialize in critical care. Why? Because it demands sharp thinking, staying cool under pressure, and a whole lot of heart – skills I’ve been honing for years, just in a slightly furrier setting! Think calming a terrified German Shepherd during a storm translates pretty well to reassuring an anxious patient, right?

Nursing feels like the perfect fit – it's challenging, constantly changing, and deeply rewarding. I thrive on that energy, the feeling of being right there, making decisions that matter. That buzz you get from helping someone through a tough spot? That's what I'm chasing.

Basically, it boils down to this: my past adventures in the animal world plus a real drive to help people equals one very excited future nurse! I'm genuinely stoked to dive into the learning, soak up the knowledge, and bring my slightly unusual toolkit of experiences to the table. This isn't just turning a page; it's starting an awesome new chapter in a lifelong story dedicated to caring – just with a wider reach now! Wish me luck!