Early Experience in Healthcare by Yaratza

Early Experience in Healthcare by Yaratza - May 2023 Scholarship Essay

I will be attending University of San Francisco to pursue a major in biology and a minor in Spanish. I want to be part of the solution to the healthcare gap that exists in my community. I come from a low income city where healthcare help is scarce and limited. At the age of 15, I experienced first-hand what it felt like not having the resources and money needed to access necessary healthcare. It was mid-afternoon and I was with my friends. Within moments, as the result of a freak accident, I found myself on the floor with the bridge of my nose bleeding out. As the blood poured, my parents, now on the phone, informed me there was no possibility of taking me to the hospital. Medical attention required money, which we did not have. Months after my nose accident at a routine check-up, I asked the doctor about it. I received both good and bad news, although my nose successfully healed, it healed crooked. Sadly, stories like mine are all too common among my community members. My nose remains a constant and visible reminder of the challenges my family and community have accessing healthcare.

With my major in biology I will be able to enter a masters program in nursing to one day specialize in becoming a nurse practitioner.My major would allow me to have prior knowledge in my profession and broaden my opportunities. I come from a Mexican household where Spanish is widely used. From a young age I was asked to translate messages or documents for my parents. To this day, providing this translation assistance for my parents l plays a big role in my life. My vocabulary in Spanish has grown, as well as my English, and now I’ve taken the highest level of Spanish my school offers.

I knew I wanted to become a nurse practitioner from a young age because during the summer after 7th grade, I had the opportunity to shadow a nurse at St. Joseph’s Mission Viejo Hospital Nursing Adventure Camp. Igniting my curiosity, this experience uncovered my passion for helping people. I have so many vivid memories of this early experience in healthcare. The nurse I shadowed was my mentor and guide. Because of this camp, I solidified my decision to become a nurse. But not just any nurse–one that could use my Spanish-speaking skills to serve others and medical knowledge. I understand that with a biology major I can gain information and hands-on experience in this field. I will return to my low-income, under-resourced community to provide high-quality, compassionate care in a language my community feels comfortable with. I will work tirelessly to complete my goal with my major and opportunities to not only find the root of my patients’ medical problems but also give them the best possible ongoing care.