Entry Title:
The Birth of a Decision
by Danielle Rafferty I have had many moments in my life that have been more memorable than others: getting my driver’s license, graduating high school, watching friends get married. All of these were monumental to me and each had their own feelings of happiness and accomplishment. However, the birth of my second daughter is what propelled my decision of going back to school. I attended one year of college right after graduating high school. Whether it was the frustration of taking classes that I felt I didn’t need or being thrown into a new world I gave up on myself. I try not to regret anything that I have done because I feel that we as humans are supposed to make mistakes and those mistakes make us who we are. However, without a degree I’ve found myself working a lot of dead-end jobs. For the past two years I’ve been working at a family owned meat market, part-time, making minimum wage. I love to see different faces of the public everyday but the owner is ready to retire and enjoy his life before he doesn’t have time to. I know that soon I will have to find another job. I worry about the older women and what they will do with themselves and their families. In this economy we are lucky to even have a job, but most of us live paycheck to paycheck or off of government assistance, what would I do if I didn’t have a secure job, part-time or not? That is why when I found out that I was pregnant with my second child I knew that something had to change. When my second daughter was born she was nine days early, jaundice, underweight, and couldn’t maintain her body temperature. The first 24 hours of her life she had to be monitored every hour to make sure she was staying warm. Watching the nurses take care of my baby with such grace and compassion made me appreciate what they have to do every day. Fortunately, by the end of the 24 hours the nurses decided that my daughter would be okay and stopped monitoring her so often. There was one nurse that really reached out to me and my family. She treated every woman in Labor and Delivery like they were her only patients. She even came back before we were discharged to put my daughter’s foot and hand prints in her baby book. After being in the hospital I made up my mind that the best, and smartest, thing I could do was become a Registered Nurse. Watching the nurses and my daughter work together to improve her health inspired me to want to help others improve their health. Whether I work with babies, children, or adults, everyone deserves the chance to live. I hope that at least once in my nursing career that I can make a family feel as fortunate as I did then, and just maybe turn someone else’s life around. |
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Teaching: Describe a moment that inspired you to get an education |
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Bill Shaw said @ August 2, 2011 at 5:46 pm
This is a very inspirational essay. Danielle has clearly shown her maturity and readiness for a career in nursing. I suspect she will succeed with achieving her goals. Congrats and good luck!!!
Renee Shaw said @ July 31, 2011 at 6:04 pm
I am not surprised that Dani is pursuing nursing. I inferred that Dani has been searching for the satisfaction of a career worthy of her efforts and interests. Deciding to become a nurse as a means of supporting her family and contributing to the wellbeing of others is a very logical choice. Dani will make an excellent nurse and is most worthy of support to develop exceptional nursing skills.
Renee Shaw said @ July 29, 2011 at 11:00 pm
I’m not surprised that Dani’s journey has led her to nursing. I infer that she has been searching for something worthy of her effort and commitment. Wanting to provide for her family by seeing to the nursing needs of others couldn’t be a more noble or satisfying choice. I expect that Dani will make an outstanding nursing student who is very deserving of the opportunity to develop excellent nursing skills.
Katie Rancik said @ July 14, 2011 at 4:56 pm
A fabulous, inspirational story of a young woman who has found her true passion! By recognizing mistakes and preparing to better herself for the betterment of others, she has exemplified what it truly means to be deserving. Best of luck!
tammy gable said @ July 13, 2011 at 12:09 pm
I think that she has found her passion and she needs to persue it to the fullest.
Luke said @ July 13, 2011 at 4:13 am
hey i had jaundice when i was born too! my mom showed me pictures of me in the little box thing with sunglasses on… i was a beach baby! excellent writing, best one so far!
Mary Beth said @ July 12, 2011 at 11:34 pm
Becoming a nurse is a tough decision, especially after seeing the pain of a child – I know from my parent’s experience. Danielle deserves this scholarship which will help her become a nurse and fulfill her dream of touching lives. After reading her essay, I believe she has the determination, dedication, and abilities to become a great nurse! What a great entry!
Kylee Floro said @ July 9, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Great story, good luck!
Beckie Sheridan said @ July 6, 2011 at 2:19 am
After reading this essay I feel she has found a new passion in life. She was inspired by another individual to care and help others when it’s needed the most. It’s a hard field but she has learned from the past and wants to better her education to feel more financially secure.
Brandy said @ July 5, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Sounds like she knows what she needs to do and where her life needs to go. It is great to want and have a passion to help others!
Sue Johnson said @ June 30, 2011 at 2:42 am
I think she is letting her heart lead the way into a new life. Her
sincerity, her honesty and the desire to do good for not only her family but for everyone who touches her life is a lesson in itself. I truly believe she deserves some help.
william flanaga sr said @ June 17, 2011 at 7:46 pm
sounds like this young lady has her head on straight and deseves some help good luck
mistie flanagan said @ June 16, 2011 at 11:46 pm
I believe she could make a change in her life and others. I had a son who was born 5 weeks early and the nurses treated us with the up most respect. Rather you work with the young or old, you will always touch some ones life.