Nursing Program Application Essay

As you examine my activities page, it may appear as if I haven't done much with my time. The reality is that I've had to overcome difficult adversities. When I was an infant, my parents brought me into this country as an undocumented immigrant. I will never forget the moment when I was eleven years old. Filled with fear and in disbelief, I sobbed as I heard the federal immigration judge deny my petition request for residency in the United States. The judge ordered my family to return me back into my birth country. My parents couldn’t fathom the idea of sending their eleven year old daughter to a country that is permeated with sex trafficking, drugs, and violence alone without family support. As a child, I did not comprehend what it meant to be in a country illegally. It wasn't until I was in high school that I realized it meant I would not have access to the same opportunities and privileges my friends had.

 I’ve spent a majority of my life repaying the monetary and time penalties associated with my family's decision to deny the judges original deportation orders. I've had to wait over ten years before I could re-submit my petition for permanent residence again. Legally I couldn't work, drive, and I definitely couldn't afford the $350 an hour non-resident alien tuition to pursue my academic goals. After 23 years of waiting, I would eventually be afforded the opportunity to become a U.S resident. 

I was on track with my goals and everything seemed to be going well. After giving birth to my son, a few months later adversity came knocking at my door once again. My son was born with developmental delays and would eventually be diagnosed with autism. For the last six years, I've been focused and dedicated on getting him the healthcare and therapies he needs. Raising a special needs child is no easy task and has been by far the most painful and difficult challenge I’ve ever experienced. Through this experience, my son has taught me what unconditional love, joy, and patience looks like. Due to the difficulty of finding childcare for a special needs child, I served my community at the places that allowed me to volunteer and take my children with me. 

I'm a firm believer in serving my communities through passion and purpose. We can impact our communities by providing them access to basic healthcare. My motivation to become a nurse is not driven by financial gain. My motivation lies in caring for and supporting my community members. During these unprecedented times, access to basic healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege but rather an act of social justice. 

This very moment and opportunity to apply to your nursing program has always been my dream. An opportunity that i've always wished for and a reality I never thought would be available to me. I come from a poor family who didn't have much growing up. My parents couldn't finish middle school because they had to work from a young age. From my siblings, I am the middle child and the only one not born in this country. I am also a first generation high school graduate and college attendee. I am pursuing my dream for everyone who like myself has had to fight for every opportunity to pursue their educational goals.