"This semester I was placed at Marion General Hospital for my first clinical experience. Every patient I saw held a new discovery: a new personality to work with, diagnosis to investigate, or plan of care to initiate. It reminded me of what a child must feel as they are awakened to the brilliance of a new environment. My senses were heightened as I realized that every new smell, sight and sound was just the first glimpse of the joy I will have loving people through nursing. With every patient I have become more certain of my call to nursing. The Lord has formed and created me to think and react like a nurse. Although I still have much to learn and experience I am confident that there is not another profession in the world that I am better suited to fulfill.

My dream still remains in that I will use nursing to fulfill an even higher calling. Nursing and the traits that it requires are the vehicle through which I can love the world as Christ loves me. The images of the broken hearted and needy flashing through my mind serve to inspire me even when the going gets tough. I have two and a half years until completion of my degree. There are days when it seems like the time cannot pass quickly enough and others when I wonder if I can adequately prepare in such a short amount of time. I am keenly aware that I will be responsible for other’s lives and with this understanding I have determined to do whatever it takes to be supremely prepared.

Attending a highly accredited School of Nursing such as at Indiana Wesleyan has been invaluable in that preparation. I also plan to work and intern at some of the top hospitals in our area while home on summer break.

I can never adequately thank those that have been the vehicle through which my educational dreams have become a reality. I can focus entirely on learning and growing without the weight of financial burdens hindering me. Lilly Endowment is empowering the leaders of tomorrow."