My name is Krista Ortiz, a senior at Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing. I decided to begin this challenging, emotional, yet rewarding journey of becoming a nurse in 2009 before graduating and attending Abilene Christian University. In these last four years I have seen and experienced many things that have motivated and instilled in me a desire to pursue my career as a nurse. Nursing school has given me the opportunity to engage and be a positive impact in the lives of families and individuals experiencing sickness, death, and even the joy of giving life. I have had numerous clinicals in areas such as critical care, trauma, labor and delivery, metal facilities such as windcrest, mesa springs, etc.. Having clinicals in these areas provided me with the opportunity to learn and practice my skills as a student nurse while also teaching me the most critical and important component of being a nurse, which is having compassion for each and every patient. Currently I am a Mental Health Tech at Abilene Behavioral Health and a Home Health Aid hired through Helping Restore Ability in Arlington. It has been slightly difficult trying to balance work and school however I am successfully doing so. I have always been a hard worker and nursing school has reinforced that quality in me. Fortunately, this hard work will be paying off soon, as I will be graduating May 9, 2015 with my Bachelors degree in the Science of Nursing. Although this will conclude my journey in school I am far more eager to start a new chapter in my life as an official Registered Nurse.