When I was 15, I started lifeguarding for the City of St. Petersburg. What I thought would be a summer gig turned into a stepping stone for my career. I spent my time on deck building relationships with individuals and families in my community. I truly gained a passion for the youth when I taught swim lessons and coached Special Olympics. During my time here, I decided to pursue a degree in Public Health at USF. My studies were focused on community health, health sciences, and healthcare administration. I spent my time researching health trends and disparities within my community, tactics to overcome healthcare barriers, and optimal community infrastructures. My experience landed me a position as a Community Health Leader for the City of St. Petersburg. In this role, I researched and designed the Healthy Kids program. This evidence-based program is designed to equip children and early teens in St. Petersburg with the knowledge and tools to live their healthiest life. My program was successful in providing health education to over 2600 children.After the program took off, I took time to self-reflect. While I loved doing broad community outreach, I desired a deeper connection with individuals and families. This desire turned me to the nursing field.I valued how nurses take care of their clients - physically, medically, holistically, emotionally, and spiritually. This led me to begin the Associates of Nursing program at St. Petersburg College.During my time at SPC, I learned the essential skills and knowledge required to practice as an RN. I had the privilege to care for clients at Bon Secours Nursing Home, Bayfront Hospital, Bayfront Baby Place, and John’s Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. I learned to collaborate with healthcare teams, educate clients, and come along side families during their brightest and darkest days. Now that I am a Registered Nurse, I can't help but to reflect on the amazing journey I had getting to this point. My passion for the community strengthened when:- A fearful child conquered their fears in the pool- A nonverbal athlete cried after winning gold in their event- A nearby food-deserted neighborhood received free groceries and resources- A Healthy Kids participant verbalized practical mental health strategies during a difficult time- An anxious client turned joyful with the birth of her first baby- A client walking after suffering a massive strokeAs a Registered Nurse, I eagerly await the impact I will have on my community. I look forward to passionately caring for individuals and families.