Personal Statement

Personal Statement: What do you think is the most pressing issue in the healthcare system?
Choosing your college degree is a major decision, especially when it will affect your future career. I arrived at UMass Amherst with a declared major in biology due to my interest in science. Eventually, I realized that I was not passionate for my academic path. After finishing my 4th semester in college, I took the opportunity to widen my horizons by volunteering in the emergency department of Massachusetts General Hospital as a patient transporter. Compared to the sterile feedback from my biology classes, helping patients in even the smallest of ways, such as delivering them from A to B or handing them a warm blanket, rewarded me with their smiles and appreciation. The patients shared their unfortunate medical conditions and personal stories as I doggedly pushed their gurneys despite my small build. During these moments, my desire to care for people grew— and I wanted to do more for them. The small joys and comforts I brought to them through my menial services were not enough; I wanted to alleviate their pain, illness, or injury.

My next opportunity to enhance my experience caring for people was working as a Medical Assistant. However, the lack of interpersonal relationships with patients and my inability to personally impact their well-being in this position left me unfulfilled. Thus, after graduating, I became a Nursing Assistant to deeply care for patients by assisting them with their basic daily activities and monitoring their health. Working alongside nurses in the emergency department gave me the opportunity to discover my true purpose—to become a Registered Nurse. Nurses make a huge difference in people’s lives. As they provide the best possible care to their patients, they create bonds with them, from admission to discharge. I want to have a personal impact on patients, whether it be through wellness development or health education. Through my experiences volunteering and working in high-volume emergency departments, I learned valuable skills including multitasking efficiently, quick thinking during high-stress situations, and steadiness under pressure. I now embrace hectic environments calling for improvisation without the opportunity for boredom, where I am constantly learning new things. I am also looking for a career that gives me the opportunity to choose from a wide range of specialties. Ultimately, the interpersonal, fast-paced, nonroutine, and flexible nature of nursing is a perfect fit for me.