Scholarship / Passion, USNS in Haiti, Hospital ship; REASONS- Naval Nurse Officer(NROTC) [2]

Discuss your reasons for wanting to become a Naval Nurse Officer. (max 2500 characters)

(MY MOST IMPORTANT REASONS: 1. My country served me, so I want to serve in return. 2. I want to serve those less fortunate on behalf of my country. 3. I want to provide healthcare to service-people and their families, because they are most deserving due to the sacrifices they have made.)

I have had a life-long passion for healthcare. This has led me to decide on a career in nursing. Having made this decision, I researched the different civilian routes I could take in nursing, and although I considered the military, it was just in the back of my mind. In the 9th grade, I did a project for my history class where I interviewed my Grandfather, who is a WWII veteran. His haunting personal narratives made me really open my eyes. This was the turning point that led me to focus on a career in the navy.

While researching, I happened upon an article that talked about how the USNS Comfort aided Haiti after the earthquake. This led me to continue reading about the various humanitarian relief efforts the Navy has taken part in. I consider volunteering to be a very important part of my life; so learning of the Navy's humanitarian involvement is one of the most important reasons for my wanting to become a Naval Nurse Officer. While working with the organizations such as UNICEF or Mercy Corps would be an option if I wanted to help people, I would rather provide aid on behalf of my country, acting as a representative of the United States. Also, pursuing nursing in the Navy provides an opportunity attain personal and professional growth.

I realize that working on a hospital ship is not an opportunity that is guaranteed to me, and the strong possibility of this not happening does not detract from my desire to be a Naval Nurse Officer, because my other motivation, which is of equal importance to me, is to be able to provide healthcare to those most deserving of it. I often think back to my grandfather's WWII stories, which tell of extremely graphic scenes that allude to the realities of war. Seamen and Marines are willing subject themselves to the dangers of war to protect the people and rights of this country. This is why I believe that they and their family deserve the best quality healthcare available. It would be an honor for me to provide this for them.

This is a decision that I did not make lightly. I have thought about this since I was 15. I have since sought out people who have served in the Navy, including my cousin Craig Cole who is an enlisted, and my neighbor Captain Jim Albani who is in the reserves. My country has served me throughout my life, providing me with the freedoms that some other countries do not provide to woman. Now I feel it is time to return the favor and serve my country, by serving as a Naval Nurse Officer.

Scholarship / Diverse values and morals, blue collar houehold/U.S. Naval(NROTC) [3]

How might your background and experiences enhance the U.S. Naval Service? (max 2500 characters)

I come from a family background that has instilled in me a diverse range of values and morals. Raised in a blue-collar household, my father instilled in me the values of hard work, responsibility, a strong moral character, and self-reliance through example. My mother instilled in me an interest in and appreciation for languages and world cultures, and continues to sharpen my critical reflection skills through discussion of politics, particularly as they relate to social justice. (Say why this would enhance the Navy)

When I turned 16, I left my home in Essex for a tiny, poverty-stricken village in the Guatemalan Highlands to stay with a family friend. I financed my trip with money I saved for two years, dishwashing and bussing tables at a restaurant in town. I went completely alone, and despite my parent's last-minute doubts, I was determined to go. For a month straight, I remained with strangers, had to speak Spanish 100% of the time, all while being 2000 miles away from home. This shows that not only do I have ability to face uncertainty without being overcome by fear, but also I am also self-reliant and ambitious. (Say why this would enhance the Navy)

I have devoted much time to extracurriculars that have been very important to me, most significant of which have been my volunteer efforts. My dedication to serving people regardless of race, orientation, and socio-economic background has played a major part of my high school career. For me, serving others is not a self-serving endeavor but a genuine expression of my character. (Say why this would enhance the Navy)

I have directed and instructed groups of people in many situations. At my part-time job, I have trained several employees and assured that they performed their job properly. Also, as Elected Treasurer of the Robotics team, I have organized many fundraisers that have required me to direct others to assure the success of the operation. I have acted as a Teacher's Assistant to the choral director, leading the school chorus in extensive vocal warm-ups in the case of her tardiness or absence. Lastly, my years of tutoring have given me the teaching skills needed to lead those in my command.

Lastly, I am a motivated self-starter. Last year, I was dissatisfied to learn that I would not be able to take an AP Biology class because it did not fit in my schedule. Instead of accepting defeat, I decided to enroll in a Biology course at a local university. Because of this, I will be qualified to take the Advanced Placement Biology class at the end of this year. My eagerness to begin my career has also driven me to apply for an internship at a hospital, which I will be starting this spring.

(SOMETHING HERE NEEDS TO BE CUT, IT'S A BIT TOO LONG)