Undergraduate / 'a service trip called Winter Appalachia' - Rutgers [3]

Two years ago, my sophomore year, I attended a service trip called Winter Appalachia. It was one of the most remarkable, insightful experiences I had ever encountered. I have been participating in Campus Ministry all three years at Immaculata and I have always referred to the programs I participated in as "outreach programs." However, on Winter Appalachia I discovered the true connotation of "outreach." As I piled into a 7-passenger van with my friends, survived the 12 hour drive to and fro West Virginia, and most importantly, threw a Christmas party for the underprivileged kids in rural West Virginia, I learned that outreach is literally going out of my way and reaching out to those who really need me.

Through outreach, I have developed a love for helping and serving others. This passion for community service has led me to become a nursing major. Nurses dedicate their whole life to serving others. They are not only care-takers of the physical being, but they are also care-takers of the person as a whole. Nurses are caring, loving, and willing to do anything for the comfort of their patients and that is exactly what I want to do. To be a nurse, one must possess the skills, the leadership, and most of all, the heart to be able to truly assist their patients.

At Rutgers, I hope to gain the knowledge and skills that will allow me to pursue this career in nursing. I hope to discover new experiences and learn from those around me so I can reach out to those who really need me. With Rutgers' prestigious nursing program, I know I will be prepared and molded into a well rounded professional. In return, I will contribute to the diverse community of Rutgers through outreach. With my compassion, patience, and perseverance, I will help those in need and serve the community. After my education at Rutgers, I will continue to contribute to its community by always upholding the Rutgers' name as a sort of ambassador of Rutgers. I hope to continue my own journey of outreach as a Rutgers' graduate nurse beyond graduation and reach out to others in need.