Scholarship Essay Entry – Jaimi M.

Some people find that they discover their career choice during the three years of high school, but after graduating I found I was more clueless than ever about what I wanted to do as a career. I had a strong desire to be immediately immersed in University as opposed to taking time off so I enrolled at Mount Royal University in Calgary in the program Bachelor of Arts to see if my future career would become clearer once I took a few general courses. Some of my courses dealt with community health and special populations and I found through the help of a career counselor that nursing would be the best fit for me. My desire for helping people who are sick, and interest in prevention of sickness in the first place made a career in nursing incredibly appealing to me.  Family friends of mine who are Registered Nurses have inspired me to pursue nursing because I see their dedication to their patients and I find it inspiring.  I want to love my career, and the many opportunities I will have as a Registered Nurse assure me that I will be challenged in an interesting and fulfilling career.

After I complete my nursing program at the University of Alberta I am hoping to make a difference in whatever community I am employed in by sharing my expertise that was made possible by my education, as well as by showing kindness and empathy to those I serve. Recently, my dad's best friend was in a life-threatening cycling accident and he was fighting for his life against the odds. The constant support of family and friends paired with the excellent care he has received by the staff at the U of A hospital are the reason that Henry is still with us today.  The accident, as difficult as it was for his friends and family to endure, has solidified my confidence in choosing nursing as a career.  I want to make a difference in someone's life like the nurses of today made a difference in Henry's life and the lives of his friends and families. My ambition to be the best possible nurse I can be gives me hope that I can make a difference in the world around me.