On my first day as a Patient Care Technician, it became abundantly clear how vast this job would be. Everything was a new or unfamiliar concept: the employees, the layout of the hospital, the new equipment I would be working with. I was in the surgical intensive care unit shadowing a nurse, because the patient care technician I was formally assigned to had been recalled that day, subsequently making me the only technician within the unit. When I accepted this position, I was nervous, but I wanted to be challenged by these unknowns and further explore my passions in healthcare firsthand. However, two hours into my first shift, everything changed. Our patient who was battling ovarian cancer started to hemorrhage. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Without hesitation, I asked the nurses and doctors in the room what I could do. With only the help of a map scribbled on a sticky note from the nurse, I rushed to get the ultrasound, called the operator for a static x-ray, and brought a chest tube from the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. I was told that our team would be starting a massive blood transfusion protocol; however, our patient would be awake and aware of the entire procedure due to low blood pressure and inability to take pain medications. With the adrenaline overwhelming my body, I knew I would do anything in my power to save this woman's life. I ran through the hospital, back and forth to the blood bank, sweat on my back, with just that thought running through my mind. After 50 units of blood were administered, I stood in the room sweating, heart-pounding, focused, and began to realize that I had helped engineer a miracle as our patient's condition began to improve. It was that unknown moment, it was the sweat and adrenaline, it was the single look in his eyes, it was the diligent focus of our team – it was that moment when everything changed. I realized that I wanted this feeling of selflessly and unexpectedly saving a life other than my own for the rest of my life. This is how I discovered my passion for geriatric healthcare. During my time working in New York as a Patient Care Technician, I was able to leverage my ability to adapt, perform, and succeed under pressure, as well as identify how these strengths aligned with my passions and purpose professional to become an adult gerontology primary care nurse. I was able to delve deeper into this journey and discover more about my attraction to nursing while working full time at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute as a patient care associate. Every day I focus on the patient and their family, gain insight into their perspective and concerns, and work to provide unbiased, holistic care. This position requires constant focus, strong emotional intelligence, and effective, meaningful communication. Through the use of these invaluable skills, my mind and soul have been enlightened by the vulnerable nature of my field; I discovered stories beyond a patient's medical record. My work allows me to connect with people beyond their illness, every experience I share with a patient is personal and unique. Their stories methey grasp the heart: stories of world travel, or of their tribulations with their past careers, or of their adoration of their new grandchild, or as simple as knowing which patient gets cream and Splenda in their coffee. Each story is different from the other, but all are put on the same level by cancer, a non-discriminatory and merciless disease. It is at this crossroads that I discovered how much humility and commitment would be required to continue my future nursing career. As I have gained more experience at The James, I have identified the key role of diversity not only with my patients, but also with my colleagues. Each employee has a unique personality and skill set that creates a collaborative, well-functioning environment. It was my exposure and opportunity to work with these nurses that recently drove my passion to go beyond the requirements of my professional title. This year I wanted to serve as a leader in my community related to my profession. As I searched for different opportunities in Columbus, the choice to pursue Pelotonia, a fundraiser that has raised over $157 million for cancer research, became apparent. This innovative three-day event includes bike rides of up to 200 miles, various volunteer opportunities, and the rewarding chance to connect with cancer survivors. I took on the role of Greek Life captain on my campus for fundraising. I was responsible for connecting and inspiring a community of over 7,000 students to contribute to the cause and get actively involved. I recruited a team of students willing to go beyond a simple donation and commit their time and effort to ride and volunteer with me for Pelotonia. Thanks to my leadership and guidance, my cycling team was able to raise thousands of dollars for the cause. As a pilot and captain, I knew raising money would be challenging. I partnered with a fraternity and local businesses to host a successful day-long fundraiser with discounts and incentives at various locations near campus. This role encouraged my growth as a leader and further challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone. My collaboration skills and networking skills have allowed me to exceed my expectations as a team leader and captain for Pelotonia. This leadership role allowed me to excel as an undergraduate student who wanted to make a difference in my field. My dedication and drive will lead me to excel as I continue my education and pursue my career as a professional nurse. Pelotonia, combined with my past experiences, connects with my passion to serve as an advocate for my future patients through a holistic approach to treatment and healthcare. My direct experience, both as a patient and as a healthcare professional, has demonstrated the fundamental role that nurses play in the relationship between the patient, their family and the healthcare team. There are often discrepancies between the wants, needs and concerns of these groups. As a clinical research intern at Endocrinology Associates, I have had the opportunity to conduct several clinical trials for conditions such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. I collaborated with a preceptor, a nurse, a physician, and my peer research interns to recruit qualified patients. Working with this cutting-edge research, I understood how nurses are able to bridge the gap between patients and providers through patience, creative problem solving, and effective communication. These skills have proven to be crucial when working with patients and establishing.