Education and Life: A Personal Statement - Essay Example

Education and Life: A Personal ment From an early age, I realized I have always had a great desire to help and care for others. At elementary school, in an impoverished village in Ethiopia, I helped my younger brothers and sisters with their schoolwork and guided them in making sense of the world we lived in; to look after others and respond to life with respect and dignity. I see the achievement of my nursing qualification, and working in a hospital or other health care facility, as my goal.

This educational program would take me further along the road to meeting that goal. Life experiences have taught me that I can do much for others and that I have a great capacity for putting my beliefs and learning into action. In particular, during my high school years, back in 1992, a terrible disaster struck our village. Within a week, an outbreak of meningitis, common in Ethiopia in the dry season before the rains, killed many relatives, neighbors and friends. Children were left orphaned, elderly people had no family to care for them and mothers wept for their dead children.

I can still see this, as if it only happened today. Those of us who survived took on the burden of care and I realized then that I could make a difference. There was work to be done and I took it upon myself to do a good job. I worked with an organization whose name could translate to "We have survived to help you", and though I had no special training, I took on the responsibility of helping and advising my fellow students. I led fundraising events, going from place to place, and finally became vice president of the organization, which has since become one of the prestigious community aid agencies in that area.

As vice president, I was responsible for involving the young people in thoroughly cleansing the village, as it was believed that lack of hygiene caused the disease to spread. We raised funds and integrated the program with government aid. I took my role seriously and devoted myself to achieving results, which is why I see the nursing profession as my vocation and career choice. When I came to America, I worked as a carer for an elderly man, giving him help and support daily, organizing his medication and ensuring he had a healthy diet.

Because of my role, I began to read more health-related books and literature in order to increase my knowledge and give the best care. This proved to me how capable I am of learning and putting my learning into practice. At present, I am a driver for disabled people. This involves a lot of responsibility, as I must be able to assist if anyone is ill, or has a seizure and so on. I am called upon to give first aid, then arrange further appropriate medical treatment. Though this is a full time job, I have continued my studies in health care, another step along the way to a future nursing career that will enable me to help more people.

I am a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at my community college, an award that gives me the opportunity to further my studies and work hard. I have kept my average GPA above 3.5, and am dedicated and committed to achieving my goal. At the same time, I am involved in a fundraising program for the female victims of domestic violence, in Alexandria. So I am capable of carrying out many activities, using my experiences, and showing my dedication. I believe that this undergraduate course is the right step to take me to the achievement of my goal; to nurse and care for those in need.

My life experiences, my jobs and education so far have given me much valuable learning, and prove my dedication and strength of resolve. My life has made me aware of the needs of others, and I have sought always to increase my knowledge, skills and ability to meet those needs. I would value the opportunity to study further and reach my goal of a career in nursing.