Personal Narrative: My Shadowing Path

Both of these skills will help me to be a better physician. Description: Prior to shadowing a physician at a community health clinic, I had the chance to observe one of the clinic’s physician’s assistants for a day. Victoria, the PA, met with both existing and new patients, which helped expose me to different aspects of her practice. Her appointments included assessing a chronic thyroid condition, following up on previous treatments, and a full physical. I also had the chance to attend the clinic’s monthly staff meeting where a representative from the health department gave a presentation on a smoking cessation program.

Over the last few months, I’ve been seeing a hypnotherapist at Empowered Hypnosis Wellness Centers on a weekly basis. I sought out this treatment to aid me in adopting a healthier lifestyle, both mentally and physically. I want to form habits that would lead to healthy eating, regular fitness, and most importantly, better management of my anxiety. In addition to 50-minute weekly sessions, my hypnotherapist gave me some techniques to help me alleviate anxiety and unhealthy food cravings on my own time. One of the most surprisingly effective methods for me has been the “Emotional Freedom Technique”, or “EFT”.

I am honored to be amongst the meritorious students who are being considered for induction into the National Honors Society. Being an active member of this society has been something I have been looking forward to since middle school; having previous family members inducted, I regard acceptance to it a goal I must accomplish. I would be honored to be a member of this society which is known for benefiting others. These limitless opportunities of contributing to my community will help me grow as a person which will undoubtedly help me in my future career in the medical field and leave an impact on my fellow community members. The National Honors Society is an important organization made up of students who demonstrate leadership, service, character,

This past December we decided to move back to Virginia because I knew the Dental Hygiene Program at Old Dominion University was the program I wanted to be part of. I have always enjoyed working with patients whether they are young children or adults. During my years of working chairside, I was able to form bonds with patients and gain their trust. I love helping people, especially when it comes to oral health care. These reasons made me want to further my career from a dental assistant to a dental hygienist.

She has demonstrated her knowledge of nursing by receiving her education and working with others in healthcare. I look forward to being like her one day and pursue my dreams, just like Angie did. Motivation is key throughout this whole process. I have always wanted to be a nurse since day one. Seeing my father battle sickness for almost fourteen years confirmed my decision.

After my rewarding experience at Dr. Visconti 's clinic, I was hooked and I looked for other volunteer opportunities. Since then, I have coached competitive youth soccer, I volunteered at Capital Care which is an Alzheimer 's and dementia retirement home, I joined the University of Alberta Shinerama club as an executive to raise money for cystic fibrosis research, I have volunteered in the emergency department of a hospital, and more. These experiences have been important in molding me into the person I am today. Coaching has improved my teaching and mentoring skills, volunteering at Capital Care has instilled me with patience and non-verbal communication skills, through Shinerama, I have advanced my organizational and management skills, and my empathy, compassion, and medical awareness have improved during my volunteering stint at the hospital. Presently, I view volunteering as an activity that is both beautiful and unique.

My teachers have pushed me to achieve my dreams with high expectations and interesting and useful lessons and without their presence in my life, I would not have achieved all that I have now. My grandmother’s stroke was the catalyst and along with these four years and especially my science and math courses have lead me into a career in medicine and

However, it is slightly different from these. I am passionate about helping other people. Any person with a passion wants to spend as much time as possible doing it because it is something they love, however not everyone has the chance to do so. I feel blessed to say that I had the opportunity to contribute to my passion during this gap year by working as a volunteer in a children’s hospital in Moscow. I worked with children of all ages - from 1 to 14 years, with various diseases and causes for their hospital stay.

I trust that my philosophy of nursing will have a positive impact on my clients as my goal is to consistently provide competent, safe nursing care to all which is culturally safe. As I enter my final semester of nursing, I look forward to new nursing opportunities and to apply my nursing philosophy with each new experience. My goal as a nurse is to grow and learn each day, knowing that each day will provide me with new knowledge making me a better nurse than the day before, and becoming a better nurse the following day than the previous day. Nursing is an exciting, fulfilling, and respected profession which I am very fortunate to be a part of and look forward to the journey

Coincidentally, just this year I have obtained a firm grasp as to what I feel my beliefs and values are. I came to the realization of these values and beliefs when we had to write a personal mission statement in my Health Explorations class at Eau Gallie High School. It truly took me almost two weeks to write my mission statement, partially because I was not sure who I was. My mission statement was, “Thru my positive attitude, and values I will continuously strive to enrich the lives of those around me who struggle with life’s obstacles and challenges.” I value living life through positivity and having a positive attitude. No matter how tough life gets I strive to be persistent, to push through, and help others get through hard times.