This article serves two purposes: to give a little insight into my life and values, as well as asking some questions for you to think about your life and your values. Our core values shape who we are, but where do these values stem from? Now that is the real question.

1. Where are you from? (town, state, region)

Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Located in the North East of the country.

2. Describe the area you are from in detail.

Cherry Hill is a fairly large, and extremely diverse town. Cherry Hill is filled with many families, both old and new. Placed in the suburbs about twenty minutes or so from Philadelphia, this historic town is pretty well known by neighboring states.

3. Describe your family's views on the importance of education.

My extended family, on both sides, values education extremely high, which I am grateful for. I believe this stems from my grandparents attending college, as well as my parents having to pay for some of their education. Having to pay for his education, my dad instilled the importance of education into my siblings and I. Every family gathering, on both extended sides may I add, the trending topics that never get old are school, grades, and college options. But hey, I'm very lucky.

4. What are you most passionate about? Describe.

I am most passionate about making myself, others, as well as my family proud. Yes this is a challenging and frustrating task to take on, but in the end I am beyond contempt with the results. Weekly calls to various family members allows me to share my successes, "Syd, we are so proud of you, all of us", and that is why I am pursuing the career I am. Nursing is not yet a passion of mine, but it will be in the near future.

5. What morals/values are most important to you? Why?

My most important values are my family, my education, and my ability to write and share my stories. Family is a core value of mine for many reasons. Being a part of a big, boisterous family caused me to become a good listener as well as conditioned me to be shy. As I got older I began writing poetry and singing, slowly coming out of my shell. My family had no idea I had these talents, but all along it was because of them that I have them. My education will take me to places I cannot even imagine at this point in my life. Maybe I will be working in the ER, in the pediatric unit, flying in a helicopter to the scene of a traumatic accident, or even writing academic journals on the true meaning of nursing. Writing has opened up not only my academic world, but also my creative world. It has allowed me to expand on my own life as well, as the lives of characters in novels. Writing is a gift, and I will treasure it for the rest of my life.

6. How would you change the world if you could?

How would I change the world if I could? Hm, that is a loaded question isn't it? Changes happen every day in the world. Whether it is war, a birth, a death, the weather, or even Donald Trump possibly becoming president, these changes can occur daily. Some of these events we cannot control, while others we try to monitor. So if I could change anything in the world I simply wouldn't. The world is the world, and I am here with my family, my education, and my future ahead of me, so why should I change it?

7. What do you believe in? Why?

I believe in many concepts. Friendship, quality over quantity (always!), religion, love, and passion. Why do I believe in these things, well maybe that is for you to explore?