I’m a nursing major at St Francis College, a small private school in the heights of Brooklyn, New York. My school has a high-ranked nursing program that has blossomed over the past few years, and I am more than proud to be a part of it. I knew as soon as I entered this nursing program, my study habits, as well as my life, would be completely changed, and I would get my reality check. I no longer can get by with being an average student.

The nursing program is competitive, as well is any job in the medical field. I study, every single night. Even then, I sometimes only get in the low 80s. It’s not exactly a confidence booster to study five plus hours for a test just to get an 85. An 85 is good, but I need to be more than good. To be a nurse, you need to be extraordinary.

I've spent 13 hours in a row studying for an anatomy test. The next day I threw on a sweatshirt and sweatpants, sipped my coffee as I dreadfully commuted to school, and totally rocked the test. It's worth it. I know with every minute I study, it’s another minute working towards my career. I volunteer at a hospital, in the trauma department, under the supervision of a talented registered nurse who’s leadership skills inspire me.

The hospital environment is exactly where I belong. I have interest all specialties of nursing, but the feeling that I get in the emergency room makes me realize trauma nursing is the career for me. I’m not in this alone, either. Students of the same majors tend to stick together.

Lucky for me, I met my college best friends the first week of school, and we’ve been inseparable since. It’s nice to have people who understand the pressure this schooling requires. It’s nice to have people to study with but also go out with on the weekends to unwind from the stress of the week.

I complain, but I would not change my major for the world. I know ultimately, regardless of what it takes, I will become a nurse. I will save lives. I will become attached to patients just to lose them in the end. I will witness births. I will witness deaths. I will witness miracles. I’m in this for the love of medicine. I’m in this because the effects on people’s lives as a nurse are endless and unforgettable.

Thank you, to all current, past and future nurses — you are amazing and more needed than you will ever know. I can’t wait to have the honor of calling myself a nurse.