Example of graduate school essay

I have always been inclined to help the less fortunate members of my society. I began my career as a certified nurse assistant. As result, I have gained substantial experience in patient contact. Every day when I went to work, I felt happy to see the difference that I was making in the lives of patients. Later on, I came to realize that I needed to upgrade my education in order to make the most of my ability to help patients improve their health. Consequently, I enrolled for LPN diploma in St. Paul College. As a LPN nurse I acquired more knowledge that increased my ability to perform additional tasks of patient care. In addition, I obtained my RN associate degree from Normandale Community College and my BSN from Bethel University. I currently work at Unity Hospital, Medical/Oncology Unit. I work with patients with a variety of health problems. Despite the stressful tasks that I often have to perform, at the end of each day, I feel happy to have offered exceptional care to my patients.
Back home in Somalia, when civil war broke out and spread through the entire country, many innocent people were victimized and injured, while many more lost their lives. As a result of the civil war, thousands of people fled in search for safety, food, water, and shelter. As I fled with my family, something very sad happened; my cousin got shot in her leg and she began to bleed heavily. Unfortunately, there was no one to help stop her bleeding. Luckily, we got a car and rushed to the closest hospital where blood transfusion was performed. My family members and I were all relieved that she survived the tragic experience. After this experience, I realized the importance nurses and began to have a desire to join this profession. As a nurse I could save lives, and most importantly, help patients recover from their illness. After I completed my BSN degree at Bethel University, I become determined to pursue the family nurse practitioner degree. I believe that, as a specialty FNP, I will have the knowledge and skill necessary to help people of different age groups and different illnesses.
After settling in the United Stated, I earned my high school diploma, and went to St. Paul Community College where I have obtained my LPN diploma. The first year in college was quite challenging. Back in Somalia, I was in 9th grade when civil war broke out. Thus, I had been out of school for a number of years. To bridge the gap in knowledge, I had to work extremely hard. In addition to catching up with the program, I was working thirty hours a week to support myself and my family financially. Working at several nursing homes, and Unity Hospital gave me a solid background and enabled me to gain skills that are necessary to become an exceptional RN. As a result, I came to realize that I can have a bigger impact on patients’ lives by becoming a nurse practitioner. Furthermore, I came to recognize that appreciating and understanding diversity plays a critical role in today’s patient care. I have confidence that I can contribute in this vital area and will graduate and begin caring for patients. Saving lives is my biggest priority so that loved ones are not separated, and communities become healthier.