Life sketch

Having seen years of war and suffering in my native country I appreciate, maybe better than most, the value of hard work and the importance of education. I arrived here in the United States almost ten years ago from Somalia with nothing more than the clothes on my back. I knew no one in the States, spoke very little English and could read and write even less and had no idea what I would do; yet as frightening as that day was, it was also one the happiest days of my life. I was safe and I was here. I always dreamt of making this journey knowing it was my hope of building a future for myself and standing today, for my children as well.
I know poverty, despair and suffering and what they do to a country as a whole and to the spirit of the people living through it. I vowed never again would I know such suffering. Since the day I arrived here I have worked very hard to get to where I am now. I have built a life for myself and my family. I am a full time student at ________________University working towards my Bachelors degree in _______________. I do not want pity or sympathy when I write these words. I am telling my story because I want you to understand it is not because of public assistance or handouts that I am where I am now, it is through my own hard work and determination.
I now have four beautiful children and have them to love, care for, protect and teach. One of the most important gifts I can impart on them is the belief in themselves that they can achieve whatever they are willing to work towards. I want them to see that they are only limited by the constraints they place on themselves. I want to be a living example to them of what hard work, desire and belief in one’s self can accomplish. Since arriving here I have gained a good grasp of the English language. From my limited knowledge and meager beginnings, I am now fluent in both oral and written English. As I previously stated. I am enrolled in college on a full time basis. In addition, I work part time to support my family.
I work, go to school full time, volunteer in a homeless shelter and am a full time mom as well. My children see, as young as they are, how hard I work to get everything done in a day. This is, I believe, one of the most important qualities I am instilling in them – working hard to achieving one’s dreams. My school work has not always been easy for me. Overcoming the language barrier was a long process and I am still learning, but I have come a long way in developing my language skills. Still, I have to work twice as hard as my fellow classmates. I do not mind the hard work; I see the benefits of it and it is well worth the effort.
I prepared this brief introduction to myself so you will understand my desire to enroll in your nursing program. It is one of the finest nursing programs offered, and I want to be a part of it. I always wanted to become a nurse, and I always believed I can personally contribute to the profession – a unique sense of compassion and understanding because of my life experiences. I have seen first hand the devastating effects of disease and suffering, and becoming I nurse will enable me, in my own way, to pass on some of the gifts I have been given. My desire is to be accepted into this program where I will work hard to become the best nurse I can be.
Hard work has never been something I shied away from. I will work diligently while enrolled in your nursing program. All I need is the opportunity to excel. I want to be able to help others and nursing has always been my passion. As I learn and grow in the profession I will always have in the back of my mind my pastand where I came from. My home is here now, but someday, after my children are grown and on their own, I will return to Somalia as a nurse so I can share what I have been given and help in my own small way.
In closing, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to express my desire to enroll in your nursing program. In accepting me, you allow me the opportunity to become the best nurse I can be and, in exchange, I will bring a unique perspective and understanding to the school. Together it will be a mutually beneficial relationship, and I truly look forward to becoming a part of it, thereby, a part of serving the nation and its people who gave me so much.