This past year has been one of immense change as well as growth for me. As I finished up my last semester of nursing school, I started working as a COVID-19 vaccinator as a way to get more involved with my community and help others stay safe. Through this, I was fortunate enough to talk to so many different individuals and hear countless stories of how COVID has impacted them, some inspiring and some heartbreaking. It certainly changed the way I view this pandemic and how it affects those around us.

Then in May, after adjusting to many online classes and limited in-person clinical hours, I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing and began studying for the national licensure exam. During this time, I also continued to work, vaccinating members of my Boston community, as well as people from all over the world. After many long hours of studying and lots of caffeine, I passed my exam and became a registered nurse in July, just before my 21st birthday. From there, I came back to the island to spend some time with my loved ones and work for my family business before starting my first nursing job at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. I am currently working on a medical surgical floor, which has a mix of patients ranging in age from 18 to 105, presenting with illnesses of all kinds. It certainly has not been easy to start during a time with challenges such as understaffing and a lack of available hospital beds. However, I have been surrounded by some incredibly smart and caring nurses and co-workers that have taught me more than I ever could have imagined. I am so thankful for those around me that have done so much to get me where I am today and continue to support me while I do what I love.