I Cast My Stone...

 

Exactly a year back is when I began this journey of creating the ripples of change. When I set out on this journey, I knew for one that it would not be the easiest, but I never imagined it to be during a major global pandemic. There have been times I have doubted every single decision I made. There have been moments when the sparkling eyes of my patients mde my day. There have been memories I will cherish for a lifetime, from the brightest smiles to the tearful goodbyes. If I have learnt one big thing in this adventurous First year is that 'Life is Short'. You can never say never because you're only going to regret it when it's out of reach. I feel privileged to have met and connected with so many people I usually wouldn't have if it wasn't for nursing.

This year has challenged me in ways indescribable, from university to placements, and even some very personal losses. I have challenged myself with my own expectations too. I set out to touch at least one life, to make that one difference to someone's life, but only God knows how many people I have managed to make a difference. This journey wasn't comfortable; it began so many years back. All I ever wanted from life was to make my mum and dad feel so proud of me, for people to recognise the hard work they put into raising me to be the person I am today. I have had to not just prove to so many people around me but moreimportantly prove to myself that, if I set my heart on it, I can definitely achieve it.

I get this asked a lot why did I choose nursing, because my mum played the most prominent role in being my inspiration. One of the many things that my mum is good at is showing me my potential. We may have had our fair share of a "teenager daughter and mum" fights, but I have realised that what she has always wanted for me is to be successful and be happy. I have been a spoilt brat for getting whatever I asked of them, with a fair share of exceptions. Mum and dad have never stopped me from doing anything. I mentioned my mum in my personal statement; if I could try and be even the tiniest bit like my mum, then I'd know that I have touched several lives. I always knew I wanted to work in a hospital, and it changed from wanting to be a doctor to being a more person-centred, kind and compassionate nurse. I always try to strive to care for the patient just as I would want someone to care for my mum and dad or me.

Why I chose Winchester is another question I get asked a lot, there is no single answer to this. I had my struggles and doubts but ultimately I had to ask myself, where am I going to be the best version of ME? That is when the values of the University of Winchester strongly resonated with me: Compassion, Individuals Matter and Spirituality. My values are what guide me in every decision I make. I like to be part of something, where I am known for who I am rather than just be a number lost in the archives. I sincerely hope that I have managed to that throughout my academic years in school and college. 

For those that don't know me, I am Roman Catholic and my favourite saints are Saint Mother Teresa and Saint Francis Xavier. I admire the work that mother Teresa did for the poor and the sick. I am very passionate about a world where everyone, regardless of what part they live in to have access to the same healthcare services. I have a dream that one day nobody will die of something that could have been efficiently treated. I have a dream that one day we will be a kinder universe, respect each other, value each other's experiences and cherish the concise life we get to spend in this world.

A close friend said this to me, in life if there is one sure thing, that is death. So cherish every moment, hour, day, week, month and year. You don't know how many wish they have the life you live. It hit me home, and I began with living every day as if it were to be my last. In no way am I perfect, but I can honestly say I strive to be better each day. If we all started to think this, then I can only imagine the good-lit baton that we would pass around the world.

To not make this any longer to read than necessary I wanted to just bullet point the things I have managed to do that I can say have helped me touch at least a hundred lives.

·     The University of Winchester First-ever nursing Cohort 2019

·     Student Union BME student rep

·     RCN Student ambassador Conference in Wales

·     RCN South East Student Ambassador meetings

·     RCN South East region #FundOurFuture and #SafeStaffingSavesLives campaign event

·     RCN South East Inclusion and Diversity conference meetings

·     Hampshire and Isle of Wight (HIOW) student council committee member.

·     Two amazing placement opportunities, on my third now!

There is so much more I learnt from my failures and rejection, though. I still stand here fighting another day, another battle; some inspiring ventures I wish to continue within the near future. The rejections have only made me want to try much harder; the failures have just made me better at understanding my limitations. Above all, what I cherish most is the fantastic people that I have connected with this year, who have shown me why I love doing what I do. 

I hope you keep safe, stay happy and create many lovely memories, until next time família. 

Tchau te amo x