1. Describe a leadership experience that you have had (i.e.

, work, school, team) and/or

led an initiative/ campaign to generate change and/or interest and discuss what you
learned from this experience. Personal attributes of a leader include
inquisitiveness, ambition, empathy and problem-solving abilities. Include a
description of the leadership qualities that you possess and how they will assist you
with success in the nursing program.

Throughout high school I have accumulated various leadership roles. Each role
taught me something new, but none more than my role as founder and president of
Conspiracy Theories Club. I had always been interested in conspiracy theories, true
crime, and the supernatural, which compelled me to create a space in which
students could discuss such topics. I began by asking other club presidents and
experienced leaders at my school for advice. Through their guidance I was able to
build the foundation for a successful club. The greatest problem the club faced was
student interest, but by collaborating with my executive board we were able to find
a solution: social media campaigning. This proved to be effective, bringing in over
thirty students to our first meeting. For the rest of the year our club thrived, but
unfortunately my vice president made the decision to leave the club. After
discussing his conflicts, and reasons for leaving, I agreed that this was the best
decision for him. I understood that conflicts were inevitable, and worked with my
board members to find ways around them. Through my experience as president of
this club, I was able to acquire knowledge that will help me be successful in the
nursing program by utilizing these skills to take charge in both my studying habits
and my experience at WSU. Having strong determination, understanding towards
others, curiosity, and the ability to solve problems will be especially helpful due to
the challenging curriculum the nursing program presents.
 2. The College of Nursing's mission statement states:
We create and translate knowledge and educate a diverse student body prepared to
excel as clinicians,
scholars and leaders who improve health in local and global communities.
How does your passion for nursing align with the mission of the CON? Describe
any experiences that you have had with diverse groups of people (or people who
are different from you in some way). What did you learn from this experience?

My passion for nursing stems from the love and respect I have for my family and
culture. This translates to my interest and curiosity in the differing cultures and ways of
life of those around me. Due to my high school's heavily diverse student body, I have had
many opportunities to explore many cultures by making connections and building
friendships with my fellow peers. My closest relationships were built through the choir
department. My choir, Laker Express, is unique because we are able to perform at many
non-school related events. My most memorable experience occurred when we performed
at a religious unity event where people of different beliefs and religions came together to
share their culture and music. It was beautiful and inspiring. The music was dissimilar yet
they somehow evoked the same feelings. Hope. Love. Faith. Through conversations,
speeches, and, of course, music, I learned that these religions had more in common than
they had differences. They all strive for the same things. Unconditional belief in God and
acts of kindness to make the world a better place. However, I also learned that there are
still misconceptions about certain religions and cultures that are perpetuated today. As an
aspiring nurse, it is my goal to help and care for others. Furthermore I want to be able to
address and hopefully help put an end to prejudices, stereotypes, and racial inequalities
that are still apparent in not only the medical field, but in society as a whole as well.

3. Courage, resiliency, and an ability to overcome adversity are important

characteristics for success in the College of Nursing. Describe a time when you
 were faced with a difficult situation. How did these traits contribute to successfully
achieving your goals?

As a child, my family was rarely ever together. My father lived in New Jersey while
my pregnant mother and I resided in Toronto, Canada. This distance was due to financial
difficulties that had plagued us for years. This time in my life was filled with instability; we
did not have our own house, my mother could not work, and my father lived in a different
country from us. Although these events occurred when I was young, I can still recall the
emotional toll it had taken on me. I went months without seeing my dad. The days we had
together passed by with a blink of an eye. The hardest part was saying goodbye. However,
it was through these experiences that I gained the characteristics which shaped me into
the person I am today. I learned to wave and smile as he drove away to make it easier for
him to leave. I learned that allowing myself to feel, cry, and ask for comfort when I needed
it was courage in and of itself. And I learned to show strength despite the pain I had felt.
When going through tough times and trying to achieve goals, I am always able to pick
myself back up and keep going. When I feel like I cannot, I know that it is ok for me to ask
others for help. In turn, I recognize the importance of taking care of others, which is why I
wish to pursue a career in nursing.