Moving to the United States as an international student  was one of the most life-altering decisions I have ever made. I came here filled with dreams, excitement, and the weight of uncertainty. I knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready to embrace the challenges, no matter how daunting they seemed. From the moment I arrived, I faced hurdles at every turn. Adapting to a new culture, a different education system, and an unfamiliar way of life was overwhelming. But the biggest struggle was financial. As an international student, everything was incredibly expensive. My dream was to become a nurse, but affording tuition while covering basic living expenses felt like an impossible battle. Determined not to give up, I worked full-time while being a full time student, pushing myself beyond exhaustion. I applied to nursing programs twice, only to face rejection both times. It was heartbreaking, but I refused to let failure define me. On my third attempt, I was finally accepted, but the financial strain made it nearly impossible to keep up. Balancing school, work, and survival left me drained, and despite my relentless effort, I had to make one of the toughest decisions of my life—I changed my major to Healthcare Management just so I could finish my degree.

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management was a bittersweet moment. I was proud of my achievement, but deep inside, I still longed to be a nurse. Then, just when I thought my path had permanently shifted, something incredible happened—my permanent residency got approved. That moment changed everything. For the first time, I could see real possibilities ahead. Becoming a permanent resident meant I could finally apply for FAFSA, easing the financial burdens that had once held me back. With renewed determination, I applied for a direct-entry master’s program in nursing, and this time, I was accepted. The dream I had once feared was slipping away was finally back within my grasp. Looking back, my journey has been anything but easy. It has been filled with struggle, sacrifice, and moments of deep self-doubt. But through it all, I never stopped pushing forward. Every setback, every hardship, and every difficult decision led me to where I am today. I have learned that success is not about how fast you reach your goal—it’s about resilience, perseverance, and the refusal to give up, no matter how many times life knocks you down. My journey is still unfolding, but now, I walk forward with confidence, knowing that I am exactly where I am meant to be.