Jefe Francisque

My journey to become a nurse is deeply personal, fueled by experiences that have shaped my view of the world and healthcare. Born and raised in Haiti, I lived through the catastrophic 2010 earthquake. It wasn't just the quake itself that struck me, but the heartbreaking realization that many lives were lost due to inadequate healthcare. That moment changed everything for me; I knew I had to be part of a solution, a force for healing in the world.

After moving to the United States, my resolve only grew stronger. I explored the healthcare field, shadowing professionals in various roles. It was during these experiences, observing the intimate patient-nurse interactions, that I found my calling. Nurses, I saw, were more than caregivers; they were lifelines, advocates, and often the crucial difference in a patient's experience.

My path wasn't straightforward. To support my educational goals, I joined the military. This decision was about more than just financing my studies; it was about growing, serving, and understanding diverse perspectives. It was during my time at Mansfield University's nursing program, balancing roles as a home health aide, tech, and student nurse, that I truly began to understand the impact I wanted to have.

Working in the ICU, I was drawn to the intensity and critical nature of care. Now, as I work towards my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, every step I take is with the goal of becoming a nurse. It's not just about acquiring technical skills or completing educational requirements. For me, it's about fulfilling a promise I made to myself in the aftermath of the earthquake: to be there for others in their most critical moments, to provide care that goes beyond medicine. As a nurse, I want to blend my technical expertise with the empathy and understanding that have been the cornerstones of my journey from Haiti to here.

• Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED – American Red Cross.