When did I determine that caring for others in the nursing profession was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? Between birth and elementary school age, I required several surgeries at two large hospitals. It was here, between the ages of four and nine that I watched the nurses do their everyday work. As a child, I was excited by the human body, and realized that I had a love for the health care profession. I was given the opportunity to do some community service in ninth grade. I knew immediately that I wanted to be a candy striper in a rehabilitation facility. I remember my first day at the center dressed from head to toe in a red and white candy striper uniform. I remember sitting on the edge of Maggie’s bed and despite her glass eye that wandered around, was focused on her detailed stories of her past. I was captivated. She would share with me how happy she was to see me every week and I felt incredibly special. I felt like I was doing something good with my life, and I fe...