| signed | sealed | delivered |

"After a grueling five and a half hour climb up the sheer rock face of a mountain, the view of the world at a thousand feet up is indescribable. As my feet rest on rock and my head seemingly touch the clouds, I am in awe of my surroundings. The only thing that surpasses the sight before me is the sense of something greater. I feel the aching muscles, throbbing fingers, and weary feet. But, it’s the good kind of pain. The kind that reminds me of what I have accomplished; it is the evidence of passion, determination, teamwork, sheer will and triumph. Those who have never tried rock climbing wonder why anyone would attempt such incredible feats. The answer is simple. Passion. With that comes determination and the confidence to overcome any obstacles and challenges. Like rock climbing, nursing is a career with many demands, both physically and mentally. As with everything I am passionate about, I would enter the nursing program at UCLA with the same determination, love of learning, and confidence to contribute as a leader in the healthcare field..."

and that folks is the beginning of my personal statement to the UCLA School of Nursing MECN program...

here's hoping that it stands out amongst the hundreds of other applicants *crosses fingers*