Jasmine Baker

As a child, I always knew that I wanted to work in the medical field but once I got to college, I felt like I wanted to do more with the business aspect of health care.  After declaring my major to integrated health studies, I applied for a job at a group home working with individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.  After working there for a year, I knew that I was meant to work closer with the individuals instead of the business aspect.  Once I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in integrated health studies, I decided to go right back to school for nursing.  During this time, I continued to work at a group as a home health aide and I have been there for the past five years.  I have grown close to my clients over the years and this has contributed to my desire of being a nurse.  Over the last few years, I have learned more about myself and what I want to do for the rest of my life.  Once I graduate from the nursing program and take the licensure exam, I want to become a traveling nurse.  After I gain some experience, I will return back to school to get my master’s degree and eventually work with women’s health or pediatrics.  Then, once I am ready to retire, I want to teach upcoming nurses at a college or university.

After applying to the Kent State Accelerated Nursing Program, I did not really know how I was going to afford all the necessary items that are required for the program.  I had faith that God would help me figure out something.  Shortly after I was accepted, I applied for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Scholarship (NCIN), hoping that I would qualify.  Once I got the news that I had received the scholarship, I did not know what to do.  My family and I were so excited and relieved that I had received some help with pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse. Now my goal is to make NCIN and my family proud of me by being the best nurse that I know I can be.  Thank you so much NCIN.