Joshua Arnez

As I reflect on my life journey, spending my entire youth below the poverty line had its difficulties. But I am eternally grateful of this experience, because it has instilled within me the virtues that drive my ambition today. My parents couldn’t afford to spoil me with all the material possessions I desired as a child, but the moral guidance they bestowed upon me is far greater than any gift money could buy. The compassion and care I feel for others seem at times, far greater than what most others are able to reciprocate. Nothing in this world fuels my spirit more than having the ability to make someone smile, or laugh. I cherish the company of others, listening, talking, and helping them in any way possible. In my previous job as a phlebotomist and my current job as a transporter, I’ve come to realize my passion for health care. What I believe about nursing is I am destined to be one because it is an embodiment of my beliefs, a vessel for me to exude my character of love and care on a population that needs it the most.

Being able to flourish as an individual, bringing a charismatic and positive influence could bring strength to others. Not only to the patients, but also to the staff around me. I want to create change, not only to the lives around me, but also to the practices, standards, and treatment within the health care system. Even as I transport patients, I try to encourage this behavior. However, working full time while enduring the responsibilities of an accelerated nursing student has been draining and exhaustive. Winning the Robert Wood Johnson scholarship has given me a fresh breath of air, an opportunity to take time off from work, focus on school, and still survive financially. It is opportunities such as this I have been blessed with, and gives me hope in knowing that people who really do care still exist. My goal, my overall ambition, is having the power in the future to do for someone what the RWJF has done for me. Thank you.