Panya Henry

Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to become a nurse. I remember as far back as the first grade to a day when my teacher read a story about a woman named Florence Nightingale, and how her humanity and leadership single handedly changed the way hospitals care for the sick and dying. After listening so attentively to the story, I remember proclaiming to myself at about five or six years old that I wanted to become a nurse because I too wanted to help the sick in a loving and caring manner. Although I did not initially start out on that path, no matter where life took me, the calling to become a nurse never left. When I turned 18 years old, I worked as a nurse's aide, and assisted the elderly in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. And I have been doing that for almost 10 years. In addition, even while I pursued a degree in Psychology and Education, I still took an entire summer to gain my Certified Nursing Assistant certification. Still, the call to become a registered nurse kept drawing me. As I would stand in front of my classroom, while teaching 30 students, I thought about going back to school to pursue a nursing degree. Finally, after 7 years of educating young minds, I decided to make the change.

I currently attend Drexel University ACE Program, and the drive that is within me to succeed is greater than words can express. I must say that this is the most challenging pursuit I have ever strived for, and I must admit that I love every minute of it. During my first quarter of the program, I thankfully received the Robert Wood Johnson Scholarship, which was a great financial help. The additional assistance that they provide, such as techniques that will help us when taking the NCLEX exam has proven effective. I am blessed to have finally been able to pursue my dream- no, my destiny! I will continue to strive to learn as much as I can to effectively help the sick and dying.