Constant A’s to Contentment with Myself by Amanda Kaye

Constant A’s to Contentment with Myself by Amanda Kaye - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

When I first entered nursing school at San Jose State University, I was used to being a straight-A student. Throughout high school, I prided myself on my grades and saw them as a reflection of my hard work and dedication. I thought that maintaining this academic record would be my primary focus. However, nursing school quickly taught me a different lesson.

The academic challenge I faced was not just about understanding complex material or passing difficult exams, but rather shifting my mindset about what success truly means. In my first semester, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information I needed to learn. Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology—each subject demanded not just memorization, but a deep understanding of how everything connects in the human body. Despite my best efforts, my grades were not as high as I was used to, and this was a hard pill to swallow.

At first, I was discouraged. I felt like I was failing, even though I was learning more than I ever had before. It was during clinical rotations that I began to see the bigger picture. Working directly with patients, I realized that nursing is about so much more than grades. It is about empathy, communication, and the ability to think critically in real-world situations. I saw how the knowledge I was gaining in class applied in a clinical setting, and how important it was to focus on the skills I was developing rather than just the grades I was receiving.

This experience taught me that learning is not solely about achieving a perfect GPA. It is about gaining the skills and experiences necessary to become a competent and compassionate nurse. I learned to measure my success by the connections I made with patients, the confidence I felt in clinical settings, and the ability to apply my knowledge in practical ways.

Nursing school has challenged me to redefine what it means to be successful. It has shown me that while grades are important, they do not define me or my capabilities as a future nurse. The experiences I have gained and the skills I have developed are what truly matter. I am grateful for this lesson, as it has prepared me to be a better nurse and a more resilient person. I am excited to continue my journey in nursing, knowing that the experiences I gather along the way are the true measure of my success.