From Blueprints to Bedside: My Journey to Nursing, How I See Myself 15 Years From Now

 Fifteen years ago, I found myself at a pivotal crossroads, torn between pursuing civil or electrical engineering. While mathematics was a strength of mine, and the idea of designing infrastructures or working with electrical systems held promise, I couldn’t ignore a lingering sense of unfulfillment. Delving deeper into these fields, I realized that, despite my aptitude, my heart wasn’t truly invested. This realization sparked a journey of self-discovery, leading me to embrace my true passion: nursing, a profession where I could directly impact and heal others, aligning my career with my core values and aspirations. 

In this time of looking inward, I realized I had a strong desire to have a personal, real impact in people’s lives. The thought of healing and helping people is something that I felt deeply aligned with and I realized I wanted to pursue nursing. When I made that decision, I committed myself to the demanding academic study and clinical practice in the world of medicine. Being raised in a broken family had its challenges. The lack of a family unit allowed me to learn about pain, strength, and needing other people to care and help at a young age. Seeing the struggles in my family motivated me to help others and be a healer and comforter that I wished I had growing up.

This understanding prompted my shift from management to nursing, which relies heavily on empathy, compassion, and care for the patient—along with their whole family. The emotional intelligence I developed as a result of my family circumstances actually allowed me to connect with patients and families in their most vulnerable moments. Today, as a dedicated nurse, I find immense fulfillment in providing care that goes beyond medical treatment. My personal experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective, allowing me to offer not just clinical expertise but also genuine understanding and empathy. Reflecting on my path, I am grateful for the trials that shaped me. My broken family, once a source of pain, became the catalyst for my purpose. It taught me that from adversity can arise a profound capacity to heal, serve, and make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Stronger Together: Building an Inclusive Society Through Gender Justice

Women's Month, observed in March, honors the resilience, accomplishments, and strength of women worldwide. The theme for this year, "WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society," conveys a strong message: gender equality is a shared responsibility, not just a problem for women.

Why “WE” Matters

               The word "WE" in the theme is important. It gives an understanding of collective efforts. It reminds that real change occurs when everyone-women and men-together works to break physical and attitudinal barriers and builds a society that uplifts all individuals. Gender equality is not a competition between the two groups for supremacy; it is a fair chance for all. 

Breaking Stereotypes and Barriers

            

       While progress has been made, challenges continue to exist, as women still experience wage discrepancies, a lack of women in leadership positions, and gender stereotypes that constrain their opportunities for choice, while men are pressured to conform to the rigid gender roles of masculinity. An inclusive society values these struggles and affirms that everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has the right to pursue their goals and aspirations without fear of discrimination or bias.

Inclusion Benefits Everyone

When society embraces equality and inclusivity, we all thrive. Businesses perform better when they value diverse perspectives. Communities become stronger when all voices are heard. Families flourish when responsibilities and opportunities are shared fairly. Inclusion is not just about policies, it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

The theme of “WE for Gender Equality and an Inclusive Society” is more than a theme - it is a movement. Change begins the moment we realize that we all benefit from gender equality, and we all benefit from an inclusive world. This Women’s Month - let us decide to build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their gender. Because when we put our efforts together, we can achieve a more equitable, inclusive society.