After nineteen years of living in a small town called Wasco, known to most for its prison, I moved to Long Beach. I was raised in a strict religion that discouraged questioning and required extreme dedication to the servitude of God. Attending college was discouraged by my parents and the church, as it took away from dedicated time in God's service. Living in Wasco was my prison. Moving to Long Beach meant freedom for me where I could finally stretch my limited and clipped wings. Suddenly, the simplest question for some, like "What do I want to be?" and "Who am I?" tormented my mind. These should be easy to answer, yet I didn't know the answers. I found myself in the most diverse cities and with a head full of questions that would elicit the most intriguing answers. I have learned that who I am embodies a passion and desire to help others, choosing a specialization that has allowed me to use the skills of love, care and patience, and the aspiration to achieve my educational goals despite financial difficulties . Many people I have spoken to hunger for wealth, social status, fame and even beauty. Imagine the awkward, twisted looks I was met with when I talked about the hunger pangs that came from wanting to help others. For eight years I worked as a waitress. Many of my colleagues hated their jobs and stayed in the service industry for a year or two at most. I loved my job as a waitress not because it was an easy job, had great managers, or was easy to get along with my coworkers, but because of all the people I got to help during my shift. Working as a waitress helped me understand that my zeal came from helping people. The desire to help others is strong and great. My experiences while working…halfway through…loan payments added to our monthly expenses. I am reminded of my desires and cravings every day I go to work and hear the bells of dissatisfaction ringing. My training path will be long, but I am prepared and extremely motivated for the path that awaits me. My financial difficulties force me to do unsatisfying and questionable work; however, I am grateful for the fuel it provides to my passion to achieve my educational goals. I learned a lot about myself when I moved to Long Beach. I moved to Long Beach with a head full of questions. I have learned that who I am encompasses a passion and desire to help others. I have learned that I should choose a specialization that allows me to utilize the skills of love, care, and patience that are a unique part of who I am. Despite the financial difficulties that my family and I encounter on a daily basis, I continue with my aspirations to achieve my educational goals.