Ebony Watson Duke School of Nursing March 20, 2023 XXXXXXXXXXPersonal Statement 2 Explain challenges, successes, or...

Explain challenges, successes, or obstacles in your life that affected your ability to achieve your goals. How did you respond to them?




Ebony Watson Duke School of Nursing March 20, 2023 Personal Statement 2 Explain challenges, successes, or obstacles in your life that affected your ability to achieve your goals. How did you respond to them? For years, standardized testing has not been my forte. During my senior year of High School, I was in a “Nursing Fundamentals” course that I loved, so I decided to attempt the CNA test. After the test, I received my results but was a little discouraged because I passed the skills exam and failed the written section. My mom encouraged me and stated, “If you want something in life you are going to have to fight for it!”. I studied the CNA handbook thoroughly and went to every study group session offered with my peers. Two weeks later, I impulsively decided to retake the written portion of the CNA exam. My hard work surely paid off, because I officially became a Certified Nursing Assistant. In 2020, I completed the majority of my prerequisites but there was a mandatory test, called TEAS that had to be taken to get into nursing school at North Carolina Central University. In preparation for the test, I studied for hours each day with peers to ensure I did not miss any substantial information. We participated in group sessions and created practice questions to help prepare for the big day! It was time to take the TEAS exam and I was extremely nervous, and my anxiety levels rose quickly but there was no turning back. After the exam, I felt overwhelmed, and my anxiety was still high. The next day I received my results, and it said I failed. I felt crushed and began to cry because I could only think about my career in nursing. I planned to attempt the exam again; this time I tried studying alone and with a new set of people. During the second attempt, my anxiety was still high. I got my results, and I failed the test again. Despite having major improvement compared to the first attempt, I was told I did not meet the requirements. I was devastated and broke down in tears because I work extremely hard and always seek help. I just have trouble with tests at times, as to why I reach out to the writing studio, contact professors, and make connections with mentors and tutors. Nursing is my passion and I refuse to quit. Even though I was unsuccessful on the test, it is not going to prevent me from reaching the goals I have set for myself. I have a strong determination and I will continue to study until I pass the exam!