Four hundred and fifty thousand babies in the United States are born too soon. Additionally, fifteen million babies are born preterm around the world. On average, more than 80 percent of preterm births are unanticipated. I was one of those children. I was born one pound and ten ounces. When I was born I had many life threatening complications and the doctors were afraid that I would not make it through the night. I can vividly remember being twelve years old and finding a scrapbook that my parents used to document my childhood laying on the mantel. On the front page my mom revealed how I was born prematurely. During that moment, when I read all complications I had, I was taken aback. From that moment, I knew that my life had meaning. It was in that moment that I understood I was meant to do something extraordinary. I realized, that day, that ordinary just wouldn't do. Due to the impeccable doctors and nurses that worked, tirelessly, to save my life, I vowed to live a life serving others. From my vast experience serving on the usher board at Christians for Change church to managing the football team at North Springs High School, I understand the importance of giving back. I've always had a zest for serving my community. It's been imperative for me to serve as a pillar in my community. Throughout my high school tenure, I've been able to accumulate more than one hundred and fifty community service hours. That day I saw my childhood scrapbook left a huge impact on me. I would truly be lying if I said there were times where I didn't ask “why me?” However, I used that questions to fuel my future aspirations. I want to work with babies that were born like me or in similar situations. By doing so, I could leave a lasting impact on the lives of others. After researching premature births and seeing the devastating statistics on babies born under those circumstances, all I've want to do was help. After a lot of research, I learned that nurses that specifically help premature babies are Neonatal Nurses. Without the help of a neonatal nurse, I would not be here today. I want to study nursing. It is my life's mission to foster improvement in the statistics of children born prematurely. Becoming a nurse means that I'll possess power to help babies who were just like me. Studying nursing at your University will help my life come full circle. Further, it'll help bring my wildest dreams into fruition. Life is about giving rather than receiving. I'm hoping that I can embody this philosophy at your University.