I feel as though I've climbed mountain after mountain to get here - the view is breathtaking. In about five years' time, I will be a PhD-prepared Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. I fought hard for this white coat, but perhaps even more importantly, God has been fighting for me over the past five years by opening doors I didn't think I was worthy enough to walk through. He has awakened me to dreams I didn't even know I had, and here I am chasing them with my whole heart. I've got several more mountains to climb, but I'm learning that I can claim victory before I've reached the summit. I am proud to be a nurse and unfathomably honored I get to dedicate my career to improving end-of-life care for patients and their families.