Entering the nursing program has felt like stepping into a new version of myself, a version I always suspected was there but never fully allowed to take shape. My path into nursing has not been linear. I completed two degrees, tried different careers, and spent years working in long-term care supporting vulnerable adults. Only later did I realize that every one of those experiences was preparing me for this moment. Even when I did not see it clearly, nursing was the direction my life kept returning to. It feels less like a career I chose and more like something I was quietly being shaped for over time.

One of my biggest challenges at the beginning of the program was feeling out of place. Some of my classmates already have healthcare backgrounds, and some are RPNs, which made me feel like I was behind and trying to catch up to people who seemed more advanced or more confident. That feeling of uncertainty made me shrink in labs and class discussions, staying quiet even when I wanted to engage. Over time, learning about the different nursing theories, the foundations of practice, and the true purpose of reflective learning helped me understand that everyone’s path is different. I do not need to match anyone else’s timeline or experience. I am here because I belong here. Slowly, I am learning that my own background, my caregiving experience, my education, my empathy, and my cultural awareness are strengths, not gaps.

Another major part of my early struggle was learning how to care for myself without guilt. Nursing school is demanding, and at first I felt bad when I took time to rest. As we studied concepts related to self care, resilience, healing, and whole person health, I realized that rest is not laziness. It is what allows me to show up fully for others. Practicing self compassion has helped me avoid burnout and stay grounded. Slowly, I am learning that taking care of myself is not selfish. It is part of being a safe and emotionally present nurse.

As I progress through NURS 1001, I have noticed a shift in how I see nursing and how I see myself. I am beginning to understand that nursing is not defined only by tasks or technical skill. It requires emotional presence, cultural humility, deep listening, and the courage to confront my own assumptions. Reflection has helped me identify the strengths I bring. Empathy shaped by working with vulnerable adults, resilience built through academic and personal transitions, accountability developed in frontline care roles, and cultural safety shaped by my own experiences as a minority in healthcare spaces. Research shows that reflective practice is central to professional identity formation and helps learners integrate personal experiences with professional expectations (Mann et al., 2009). I can now see how my personal journey directly supports the kind of nurse I want to become.

My experiences also align with the expectations set by the College of Nurses of Ontario, which emphasizes reflection as a tool for maintaining competence, improving judgment, and providing ethical care (CNO, 2023). Learning about cultural safety further shaped how I want to practice. Curtis et al. (2019) highlight that cultural safety requires ongoing self awareness, a commitment to understanding power imbalances, and intentional action to support equity. This resonates with me deeply as someone who understands what it feels like to be misunderstood or overlooked in healthcare settings.

Looking forward to the Winter 2025 semester, the consequences of this reflection are shaping how I plan to show up. I do not want to restrict myself or shrink into the background anymore. I want to step into labs and simulations with openness, ask questions without fear, and practice skills even when I feel unsure. I want to embrace learning instead of protecting myself from the discomfort of not knowing. I want to become more consistent with my assignments, manage my time intentionally, and maintain healthy routines that allow me to balance school, work, and personal well being. Most importantly, I want to continue growing into the nurse I know I can be. Someone who leads with empathy, honours cultural identity, practises with accountability, and carries herself with resilience.

This reflection has shown me that nursing is not something I am trying to grow into. It is something I am uncovering within myself. As I move into the next semester, I am entering it with clearer eyes, a stronger sense of belonging, and a commitment to keep becoming the kind of nurse I once doubted I could be, but now fully believe I am meant to become.