Lo-Ruchama Hilaire

From an early age, I have been driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact in my community through leadership. It is with this same desire that I plan to create change in the field of nursing. Witnessing the disparities in healthcare, especially in underserved communities in Brooklyn, NY, has ignited a fire within me to address these inequities and advocate for change.

Working as a nursing assistant in the ICU at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has given me invaluable hands-on experience. Seeing the strength and resilience of patients facing life-threatening illnesses has reinforced my commitment to providing exceptional care and support to those in need. Being able to provide comfort for those in their last moments of life by holding their hand, listening to their favorite song, or just being a listening ear.

I have had the privilege of being able to promote health equity, whether that looks like advocating for a patient who speaks another language or speaking up for a patient who may need a special service. This propels me to one day further my education and do research on cancer inequities for people of color.

Being involved in various leadership positions and various nursing organizations has opened my eyes to the beauty of nursing. Nursing is so unique in that there are various avenues to pursue. Being exposed to all these different avenues has made my love for nursing even greater.

I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped me into the nursing student I am today. The patients I have cared for, the mentors who have guided me, and the leadership opportunities that have created positive change. I am ready to make a difference for those in my community and leave a lasting impact on the nursing field.