My grandma became my guardian when I was just a baby, because my biological parents left me with her and never returned. She never legally adopted me, but growing up in a small town, everyone knew the situation and schools never questioned the situation. My grandma, Kristine, first got sick when I was just 16 years old, I picked up extra hours and extra jobs to be able to help provide for us. I went to the local community college to get my CNA license so I could take better care of her as she got sicker. 

I attended an online high school, so I could work more so we didn’t lose our house. She died when I was 17, leaving me alone and to cover all costs of living and funeral expenses along with her left over medical bills. She did not have life insurance, which would have greatly helped. Due to owing so much money, I was unable to live in the house anymore and became homeless. If she would have had life insurance, it could have made a huge impact on where I am today. I have struggled to get into school, due to the amount that it costs. I have always had to work overtime and multiple jobs at one time to cover bills. 

I have life insurance through my current job, to ensure that if something ever happened to me. There would be money to help cover my bills and funeral expenses. I have a savings account and a retirement account set up to help with the burden. I work weekend nights, while going to school throughout the weekdays to ensure I can cover living expenses and tuition, but that alone isn’t enough. 

Especially because of my parental situation and never being legally adopted. I have not only been financially challenged, but also emotionally challenged while navigating through this experience. Because of my grandma getting sick, and me starting in the medical field as a CNA, I have wanted to be a nurse. I want to be a nurse to be able to provide compassionate care and making a difference in lives, just as those nurses who took care of who I grew up calling mom.