Thoughts on life

Last week was SPRING BREAK!!! Miguel and I went to El Paso, and then I visited some friends out of town.

While we were in El Paso, my parents cooked some great food and invited the cousins and some of my high school friends over for some fun! We had a BLAST!! We played some "golf" and a round of kings, and then just sat around at talked. It was really great seeing everyone after such a hectic week at school. We drove back from El Paso, and spent the rest of the week relaxing, until I met up with some friends.

The week before spring break, I had 2 exams on Friday: one in nursing theory, and one in pharmacology. Thankfully, I still have an A in pharm and a B in theory, which makes me very happy. I feel as though I do nothing but study these days. I had no idea how hard school was really going to be. I wake up around 6, go to school all day, come home from school, read, read, read, read, eat, do some more reading, and then go to bed. The next day is the same thing all over again. I know it's going to be worth it though, because I'm going to be able to care for so many people!

We just got back from our second round of clinicals today. Our first round was in a preschool, and we got to come up with a lesson plan and teach the students all about the importance of exercise. I didn't imagine how hard it would be to keep 17 4-5 year olds still and ready to learn. That was our third and final visit to the nursing school. It was a pretty bad neighborhood surrounded by poverty. We were told by the school nurse that many of the students come to school in tattered clothes and shoes, so one of the most important donations to the school was clothes for children of all ages. Our particular class was state funded, and only for students whose parents make below poverty level income. The school nurse also stated that the majority of the kids don't even stay at the school for a whole year, because they are evicted from their homes many times a year. They have parents that are scared to give their real names, due to the immigration policies. I really don't feel like bringing up politics (I AM A DEMOCRAT!!!) All I will say is that with all of the publicity that surrounds immigration in our country, I feel that the devastation it can cause the children and families is definitely not emphasized enough. One of the students, a 4 year old little girl, had her parents deported back to Mexico. But not her, because she was born here. Her parents wanted her to have the best life possible, and that wasn't in Mexico. She now lives with an aunt, and talks about missing her family constantly. Who speaks for these kids? Who stands up for the broken families that are brought about by the HORRIBLE immigration policies. I'm not one to say that all people should come here without contributing to our country. But honestly, it's human nature to want the best for you, your family, and your kids. With everything I know about Mexico, who am I to say I wouldn't do the same thing. There's no doubt in my mind I would. Who are we to say these people shouldn't have the same chances, especially if I KNOW her parents were honest, hard-working, good people. For the record, NOT ALL IMMIGRANTS ARE DANGEROUS, GANG-BANGING CRIMINALS. Some just want to raise their children in the best environment possible.

I can honestly say it was one of the hardest things I've had to do since the start of nursing school. The teacher told us that many of the kids come from very broken homes, and were exposed to horrible, horrible things, including drugs, gangs, parents in jail, and abuse. She gave some background on the kids, which was very VERY hard to hear. Knowing that horrible things happens is one thing, but seeing the effects of it first-hand is another. There is one particular student that really stands out to me. For confidentiality, we will call her Jane.

Jane was born in a drug house, and was finally forced away from her parents into her grandparents house. According to the teacher, her grandparents did not want her to move in, and do not act as if they do. The first time I met her she was all smiles, ready to hug any person she saw. She was outgoing and excited about life. She and I immediately connected. The next time I saw her, however, she was throwing a temper tantrum any time I gave attention to any other student. The teacher let me know that she was having a rough time at home, and probably needed a hug. That's it, just a hug. No candy, gifts, traveling, a car, toys, new ipod, computer, TV, playstation, or bike....nothing but a hug. I picked her up, put her on my lap and gave her a huge hug. She hugged me so tight back I can't even explain. I kept her on my lap and read her a book, and for that moment, she thought she was on top of the world.

This is just one story of many I could tell from the preschool. She was one of hundreds at that school that shared the same experiences with other nursing students in my group. I know it is a hard story to hear/write about/read. But I feel that it is important for me to share my experiences in order to make it known that sometimes, things aren't as they appear. She wasn't throwing a temper tantrum for selfish attention. All she wanted was to feel loved. It cost me nothing to sit down with her, and the rest of the students, and just show them love for the time I was there.

Hopefully this will serve as a reminder that we ALL need to do our part to help those in our country. Turning a cheek is NOT the answer. A simple smile, handshake, nod of recognition is sometimes all somebody needs. No person is better than any other. I don't care what color, race, sexual orientation, etc anybody is. EVERYONE IS A PERSON AND JUDGING/TURNING YOUR HEAD IS NOT THE ANSWER.

Remember, a hug costs you nothing, but can honestly make somebody's whole world. We can all use a break in our busy lives to help those that don't ask for much.

I wanted to take time also to say that I am thankful each and every day to those who are fighting for us overseas. It is because of them that I am here and have the freedom to help those in need and speak freely as I do. Those men and women and their families are in my thoughts and prayers always.