When I was 9, I had surgery for coarctation of the aorta.

When I was 9, I had surgery for coarctation of the aorta. My case was rare because it was not found at birth like it usually is. It showed up years later, when I was a third grader learning what courage and trust look like inside a hospital. My experience in the hospital went far beyond my expectations. I expected to be scared the entire time, but caring, intentional healthcare professionals met me every time someone entered my room. After this experience, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare.

The summer going into my sophomore year of college, I returned to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital as a clinical intern. I returned during winter break and spring break to shadow on the cardiac floor, walking the same halls that once held me. Watching cardiac teams care for their patients made me grateful in a way that is hard to put into words. Connecting with the patients on the floor felt like a full-circle moment that connected me with the little girl who once needed this place. This solidified my decision to pursue pediatric cardiology as my future career.

I am grateful for the people who helped my heart heal and for the chance to learn from those who do that work every day. Experiences like this remind me why I lead with empathy, strength, and devotion. They remind me why I show up with purpose in every space I am part of.