Since this is my first article, I thought it would be fitting to talk about my lifestyle and how it has helped me grow as a person. I am a Nursing student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and I also currently work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a nursing home. There are a few major lessons I have learned through my experience as a CNA, and I would love to share them. This article is short and sweet, but I feel that the public needs to be much more aware of the importance of CNAs as well as realize how very special it is to care for the elderly.

1. First and foremost, I have learned that life is oh-so-precious.

Having the opportunity to take care of these elderly patients, and hear stories about their lives and how they came to value the meaning of them, brings a special perspective into my life. I now see that getting bogged down in daily difficulties results in missing out on the absolutely priceless moments and events in life. I've also found the value of relationships ranks pretty highly above most things. My patients love so deeply and truly cherish being cared for. Knowing that people still take time out of their day to see how they are feeling brightens their moods and brings a smile to their faces, and that means the world to me.

2. I have learned that getting overwhelmed is overrated.

If you're like me, the sensation of being overwhelmed isn't all too uncommon to you. Once I became a CNA, I quickly felt that all too familiar sensation quite often while I was working. I am very proud to say that today, when I go into work, I will be able to quickly give myself a pep talk reminding myself that when I feel like there's no way that I can get all of my work done, overthinking is not the solution. All I can do is take my shift one step at a time, one room at a time, one patient at a time. It took me a while to learn this lesson, but after practicing the idea that a steady pace wins the race, I can safely say I am capable of keeping my cool.

3. Encouragement is extremely underrated.

Always take advantage of self-encouragement because it does wonders. Self-encouragement is what gets me through almost every shift. It's important to make sure that you take notice of where you're at and what you've accomplished and completed throughout any shift as a nurse. If you don't pat yourself on the back, you will get worn down and burnt out, and as an aspiring nurse, that is not an option. Encouragement is something we should all offer each other because it is a tool for confidence and working towards our best selves.

Being a CNA has brought me tremendous courage and self-confidence, and I know that I will be just fine. These lessons will last a life time and I cannot wait to build upon them.