Kimberly Marques - Rhode Island College
2025
This fall semester has been a semester full of growth. I never thought I’d miss school, but during the summer I was counting my days to go back. Majoring in Nursing is something far from easy. It's something everyone has a bad thing to say about. How challenging and time consuming it is. This semester I was able to grow academically and emotionally. I learned the best methods to stay on track and continued to push through no matter the obstacle. Nursing school has so many challenges, every exam, every class you experience such self doubt. “Can I really do this?” But this semester I taught myself to keep going. I learned the best study method that works for me. I learned that pulling all nighters at the library with some chocolate really made a difference. This semester was full of pride. Realizing that no matter the circumstance, if I push through, I will see the outcome. That if I work hard for it, I can achieve it. These last few months, I also learned the importance of taking breaks. Being able to step away from the stressful exams and have relaxing and fun moments with friends really makes an impact. Growing up I was always very independent. College taught me that it's okay to rely on others and ask for help. This semester in particular was a semester in which I truly learned the value of having good friends by my side, to support me and to give me a hand when I needed it. Overall this semester was one of my best yet. My friendships and my hard work really reflected in my grades and personality. As I continue my studies, my gratitude grows as well. MVYouth has opened a door I never thought was possible. The support not only financially but also mentally truly has been significant in my studies.
2024
Everyone can agree that your first step in anything is never easy. Leaving what has been home for all my life is not easy. But Rhode Island College made the process easier. RIC is the perfect distance, I’m far enough to have my space, but close enough to go home whenever. Stepping on campus with tears in my eyes went from such a scary feeling to a feeling of comfort. RIC gave me the rural comfort from back home but also gave me a city for when it's time for a break. During my first semester away, I was able to experience such amazing yet scary experiences while being challenged both academically and emotionally. Though this semester came with many challenges, I couldn’t be more happy and thankful for going through those challenges. MVYouth gave me an opportunity to chase my biggest dream since I was a kid. MVYouth was something I didn’t think was possible for me. I applied with so many nerves sure that maybe I wouldn’t move forward, scared of what would come next. But I couldn’t thank MVYouth enough for the amazing opportunity and support. Though nursing school is far from easy, realizing that I’m one step closer is my motivation.