Judith Garrett Cover Letter A band called Thriving Ivory once stated, "everyday is the first day of the

rest of your life," and for some people this statement holds particularly true. The third day after my freshman year in college this adage became a reality. I was employed as a lifeguard for the summer with no idea that this job had the potential to drastically change my life. My professional dreams began to come true the year before, when I was awarded the North Carolina Teaching Fellow's Scholarship. I attended Meredith College the following fall and was truly given the opportunity of a lifetime. Attending an all-womens college gave me the support I needed to break out of my shell and realize my capabilities. My freshman experience was a rich one, but I left for summer vacation feeling as if something was missing from my academic and professional goals. As the first two days of summer were filled with relaxation and the comfort of living back in the reassuring walls of home, the third day was filled with a different, more chilling demeanor. I walked into the clubhouse of Summerfield North Swim Club, as I had for the past three summers, without realizing that I would drive home later that night with a drastically revised future ahead of me. As I sat on the lifeguard stand a young swimmer, named Olivia, decided to climb on the diving board for the first time. I cautioned this fearless swimmer that she would not be able to touch in this section of the pool. Against my warning, the three year old jumped and quickly sank to the bottom of the pool. With my heart pounding, I hit the water and pulled little Olivia to safety. She was conscious, but inhaled a large quantity of water. I tended to her until she took her first few breaths. Her mother frantically hugged Olivia and proceeded to hug me. I had just saved a life. At that moment my professional dreams were transformed. I spent the next couple of weeks considering this new career path and as if on cue, an opportunity presented itself. Dr. Britt Vinson, who was a member of Summerfield Swim Club, offered me a job in his orthodontist office. He witnessed my rescue of young Olivia, saying he recognized my poise and character in the response to a critical situation. He explained that I could be a vital member of his team. I gratefully accepted the position, as well as the challenge of changing my future. At Vinson Orthodontics, I acquired the necessary skills for working in the healthcare field. I learned the tools necessary for various orthodontic procedures and directly aided Dr. Vinson in his practice. I mastered patient names, and often remembered the issues involved during their subsequent visits. The experience was enlightening and exciting. I learned about the fast-pace aspects of healthcare and the importance of personal care in dealing with patients. Upon embarking a new major at North Carolina State University I continued to work for Dr. Vinson. As my classes began to focus more on my major, I decided to pursue a career in patient care. I turned to pharmacology as a way to learn about the prescribed medicines in this field . As a pharmacy technician, I learned the various benefits and adverse effects of prescription medications. While at work I was given the opportunity to learn many counter indications of various medications, as well as potential food interactions. Having dealt with various sick and frustrated patients has further prepared me for a career in patient care.

I am certified as a pharmacy technician and a certified nursing assistant. After graduation I was employed by Wake Med as a certified nursing assistant on 3 West, the surgical/medical unit. In the present day, I work for Carolina Cardiology as a medical assistant. I have seen my passion for helping others grow, as well as my confidence in utilizing my education. As a medical assistant, I plan to continue practicing my skills as a healthcare provider. Through this experience my passion for helping others has transformed into a need for preventative medicine. The majority of the patients that I work with, day in and day out are in their current situation due to poor life choices that could have been prevented with a little education and coaching. In turn, I decided to return to Meredith College, attain my Masters of Science in Nutrition, in hopes of preventing the devastating outcomes of ill-informed life decisions. At North Carolina State University I majored in Human Biology and graduated with a minor in Genetics, as well as a minor in Health, Medicine, and Human Values. Using this education along with a Masters from Meredith College, my aspirations going forward are to take part in a dietetic internship. My college experience included fulfilling the elected duties as Vice President of Delta Delta Delta sorority as well as being an active member of Biology and Pre-Health Clubs. Expanding from those commitments to my university, I also participated in very rewarding job endeavors, while focusing on my education. Although all of these accomplishments have affected my life, I will never forget the girl named Olivia that had the greatest impact on preparing me for my future.