Gene Denton 26

The white veil of snow thinly covered the trees as the Christmas lights flickered in the murky downtown’s night. Rich muddy snow scraped along the edges of the road, some already beginning to melt away, but I was all the more excited to jump on the snow before it would disappear in the morning heat. Blings of brilliance reflected on the snow banks and the heaps of lights glimmered through the tree branches. My breath fogged in the cold air as I walked through the storefronts and paved sidewalks. Downtown Kansas City was unforgettable. Yet, even in its excellence, my own city discriminates against those whom I hold dearly by exploiting their inabilities and weaknesses. 

Many immigrants understand the struggle of moving frequently in search of work. Bringing their kids from an abandoned country to new nations yearning for a reinvigorated future. Many languages and cultures are left behind. But it is unpleasant that Hispanics in Kansas City ignore their origins or culture because of painful necessity. In their new environment, they must struggle to learn English for an adequate life. Every transaction, every interaction, and every moment is forced through broken English. My parents were the victims of this discrimination as they struggled to gain reputable jobs due to their circumstances. My parents lacked the chances that were offered to other individuals from a simple language barrier. 

Yet, the largest issue was the problems faced in healthcare. I was forced from a young age to be a personal translator at each appointment, many hospitals did not have the funds or resources to offer translations themselves. I began to dread each appointment as going to the doctor implied expectations exceeding checking my health, but translating as much medical terminology as possible to my worrying parents, too. Hospitals meant assuming information that cannot be translated through body language. Paying bills that skyrocket without health insurance and layer convoluted explanations in undecipherable English. 

An essential right that should be open to everyone, a place where doctors and nurses can communicate with their patients in their preferred languages, is forfeited for those who do not speak English.  I want to create accessibility in Kansas City, where culture and Spanish are meaningful to unity in the community. To make a multicultural city that supports minorities and majorities, especially in the Healthcare system. 

Once I graduate high school I will be attending Mizzou for a bachelor’s in Nursing. My goals are to receive my Bachelor’s degree and move into a Master’s degree in Nursing to gain my specialty as well. I want to become a pediatric nurse along this journey, but the most important thing I want to offer as a nurse is the help Hispanics need. As a nursing student, I want to offer a safe space for minorities where I can speak in Spanish to help patients. A place where communication is not half the battle to successful treatment. I want to work in Kansas City’s poor income areas with patients who have experienced similar issues as my parents. 

I need to gain these experiences in and out of college, and where else would be better than in my community? I cannot complete these goals without my education. The classes Mizzou offers for Nursing are an opportunity to learn the essential skills necessary to be a nurse. Additionally, the networking connections and internships needed for my degree will give me various opportunities and access to my community. Using these moments to gain more experience will allow for better patient interactions outside of college. Each credit earned towards my degrees and each new knowledge gained will guide me to make a difference in my community. My goal is to provide the children and Hispanic families struggling in the KC area with the help needed to thrive. By doing so, we can keep the bilingual advantage thriving and connect the community in Kansas City for generations to come.