My name is Riya Long, and I am an alumna of The Global Child (TGC), having graduated in 2021.
Before I came to TGC, my life was full of hardship. I was born into a very poor family, and my childhood was not like that of other children’s. I grew up in an environment where I experienced violence and emotional pain. Every day felt like a challenge. We didn’t have enough money for food, clothes, or even basic school supplies. There were times when I had to miss school because my family couldn’t afford it.
More than the poverty, it was the feeling of being alone and hopeless that hurt the most. I didn’t feel safe at home, and I didn’t know what my future would look like. Sometimes I thought I might never escape this life. But in my heart, I always wished for a change. I dreamed of going to school, of learning, and one day becoming someone who could help others who were suffering like me.
When I got the opportunity to study at TGC, it was like a light entered my life. TGC became more than just a school for me; it became a second home. The teachers and staff treated me with care and respect. For the first time, I felt that someone believed in me. At TGC, I didn’t only learn academic subjects, but I also learned life skills, confidence, and hope. TGC helped me to start healing from my past and begin to see my worth and potential. It gave me the strength to keep going.
On the Path to Nursing School
Before I went to nursing school, I didn’t know exactly what kind of career I wanted. But I always knew I wanted to help others. I had seen so many people in my community, especially in poor families, who were sick but could not afford good care. I saw how much pain and fear they had when they went to the hospital, and sometimes there were no kind nurses to help them or explain what was happening. I told myself, “One day, I want to be a nurse who can comfort patients and treat them with kindness.”
At TGC, I was introduced to more ideas about healthcare and community service. I started to study harder, especially in science and English, because I knew that if I wanted to become a nurse, I needed to be strong in these subjects. I joined extracurricular activities, listened carefully to my teachers, and prepared myself for the next step.
The decision to apply to nursing school was not easy. I was afraid at first. I thought maybe I wasn’t smart enough or strong enough. But with the support and encouragement from TGC and people who believed in me, I found the courage to try. Getting accepted into nursing school felt like a miracle. It was the result of hard work, hope, and support from those who never gave up on me.
Now, as a nursing student, I am proud of how far I’ve come. I still remember the little girl who thought she had no future—and I carry her strength with me every day. My past does not define me. Instead, it gives me the passion and compassion to work harder, study harder, and become a nurse who can truly make a difference.
Before
After