When I was young, I wanted to be a ballerina. I twirled around my room in my pink tutu and pretended I was on stage.

Then, I wanted to be a schoolteacher. In high school, and until the time I joined the military, I wanted to be a radio broadcaster. Each dream I had also came with a goal - to be the best I can possibly be.

After nine years in the Navy, I had a totally different dream: to be a nurse and to help people who cannot help themselves.

At the time, I had no clue what becoming a nurse entailed and wasn’t even sure I could stand working around blood. I decided to take baby steps. Since I want to be the best at my job, I also want to take advantage of all the educational opportunities that come my way.

I made myself a “Goal Poster.” My goal is to finish my nursing degree and to eventually open a medical clinic with my husband. On this poster is a list of goals that I strive to achieve within six months, two years and after graduation. Every time I meet one of my goals, I give myself a happy face sticker and write down the date. This serves as a reminder for when I feel that I can’t do it. I can do all of this and more.

There are so many ways to determine your goals, track them and reach them! Never give up and strive to be the best. Make that “Goal Poster” count!