"As a home health aide, I provide one-on-one care to people who are dying in their own homes. I go into patients' homes almost every day. I change the linens, help them with bathing, medications, tube feeding and catheter changes. Whatever their needs are, I try to meet them.

"In hospice care, you work with people who are terminally ill - they are not getting better, and they know it. Patients usually stay in the hospice program until they pass away. The longest I ever worked with a patient was two-and-a-half years. Her dying hit me like a ton of bricks. When you're there every day, you develop a relationship. Patients come to rely on you, they confide in you. They don't need you to respond - just to hear them out, to hold their hand.

"Some days are more challenging than others. The hardest is when people are fighting death and don't want to let go. But I've had patients who were ready to die. Once they reached the last phase of their life I was able to rejoice for them, because that was what they wanted. Working with the dying has given me a better appreciation of health and strength. It's made me a more positive and compassionate person.

"After work, I take classes in preparation for nursing school. I still want to work in hospice care after I get that degree, but at a step higher. Sometimes it's tough - but my theory is, as long as there is life, there's a chance. Since I've worked in hospice care, I have learned to value life more."

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