This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the AACN Student Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., and it completely transformed how I see my future as a nurse. What I thought would be a few days of meetings and speeches turned into an experience that ignited something within me, the ability to speak up, to act, and to advocate not just for my education, but for the future of every patient who will rely on nurses like me. 

I traveled with NMU’s dean of Nursing and one other student from Northern Michigan University, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Once we arrived, it became immediately clear that we were part of something much bigger. Over 400 nursing students ranging from bachelors, masters, and PhD’s along with our deans from 47 states had gathered, each person carrying the same goal: to advocate for nursing and the patients who depend on it. The energy in the room was electric, every conversation, every handshake, every shared story carried a sense of purpose that was impossible to ignore. 

At first, advocacy felt distant. I used to believe it was reserved for seasoned policymakers or people with decades of experience. But being surrounded by hundreds of passionate students completely shattered that idea. I realized advocacy isn’t separate from nursing; it is part of being a nurse. It is a responsibility we inherit the moment we choose this profession and a responsibility to stand up for what matters, even when it feels daunting. 

Throughout the summit, I began to understand the impact that policy decisions have on our daily lives as nurses. From federal funding that shapes nursing education to programs like Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development, every choice made in Washington has ripple effects that touch every hospital, classroom, and patient room across the country. Furthermore, I started to see that advocating for nursing is advocating for patient care itself. 

And then came Capitol Hill. 

Walking into those offices, my heart raced. I was about to meet the staff of U.S. Senators and Representatives, people who hold the power to influence the future of nursing. But after my first meeting I realized, they are exactly that… people. At that moment, I felt small, almost invisible, compared to the weight of the work happening around me. But I also felt a surge of purpose. 

What surprised me most was how approachable advocacy truly is. We didn’t need a prepared speech or fancy credentials. We simply shared our stories, our struggles, our dreams, and our passion for nursing. We explained why supporting nursing education matters, why funding programs like Title VIII is crucial, and why the next generation of nurses needs our lawmakers to care. And to my surprise, we were heard. 

In that moment, advocacy no longer felt intimidating, it was empowering. I realized that change does not come from staying silent or waiting for someone else to act. Change comes from people willing to show up, to speak, and to care enough to make a difference. That realization hit me harder than anything else at the summit. Everywhere I looked, there were students who had traveled across the country, leaving family, classes, and jobs on pause to advocate for something they believed in.  

I left Washington with more than just memories and some pictures, I left with a sense of responsibility and courage. I now see nursing as more than bedside care. Being a nurse means influencing the systems that make care possible. It means stepping into rooms where decisions are made, even when it feels intimidating, and making sure the people who depend on us are not forgotten. 

Most importantly, I learned that advocacy is not reserved for the experienced or the powerful. Anyone can advocate, and everyone should. It doesn’t take years of experience, a prestigious title, or perfect words. All you need is a story, to have lived, and to have walked a mile in your own shoes. It takes passion, courage, and the willingness to speak. And once you find your voice, you realize that it is stronger than you ever imagined.  

To every student reading this: your voice matters. Your stories matter. Your passion matters. Our future, our education, and our peers depend on us.