Ruth Ayalew

Connect What inspired your most recent tattoo?

I got all three tattoos in one sitting—each one a piece of my heart. “Sonder” grounds me in empathy, reminding me every soul carries a story. “41” is my hope—that even after the longest storm, the sun can rise on day 41. “God created you differently, know your worth” is my truth—a call to honor who I am, even when the world tries to quiet it.

If your ink could speak, what would it say?

If my ink could speak, it would tell a story of faith, roots, and resilience. It would echo Ethiopia and Africa, whisper protection through the Hand of Fatima, and remind you that everyone has a story (“Sonder”). It would say storms don’t last forever (“41”), that I was crowned with purpose, and that God made me different—on purpose. My ink is my voice when words fall short.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I’d pay for nursing school in full. This would lift a huge financial weight and allow me to focus completely on becoming the kind of nurse who shows up with skill, heart, and purpose. I’ve poured everything into this journey—sacrificing time, comfort, and stability. This isn’t just about tuition—it’s about stepping fully into a future of service and making every moment in this career count.