What significant event occurred to Florence when she was 17 years old in 1837?

At the age of 17, Florence Nightingale experienced what she described as a call from God, which profoundly influenced her life's direction. This moment was pivotal because it inspired her to pursue a path of service, particularly in nursing and healthcare. Nightingale felt a deep commitment to help the poor and the sick, and this spiritual awakening motivated her to pursue her calling despite the societal expectations of women during her time, which typically did not include professional roles such as nursing. This spiritual conviction laid the foundation for her later achievements in revolutionizing nursing practices and establishing the profession as we know it today.