Deacon William E. Johnson Sr. Memorial Scholarship

My powerhouse, passionate, and petite mother, always made her presence felt. At 5'2, 130 lbs, I thought she could move mountains. As a single parent on the Southside of Chicago, she made sure that I was clear on her academic expectations. I went to gifted schools, and remained focused. She reminded me of how her brother was murdered at her door step on 66th and Michigan. She was defiant in her position that we - as a family- will live out his life. Thus, the journey began. At fourteen I was introduced to a reality that has left an indelible impact on my life, and future. My father had a stroke, and six days later my mom was hospitalized. My seemingly invincible mom has Lupus, seizures, and other health issues. One day they worsened, and she collapsed into my arms. I had to drag her through the snow towards our home, while screaming for help. I was in a daze. I heard her teeth clicking during her seizure, and Nana demanded that the paramedics let her ride in the ambulance. Sadly, I realized both of my parents were now hospitalized. My world as I knew it was changing. Four days later, my family found out my scoliosis curve required surgery. The spinal fusion surgery meant they were going to cut my spine in its entirety...from my neck area, to the hip. They would then replace that part of my spine with a steel rod. I was homebound for the entire summer recuperating. I thought my life could not get any worse, but I was mistaken. Immediately after returning to school in the fall, I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression, and anxiety. I had to decide what my destiny would become. What my academic, social, mental, and emotional story would say about me. I decided to rewrite my story. The worst 12 months of my life gave me the tools to meet challenges “head on." My mother made sure my high school stayed on top of my mental health challenges, and Chicago Public Schools provided resources. When I had my mental health episodes, my mom was at my side. She stood fast, and strong. My mom refuse to leave me, make excuses for me, and dared anyone to even look in my direct with disdain. Even through my pain, I knew my mom always had my back. Her passion motivated me. I continued to end each semester with more A’s, and B’s. I realized that we all face challenges in our lives, which are oftentimes out of our control. We have to decide how we will allow it to impact us. Whether or not we will keep moving forward. My experiences can encourage others to keep going. To strive to develop strength of character, and embrace their tenacity. I can encourage them by sharing my struggles, and reminding them that they can blaze a trail, survive, and thrive. Mental health in my community has been rearing its ugly head amongst my peers. It is quickly becoming a silent killer. Look on social media, and you will see how many teens are suffering from mental health issues. Many feel they are alone, and the end result can become devastating. I will study Animal Sciences, and Psychology in college. My dream is to create a support pet style of therapy. We can thereafter nurture the unique relationship between humans, and animals. This can stimulate the healing process, and encourage clients to open up. In essence, to be true to ourselves as we fight the war against depression/mental illnesses.

Someone in my life who has impacted my educational journey is my grandfather. Throughout his time here, I found my passion, learned the importance of assisting others (showing appreciation), and set out goals to help the Black American community further. I nursed my grandfather for seven years once he began digressing from various medical conditions and diseases. Thus, my family and I woke up at six a.m. every day to arrive at my grandmother's house to assist my grandfather in getting ready in the morning for his dialysis or doctor's appointment; before school every day. Since his passing, I have reflected on many situations. In cases where he was not given his medication on time/the correct amount, left unclean sitting in his bed at rehabilitation centers, and not making his last few moments on earth to his pleasure. Watching these actions and being around the medical terminology world has empowered me to become an Endocrinologist specializing in Diabetic/Thyroid diseases. As a physician (along with staff members), your responsibility is to serve individuals and communities with unmatched hospitality with unremarkable actions that will change one's life. Doing so gives the family comfort, knowing that the physician and staff members assisted them to the best of their ability. For example, for every patient I treat, I will do everything never to let any family experience what mine did; I will approach each medical diagnosis from a medical perception and a holistic view. Accommodating others' needs and seeing the smile on their faces afterward is my satisfaction, my calling. Occasionally, when I would arrive at school in the morning, I would be exhausted, sometimes even five-ten minutes late—so exhausted that I felt fatigued and couldn't preserve throughout the day. But, then realized it could be worse. Additionally, considering my grandfather endured three strokes, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia, Stomach Cancer, and double leg amputation, and still lives life to his full potential. In that case, I can not complain over something minor. Furthermore, I learned the importance of assisting others (showing appreciation). Giving back is essential because you can never be successful without acknowledging the individuals who helped you along your path, the importance of sacrificing, having a support system, and giving back (showing appreciation). Take a moment to think about the last time you gave back to others or your community. Whether that is giving back to the homeless, providing knowledge to the younger generation, creating scholarships for students, or helping your elderly neighbor. Being a part of something bigger than myself while valuing others and personal accomplishments/goals is incredible. Throughout my life, no matter the encounter with others, positive or negative, they all assisted me in growing into a better and more understanding individual. Additionally, whenever I can offer my help or assistance is not needed, I help anyway because you never know when people need help; they may be too nervous to ask. You have not truly lived life until you help someone who can never repay you. Throughout my educational journey, I plan on giving back to the community within my career. Therefore, I will provide each patient I treat an informational session on the following categories: What are Alzheimer's disease and Dementia? What/How can you avoid them? Is it possible to obtain Alzheimer's disease and Dementia even if you are mentally and socially engaged? By doing this, I can also educate my patients on various topics, benefiting them in the future. For example, one of my goals is to decrease the percentage of black Americans with diabetes. Doing so will help many people, helping them to get back healthy.