Jett, Nyla, and Cadences Memorial Scholarship

Dear Sydelle, I am so proud of how far you have come. You beat the doctors who said you would not live and the people who said you could not do it. You have made it to high school graduation and are getting ready for college. Live your purpose and make everyone proud. As you step into this new chapter, remember why you chose nursing. You have always wanted to help others, to be there when they need someone the most. Your passion for caring and drive to make a difference in people's lives have gotten you this far. Keep that fire burning. The University of Maryland, Baltimore, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, University of North Carolina - Greensboro, University of West Georgia, Emory University, Vanderbilt University, Mercer University, Augusta University, Fort Valley State University, and Clayton State University are all great schools. Whichever one you choose, know that you are on the right path. Your high school GPA of 3.7 shows that you are dedicated and hardworking. You have proven that you can handle the challenges that come your way. College will be tough, but you have already shown you can rise to the occasion. Stay focused on your studies, but also take time to enjoy the journey. Make new friends, join clubs, and get involved in campus activities. These experiences will shape you and help you grow. Being a Black woman in nursing is powerful. You bring a unique perspective and voice to the field. Do not be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. You have a lot to offer, and the world needs more nurses like you. Remember the people who doubted you and use that as motivation. Prove them wrong by being the best nurse you can be. Family and friends are proud of you, and they believe in you. Do not forget to lean on them when things get tough. They have been there for you through thick and thin, and they will continue to support you. Keep their love and encouragement close to your heart. Lastly, take care of yourself. Nursing is a demanding field, and you need to be at your best to care for others. Make time for self-care, whether it is reading a book, going for a walk, or simply taking a moment to breathe. You cannot pour from an empty cup, so make sure you are filling yours. Sydelle, you have already accomplished so much, and this is just the beginning. Keep pushing forward, stay true to yourself, and never lose sight of your goals. You have the power to make a difference, and I know you will. With all my love and pride, Your Future Self

Dear Future Me, I hope this letter finds you in a place of fulfillment, having successfully achieved your goal of becoming a nurse. Reflecting on the journey that brought you here, it’s incredible to think about how much you have overcome. You have always been someone who takes life's challenges and uses them to grow stronger, more compassionate, and more determined. Remember when you lived in a shelter during middle school? That period shaped your resilience and your ability to focus on education as a path to success. School became your sanctuary—a place where you could envision a brighter future, despite the struggles at home. Your commitment to academic success, earning good grades, and finding opportunities through education opened doors for you, leading to where you are now. Your work experiences, from Footlocker to various volunteer roles, also played a significant role in building the skills that now make you a great nurse. Learning how to serve customers with empathy and manage responsibilities as a Sales Associate helped you develop the communication and problem-solving abilities essential in nursing. Your dedication to teamwork and understanding people’s needs translates perfectly to patient care, which is now your daily mission. Don’t forget how your involvement in the First Workings program introduced you to mentorship and career guidance that were invaluable in shaping your aspirations. The training you received—resume writing, interview skills, career readiness—gave you the tools to navigate the professional world with confidence. All of these experiences set the foundation for the career you’ve built, providing care and advocacy for people like you, especially as a woman of color in a healthcare system that needs more diversity and representation. Volunteering in your community has always been a big part of who you are, from working at the New York Common Pantry to participating in breast cancer walks. These experiences strengthened your passion for helping others and laid the groundwork for your nursing career. Your ability to empathize with those in need, work in a team, and take on responsibility are all qualities that make you an exceptional caregiver. The obstacles you faced, such as growing up without a father figure and taking on adult responsibilities at a young age, only fueled your desire to succeed. You learned to be self-reliant, resourceful, and compassionate. All these lessons have come together, not just to help you become a nurse but to make you someone who advocates for others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. You’ve used your experiences to create a positive impact in your community and in healthcare. As you continue to grow in your career, always remember why you chose this path—to represent, advocate for, and care for those who are often overlooked or misunderstood. Your resilience and passion have led you to a place where you are making a difference every day. Stay true to the values that have guided you and continue to uplift others, just as you have always done. With pride & love, Your Past Self