Norman C. Nelson IV Memorial Scholarship

The Mayo Clinic classifies a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) as a condition where a baby's diaphragm fails to close, leaving a hole in the muscle called a hernia. This condition can cause problems throughout development since the abdominal organs can travel through the hernia -- leading to intestinal malrotation and possibly a cut off blood supply. Furthermore, per John Hopkins Medicine, the presence of these organs in the thoracic cavity limits the lungs ability to develop and mature, leading to complications in aspiration after birth. CDH occurs in about 1 in 3000 births. On October 18, 2011, my baby brother Jayce was born with this condition. In his case, his stomach had moved up into his chest through his hernia. He lived for 37 days, unfortunately passing away on November 25, 2011 -- the day after Thanksgiving. I am Nasir Muhammad, and everyday Jayce is my inspiration to make strides in the medical field. Whenever I lack motivation or ambition, Jayce is my inspiration to persevere as I think about the countless lives I could save in the future through networking with a team of doctors to cure conditions. Unfortunately for Jayce, my family, and I, 2011 was a time when many conditions occurred without any foresight and treatment options; however, it is comforting to know that within those 13 years many doctors have put in the work to find treatments for conditions in all fields of medicine, such as the neonatal field. Personally, my passion is in the neurology field. Learning about the mind and human behavior through AP Psychology and the anatomy and physiology of the brain in my Anatomy class captivated me from day one. This passion led me to start a research project in neuroscience in which I am currently investigating the brain's mesolimbic pathway and its relation to addiction. Furthermore, I am in the process of starting a psychology club at my school since I've learned I can create opportunities for my peers and I -- and make an impact in my community -- starting with an engaging club environment. I believe my interest in the medical field is innate. However, seeing my father grieve the life of his third son, Jayce, and reading the story of Norman C. Nelson IV continues my ambition to become a neurosurgeon and save lives. With this in mind, my current plan is to attend Georgia State University and earn my master's degree in neuroscience; furthermore, I will continue on to Emory School of Medicine and earn my doctorate degree. My ultimate goal is to become a neurosurgeon and with hard-work and dedication I know I will accomplish this. However, I know this path is expensive and as a child from a single-parent household this scholarship will help me fund my ambition. Altogether, Jayce and his potential is my greatest inspiration in life.

I come from a low income mexican household, growing up I was taught to always work hard for the things I want, as things do not just get handed. Both of my parents migrated here to the U.S with only their courage and hope of a better life. I am a first generation college student, in hopes of breaking the generational pattern. Growing up with little resources and limited opportunities, I always found a way through. My mother’s battle with kidney failure has been the catalyst for my passion for nursing. As my mother maneuvered through the challenges of kidney failure, the more I became familiarized and exposed to the health care system. Being able to witness the compassionate care she received from her numerous hospital and dialysis visits built a desire within me to want to pursue a career where I would be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Enrolling in the Nursing Assistant program offered at my high school has become more than an academic option, but a dedication to relieve the suffering of those that are undergoing hardships just as my mother has done so for the past three years.Attending clinicals in a nursing home has allowed me to grasp new skills and enlarge my desire to one day become a nurse. Nursing isn’t only about medical procedures and medications, but about initiating genuine connections with patients and providing comfort at their most vulnerable moments. Acquiring experience through the Nursing Assistant program by going to a nursing home has ignited my interest and passion for nursing which has driven me to take part in multiple volunteer internships at Kaweah Health Hospital. I was able to apply my skills and learning by giving assistance to Nurses and CNAs, as well as aid patients with their needs. Being able to apply my passion for patient care in multiple health care facilities, allows me to apply my belief that every person, like my mother, deserves care that is beyond physical but emotionally and physiologically for their well being. Coming from the central valley where there are small amounts of health care workers, I am inspired to be a change in my community. I want to become a nurse and remain working here in the central valley where the help is needed. I want to create an impact in my community, and help those in need. As well as being the nurse that every patient needs, especially here at the central valley. In further years, I am determined to further my experiences in the healthcare field. To fulfill my desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, like the nurses that have made a difference in my mother’s life.