Reginald "Reggie" Jackson Jr. Scholarship

Health and wellness have played a major role in shaping both my personal life and my future career goals. As someone who has been involved in sports and has recovered from Sports injuries, I've come to understand that Health isn't just about physical strength – it is about balance, care, and perseverance. Please guide me as I prepare for my studies in Sports Health at the University of Delaware, where I plan to become an athletic trainer dedicated to helping others live healthier and more confident lives. My interest in health and wellness began through sports, but it deepened after I experienced my physical setbacks. Dealing with injuries while still wanting to stay active was tough, and it changed my perspective as well as challenged me both totally and emotionally. However, it also emphasized the importance of proper recovery. The values of supportive care, and how deeply connected our physical health is to our overall well-being. I started asking questions– not just about how to heal faster but how to prevent injuries, stay mentally strong, and take care of the body. This curiosity soon turned into a passion. As I learned more, I became inspired to share this with others. While I volunteered at an elementary school, I saw a student become so enamored by Athletics and just learning. I saw how powerful it is to support young people in their Journeys in all ways, especially health. Whether it was helping them with physical education activities or encouraging them to stay active and believe in themselves. I realize that this could have a real impact. I stayed involved with the kids and culture camp, where I served as a counselor-in-training and continued mentoring young children through fun educational activities that are based on wellness. Health and wellness have shaped my belief that everybody deserves care, support, and knowledge about their bodies. It happens too often that communities, especially black and brown communities, don't have the resources or education needed to take control of their health. I want to be a part of the solution. I believe that meeting people where they are, listening to their stories, and being someone they can trust during their recovery and growth is important. That's why I want to become an athletic trainer– not just to help athletes, but to build a healthier and stronger community. After college, I plan to work with professionals, schools, youth programs, and communities where I can bring my skills to those who need them most. I want to promote injury prevention, offer wellness shops, and eventually build an Empire where physical training and mental health support are combined to help our younger generations. I'm also passionate about representing black women in the health and fitness field. People need to see themselves in their care providers, and I want to be that person who shows up with empathy, scale, and dedication, just like Reggie Jackson Jr. did. Reggie’s story reminds me of the kind of professional and human being I strive to be: someone who uses their gifts to uplift others, who makes people feel seen and supported, and who treats every person like family. This scholarship would not only support my education, but it would help carry Reggie’s legacy forward through the lives I hope to impact in the years to come.