Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life.. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life.. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidentally overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. We finally were able to afford a one bedroom in someones apartment. Together we slept on a full size bed and prayed that things would get better. My mental health took a drastic decline and it seemed as though life would not get better. Seeing my mother cry herself to sleep every night broke me in ways I cannot describe. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves. I am hungry for success because I owe so much to myself and my family for all the sacrifices they made for me. This is all I have ever wanted and I will continue to give it my all until I achieve my dream. Thank you for listening.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I couldn’t, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my Nurse Practitioner Neesha, that stood out to me. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I couldn’t, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my Nurse Practitioner Neesha, that stood out to me. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. I want to be a driving force with changing how people look at autoimmune conditions. I would like to provide them with tools that can help their condition short term and long term. There is no greater feeling than knowing someone truly cares for you and your health. Living with diabetes for the past eighteen years has not been easy which is why I want to help ease some of the burden for others. I am pursuing an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. As I got older, I realized that my diabetes was not the only thing separating me from my peers. Something that was far beyond my control seemed to offend some people around me. My dark complexion came with stares, whispers, and judgement to name a few. One day my mother picked me up from summer camp with tears in her eyes. The company that she worked over 15 years for, laid her off. She was the only African American that worked for the establishment. When we got home she told me that people would judge me before I got the opportunity to open my mouth. She told me that I would have to work ten times harder than those around me. She instilled how capable and driven I was and to not let anyone dim my light. This experience was the moment I realized I wanted more. Not just for myself or my mother but for all African American women who have been wrongfully terminated, abused, discriminated, or hurt. I take any chance I get to use my platform to advocate for African American women. I started by writing positive notes and keeping them with me to pass out to any black woman that I encounter. I for as long as I live, will advocate for black women in hopes that the oppression will some day end.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

A song that inspires me is: Redemption Song by Bob Marley. I am a die hard enthusiast ranging across various genres. Music is my kryptonite. Music represents me and speaks louder than any word I have ever uttered. My playlist is a mixture of songs that got me through some of my darkest moments, songs that make me want to dance like a maniac in public, and songs that are a combination of both. I truly hope you enjoy.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. My mental health took a turn for the worse as I got older. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidentally overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. I would like to open my own practice where I will be able to help women and children who have Type 1 Diabetes. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinologist. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. It was not until I was rejected from being able to go on the insulin pump that I was then able to refocus and map my life out the right way. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. I remember not being called back for any internships and really losing myself. Feeling completely misunderstood and belittled. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. I grew up in a “traditional” household, with my both my parents and three siblings. In all actuality, my household was not traditional, and my life was anything but normal. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. My parents often fought a lot growing up, and I believed that my diagnosis would change everything. I was erroneous to say the least. During their marriage, my father continuously cheated on my mother. He would also bring my siblings and I around his mistresses unknowingly burning bridges with our family. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The Summer of 2016, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for two months. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. Watching my mother, cry and worry everyday broke parts of me that I did not know existed My mother saw potential in me that I never knew I had. She would inspire to me to push through any adversity that blocked my path. I believed I could excel in life because I had her as a mother. I believed in myself because this resilient woman believed in me. Whenever things got rough, or I felt inadequate, I would think about everything she sacrificed for me. She stretched any penny she had to provide for us. She made sure we had uniform for school, food to eat, shoes on our feet. Even after she lost her job, my mother still created a safe space for us to grow up in and feel safe and accepted. I never had to question her love for me and the extreme measures she’d go to make sure that I was up to par. I would say the only downside of being raised in a single parent household would be outsiders. I would often find myself in situations where people automatically assumed, they knew my story. It did not make matters easier being an African – American female with melanin skin complexion. I learned to let people assume whatever they want to. My drive and determination will speak louder than any word I could ever utter. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves. If I can inspire, just one person in the way that my mother has inspired me, I would be content.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.

Maya Angelou once said, “You will face many defeats in your life but never let yourself be defeated.” Everything that I have been through in my life has molded me into the woman I am today. In fact, my passion for healthcare was developed at a very young age. At six years old, I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. For a little girl who loved candy and pastries, the news hit harder than a wrecking ball. Confusion, anger, and loneliness were amongst the many emotions I felt that followed me for years to come. I questioned my parents, my faith, and resented my siblings for being “normal”. I wasn’t able to, at the time, see anything but the limitations this disease would place on me. The first few years of being diabetic were my most challenging. I did not want to accept that I would have to prick my finger at least six times a day. I also did not want to accept that this would be with me for the rest of my life because there was no cure. I bottled up my emotions and harbored resentment towards everyone that could not empathize with my situation. It took me a long time to embrace my disease. Many doctors and nurses who I came in contact with did not understand my rebellion nor did they take the time to teach or help me comprehend the changes I needed to make in my daily life. It was not until I started going to the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore that I experienced empathetic patient care. It was not my doctor or the other diabetic patients who stood out to me but my Nurse Practitioner, Neesha. Neesha gave me hope at living a normal life and having a promising future. She was also a type-one diabetic who spoke to me not like I was a patient, but a person still trying to figure it out herself while handling her own diabetes. Together, we discussed our triumphs and our failures. At eight years old, I thought I could manage things on my own and found myself in the back of an ambulance truck. I accidently overdosed on Insulin and did not understand my symptoms at the time. Thinking I was just tired, I went to sleep not knowing that I was feeling weak because I had too much insulin in my system. At that time, I thought this was one of the worst experiences I would have to deal with in my life, not knowing the other challenges life would throw my way. The summer before my sophomore year in college, my family and I were evicted from our home. My mother, younger brother, and I had to stay in a hotel for the month of August. During that time, I learned the importance of being resilient. I learned to transcend, not just my own health challenges, but realized I had to be strong for my family’s sake. I managed to persevere in school and was inducted into the honor society the following year. Although this was a testing point in my life, I still managed to push through to the end. Through everything that life throws at me, I know now that there is nothing I cannot overcome. I would like to pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Mercy College to accomplish my dream of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse Practitioner. Having lived with such a debilitating disease while navigating life’s difficult challenges, I feel I have matured into an understanding and empathetic person. Like Neesha, I want to be the unwavering support for others that suffer from such life-altering diseases and show them that they too can persevere and achieve the very future they envision for themselves.