Every experience, both painful and rewarding, has shaped me into the person I am today and guided me toward my dream of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner. Growing up in a single parent household, I faced many challenges that most of my peers did not. My mother, raising four children on Section 8 housing and food stamps, worked hard to keep us afloat, but financial limitations meant that I often had to take care of myself and find my own way. At times, it was overwhelming to balance my education and responsibilities without much support, but those struggles instilled in me resilience, independence, and an unwavering determination to succeed. These challenges are exactly what inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare. Experiencing firsthand what it feels like to go without consistent support has made me want to be the kind of professional who provides that support for others. I chose nursing because it is a field rooted in compassion, advocacy, and services values that align with the lessons I’ve learned from my own life. Becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, with a focus on young girls’ sexual health, will allow me to combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to uplift and guide others who may feel unheard or underserved. While my financial situation is still holding me back in different aspects, I am trying to push forward through education. I am now a sophomore at Dillard University, recently starting my core nursing classes this fall. I am proud to be a two time Dean’s List recipient and the recipient of a Dean’s Scholarship, but these accomplishments mean more than grades or recognition. They are proof that even in the face of hardship, determination can turn struggle into success. My journey has also been shaped by a commitment to service. From organizing coat drives and mentoring younger girls as cheer captain in high school, to visiting nursing homes to bring joy to residents, I’ve always believed in using my time and energy to lift others up. At Dillard, I continue this through leadership roles, including serving as Community Liaison for SKIRTS (Sisters Keeping It Real Through Service), being a member of CPT, which programs interactive service based campus events, and participating in Women in Pre-Med. These experiences have reinforced that leadership is not about recognition but about helping others thrive, a philosophy I plan to bring with me into nursing. My personal challenges have shaped me into someone who understands the importance of empathy, advocacy, and resilience. They have influenced my decision to pursue medicine not simply as a career, but as a calling. I want to make a positive impact in healthcare by ensuring that young girls, especially in undeserved communities, have access to the guidance, education, and compassionate care they need. Just as my challenges shaped my strength and determination, I want my care to help shape brighter, healthier futures for others. The RELEVANCE Scholarship reflects the belief that struggles hold meaning and purpose. For me, every obstacle has prepared me to become the kind of nurse who doesn’t just treat patients but truly understands them. With ambition, drive, and the lessons of my own journey, I am committed to creating meaningful change in healthcare.

My name is Ajanae Robinson, and I am currently a sophomore at Dillard University, beginning my core nursing classes this fall. I am majoring in Nursing with the goal of becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in young girls’ sexual health. My ambition to pursue this path is deeply rooted in both my personal experiences and my passion for education and service. Growing up, my mother raised me and my three siblings as a single parent. She has worked hard to keep our family afloat, relying on Section 8 and food stamps to provide for us in our three bedroom townhouse. Despite her sacrifices, financial support for my academic journey has largely fallen on me. From a young age, I learned how to provide for myself and take responsibility for my future. These challenges have not deterred me. Rather, they have fueled my drive to excel. Currently, I am a two time Dean’s List recipient and a proud recipient of a Dean’s Scholarship for all four years. These achievements remind me that perseverance and ambition can help turn obstacles into opportunities. Beyond academics, I have always strived to make an impact in my community. In high school, I served as cheer captain, mentoring younger girls and encouraging them to find confidence in themselves. I organized coat drives for families in need and visited nursing homes during the holidays, making cards and spreading joy to residents who often felt forgotten. These experiences taught me that true leadership is not about recognition, but about service. It is this same mindset I plan to bring into my nursing career by serving, advocating, and caring for others during some of their most vulnerable moments. At Dillard University, I have continued to build on this foundation of service and leadership. I currently serve on the executive board of SKIRTS (Sisters Keeping It Real Through Service) as the Community Liaison, connecting students to service opportunities that strengthen both our campus and surrounding community. I am also a member of CPT, a program that creates interactive events on campus that not only bring students together but also allow them to earn service hours. Additionally, I am involved in Women in Pre-Med, where I collaborate with peers who share my same dedication to medicine and improving healthcare outcomes. These roles have shaped me into a leader who values collaboration, service, and impact. My career goal is to become a Family Nurse Practitioner who provides specialized care for young girls in underserved communities. I want to create safe spaces where they can ask questions, learn about their health, and feel empowered to make informed decisions. Too often, young girls do not have access to resources, guidance, or compassionate care when it comes to sexual health. I want to be the nurse who bridges that gap, not only treating patients but also educating them and advocating for their long term wellbeing. Education has always been my guiding light. Like Aaryn Railyn King, I believe in its power to transform lives and create pathways to dreams. Even in the face of hardship, I have remained steadfast in my studies because I know education is the key that will allow me to achieve my goals and, more importantly, help others achieve better health and brighter futures. This scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial burden I carry but also affirm the values I strive to live by: ambition, drive, and passion. I want to honor Aaryn’s legacy by continuing to pursue education with the same determination she valued so deeply, and by dedicating my career to serving and uplifting others.

Attending an HBCU has been one of the most empowering decisions of my life. As a nursing student at the illustrious Dillard University in New Orleans Louisiana, I am not only pursuing my BSN degree, but I’m also growing in confidence, culture, and community. I come from a predominantly white area where I often felt like I had to shrink myself to fit in. Choosing to attend an HBCU has helped me truly find myself. My voice, my identity, and my pride in being unapologetically Black. At Dillard, I’m surrounded by peers and mentors who uplift one another and celebrate Black excellence. In the future, I plan to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner to serve women, especially Black women who are disproportionately affected by healthcare disparities. I’m passionate about advocating for those who are often overlooked in medical spaces. My journey began when I earned my CNA certification at 17, and I’ve continued to build on that foundation with every class, clinical, and experience. To me, being Black means strength, brilliance, and purpose. It means coming from a legacy of resilience and continuing to push boundaries for future generations. It means turning opportunity into impact. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden on my divorced single mother, but it would allow me to stay focused on my education and my commitment to care, advocacy, and empowerment through nursing. Thank you for considering my application and supporting HBCU students who are boldly pursuing their purpose. Sincerely, Ajanae Robinson

Growing up, I was deeply influenced by the strength and resilience of the people around me, especially my mother. She raised me on her own after her and my dad's divorce, working hard every day to provide for us despite limited resources. Watching her push through challenges with determination and love taught me what it truly means to care for others. Her selflessness and strength inspired me to choose a path where I can dedicate myself to helping people through their most vulnerable moments. My connection to service and healthcare runs even deeper through my family. My grandfather is a proud Vietnam War veteran, and my uncle also served in the United States Army. Their service taught me the importance of sacrifice, compassion, and duty. My father has worked at the Veterans Affairs hospital in the Vision Center for my entire life, and through his work, I have seen how deeply veterans rely on dedicated healthcare professionals. The care and support he provides every day reinforced my desire to be part of a profession that prioritizes the well-being of others, especially those who have served our country. My passion for nursing began early. I always knew growing up I wanted to do something in healthcare. I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant license at just 17 years old because I was eager to start making a difference as soon as I could. That experience gave me a close up view of the impact nurses have, not just physically, but emotionally. It showed me that nursing is not just a job. It is a calling rooted in empathy, responsibility, and a sincere desire to serve. Today, I am a sophomore at Dillard University, working toward my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After I earn my BSN, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing. My goal is to become a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. I want to focus my career on providing high quality care to underserved women and families, especially those in low income communities like the one I grew up in. My life experiences have taught me how essential access to reliable, compassionate healthcare truly is. When I read about Rose Browne’s life, I felt a powerful connection. Like Rose, I am committed to advancing in the nursing field through education, hard work, and a heart for helping others. She earned her RN, BSN, and MSN degrees while raising her children and working full time, often at the VA hospital. Her story resonates with me deeply because it mirrors the same values I have been raised around. Rose Browne’s legacy reflects the exact qualities I hope to live out in my own journey: strength, dedication, and compassion. Receiving this scholarship would be an incredible support in continuing my education. It would relieve the financial burden of my remaining tuition balance and allow me to fully focus on my academics. More importantly, it would be a reminder that my path and my purpose are supported by others who believe in the power of care, resilience, and community. I am committed to carrying forward the spirit of Rose Browne by serving others through nursing with integrity and heart.

My name is Ajanae Robinson, and I am a freshman nursing student at Dillard University, a proud HBCU in New Orleans. I’m originally from Northern Kentucky and currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing with dreams of becoming a women’s or family nurse practitioner. As a first-generation college student, I’ve faced many challenges, but each one has strengthened my drive to create meaningful change through healthcare. Before entering college, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and completed clinicals in a long-term care facility. Those experiences showed me the power of presence and compassion in healthcare. I saw how a nurse’s words or actions could bring comfort and trust to a patient, and I knew I wanted to be that kind of healer. Those early experiences gave me the confidence and clarity to keep moving forward on my path toward advanced nursing practice. My passion lies not just in healthcare, but in using nursing to uplift and support others, especially within the Black community. As an African American woman, I’ve seen how Black patients are often overlooked or misunderstood in medical settings. Representation matters, not just for patients, but within the nursing profession. We need more Black nurses, educators, and leaders who understand our community’s experiences. My goal is to care for Black patients and also mentor young Black students pursuing nursing. My biggest inspiration is my mother, a strong single parent who has always worked hard to support our family. Despite financial stress and emotional strain, she’s never stopped pushing me to chase my dreams. Watching her struggle to make ends meet while still giving me everything she could has shown me what resilience looks like. Her strength inspires me daily to succeed—not just for myself, but for her. I want to be in a position where I can one day care for her the way she’s always cared for me. At Dillard, I’ve found empowerment in being surrounded by peers who look like me and share similar goals. I also know many of us face barriers that others don’t. I want to be part of the change that breaks those barriers down. Whether through peer mentorship, leadership roles, or eventually precepting nursing students, I want to help build a pipeline of empowered, well-prepared Black nurses who will change the face of healthcare. Right now, I’m focused on building a strong academic foundation through courses like anatomy, microbiology, and chemistry. I’m also studying macroeconomics, which has helped me better understand the systemic challenges affecting access to care, especially in underserved communities. These experiences are shaping me into a nurse who is not only skilled but socially aware and ready to make a difference. In the future, I plan to work in underserved communities as a women’s or family nurse practitioner, specializing in adolescent and reproductive health. I hope to open a clinic that provides not just care, but also education, advocacy, and support. I want every patient, especially young Black girls, to walk into my clinic and feel seen, safe, and valued. I want other aspiring Black nurses to look at me and know they can do it too. Olivia Wilson’s story is a powerful reminder that nursing is more than a profession. It is rooted in love, dignity, and service. It would be an honor to carry on her legacy by dedicating my career to caring for others and uplifting my community through healthcare. Receiving this scholarship would ease financial stress, allow me to focus on continuing my education, uplifting others, and creating lasting change. Thank you for considering me for this opportunity. Sincerely, Ajanae Robinson