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