As a first generation African American college student, I understand that earning a degree is not only an academic journey but also a financial challenge. Growing up with limited resources has motivated me to be intentional about my education and my future. I know that completing my nursing degree will require dedication, sacrifice, and careful planning, but I also know that the impact of this degree will create opportunities for myself, my family, and the communities I hope to serve. I am currently pursuing my nursing degree at Dillard University, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), while working to help support my educational goals. Balancing the responsibilities of being a nursing student and an employee has required discipline, time management, and determination. While many students are able to focus solely on their academics, I have learned how to balance work, studying, clinical preparation, and personal responsibilities. Despite these challenges, I have continued to push myself academically and have maintained strong grades, including earning A’s and B’s throughout my college journey. Working while attending nursing school has been one of the ways I have taken responsibility for my education and reduced the financial burden associated with earning my degree. I have learned the importance of budgeting, planning ahead, and using every opportunity available to continue investing in my future. I understand that student debt can impact a person long after graduation, and my goal is to make responsible decisions now that will allow me to build a stable future while still achieving my dreams. My goal is to become a nurse practitioner and provide compassionate healthcare, especially for women and underserved communities. As a future healthcare professional, I want to use my education to make a difference in the lives of others. However, in order to create that impact, I must first overcome the financial barriers that can prevent students like me from completing their education. Receiving this scholarship would help me reduce the financial strain associated with pursuing my nursing degree and allow me to continue focusing on my education. It would be an investment not only in my future but also in the patients and communities I hope to serve. Support like this gives students from backgrounds like mine the opportunity to continue moving forward without allowing financial obstacles to determine their future. Being a first generation student has taught me resilience, independence, and the importance of creating opportunities where they may not have existed before. I am committed to completing my degree, minimizing my debt, and using my education to give back. My journey is proof that with determination, hard work, and support, students from any background can achieve their goals.

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