Mental health has shaped my life in ways that have challenged me, strengthened me, and changed how I see both myself and the people around me. I live with anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder, but my relationship with mental health began long before I received those diagnoses. I was born with truncus arteriosus, a rare congenital heart defect, and have undergone two open-heart surgeries. Growing up with a serious medical condition taught me that life can be uncertain, and that uncertainty often became a source of anxiety. Over time, I learned that mental health is just as important as physical health and deserves the same level of care and attention. Mental health has also touched my family. I have family members who died by suicide, although I was too young at the time to fully understand what had happened. As I grew older, my mom helped me understand their struggles with mental illness and the pain they experienced. Those conversations showed me that mental health challenges can affect anyone, even people who seem strong on the outside. They also taught me the importance of compassion, listening without judgment, and encouraging people to seek help when they need it. Another event that deeply affected me was being involved in a car accident. I was a passenger when another driver ran a red light and T-boned our vehicle while we were stopped. Since then, I have struggled with a fear of driving and riding in cars. The accident reinforced the anxiety I was already managing and reminded me how quickly life can change. Although I still experience that fear, I continue working through it instead of allowing it to control my future. As a gay woman, I have also learned that change and loss can have a significant impact on mental health. Recently, my girlfriend and I ended our relationship because I am moving nearly ten hours away to attend North Carolina Central University. The breakup has been painful, but it has also reminded me that pursuing my education and future goals sometimes requires difficult decisions. Starting college so far from my family, friends, and everything familiar is intimidating, especially while managing anxiety and depression, but I am choosing to see it as an opportunity to grow. These experiences have made me more empathetic and understanding of others. I know that many people carry struggles that are invisible, and I believe that kindness and genuine support can make a meaningful difference. My experiences have also shown me that asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of courage. Therapy, family support, and honest conversations have helped me continue moving forward, even during difficult times. Mental health has influenced nearly every part of my life, but it has not defined my future. Instead, it has given me resilience, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of supporting others. As I begin this next chapter in college, I hope to continue growing, advocate for mental health awareness, and use my experiences to help create a community where people feel seen, supported, and never alone.

Living with anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder has had a profound impact on my life, but it has also shaped the person I am becoming. My mental health journey has been influenced by experiences that began long before I understood what they meant. I was born with truncus arteriosus, a rare congenital heart defect, and have undergone two open heart surgeries. Growing up with serious medical challenges taught me that life can be unpredictable, but it also showed me the importance of resilience and perseverance. One of the most difficult experiences I have faced was being involved in a car accident. I was a passenger when another vehicle ran a red light and T-boned us while we were stopped. Although I was not driving, the accident left me with a lasting fear of being on the road. It reminded me how quickly life can change and reinforced the anxiety I already struggled with. While that fear has not disappeared, I continue working to move forward rather than allowing it to define my life. These experiences have shaped my goals by teaching me that success is about more than reaching a destination. It is also about having the courage to take the next step, even when it feels overwhelming. This August, I will be attending North Carolina Central University, nearly ten hours away from my family. Leaving the support system I have always relied on and moving to a place where I do not know anyone is both exciting and intimidating. My anxiety makes this transition especially challenging, but I refuse to let fear prevent me from pursuing my education and building a future for myself. I see this new chapter as an opportunity to grow more independent, develop confidence, and prove to myself that I am capable of overcoming uncertainty. My mental health has also influenced my relationships. Because I know what it feels like to struggle with challenges that are not always visible, I try to approach others with patience, empathy, and understanding. I have learned that people often carry burdens we cannot see, and a simple act of kindness or listening can make a meaningful difference. My experiences have also taught me the importance of leaning on trusted family, friends, and professionals when I need support. I have come to understand that asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of strength. Above all, my experiences have changed the way I see the world. I have learned that resilience does not mean never struggling, it means continuing to move forward despite those struggles. Every challenge I have faced, from my heart condition and surgeries to my mental health diagnoses and the trauma of the car accident, has strengthened my determination to build a meaningful life. While these experiences are part of my story, they do not define my future. Instead, they have given me compassion, perseverance, and the courage to embrace new opportunities, even when they seem frightening. As I begin my journey at North Carolina Central University, I hope to continue growing, supporting others, and showing that adversity can become a source of strength rather than a barrier to success.

Mental illness has affected many areas of my life, shaping the way I experience challenges, relationships, and major life changes. I have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorder. While each condition affects me differently, together they make everyday situations more difficult than they may seem to others. Even though these challenges have been overwhelming at times, they have also taught me the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and asking for help when I need it. One of the most difficult experiences I have faced was being involved in a car accident in December. Since the accident, I have developed a fear of driving. Something that once felt normal now causes me significant anxiety. I worry about being involved in another accident, and those thoughts can make me feel tense and overwhelmed whenever I think about getting behind the wheel. This fear has affected my independence and made it harder to travel without relying on others. Living with anxiety and depression has also affected my daily life. Anxiety often causes me to overthink situations and expect the worst, while depression can leave me feeling unmotivated, emotionally drained, and discouraged. My adjustment disorder makes it difficult to cope with major changes, even when they are positive opportunities. Because of this, transitions that others might see as exciting can feel frightening and emotionally exhausting for me. Another important part of my story is that I was born with truncus arteriosus, a congenital heart condition. Growing up with a serious medical condition has taught me that life can be unpredictable and that taking care of both my physical and mental health is essential. There have been times when managing my health has added stress and uncertainty, but it has also made me stronger and more appreciative of the support I receive from my family, friends, and healthcare providers. As I prepare to attend North Carolina Central University, I am facing one of the biggest transitions of my life. My new school will be about ten hours away from my mom, and that distance is something I think about every day. Leaving the person who has always been my biggest source of comfort is frightening. I worry about being on my own, adjusting to a new environment, and managing my mental health while balancing college responsibilities. At the same time, I know that attending college is an opportunity to grow, become more independent, and work toward my future goals. Although mental illness has created obstacles in my life, it has not stopped me from pursuing my dreams. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my determination to succeed. I know there will be difficult days, but I also know I do not have to face them alone. By continuing to seek support, use healthy coping strategies, and believe in my ability to overcome challenges, I am confident that I can adapt to this new chapter and continue building a successful future.

I was raised by a single mother, and that fact shaped the entire way I understand strength. My mother worked two jobs so my sister and I could have opportunities she never had. Even when exhausted or uncertain, she made sure we were not defined by struggle but by possibility. She found a way to put us in sports, clubs, and activities, not because it was easy, but because she refused to let hardship take away our childhood. What stayed with me most was not what my mother had, but what she gave. She gave her time when timeless and encouragement when she was tired. She gave presence when she already gave everything else. And through it all, she looked at me and said, “You are exactly who you say you are, and you will become exactly who you say you will be.” Those words became more than encouragement—they became identity. They taught me to believe in a future that I could not yet see. That belief became even more important as I grew up with a congenital heart condition. I was born with truncus arteriosus and have undergone two open-heart surgeries along with other medical procedures. Hospitals were not unfamiliar places for me—they were part of my childhood. I learned early what it feels like to be vulnerable, to depend on others, and to place trust in people you have just met but who hold your life in their hands. There were moments of fear that I did not always know how to name. But there were also moments of extraordinary compassion—nurses who held my hand, doctors who explained things gently, and caregivers who treated me as more than a diagnosis. Those moments stayed with me just as deeply as the surgeries themselves. They showed me that healthcare is not only science—it is humanity. I stopped seeing my condition as a limitation and began seeing it as perspective. I understand what it means to be the patient who is afraid, the child who needs reassurance, and the family hoping for good news. That understanding has shaped my purpose. I want to become a pediatrician who gives children the same sense of safety and dignity that I once received during my most vulnerable moments. My journey will begin at North Carolina Central University, where I plan to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing before continuing on to medical school. Nursing will ground me in patient care, empathy, and clinical skill, while medical school will allow me to expand my ability to serve children and families on a deeper level. I am especially committed to serving underserved communities like the one I come from—places where people are often strong but not always supported. I want to bring care closer to home through free clinics, school physicals, preventive education, and mentorship for young students who may not yet see healthcare as a path for them. Life has taught me that strength is not the absence of struggle—it is what you build from it. My mother built stability out of sacrifice, my heart condition built resilience out of uncertainty and I'm building purpose out of both. I call myself “Ajianaye the Queen” not because life has been easy, but because I have learned to rise every time it has tested me. I want to become the kind of provider who makes a child feel less afraid, a parent feel less alone, and a community feel more seen. That is the impact I am determined to make—one life, one moment, and one act of care at a time.

I want to pursue a career that connects healthcare with service to others, especially through nonprofit and community-based work, because I believe access to quality care should never depend on income, insurance status, or zip code. Growing up in an underserved community and living with a congenital heart condition has shown me firsthand how important it is to have healthcare professionals who are not only skilled, but also compassionate, accessible, and committed to equity. My experiences as a patient have shaped my understanding of what true care looks like. I have spent time in hospitals undergoing two open-heart surgeries, as well as other medical procedures, and I remember how much it meant when healthcare providers took time to explain things, comfort my family, and treat me with dignity. Those moments showed me that medicine is not only about treatment—it is about trust, communication, and human connection. I want to be part of a system that prioritizes those values, especially for patients who are often overlooked. Pursuing work in the nonprofit sector aligns with my desire to serve communities that face barriers to healthcare. I am especially passionate about helping children and families in underserved areas who may not have regular access to preventive care, education, or basic health services. I want to use my education as a nurse and future pediatrician to support free clinics, school-based health programs, and outreach initiatives that bring care directly to the people who need it most. My goal is to help reduce health disparities by focusing not only on treatment, but also on prevention and education. I hope to volunteer at and collaborate with nonprofit clinics to expand services such as school physicals, health screenings, and chronic illness education for families. I also want to mentor young people from similar backgrounds, especially first-generation students, to show them that their circumstances do not limit their potential. I believe my work will create a positive impact by building trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. Many individuals in underserved areas avoid seeking care due to cost, lack of access, or past negative experiences. I want to help change that by being a provider who listens, understands, and advocates for my patients. I want children to feel safe in medical settings and families to feel empowered to take control of their health. Ultimately, my goal is to use my career not only to treat illness, but to strengthen entire communities. By working in nonprofit and community-focused healthcare settings, I hope to ensure that quality care is not a privilege, but a right. My lived experiences have taught me that even one compassionate provider can change a person’s outlook on healthcare—and I intend to be that provider for as many people as I can reach.

Being born with truncus arteriosus, a rare congenital heart defect, has shaped the way I see the world and the person I am becoming. Although I did not choose this diagnosis, it has taught me that resilience, compassion, and faith can grow from life's greatest challenges. More importantly, it has given me a purpose: to dedicate my life to caring for others. From an early age, hospitals became a second home. I underwent two open-heart surgeries and experienced the uncertainty that comes with serious medical procedures. While I may not remember every detail, I will never forget the compassion shown by the doctors, nurses, and healthcare teams who cared for me. They did more than treat my heart—they gave my family hope and reminded me that I was more than my diagnosis. For much of my life, people saw my heart condition before they saw me. Some assumed I was fragile or incapable of living an active life. My mother and my surgeon challenged those assumptions. They encouraged me to know my body, trust my strength, and pursue my dreams without allowing fear to define my future. Because of them, I learned that truncus arteriosus is something I have—it is not who I am. Living as a patient has given me a perspective that cannot be taught in a classroom. I understand what it feels like to be scared before a procedure, to depend on compassionate healthcare professionals, and to find comfort in someone who truly listens. Those experiences have inspired my dream of becoming a registered nurse and, ultimately, a pediatrician. I want every child I care for to feel seen, heard, and valued because I know how much that kind of care can change a life. My goal is to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at North Carolina Central University and continue my education through medical school. I plan to use my education to improve healthcare access in underserved communities, volunteer at local free clinics, mentor young people who aspire to careers in healthcare, and advocate for children with congenital heart conditions and other chronic illnesses. Receiving additional funding would bring me one step closer to making these goals a reality. As a first-generation college student, the cost of higher education extends beyond tuition to books, clinical supplies, transportation, and other educational expenses. Scholarship support would reduce financial barriers, allowing me to focus on my studies, gain meaningful clinical experience, and prepare for the next stage of my education without the overwhelming burden of excessive debt. My heart has required extraordinary care since the day I was born, but it has also given me an extraordinary purpose. Every challenge I have overcome has strengthened my commitment to serving others. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue turning my experiences into action, my education into service, and my lifelong journey as a patient into a future dedicated to healing children and strengthening the communities that need compassionate healthcare the most.

Being born with truncus arteriosus, a rare congenital heart defect, has influenced every stage of my life. Although I did not choose this diagnosis, it has shaped the person I am becoming. Living with a heart condition has taught me that life is precious, resilience is powerful, and compassion can make a lasting difference in someone's life. From a young age, hospitals became familiar places. I underwent two open-heart surgeries and experienced the uncertainty, fear, and hope that come with serious medical care. As a child, I did not fully understand everything that was happening, but I always remembered the kindness of the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who cared for me. They did more than treat my heart—they gave my family reassurance and gave me the confidence to keep living a full life. For many years, people looked at my diagnosis before they looked at me. Some assumed I was fragile or incapable of doing the things other children could do. My surgeon and my mother never allowed me to believe those limitations. Instead, they encouraged me to know my body, listen to it, and pursue my dreams while taking care of my health. Because of their encouragement, I learned that having a heart condition is only one part of my story. It does not define my abilities, my potential, or my future. Living with truncus arteriosus has also given me a unique perspective on healthcare. I understand what it feels like to be the patient who is anxious before a procedure, the child who needs reassurance, and the family who depends on compassionate healthcare professionals. Those experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, beginning with earning my nursing degree and eventually becoming a pediatrician. I want every child I care for to feel safe, respected, and understood because I know firsthand how meaningful compassionate care can be. Beyond medicine, my experiences have taught me to appreciate every opportunity and never take my health or my future for granted. Challenges no longer discourage me; instead, they motivate me to work harder and dream bigger. Each obstacle I have overcome has strengthened my confidence and deepened my desire to serve others. As I move forward, I plan to use my experiences to advocate for children with congenital heart conditions and other chronic illnesses. I hope to educate families, mentor young patients, and help improve healthcare access in underserved communities. I want children who face medical challenges to see someone who understands their journey and can honestly tell them that a diagnosis does not determine their future. My heart has required extraordinary care since the day I was born, but it has also given me an extraordinary purpose. Living with truncus arteriosus has taught me resilience, empathy, and gratitude. Those lessons will guide every patient I care for, every family I encourage, and every community I serve. My condition may have shaped my life, but it has also shaped my calling—to use my experiences to bring hope, healing, and opportunity to others.

My long-term goal is to become a pediatrician who provides compassionate, high-quality healthcare to children, especially those living in underserved communities. I have chosen to first become a registered nurse because I believe nursing will provide me with a strong clinical foundation, improve my communication with patients and families, and make me a more empathetic physician. My journey requires careful planning, financial responsibility, academic excellence, and perseverance. In Fall 2026, I plan to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at North Carolina Central University. During my undergraduate education, I will focus on earning strong grades while gaining hands-on clinical experience. My goals during nursing school include: Complete all clinical rotations successfully. Complete all Certifications. Participate in community health outreach and volunteer at local free clinics. Build relationships with faculty mentors and healthcare professionals. Join nursing organizations and leadership opportunities. Prepare for and pass the RN examination immediately after graduation. After earning my BSN and passing the RN, I plan to work as a pediatric registered nurse for approximately three years. During this time, I will gain experience caring for children and families. Strengthen my clinical decision-making skills and prepare for and take the MCAT. Working as a nurse before medical school will allow me to become a stronger physician by understanding patient care from both the nursing and medical perspectives. After gaining nursing experience, I plan to apply to medical school. My objectives include earning my Doctor of Medicine degree, build mentorship relationships with pediatric physicians and graduating with the academic and clinical skills necessary for residency. During residency I will complete specialized pediatric training, develop expertise in preventive medicine while learning to care for children from diverse backgrounds and continue advocating for healthcare equity. As a pediatrician, I want to open or work in a pediatric practice serving underserved communities, volunteer at free clinics, provide affordable school physicals and organize community health fairs. I've looked into the estimated cost and it as follows: Tuition & Fees $8,500 Housing & Meals $11,500 Books & Supplies $1,500 Nursing Uniforms & Equipment $1,000 Laptop & Technology $800 Transportation $2,000 Personal Expenses $2,200 Licensing/Exam Preparation $500 Estimated Total $28,000 To finance my education, I plan to combine scholarships, grants, financial aid and part-time employment. Receiving scholarships will significantly reduce financial stress and allow me to dedicate more time to my studies, clinical training, and volunteer service. To successfully achieve my goals, I will rely on academic advising, faculty mentorship, tutoring services, mental health and wellness resources, clinical placements and family support. I recognize that becoming both a nurse and a physician will require many years of education and persistence. Financial challenges, rigorous coursework, and balancing my physical and mental health are obstacles I may face. However, living with congenital heart disease, recovering from multiple surgeries, and overcoming PTSD have taught me resilience. I have learned how to advocate for myself, ask for help when needed, and continue moving forward despite adversity. My education is not simply about earning degrees—it is about creating lasting change. I want every child to receive compassionate, quality healthcare regardless of their background. My goal is to become a healthcare professional who listens, advocates, educates, and inspires. Every step of my journey—from nursing school to medical school and beyond—will prepare me to improve healthcare access, reduce disparities, and serve my community with excellence and compassion.

The impact I want to make is simple: I want every child and every family, regardless of where they live or what they can afford, to receive compassionate, high-quality healthcare. Growing up in an underserved community and living with congenital heart disease has shown me that access to excellent medical care should never depend on a person's circumstances. My vision is to become a pediatrician who not only treats illnesses but also builds trust, educates families, and advocates for healthier communities. The person who inspires me most is my mother. As a single parent, she worked two jobs to make sure my sister and I never missed out on opportunities. She made sacrifices so we could participate in sports, clubs, and school activities, and she always found a way to support us. Through every challenge, she reminded me that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. Her faith in me has shaped the way I see myself and the future I am working toward. I am also inspired by the doctors and nurses who cared for me throughout my life. I was born with congenital heart disease and have undergone two open-heart surgeries, along with other medical procedures. Their compassion, patience, and encouragement showed me that healthcare is about much more than treating a diagnosis. It is about giving people hope, making them feel heard, and reminding them they are never alone. I want to provide that same comfort to every patient I serve. My journey will begin by earning my nursing degree at North Carolina Central University before continuing my education to become a pediatrician. Nursing will give me the skills, compassion, and clinical experience needed to become the kind of physician who understands patients from every perspective. I plan to use my education to give back to my community by volunteering at my local free clinic, helping expand services such as school physicals and preventive health education, and mentoring young people who dream of careers in healthcare. I want children from neighborhoods like mine to see someone who understands their experiences and shows them that their dreams are achievable. The change I hope to create extends beyond medicine. I want to help reduce healthcare disparities, improve access to quality care, and inspire others to believe that their circumstances do not define their future. My mother taught me to wear my crown with confidence—not because life has been easy, but because I have overcome every obstacle placed before me. That's why I proudly call myself "Ajianaye the Queen." My crown represents resilience, faith, and purpose. I plan to use my education to ensure every child I care for knows they matter, every family feels heard, and every community I serve becomes healthier than when I arrived. That is the legacy I hope to leave.

Being a first-generation college student means breaking barriers and creating a new path for my family. It means pursuing opportunities that previous generations didn't have and proving that my circumstances do not determine my future. Although the journey has been challenging, every obstacle has strengthened my determination to succeed. At only 17 years old, I have faced more health challenges than many people experience in a lifetime. I was born with congenital heart disease and have undergone two open-heart surgeries. I also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that my surgeon was able to save my ovaries, giving me hope that I can one day become a mother. Most recently, I survived a car accident and was diagnosed with PTSD. At first, I couldn't understand how someone so young could have experienced trauma. Then I realized that surviving surgeries, medical uncertainty, and a serious accident had shaped me in ways I hadn't fully recognized. Rather than allowing those experiences to define me, I have chosen to let them strengthen me. I call myself "Ajianaye the Queen" because I refuse to let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom constantly reminds me that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. Because of her encouragement, I know I will become an amazing nurse and continue my education to become a pediatrician. My mother is my greatest role model. As a single parent, she worked two jobs to make sure my sister and I had every opportunity to participate in sports, clubs, and school activities. No matter how difficult life became, she always showed up for us or made sure someone in our family could. Watching her sacrifice for our future taught me resilience, determination, and the value of hard work. Growing up in an underserved community has also inspired my career goals. While others see crime, I see hardworking families and talented people who deserve quality healthcare. Too often, people in neighborhoods like mine don't receive the medical care they need. I want to help change that. My goal is to attend North Carolina Central University's nursing program in Fall 2026, become a registered nurse, and eventually become a pediatrician. I also hope to volunteer at my local free clinic and help expand services like school physicals for children who need them. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden of college, allowing me to focus on my education and clinical training instead of financial stress. More importantly, it would be an investment in a first-generation student who is determined to make a difference. Heart disease is something I have, not who I am. My experiences have never limited my dreams—they have fueled them. I am ready to serve my community, inspire others who face obstacles, and prove that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, anything is possible.

As an underrepresented and first-generation college student, pursuing higher education has been both an exciting opportunity and a significant challenge. No one in my immediate family has experienced the college journey before me, so I have had to learn how to navigate the admissions process, financial aid, and academic planning largely on my own. While these experiences have taught me resilience, determination, and independence, they have also shown me the financial barriers that many first-generation students face. Receiving this scholarship would ease those burdens and allow me to focus on achieving my goal of becoming a nurse. In Fall 2026, I plan to attend the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Nursing Program. Choosing nursing is more than selecting a career—it is answering a calling to care for others during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I have always been passionate about helping people, and I believe nursing will give me the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. I want to provide compassionate, culturally competent care while advocating for patients who may not always have access to the healthcare resources they need. As someone from an underrepresented background, I understand the importance of diversity in healthcare. Patients often feel more comfortable and understood when they receive care from professionals who can relate to their experiences and respect their cultural backgrounds. I hope to become a nurse who not only delivers quality medical care but also builds trust with patients and serves as an advocate for health equity. My goal is to help reduce healthcare disparities by educating patients, promoting preventive care, and ensuring every person is treated with dignity and respect. The cost of earning a nursing degree extends far beyond tuition. There are expenses for textbooks, uniforms, clinical equipment, licensing exams, transportation to clinical sites, and other educational costs. As a first-generation student, I am committed to minimizing financial strain on my family while working hard to complete my education successfully. This scholarship would provide much-needed financial support, allowing me to dedicate more time to my studies, clinical experiences, and community service instead of worrying about how to cover educational expenses or accumulating excessive student loan debt. Throughout my educational journey, I have learned that success is built on perseverance, discipline, and a willingness to overcome obstacles. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my commitment to reaching my goals. I understand that becoming a nurse requires dedication, compassion, and lifelong learning, and I am prepared to meet those expectations. I also hope that my accomplishments will inspire younger students from underrepresented and first-generation backgrounds to believe that higher education is attainable and that their dreams are worth pursuing. Receiving this scholarship would be an investment not only in my education but also in my future service to others. It would help me continue my journey toward earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at NCCU and becoming a compassionate healthcare professional dedicated to improving the lives of others. I am committed to using my education to serve my community, advocate for equitable healthcare, and represent the values of resilience, excellence, and service throughout my nursing career.

I actually love this. So, when I was a younger, I watched my mom when we would walk through the mall, or anywhere, always compliment women. I always thought she was just being friendly because she talks to EVERYBODY, lol. But she told me that you never know what people are going through and a compliment can go a long way. Fast forward to me entering high school when I realized that is true. I actually enjoy complimenting woman, especially women of color. Reminding someone they are beautiful is so rewarding to me. I actually call myself and other women Queen all the time. I am going to school for nursing, but I love health and beauty. As a hairstylist (not professional), to me, hair is much more than a style or fashion statement—it is a form of self-expression and confidence. I see how hair can transform not only a person's appearance but also how they feel about themselves. Through care, creativity, and encouragement, hairstylists can play an important role in empowering Black women to feel proud of who they are and confident in everything they do. But empowering women is not just about beauty. Black women have shaped society. Despite dealing with racism and sexism, we continue to be resilient and remain strong. Black women have broken barriers and inspired change. Seeing Black women represented positively in media, politics, education, and business helps challenge stereotypes and encourages confidence and self-worth. Representation sends a powerful message that Black women belong in every space and can achieve greatness in any field. Empowering Black women means listening to our voices and valuing our experiences. It involves creating environments where we feel respected, supported, and heard. Communities, organizations, and institutions must work together to address inequalities and ensure that Black women have equal opportunities to succeed. Hairstyling is about more than creating beautiful looks—it is about helping Black women embrace their identity and confidence. Through care, creativity, and encouragement, hairstylists can play an important role in empowering Black women to feel proud of who they are and confident in everything they do. Empowering Black women benefits everyone. Their strength, creativity, and leadership have the power to drive positive change and inspire future generations. By promoting education, economic opportunity, representation, and equality, society can help create a future where Black women are fully empowered to achieve their dreams and make lasting contributions to the world. If you have a chance to compliment a Black Woman, please do so. Looking at Ms Charlene Howard Chogo's picture, she seemed like the life of the party. Full of life and enthusiasm. My condolences to her loved ones as loss is very hard to deal with. Please continue to do amazing things in her honor. Thank you for your consideration. FYI, I couldn't choose just 1 pic so I did a small collage 😂❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, thanking God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD and I couldn't believe it. I was thinking, I'm only 17 and I barely lived life yet, what trauma could I possibly have. Not even thinking everything I've been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my high school cheer team, Bennett Tigers, since 2023 when I was scouted to join the team. While on the team I received an award for Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player (Cheerleader). I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it truly has made me stronger. I am Ajianaye The Queen ( as I call myself☺️) and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is who I admire most, she tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and I will be exactly who I say I'll become. So you are looking at Ajianaye The Queen who will become an amazing Nurse. Who will further my education to become an amazing Pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent. Working 2 jobs to make sure my sister and I could do every activity , sport or club we wanted to do. She made sure we stayed active and out the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all but she didn't complain about any of it. She even made sure to be at every game /activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she made sure to send a family member in her place while attending the other. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves to work on her , she deserves to live in herself with the same love she gave us. I'm hoping to be awarded with as many scholarships as I can be so my mom doesn't keep stressing out about how to pay for me to o to college. So I'm not only doing this for me, I'm doing it for my mom too. Everything I've gone through, everyone I've encountered, inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood" as people say but it's not that bad. Is there crime, yes. But there's also some really amazing and intelligent people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always get the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to eventually further my education and become a Pediatrician but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't provide school physicals and I want to provide that service for them. People have told me it's out of reach but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body and listen to it. So far, my body tells me to reach new heights and that's what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. People always assume one goes into the medical field because of the money. I admit that there is a lot of money in nursing but that isn't why I chose that field. My experiences are what led me to nursing. My passion for helping children is what made me want to go into medicine. But because it pays well, my plan is to live at home with my mom so once I start my career, I can start paying off my student loan debt. People are so eager to leave home once they become an adult but I'm more focused on paying off my debt. My mom is my biggest supporter, she already let me know it's no rush for me to move out after college. She's actually encouraging me to stay home so I don't have to worry about paying a bunch of bills while eliminating my debt. I know there are so many nursing jobs out there, but I want to make sure I find the right one for me. I also want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. For me, I guess me having truncus arteriosus makes me stand out. I have a long zipper in the middle of my chest. It's funny because kids I went to school with since first grade actually forgot that I had open heart surgery. One day, freshman year, while trying out for volleyball, I was wearing a sports bra and one of my friends' asked what's that on my chest. I thought maybe it was a bug and I start screaming and jumping around. Whole time, she was talking about my scar. I told her she was in my class when I missed a month of school after heart surgery. She argued me down that I didn't have surgery. I kept all the cards my classmates made me when I went out so I took the card she made me to school a few days later. She laughed reading it but then she remembered. Everyone usually says they can't believe I had heart surgery because of how active I am. Truncus is just what I was born with, it doesn't define me as a person. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. Because of everything I've gone through, I've decided to major in nursing. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. People take one look at my background and assume the worst. They always assume that I can't have fun, that I'm fragile and that is not the case. I want people to look at my story and actually see my vibrance, my agility, my resilience, I want them to see me. I want people to see how far I've come. Let my story uplift and inspire. Heart disease does not define me, it's just what I have. But it doesn't stop me from following my dreams, it actually pushes me to follow them. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. My mom never finished college but is committed to furthering her education as she recently enrolled to Community College in our hometown of Buffalo, NY. My mom truly is my biggest fan and supporter. My drive and determination is because of her. I intend to not only make myself proud but her too. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I've dreamed of being a nurse since I was a kid, that sounds crazy because technically I'm still a kid, lol. I was born with truncus arteriosus, so I've been to many doctor appointments. Before each appointment, my mom always encouraged me to ask questions. She let me know no matter how silly I think the question might be, it's really not and for me to ask anyways. That is exactly what I did and I've learned a lot about my disease along with other ailments. In my 17 years of life thus far, I've had 2 open heart surgeries (truncus repairs), a balloon valvuloplasty, a broken toe, 2 dislocated elbows, a bruised tibia, bruised ribs, ligaments out of place in my neck and herniated disc in my lower back. I promise, I'm not clumsy, I'm a cheerleader. Up until 2 years ago, I was a flyer, until I fell from a stunt and got injured then I said never again, I will remain on the ground. I am hoping to still cheer when I go to college this fall. I will be attending North Carolina Central University, 10 hours away from home, from my mom, from my safety net. I don't know how I'm going to get through it but I'm determined. I actually missed virtual Varsity cheer tryouts because I wasn't feeling like myself. I felt like my tryout video was horrible. My back was bothering me, we only had 2 days to learn the cheer, dance and submit the video. Learning wasn't my problem. Because of the ligaments out of place in my neck, I kept getting horrible headaches. Why did the headache come on while I was trying to complete my routine. So, the ligaments, that happened from a car accident I was in this past December, so my pain is still kind of fresh. It comes and goes and pain management released me to cheer but told me to listen to my body. So I never tried out and it crushed me mentally. The coach did let me know that there will be Junior Varsity tryouts in September so now I'm allowing my body to rest so I can be ready for that. Cheer is my entire world; I don't know what else I would do if I wasn't a cheerleader. That brings me to Nursing. I want to go into pediatrics. I know all too well how it feels to be that scared kid in the hospital. I've had nurses that made my ouchy better, so I thought, just by being nice to me. They would make me smile and for that brief moment, I would forget I was in pain. I've had nurses do silly dances to make me smile, I had a nurse who let me polish her nails and she polished mine. Nurses are who set the tone of the appointments. Again, I've seen a lot of different doctors, they were all good at what they do but some of them have no bedside manner. The same as some nurses but the majority of them I've dealt with were great. I want to make children be less fearful, I want to make them smile, make them forget for a moment that they are in pain, I want to reassure them that they are in great hands. I want to let them know that I was once them. Everyone throughout my journey inspired me to go into nursing. I appreciate all my experiences no matter how scary they seemed. They shaped me into who I am today. I'm excited to see how my future turns out. Maybe I will or won't get this scholarship but either way, I appreciate your time and consideration.

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming!

Teaching cheerleading to children has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has allowed me to share my passion for cheer while helping young children build confidence, teamwork, and discipline. Through this experience, I have grown both personally and as a leader, learning valuable lessons that I will continue to apply in my future endeavors. My motivation for teaching cheer came from my love of the sport and my desire to make a positive impact on children. Cheerleading taught me important life skills such as perseverance, responsibility, and cooperation. I wanted to give younger children the same opportunity to develop these qualities while having fun and staying active. Seeing children improve their skills and gain confidence inspired me to become a mentor and role model for them. Although teaching cheer was rewarding, it also came with several challenges. One of the biggest challenges was working with children who had different skill levels and learning styles. Some children learned routines quickly, while others needed extra encouragement and practice. Maintaining discipline and keeping everyone focused during practice was sometimes difficult, especially with younger children who had shorter attention spans. Additionally, ensuring the safety of all participants while teaching new techniques required patience, careful planning, and constant supervision. Despite these challenges, I learned many valuable lessons from the experience. I developed stronger communication and leadership skills by explaining routines clearly and motivating children to do their best. I also learned the importance of patience, flexibility, and understanding. Every child progresses at their own pace, and it is important to create a supportive environment where everyone feels included and encouraged. Most importantly, I learned that effective leadership is not just about teaching skills but also about inspiring confidence and helping others reach their potential. In the future, I plan to use these experiences to contribute to my community. By continuing to mentor young people and participate in youth programs, I hope to encourage children to stay active, work hard, and believe in themselves. I want to create opportunities for children to develop important life skills through sports and extracurricular activities. My experience teaching cheer has shown me the positive impact that guidance and encouragement can have on young people, and I am committed to giving back to my community by helping others grow and succeed. Teaching cheer to children has been a meaningful journey that has strengthened my character and leadership abilities. The motivation, challenges, and lessons I gained from this experience have prepared me to make a positive difference in the lives of others and contribute to a stronger, more supportive community.

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves the opportunity to work on herself. She deserves to pour into herself the same love she poured into us. I'm hoping to be awarded as many scholarships as possible so my mom doesn't have to keep stressing about how to pay for me to go to college. So I'm not only doing this for me—I'm doing it for my mom, too. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves the opportunity to work on herself. She deserves to pour into herself the same love she poured into us. I'm hoping to be awarded as many scholarships as possible so my mom doesn't have to keep stressing about how to pay for me to go to college. So I'm not only doing this for me—I'm doing it for my mom, too. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. College is very expensive. I come from a single parent home. My mom took out loans to send my sister to school so I know she's in debt. I don't care if it's $1 or $30,000, money adds up and every amount helps. Scholarship money will help take that burden off not just my mom but off me as well. This allows me to further my education from Nursing to becoming a Pediatrician. Thank you for your time.❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves the opportunity to work on herself. She deserves to pour into herself the same love she poured into us. I'm hoping to be awarded as many scholarships as possible so my mom doesn't have to keep stressing about how to pay for me to go to college. So I'm not only doing this for me—I'm doing it for my mom, too. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my high school cheer team, the Bennett Tigers, since 2023, when I was scouted to join the team. While on the team, I received awards for Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player (Cheerleader). Because NCCU cheer tryouts were in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I wasn't cheering at my best because I was still somewhat sore. When tryouts came around, they were done through video submissions, and I was completely in my head. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that I looked sloppy, and that the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each other's videos or that I had no idea what anyone else looked like. I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself, but honestly, I really did do well. At that time, I just didn't think so. JV tryouts are in September, and I will definitely be there. I really wanted to join the varsity team, but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves the opportunity to work on herself. She deserves to pour into herself the same love she poured into us. I'm hoping to be awarded as many scholarships as possible so my mom doesn't have to keep stressing about how to pay for me to go to college. So I'm not only doing this for me—I'm doing it for my mom, too. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had two open-heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, and I thank God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so that I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't even fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD, and I couldn't believe it. I kept thinking, "I'm only 17, and I've barely lived life yet. What trauma could I possibly have?" I didn't even realize that everything I had been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my high school cheer team, the Bennett Tigers, since 2023, when I was scouted to join the team. While on the team, I received awards for Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player (Cheerleader). Because NCCU cheer tryouts were in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I wasn't cheering at my best because I was still somewhat sore. When tryouts came around, they were done through video submissions, and I was completely in my head. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that I looked sloppy, and that the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each other's videos or that I had no idea what anyone else looked like. I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself, but honestly, I really did do well. At that time, I just didn't think so. JV tryouts are in September, and I will definitely be there. I really wanted to join the varsity team, but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it has truly made me stronger. I am Ajianaye the Queen (as I call myself ☺️), and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is the person I admire most. She tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and that I will become exactly who I say I will be. So, you are looking at Ajianaye the Queen, who will become an amazing nurse and who will further her education to become an amazing pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent, working two jobs to make sure my sister and I could participate in every activity, sport, and club we wanted to join. She made sure we stayed active and stayed out of the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all, but she never complained. She even made sure to attend every game and activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she would send a family member in her place while attending the other event herself. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves the opportunity to work on herself. She deserves to pour into herself the same love she poured into us. I'm hoping to be awarded as many scholarships as possible so my mom doesn't have to keep stressing about how to pay for me to go to college. So I'm not only doing this for me—I'm doing it for my mom, too. Everything I've gone through and everyone I've encountered has inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood," as people say, but it's not as bad as some people think. Is there crime? Yes. But there are also some incredibly intelligent and amazing people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always receive the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to further my education and eventually become a pediatrician, but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't currently provide school physicals, and I want to help make that service available. People have told me that my goals are out of reach, but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body, and listen to it. So far, my body is telling me to reach new heights, and that's exactly what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl, because I'm coming! ❤️

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. College is very expensive. I come from a single parent home. My mom took out loans to send my sister to school so I know she's in debt. I don't care if it's $1 or $30,000, money adds up and every amount helps. Scholarship money will help take that burden off not just my mom but off me as well. This allows me to further my education from Nursing to becoming a Pediatrician. I'm the meantime, you can see the picture of my echocardiogram. I wish I can upload the video, my mom records it at every appointment. Anything is appreciated, even if it's consideration. Thank you for your time.❤️

I was born with heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, thanking God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD and I couldn't believe it. I was thinking, I'm only 17 and I barely lived life yet, what trauma could I possibly have. Not even thinking everything I've been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my high school cheer team, Bennett Tigers, since 2023 when I was scouted to join the team. While on the team I received an award for Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player (Cheerleader). Because NCCU cheer tryouts was in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I wasn't cheering at my best because I was still a bit sore. When tryouts came, it was a video submission, I was in my head bad. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that's I looked sloppy and the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each others videos and I didn't know what everyone else looked like, I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself but honestly, I really did do good. At that time, I just didn't think so. But JV tryouts are in September so I will definitely go to them. I really wanted to join the Varsity team but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it truly has made me stronger. I am Ajianaye The Queen ( as I call myself☺️) and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is who I admire most, she tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and I will be exactly who I say I'll become. So you are looking at Ajianaye The Queen who will become an amazing Nurse. Who will further my education to become an amazing Pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle as a single parent. Working 2 jobs to make sure my sister and I could do every activity , sport or club we wanted to do. She made sure we stayed active and out the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all but she didn't complain about any of it. She even made sure to be at every game /activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she made sure to send a family member in her place while attending the other. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves to work on her , she deserves to live in herself with the same love she gave us. I'm hoping to be awarded with as many scholarships as I can be so my mom doesn't keep stressing out about how to pay for me to o to college. So I'm not only doing this for me, I'm doing it for my mom too. Everything I've gone through, everyone I've encountered, inspired me to go into the medical profession. I live in "the hood" as people say but it's not that bad. Is there crime, yes. But there's also some really amazing and intelligent people in my neighborhood. People who come from where I come from don't always get the best medical care. I want to change that. My goal is to eventually further my education and become a Pediatrician but that won't stop me from helping people where I'm from. I want to volunteer at the free clinic in my area. They don't provide school physicals and I want to provide that service for them. People have told me it's out of reach but if I believed everything they said, I wouldn't have played sports. My surgeon and my mom encouraged me to reach for the stars, know my body and listen to it. So far, my body tells me to reach new heights and that's what I'm doing. North Carolina Central University, get ready for your girl because I'm coming! ❤️

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. Back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. Especially those who look like me as my community is underserved and overlooked. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

Hello North Carolina Central University, I'm Ajianaye and it's nice to meet you. I'm proud to call myself an Eagle as that is where I will spend the next 4 years of my academic career. I was born with heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, thanking God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD and I couldn't believe it. I was thinking, I'm only 17 and I barely lived life yet, what trauma could I possibly have. Not even thinking everything I've been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my high school cheer team, Bennett Tigers, since 2023. While on the team I received an award for Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player (Cheerleader). Because NCCU cheer tryouts was in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I wasn't cheering at my best because I was still a bit sore. When tryouts came, it was a video submission, I was in my head bad. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that's I looked sloppy and the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each others videos and I didn't know what everyone else looked like, I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself but honestly, I really did do good. At that time, I just didn't think so. But JV tryouts are in September so I will definitely go to them. I really wanted to join the Varsity team but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it truly has made me stronger. My mom is my rock, I can't imagine being 10 hours away from her so long. I'm very close to my sister and grandparents as well. We all actually live around the corner from each other so we see each other often. My great Grandma Ann ( who will be 95 in October❤️)also lives with my parents and I'm blessed to de living with 4 generations. I've watched my mom struggle, working 2 jobs to make sure my sister and I could do every activity , sport or club we wanted to do. She made sure we stayed active and out the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all but she didn't complain about any of it. She even made sure to be at every game /activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she made sure to send a family member in her place while attending the other. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves to work on her , she deserves to live in herself with the same love she gave us. I'm hoping to be awarded with as many scholarships as I can be so my mom doesn't keep stressing out about how to pay for me to o to college. So I'm not only doing this for me, I'm doing it for my mom too. Look out world, I'm ready, are you?! ❤️

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

NCCU I hope you are ready for me because even though I'm afraid, I'm ready for you. I'm afraid of being 10 hours away from my safety net ( my mom ). My mom is who is pushing me to follow my dreams and I plan on doing just that. I come from a single parent home. My mom raised 2 daughters, of whom I'm the youngest. She did with grace, understanding, compassion, joy and love. My mom made sure we were able to join every club, sport or activity we chose to do. Knowing it was costly, my mom worked 2 jobs for years until she made enough money at 1 kid to still afford my activities as my sister ( who is 10 years older than me) was no longer in the house. I'm applying for any and all scholarships I can to take the burden off my mom and myself to try paying for college. Another thing that scares me, I have congenital heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. So being 10 hours away from home without my mom, my cardiologist and my surgeon terrifies me. Not saying there's no amazing medical professionals out there, it's just the ones I know, love and have had since birth are not. My cardiologist is giving me the names of cardiologist in the area in case of an emergency so that is comforting. Because of my health and what I have gone through, that is why I'm going into nursing. I've dealt with amazing medical professionals along the way who inspired me to do the same. I want to eventually become a pediatrician but want as much experience I can gain as a nurse first. In my eyes, the nurses are the front lines, they are who make you comfortable, they set the tone of the appointment, they prepare you for the doctors. The nurses are who you spend the most time with, their energy is what you go off of first. When they come in smiling , it definitely makes you feel a little better. At least that's how it made me feel. They were comforting, compassionate , empathetic and made me feel safe. I want to bring that same energy, I want to make children feel less afraid than they are. It's hard dealing with a disease that I saw my friend lose his battle to. But he also makes me want to be the best I can. My cardiologist and even the nursing staff at his office, they are all great. They show that they actually care, they actually get to know their patients. They remember me even when they see me in a supermarket. I know that doesn't seem like a big deal but it is to me because it shows me that I'm not just a patient. NCCU has a great nursing program and I am confident that I will do well there. Because I have mental health issues, my counselor is working to get a 504 plan in place to add supports if needed. So again, yes I'm scared but my fear is my fuel, it won't stop me. Lastly, thank you for your consideration.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better. I heard about this scholarship on the bold.org

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses inspired me to want to be a Nurse and work with children. Heart disease doesn't define who I am. It may have slowed me down at times but it doesn't define me. I live my life to the fullest and cheer my heart out, not figuratively of course🤣. If proof is needed from my cardiologist, I can provide it. Thank you for your consideration.

So my girlfriend and I have been together for 2 years now. I hate that I will be 10 hours away from her at college. We actually work as Youth Health Advocates, empowering teens to embrace their sexuality, gender roles, mental, physical, emotional and psychological health struggles and well being. I talk with teens who struggle with expressing themselves to their parents. I remind them it's ok to feel embrace their sexuality but it's also ok to feel scared to be honest with family members. I remind them that they can take their time with coming out, no one can or should be rushing them to speak their truth. Because my sister, who is 10 years older than me, already told my mom that she's attracted to males and females and my uncle, who was my moms best friend was married to a man, I knew me telling her that I like girls wouldn't be an issue. I knew she would still be accepting of my choice and my girlfriend. So when I told her, she laughed , hugged me and told me she had a feeling , she was just waiting for me to tell her. She told me she was proud of me for living my truth. I am very lucky to have the family I have. My uncle, my sister and myself identify as LGBTQ and our family accepts us and embraces our sexuality. My mom is actually my biggest fan and supporter. I come from a single parent home, I watched my mom struggle with loss, depression, anxiety, finances and her physical appearance. Remaining as strong as she possibly could , without any complaints, with a smile on her face ( while holding back tears ) and managing to be a great mom. This scholarship would mean everything to me as I know my mom can't afford college for me. I will be taking out loans to help as well. I am majoring in nursing then plan to further my education to become a Pediatrician. So believe me when I say, not only can I use the help but it would be greatly appreciated. In the end, I just want to be the best person, Nurse and/or Pediatrician I can be. I definitely want to go into pediatrics and help children the way doctors and nurses have helped me along the way. I have congenital heart disease and had 2 open heart surgeries so I know what it's like to be that scared little kid in the hospital. My disease doesn't define me, it fuels me. Any and all scholarship money would take stress away from me with trying to pay for college but whether I get them or not, I will still be the very best version of me that I can be. Thank you for your consideration.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

Hello North Carolina Central University, I'm Ajianaye and it's nice to meet you. I'm proud to call myself an Eagle as that is where I will spend the next 4 years of my academic career. I was born with heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, thanking God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD and I couldn't believe it. I was thinking, I'm only 17 and I barely lived life yet, what trauma could I possibly have. Not even thinking everything I've been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my high school cheer team, Bennett Tigers, since 2023 when I was scouted to join the team. While on the team I received an award for Sportsmanship and Most Valuable Player (Cheerleader). Because NCCU cheer tryouts was in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I was cheering at my best because I was still a bit sore. When tryouts came, it was a video submission, I was in my head bad. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that's I looked sloppy and the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each others videos and I didn't know what everyone else looked like, I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself but honestly, I really did do good. At that time, I just didn't think so. But JV tryouts are in September so I will definitely go to them. I really wanted to join the Varsity team but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it truly has made me stronger. I am Ajianaye The Queen ( as I call myself☺️) and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom is who I admire most, she tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and I will be exactly who I say I'll become. So you are looking at Ajianaye The Queen who will become an amazing Nurse. Who will further my education to become an amazing Pediatrician. I've watched my mom struggle, working 2 jobs to make sure my sister and I could do every activity , sport or club we wanted to do. She made sure we stayed active and out the streets. It wasn't easy for her at all but she didn't complain about any of it. She even made sure to be at every game /activity we had. If there was a conflict in our schedules, she made sure to send a family member in her place while attending the other. My mom is even going back to school this year to further her education after 30 years. She deserves to work on her , she deserves to live in herself with the same love she gave us. I'm hoping to be awarded with as many scholarships as I can be so my mom doesn't keep stressing out about how to pay for me to o to college. So I'm not only doing this for me, I'm doing it for my mom too. Look out world because I'm coming through. I am the definition of You Got It Girl. Look out world, I'm ready, are you?! ❤️

Hello North Carolina Central University, I'm Ajianaye and it's nice to meet you. I'm proud to call myself an Eagle as that is where I will spend the next 4 years of my academic career. I have committed to NCCU for Fall 2026. For me being from NewYork State and going to college in North Carolina, all alone is a big deal. But I am so proud of myself for being able to do it. Of course I'm scared, that's an understatement but I refuse to let my fear get in the way of having new experiences and helping me get closer to achieving my goals. A little about me, I was born with heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, thanking God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD and I couldn't believe it. I was thinking, I'm only 17 and I barely lived life yet, what trauma could I possibly have. Not even thinking everything I've been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my cheer team since 2023 when I was scouted to join the team. Because NCCU cheer tryouts was in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I was cheering at my best because I was still a bit sore. When tryouts came, it was a video submission, I was in my head bad. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that's I looked sloppy and the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each others videos and I didn't know what everyone else looked like, I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself but honestly, I really did do good. At that time, I just didn't think so. But JV tryouts are in September so I will definitely go to them. I really wanted to join the Varsity team but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it truly has made me stronger. I am Ajianaye The Queen ( as I call myself☺️) and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and I will be exactly who I say I'll become. So you are looking at Ajianaye The Queen who will become an amazing Nurse. Who will further my education to become an amazing Pediatrician. Look out world because I'm coming through. I'm ready, are you?! ❤️

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.

Hello North Carolina Central University, I'm Ajianaye and it's nice to meet you. I'm proud to call myself an Eagle as that is where I will spend the next 4 years of my academic career. I have committed to NCCU for Fall 2026. For me being from NewYork State and going to college in North Carolina, all alone is a big deal. But I am so proud of myself for being able to do it. Of course I'm scared, that's an understatement but I refuse to let my fear get in the way of having new experiences and helping me get closer to achieving my goals. A little about me, I was born with heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, thanking God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD and I couldn't believe it. I was thinking, I'm only 17 and I barely lived life yet, what trauma could I possibly have. Not even thinking everything I've been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my cheer team since 2023 when I was scouted to join the team. Because NCCU cheer tryouts was in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I was cheering at my best because I was still a bit sore. When tryouts came, it was a video submission, I was in my head bad. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that's I looked sloppy and the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each others videos and I didn't know what everyone else looked like, I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself but honestly, I really did do good. At that time, I just didn't think so. But JV tryouts are in September so I will definitely go to them. I really wanted to join the Varsity team but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it truly has made me stronger. I am Ajianaye The Queen ( as I call myself☺️) and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and I will be exactly who I say I'll become. So you are looking at Ajianaye The Queen who will become an amazing Nurse. Who will further my education to become an amazing Pediatrician. Look out world because I'm coming through. I'm ready, are you?! ❤️

NCCU I hope you are ready for me because even though I'm afraid, I'm ready for you. I'm afraid of being 10 hours away from my safety net ( my mom ). My mom is who is pushing me to follow my dreams and I plan on doing just that. I come from a single parent home. My mom raised 2 daughters, of whom I'm the youngest. She did with grace, understanding, compassion, joy and love. My mom made sure we were able to join every club, sport or activity we chose to do. Knowing it was costly, my mom worked 2 jobs for years until she made enough money at 1 kid to still afford my activities as my sister ( who is 10 years older than me) was no longer in the house. I'm applying for any and all scholarships I can to take the burden off my mom and myself to try paying for college. Another thing that scares me, I have congenital heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. So being 10 hours away from home without my mom, my cardiologist and my surgeon terrifies me. Not saying there's no amazing medical professionals out there, it's just the ones I know, love and have had since birth are not. My cardiologist is giving me the names of cardiologist in the area in case of an emergency so that is comforting. Because of my health and what I have gone through, that is why I'm going into nursing. I've dealt with amazing medical professionals along the way who inspired me to do the same. I want to eventually become a pediatrician but want as much experience I can gain as a nurse first. In my eyes, the nurses are the front lines, they are who make you comfortable, they set the tone of the appointment, they prepare you for the doctors. The nurses are who you spend the most time with, their energy is what you go off of first. When they come in smiling , it definitely makes you feel a little better. At least that's how it made me feel. They were comforting, compassionate , empathetic and made me feel safe. I want to bring that same energy, I want to make children feel less afraid than they are. It's hard dealing with a disease that I saw my friend lose his battle to. But he also makes me want to be the best I can. My cardiologist and even the nursing staff at his office, they are all great. They show that they actually care, they actually get to know their patients. They remember me even when they see me in a supermarket. I know that doesn't seem like a big deal but it is to me because it shows me that I'm not just a patient. NCCU has a great nursing program and I am confident that I will do well there. Because I have mental health issues, my counselor is working to get a 504 plan in place to add supports if needed. So again, yes I'm scared but my fear is my fuel, it won't stop me. Lastly, thank you for your consideration.

Hello North Carolina Central University, I'm Ajianaye and it's nice to meet you. I'm proud to call myself an Eagle. For me being from NewYork State and going to college in North Carolina, all alone is a big deal. But I am so proud of myself for being able to do it. Of course I'm scared, that's an understatement but I refuse to let my fear get in the way of having new experiences and helping me get closer to achieving my goals. A little about me, I was born with heart disease and have had 2 open heart surgeries. I've also had an ovarian laparoscopy, thanking God that the surgeon was able to save my ovaries so I can one day have children. I was also recently in a car accident that shook me up in ways I can't fathom. I was diagnosed with PTSD and I couldn't believe it. I was thinking, I'm only 17 and I barely lived life yet, what trauma could I possibly have. Not even thinking everything I've been through was actually traumatic. The car accident is what changed me. I've been the captain of my cheer team since 2023 when I was scouted to join the team. Because NCCU cheer tryouts was in April and the accident was in December, I was a bit rusty. I was cheering at my best because I was still a bit sore. When tryouts came, it was a video submission, I was in my head bad. My anxiety was through the roof. I thought everyone was better than me, that's I looked sloppy and the coach would take one look at me and say no. It didn't matter that we couldn't see each others videos and I didn't know what everyone else looked like, I was convinced that I looked horrible. I still watch the video and critique myself but honestly, I really did do good. At that time, I just didn't think so. But JV tryouts are in September so I will definitely go to them. I really wanted to join the Varsity team but there is always next season. Right now, I just want to cheer. I've overcome a lot in my 17 years. I love that I've gone through everything I did because it truly has made me stronger. I am Ajianaye The Queen ( as I call myself☺️) and I don't let anyone dim my light or knock off my crown. My mom tells me all the time that I am exactly who I say I am and I will be exactly who I say I'll become. So you are looking at Ajianaye The Queen who will become an amazing Nurse. Who will further my education to become an amazing Pediatrician. Look out world because I'm coming through. I'm ready, are you?! ❤️

I have congenital heart disease, born with truncus arteriosus. Throughout my life, I was told I would need at least 3 open heart surgeries. During my second surgery, my surgeon was able to replace my conduit with an adult size conduit. He let me know I may not need the 3rd surgery anymore as long as I didn't have any complications. That was at age 6. Fast forward to age 17 and my cardiologist is still saying I'm doing very well and the 3rd surgery isn't needed. I've met some amazing nurses along my journey, some of whom I will never forget. I don't remember my 1st surgery at all as I was just 3 weeks old when I had it. As for my second surgery isn't, I remember being afraid, missing my friends, mad that I couldn't play, missing school and being in pain. But what I remember most is how my mom stayed by my side. I remember waking up some days and seeing her eyes red, looking like she had been crying. Knowing now that she was afraid but didn't want to show it. My mom always made sure to keep it together and be strong for not just me but for my sister too. But back to the amazing nurses. I had a nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital who not only painted my nails but let me paint hers ( with my mom's permission of course ) as long as I agreed to take my medicine. Unfortunately, I don't remember her name but I remember she was the nurse during the day but by time I went to sleep, she would be gone. I remember Nurse Gina, she was the surgeons head nurse. She was so kind, caring, gentle, reassuring, just a real sweet person. She made me feel safe and less afraid. I remember she came to remove my drain and I screamed and hollered. My mom held my hand and tried to calm me down but all I could think about was what I thought back then to be a big tube coming out of my stomach. Nurse Gina kept telling me it would only be a weird tickle, she told me she had a big surprise for me after she took it out but I just couldn't stop screaming. Fear had completely taken over. But while she was doing her countdown to remove the drain, while I'm screaming, she had already removed it and I didn't even know. She showed me the drain and let me know she had already taken it out, I looked at my stomach and like magic, the drain was gone. She wiped my tears and told me I was brave then let me know a friend of hers wanted to see me. It was a therapy dog named Sam and was I happy to see him. Sam let me pet him while he rested his head on my lap, that made me forget for a minute that I was in the hospital. I had a nurse named Betty dance and be silly before she put the IV in my arm just because she wanted to make me feel less scared. Those nurses didn't have to do those things. To me, they went above and beyond. People like that inspired me to become a nurse. I want to make children feel the way they made me feel. I want to make them smile during those scary times, reassure them that they're in good hands and our team is going to do our very best to make them feel better.