My name is Akebia McCree, and I am currently a senior at Chamberlain College of Nursing, pursuing a degree in nursing. I chose to pursue a degree in healthcare because I have always been passionate about helping others and making a difference in people's lives. Growing up, I watched my grandmother’s home health agent, who worked as a nurse, provide care and comfort to those in need, and it inspired me to follow in her footsteps. I have seen firsthand the impact that compassionate and dedicated healthcare professionals can have on individuals and their families, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of that. As a Black woman in the healthcare field, I am particularly motivated to address the disparities that exist in healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities. I believe that representation matters, and by becoming a nurse, I hope to serve as a role model and advocate for patients who might feel overlooked or misunderstood. It is important to me to provide culturally competent care, ensuring that all patients feel respected and heard, regardless of their background. In my studies, I have learned not only the technical skills necessary for nursing but also the importance of empathy and communication. I hope to make a positive impact by using these skills to build trust with my patients and their families. By listening to their concerns and understanding their unique needs, I aim to provide personalized care that makes them feel valued and supported. Additionally, I am committed to lifelong learning and professional development. The healthcare field is constantly evolving, and I want to stay informed about the latest advancements and best practices. By doing so, I can ensure that I am providing the highest quality of care to my patients. I also hope to mentor aspiring nurses, especially women of color, to encourage them to pursue careers in healthcare and to support them in their journeys. I am aware of the challenges that women face in the healthcare field, including gender bias and unequal opportunities for advancement. However, I am determined to overcome these obstacles and to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system. By advocating for gender equality and diversity in healthcare, I hope to create a supportive environment where all healthcare professionals can thrive and provide the best care possible. In conclusion, I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I am passionate about making a difference in people's lives and addressing healthcare disparities. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by providing compassionate care, advocating for marginalized communities, and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a field that is so vital to the well-being of individuals and society as a whole.

Adversity seems to strike at times when we least expect it or least prepared; that's just life. Overcoming them can be hard, but I'm a believer in God and by having faith in him, I know that he will not put more on me than I am able to bare. It's often extremely difficult when you feel as though you are losing it all, but I always think of it as a test of faith. There has been times and still are that as a single parent, where I have been unsure how I would be able to afford all of my expenses, work full time, be a full time mom, and go to school, but with faith and my village, I am able to overcome adversity. Life seems to throw us curve balls that we are unable to avoid at times. Growing up with a mother with numerous health conditions and being the oldest child of 3 was challenging at times, but I always wanted to help. There are also students that attend the same school as me going through similar situations, with similar backgrounds where they are natural nurtures and just want to help and this is why we chose nursing as our profession. Being in the medical field for almost 12 years now as a medical assistant, I have seen a number of situations where I wanted to help more than beyond the healthcare facility. There are so many patients that are both young and old that are unable to afford insurance or do not quality for government assistance that are sick and need help in some way or another. No one should be turned away and stuck with a huge bill that they may never be able to afford or pay off due to illness. Some individuals may be born with these illnesses or they have come about due to lack of healthcare because of little to no income or insurance. This is where I would love to help the community in the future. As a nursing student, my passion is to give back to the community in more ways than one. As a future nurse and as I continue my studies to become a Nurse Practioner, I would love to open up a facility/clinic for the less fortunate. There are too many people in the black community that are stereotyped against and it's time for someone to advocate for us all. Not just blacks but all of the diverse individuals in need. I would love to create a team that helps the homeless, low income, and less fortunate with great care and their healthcare needs. There are also veterans that deserve the upmost respect from our country that are suffering and unable to get any assistance, even from the V.A. They too need someone to advocate on their behalf and I would love to be her. Experiencing the storms of adversity myself and seeing so much over my years in healthcare, having compassion, empathy, autonomy, and advocating for patients and the world is what I love most. I'm also are aware that adversity takes place when we are so close to our goals and breakthrough, but once again, we must keep the faith, our held high and conquer it by storm. It's all a lesson and it does not last forever.

The beauty industry is forever changing and someone once also told me that nothing's new under the sun. This is definitely the case when it comes to being a cosmetologist in today's industry. There are so many styles that are coming back from when I was younger, but also a lot of new ones. Although styling hair is only part of being a cosmetologist and there are a lot of new teachings, the fundamentals of things are still the same. I am looking to be more knowledge and find my field in this cosmetology/ industry industry. Esthetician is big now and something I would like to dive deeper in. I am use to doing hair, but cosmetology is a big umbrella that allows us to try out different things. My short term goals are to increase clientele and master the services that I currently can provide as well as add new ones. Silk presses and quick weaves are things that I have mastered, but I would like to go further and include, micro links and tape ins as well. My long term goal has always been to open up a spa that is a one stop shop for all. One where clients can come and receive whatever hairstyle they desire as well as get manicured/pedicured services, waxes, eye lash extensions and makeup. A lot of females and males travel to different locations to receive each service and it can be extremely time consuming, so opening up one place where everything is done would be brilliant. This would also be a safe place since we are already natural therapist when we come into this field so let's continue to do so and allow our clients to leave feeling better than they came in and beautiful. I would also like to expand my knowledge along the lines of the business aspect and network with a lot of great artist in this industry so that I can excel and make my dreams come true. There's so much that we are able to learn from others and individuals that have been in this same position. Sometimes we just need the motivation and push to just start and see where we land. As many times I have thought this my not be for me, something or someone always remind me of what made me start in the first place and I would love to continue this passion of mine.

A godly, ambitious, thriving, and determined new single mother is who I am. I’m Akebia McCree, a registered medical assistant as well as a licensed cosmetologist. I am furthering my education to become a registered nurse.My career goal is to receive my bachelor's degree in nursing. This has been a dream of mine since a child. I not only want to receive my degree, but I would like to graduate at the top of my class. I have a 9-month-old daughter who is watching and there is nothing I would want more than to set a great example for her. I want an amazing life for her and to know that anything is possible with hard work. I plan to study more than ever because this is a degree, I have been working on for some time now. Life began to happen, and things were set aside, but I am determined and ready to achieve what I have started. I always wanted a certain life before having children, but now she will be able to watch walk the stage. As a nurse, I aspire to take my role seriously and do my best to save lives from start to finish. I aspire to treat every patient as if they were one of my dear family members. One of my goals is to be a traveling nurse. Getting as much knowledge and credentials under my belt will help me be transparent no matter where I am placed. I aspire to be flexible and a helping hand to anyone who may be in need. I have been in the medical field for 10 years and I would like a more challenging task. I would like something that makes me use my critical thinking skills, and I know that being a nurse will allow me to be successful in that. Patients remember a lot of nurses before some physicians because they are always there to help and care for the patient. There’s nothing more I want more than to receive my bachelor’s degree in nursing and help change the world and make it a better place. Nurses are needed all over in every aspect. I plan to possibly go even further and receive my doctorate as a nurse practitioner. I plan to give back by helping young or old single mothers, with a dream to became a nurse, make their dream come true.