Sixteen years of age is usually a developmental milestone for teenagers as they are getting their learner’s permit, attending school dances, acquiring jobs, and much more. When I was 16 years old, I was facing a new medical diagnosis, Crohn’s disease. I was experiencing fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and abscesses. My gastroenterologist assured my mom and I that I had Crohn’s disease. Enduring this new diagnosis, I was in and out of the hospital a lot, I could not attend school, nor see my family often. My nurses at the time played a whole huge part in my care and strength during this time. I admired my doctor, his Nurse practitioner, and the hospital nurses working together as a team to give me the best quality of care. Even though this was a lot to take in at such an early age, I am otherwise thankful for the experience to be exposed to the nursing profession which subsequently sparked my interest in healthcare leading me now to pursue a career as a registered nurse. As I continue to grow, mature, and gain experiences, my desire to help others is a strong personality trait of mine. I went off to school in Tallahassee where I continued my education at Florida A&M University. Along with completing my studies, I was involved on and off campus. Being a student at Florida A&M University, I wanted to be involved within the community not only serving the students on campus but the Tallahassee residents. I joined FAMU’s Student Health Services as a volunteer for their Farm Share and Food pantry addressing the issues of food insecurity amongst college students. With having to worry about paying for classes, books and supplies, college students and their families can be put in a financial bind. As a volunteer, we provided students with fresh fruits, vegetables, and canned goods while they are completing their education at the University. Being an active member of FAMU’s Transfer Student Association, I was welcomed with open arms by students who were also transfer students still learning FAMU campus and what Tallahassee has to offer. We cleaned the streets in our local neighborhoods, raised money for different organizations, and donated clothes to our homeless shelters. I was inspired even more to continue helping in the community because of the joy coming from the residents of what we are doing. In addition, I became a volunteer for Sowing Seeds Sewing Ministry Comfort to provide physical, mental, and spiritual growth for all people. This is something I did with my great aunt before she developed dementia and passed away July 2022. Along with being a volunteer within the community, I decide to become a medical assistant (MA) to not only gain direct patient care experience but to learn about a wild range of patient problems, diagnoses, and treatment management. Working as an MA, I learned the importance of teamwork and communication to facilitate exceptional patient ca As the nursing profession continues to evolve, I not only want to make a difference in the field but continue to be a part of adding diversity into healthcare. Through my personal struggles, I want to be able to provide the same educational teachings and reassurance that was given to me when I was in a vulnerable position. Not only do I want to be able to care for patients during their difficult times, but also acquire the knowledge to understand disease processes to then develop a treatment plan and give people the same hope and respect I initially experienced.

My desire for pursuing a career in healthcare comes from my own personal experiences and discoveries as I continue to grow and mature. As an African American, I witnessed firsthand the healthcare disparities that exist within the black community. Sixteen years of age is usually a developmental milestone for teenagers as they are getting their learner’s permit, attending school dances, acquiring jobs, and much more. They mature, gain independence, and responsibility, and develop their own personality and opinions. When I was 16 years old, I was facing a new medical diagnosis, Crohn’s disease. I have learned to not let my personal obstacle define who I am and what I can do. My personal obstacles have also contributed to my realization of the importance of taking care of ourselves every day and needing access to doctors and resources for care. Health disparities within medically underserved areas are a result from shortages of healthcare providers and facilities, lack of transportation, or financial constraints that affect people from different racial and ethnic minorities, those from rural areas, and people with a low income. During my undergraduate studies at Florida A&M University, I joined student organizations to assist in issues like food insecurity, health education, and transitioning as a transfer student. I joined FAMU’s Student Health Services as a volunteer for their Farm Share and Food pantry addressing the issues of food insecurity amongst college students. With having to worry about paying for classes, books and supplies, college students and their families can be put in a financial bind. As a volunteer, we provided students with fresh fruits, vegetables, and canned goods while they are completing their education at the University. Being an active member of FAMU’s Transfer Student Association, I was welcomed with open arms by students who were also transfer students still learning FAMU campus and what Tallahassee has to offer. We cleaned the streets in our local neighborhoods, raised money for different organizations, and donated clothes to our homeless shelters After my undergraduate studies, I stayed involved with Leon County working with Big Bend Hospice, Second Harvest, and a local ministry. I wanted to continue being a mentor or point of contact helping people in other areas of life. In addition, I worked as a medical assistant, learning the importance of teamwork and communication to facilitate exceptional patient care. As the nursing profession continues to evolve, I not only want to make a difference in the profession but continue to be a part of adding diversity into healthcare. Through my personal struggles, I want to be able to provide the same educational teachings and reassurance that was given to me when I was in a vulnerable position. Not only do I want to be able to care for patients during their difficult times, but also acquire the knowledge to understand disease processes, treatment plans, and give people the same hope and respect I initially experienced. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a nurse, serving my community, and making a meaningful impact.

My desire for pursuing a career in healthcare comes from my own personal experiences and discoveries as I continue to grow and mature. As an African American, I witnessed firsthand the healthcare disparities that exist within the black community. Sixteen years of age is usually a developmental milestone for teenagers as they are getting their learner’s permit, attending school dances, acquiring jobs, and much more. They mature, gain independence, and responsibility, and develop their own personality and opinions. When I was 16 years old, I was facing a new medical diagnosis, Crohn’s disease. I have learned to not let my personal obstacle define who I am and what I can do. My personal obstacles have also contributed to my realization of the importance of taking care of ourselves every day and needing access to doctors and resources for care. Health disparities within medically underserved areas are a result from shortages of healthcare providers and facilities, lack of transportation, or financial constraints that affect people from different racial and ethnic minorities, those from rural areas, and people with a low income. During my undergraduate studies at Florida A&M University, I joined student organizations to assist in issues like food insecurity, health education, and transitioning as a transfer student. I joined FAMU’s Student Health Services as a volunteer for their Farm Share and Food pantry addressing the issues of food insecurity amongst college students. With having to worry about paying for classes, books and supplies, college students and their families can be put in a financial bind. As a volunteer, we provided students with fresh fruits, vegetables, and canned goods while they are completing their education at the University. Being an active member of FAMU’s Transfer Student Association, I was welcomed with open arms by students who were also transfer students still learning FAMU campus and what Tallahassee has to offer. We cleaned the streets in our local neighborhoods, raised money for different organizations, and donated clothes to our homeless shelters After my undergraduate studies, I stayed involved with Leon County working with Big Bend Hospice, Second Harvest, and a local ministry. I wanted to continue being a mentor or point of contact helping people in other areas of life. In addition, I worked as a medical assistant, learning the importance of teamwork and communication to facilitate exceptional patient care. As the nursing profession continues to evolve, I not only want to make a difference in the profession but continue to be a part of adding diversity into healthcare. Through my personal struggles, I want to be able to provide the same educational teachings and reassurance that was given to me when I was in a vulnerable position. Not only do I want to be able to care for patients during their difficult times, but also acquire the knowledge to understand disease processes, treatment plans, and give people the same hope and respect I initially experienced. With the help of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a nurse, serving my community, and making a meaningful impact.