1. Your motivation for pursuing advanced education My motivation for pursuing advanced education is deeply rooted in personal experience and a desire to create meaningful change within the healthcare system. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after delaying care for years due to a deep mistrust of medical professionals. I left my university and returned home, enrolling in a two-year college so I could support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and recovery. In January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors after the cancer began spreading. She underwent brain surgery and radiation while also managing bipolar disorder, which added complexity to her care. During this time, I became her primary caregiver, coordinating appointments, managing medications, and advocating for her in a system she often felt did not listen to her concerns. I balanced these responsibilities while maintaining a full academic course load and working full-time, often attending classes from hospital waiting rooms and studying late into the night. Through these experiences, I witnessed both the power of compassionate healthcare and the consequences when patients feel unheard. My mother’s journey, and her eventual passing in November 2025, solidified my purpose. I am motivated to pursue advanced education in nursing so I can provide equitable, attentive, and culturally competent care, particularly for Black women who face disparities in healthcare outcomes. My long-term goal is to become a nurse-midwife, where I can support women from the beginning of life and help rebuild trust in the healthcare system. Advanced education will equip me with the clinical knowledge, leadership skills, and advocacy tools necessary to make a lasting impact in underserved communities. 2. How this scholarship will benefit me This scholarship would have a meaningful impact on both my educational journey and my ability to continue pursuing a career in nursing. As a full-time student who not only balances academics with caregiving responsibilities and employment, this scholarship would allow me to remain focused on my goals. Throughout my college experience, I have worked to support myself while managing the responsibilities of being a primary caregiver for my mother during her illness. These circumstances required me to divide my time between school, work, and caregiving, often leaving limited time for rest or academic enrichment. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my education and successfully earned my associate’s degree. As I prepare to complete my bachelor’s degree and enter an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, the financial demands of tuition, clinical requirements, and reduced work hours will increase significantly. This scholarship would help alleviate that burden, allowing me to dedicate more time to my studies and clinical training without the constant stress of financial strain. More importantly, this support would enable me to fully invest in becoming the kind of healthcare provider I aspire to be: a nurse who is present, compassionate, and attentive to patients’ needs. By reducing financial barriers, this scholarship would not only support my academic success but also bring me one step closer to serving underserved communities and making a lasting difference in patient care.

1. The world has a unique way of bringing you to your calling. My inspiration to pursue a career in nursing comes from deeply personal experiences that reshaped my understanding of care, trust, and advocacy within the healthcare system. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after delaying care for years due to a deep mistrust of medical professionals. I left my university and returned home, enrolling in a two-year college so I could support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and recovery. In January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors after the cancer began spreading to different parts of her body. She underwent brain surgery and radiation while also managing bipolar disorder, which added complexity to her care. During this time, I became her primary caregiver, coordinating appointments, managing medications, and advocating for her in a system she often felt did not listen to her or ignore her symptoms. I balanced these responsibilities while maintaining a full academic course load and working full-time, often attending classes from hospital waiting rooms and studying late into the night. I graduated with my Associate of Arts in Fall 2024. Through these experiences, I witnessed both the life-saving impact of compassionate healthcare and the harm caused when patients feel unheard. My mother’s journey revealed the importance of trust, especially for Black women who face disparities in medical care. It is often said that healthcare professionals are to Black women as police are to Black men. When she passed away in November 2025, I knew I wanted to become the kind of provider who listens, advocates, and ensures that every patient feels respected. I am now pursuing nursing to become a women’s health practitioner and eventually a nurse-midwife. My passion is rooted in providing equitable, compassionate care and improving outcomes for underserved communities. I enrolled in a CNA program for Summer 2026, and I will be finishing my initial bachelor’s degree in psychology. After that, I will pursue an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nursing is more than a career; it is a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. 2. To me, the phrase “human touch” represents more than physical contact. It is the presence of empathy, compassion, and genuine connection in patient care. It is the ability to make a patient feel seen, heard, and valued beyond their diagnosis. My understanding of human touch comes from my experience caring for my mother during her battle with cancer and later brain tumors. As her primary caregiver, I managed her medications, attended appointments, and advocated for her in a healthcare system she often felt did not listen. While some providers treated her with compassion and took the time to explain her care, others overlooked her concerns or dismissed her symptoms. At times, this caused her to consider avoiding chemotherapy altogether and relying only on natural remedies for stage four cancer. Even though she had felt a lump for years, she was so afraid of doctors dismissing her concerns, as they had done for other members of her family, that she delayed care for half a decade. I saw firsthand how much of a difference a human connection made in her experience. When a provider showed kindness and patience, my mother felt comforted and reassured. When that human element was missing, she felt invisible. Patients are more likely to communicate openly, follow treatment plans, and feel confident in their care when they believe their provider genuinely cares about them. For communities that have historically experienced disparities in healthcare, such as Black women, this trust is especially critical. Without it, fear and hesitation can delay care and worsen outcomes. As a future nurse, I aim to incorporate human touch into every aspect of my practice by actively listening to my patients, acknowledging their concerns, and treating them with dignity and respect. Ultimately, the idea of human touch in patient care reminds patients that they are not alone in their journey. Through my future career in nursing, I hope to provide not only medical care but also the empathy and connection that can make a lasting difference in a patient’s life.

Life has its own way of showing you your purpose. My experiences, decisions, and curveballs have shaped not only who I am, but also the career path and the impact I hope to make in the world and the people around me. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after delaying care for years due to deep mistrust of the healthcare system. Being a Black woman in America, her concerns were shaped by historical and ongoing disparities in medical treatment. In our community, nurses are to black women as the police are to black men. I came home from university, enrolled in a two year school, and stood beside her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and recovery. Then, in January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors following months of severe symptoms. She underwent brain surgery and radiation, while managing bipolar disorder, which added further complexity to her care. During this time, I became her primary support system is coordinating appointments, managing medications, and advocating for her needs within the healthcare system. My mother was a strong resilient woman, even though she was able to remove the cancer from her breasts, her brain, and even had some spread to her lungs. On July 17, 2025, we drove from Illinois to New York and she was able to celebrate her 50th birthday around her family in New York and had one of the best birthday bashes our family had hosted. It was the happiest she had been in a long time, and she was able to reunite with family she wasn't able to see in years, and she partied like it would be her last, even though we didn't know it would be. Simultaneously, I balanced a full academic course load while working towards my Associate's degree, and was employed full time. I attended classes from hospital waiting rooms, completed assignments late at night, and studied between medical appointments while working 40 hours a week supporting my mother. I had earned my associate’s degree in Fall 2024 and after I finish my bachelors in Psychology, I will enter an accelerated BSN program. This summer I have even been accepted to a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program. On the morning of November 17, 2025, my mother passed away in our home. I had been the one watching her that night, found her, and had called the police while my father did CPR. Through these challenges, I discovered my purpose. I am pursuing a career in nursing, with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse and eventually a nurse midwife, because I want to provide the kind of care my family needed that establishes a trust in the medical field from birth. I am especially committed to addressing disparities in maternal healthcare, particularly among Black women, who are disproportionately affected by poor health outcomes. I want to be a provider who listens, advocates, and ensures that patients feel seen, heard, and respected. I want to contribute to a healthcare system that prioritizes trust, education, and accessibility. By combining my clinical training with my personal experiences, I aim to support families during their most vulnerable moments and help reduce the gaps in care that continue to affect underserved communities. Robert F. Lawson’s legacy of service reflects the kind of life I strive to lead one dedicated to improving the lives of others. My journey has required resilience, sacrifice, determination, and strengthened my commitment to making a difference. Through my future career in nursing and with this scholarship, I will continue to serve, advocate, and uplift those in need.

When life demanded more than I thought I had to give, I chose to give even more. That decision defined one of the most challenging periods of my life and shaped not only who I am today, but the kind of healthcare professional I am determined to become. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after delaying a mammogram for seven years. Her hesitation was rooted in a deep mistrust of the healthcare system as a Black woman, shaped by generational inequities and negative experiences. Almost overnight, I became her primary caregiver by supporting her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and countless medical appointments. Then, in January 2025, after months of severe headaches, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors, requiring surgery and radiation. In addition to these diagnoses, my mother lives with bipolar disorder, adding complexity to both her treatment and recovery. At the same time, I was balancing a full academic course load as a psychology major, working full time, while completing prerequisites for an accelerated BSN program. I was also supporting my sister as she recovered from a life-threatening accident in 2023. Despite these responsibilities, I continued working while managing my family’s care while completing my Associates degree and walking the stage in Spring 2025, and was able to show my mother my college degree. I unfortunately lost my mother in November 2025, and this solidified my desire to help other sick people in need in our medical system. This period reshaped me. I learned how to navigate the healthcare system not just as a family member, but as an advocate. I asked questions, tracked medications, coordinated appointments, and ensured my mother’s concerns were heard and addressed. I attended classes from hospital waiting rooms, studied late into the night, and refused to let my circumstances define my limits. Through it all, I developed resilience, discipline, and a deeper understanding of the disparities that affect underserved communities, especially Black women in healthcare. My experience also strengthened my commitment to service. Through volunteering and supporting others in my community, I have seen how powerful it is when someone feels heard, respected, and cared for. This semester I have advocated for service and volunteering through local universities and community initiatives to assist as many people as I can throughout my journey. If I could offer advice to someone facing similar adversity, it would be this: do not let your circumstances convince you to shrink your goals. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when responsibilities pile up and support feels limited, but your situation does not define your potential. Ask for help when you need it, stay committed to your purpose, and remember that even small steps forward are still progress. Most importantly, turn your challenges into motivation. The very struggles you face can become the foundation for the impact you will one day have on others. My journey has shown me that adversity can either break you or build you. I chose to let it build me. It strengthened my determination to pursue nursing and to advocate for equitable, compassionate care for underserved communities. I have recently been accepted into a CNA program this spring, and will be pursing my nursing degree next fall and will be graduating next spring. A lot of my finances were put towards my mother's care these last 3 years, and without this scholarship, it would make it exceptionally hard for me to pursue my bachelors this fall as an already full time working college student. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to ensure my graduation and career in nursing.

When life demanded more than I thought I had to give, I chose to give even more. That mindset became my survival tool, especially over the past two years as I juggled caregiving, school, and full-time work—while navigating deep emotional and mental health challenges within my family and myself. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after years of delaying care due to a generational mistrust of the healthcare system, especially as a Black woman. That mistrust wasn’t unfounded—she had faced dismissal, misdiagnosis, and cultural insensitivity in the past. But this diagnosis came with urgency. I became her caregiver, advocate, and support system through chemotherapy, surgeries, radiation, and her ongoing battle with bipolar disorder. In January 2025, two brain tumors were discovered. We faced another wave of crisis—this time involving neurological decline, fear, and uncertainty. Throughout her journey, the cracks in our mental health system were impossible to ignore. Her bipolar disorder was often treated as a footnote, rather than a critical part of her overall care. Navigating her treatment required me to be more than just a student—I had to become her medical translator, her emotional anchor, and a tireless researcher on both cancer and mental health resources. I quickly learned that true healing requires more than prescriptions. It takes empathy, consistency, and a support system that sees the whole person—not just their diagnosis. At the same time, my younger sister survived a life-threatening accident in 2023. I helped care for her physical injuries while also tending to her emotional trauma. All while balancing a full course load as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, working full-time, and preparing to apply for nursing school. There were nights I cried quietly after everyone else was asleep. I felt isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed. But I also felt something else—a sense of purpose. These experiences transformed how I view mental health. I’ve seen how untreated emotional pain can impact medical outcomes, how stigma can delay critical care, and how silence around mental illness can be deadly. I’ve also learned the power of showing up—of saying, “I believe you,” when someone is struggling, and meaning it. My career goal is to become a nurse-midwife with a focus on holistic maternal care, especially for Black women who are often underserved and disbelieved. I want to advocate for mental health screenings in prenatal care, for trauma-informed practices in delivery rooms, and for follow-up support that includes emotional well-being, not just physical recovery. My vision is to build a career around listening, validating, and healing—treating people, not just symptoms. Receiving the Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education, it would affirm that my lived experiences and my commitment to change matter. It would allow me to keep pushing toward a future where mental health isn’t an afterthought, but a priority—where caregivers are supported, not forgotten, and where patients are truly seen. My mother is still here, still fighting. But I know the toll this system has taken on her, and on all of us. I want to be part of the solution. Not just in theory, but in practice—every day, one patient, one act of compassion at a time.

When life demanded more than I thought I had to give, I chose to give even more. That mindset—pushing through adversity and showing up with compassion—has shaped not only my journey, but also the kind of holistic healer I aspire to become. Like Jim Coots, I believe true care goes beyond treating symptoms. It means seeing the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and supporting healing in every dimension. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer. She had delayed care for years due to generational trauma and mistrust of the medical system, particularly as a Black woman. I became her caregiver and advocate, managing chemotherapy, brain surgery, radiation, bipolar disorder, and the daily emotional weight of illness. I immersed myself in learning every aspect of her care—from prescriptions to diet to therapy support. At the same time, I was enrolled full-time at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, studying Nutrition, working full-time, and preparing for nursing school. I used every hospital visit, every quiet hour after her medications, as a moment to study, reflect, and stay grounded in my goals. I saw firsthand that healing isn’t just physical. My mom needed emotional strength, spiritual encouragement, and a stable, supportive environment to truly fight for her life. That realization deepened my belief in holistic health. Healing comes from nourishing the body with food and movement, supporting the mind with patience and therapy, and showing up consistently with love. I brought that same energy to my younger sister’s recovery after a traumatic accident later that year, continuing to balance school and work while offering the care she needed to heal. I’m currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and will be entering an accelerated nursing program immediately after graduation in 2026. I plan to become a nurse-midwife and help bridge the gap in maternal care—especially for Black women, who are too often dismissed or underserved. My goal is to advocate for safe, respectful, culturally competent care that centers the whole person. With each step, I’ve committed to learning not just how to treat, but how to heal—through food, education, emotional support, and deep listening. I want to gain the knowledge to be able to give women power over their own health and not have to worry about running to a provider that may not have their best interest. In this world knowledge is power, and health is wealth. With my nutrition and nursing background, I can give the women around me the knowledge to lead their own families and children into healthy lifestyles, power over their physical and mental state, and the courage to speak up for their own health concerns. Receiving the Jim Coots Holistic Health Scholarship would help lift a financial burden so I can fully dedicate myself to this path. But more than that, it would affirm that my vision for healing grounded in service, selflessness, and honoring the whole person is one worth pursuing. I want to continue Jim’s legacy by becoming a nurse who empowers families to heal naturally, with dignity, and with care that treats the person, not just the illness. I’m committed to choosing compassion over convenience, presence over passivity, and to giving even more when it matters most.

When life demanded more than I thought I had to give, I chose to give even more. That mindset—pushing through limits and showing up through adversity—has defined my journey, especially over the past two years. It also reflects the values this scholarship honors: compassion, selflessness, and community service. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer. She had delayed getting a mammogram for seven years due to a deep, generational mistrust in the healthcare system as a Black woman. From that moment forward, I became her caregiver and advocate—managing chemotherapy sessions, medications, appointments, and emotional support. In January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors after months of severe headaches. She underwent brain surgery and radiation, all while living with bipolar disorder, which added complexity to her care. At the same time, I was pursuing a full academic course load, working full-time, and completing prerequisites for nursing school as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. I already held an associate’s degree, and I’m on track to earn a second degree, my Associate of Science this fall. After I obtain my Bachelors degree in Nutrition in Spring 2026 which would be my third degree, I’ll be entering the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program immediately after graduation. Instead of scaling back, I leaned in harder. I studied in hospital waiting rooms, completed assignments late at night after medication routines, and scheduled classes and study sessions around therapy appointments. I learned about every medication my mother was prescribed and asked detailed questions during her appointments. I became more than just a daughter—I became her translator, her nurse-in-training, and her emotional anchor. My experiences in caregiving were not limited to my mother. In 2023, my younger sister suffered a life-threatening accident. I helped support her recovery while continuing school and work. Through it all, I stayed committed to my academic and personal goals. It wasn’t easy—but I was driven by the belief that what I was doing mattered. That pushing through hardship was worth it because I was caring for others and preparing to care for many more. These experiences shaped my vision of the nurse I want to become: someone who listens closely, advocates fiercely, and sees the whole picture of someone's pain and can help them. I want to be the nurse who believes patients when they say, “Something isn’t right,” who treats every family with dignity, and who provides the kind of care my mother deserved but often had to fight for. Receiving the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship would ease the financial weight of nursing school and allow me to fully focus on my education and clinical training. More importantly, it would affirm that hard work, service, and selflessness matter. That showing up for others, even when life is heavy, is something worth honoring. I am committed to making a meaningful impact. Not just through my future career, but through the choices I make every day. Choosing effort over ease. Choosing to give even more.

I never expected to learn how to flush a port, read a CT scan, or calm someone through a manic episode before becoming a nurse, but life doesn’t always wait for a degree. When life demanded more than I thought I had to give, I gave even more. That mindset of pushing past limits and staying focused through adversity had shifted my original plan of going into engineering, toward becoming a nurse. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after postponing a mammogram for seven years. Her delay wasn’t from neglect. It was rooted in a deep mistrust of the healthcare system as a Black woman, passed down through generations of mistreatment and dismissal. I immediately came home from my initial university, which was over 2 hours away to help her. Supporting her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and numerous hospital visits quickly became a full-time commitment. In early January 2025, she was additionally diagnosed with two brain tumors following months of intense headaches, which led to brain surgery and radiation. Alongside these physical health challenges, she also lives with bipolar disorder, requiring constant attention to both her emotional and medical needs. While caring for her, I have balanced a full academic load as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, working toward my prerequisites for the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. In order to maintain my academic progress timeline, I am now taking sixteen credit hours for the summer semester while also working. I have already earned one associate’s degree, and cared for my younger sister following a near-fatal accident, which also occurred in 2023. I will complete a second associate’s degree finishing all my nursing prerequisites in Fall 2025, then finally will complete my bachelors in Spring 2026. I will then immediately head towards my schools accelerated nursing program to obtain my registered nursing license, then my graduate degrees in Midwifery and as a Women's Health Practitioner. There needs to be more familiar faces to everyone walking into a hospital. No one deserves to feel alone when they are reaching out and need help. Teaching women and moms early that there are professionals that will listen to them is essential for everyone. Rather than stepping back, I stepped up. I studied between hospital visits, completed coursework in waiting rooms, and worked full-time to support our family. I became more than her daughter. I became her nurse-in-training, her emotional anchor, and her translator in a system that often failed to listen. This experience didn’t just confirm my calling; it ignited it. I want to become the kind of nurse I wish my mother had in her most vulnerable moments—one who listens without bias, who sees the whole person, and who understands the critical intersection of physical and mental health. What keeps me moving forward is a deep hunger—for knowledge, for justice in care, and for the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Nursing is more than a career path to me; it’s a purpose rooted in personal experience and unwavering empathy, along with a necessary skill to help your family. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of nursing school so I can continue showing up fully—in the classroom, the clinic, and one day, at the bedside of someone else’s loved one. Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. It means so much to students like me who are deeply committed to becoming compassionate, skilled, and impactful nurses.

I never expected to learn how to flush a port, read a CT scan, or calm someone through a manic episode before becoming a nurse, but life doesn’t always wait for a degree. When life demanded more than I thought I had to give, I gave even more. That mindset of pushing past limits and staying focused through adversity had shifted my original plan of going into engineering, toward becoming a nurse. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after postponing a mammogram for seven years. Her delay wasn’t from neglect. It was rooted in a deep mistrust of the healthcare system as a Black woman, passed down through generations of mistreatment and dismissal. I immediately came home from my initial university, which was over 2 hours away to help her. Supporting her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and numerous hospital visits quickly became a full-time commitment. In early January 2025, she was additionally diagnosed with two brain tumors following months of intense headaches, which led to brain surgery and radiation. Alongside these physical health challenges, she also lives with bipolar disorder, requiring constant attention to both her emotional and medical needs. While caring for her, I have balanced a full academic load as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, working toward my prerequisites for the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. In order to maintain my academic progress timeline, I am now taking sixteen credit hours for the summer semester while also working. I have already earned one associate’s degree, cared for my younger sister following a near-fatal accident, which also occurred in 2023. I will complete a second associate’s degree finishing all my nursing prerequisites in Fall 2025, then finally will complete my bachelors in Spring 2026. Rather than stepping back, I stepped up. I studied between hospital visits, completed coursework in waiting rooms, and worked full-time to support our family. I learned every detail about my mother’s medications, attended appointments, asked the right questions, and advocated fiercely when she couldn’t. I became more than her daughter. I became her nurse-in-training, her emotional anchor, and her translator in a system that often failed to listen. This experience didn’t just confirm my calling; it ignited it. I want to become the kind of nurse I wish my mother had in her most vulnerable moments—one who listens without bias, who sees the whole person, and who understands the critical intersection of physical and mental health. I want to specialize in psychiatric and oncology nursing, serving patients and families who often feel overlooked, particularly within communities of color. What keeps me moving forward is a deep hunger—for knowledge, for justice in care, and for the opportunity to make a tangible difference. Nursing is more than a career path to me; it’s a purpose rooted in personal experience and unwavering empathy. The legacy of Kelly O. is inspiring. Though I didn’t know her, her values mirror the kind of nurse I strive to be: selfless, devoted, and led by empathy. Receiving this scholarship would not only honor Kelly’s memory, but also ease the financial burden of nursing school so I can continue showing up fully—in the classroom, the clinic, and one day, at the bedside of someone else’s loved one. I am ready for this next step in my nursing journey, and I carry with me not only the lessons from my family’s battles, but the resilience they’ve helped me build. I’m not just pursuing a degree—I’m preparing to give back, to advocate, and to care the way Kelly did.

I chose to pursue nursing because of a deeply personal experience that forever changed how I view healthcare. My mother, a Black woman, waited seven years to get a mammogram—not because she didn’t care about her health, but because of a longstanding mistrust of the medical system. Her fears were not unfounded. For generations, people who look like us have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or left out of important conversations about their care. When she was finally screened, she was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, which quickly progressed to stage 4. That moment shook my family to its core, and it revealed my purpose. At the time, I had just stepped away from a computer engineering program to reevaluate my future. But when my mother became sick, I stepped into a new role. I became her advocate, attending chemotherapy sessions, translating complicated medical information, and helping coordinate care with doctors, including some in our extended family in Costa Rica. I saw firsthand how important it is for patients to feel respected, understood, and truly cared for. That experience showed me that nursing is not only about clinical skills. It is about building trust, offering comfort, and empowering patients through knowledge and compassion. Just months later, another tragedy occurred. My younger sister was hit by a vehicle and rushed to the ICU. While attending school full time, I juggled caregiving responsibilities, managed her care across multiple hospital systems, and made sure her treatment plans were clear and appropriate. It was an exhausting time, but it strengthened my resolve. Despite the challenges, I stayed in school and earned two associate degrees while developing skills in time management, advocacy, and medical literacy. Today, my mother is in remission, my sister is back in school, and I am preparing to enter the nursing program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. My goal is to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife and a registered dietitian. With those credentials, I plan to open a family-centered clinic that offers comprehensive, culturally competent care to underserved communities. My passion lies in improving maternal health outcomes for Black women, who are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. I want to be a provider who helps change that narrative—someone who listens, advocates, and delivers care that heals both body and spirit. Beyond my career goals, I want to use my degree to educate and empower others. As a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, I live by the motto “Lift as We Climb.” That principle guides everything I do. I want to help future generations of young women of color see nursing not just as a profession, but as a powerful way to make a difference in their communities. Nursing is more than a career path for me. It’s a calling shaped by personal experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to health equity. With my degree, I will not only care for individuals, but help rebuild the trust that too many families, like mine, have lost in the healthcare system. And that is the kind of impact I am determined to make.

They say silence can be deadly—and in my family, it nearly was. My mother waited seven years to get a mammogram—not because she didn’t care about her health, but because of a deep-rooted mistrust in the U.S. healthcare system. As a Black woman, her fears were shaped by generations of medical mistreatment and dismissal. When she was finally screened, the diagnosis was devastating: stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer that soon progressed to stage 4. That moment didn’t just shake our family; it changed my life. Amidst fear and uncertainty, I discovered my purpose. I realized that higher education was not just a path to a better job—it was the key to becoming a voice, an advocate, and a changemaker in a system that too often overlooks people who look like me. As a first-generation college student, I’ve faced my share of challenges. I didn’t grow up with parents who had degrees to guide me, but I grew up with strength, determination, and an understanding that education would be the bridge between where I come from and where I want to go. I initially enrolled in a computer engineering program with the rise in technological advancement, but when my mother got sick, my priorities shifted. I became her advocate, attending chemo sessions, breaking down complex medical language, and communicating with family doctors abroad. Through that experience, I saw how powerful knowledge can be—not just to inform, but to heal. Then, only a few months later, my younger sister was hit by a vehicle and rushed to the ICU. While juggling full-time coursework, I managed her care across multiple hospital systems, coordinated appointments, and made sure our voices were heard in every room. I developed resilience, time management, and medical literacy—skills that no textbook could teach, but that confirmed my readiness for a rigorous college education. Despite the obstacles, I stayed in school, earned my associate degree, and will earn another while finishing my nursing prerequisite courses. I will graduate with my bachelor's in nutrition next spring and will immediately transfer into an accelerated nursing program somewhere in Illinois. My goal is to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife and a registered dietitian. I dream of one day opening a clinic that offers compassionate, culturally competent care to underserved families, especially Black women who continue to face alarming disparities in maternal health. Higher education is not just my next step—it is my mission. It allows me to build a future where I can uplift others through knowledge, advocacy, and action. I’ve also prepared myself for this journey by seeking out opportunities beyond the classroom. I’m a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, whose motto, “Lift as We Climb,” reflects my belief in bringing others with me as I grow. From participating in leadership development programs to learning web development through Koding with Klossy, I’ve embraced every chance to expand my skills and lead with purpose. Being a first-generation student means building a path where none existed before. Rising not just for myself, but for my family and my community. With your support, I will continue to use higher education as a tool for change, so that one day, no one in my community hesitates to seek care, and every child sees college as a door they, too, can walk through.

What inspired me to pursue a career in nursing? Well, they say silence can be deadly, and in my family, it nearly was. My mother waited seven years to get a mammogram—not because she didn’t care about her health, but because of a deep-rooted mistrust in the U.S. healthcare system. As a Black woman, her fears were shaped by generations of medical mistreatment and dismissal. When she was finally screened, the diagnosis was devastating: stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer that soon progressed to stage 4. That moment didn’t just shake our family; it changed my life. Amidst fear and uncertainty, I discovered my purpose. I knew I wanted to become the kind of nurse who could transform fear into trust and ensure that no patient feels invisible in a system that too often fails people of color. At the time, I had recently stepped away from a computer engineering degree to reevaluate my goals. But when my mother got sick, I became more than her daughter. I became her advocate. I attended chemo sessions, translated complex medical terms into something she could understand, and coordinated care with family doctors in Costa Rica. I watched her regain her confidence and strength when she felt respected and truly cared for. That experience showed me that nursing is not just about clinical skills—it’s about compassionate care that empowers and uplifts. Only a few months later, tragedy struck again. My younger sister was hit by a vehicle and rushed to the ICU. I was juggling full-time school and caregiving while managing her care across multiple hospital systems. I scheduled appointments, clarified treatment plans, and advocated fiercely for her recovery. It was overwhelming, but I stayed enrolled, earned two associate degrees, and developed a strong foundation in leadership, time management, and medical literacy, skills that have become essential to my path in healthcare. Today, my mother is in remission. My sister is back in school. I am preparing for the next chapter of my education. I recently graduated with my associate's degree. Now, my long-term goal is to become a dual-certified nurse-midwife and Primary Care Pediatric Practitioner. I would also be finishing my nutrition education, becoming a certified dietitian. This would allow me to own a clinic and cater to each family I work with. I am deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes for Black women, who are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. I want to be the provider who helps close that gap and rebuilds trust in communities that have been historically underserved. I want to be a changemaker in healthcare, not only for my community, but also for the new generation of mothers and children. With this background in healthcare, I am giving myself the skills to lead others with the knowledge I have received, which is my ultimate goal. I am also a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, whose motto, “Lift as We Climb,” has shown me the way I want to live my life—by helping others rise as I pursue my goals. With your support, I am ready to walk that same path and help shape a future where healthcare is equitable, compassionate, and just. This scholarship would allow me to better plan for my success and work fewer hours to pursue more time to study. Thank you for reading my essay.

What inspired me to pursue a career in nursing? Well, they say silence can be deadly, and in my family, it nearly was. My mother waited seven years to get a mammogram—not because she didn’t care about her health, but because of a deep-rooted mistrust in the U.S. healthcare system. As a Black woman, her fears were shaped by generations of medical mistreatment and dismissal. When she was finally screened, the diagnosis was devastating: stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer that soon progressed to stage 4. That moment didn’t just shake our family; it changed my life. Amidst fear and uncertainty, I discovered my purpose. I knew I wanted to become the kind of nurse who could transform fear into trust and ensure that no patient feels invisible in a system that too often fails people of color. At the time, I had recently stepped away from a computer engineering degree to reevaluate my goals. But when my mother got sick, I became more than her daughter. I became her advocate. I attended chemo sessions, translated complex medical terms into something she could understand, and coordinated care with family doctors in Costa Rica. I watched her regain her confidence and strength when she felt respected and truly cared for. That experience showed me that nursing is not just about clinical skills—it’s about compassionate care that empowers and uplifts. Only a few months later, tragedy struck again. My younger sister was hit by a vehicle and rushed to the ICU. I was juggling full-time school and caregiving while managing her care across multiple hospital systems. I scheduled appointments, clarified treatment plans, and advocated fiercely for her recovery. It was overwhelming, but I stayed enrolled, earned two associate degrees, and developed a strong foundation in leadership, time management, and medical literacy, skills that have become essential to my path in healthcare. Today, my mother is in remission. My sister is back in school. I am preparing for the next chapter of my education. I recently graduated with my associate's degree. Now, my long-term goal is to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife Practitioner and a certified dietitian. This would allow me to own a clinic and cater to each family I work with. I am deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes for Black women, who are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. I want to be the provider who helps close that gap and rebuilds trust in communities that have been historically underserved. I want to be a changemaker in healthcare, not only for my community, but also for the new generation of mothers and children. With this background in healthcare, I am giving myself the skills to lead others with the knowledge I have received, which is my ultimate goal. I am also a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, whose motto, “Lift as We Climb,” has shown me the way I want to live my life—by helping others rise as I pursue my goals. With your support, I am ready to walk that same path and help shape a future where healthcare is equitable, compassionate, and just.

What inspired me to pursue a career in nursing? Well, they say silence can be deadly, and in my family, it nearly was. My mother waited seven years to get a mammogram—not because she didn’t care about her health, but because of a deep-rooted mistrust in the U.S. healthcare system. As a Black woman, her fears were shaped by generations of medical mistreatment and dismissal. When she was finally screened, the diagnosis was devastating: stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer that soon progressed to stage 4. That moment didn’t just shake our family; it changed my life. Amidst fear and uncertainty, I discovered my purpose. I knew I wanted to become the kind of nurse who could transform fear into trust and ensure that no patient feels invisible in a system that too often fails people of color. At the time, I had recently stepped away from a computer engineering degree to reevaluate my goals. But when my mother got sick, I became more than her daughter. I became her advocate. I attended chemo sessions, translated complex medical terms into something she could understand, and coordinated care with family doctors in Costa Rica. I watched her regain her confidence and strength when she felt respected and truly cared for. That experience showed me that nursing is not just about clinical skills—it’s about compassionate care that empowers and uplifts. Only a few months later, tragedy struck again. My younger sister was hit by a vehicle and rushed to the ICU. I was juggling full-time school and caregiving while managing her care across multiple hospital systems. I scheduled appointments, clarified treatment plans, and advocated fiercely for her recovery. It was overwhelming, but I stayed enrolled, earned two associate degrees, and developed a strong foundation in leadership, time management, and medical literacy—skills that have become essential to my path in healthcare. Today, my mother is in remission. My sister is back in school. I am preparing for the next chapter of my education. I recently graduated with my associate's degree. Now, my long-term goal is to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife Practitioner and a certified dietitian. I am deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes for Black women, who are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. I want to be the provider who helps close that gap and rebuilds trust in communities that have been historically underserved. The legacies of Pangeta McGrowther Ferguson and Ivory Riley are deeply inspiring to me. They were nurses who mentored others, served their communities, and uplifted those around them. Like them, I want to be a changemaker in healthcare not only to my community, but to the new generation of mothers and children. I am also a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, whose motto, “Lift as We Climb,” mirrors the way I live my life—by helping others rise as I pursue my goals. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve the financial burden of nursing school, but it would also allow me to carry forward the legacy of two remarkable women who used their careers to serve and inspire. With your support, I am ready to walk that same path and help shape a future where healthcare is equitable, compassionate, and just.

What inspired me to pursue a career in nursing? Well, they say silence can be deadly, and in my family, it nearly was. My mother waited seven years to get a mammogram—not because she didn’t care about her health, but because of a deep-rooted mistrust in the U.S. healthcare system. As a Black woman, her fears were shaped by generations of medical mistreatment and dismissal. When she was finally screened, the diagnosis was devastating: stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer that soon progressed to stage 4. That moment didn’t just shake our family; it changed my life. Amidst fear and uncertainty, I discovered my purpose. I knew I wanted to become the kind of nurse who could transform fear into trust and ensure that no patient feels invisible in a system that too often fails people of color. At the time, I had recently stepped away from a computer engineering degree to reevaluate my goals. But when my mother got sick, I became more than her daughter. I became her advocate. I attended chemo sessions, translated complex medical terms into something she could understand, and coordinated care with family doctors in Costa Rica. I watched her regain her confidence and strength when she felt respected and truly cared for. That experience showed me that nursing is not just about clinical skills—it’s about compassionate care that empowers and uplifts. Only a few months later, tragedy struck again. My younger sister was hit by a vehicle and rushed to the ICU. I was juggling full-time school and caregiving while managing her care across multiple hospital systems. I scheduled appointments, clarified treatment plans, and advocated fiercely for her recovery. It was overwhelming, but I stayed enrolled, earned two associate degrees, and developed a strong foundation in leadership, time management, and medical literacy—skills that have become essential to my path in healthcare. Today, my mother is in remission. My sister is back in school. I am preparing for the next chapter of my education. I recently graduated with my associate's degree. Now, my long-term goal is to become a Certified Nurse-Midwife Practitioner and a certified dietitian. I am deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes for Black women, who are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. I want to be the provider who helps close that gap and rebuilds trust in communities that have been historically underserved. The legacies of Pangeta McGrowther Ferguson and Ivory Riley are deeply inspiring to me. They were nurses who mentored others, served their communities, and uplifted those around them. Like them, I want to be a changemaker in healthcare not only to my community, but to the new generation of mothers and children. I am also a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, whose motto, “Lift as We Climb,” mirrors the way I live my life—by helping others rise as I pursue my goals. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve the financial burden of nursing school, but it would also allow me to carry forward the legacy of two remarkable women who used their careers to serve and inspire. With your support, I am ready to walk that same path and help shape a future where healthcare is equitable, compassionate, and just.

Education is more than just earning a degree, it is the foundation on which I am building a future dedicated to healing, empowering, and creating meaningful change for my community. My goal is to build a career as a pediatric nurse, combining my knowledge of nutrition and nursing to support children and families in making healthier, informed choices. This commitment stems from personal experience and a deep desire to address healthcare disparities, especially those that affect Black families like mine. Over the past two years, my family has faced tremendous health challenges. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after waiting seven years to get a mammogram. This delay was not just a matter of timing—it was rooted in a long history of mistrust Black women have toward the healthcare system due to systemic mistreatment. Then, in 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors requiring surgery and radiation. Managing these serious illnesses, alongside her bipolar disorder, fell largely on my shoulders. I became her advocate, caregiver, and a nurse-in-training while continuing my studies and working full time. These experiences have shaped my ambition to build a future where patients are truly seen, heard, and cared for with compassion and respect. My academic background in nutrition has taught me how critical lifestyle and diet are to health, and as I pursue my nursing degree, I am learning how to integrate this knowledge into clinical care. By building this unique combination of skills, I aim to foster trust and confidence in the families I serve, especially in communities where healthcare disparities persist. Pediatric nursing is the ideal path for me because it allows me to make an impact at a vital stage in a child’s development. Helping parents and children understand how to maintain health and prevent illness will not only improve individual lives but can ripple out to create healthier communities. I want to build relationships rooted in trust and education, empowering families to take control of their health journeys. This scholarship would alleviate the financial stress of nursing school and allow me to focus fully on my education and clinical training. With this support, I can accelerate my path toward becoming a pediatric nurse dedicated to equity and holistic care. In building my future, I am building hope for families who deserve more than just treatment—I want to help them build wellness and resilience for generations to come.

Balancing the demands of being a full-time student, caregiver, and worker has been one of the most challenging chapters of my life. Yet, it has also clarified my purpose: to become a pediatric nurse who treats illness and empowers children and their families to live healthier lives. This goal is deeply rooted in my experiences caring for my family through serious health struggles and my academic background in both nutrition and nursing. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after waiting seven years to get a mammogram. Her delay was influenced by a deep mistrust of the healthcare system that many Black women face, shaped by generations of mistreatment. Supporting her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and hospital visits became a full-time commitment. Then, in January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors requiring surgery and radiation. She also manages bipolar disorder, adding complexity to her care. Throughout these challenges, I took on the role of caregiver, advocate, and nurse-in-training—all while pursuing my education. I began as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, developing a foundational understanding of how diet and lifestyle affect health. This background was essential as I supported my mother’s healing and mental well-being. I saw how nutrition impacts recovery and how educating patients about their health choices can improve outcomes. This realization inspired me to pursue nursing, where I can combine clinical care with holistic health education. Pediatric nursing specifically calls to me because it offers the chance to build trust with children and their families at a critical time in their development. Children are uniquely vulnerable, and parents often feel overwhelmed by managing their child’s health. With my background in nutrition and nursing, I can guide families in a compassionate and evidence-based way, helping them understand not just treatment plans but also how lifestyle choices affect growth and long-term wellness. Trust is key in pediatric care. When families feel confident that their nurse understands the full picture of health, including nutrition, they are more likely to follow guidance and make positive changes. I want to be the nurse who listens attentively, explains clearly, and empowers parents and children to take an active role in their health journey. By fostering trust, I believe I can help improve outcomes and reduce disparities, especially in communities where healthcare mistrust is common. My personal experience caring for my mother and sister has taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of ethical care. Managing medication schedules, advocating for clear communication with healthcare providers, and supporting emotional recovery are skills I bring to nursing. These experiences have strengthened my ambition to become a pediatric nurse who not only treats illness but also uplifts families through education, respect, and support. The nursing shortage means every pediatric nurse plays an essential role in shaping healthcare for children. I am ready to step into that role with determination and humility. This scholarship would relieve the financial burdens of nursing school, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and clinical training. It would be an investment in my ability to serve families like mine, who need nurses who understand the complexities of health and the power of compassionate care. Choosing pediatric nursing is a commitment to nurturing the health of the next generation. With my combined expertise in nutrition and nursing, I am prepared to be a trusted partner for children and their families, guiding them toward healthier, brighter futures.

Caring for a loved one facing a life-threatening illness exposes you to the harsh realities of healthcare, where sometimes, doing what is right takes extra effort, courage, and persistence. Over the past two years, this reality has shaped not only my family’s journey but also my commitment to living and working ethically in every aspect of my life. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after waiting seven years to get a mammogram. Her delay was justified by the deep mistrust of the healthcare system that many Black women experience, shaped by generations of mistreatment and dismissal. Supporting her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and frequent hospital visits became a full-time responsibility. Then, in January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors after enduring months of severe headaches. She required brain surgery and radiation to fully remove each tumor. Adding to the complexity of her care, my mother also lives with bipolar disorder, which demands careful attention to both her physical and mental health. During this difficult time, I balanced a full academic course load while working toward my BSN prerequisites as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. After graduation next spring, I plan to immediately pursue the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. I had already earned an associate degree and cared for my sister after a life-threatening accident in 2023, and I am on track to earn a second associate degree this fall as I complete the last nursing prerequisites. Throughout, I served as the primary caregiver, managing hospital visits, medication schedules, and coordinating care for my family. Instead of scaling back, I pushed harder, driven by a responsibility to do right by my loved ones. My days were organized entirely around meeting everyone’s needs. I attended morning classes virtually from hospital waiting rooms, completed assignments late at night after medication routines, and scheduled study time between transportation to radiation and therapy appointments—all while working full time. I was not just her daughter—I became her advocate, translator, and nurse-in-training. What kept me going was the belief that my work mattered because it was ethical work. This meant ensuring my mother received the attention, care, and respect she deserved, despite systemic barriers. My passion for education and growth was driven not only by personal ambition but also by a commitment to becoming the nurse I wished my mother had been during those vulnerable moments. I want to be the provider who listens carefully when a patient says, “Something isn’t right,” who refuses to ignore symptoms because of race or stigma, and who honors the full complexity of both mental and physical health. The impact of my ethical commitment was immediate in my family. My mother could focus on healing instead of fighting to be heard or understood. She felt supported, informed, and loved. Academically, I not only stayed enrolled but thrived, showing that dedication paired with integrity can turn hardship into momentum. Being ethical means putting people first and doing what is right even when it is hard or inconvenient. It means acting with honesty, fairness, and respect, no matter the situation or who is or is not watching. I have chosen that path every day. Receiving this scholarship would lift the financial burden of nursing school and affirm that acting ethically, showing up consistently despite challenges, and putting patients first are valued and necessary. This scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my schoolwork and caregiving, helping me succeed and prepare to provide the compassionate care families like mine so desperately need.

A cancer diagnosis can shatter a family’s sense of security and force sudden, overwhelming changes. For my family, cancer did not just bring fear and uncertainty—it became a daily battle that tested our resilience and reshaped my purpose in life. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after waiting over seven years to get a mammogram. This delay was rooted in a deep mistrust of the healthcare system as a Black woman. Watching her endure chemotherapy, physical therapy, and countless hospital visits was emotionally and physically exhausting. Then, in January 2025, her health took another critical turn when two brain tumors were discovered following months of severe headaches. She underwent brain surgery and radiation to remove the tumors, all while managing bipolar disorder, which complicated her recovery and care. Cancer’s impact on my family extended far beyond the medical treatments. Yet, despite these obstacles, I knew that continuing my studies was essential—not just for me but for my family’s future. I am a first-generation, low-income student majoring in Nutrition at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, with plans to enter the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program after graduation. This combination of health sciences, I feel, will be crucial in assisting people both in and outside of the hospital. My ambition is fueled by the desire to become the nurse I wish my mother had—one who listens, advocates, and treats patients with dignity and understanding. Through this experience, I have learned the true meaning of resilience and responsibility. Cancer forced me into a caregiving role at a young age, balancing hospital visits, medication management, and emotional support alongside a demanding academic schedule. I attended virtual classes from hospital waiting rooms, studied late at night, and scheduled my days around treatments and appointments. I became my mother’s advocate, translator, and nurse-in-training. These challenges taught me that ambition is not just about personal success—it is about lifting those around you, even when you are struggling yourself. My membership in the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs has been a source of strength throughout this journey. Their motto, “Lift as We Climb,” deeply resonates with me. It reminds me that as I advance in my education and career, I have a responsibility to support others facing barriers, especially Black women who often experience healthcare disparities. This philosophy drives me to use my future nursing career to fight for equity and better care. Cancer has also shown me the importance of education as a tool for change. It has fueled my determination to break cycles of mistrust and limited access to healthcare, both in my family and in my community. My younger sister, inspired by our resilience, has returned to school and started dreaming about her future again. I want to be a role model for her and for others who face adversity but refuse to give up. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial strain caused by my mother’s illness and support me in continuing my academic journey. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and caregiving without the constant worry of affording essential materials. More than that, it would affirm that my hard work and dedication in the face of hardship are seen and valued. Cancer has forever changed my family, but it has also shaped who I am. It taught me to persevere, to care deeply, and to fight for a better future. With this opportunity, I will carry those lessons forward as I pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and advocate for families like mine who need compassionate, equitable care.

Balancing full-time classes, work, and caring for family members with serious health challenges has been one of the hardest and most defining experiences of my life. The weight of these responsibilities could have easily stopped me, but instead, it fueled my determination to succeed. This drive is what keeps me pushing forward as a first-generation, low-income student striving to build a better future for myself and my family. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after waiting seven years to get a mammogram. Her delay was tied to a deep mistrust of the healthcare system as a Black woman, shaped by generations of mistreatment. Supporting her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and hospital visits required nearly all my time and energy. Then, in January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors after months of severe headaches. She needed brain surgery and radiation to remove the tumors while managing bipolar disorder, which added further complexity to her care. At the same time, I balanced a full academic course load while working toward my BSN prerequisites as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. After graduating next spring, I plan to enter the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered at my university. I am driven by a deep desire to become the nurse I wish my mother had—a provider who listens, advocates, and understands the full complexity of patients’ needs. My commitment to lifting as I climb is deeply rooted in my involvement with the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. NACWC’s motto inspires me to pursue my goals not just for myself but for my community. As I advance academically and personally, I am committed to helping others overcome barriers, especially Black women who face systemic challenges in healthcare. This philosophy shapes how I approach both leadership and learning, reminding me that success is most meaningful when shared. Being a first-generation, low-income student means financial challenges are part of my daily reality. My family cannot provide monetary support for college expenses, so I rely on scholarships, grants, and careful budgeting to pursue my education. Books, supplies, and other resources are often difficult to afford but necessary for academic success. Every dollar saved on these costs allows me to focus more fully on my studies and caregiving. My ambition goes beyond earning a degree. I want to use my education to make a meaningful impact on communities like mine, especially addressing health disparities faced by Black women and other marginalized groups. My mother’s experiences have fueled my passion to change the system from within and offer compassionate, equitable care. Attending college is more than a personal goal. It is a path to empowerment for my family and a way to break cycles of mistrust and limited opportunity. My younger sister, inspired by our resilience, has returned to school and begun dreaming about her future again. Education is the tool that can transform our lives, and I am determined to make the most of every opportunity. Receiving this scholarship would not only help cover the cost of essential academic materials but also affirm that my hard work and commitment are valued. It would ease financial pressures and enable me to continue excelling as a student and caregiver. I am grateful for the chance to pursue my dreams and one day give back by serving others in need, lifting as I climb.

When life demanded more than I thought I had to give, I chose to give even more. That mindset, pushing past limits and staying focused through adversity, has defined my journey, especially over the past two years. I believe it perfectly exemplifies what it means to be "hungry": to work hard, reward hard work, and push forward even when the odds are stacked against you. In 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer after waiting seven years to get a mammogram. Her delay was rooted in a deep mistrust of the healthcare system as a Black woman, shaped by generations of mistreatment. Supporting her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and hospital visits was a full-time commitment. Then, in January 2025, she was diagnosed with two brain tumors after suffering months of severe headaches. She required brain surgery and radiation to fully remove each tumor. Additionally, my mother lives with bipolar disorder, which adds complexity to her physical and mental health care. During this time, I balanced a full academic course load, worked toward my BSN prerequisites as a Nutrition major at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. After I graduate next spring, I will immediately be pursuing the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provided at my school. I had already earned my associate's degree and cared for my sister after a life-threatening accident in 2023, and will be earning a second associate's degree this fall once I take my last prerequisite courses for the nursing program. I was the primary caregiver, managing hospital visits, medication schedules, and coordinating care. Rather than scaling back, I pushed harder. My days were built around meeting everyone’s needs. I attended morning classes virtually from hospital waiting rooms, completed assignments late at night after medication routines, and scheduled my studying between transportation to radiation and therapy appointments while working full time. I learned about each medication my mother was prescribed, asked detailed questions during her appointments, and helped her prepare emotionally for the mental health challenges of recovery. I was not just her daughter; I became her advocate, her translator, and her nurse-in-training. What kept me going was the belief that my work mattered. My hunger for education, growth, and purpose was about more than getting through school. It was about becoming the nurse I wish my mother had been during those vulnerable moments. I want to be the provider who listens when a patient says, “Something isn’t right,” who does not ignore symptoms because of race, and who respects the full complexity of mental and physical health. The impact of my actions was immediate in my home. My mother could focus on healing instead of fighting to be heard or understood. She felt supported, informed, and loved. My younger sister, inspired by our resilience, returned to school and began dreaming about her future again. Academically, I not only stayed enrolled but thrived, proving that dedication paired with purpose can turn hardship into momentum. Being hungry means choosing effort over ease. It means stepping up even when no one is watching because you believe in the outcome. I have chosen that path every day. Receiving this scholarship would lift the financial burden of nursing school and affirm that hard work matters; that showing up again and again despite challenges is worth it. I am hungry for this opportunity, for this career, and for the chance to change the kind of care families like mine receive. This scholarship would give me the privilege to put more of my attention to my schoolwork, and with that, I would be able to truly succeed.

In my family, going to the doctor used to be more of a last resort than a routine.** It wasn’t because we didn’t value our health; we just didn’t always trust the system that was supposed to protect it. Like many Black women, my mother grew up hearing stories of pain being dismissed, symptoms being minimized, and diagnoses arriving too late. Even when I would encourage her to go to the doctor, she would constantly brush me off as "doing too much". So, when she avoided getting a mammogram for seven years, it wasn’t carelessness—it was caution. By the time she went, the news was devastating: stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, which quickly progressed to stage 4. That moment was heartbreaking but also clarifying. I realized that the real danger wasn’t just the illness. It was the silence, the mistrust, and the long history of being unheard. In that moment, I found my purpose: to help address one of the most urgent social issues of our time, racial disparities in healthcare, by becoming a nurse who offers care that is equitable, culturally competent, and rooted in trust. When my mom got sick, I stepped in to support her through every appointment, chemo session, and hospital visit. I became her translator, both for the medical terms and the emotional weight of it all. I even consulted with family doctors in Costa Rica to help her understand her options. For the first time, she felt like she had someone in her corner. Just a few months later, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle and hospitalized in the ICU. I found myself managing multiple care plans, advocating for my family, and juggling full-time coursework, all while navigating the very system I knew had failed people like us too many times before. Despite the pressure, I earned two associate degrees, stayed enrolled full-time, and discovered skills I never expected to develop in my early twenties: leadership, advocacy, and medical literacy. These experiences didn’t just shape me personally; they fueled my commitment to fight for better outcomes, especially for Black women, who are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. Today, I’m majoring in Nutrition at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and preparing to begin nursing school. My goal is to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse, then a Certified Nurse-Midwife and Nurse Practitioner dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes. I want to be the provider who doesn’t just treat symptoms but sees the whole person and understands the cultural and systemic context behind their concerns. To prepare, I’ve taken on leadership roles inside and outside the classroom. I’ve participated in SIUE’s College of Business Leadership Development Program and learned to code in the Koding With Klossy Web Development Program, skills that have helped me build communication tools and solve problems creatively. As a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, I live by our motto, “Lift as We Climb,” applying it to both healthcare and community service. Addressing health disparities isn’t just my future; it’s my present. Whether it’s advocating for my family, studying healthcare inequities, or building a career centered around compassion and justice, I’m doing the work now to create a more equitable system for tomorrow. Being honored with this scholarship would help lift some of the financial burden of nursing school, but more than that, it would be an investment in someone deeply committed to change. I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue this work with your support and belief behind me.

They say silence can be deadly—and in my family, it nearly was.** My mother waited seven years to get a mammogram—not out of neglect, but because of a deep-rooted mistrust in the U.S. healthcare system. As a Black woman, her fears were shaped by generations of medical mistreatment and dismissal. When she was finally screened, the diagnosis was devastating: stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, which quickly progressed to stage 4. That moment didn’t just shake our family—it revealed my path. In the middle of fear and uncertainty, I found my purpose: to become the kind of nurse who transforms fear into trust and ensures no patient feels invisible in a system that wasn’t built for them. At the time, I had just stepped away from a computer engineering degree to reassess my goals. But when my mother got sick, I became more than her daughter—I became her advocate. I attended chemo sessions, explained complex medical terms with help from family doctors in Costa Rica, and supported her emotionally through each phase of treatment. Watching her regain confidence when she felt respected showed me how powerful it is when care is not just clinical, but compassionate. Just months later, tragedy struck again: my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle and rushed to the ICU. I found myself navigating multiple hospital systems while juggling full-time school and caregiving. I coordinated appointments, advocated for my family, and interpreted care plans with precision and urgency. It was overwhelming, but I stayed enrolled, earned two associate degrees, and developed skills in leadership, time management, and medical literacy—skills I never expected to need in my early twenties. Today, my mother is in remission, my sister is back in school, and I’m preparing for the next chapter. I currently just graduated with my associate's degree and will soon begin nursing school at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. My goal is to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse, then a Certified Nurse-Midwife and Nurse Practitioner focused on improving maternal health outcomes, especially for Black women, who are still three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. What difference do I want to make? I want every patient, especially those who have historically been ignored, to feel seen, safe, and heard. I want to break down the barriers that made my mother hesitate and be the provider who offers care with empathy, respect, and cultural understanding. Healthcare should not feel like a gamble for people of color. I’m committed to being part of the change that makes equitable care a standard, not a rarity. I bring a unique blend of skills to this mission. From building websites in the Koding With Klossy Web Development Program to joining SIUE’s College of Business Leadership Development Program, I’ve always been a problem-solver and a leader. I’m also a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, whose motto, “Lift as We Climb,” mirrors how I live my life: uplifting others as I grow. Being honored with this scholarship would not only help ease the financial burden of nursing school. This scholarship would be an investment in a future nurse committed to driving real change in healthcare. I would be deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue my education with your support and to carry forward your belief in the power of service, advocacy, and equity in medicine.

It’s often said that your path reveals itself through hardship, and that’s exactly how I discovered mine. The past three years have tested me in unimaginable ways, yet through those challenges, I found my purpose: to become a nurse who offers the kind of care that transforms fear into trust and pain into healing. In 2023, after stepping away from a computer engineering degree to reassess my goals, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. She had always been hesitant about U.S. medical care—an inherited mistrust rooted in her experiences as a Black woman and shaped by generations before her. As her daughter, I stepped in to support her through chemotherapy, physical therapy, and hospital visits while also helping her interpret information alongside family doctors from Costa Rica. She found strength in hearing medical advice from people she trusted, and that experience taught me how powerful it is when patients feel listened to and respected. Just a few months later, my younger sister was struck by a public transit vehicle and rushed to the ICU. I found myself moving between hospital rooms, balancing schoolwork and family responsibilities. Despite the emotional and physical toll, I “turned it up to 11” by staying enrolled full-time, caring for my family, and earning two associate degrees. I became more organized, scheduling appointments, coordinating care, and interpreting complex medical information—developing leadership, time management, and advocacy skills I never expected to use in my early 20s. Today, my mother is in remission, my sister is back in school, and I’m preparing for my next chapter. I’m now majoring in Nutrition at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a 4.0 GPA and will soon begin nursing school to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse. Eventually, I plan to earn my Nurse Practitioner license and become a Certified Nurse-Midwife focused on reducing maternal health disparities, especially for Black women. I’m committed to making every patient feel safe, heard, and empowered—especially those who have long felt dismissed in medical spaces. I bring a diverse set of skills to this mission. From my early coding experience through the Koding With Klossy Web Development Program to my participation in SIUE’s College of Business Leadership Development Program, I’ve always been passionate about learning, problem-solving, and leading with purpose. I’m also a proud member of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, whose motto, “Lift as We Climb,” reflects the way I approach both life and leadership. That’s why a mentorship with Inspire11 would be such an incredible opportunity. I know the power of guidance. I’ve lived the difference it can make. Through this program, I’d gain the tools and insight to continue turning it up to 11, not only in my education but in my impact. From navigating nursing school to one day creating policy or programs that address healthcare disparities, mentorship would help me build a future where my personal mission and professional path align. With Inspire11’s support, I’ll be able to grow into the kind of leader I needed during my hardest moments and the kind of provider my patients will be able to trust during theirs.

It is often said that your path reveals itself through hardship. In my sophomore year, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. I'm set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I'll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. Then, I will earn my DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women due to ignoring their needs. My mother feared going to the doctor, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as her American doctors would. Nevertheless, she felt a lot more confident in her treatment due to the support of our family in healthcare. I want to be the nurse who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field and treat women whose concerns were previously put to the side as a priority. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is an investment in my education and the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

The world uniquely guides us through life’s challenges, shaping our paths in unexpected ways. In my second year of college, I was at a crossroads, deciding whether to continue my computer engineering degree or shift my focus. I returned home and completed my associate’s degree at a community college. This decision unexpectedly coincided with one of the most challenging periods of my life, igniting my respect for healthcare professionals and underscoring the importance of empathy and dedication in caregiving. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage three triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis was particularly daunting due to her already declining health over the previous five years. I supported her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as our family was coping with our mother's illness, the situation intensified when my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU, required multiple surgeries, and barely escaped death, staying in the hospital for a month. During her recovery, the right side of her body was unusable, and I helped her with various tasks, such as meal prep, moving her around in her hospital bed, and pushing her around in a wheelchair for three months. Throughout this ordeal, I witnessed firsthand the critical role of empathetic healthcare professionals. Their unwavering support, knowledge, and dedication provided not only medical care but also emotional support. They were very transparent about procedures and the timeline for both my sister’s and mother’s recovery. This experience solidified my respect for the medical field and underscored the importance of compassionate patient care. While my sister dealt with physical injuries instead of illness like my mother, she didn’t have many questions. My mother, however, was highly skeptical of her care throughout her recovery. My mother’s historical fear of doctors passed down through generations, highlighted the need for trust and confidence in our healthcare system. She constantly sought second opinions from family members in Costa Rica who are doctors, even when their advice mirrored that of her local doctors. Her skepticism often led her to seek reassurance from me, even after receiving consistent advice. With familial support, she gained confidence in her care, emphasizing the importance of trusted relationships in healthcare. This journey taught me the necessity of building trust and providing empathetic care to patients. I am committed to becoming a nurse who reassures patients and listens to their concerns. As the eldest sibling, I have always been heavily relied upon. I have always cherished children, from changing diapers as a seven-year-old to being a devoted aunt. Their success and quality of life are paramount to me, and by achieving my goals, I hope to inspire them to excel in life. As I prepare to graduate this fall with a dual degree in Associate of Arts and Science, I am eager to start my journey at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Spring 2025, pursuing a BSN in nursing. My long-term goal is to obtain a DNP in Midwifery and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I want to address critical disparities in healthcare by ensuring parents trust their healthcare providers to give their children the correct immunizations and healthcare needs early to prevent chronic illness and disease and help parents make the best decisions for their children's care. This scholarship will enable me to continue my education without the financial burden that often accompanies re-entering a four-year university as a transfer student. Your support is an investment in the new generation of healthcare professionals. Thank you for considering my application.

The world uniquely guides us through life’s challenges, shaping our paths in unexpected ways. In my second year of college, I decided to continue with my computer engineering degree or shift my focus. I returned home and completed my associate’s degree at a community college. This decision unexpectedly coincided with one of the most challenging periods of my life while simultaneously igniting my respect for healthcare professionals and underscoring the importance of empathy and dedication in caregiving. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage three triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis was particularly daunting due to her already declining health for the previous five years. I supported her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as our family was coping with our mother's illness, the situation intensified when my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and required multiple surgeries, barely escaping death, staying in the hospital for a month. During her recovery, the right side of her body was unusable, and I helped her with various things, such as her meal prep, moving her around in her hospital bed, and pushing her around in a wheelchair for three months. Throughout this, I witnessed firsthand the critical role of empathetic healthcare professionals. Their unwavering support, knowledge, and dedication provided not only medical care. They also were very transparent about procedures and the timeline for both my sister’s and mother’s recovery. This experience solidified my respect for the medical field and underscored the importance of compassionate patient care. While my sister dealt with physical inflictment instead of illness like my mother, she didn’t have many questions. My mother, however, was highly skeptical of her care throughout her recovery. My mother’s historical fear of doctors passed down through generations, highlighted the need for trust and confidence in our healthcare system. She constantly sought second opinions from family members in Costa Rica who are doctors, even when their advice mirrored that of her local doctors. Her skepticism often led her to seek reassurance from me, even after receiving consistent advice. With familial support, she gained confidence in her care, emphasizing the importance of trusted relationships in healthcare. This journey taught me the necessity of building trust and providing empathetic care to patients. I am committed to becoming a nurse who reassures patients and listens to their concerns with genuine care. As the eldest sibling, I have always been heavily relied upon. I have always cherished children, from changing diapers as a seven-year-old to being a devoted aunt. Their success and quality of life are paramount to me, and by achieving my goals, I hope to inspire them to excel in life. As I prepare to graduate this fall with a dual degree of an Associate of Arts and Science, I am eager to start my journey at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Spring 2025, pursuing a BSN in nursing. My long-term goal is to obtain a DNP in Midwifery and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. I want to address critical disparities in healthcare by ensuring parents trust their healthcare providers to give their children the correct immunizations and healthcare needs early to prevent chronic illness and disease early on and help parents make the best decisions for their children's care. This scholarship will enable me to continue my education without the financial burden that often accompanies re-entering a four-year university as a transfer student. Your support is an investment in the new generation of healthcare professionals. Thank you for considering my application.

The world has a funny way of showing you your path from the toughest challenges. My journey through hardship has profoundly shaped my passion for nursing and commitment to selfless, unconditional care for others. In my second year of college, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis hit hard, especially since her health had been on the decline for the past five years. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed as of this July, her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported me. I am set to graduate this Fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Starting Spring 2025, I will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, pursuing my BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I aim to eventually earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women. My mother feared doctors, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. Throughout her cancer treatment, she constantly received second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as the American doctors would. With them consigning almost every medical decision she made, she felt more confident in her care, helping her recover faster than just her previous doubts. I want to be the nurse who walks into a room, and my presence makes patients feel reassured and know they will feel listened to and that their concerns, no matter how small they assume them to be, will be taken seriously. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, treat women and children with the knowledge I have gathered, and share information with anyone who needs it to help people better understand their health. With this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by the financial burdens of reentering a four-year university as a transfer student and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

It is often said that your path reveals itself through hardship. In my sophomore year, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. I'm now set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I'll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I then will earn DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women due to ignoring their needs. My mother feared going to the doctor, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as her American doctors would. Nevertheless, she felt a lot more confident in her treatment due to the support of our family in healthcare.. I want to be the nurse who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, and treat women whose concerns were previously put to the side as a priority. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

It is often said that your path reveals itself through hardship. In my sophomore year, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. I'm now set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I'll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I then will earn DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women due to ignoring their needs. My mother feared going to the doctor, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. My mother had already been ill for the last couple of years, but was simply too afraid to go to treatment fearing she would be ignored or waved off. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as her American doctors would. Nevertheless, she felt much more confident in her treatment due to the support of our family in healthcare. I want to be the nurse who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, and treat women whose concerns were previously put to the side as a priority. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

My journey as a first-generation college student has been shaped by unexpected challenges and deeply personal experiences, leading me to pursue a career in nursing. Often, our paths become evident during the most challenging times, and my own has been profoundly influenced by my family's struggles and the impactful role of healthcare professionals. In my second year of college, I faced a critical decision about whether to continue my computer science degree. Unsure of my future, I returned home and completed my associate's degree at a community college. This decision, however, coincided with one of the most challenging periods of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. Her longstanding fears of medical treatments made this diagnosis incredibly challenging. As I grappled with my uncertainties, I needed to demonstrate resilience to support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. The situation intensified in June when my younger sister was struck by a public transit vehicle just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. These experiences underscored the crucial role of empathetic healthcare professionals. The staff who cared for my family provided not only medical treatment but also transparent communication and emotional support. This exposure gave me a newfound respect for the medical field and highlighted the importance of compassionate care. As the oldest sibling, I have always been a source of support for my younger family members. From changing diapers as a child to being a devoted aunt, children have always held a special place in my heart. Their well-being and success are important to me, and I am driven to positively impact their lives by achieving my educational and career goals. These past years have reinforced my commitment to nursing, shaping my aspiration to provide selfless, compassionate care. I am set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. I will then attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing with a minor in Nutrition. My goal is to earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner, focusing on addressing maternal healthcare disparities, particularly the higher mortality rate among Black women during childbirth. My mother's mistrust of the healthcare system, a legacy of her own experiences, highlighted the importance of building trust and delivering compassionate care. Her reliance on second opinions from family members in Costa Rica emphasized the need for healthcare professionals who listen and address patients' concerns. Through nursing, I aim to be the kind of professional who reassures patients and breaks down barriers. As a member of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, I am committed to their motto, "Lift as We Climb," I plan to extend this principle throughout my career by delivering care and sharing knowledge to empower others. This scholarship will ease the financial burden of my studies and help me achieve my goal of obtaining a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. Your support is an investment not only in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients. Thank you for considering my application and helping me make a meaningful impact in healthcare.

It is often said that your path reveals itself through hardship and despair. My journey has profoundly shaped my passion for nursing and commitment to selfless, unconditional care for others these past three years. In my second year of college, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis hit hard, especially since she had always been wary of doctors and medical treatments for the past five years. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. Inspired by these experiences, I'm set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I'll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I aim to eventually earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women. My mother feared to trust healthcare professionals, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as the American doctors would. With them consigning almost every medical decision she made, she felt a lot more confident in the care she was given because she trusted people who were closer to her and knew would listen to her concerns. I want to be the kind of nurse who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, treat women who want and need it, and share information with anyone who needs it to help people better understand their overall health. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

It is often said that your path reveals itself through hardship. These past three years, my journey has shaped my passion for nursing and selfless, unconditional care for others. I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree in my sophomore year. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis hit hard, especially since she had always been wary of doctors and medical treatments for the past five years. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. Inspired by these experiences, I'm set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I'll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I aim to eventually earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women. My mother feared to trust healthcare professionals, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as the American doctors would. With them consigning almost every medical decision she made, she felt a lot more confident in the care she was given because she trusted people who were closer to her and knew would listen to her concerns. I want to be the kind of nurse who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, treat women who want and need it, and share information with anyone who needs it to help people better understand their overall health. My journey has taught me the power of empathy and the importance of giving back, and I'm excited to channel these lessons into my nursing career and make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

It is often said that your path reveals itself through hardship. These past three years, my journey has profoundly shaped my passion for nursing and commitment to selfless, unconditional care for others. In my second year of college, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis hit hard, especially since she had always been wary of doctors and medical treatments for the past five years. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. Inspired by these experiences, I'm set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I'll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I aim to eventually earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women. My mother feared to trust healthcare professionals, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as the American doctors would. With them consigning almost every medical decision she made, she felt a lot more confident in the care she was given because she trusted people who were closer to her and knew would listen to her concerns. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, treat women who want and need it, and share information with anyone who needs it to help people better understand their overall health. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

It is often said that your path reveals itself through hardship. These past three years, my journey has profoundly shaped my passion for nursing and commitment to selfless, unconditional care for others. In my second year of college, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate's degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn't realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis hit hard, especially since she had always been wary of doctors and medical treatments for the past five years. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom's cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. Inspired by these experiences, I'm set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I'll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I aim to eventually earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women's Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women. My mother feared to trust healthcare professionals, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as the American doctors would. With them consigning almost every medical decision she made, she felt a lot more confident in the care she was given because she trusted people who were closer to her and knew would listen to her concerns. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, treat women who want and need it, and share information with anyone who needs it to help people better understand their overall health. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

It is often said that the most significant rewards come from the toughest challenges. My journey through hardship has profoundly shaped my passion for nursing and commitment to selfless, unconditional care for others. In my second year of college, I was unsure about continuing my computer engineering degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate’s degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn’t realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis hit hard, especially since she had always been wary of doctors and medical treatments for the past five years. I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom’s cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. Inspired by these experiences, I’m set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I’ll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I aim to eventually earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women’s Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women. My mother feared to trust healthcare professionals, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as the American doctors would. With them consigning almost every medical decision she made, she felt a lot more confident in the care she was given, because she trusted people who were closer to her and knew would listen to her concerns. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field, treat women who want and need it, and share information with anyone who needs it to help people better understand their overall health. With the money from this scholarship, I can continue my studies uninterrupted by financial burdens and achieve my dream of obtaining my Doctorate in nursing practice. Thank you for considering my application. Your support is not just an investment in my education but also in the quality of care I will provide to future patients.

It is often said that the most significant rewards come from the toughest challenges. My journey through hardship has profoundly shaped my passion for nursing and commitment to Agape love—selfless, unconditional care for others. In my second year of college, I was unsure about continuing my computer science degree. I decided to return home and finish my associate’s degree at a community college while figuring out my next steps. I didn’t realize this decision would lead to one of the most brutal years of my life. In January 2023, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. This diagnosis hit hard, especially since she had always been wary of doctors and medical treatments. As I grappled with my uncertainty, I had to step up and support her through chemotherapy, hospital visits, and physical therapy. Just as we were trying to cope, my younger sister was hit by a public transit vehicle in June, just two days before her 20th birthday. She was rushed to the ICU and underwent multiple surgeries, barely escaping with her life. The hospital staff who cared for my family were incredible. Their compassion and dedication made us feel heard and supported. This experience gave me a newfound respect for healthcare professionals and showed me the profound impact of empathy and care. With my mom’s cancerous tumor now removed and her recovery underway, and my sister back to her studies, I realized how much I wanted to give back to the community that had supported us. Inspired by these experiences, I’m set to graduate this fall with an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science. Next, I’ll attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue a BSN in nursing and a minor in Nutrition. I aim to eventually earn a DNP in Midwifery and become a Women’s Health Practitioner. I am mainly driven to address the disparities in maternal healthcare, where Black women face a mortality rate during childbirth that is three times higher than that of white women. My mother feared to trust healthcare professionals, something passed down from her mother in the 1960s. During her entire cancer treatment journey, she constantly has gotten second opinions from our family members in Costa Rica, who were doctors telling her the same thing as the American doctors would. With them consigning almost every medical decision she made, she felt a lot more confident in the care she was given, because she trusted people who were closer to her and knew would listen to her concerns. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who walks into a room and makes patients feel reassured and heard, breaking down barriers and stereotypes. I joined the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs in 2022 before I left my first Institution, Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Founded in 1896, they are an organization dedicated to service and bettering the conditions and education of their respective communities. Our organization's Motto is "Lift as We Climb." I want to embody that in my career field and not only give treatment to women who want and need it but also share information with anyone who needs it to help people have better knowledge of their overall health. My journey has taught me the power of empathy and the importance of giving back, and I’m excited to channel these lessons into my nursing career and make a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.

In the modern world of anime and cartoons, some elements of cartoons are always established as childish or not attractive enough for adults. I have been watching anime for about 12 years, and as a 22-year-old, I can understand where they are coming from. I tend to have a more mature taste when it comes to storytelling and media, so a lot of the newer titles like My Hero Academia and some of the older classics such as Fairy Tale were hard to finish because it felt like a group of people who were protected by the fanbase and actors who were too scared to kill characters off. When you watch an anime fighting supervillains capable of mass destruction, when you realize nothing will happen to your main character and their friends, the thrill of the show tends to soften. It is not that you want your favorite character to die, of course, but after a while, a fair fight with twists and turns is a quality that makes a show invaluable. When Demon Slayer (Kimetsu No Yaiba) was first animated in late 2020, I was worried this would be the same show, but a friend persuaded me to watch some episodes of the first season. After about eight episodes, I was hooked. I ended up watching the rest without any breaks, skipping the opening and endings because I needed to know what happened next. I finished it but was heartbroken that the 2nd season movie would not be out for a few months. That's when I found out that the anime was adapted from a manga, which was completed at the time (January 2021)! Safe to say, I read the following 150 chapters and finished the manga within three days. I thought I would be content with just reading the manga. Still, with the animation constantly in production and with us in the final season, I cannot stop myself from watching now with everyone else just starting, and I can say this is one of my favorite animes to date. I rewatch it both by myself and find myself constantly talking about it. I even ordered a cosplay of one of the main hashira, Shinobu Kochou. It is a well-rounded story that gets straight to the point, establishes our main characters' strengths, and shows loss and wins on a well-balanced scale. These next movies will shake the world, and I am ready to watch them again with the world.

During my second year of schooling, I had trouble deciding if my computer science degree was what I wanted. After some contemplating, I decided to go home last year and attend a community college to finish my associate's while deciding on what I would do about my career. Little did I know this would be the start of the most brutal year of my life. In January of 2023, my mother was diagnosed with stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer. While deciding on a new life for myself, I also had to support my mother through healing, hospital visits, chemotherapy, and physical therapy. Her health was in decline before her diagnosis, but she always had had fears of going to the doctor, being an older black woman, and not having trust in our medical services. While helping my mother, our family experienced another tragedy that struck my younger sister. She was struck by a public transit service in June of the same year, just two days before her birthday, and was rushed to the ICU, barely surviving with her life. The hospital staff that supported my family members was invaluable during both of these situations. They helped and supported us through everything, from my mother's progressive checkups to my sister's multiple surgeries in the ICU. We felt like we were heard throughout our concerns, and it truly made me feel that not only would my family be okay, but I now had a newfound respect and faith in the medical field. Since then, I am happy to say my mother has officially gotten her cancerous tumor removed this previous month and is recovering from what hopefully will be her last surgery. My sister has fully recovered and can continue her Bachelor's in Psychology. I understand that not everyone feels this way or has had an experience like mine. Many people have had bad experiences in the medical field and cannot say they have had the same positive experiences. After my sister had her foot surgery, I decided I wanted to be able to give back to the communities that built me and learn one of the only disciplines that would benefit both me in maintaining a strong career and helping my family in times of need by studying nursing. This fall, I will be graduating with both my Associate of Arts and Associate of Science, after which I will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to earn my BSN in nursing while minoring in Nutrition, after which I will obtain my DNP in Midwifery and Women's Health Practitioner. Currently, three times as many black women die during childbirth as white women, with stereotypes of pain tolerance and the issue of not being heard still being rampant to this day. My dream now is to be the healthcare professional people look at and feel relieved when I walk in the room because they trust my education and feel like all of their questions and concerns are heard. Whether a woman is having her first baby and needs support or feels like something is off and needs someone with medical experience to speak to about medical concerns and not feel ignored, I want to help make the change and destroy the stereotypes and practices that have destroyed black people's faith in our healthcare system, one patient at a time.

There is a place for every type of player in Minecraft. When I started playing Minecraft, it was with a friend in college, and I had never picked up the game before then. I have always been an avid lover of open-world adventure games such as Skyrim and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but I never had many friends who played this one. As soon as we started, and my friend gave me a brief explanation of how to build and gather supplies, it was like something in me clicked. After we got through our first couple of deaths and established camp, the first thing I wanted to do was adventure. I would just run in one direction until I found something interesting or worth taking back home. I loved both exploring the map and how beautiful this game was. My first priority was moving through the different regions and seeing what this world had to offer. At first, it frustrated my partner, so when at the base, I would lead supply storage (food and metals), farming, and crops. Maxing out our food supply and food made it easier for me to escape off into our random world seed without her being as angry as before, but to make sure my adventures meant something to us, I created a coordinate wall in our home that had locations of interests I found on my scouting missions as we would call them. It could have anything on it, from villages, oak wood regions, sand temples, large cave spots, and anything you could think of. If it could lead to an adventure or something we needed, it was on our coordinate wall. One particular mission, though, quickly led to one of our most extended adventures. Yearning for adventure after sitting in our home, I just walked left. I had no destination, just lots of food, armor, and essential tools in my inventory. There was a point where I had run into the ocean. Since I ran out of land, I got my boat and started riding the waves for about 15 minutes. At first, my comrade was laughing at me, completely shocked. I had decided to roam when we needed to progress in the Nether, but what I said next made her stop what she was doing, get my coordinates, and come straight to my location. "Ashley, I found an Island!! It looks cool! There are cows with mushrooms on them!" As soon as I said this, she freaked out and asked me how on earth I found it after interrogating me for the coordinates. With the roles reversed, I was now laughing at her during her journey to me. After making it to the rare Mushroom Island biome I found, she handed me a leash and told me we HAD to bring them home. After countless creeper flanks, zombie ambushes, and two full game days, we both ended up losing our cows within sight of our camp, but we knew where they were, and we were ready to go at it again, The opportunity for adventure and the journey makes this game so unique. Throughout all the challenges, creating routes through an open world and building our story truly makes this game magical. It doesn't matter how old you are; as long as you are willing to explore, Minecraft will deliver.