The nursing field interests me because of the way it combines science, compassion, and purpose. Growing up in a low-income household with a single mother raising three children, I witnessed firsthand the ways healthcare can feel out of reach—whether because of cost, lack of understanding, or fear of judgment. I saw my mother put her own health last to keep our home running, and I watched loved ones avoid care altogether because they didn’t trust the system. These experiences sparked something in me. I knew I wanted to work in healthcare—not just to treat people, but to support them in ways that go beyond medicine. While I plan to pursue a career in anesthesiology, I’ve always held deep respect for the nursing profession. If medical school isn’t financially realistic right away, I plan to become a nurse anesthetist or even a travel nurse. Nursing is a career I would be proud to enter, not as a backup, but as a powerful and rewarding calling. Nurses are often the first and last people a patient interacts with during care. They advocate, educate, and comfort. They make people feel seen—and that’s the kind of impact I want to have. My ultimate goal is to work in both hospital and community health settings, focusing on underserved populations. I want to be part of the change in how healthcare is delivered—especially to people in working-class communities like the one I grew up in. I want patients to feel safe, listened to, and respected regardless of their income, race, or insurance status. I believe nursing gives me the tools to not only care for individuals but also improve systems from the inside. Although I haven’t completed formal medical internships or volunteering yet, I’ve gained real-life experience through my jobs and responsibilities. I’ve worked as a restaurant server, summer camp counselor, and skating rink employee—all of which demanded multitasking, patience, communication, and care for others. As a camp counselor, I was responsible for children’s safety and well-being, which taught me alertness and accountability. In customer service roles, I learned how to listen, stay calm under pressure, and interact with people from every background—skills that translate directly into nursing. I’ve also had meaningful personal health-related experiences that shaped my outlook. I’ve accompanied family members to appointments where they didn’t feel heard. I’ve helped my mom manage household needs while silently dealing with physical and emotional stress. I’ve watched how deeply someone can be affected not only by a diagnosis—but by how they’re treated during it. I want to be the nurse who brings dignity, warmth, and respect into every patient interaction. Academically, I’ve worked hard to position myself for success. I’m an honors graduate and a proud student-athlete who participated in cheerleading, volleyball, and track, while also balancing work and leadership in clubs like the Young Black Excellence Club and National Honor Society. I’ve recently committed to Clark Atlanta University as a biology major with a pre-med track, and I’m determined to make the most of every opportunity that brings me closer to healthcare. I know the road ahead won’t be easy. I’m already facing challenges like FAFSA delays and being waitlisted for campus housing. But I’ve never let obstacles stop me. Nursing, to me, is more than a career—it’s a mission. With hard work, continued education, and support from scholarships like this one, I’m ready to step into that mission and give back to the communities that raised me.

Growing Up in Bayonne, New Jersey Growing up in Bayonne, New Jersey has been a one-of-a-kind experience that shaped my personality, values, and the future I’m working hard to create. Bayonne is the kind of place where everybody knows everybody, and where the smallest things—like meeting your friends at Cottage Street Park or walking to McDonald’s after school—mean everything. It’s more than just my hometown—it’s the backdrop of my growth, my challenges, and my dreams. As a student, athlete, and working teenager, life in Bayonne taught me balance. But beyond academics and responsibilities, this city gave me a community. I didn’t just stick to one group of friends or stay in my bubble. I became friends with kids from different schools, different backgrounds, and different walks of life—whether it was through track meets, church events, or just running into the same people at Hudson County Park or Cottage. We’d meet up, talk about life, share our goals, and laugh about everything. Those moments showed me how valuable it is to build connections beyond your comfort zone and how diversity can teach you things the classroom never will. High school in Bayonne came with its own traditions. One that sticks out the most? Walking straight to McDonald’s after school. It might seem small, but it was a daily routine where everyone—athletes, honor students, and even the quiet kids—would cross paths. It was our space to relax, vent, and feel like teenagers, even when life outside of school felt heavy. Coming from a low-income household, I couldn’t always afford to go out or spend like others, but those shared experiences made me feel included and reminded me that simple things matter most. Even in middle school, I was already exploring the world outside of Bayonne—riding the light rail with my friends to Newport Mall in Jersey City. For us, it wasn’t just about shopping—it was freedom, independence, and excitement. We’d go just for the Chick-fil-A, since it’s the only one around here. That little trip felt like a big adventure. Moments like those helped me become more independent and taught me how to move confidently through the world, even outside the comfort of home. Bayonne also taught me what resilience looks like. My mom, a single parent raising three kids, worked tirelessly to provide for us. Money was always tight, but love was never lacking. To help out, I worked jobs at local restaurants, a skating rink, and a summer camp. I balanced those jobs with honors classes, NHS membership, sports, and clubs. At times, it felt like I was carrying the world on my shoulders—but looking back, I see that pressure built my strength and sense of purpose. I’m now heading to Clark Atlanta University to study biology on the pre-med track, with dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist. My passion for healthcare was born from real-life experiences—watching my family navigate healthcare barriers and seeing how people in working-class communities like Bayonne often feel invisible in medical spaces. I want to change that. Whether I become a doctor, nurse anesthetist, or travel nurse, I’m committed to bringing compassion, representation, and quality care to people who deserve better. Bayonne may be small, but it gave me big lessons—how to be resourceful, grounded, social, and strong. It gave me a community, a voice, and a story. And now, I’m ready to take everything I’ve learned here and turn it into something meaningful for the world.

How Sports, School, and Life Made Me a Stronger Woman in a Male-Dominated World Being a female student-athlete has shaped me in every way possible. Participating in sports like cheerleading, volleyball, and track and field throughout high school—while juggling honors classes, extracurricular clubs, part-time jobs, and personal responsibilities—has pushed me to grow into a strong, confident, and resilient young woman. These experiences have not only built my physical endurance but also prepared me to stand firm in male-dominated spaces, whether in athletics, education, or my future career. As a young Black woman raised by a single mother in a low-income household, I had to grow up quickly. I understood early on that nothing would be handed to me, and that I’d need to work twice as hard to get half as far. So I did just that. I took on multiple jobs, from working at a pizza parlor and restaurant to being a summer camp counselor and skate guard. While doing this, I stayed committed to school, participated in the Young Black Excellence Club, Spirit Club, National Honor Society, and maintained my status as an honors student. On top of that, I gave my all to sports. In these athletic spaces, I noticed right away that male athletes were often treated differently. They were given more attention, louder praise, and more resources. But instead of letting that discourage me, I let it motivate me. I realized that I didn’t need to be handed anything—I could earn it. And when I did, I made sure people saw me not just as a “girl who does sports,” but as a powerful, focused athlete who came to perform. Each sport I participated in taught me something valuable. Cheerleading taught me how to perform under pressure and the importance of precision, discipline, and spirit. Volleyball taught me teamwork, strategy, and communication. Track and field taught me how to challenge myself mentally and physically, to focus on progress over perfection, and to push past limits even when I felt like giving up. These skills translated directly into my academic and personal life, helping me become more organized, determined, and grounded. Being an athlete also taught me how to handle failure. I’ve lost games, missed goals, and had off days—but I always came back stronger. That’s how I’ve handled life, too. Financial setbacks, personal hardships, and even being underestimated because of my gender or background have never stopped me. Instead, I’ve used those obstacles as fuel. I’ve learned how to advocate for myself, how to lead with both strength and compassion, and how to represent what it means to be a young woman with purpose. As I prepare to begin my college journey at Clark Atlanta University and pursue a career in STEM and healthcare, I know I’ll continue to enter spaces where I may not be the majority. But that doesn’t scare me. Being a student-athlete taught me how to own my space, how to speak up, and how to lead with confidence. I’m proud to be a woman in a world that often favors men—because I know my power, and I know what I bring to every room I walk into.

Overcoming Adversity and Pursuing Impact in STEM My story begins in a home held together by strength, sacrifice, and love—where my single mother worked endlessly to support me and my two younger siblings. Although we didn’t have much financially, she made sure we had just enough to keep going. Growing up in a low-income household, I learned early on what it meant to survive with limited resources and endless responsibilities. While other kids my age were only focused on school or sports, I balanced being a student, athlete, role model, and worker, all while helping my mother keep the household together. Every obstacle we faced made me stronger, and every experience pushed me closer to my purpose. My family’s financial struggles were never hidden from me. I was old enough to understand when the bills couldn’t be paid or when we had to stretch meals to make food last. I knew how to stay quiet when my mom was stressed, and I learned not to ask for things I knew we couldn’t afford. Despite the weight of our circumstances, I always remained focused on my education. I believed that school was my way out—my chance to create a life where I wouldn’t have to constantly worry about survival, and where I could turn around and help others going through the same thing. I began working as soon as I could, not just to help my mother financially, but also to relieve some of the pressure off her shoulders. I’ve worked multiple jobs over the years: as a cashier at Corner Square Pizza Parlor, a server at Lady G’s Restaurant, a summer camp counselor with Bayonne Rec, and a skate guard at Rich Korpi Ice Rink. I worked long hours after school and on weekends, often while juggling AP classes, honor societies, and track practices. It wasn’t easy, but I pushed through because I had a vision for my future—and because I’ve always wanted to be more than just a product of my circumstances. I’ve faced more than just financial adversity. My upbringing also came with emotional and environmental challenges, including family separation and a strained relationship with my father, who was physically abusive and left me feeling unsafe during court-ordered visits. These traumatic experiences forced me to mature early. I learned to find peace within myself, lean on my mother and siblings for support, and turn pain into motivation. My life could have easily gone in a different direction, but I chose to stay focused and build a path that reflects who I truly am. That path has led me toward the field of healthcare—specifically, anesthesiology. From a young age, I was curious about the human body, but it wasn’t until I started to understand how difficult it was for people like my family to access proper care that I realized I wanted to make a difference in medicine. My goal is to become an anesthesiologist so I can help patients through critical procedures, ensuring they are safe and cared for during their most vulnerable moments. I want to bring comfort, skill, and compassion to an area of healthcare that’s often overlooked when it comes to bedside manner. I’ve also considered becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a travel nurse if medical school becomes financially impossible. Regardless of the route I take, my mission remains the same: to provide quality healthcare to underserved communities, and to be a voice for those who have been ignored or mistreated by the medical system. I want to open low-cost clinics in low-income neighborhoods, offer educational resources about health and wellness, and make sure no one is denied the care they need just because of their income or background. My passion for STEM is deeply personal. It’s rooted in my own experiences navigating a healthcare system that often fails people who look like me. It’s inspired by my mother, who put her own needs aside to care for her children. It’s fueled by my desire to make sure others don’t have to struggle the way we did. Science is my way of taking control of my future and creating positive change in the world around me. I recently committed to attending Clark Atlanta University as a biology major on the pre-med track. Unfortunately, I’ve already experienced setbacks—including being waitlisted for on-campus housing and dealing with issues on my FAFSA that have affected my financial aid. Still, I remain hopeful and determined. I’m attending virtual orientation and doing everything I can to stay on track, even if it means navigating things alone. I’ve worked too hard to give up now. Receiving this scholarship would make an enormous difference for me. It would help lighten the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more on my education and long-term goals. It would be more than just money—it would be a reminder that my story matters, and that all of my struggles weren’t in vain. With your support, I can become the first in my family to graduate from college, enter the medical field, and break generational cycles of struggle. I know I still have a long way to go, but I’m ready. I’m ready to work harder, rise above, and pour back into the communities that raised me. My passion, resilience, and purpose will carry me forward—and with this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to fulfilling the mission I was meant for.

Educational & Professional Goals and Commitment to Civic Service Since I was young, I’ve always had a curiosity about the human body—how it functions, how it heals, and how the right care can save a life. As I got older, that curiosity turned into purpose. My dream is to become an anesthesiologist, and I plan to begin that journey at Clark Atlanta University as a biology major with a pre-med concentration. If my path changes, I am also open to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) or a travel nurse. Either way, my purpose remains the same: to be in a position to care for others at their most vulnerable moments. My passion for medicine isn’t just about interest in science—it comes from my real-life experiences. I was raised by a single mother in a low-income household, where health care often felt like a privilege rather than a right. I’ve watched my mother stretch herself thin trying to meet our basic needs, including medical care when we couldn’t always afford it. Those moments made me realize how essential compassionate and competent healthcare workers are—especially for underrepresented and underserved communities. I want to be someone who makes people feel safe and supported, no matter their background or financial status. At Clark Atlanta University, I plan to take full advantage of every academic and professional development opportunity available to me. I will seek internships, research programs, and mentorship in the medical field. I also hope to join campus organizations related to health and medicine, community service, and Black excellence. I am determined to graduate with honors and be prepared to apply to a top medical school. Along the way, I will continue to build leadership skills, strengthen my time management, and stay grounded in my purpose. My long-term goal is not just to work in medicine, but to give back to the communities that raised me. I want to open or partner with free or low-cost clinics in underserved areas and ensure that people receive respectful, thorough, and affordable care. I’ve witnessed firsthand how medical neglect can negatively impact families. I want to be part of the solution—someone who helps build trust in healthcare again. Beyond my academic and career goals, I’ve always had a deep commitment to public service and civic engagement. In high school, I was a member of the Young Black Excellence Club, the National Honor Society, and the World Language National Honor Society. Through these organizations, I participated in school drives, citywide cleanups, and programs that mentored younger students. I also volunteered as a camp counselor and worked at local businesses in my city, always showing up with a positive attitude and willingness to help. No matter how busy my schedule became as a student-athlete, honors student, and working teen, I always found time to give back—because it’s part of who I am. Civic service, to me, means showing up for your community. It means using your time, voice, and energy to make a difference for someone else. Whether that’s organizing food drives, helping a neighbor, or mentoring youth who come from similar situations, service creates impact. I know how much that kind of support meant to me growing up, and I plan to be that person for others. In college, I will continue this commitment by joining service-oriented organizations and volunteering in the Atlanta community. I hope to work with youth programs, health awareness campaigns, and outreach for families facing economic hardship. Eventually, I want to organize medical mission trips and community health fairs. My career may be in healthcare, but my heart will always be rooted in service. This scholarship would not just help me afford college—it would give me the foundation to fully focus on my goals without being weighed down by financial stress. It would be a stepping stone to a future where I can give back ten times what I’ve received. I believe that with education, compassion, and service, I can become a powerful force for good. And with your help, I’ll be one step closer to that dream.

Growing up, I didn’t live with my father, but I was forced to visit him every other weekend due to court-ordered custody arrangements. To the outside world, these visits might have seemed like a chance for a child to bond with their parent—but for me, they were a source of fear and anxiety. My father struggled with alcohol addiction, and his home was a place of chaos and violence. Almost every visit ended with the police being called. I was exposed to emotional and physical abuse—he put his hands on me and my stepmother, and I constantly felt unsafe, unheard, and powerless. My siblings and I have different mothers, but we all shared the pain of growing up with a father whose addiction took over his life and hurt everyone around him. My mother, separated from him early on, did her best to protect me and provide stability, but the court system didn’t always protect us. Every other weekend, I was forced back into a home that made me feel like I was walking on eggshells. I learned how to stay quiet, how to hide bruises—emotional and physical—and how to be strong in situations that no child should ever be placed in. Despite the trauma, I refused to let my circumstances define me. Instead, I let them shape my purpose. I became determined to build a life that was different—one rooted in healing, not hurting. I realized that I wanted to be the kind of person I never had during those moments of fear: someone who cares, someone who listens, someone who helps others out of pain. That’s why I’ve committed to studying healthcare at Clark Atlanta University. My ultimate goal is to become an anesthesiologist, but I’m also open to careers in nursing or rehabilitation. What matters most to me is being able to help people feel safe and cared for—especially those who come from backgrounds like mine, where pain was a part of everyday life. I want to serve not only as a medical professional, but as someone who can show compassion to those often overlooked. Coming from a low-income household, raised by a single mother who gave everything she had to support my siblings and me, I understand the value of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. I’ve balanced school, work, and leadership responsibilities while carrying emotional burdens many people never see. And still, I show up—with purpose, with drive, and with a heart full of hope for the future. Receiving this scholarship would not just ease the financial stress on my family—it would help me keep pushing forward toward a future where I can truly make a difference. I’m not just pursuing a degree—I’m pursuing a mission. I want to break cycles, rewrite my story, and help others heal in the process. I am more than what I’ve been through, and with your support, I’ll become everything I’m meant to be.