My name is Ashlee Thomas, and I am a junior nursing student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). My passion for maternal and child health drives my goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. I am committed to supporting mothers and their children by promoting healthier lifestyles, addressing health disparities, and providing compassionate care. My vision of creating a lasting legacy is rooted in improving maternal and infant health outcomes in underserved communities, both locally and globally. My dream is to establish a nonprofit organization that focuses on reducing maternal and infant mortality rates through education, resources, and support services. This nonprofit will provide comprehensive prenatal education, childbirth preparation, and postpartum care, ensuring that mothers, especially those in disadvantaged communities, have access to the tools they need for successful pregnancies and healthy babies. The organization will also address systemic issues by offering free or low-cost health screenings, nutrition workshops, and culturally competent counseling. A significant aspect of my nonprofit will involve partnerships with local healthcare providers and organizations to advocate for equitable healthcare policies, expand Medicaid access for pregnant women, and improve funding for community health centers. This vision stems from personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of health disparities. As the daughter of Haitian migrants, I have witnessed the severe poverty and lack of healthcare resources in Haiti, especially after the 2010 earthquake. During visits, I was deeply moved by the struggles of pregnant women who lacked access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. This inspired me to research maternal and child health in Haiti and discover the global nature of these issues, particularly among African Americans in the United States. This awareness motivates my desire to bridge these gaps in care and create solutions that empower women. I shine my light by advocating for health literacy and equitable care. Through my involvement with the Piedmont Black Nurses Association, I have participated in community service events across North Carolina, offering health screenings, and support services to underserved populations. I also mentor young women interested in health sciences, encouraging them to pursue careers that impact lives. My commitment to service and education allows me to uplift others and inspire change. In the labor and delivery room, I plan to create a supportive and respectful environment where every woman feels heard. Studies show that African American women are disproportionately affected by poor maternal outcomes, often due to systemic bias. As a labor and delivery nurse, I will prioritize cultural competence and patient advocacy to improve outcomes for mothers and babies. By becoming a Nurse Practitioner and founding my nonprofit organization, I aim to leave a legacy that reflects my commitment to maternal and child health. This legacy will shine through the lives I touch, women empowered, families strengthened, and communities transformed. Thank you for considering my application!

Hello, my name is Ashlee Thomas, and I am a junior nursing student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. My professional goals are to become a labor and delivery nurse, support mothers and children, and promote healthier lifestyles. My interest in health science started at a young age due to its critical role in daily life. I aspire to expand my knowledge in this field to help find treatments for diseases and improve women’s health. I am particularly motivated by the connection between health science and emotional and physical well-being, which fuels my pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Community service is central to my personal and professional life. One initiative close to my heart is Feed the Hunger, which provides food to people in Haiti. This project is especially meaningful to me, as my parents immigrated from Haiti, and my family has witnessed the country’s struggles firsthand. During our visits to Haiti, we observed the devastating poverty, worsened by the 2010 earthquake, and the significant health disparities that affect many people. Some lack access to adequate healthcare, while others sleep on the streets without basic necessities. I was particularly struck by the sight of pregnant women pleading for food and water, which led me to investigate Haiti’s high maternal and child mortality rates. I was surprised to learn that the United States also faces rising mortality rates in these areas, highlighting the global challenges women and infants face due to inadequate prenatal care, advocacy, and labor support. This realization strengthened my commitment to improving maternal and child health. I believe that my drive, focus, and organizational skills will enable me to make a meaningful difference in the labor and delivery profession. My ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), where I will diagnose and treat illnesses, improve maternal health in underserved areas, provide primary and preventive care, and advocate for childbirth and prenatal care plans. Currently, I’m a part of a non-profit nursing organization called Piedmont Black Nurses Association, my organization also has a huge influence on my decision to be a Nurse Practitioner. At Piedmont, we volunteer at numerous community service events within North Carolina in efforts to improve health disparities for those in need. In the long term, I plan to establish a nonprofit organization, working with volunteers and medical professionals, to support communities in need, including Haiti. My goal is to reduce maternal and infant mortality by educating the public about newborn care, childbirth preparation, and prenatal care. This scholarship would provide the recognition, resources, and encouragement needed to help me achieve my goals and reach my full potential. It would be an honor to be considered for this opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Hello, my name is Ashlee Thomas, and I am currently a junior nursing student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. My professional aspiration is to become a labor and delivery nurse, where I can provide support to mothers and their children while promoting healthier lifestyles. My interest in health science began at a young age, inspired by its crucial role in everyday life. I am eager to expand my knowledge in this field to discover new treatments for diseases and enhance women’s health outcomes. The connection between health science and emotional and physical well-being motivates me deeply, fueling my pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This understanding has reinforced my commitment to improving maternal and child health. I believe that my dedication, focus, and strong organizational skills will empower me to make a significant impact in the labor and delivery profession. Within the next five to ten years, my ultimate goal is to advance my career as a licensed Nurse Practitioner (NP), allowing me the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses effectively. I want to focus on improving maternal health, particularly in underserved areas, providing primary and preventive care, and advocating for comprehensive childbirth and prenatal care plans. My mother is my greatest role model and the most important person in my life. Her grit, ambition, and unwavering passion have inspired me greatly. One pivotal moment was when she decided to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse while pregnant with my sister. She enrolled in a nursing program and taught me that our minds are our greatest tools for success. I witnessed her perseverance despite numerous challenges, and her journey ignited my passion for health science. Through her, I learned that life is full of opportunities, and limiting circumstances can hinder success. I am deeply grateful to my mother for inspiring my future aspirations in health science. In the long term, I aim to establish a nonprofit organization with my mother that collaborates amongst volunteers and medical professionals to support communities in need. Our mission is to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates by educating the public about essential topics like newborn care, childbirth preparation, and prenatal care. This scholarship would provide the recognition, resources, and encouragement needed to help me achieve my goals and reach my full potential. It would be an honor to be considered for this opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Hello, my name is Ashlee Thomas, and I am a junior nursing student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. My professional goals are to become a labor and delivery nurse, support mothers and children, and promote healthier lifestyles. My interest in health science started at a young age due to its critical role in daily life. I aspire to expand my knowledge in this field to help find treatments for diseases and improve women’s health. I am particularly motivated by the connection between health science and emotional and physical well-being, which fuels my pursuit of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Community service is central to my personal and professional life. One initiative close to my heart is Feed the Hunger, which provides food to people in Haiti. This project is especially meaningful to me, as my parents immigrated from Haiti, and my family has witnessed the country’s struggles firsthand. During our visits to Haiti, we observed the devastating poverty, worsened by the 2010 earthquake, and the significant health disparities that affect many people. Some lack access to adequate healthcare, while others sleep on the streets without basic necessities. I was particularly struck by the sight of pregnant women pleading for food and water, which led me to investigate Haiti’s high maternal and child mortality rates. I was surprised to learn that the United States also faces rising mortality rates in these areas, highlighting the global challenges women and infants face due to inadequate prenatal care, advocacy, and labor support. This realization strengthened my commitment to improving maternal and child health. I believe that my drive, focus, and organizational skills will enable me to make a meaningful difference in the labor and delivery profession. My ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), where I will diagnose and treat illnesses, improve maternal health in underserved areas, provide primary and preventive care, and advocate for childbirth and prenatal care plans. In the long term, I plan to establish a nonprofit organization, working with volunteers and medical professionals, to support communities in need, including Haiti. My goal is to reduce maternal and infant mortality by educating the public about newborn care, childbirth preparation, and prenatal care. One obstacle that I’ve faced in my life is learning how to balance. As a full-time student, healthcare worker, and entrepreneur, I have to multitask a lot. At 14, I founded my beauty business, driven by a passion for helping others feel confident. My drive to grow and my love for helping people feel beautiful serves as the foundation for my business. Balancing my business, work, and academics has been challenging, but I learned how to prioritize my studies and maintain high aspirations. I am confident that my determination and organization will lead me to achieve my goal of earning a bachelor's degree in nursing and obtaining a license as a nurse practitioner. This scholarship would provide the recognition, resources, and encouragement needed to help me achieve my goals and reach my full potential. It would be an honor to be considered for this opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My name is Ashlee Thomas, and I am a junior nursing major at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. I aspire to become a labor and delivery nurse, supporting mothers and children while promoting healthy lifestyles. My passion for health science began early on due to its crucial role in daily living. I hold myself accountable by setting clear goals, staying organized, and maintaining a strong work ethic, which has led to my success academically and personally. Accountability for me starts with recognizing my purpose and breaking it down into actionable steps. For instance, my deep commitment to community service, including initiatives like Feed the Hunger, which supports people in Haiti, is driven by my family roots. My parents immigrated from Haiti, and my visits to the country opened my eyes to the harsh realities of poverty and health disparities. Witnessing the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake, particularly the struggles of pregnant women in desperate need of basic care, inspired me to focus on improving maternal and child health. To keep myself on track, I consistently set short- and long-term goals. My current focus is on obtaining my bachelor’s degree in nursing and eventually becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). As a Nurse Practitioner, my duties would include diagnosing and treating illnesses, improving maternal health in underserved areas, providing primary and preventive care, creating treatment plans, advocating for childbirth plans, and more. It would be amazing to use my license to also give back to my community. I see this as a critical step toward addressing the high maternal and child mortality rates both in the U.S. and globally. I am proactive in my studies, seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and apply it in real-world settings, such as through my CNA certification and my work experience in healthcare. These steps reinforce my commitment to serving underserved communities and improving healthcare access. Ultimately, I hold myself accountable by regularly reflecting on my progress and staying committed to my long-term vision. My drive to advocate for better healthcare, particularly for women and children, pushes me to continue learning, growing, and striving for excellence. This accountability has been central to my success, and it will guide me as I work toward my goal of starting a nonprofit to address maternal and child health disparities in Haiti and beyond. Thank you very much for your consideration and for this chance! In summary, this scholarship has the ability to act as a driving force behind my professional and personal development by giving me the recognition, resources, and encouragement I need to reach my objectives and realize my full potential. Being a beneficiary or even simply being seen would be an honor.