My name is Audrey Chatmon, and I am an aspiring healthcare professional preparing to begin my studies at Indiana University in Fall 2026. I plan to pursue a career in nursing or sonography, driven by both personal experiences and a deep commitment to addressing health disparities in underserved communities. Growing up, I became aware of the gaps in healthcare access and the consequences of unequal treatment, particularly among Black women. These observations have shaped not only my academic interests but also my purpose. Throughout high school, I have intentionally prepared for a future in healthcare by engaging in research, academic writing, and community-focused projects. My senior capstone project examines the medical mistreatment of Black women and girls, exploring how bias, systemic inequities, and lack of advocacy impact patient outcomes. This experience strengthened my research, communication, and critical thinking skills while also confirming my desire to be part of a more equitable healthcare system. I am not just interested in treating patients, I want to advocate for them, educate them, and ensure they are heard. Professionally, my goal is to become a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider who prioritizes both clinical excellence and patient trust. Whether I choose nursing or sonography, I intend to work in environments where I can directly impact patient care while continuing to address disparities in healthcare delivery. I also hope to engage in community outreach, educating individuals about preventative care, women’s health, and the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings. Long-term, I aspire to contribute to systemic change by supporting initiatives that promote equity in healthcare practices and policies. Personally, I strive to be someone who leads with empathy, resilience, and purpose. I value education not only as a pathway to a career but as a tool for empowerment and change. I am committed to continuous growth, academically, professionally, and personally, and I approach challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Balancing school, research, and preparation for my future career has taught me discipline and time management, skills that I will carry with me into college and beyond. The Christopher K. Swartz Scholarship would play a crucial role in helping me achieve these goals by reducing the financial burden associated with higher education. As I transition into college, financial support will allow me to focus more fully on my studies, participate in internships or clinical experiences, and take advantage of opportunities that will strengthen my skills and knowledge. Instead of being limited by financial stress, I will be able to invest my time and energy into becoming the best healthcare professional I can be. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my education but also bring me one step closer to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. I am committed to using my education at Indiana University to create positive change in healthcare, and I am determined to turn my goals into action.

Financial education has become one of the most important parts of my life because of what I have experienced firsthand. When COVID-19 first began, my mom and I faced homelessness and had to sleep in a car. That period of uncertainty changed the way I view money, stability, and the future. It was not just a difficult time; it was a lesson that taught me how quickly life can change and how important it is to be prepared. Because of that experience, I now understand that financial education is not optional. It is a necessary tool for building security, making responsible decisions, and creating a better future. Living through homelessness showed me the reality of financial instability in a way that no textbook ever could. I saw how stressful it is when basic needs become uncertain and every dollar matters. Things like food, gas, and shelter were no longer ordinary parts of life—they became daily concerns. That experience opened my eyes to how deeply finances affect a person’s well-being. It also taught me that financial struggles do not just impact one moment; they affect confidence, peace of mind, and long-term opportunities. From that point forward, I knew I never wanted to take money or financial stability for granted. Now that I have a job as a teenager, I carry that lesson with me every time I get paid. Having my own money has made me more responsible and more aware of how easily spending can get out of control. I have learned to be cautious and thoughtful instead of spending impulsively. I try to ask myself whether something is truly necessary before I buy it, because I know how quickly small purchases can add up. Being mindful of my spending has helped me develop discipline, and that discipline is something I know will benefit me for the rest of my life. Instead of seeing money as something to spend without much thought, I now see it as something to manage carefully and respect. Financial education matters to me because it provides knowledge that can prevent hardship and support growth. Before going through my own experience, I did not fully understand the importance of budgeting, saving, or planning ahead. Now I realize that those skills can make a major difference in someone’s future. Financial education teaches people how to prepare for emergencies, avoid unnecessary stress, and make smart choices with the resources they have. It also helps people understand that even small habits, like saving a little at a time, can lead to greater stability later on. For me, learning about finances is not just about money itself—it is about building a stronger foundation for life. In the future, I plan to use what I have learned to make more intentional choices and create financial stability for myself. I want to continue saving, spending wisely, and becoming more educated about money management. As I grow older, I know I will face bigger responsibilities, and I want to be ready for them. My experiences have taught me that financial freedom begins with financial discipline. By staying aware, avoiding overspending, and continuing to learn, I hope to build a future that is secure and stable. The challenges I faced during the start of COVID-19 shaped me into a more thoughtful and determined person. Although that time was painful, it gave me a perspective that many people may never understand. It taught me the value of resilience, the importance of financial education, and the responsibility that comes with earning and managing money. Today, I carry those lessons with pride and purpose.