My decision to pursue a career in nursing is deeply personal and grounded in my lived experiences as a Black woman and as a caregiver. I was first inspired by my father, whose journey through chronic illness introduced me to both the beauty and the shortcomings of our healthcare system. I witnessed how cultural misunderstandings and implicit biases impacted his care, and I often had to step up as his advocate—translating medical jargon, ensuring he was treated with dignity, and simply being present when others were not. These early experiences planted a seed in me: I wanted to become the nurse that families like mine needed—someone who would see the whole person, not just the diagnosis. That seed grew when I was selected to join Cleveland Clinic’s Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program in high school. Out of over 100 applicants, I was one of the few chosen to engage in this transformative opportunity. ASPIRE’s mission is to diversify the nursing workforce by empowering students of color with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in healthcare. The program gave me a critical lens through which to understand the nursing profession—not only as a science, but as a service. I learned about systemic health disparities, the value of representation, and the importance of empathy in patient care. ASPIRE didn’t just affirm my desire to become a nurse—it gave me the tools to begin that journey with confidence and clarity. The most defining experience came while working at Cleveland Clinic as a patient care nursing assistant. During one shift, I was assigned to a mentally disabled, nonverbal Black male patient who frequently attempted to get out of bed. I noticed how others struggled to communicate with him, often leading to frustration and misunderstandings. But through patience and observation, I earned his trust. When he became agitated and resisted returning to bed, a code was called, and within seconds, the room filled with medical staff and security. Amid the chaos, I stayed focused on my patient, advocating for his safety and ensuring he was treated with compassion. Eventually, he was calmed and safely assisted back into bed. That moment reinforced everything I’d learned through ASPIRE. I wasn’t just there to provide care—I was there to protect, to understand, and to speak up. Even in a supporting role, I could make a difference. That experience confirmed that nursing is my calling. I see nursing as a form of justice, where showing up fully for someone in their most vulnerable moment can change everything. I’m pursuing this career because I want to be a healing presence for people who often feel unseen in our healthcare system. As I prepare for nursing school, I carry the lessons of ASPIRE and my clinical experiences with me: to lead with empathy, to remain vigilant, and to serve with purpose. I know that nursing is not just about medication and procedures—it’s about being the person who says, “I see you, I hear you, and I will care for you like family.”

My decision to pursue a career in nursing is deeply personal and grounded in my lived experiences as a Black woman and as a caregiver. I was first inspired by my father, whose journey through chronic illness introduced me to both the beauty and the shortcomings of our healthcare system. I witnessed how cultural misunderstandings and implicit biases impacted his care, and I often had to step up as his advocate—translating medical jargon, ensuring he was treated with dignity, and simply being present when others were not. These early experiences planted a seed in me: I wanted to become the nurse that families like mine needed—someone who would see the whole person, not just the diagnosis. That seed grew when I was selected to join Cleveland Clinic’s Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program in high school. Out of over 100 applicants, I was one of the few chosen to engage in this transformative opportunity. ASPIRE’s mission is to diversify the nursing workforce by empowering students of color with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in healthcare. The program gave me a critical lens through which to understand the nursing profession—not only as a science, but as a service. I learned about systemic health disparities, the value of representation, and the importance of empathy in patient care. ASPIRE didn’t just affirm my desire to become a nurse—it gave me the tools to begin that journey with confidence and clarity. The most defining experience came while working at Cleveland Clinic as a patient care nursing assistant. During one shift, I was assigned to a mentally disabled, nonverbal Black male patient who frequently attempted to get out of bed. I noticed how others struggled to communicate with him, often leading to frustration and misunderstandings. But through patience and observation, I earned his trust. When he became agitated and resisted returning to bed, a code was called, and within seconds, the room filled with medical staff and security. Amid the chaos, I stayed focused on my patient, advocating for his safety and ensuring he was treated with compassion. Eventually, he was calmed and safely assisted back into bed. That moment reinforced everything I’d learned through ASPIRE. I wasn’t just there to provide care—I was there to protect, to understand, and to speak up. Even in a supporting role, I could make a difference. That experience confirmed that nursing is my calling. I see nursing as a form of justice, where showing up fully for someone in their most vulnerable moment can change everything. I’m pursuing this career because I want to be a healing presence for people who often feel unseen in our healthcare system. As I prepare for nursing school, I carry the lessons of ASPIRE and my clinical experiences with me: to lead with empathy, to remain vigilant, and to serve with purpose. I know that nursing is not just about medication and procedures—it’s about being the person who says, “I see you, I hear you, and I will care for you like family.” I found out about this scholarship through my college’s financial aid and scholarship office.

Coming into adulthood, I knew I wanted a healthcare career that would push me to be the best version of myself while also impacting the lives of everyone I met. When I discovered nursing, it was a revelation. The level of stability, personal growth, and professional development the profession offers was eye-opening. Nursing stood out as a career where my growth would not only benefit me but also positively impact every patient I care for, every family I console, and every healthcare team I support. I knew this was the calling God had for me. Despite the hardships I faced over these few years, I've never lost sight of His promise for me to become a nurse. At the beginning of 2023, my life took a sudden and unexpected turn. I had to pack up and leave the only place I had ever called home. My world seemed to stop as I scrambled to find a place to stay. I eventually moved across town to live with a relative, packing my entire childhood into boxes. Losing the roof over my head could have marked the end of my journey, but my passion for my future kept me moving forward. I was determined not to let my circumstances define me and instead used them as fuel to write my own story. For several months, I drove 80 minutes to and from school every day while living cities away. I worked five days a week to support myself financially while maintaining my academic commitments. Outside of work and school, I excelled in Cleveland Clinic’s ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program, never missing a lecture or a single opportunity to learn. I aced all my program check-offs, earning a position at Cleveland Clinic as a patient care nursing assistant. Despite these challenges, I graduated high school third in my class and was honored with the Saint Martin de Porres Award, given to one senior who exemplifies my school’s mission: to work, study, serve, lead, and pray. I also earned the Senior Capstone Research Project of the Year award for my in-depth research on the nursing shortage and the laws and policies needed to address it. These achievements were hard-won, born out of resilience and an unwavering commitment to my goals. From the moment my world changed, I put my foot on the gas and never looked back. My intense passion for nursing and unshakable determination turned my obstacles into some of my proudest accomplishments. Now that I am in my first year of nursing school, I still carry this mindset and drive with me as I work toward fulfilling my calling. There are lots of moments when I am filled with high pressure, but the challenges I’ve already faced have prepared me to thrive in OSU’s nursing program. I am ready to continue writing my success story, grow further into my identity, and become a passionate, resilient, and impactful nurse once I graduate.

One of the biggest reasons I want to pursue a degree in nursing is to make a lasting impact. Nursing offers me the opportunity to reach my highest potential by influencing change through compassionate and intentional care. In high school, I was honored to be selected from over 125 applicants for the Cleveland Clinic’s Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program. ASPIRE’s mission is to diversify the nursing field by equipping minority students with the career insights and critical skills they need to thrive in nursing school and beyond. This program profoundly shaped my understanding of what it means to be a nurse of color and underscored the importance of diversity in healthcare. As a future nurse of color, I feel a deep responsibility to advocate for and serve people of color in their most vulnerable moments. ASPIRE also prepared me to join the Cleveland Clinic as a patient care nursing assistant. In this role, I gained invaluable hands-on experience that solidified my passion for nursing. I improved my patient interaction skills, became more familiar with the dynamics of the nursing profession, and experienced firsthand the difference compassionate care can make in a community. One particular shift as a patient care assistant stands out as a defining moment in my journey. My assignment was to supervise a Black male patient with mental disabilities and a speech impediment, who was a high fall risk. Communication with him was challenging, but I was determined to connect. Through patience and understanding, I earned his trust and made him feel comfortable—something others had struggled to achieve. Later that shift, I needed assistance to help him back into bed. Despite the nurse's help, our efforts were unsuccessful, leading to a violent code being called. Within seconds, the room filled with police, nurses, and doctors. Throughout the chaos, I remained focused on my patient, observing every action and word used to ensure he was treated with care and respect. My vigilance stemmed from my ASPIRE training, which instilled in me the importance of advocating for patients who are often overlooked or misunderstood. With the team’s efforts, we calmed him and safely returned him to bed. This experience reinforced my purpose as a nurse: to protect, advocate for, and provide empathetic care to those who need it most. In that moment, I understood how vital it is to serve patients of color with the dignity and attention they deserve, especially when their families cannot be there. As I walk in my purpose, I remain committed to contributing to my community as an empathetic, vigilant, and culturally competent nurse. The responsibility I feel to my patients, particularly those who share my background, motivates me to excel in nursing school and beyond. By pursuing this degree, I hope to continue bridging gaps in healthcare, advocating for equitable treatment, and offering a sense of safety and dignity to every patient I serve.