Life can sometimes throw so many hurdles your way on your path to success. In 2009, I began my educational journey at UNT Denton. I was 29 and excited about my new move to Dallas and starting a new life for my son. I enrolled in January 2009 and found out I was pregnant with my daughter in March. I was sitting in Biology lab when I became so nauseated that I had to run out of the class to the bathroom. This was the beginning of my educational struggle. The pregnancy was complicated and I was sick for the entire 9 months. By the time November came around, I was barely keeping my grades afloat. But I made it through my first year of college. In May of 2011, my only grandmother became deathly ill after suffering an AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm). Things didn't work out for me that semester and I failed my classes. I thought I would be able to focus more on my studies after my family informed me she was getting better and I did do better in college, until my birthday, July 22, 2012. I was away at military training when my family called crying. My grandmother had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. I rushed home to Chicago to see her on life support and ultimately passed away on my birthday. I quit school completely, I dropped out. Six years later I re-enrolled in UNT and completed my Bachelor's degree with straight A's. I turned tragedy to triumph and I know my grandmother looks down on me proudly! I aspire to become a registered nurse. Since beginning in the medical field in high school, I've always wanted to obtain my RN. Having worked as an LPN for 17 years in the military, it's time to work on my goal. Completing my prerequisite courses this summer and fall semesters will prepare me to take the TEAS test and apply for admission in Spring 2024. I have been back in the habit of school since enrolling in a medical assistant program last year. I currently have a 4.0 GPA for that program. I anticipate dedicating the same amount or more time to my studies to be able to complete the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Currently, I reside in a neighborhood in Chicago called Roseland. Most Chicagoans would say "Don't go to that neighborhood or don't go over there if you're not from there." But the Alderman is working to revitalize the area. In helping with his efforts, I formed a group of young people that go out into the community to clean up vacant lots, mow the lawns, and remove trash to keep the area nice. I also am on the board of trustees for a nonprofit organization called "The Ronnieman Foundation." This organization aids in efforts to thwart crime against black and brown people of color at the hands of the police. My involvement in these organizations helps me in my career and educational goals by building the foundation to advocate for people who don't have a voice. While coordinating education, family, and work is a task, this is something I want and desire. My children are of an age where they can help with cooking, give me quiet time when I'm studying, or help me out while working from home. I don't want to brag but my goals are just as important to my children as they are to me. So while this is a new journey, we're all ready for the ride!

In 2009, I began my educational journey at UNT Denton. I was 29 and excited about my new move to Dallas and starting a new life for my son. I enrolled in January 2009 and found out I was pregnant with my daughter in March. I was sitting in Biology lab when I became so nauseated that I had to run out of the class to the bathroom. This was the beginning of my educational struggle. The pregnancy was complicated and I was sick for the entire 9 months. By the time November came around, I was barely keeping my grades afloat. But I made it through my first year of college. That time wouldn't last long. In May of 2011, my only grandmother became deathly ill after suffering an AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm). I found myself traveling back and forth from Dallas to Chicago frequently to make sure my children and I saw her, should anything happen. Something happened, I had failed my classes. I thought I would be able to focus more on my studies after my family informed me she was getting better and I did do better in college, until my birthday, July 22, 2012. I was away at military training when my family called crying. My grandmother had suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. I rushed home to Chicago to see her on life support and ultimately passed away on my birthday. I quit school completely, I dropped out. Six years later I re-enrolled in UNT and completed my Bachelor's degree with straight A's. I turned tragedy to triumph and I know my grandmother looks down on me proudly! I aspire to become a registered nurse. Since beginning in the medical field in high school, I've always wanted to obtain my RN. Having worked as an LPN for 17 years in the military, it's time to work on my goal. Completing my prerequisite courses this summer and fall semesters will prepare me to take the TEAS test and apply for admission in Spring 2024. I have been back in the habit of school since enrolling in a medical assistant program last year. I currently have a 4.0 GPA for that program. I anticipate dedicating the same amount or more time to my studies to be able to complete the goal of becoming a registered nurse. Currently, I reside in a neighborhood in Chicago called Roseland. Most Chicagoans would say "Don't go to that neighborhood or don't go over there if you're not from there." But the Alderman is working to revitalize the area. In helping with his efforts, I formed a group of young people that go out into the community to clean up vacant lots, mow the lawns, and remove trash to keep the area nice. I also am on the board of trustees for a nonprofit organization called "The Ronnieman Foundation." This organization aids in efforts to thwart crime against black and brown people of color at the hands of the police. My involvement in these organizations helps me in my career and educational goals by building the foundation to advocate for people who don't have a voice. While coordinating education, family, and work is a task, this is something I want and desire. My children are of an age where they can help with cooking, give me quiet time when I'm studying, or help me out while working from home. I don't want to brag but my goals are just as important to my children as they are to me. So while this is a new journey, we're all ready for the ride!