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Benicia Reed

1,405

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I have been a single mother to four beautiful children since I started my journey in nursing 12 years ago. I struggle financially to support and provide for my children while attending school. This means I need to work 1-2 jobs while in school; I worked through my LVN program and was successful. Completing my BSN program will allow me to provide for my children, so we will no longer struggle financially. I have four beautiful commitments that mean the world to me. My four sons are why I will never give up on my goals. These four commitments come with challenges I have spent the last fifteen years learning, adapting, and overcoming. We also have an excellent support system that wants nothing but to see us thrive. All challenges will be met with the help and support of these fantastic beings in our lives. I am underrepresented in healthcare, schools, and business. I am a black woman in America, and unfortunately, no matter where I go, I will still be underrepresented. I currently do not have access to out-of-hospital midwifery care due to many factors, including money, Insurance coverage, and no access to midwives who look like me. Because of these factors, I aim to open multiple birthing centers and health centers in underrepresented communities that provide low-cost, easy access, quality care. Because of these factors, I refuse to give up on my dream.

Education

Nightingale College

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Mission College

Associate's degree program
2016 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

    • Clinic Nurse

      Gardner Health Services
      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Softball

    Junior Varsity
    1998 – 20024 years

    Research

    • Biological and Physical Sciences

      2021

    Arts

    • Dance
      2002

    Public services

    • Advocacy

      Roots — Nurse
      2020 – Present

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship
    Why am I passionate about midwifery? For me midwifery is more than just a profession; it's a lifestyle and a commitment to serve, support, and advocate for all pregnant women and their families. My passion comes from the miseducation of other providers and the mistreatment of black families. I am passionate about educating providers and protecting families from mistreatment. For me, that is midwifery. As a black woman, mother, and nurse, I must pursue my goals and succeed in becoming a midwife. My success will provide me with the ability to advocate for my black communities across the country. My goal is to open my own birthing center/health clinic, or should I say birthing centers in different parts of the country. These centers would give black communities access to safe, quality care. Currently, I am a member of a health team centered around providing accurate information and awareness of the tragic health disparities within the black community. Our health team provides resources and support to community members in need. I am also working on speaking at conferences and workshops to further spread awareness. In 10 years, I see a successful black midwife owning and co-operating multiple health and birth centers across the country geared toward decreasing health disparities, especially in the black community. I see myself creating access to quality care for all families and giving them choices with no personal agenda. I believe I should be selected for the Charles Cheesman's Student Debt Reduction Scholarship because, as a single mother to four beautiful boys, I often face challenges that limit my ability to pursue my goals. Pursuing and achieving my goals is essential to me. I have been a single mother to four beautiful children since I started my journey in nursing. It shows my sons that despite any challenges you face, reaching your goals is still possible. Ultimately, this scholarship would allow me access to the books and materials required for my nurse midwife program. g. I struggle financially to support and provide for my children. This means that I also need to work while in school; I also worked through my LVN program and was successful. Completing my nurse midwife program will allow me to provide for my children, so we will no longer struggle financially. It would help pay for part of my tuition and other school fees. It would give me a better opportunity to succeed.