In 8th Grade, I lost my maternal grandmother suddenly. Causing a Butterfly Effect on my life, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and insecurity when it came to my mind and body. Something that has stuck with me during my times of grief and the hardships I faced after her death was a moment in a parking lot we shared during one of the last nights we shared together. The words of assurance my nana instilled in me before she passed, left a permanent imprint on me. She said to me that she never knew anyone as determined as me, and that she knew no matter what, I would succeed at what I did because I always persevered. At that time, I only viewed myself as a mousy eighth grader stumbling, and somehow exceeding all expectations of myself. So, I thought those words were just for flattery and comfort. Not something she truly believed. It was months later, after she died and I was struggling to accept that she was gone, when I realized she believed in me without hesitation before anyone, including myself. The reason for this confidence she had avidly instilled in me, was for protection from the culmination of societal disparities of racism, to sexism, to economic discrimination she foresaw me enduring as an intersectional experience. This confidence she guided me to gain, led to personal self-growth, at first, then blossomed into activism, volunteering, and so much more. This self growth gave me insight in that there were so many other mousy little eight grade girls who had the same self-doubt society had nurtured me in. I use nurture, to highlight my perspective that society thrives in this self doubt, complacent, and comfortable in doing so. Which gave me what I like to call, ‘the a-ha moment’. I could instill the innate confidence, and certainty that gives little girls stars in their eyes by helping them realize their potential like my Nana did for me. Although I had this sudden feeling of purpose, I could not conceptualize just how it would be accomplished. My interest in obstetrics and gynecology had always been obvious, but I never saw how the two interests could be integrated. Then, the Gender Equity Commission of The University of Pittsburgh released a report that stated the maternal mortality rate of black women and fetuses in Pittsburgh was 97% higher than in any other major city in the U.S.. Like the last piece of a puzzle, I knew that this was the spark to a solution. My dream of helping women realize their limitless potential and value was right in front of me. I still know it may change and grow as my interests and life experiences do the same, but I have started with the vision of starting a non-profit organization that provides medical support to women in at risk communities around the world. With my Nana’s words of encouragement and assurance in the back of my head, I now know I can not only do it, but I will help other women and girls to do it too. By believing in them, even when they do not yet themselves.

In 8th Grade, I lost my maternal grandmother suddenly. Causing a Butterfly Effect on my life, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and insecurity when it came to my mind and body. Something that has stuck with me during my times of grief and the hardships I faced after her death was a moment in a parking lot we shared during one of the last nights we shared together. The words of assurance my nana instilled in me before she passed, left a permanent imprint on me. She said to me that she never knew anyone as determined as me, and that she knew no matter what, I would succeed at what I did because I always persevered. At that time, I only viewed myself as a mousy eighth grader stumbling, and somehow exceeding all expectations of myself. So, I thought those words were just for flattery and comfort. Not something she truly believed. It was months later, after she died and I was struggling to accept that she was gone, when I realized she believed in me without hesitation before anyone, including myself. The reason for this confidence she had avidly instilled in me, was for protection from the culmination of societal disparities of racism, to sexism, to economic discrimination she foresaw me enduring as an intersectional experience. This confidence she guided me to gain, led to personal self-growth, at first, then blossomed into activism, volunteering, and so much more. This self growth gave me insight in that there were so many other mousy little eight grade girls who had the same self-doubt society had nurtured me in. I use nurture, to highlight my perspective that society thrives in this self doubt, complacent, and comfortable in doing so. Which gave me what I like to call, ‘the a-ha moment’. I could instill the innate confidence, and certainty that gives little girls stars in their eyes by helping them realize their potential like my Nana did for me. Although I had this sudden feeling of purpose, I could not conceptualize just how it would be accomplished. My interest in obstetrics and gynecology had always been obvious, but I never saw how the two interests could be integrated. Then, the Gender Equity Commission of The University of Pittsburgh released a report that stated the maternal mortality rate of black women and fetuses in Pittsburgh was 97% higher than in any other major city in the U.S.. Like the last piece of a puzzle, I knew that this was the spark to a solution. My dream of helping women realize their limitless potential and value was right in front of me. I still know it may change and grow as my interests and life experiences do the same, but I have started with the vision of starting a non-profit organization that provides medical support to women in at risk communities around the world. With my Nana’s words of encouragement and assurance in the back of my head, I now know I can not only do it, but I will help other women and girls to do it too. By believing in them, even when they do not yet themselves.

In 8th Grade, I lost my maternal grandmother suddenly. Causing a Butterfly Effect on my life, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and insecurity when it came to my mind and body. Something that has stuck with me during my times of grief and the hardships I faced after her death was a moment in a parking lot we shared during one of the last nights we shared together. The words of assurance my nana instilled in me before she passed, left a permanent imprint on me. She said to me that she never knew anyone as determined as me, and that she knew no matter what, I would succeed at what I did because I always persevered. At that time, I only viewed myself as a mousy eighth grader stumbling, and somehow exceeding all expectations of myself. So, I thought those words were just for flattery and comfort. Not something she truly believed. It was months later, after she died and I was struggling to accept that she was gone, when I realized she believed in me without hesitation before anyone, including myself. The reason for this confidence she had avidly instilled in me, was for protection from the culmination of societal disparities of racism, to sexism, to economic discrimination she foresaw me enduring as an intersectional experience. This confidence she guided me to gain, led to personal self-growth, at first, then blossomed into activism, volunteering, and so much more. This self growth gave me insight in that there were so many other mousy little eight grade girls who had the same self-doubt society had nurtured me in. I use nurture, to highlight my perspective that society thrives in this self doubt, complacent, and comfortable in doing so. Which gave me what I like to call, ‘the a-ha moment’. I could instill the innate confidence, and certainty that gives little girls stars in their eyes by helping them realize their potential like my Nana did for me. Although I had this sudden feeling of purpose, I could not conceptualize just how it would be accomplished. My interest in obstetrics and gynecology had always been obvious, but I never saw how the two interests could be integrated. Then, the Gender Equity Commission of The University of Pittsburgh released a report that stated the maternal mortality rate of black women and fetuses in Pittsburgh was 97% higher than in any other major city in the U.S.. Like the last piece of a puzzle, I knew that this was the spark to a solution. My dream of helping women realize their limitless potential and value was right in front of me. I still know it may change and grow as my interests and life experiences do the same, but I have started with the vision of starting a non-profit organization that provides medical support to women in at risk communities around the world. With my Nana’s words of encouragement and assurance in the back of my head, I now know I can not only do it, but I will help other women and girls to do it too. By believing in them, even when they do not yet themselves.