Whenever I am asked, “What are your goals?” I immediately think about what would make my mom proud. She is an example of an extremely resilient and courageous woman who I hope to become like one day. I may be a first-generation college student, but when it comes to firsts, hers were much more challenging and frightening than mine. I would not be where I am today without the firsts she faced before me. My mom was a teen mom whose firstborns were twins. She was abandoned, became an orphan, and experienced homelessness. Yet I have watched her overcome it all. I watched her study countless nights for her GED, learn financial intelligence, buy her first home by herself, become a police officer, and now attend classes for her bachelor’s degree. She has always told me that I can handle anything that comes my way, and her words helped shape the optimistic outlook I have today. When I was about three years old, I remember seeing my mother reading and studying. I would sit beside her and imitate what she was doing. I did not understand the words on the pages, but I understood that learning mattered. In many ways, I have followed that example ever since. As one of seven children, I also understand that my choices influence the six younger siblings watching me. They may not remember everything I say, but they will remember what they see me do. My experience as a first-generation student has meant entering unfamiliar spaces and constantly stepping outside my comfort zone. At first, college intimidated me. I quickly realized I could not skate by as easily as I had in high school. I eventually failed a couple of classes, which almost cost me everything I had worked so hard for. Those setbacks made me question whether I could live up to my mother’s expectations. I even considered working in my dad’s auto business, but deep down, I knew that was not what I wanted. So I learned to ask for help. I utilized campus resources, went to counseling, developed academic and life plans, and accepted my mother’s support. College taught me that struggling does not mean failing. Sometimes, it means adjusting, asking for help, and continuing forward. My dream is to build a career in healthcare and clinical nutrition where I can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I want my education to become more than a degree on a wall. Just as my mom did, I want it to become proof that our circumstances do not have to determine our future. This scholarship would help relieve the financial pressure of college while bringing me closer to creating generational success. I want my younger siblings to see higher education not as something meant for other families, but as something they can reach. I want my degree to become evidence that our family can go somewhere we have never gone before.

I'm Brandi Mayes, a 20-year-old sophomore at the University of Memphis studying Health Sciences, focusing on dietetics. As one of eight kids raised by a single mother in a low-income area, I learned resilience, empathy, and hard work early. These experiences fuel my passion for healthcare and my goal to be a registered dietitian in gastrointestinal nutrition. What drives my passion for nutrition is personal experience. When my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, we had a hard time finding healthy, nutritious food to support her. Living in a food desert meant choosing between ultra-processed options and a scarcity of fresh produce. The way she researched and prepared meals for her dietary needs showed me the transformative power of nutrition. My grandmother's battle with cancer marked me; her recovery was a testament to her strength and a lesson in food as medicine. That helped solidify my commitment to improving lives with nutrition. Nutrition is an integral part of the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Numerous studies have focused on the role of dietary choices in fighting diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. As a future registered dietitian, I will be able to educate patients and their families on how tailored nutrition can help bring about improvements in quality of life and longevity. I will do this by incorporating evidence-based practice into individualized nutrition plans. For instance, Dr. T. Colin Campbell's studies demonstrate that plant-based diets lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. Similarly, the work of Dr. Alessio Fasano on celiac disease points to the importance of identifying and managing food intolerances. Inspirations from renowned dietitians Dr. Marion Nestle and Dr. Linda Snetselaar move my approach to patient care. Their work reminds me of the power informed dietary decisions have on health. I will establish a gastroenterology clinic that will serve as a treatment center cum educational hub, with emphasis on inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and celiac disease to guide patients in health management. I will also provide workshops and counseling to patients, based on the work of Dr. Rachel Ballard-Barbash regarding nutrition in cancer prevention, about diet's impact on disease progression. My mission goes beyond personal care; I care about community outreach. Dr. Harriett Cloud's work with nutrition education for underserved communities inspired me to initiate programs against food insecurity and promote healthy eating. Families like mine, facing financial barriers, would have their lives transformed by the resources that have become available to them. My journey, though difficult, has taught me perseverance and compassion. Balancing work, school, and family highlighted time management and adaptability. Experiencing systemic racism and economic hardship increased my empathy and desire to advocate for healthcare equity. My perfectionism and attention to detail drive my commitment to excellence in academics and profession. The Amber D. Hudson Memorial Scholarship would go a long way in alleviating financial stress and allowing me to focus more on my studies and personal growth. It would also help honor Amber Hudson's legacy by supporting her family's mission on nutrition's role in disease prevention. I am committed to using my education to make an impact on others in a positive way. Bridging my grandmother's teachings with the work of leaders, it is my hope that I will be able to empower patients to take control of their health through nutrition. Thank you for considering my application and for helping aspiring dietitians change lives through food.