The struggle to support Black individuals facing mental health challenges is compounded by a complex web of historical, cultural, and systemic barriers that often leave them feeling marginalized, misunderstood, and under-resourced in seeking help. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. My grandmother also suffers from schizophrenia, proving that just because she has a mental illness, she didn’t let it deliberate her and continued to provide for her family, as a single mother. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I will be able to achieve my desire, by using this scholarship to help pay for my college education and medical school endeavors, to also help make it more affordable for future Black psychiatrists. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference. This is why I chose healthcare-in order to change the world. As one of few females in this great field, I want to apply compassion, innovation, and advocacy; and influence others to do likewise. Thank you for considering my application!

The struggle to support Black individuals facing mental health challenges is compounded by historical, cultural, and systemic barriers that often leave them marginalized and under-resourced in seeking help. My passion for healthcare stems from a desire to treat illness, care for people, and improve lives. As a Black woman, I am deeply motivated to serve diverse communities and address health disparities. Growing up, I was fascinated by the human body and medicine's potential to heal. This curiosity led me to explore majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med, all of which would allow me to directly impact patient care. My mom and grandmother, both nurses, inspired me with their resilience and dedication to the field, demonstrating the commitment required to succeed in healthcare. One of the driving factors behind my interest in healthcare is the power of access to quality care. I’ve seen firsthand how inadequate healthcare can impact lives, particularly during my two summers volunteering at the Texas Medical Center. Many patients shared their struggles with the healthcare system, and I realized how often people are left untreated. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to advocate for better access and equity, aiming to create a future where everyone, regardless of background, can lead a healthy life. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman, I understand how seeing someone who looks like you can be reassuring. I want to inspire young girls of color, showing them that they, too, can make a difference in improving health outcomes for all. Increasing diversity in the health workforce is crucial for meeting the needs of diverse populations. Additionally, I am passionate about healthcare research, particularly exploring the psychological and social factors that influence health. By understanding these factors, I hope to contribute to more holistic approaches to patient care. With this scholarship, I aim to further my education in medical school, ultimately becoming part of a movement focused not just on treating diseases, but on wellness and prevention. I am excited to grow, learn, and make a lasting impact on the healthcare system.

The struggle to support Black individuals facing mental health challenges is compounded by a complex web of historical, cultural, and systemic barriers that often leave them feeling marginalized, misunderstood, and under-resourced in seeking help. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I will be able to achieve my desire, by using this scholarship to help pay for my college education and medical school endeavors, to also help make it more affordable for future Black psychiatrists. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference.

My name is Brooklynn Nichols, I am currently a senior in high school. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I will be able to achieve my desire, by using this scholarship to help pay for my college education and medical school endeavors, to also help make it more affordable for future Black psychiatrists. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference. This is why I chose healthcare-in order to change the world. As one of few females in this great field, I want to apply compassion, innovation, and advocacy; and influence others to do likewise. Thank you for considering my application!

My name is Brooklynn Nichols, I am currently a senior in high school. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference. This is why I chose healthcare-in order to change the world. As one of few females in this great field, I want to apply compassion, innovation, and advocacy; and influence others to do likewise. Thank you for considering my application!

My name is Brooklynn Nichols, I am currently a senior in high school. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference. This is why I chose healthcare-in order to change the world. As one of few females in this great field, I want to apply compassion, innovation, and advocacy; and influence others to do likewise. Thank you for considering my application!

My name is Brooklynn Nichols, I am currently a senior in high school. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference. This is why I chose healthcare-in order to change the world. As one of few females in this great field, I want to apply compassion, innovation, and advocacy; and influence others to do likewise. Thank you for considering my application!

My name is Brooklynn Nichols, I am currently a senior in high school. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference. This is why I chose healthcare-in order to change the world. As one of few females in this great field, I want to apply compassion, innovation, and advocacy; and influence others to do likewise. Thank you for considering my application!

My name is Brooklynn Nichols, I am currently a senior in high school. My passion lies within the medical field specifically because to me, healthcare is about the treatment of illnesses; it's about caring for people and making life more feasible for others. Being a female, or especially a Black female, calls me to commit to a field serving at the core of diverse cultures and closing the gap of health disparities. Growing up, I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how medicine can cure it. Such thoughts, in fact, draw me to consider majors like Psychology, Nursing, and Pre-Med because they afford me direct interaction with patients and the ability to bring about real change in the lives of others. Whether it involves offering comfort and support to individuals as a nurse, I want to be part of a career that comes out with innovative solutions on patient care. I’ve also grew up around many nurses, my mom and grandmother, who showcased the resilience and dedication the medical field requires, in order to be successful. One major thing that makes me most interested in healthcare is changing community impact. I have seen and realized how access to quality health care can change many lives. I have also been witness to many who struggle to get the care they need. Whenever I spent two consecutive summers, in the Texas Medical Center, as a volunteer. Experiencing an in-person encounter with many patients who’ve shared their situation, with dealing with the healthcare system and its’s more common for someone to not receive treatment, than it is for someone to receive care. As a woman in healthcare, I aspire to be an ardent advocate for better access and equity in healthcare services. I want to help create a future where everyone gets the opportunity to lead a healthy life, regardless of their background. Representation matters in health, and as a Black woman myself, I know that many times, seeing oneself reflected in those providing care can be reassuring. I want to use this opportunity to let young girls of color know that this is something they can also do to make a difference in improving the health of all Americans. Increasing diversity in the health workforce will address unique population needs and improve health outcomes for all. Apart from care, I am also interested in research into healthcare. I think it is important to know what the psychological and social factors are that influence health. In this way, it is my hope that further knowledge will contribute to holistic approaches to health, considering the individual as a whole, not just the symptoms. It is my ultimate desire that, by serving others, with science in it, change is brought into the system. I want to belong to such a movement that does not stop at treating diseases but progresses toward wellness and prevention. Moving one more step ahead in my higher education, I am so eager about all the opportunities that stand at my doorstep-to learn and grow, and ultimately, to make a difference. This is why I chose healthcare-in order to change the world. As one of few females in this great field, I want to apply compassion, innovation, and advocacy; and influence others to do likewise. Thank you for considering my application for the Women in Healthcare Scholarship.