Caregiving has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a home where taking care of others wasn’t just something we did it was who we were. My mother, a Haitian immigrant and single parent, is the strongest woman I know. She raised me while also caring for my grandmother, who lived with us and suffered from dementia. Our home was also a safe haven for extended family members and friends in need; it was always full of people, noise, and love. Watching my mother manage all of this with grace and strength taught me the true meaning of caregiving. Though my mother carried the heaviest load, I stepped in however I could from helping feed and bathe my grandmother, to sitting with her during her confused or agitated moments, to translating at doctor’s appointments. I also helped around the house, cared for younger cousins, and supported my mom emotionally when she was overwhelmed. These experiences showed me what it means to care deeply for others, even when it’s hard, even when you’re tired. Being in this environment shaped me in profound ways. I learned patience, empathy, and how to stay calm in difficult situations. It’s part of what inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. Seeing how my mother balanced caregiving with working long hours motivated me to push through my own challenges. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only provides medical care, but who listens, who comforts, and who advocates just like my mom always did for our family. My caregiving experience also helped me see how often caregivers go unnoticed and unsupported, especially in immigrant communities. This has shaped my long-term goal of working in underserved areas where I can help families like mine people who work hard, love fiercely, but often don’t have access to the resources they need. I hope to combine my nursing skills with community outreach to support both patients and their caregivers. Receiving this scholarship would be incredibly meaningful for me. Financially, it would relieve a burden and allow me to focus more on my studies and clinical training. Emotionally, it would feel like recognition not just of my hard work, but of my mother’s sacrifices and the love that has kept our family going all these years. It would be a step toward the future I’ve been working so hard for, and a reminder that people like me; black students, caregivers, and children of immigrants belong in this profession and deserve to thrive in it. Caregiving shaped who I am: someone who leads with compassion, who shows up for others, and who dreams of building a career that gives back to the very communities that raised me. This scholarship would help turn that dream into reality.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia related illnesses don't just affect memory they reshape relationships, challenge identities, and test the strength of everyone involved. My grandmother’s experience with dementia left a lasting impact on my family, especially on my mother, who took on the role of primary caregiver. As a Haitian immigrant, my grandmother had already faced a lifetime of challenges navigating a new country, holding onto her culture, and building a life with her children and grandchildren. Dementia was another battle, one we fought together as a family, but one that hit my mother the hardest. Though my grandmother never forgot who we were she recognized all of us until the very end her mind became a more confusing and chaotic place. Over time, she became increasingly agitated, disoriented, and emotionally reactive. Simple things became difficult. The woman who once told vibrant stories, danced to Haitian music, and shared our traditions with pride began to grow agitated and withdrawn. There were moments when she’d repeat herself again and again or become upset for reasons none of us could fully understand. I helped with her care as much as I could preparing her food, helping with hygiene, keeping her company but my mother carried the brunt of the emotional and physical burden. Watching her care for her mother so patiently, even while working and managing her own stress, taught me the meaning of quiet strength. I saw what it meant to show up every day for someone you love, even when they’re no longer able to show up for you in the same way. That experience shaped me more than anything else in my life. I was in my second attempt at nursing school when my grandmother passed away. It was a devastating loss one that arrived in the middle of already trying to hold it all together. I was overwhelmed by grief, exhausted from caregiving, and barely holding on in my coursework. I eventually had to step away from the program again. At the time, it felt like failure. But looking back, it was a moment of transformation. Through that pain, I found clarity about who I am and why I chose nursing. Dementia taught me to see beyond the illness to recognize the humanity in every patient, no matter how confused or agitated they may seem. It taught me that healing isn’t always about curing; sometimes, it’s about comforting. And it reinforced in me a deep desire to be present for others during their hardest moments, just as we were for my grandmother. Today, I’m continuing my nursing journey with a renewed sense of purpose. I want to work in critical care, where I can be a calm, competent presence for patients and families facing the unknown. My grandmother’s life and my mother’s strength fuel everything I do. This isn’t just a career for me it’s a commitment to serve, to care, and to honor the love that carried me here.

I am a proud Haitian American woman, a nursing student, and a laboratory technician assistant with a degree in biology. My story is shaped by faith, resilience, and an unwavering desire to serve others. My dream is to become a critical care nurse and use both my cultural background and personal experiences to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others especially those in underserved communities. Being Haitian means being strong, resourceful, and determined. From a young age, I was taught the value of hard work, the importance of education, and the power of community. My parents sacrificed so much to give me opportunities they never had, and I carry their sacrifices with me every step of the way. In my culture, we are raised to be tough and to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at us. That strength has carried me through school, through long work hours, and through moments when I wanted to give up. But being strong doesn’t mean we don’t struggle. Like many first generation children, I faced pressure to succeed, often while battling silent emotional stress. Mental health wasn’t something we talked about growing up. In our community, it's often misunderstood or even ignored. For a long time, I thought feeling anxious or overwhelmed was just part of life, something to push through without question. It wasn’t until I truly hit a low point emotionally and mentally that I realized I needed to take my well-being seriously. Learning to prioritize my mental health changed my life. Through therapy, self reflection, prayer, and opening up to people I trust, I found strength in vulnerability. I began to understand myself better, to create healthier boundaries, and to approach others with deeper empathy. These lessons have become the foundation of how I want to show up in the world not just as a nurse, but as a person who truly sees and supports others. As a future critical care nurse, I want to bring more than just clinical skills to the bedside. I want to bring compassion, cultural understanding, and emotional intelligence. I want to advocate for patients who feel unheard, especially in high stress environments like intensive care. I also hope to create safe spaces for mental health conversations both within the healthcare field and in Haitian communities where mental health is still stigmatized. My dream is to use my voice and my story to uplift others, to mentor young women like me. I believe healing is not just physical it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. My roots, my journey with mental health, and my passion for nursing all come together to shape who I am and who I’m becoming. This is just the beginning. I plan to make an impact not only in hospitals, but in hearts. One patient, one shift, one act of kindness at a time.

Hello my name is Carla Lormeus and throughout my academic/ professional journey, I have strived to embody the values that Chidubè stood for academic excellence, personal and spiritual growth, and a dedication to uplifting my community. As a laboratory technician assistant with a degree in biology, I have consistently pursued knowledge and growth, while also recognizing the importance of using my experiences to uplift those around me. Currently, I am furthering my education by studying nursing, with a strong desire to serve and heal others both in my local community and beyond. Academic excellence has always been a cornerstone of my life. Earning my degree in biology required discipline, perseverance, and a deep curiosity for the life sciences. Working in a lab setting allowed me to apply what I learned, enhancing my skills and strengthening my foundation in healthcare. Yet, I knew I was called to do more to be more hands on in patient care and to serve in a more direct and personal way. This calling led me back to school to pursue a nursing degree, a field where I can blend my scientific background with compassionate, holistic care. My path has not been without challenges. Balancing work, school, and personal responsibilities has required sacrifice and unwavering determination. There were times when financial stress, long hours, and mental fatigue made it difficult to push forward. But I leaned on my faith and the support of loved ones to keep moving. My spiritual growth has been a guiding force, helping me stay grounded and reminding me of my purpose: to serve others with kindness, empathy, and strength. Community has always been at the heart of my goals. I want to use my education not only for personal advancement but to create opportunities for others. I believe healthcare should be accessible, respectful, and culturally competent, and I aspire to be a nurse who listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and cares wholeheartedly. Whether volunteering at local clinics, mentoring students in science, or educating patients about preventative care, I want to be a source of knowledge and hope. In memory of Chidubè’s legacy, I am committed to lifting others as I climb. Through academic persistence, spiritual resilience, and a deep love for my community, I aim to make a lasting, meaningful difference in the world one patient, one moment, one act of compassion at a time. Thank you for your time and consideration!