My desire to pursue a career in healthcare as a physician assistant specializing in dermatology stems from a lifelong passion for skincare and a profound commitment to addressing the systemic issues within our healthcare system. My journey in healthcare has been deeply influenced by personal experiences, particularly the loss of my brother due to inadequate care in a hospital setting. His passing highlighted to me the dire consequences of understaffing, overworking, and the lack of diversity among healthcare providers. I firmly believe that increasing racial diversity in healthcare is crucial not only to combat medical racism but also to ensure equitable access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of their background. Through my experiences and observations, I've come to understand the importance of advocating for greater representation of underrepresented minorities in the healthcare workforce. By doing so, we can address the disparities and biases that contribute to medical racism and reduce the risks of malpractice that disproportionately affect communities of color. I recognize the significance of accruing patient care experience as a nurse. This pivotal role not only affords me the opportunity to engage directly with patients but also enables me to gain profound insights into their healthcare needs and challenges. Since childhood, I've harbored a keen interest in skincare and haircare, often delving into research on various dermatological conditions. This curiosity sparked my passion for healthcare, compelling me to explore avenues where I could translate my fascination into tangible assistance for others. Witnessing my mother's dedication as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) further reinforced my resolve to pursue a career dedicated to the service of others. Despite the rewarding nature of healthcare, I am acutely aware of the pervasive issue of medical racism that plagues our healthcare system. Communities of color disproportionately face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, enduring systemic biases and disparities that undermine their well-being. This systemic injustice deeply troubles me, motivating me to be part of the solution. One of my greatest aspirations is to play a role in dismantling these barriers and fostering a healthcare environment that is truly equitable and inclusive. When working with patients, I am determined not to succumb to the insidious biases that may lead to disparities in care. It is essential to me that every patient, regardless of their race or ethnicity, receives the same level of compassionate, evidence-based care. As a nurse, I am committed to advocating for equitable healthcare practices and challenging the pervasive biases that contribute to medical racism. I believe in fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes cultural competency, sensitivity, and inclusivity. By actively addressing these issues and promoting diversity within the healthcare workforce, I aim to contribute to a more just and equitable healthcare system. Moreover, nursing offers me the flexibility to explore various specialties within the medical field while aligning with my commitment to addressing medical racism. My ultimate goal of becoming a physician assistant specializing in dermatology aligns with my passion for skincare and my desire to bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality. By embarking on this journey as a nurse, I am dedicated to gaining invaluable experience, refining essential skills, and effecting positive change in the lives of those I serve. I am unwavering in my dedication to combating medical racism and advocating for healthcare equity, striving to create a future where all individuals receive the care and respect they deserve.

In my future career, I aspire to become a Physician Assistant specializing in dermatology, driven by my passion for healthcare and commitment to addressing racial disparities in medicine. Being Black to me signifies resilience, cultural pride, and a legacy of excellence. It embodies a history of overcoming adversity and thriving against all odds. It represents a vibrant tapestry of traditions, languages, and experiences that enrich our communities and shape our identities. Choosing to attend an HBCU, specifically North Carolina A&T State University, was a deliberate decision rooted in my desire to be part of a supportive academic environment that celebrates and uplifts Black culture. At NC A&T, I have found a nurturing community where I can fully embrace my heritage while pursuing my educational goals. The university's legacy of excellence and commitment to empowering Black students resonated with me deeply, inspiring me to contribute to its storied tradition of academic achievement and social activism. Through my involvement in campus organizations like the Caribbean Student Association, I have had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers who share my cultural background and aspirations. These experiences have not only broadened my perspective but also deepened my sense of belonging within the NC A&T community. I am grateful for the enriching experiences and supportive network that the university has provided, which have prepared me to excel in my future career and make a positive impact in the healthcare field while proudly representing my Black identity.

My desire with the healthcare industry stems from my aspiration to become a physician assistant, specializing in dermatology. However, before realizing this dream, I recognize the significance of accruing patient care experience as a nurse. This pivotal role not only affords me the opportunity to engage directly with patients but also enables me to gain profound insights into their healthcare needs and challenges. Since childhood, I've harbored a keen interest in skincare and haircare, often delving into research on various dermatological conditions. This curiosity sparked my passion for healthcare, compelling me to explore avenues where I could translate my fascination into tangible assistance for others. Witnessing my mother's dedication as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) further reinforced my resolve to pursue a career dedicated to the service of others. Despite the rewarding nature of healthcare, I am acutely aware of the pervasive issue of medical racism that plagues our healthcare system. Communities of color disproportionately face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, enduring systemic biases and disparities that undermine their well-being. This systemic injustice deeply troubles me, motivating me to be part of the solution. One of my greatest aspirations is to play a role in dismantling these barriers and fostering a healthcare environment that is truly equitable and inclusive. When working with patients, I am determined not to succumb to the insidious biases that may lead to disparities in care. It is essential to me that every patient, regardless of their race or ethnicity, receives the same level of compassionate, evidence-based care. As a nurse, I am committed to advocating for equitable healthcare practices and challenging the pervasive biases that contribute to medical racism. I believe in fostering a healthcare environment that prioritizes cultural competency, sensitivity, and inclusivity. By actively addressing these issues and promoting diversity within the healthcare workforce, I aim to contribute to a more just and equitable healthcare system. Moreover, nursing offers me the flexibility to explore various specialties within the medical field while aligning with my commitment to addressing medical racism. My ultimate goal of becoming a physician assistant specializing in dermatology aligns with my passion for skincare and my desire to bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality. By embarking on this journey as a nurse, I am dedicated to gaining invaluable experience, refining essential skills, and effecting positive change in the lives of those I serve. I am unwavering in my dedication to combating medical racism and advocating for healthcare equity, striving to create a future where all individuals receive the care and respect they deserve.

Attending North Carolina A&T State University has been a transformative experience for me, not just academically but personally as well. In addition to pursuing my studies diligently, I've sought out opportunities to immerse myself in campus life and further connect with my roots. Joining the Caribbean Student Association and other clubs has provided me with a space where I feel even more deeply included and celebrated for my culture. In addition to improving my academic experience, these extracurricular activities have strengthened my sense of self and community. During my time at NC A&T, I actively engaged with campus organizations such as the Caribbean Student Association (CSA) and Natural and Proud Sistas (NAPS), where I embraced opportunities to contribute meaningfully to both my community and my personal growth. One standout moment with CSA was when we collectively gathered donations to fill a barrel destined for Jamaica, embodying our commitment to supporting our homeland and fostering connections beyond our campus borders. Additionally, as a member of Natural and Proud Sistas and now serving as Vice President Intern for the 23-24 school year, I've taken on a more active role in shaping campus events and initiatives. One memorable collaboration between NAPS and CSA was the 'Protect Your Crown Ball,' a celebration of hairstyles worn by our community through the decades. This event not only showcased our cultural pride but also served as an opportunity to educate and engage the broader campus community in our traditions and heritage. As a nursing student, I am passionate about healthcare and the impact it has on people's lives. After graduation, I aspire to attend physician assistant school with a specialization in dermatology. My goal is to combine my love for medicine with my desire to serve diverse communities, to address racial disparities in medical practices, and making sure that everyone has fair access to high-quality care, regardless of race or ethnicity. I believe that by pursuing this path, I can make a meaningful difference in people's lives while also advocating for inclusivity and cultural competency within the healthcare system. My time at NC A&T has been transformative, shaping not only my academic prowess but also fostering invaluable friendships and connections. The unique mix of cultures and backgrounds at A&T has deepened my understanding of diversity, which is an invaluable resource in the rapidly changing healthcare industry. Through collaborative projects and stimulating talks, I've built friendships that go beyond the classroom, to be lifelong relationships. These relationships, along with all of the possibilities that NC A&T offers, have given me the skill set that I need to succeed. I am grateful for the opportunities this institution has provided me and am confident that my education here will serve as a solid foundation for my future endeavors. Moreover, I am deeply moved by the story of Ann Holiday, whose passion for education and belief in NC A&T's transformative power left an indelible mark. Ann's advocacy for her son's education and her commitment to nurturing Black potential resonate deeply with me. Therefore, I am honored to apply for the Ann Holiday Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship symbolizes a commitment to upholding Ann's vision of excellence and empowerment. With this scholarship, I am not only fulfilling my own aspirations but also perpetuating Ann's belief in our limitless potential. Being a student at North Carolina A&T State University isn't just about obtaining a degree—it's about reclaiming my roots, fostering community, and empowering future generations to do the same, all while honoring the legacy of individuals like Ann Holiday who have paved the way for excellence and inclusivity.

My interest in the healthcare industry relates to my goal to become a physician assistant specializing in dermatology. But before reaching my dream, I would need to work with patients and earn my Patient Care hours as a nurse. As a nurse, I would be able to experience what it is like working in the medical field. From a young age, I've always been interested in taking care of my skin and hair and researched different conditions that I've seen. I am interested in working in the medical field, from visiting the hospital to seeing my mother at work as a CNA. Seeing her help patients and working with different types of machines and medications was intriguing. From my trips to the doctor's office and seeing them give me shots and follow steps for my routine check-ups. Yes, the environment could be overwhelming sometimes, but I see myself helping others and working hard to make people no longer feel that pain. Becoming a Physician Associate and attending a school that will teach me well, would be instrumental in my development as a leader caring for underrepresented populations because of how well they care for their students. The research I have done on colleges with top and diverse nursing programs has given me a clear view of my decisions on what I would like to do. The road to becoming a healthcare worker will be difficult without appropriate materials and to be in a positive environment, hands-on training, great professors, career preparation, and flexible hours will be beneficial. The medical field grows people as leaders. I want others to recognize our culturally diverse community in the medical field and the world today, to prepare us for real-life situations. I want to make an impact not only in the real world but also in the medical world. I want to be able to teach medical professionals to not be blindsided by what racially and culturally happens in the medical field but to help change and develop the science and technology we use for the betterment of society. When working with patients, I don't want to doubt whether or not my African American or POC patient is in less pain than they are mentioning to me. When becoming a Physician Associate, I want to succeed in a field that recognizes its worker and supplies the best for them. I want to change race disparities in the medical field. I believe that pursuing my career in the medical field is instrumental in my development as a leader in caring for an underrepresented population.

I choose to attend an HBCU to connect with my people. Growing up, I was in a community where I felt recognized, united, and respected. The diversity that my community introduced me to, I was around, Trindadians, Nigerians, Haitians, and cultures from all over. I was around my own culture being able to hear popular Jamaican artists playing from vehicles on my way to school. However, moving away from my home to a state and city where African American men and women's representation has decreased drastically. I miss the sense of home from being in a community where we all understood what is happening in the world today, the discrimination we face, and the traditions we have created together. Attending an HBCU will return the sense of feeling included and not judged for looking a certain way and wearing my culture and seeing how it's now trending when it was once considered "ghetto" or "unprofessional". To learn about the impact African Americans have had on the world today without it being diluted to uplift a white man. I have seen the trouble in the education system Flordia has today, with Governor DeSantis taking the ability for people to learn AP African American Studies and him taking the next step to try and attack the other universities in FL teaching diversity in courses on campus. Attending an HBCU I wouldn't have to worry about the decisions of certain people on learning about my history. Attending an HBCU would create the safe space that was available for me in my high school years. An HBCU will teach me to accept parts of who I am and teach me more about other cultures. An HBCU will be my home away from home.