My name is Chi’conna Gober, and I believe every human life—no matter how small, inconvenient, or overlooked—is sacred because it is authored by God. I hold Scripture to be the infallible, inerrant Word of God. It is not subject to cultural shifts or political trends, but stands eternal as the foundation of truth. My pro-life conviction is not rooted in politics or opinion—it is rooted in my joyful submission to God’s Word and His heart for life. Genesis 1:27 reveals that all humans are made in the image of God. Psalm 139 declares we are fearfully and wonderfully made, knit together in the womb by a loving Creator. Jeremiah 1:5 affirms that God knows us even before we are born. These verses are not symbolic—they are sacred realities that shape how I see the world. To deny the value of life at any stage is to deny the authority of the One who gives it. As a follower of Christ, I no longer see my life as my own (Galatians 2:20). I live in daily surrender, seeking to view life as Christ reveals it—not through the lens of comfort or control, but through obedience. To be pro-life is to be pro-Gospel. It is to recognize that from conception to natural death, every life bears the fingerprint of God and is worthy of protection, compassion, and honor. This conviction has become action. I’ve volunteered with pregnancy resource ministries, walked alongside women facing unplanned pregnancies, and created space for truth-filled conversations rooted in grace. I’ve witnessed fear give way to courage when women realize they are not alone. In those moments, I am reminded that advocacy is not loud rhetoric—it is quiet faithfulness. It is showing up, speaking life, and being present where it matters most. I also believe a true pro-life ethic must extend beyond birth. It includes maternal care, justice for the vulnerable, support for the elderly, and dignity for the disabled. It is not just about being anti-abortion—it is about being relentlessly for life, in all its forms. To carry this conviction into medicine is my calling. As a pre-med student, I plan to become a physician who not only heals but advocates—especially in underserved and global communities where life is often devalued. I trust the Author of life. I believe He writes stories with eternal significance—even the ones the world wants to erase. To follow Him means to defend what He calls precious, regardless of cost. Luke 9:23 reminds us: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” I have counted the cost. And still—I choose life. With this scholarship, I will continue my education with greater freedom and deeper focus—equipped to be a voice, a healer, and a disciple who boldly declares: Every life matters, because every life is made by God.

My name is Chi’conna Gober, and I am a third-year Cardiopulmonary Science major at Florida A&M University, pursuing the path to become a physician. As a first-generation college student from a low-income background, I understand the weight of survival and the hope that education offers. I’m not just chasing a degree—I’m chasing the chance to transform lives, beginning with my own and extending into communities that have been underserved and overlooked for far too long. I chose the field of medicine because I know what it means to live without access to care. I’ve seen the consequences of delayed diagnoses and untreated chronic conditions in the people I love. But I’ve also seen the healing power of compassion—the kind that listens, shows up, and fights for equity. I want to be a physician who doesn’t just treat illness, but restores dignity, builds trust, and advocates for the voiceless. That vision came to life during a medical mission trip I joined in December 2024 to rural Belize. We served villages where people lined up for hours just to have their blood pressure checked or to speak with a clinician. Many had never received medical care in their lives. I assisted with health screenings, helped educate patients on managing preventable conditions, and witnessed a kind of gratitude that words can’t describe. In the simplicity of those clinics, I found clarity. Medicine is more than a profession—it is a calling. And I intend to answer it. But my journey hasn’t been easy. Being a first-generation student means I’ve often had to navigate higher education alone. I’ve juggled coursework with part-time jobs, court visits for a family domestic case, and managing a new chronic illness. I've known what it feels like to study through hunger, to pray rent would clear, and to persist in environments where I felt unseen. And still—I’ve pressed on. Not just for me, but for the future patients who need me to show up whole and ready. Receiving the Dr. Michael Paglia Memorial Scholarship would be more than financial support—it would be a reminder that people like me are seen, valued, and worth investing in. Dr. Paglia’s legacy as a compassionate physician and mentor resonates deeply with me. I, too, hope to practice medicine with heart, with humility, and with the same generosity of spirit that defined his life. In the future, I hope to serve in both clinical and global health settings—bridging gaps in healthcare access, particularly for marginalized communities. My mission is to be a physician who serves with purpose, leads with compassion, and carries others with me as I rise. This degree is not the finish line—it’s the foundation. And from it, I will build a life that heals, uplifts, and honors the very legacy this scholarship represents.

I am a third-year Cardiopulmonary Science major at Florida A&M University on the pre-medical track. As a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, I carry more than a personal dream—I carry generations of prayers, sacrifice, and a calling to serve. My path has been marked by adversity, from financial hardship to personal health challenges, but each obstacle has only deepened my sense of purpose. I believe becoming a physician is not just about a profession; it’s about using my life to bring healing where hope feels distant. In December 2024, I had the life-changing opportunity to serve on a medical mission trip to Belize. We traveled to remote villages, setting up mobile clinics and offering care to those who rarely, if ever, have access to medical services. I assisted in health screenings, measured blood pressure and glucose levels, and provided patient education alongside local healthcare workers. What struck me most was the quiet strength of the people we served—mothers who walked miles with their children, elderly patients with chronic conditions but no medications, and young girls who reminded me of my younger self: full of dreams but facing systemic barriers. That experience didn’t just affirm my decision to become a doctor—it transformed it. It reminded me that medicine is not only a science but also a ministry of presence. In those villages, we weren’t just providing care; we were restoring dignity. I saw that being a physician means listening deeply, loving fiercely, and showing up even when the world looks away. My goal is to serve in underserved and global communities, bringing holistic, compassionate care to places where access is limited but the need is great. Whether through rural health clinics or continued mission work, I want to close gaps in healthcare equity and inspire others who come from marginalized backgrounds to pursue leadership in medicine. As I pursue this dream, I also carry the financial burden that disproportionately affects Black women in higher education. The cost of school is real, and too often it forces students like me to choose between survival and success. This scholarship would ease that burden and allow me to focus fully on becoming the physician I am called to be. Michele L. Durant’s legacy resonates deeply with me. Like her, I am a lifelong learner, determined to rise and help others rise with me. Her example reminds me that our impact is not measured just in titles or degrees, but in the lives we touch and the doors we open for others. I don’t just want to practice medicine—I want to be a force of change. For my community. For the world. For every little girl who needs to know that her life, her voice, and her purpose matter.

A Life of Purpose: Advancing Community Health Through Faith and Service My name is Chi’conna Gober, a third-year pre-medical student at Florida A&M University, an HBCU that has not only refined my academic foundation but awakened my sense of calling. As a first-generation college student, I carry the responsibility of transformation—not just for myself, but for the legacy I will leave behind. My story is one of perseverance, but more importantly, of purpose. Although I was not raised in a single-parent household, I often felt the weight of that absence. My father’s emotional and financial distance placed a profound burden on my mother and our family. From an early age, I became intimately acquainted with uncertainty and sacrifice. And yet, I clung to education as a lifeline—a bridge between hardship and hope. My desire to become a health professional is rooted in lived experience. I know what it feels like to be overlooked and underserved. I envision a future where I can meet people at their most vulnerable moments—not just with clinical knowledge, but with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and faith-infused compassion. I believe health is not only physical—it is spiritual, emotional, and communal. In December 2024, I served on a medical mission in Belize, providing care to Mayan communities with limited access to health services. That experience shifted my understanding of healing from the theoretical to the tangible. It showed me how presence, listening, and even the most basic interventions can restore dignity. This summer, I will continue this work during a two-month mission in Berlin, Germany, further developing a global lens for outreach and service. These moments have not only confirmed my vocational direction—they have deepened my resolve to serve where the need is greatest. To support this mission, I also founded a faith-based lifestyle brand that functions as a vessel for outreach, education, and sustainable living. The garments we create are more than apparel—they are conversation starters, testimonies in fabric, and funding sources for mission-driven work. I do not see my roles as health student, missionary, or entrepreneur as separate—they are all threads of the same calling: to love deeply, serve intentionally, and build systems that uplift. My community efforts begin in Tallahassee, Florida, and are expanding throughout the Southeastern United States. Through sustainable pop-ups, wellness workshops, and community-centered events, I aim to equip underserved populations with tools for intentional living and holistic well-being. My goal is to slow the pace of fast consumerism, teach values-based wellness, and foster dignity through knowledge. Whether through health education or creative outreach, I am building a model of care that reaches beyond clinic walls. If awarded the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship, I will use the support to continue my education, pursue medical licensure, and expand my community initiatives. Mark Green’s journey—a testament to resilience, service, and the transformative power of education—resonates deeply with my own. Like him, I believe that when given a chance, those of us from the margins can become vessels of generational change. This is not merely a career—it is a calling. One rooted in faith, expressed through service, and sustained by education. I hope to carry this scholarship as both honor and responsibility—and to spend my life turning what I’ve overcome into a legacy of healing for others.

In a world where consumer behavior is shaped by narrative, I believe marketing holds the power to influence not just what people purchase, but how they live, think, and care for the world around them. Over the next five years, I am committed to using marketing as a force for environmental and cultural impact—locally and globally. By integrating sustainability, storytelling, and service, I hope to help lead a new era of marketing—one that places purpose over profit and community over consumerism. My vision begins with a commitment to environmentally conscious practices. I plan to work with ethical manufacturers, sustainable materials, and low-waste production models. However, true impact goes beyond product development. It lies in how we communicate values. Marketing can make environmental responsibility both accessible and aspirational. Through storytelling, I want to inspire people to see sustainability not as a burden, but as a calling rooted in stewardship and hope. This vision was solidified during a medical mission trip to Belize in December 2024, where I served with a team providing healthcare to Mayan villages. While our mission focused on physical healing, I was deeply moved by the humility and wisdom of the communities we met. Their relationship with the land—marked by simplicity, resourcefulness, and reverence—was a living example of sustainability. The women created beauty and utility from what they had, not out of trend, but tradition. In those moments, I realized marketing shouldn't impose solutions—it should amplify stories of resilience and integrity the world needs to hear. This summer, in 2025, I will continue cultural learning through a mission trip to Berlin, Germany, where I’ll deepen my understanding of how faith, sustainability, and ethics intersect across global cultures. By listening, serving, and collaborating, I hope to bring a more informed, respectful perspective to every campaign and community I engage. Locally, I will begin in Tallahassee, Florida, where I plan to host sustainability-focused workshops, pop-ups, and community activations. These initiatives will extend across the Southeastern U.S.—including Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi—with the goal of educating underserved communities on conscious consumerism. My approach is rooted in slowing the fashion industry down from the ground up. By creating tangible alternatives to fast fashion, I aim to nurture a generation of sustainability-minded consumers—people who shop less, choose well, and care deeply. These gatherings will be grounded in accessibility, faith-based values, and cultural relevance, allowing people to connect their personal ethics to everyday decisions. By partnering with churches, schools, and local creatives, I plan to spark a grassroots movement that makes sustainability feel achievable, not elite. From conversations about secondhand fashion to practical tips on garment care, my goal is to encourage thoughtful consumption and long-term lifestyle shifts. Digitally, I will build community through visual content that highlights real-world stories—from artisan cooperatives to local changemakers. Through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, I will lead campaigns that promote transparency, track progress, and invite conversation. By blending creativity with education, I hope to empower a generation of conscious consumers and compassionate storytellers. Ultimately, I see marketing not just as a career, but as a tool for advocacy. It is my calling to uplift overlooked voices, challenge systems of overconsumption, and ignite purpose in those seeking to live more intentionally. The next five years will be about building not just a message, but a movement—rooted in the belief that caring for the Earth and one another is not only responsible—it’s redemptive. As a scholarship recipient, I will use these resources to expand my training, connect with global mentors, and scale this mission with clarity and integrity. This work is not just professional—it is deeply personal.

Unapologetically Becoming: Making a Difference Through Authenticity and Service Being different was something I tried to hide for years. I grew up as a first-generation college student in a home marked by brokenness—a father who was both physically absent and battling alcoholism, domestic violence, and the emotional residue of survival. I was often told I was “too deep,” “too sensitive,” or “too spiritual.” But in the chaos, I found my voice—and now, I use that voice to lead, to serve, and to stand unapologetically in the uniqueness that once made me feel out of place. At Florida A&M University, I am majoring in Cardiopulmonary Science, determined to become a physician who brings not just healing to bodies, but hope to hearts. I do this not by putting on a front, but by being fully, authentically myself. I wear my faith boldly. I speak openly about my trauma, my health struggles—including a recent diabetes diagnosis, and my healing journey. I show up with empathy, honesty, and joy, even when life is hard. That, in itself, is an act of service. I serve my campus and community through SALT College Ministry, where I lead worship nights, organize prayer gatherings, and mentor younger students. But beyond titles or roles, I’ve come to see that sometimes your greatest impact is on the person you don’t even know is watching—the classmate who sees you smile on a hard day, the girl who sees you raise your hand in faith, the young man who sees you serve without needing applause. I’ve had people tell me months later, “I watched how you carried that hardship, and it gave me strength.” That’s the kind of legacy I want to live—one where my authenticity gives others permission to show up fully as themselves. What makes me different is that I don’t compartmentalize my life. My faith walks with me into the classroom, the clinic, and every conversation. I’ve served on a medical mission trip to Belize, where I used both my clinical training and spiritual gifts to care for underserved families. I’ll be serving again this summer in Germany on a gospel-centered mission trip, because I believe healing isn’t confined to borders—and that love, when genuine, translates across languages and cultures. My uniqueness is not just in my story—but in my response to it. I’ve turned pain into purpose. I’ve used my testimony to help others process grief, abuse, and chronic illness. I don’t need a platform to make an impact—my life itself is ministry. I believe deeply that someone is always watching, not in fear, but in search of hope. So I carry myself in a way that says, “You’re not alone. You can make it, too.” Being a first-generation college student with limited financial resources hasn’t stopped me from dreaming boldly and serving fully. I’ve worked, fundraised, and prayed my way through semesters. I’ve built community from scratch and stood in rooms where I was the only one who looked like me, sounded like me, or believed like me. And still, I rise. The Gladys Ruth Legacy “Service” Memorial Scholarship reflects everything I hope to embody—courage, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping others. Like Gladys Ruth, I want to live in a way that leaves ripples—quiet, meaningful, lasting. Because the best kind of difference you can make is the one that reaches the people you may never meet, but who were forever changed because they saw you be you.

Breaking Through with Purpose: A Legacy of Healing, Faith, and Service My name is Chi’conna Gober, and I am a third-year student at Florida A&M University majoring in Cardiopulmonary Science. I come from a place of both pain and promise—and I carry within me the determination to break generational cycles, bring healing to underserved communities, and live a life of deep faith, just like the legacy of Willie Mae Rawls. My journey toward higher education hasn’t been easy. I was raised in a household overshadowed by my father’s alcoholism, physical absence, and domestic violence. I’ve witnessed firsthand what it means to grow up in chaos, to crave stability, and to silently carry burdens while trying to thrive. But through God’s grace and the unwavering love of my mother, I learned early on that pain can be transformed into purpose. I’ve spent my college years holding on to that truth, even when finances were tight, when health challenges struck—like my recent diabetes diagnosis—and when the emotional residue of my past threatened to resurface. What anchored me through it all was my faith—and the community that surrounded me when I had little left to give. My church family through my college ministry became my lifeline. Through prayer, mentorship, and spiritual guidance, they reminded me that my story was not over, and my calling was still intact. That calling is simple but bold: to become a physician who heals bodies, uplifts communities, and restores dignity to the underserved. I want to specialize in both medicine and public health so I can bridge the gap between treatment and transformation. The healthcare system often overlooks the emotional and spiritual needs of patients, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. I want to change that. I want to offer care that listens, that lingers, and that leaves people better than it found them. I want to become the kind of doctor who sees the whole person, not just the illness. That vision became clearer than ever during my medical mission trip to Belize. There, I helped care for people in rural villages who had gone years without seeing a doctor. Their resilience humbled me. Their gratitude changed me. And their stories reminded me of home—of how many people in my own city are silently suffering, waiting to be seen. This summer, I’ll be serving in Germany on a two-month gospel-centered mission trip, expanding my heart for global outreach and cross-cultural ministry. Beyond the exam room, I plan to create faith-based wellness centers that offer healthcare, mental health support, spiritual care, and mentorship. I want to go back into communities like the one I came from—places marked by trauma, broken homes, and systemic neglect—and build spaces of restoration. I also want to establish a scholarship fund for students in healthcare fields who are navigating loss, addiction in the family, or financial hardship. Because I know what it means to be called and capable, but weighed down by life. The Willie Mae Rawls Memorial Scholarship means more to me than financial help—it represents everything I hope to embody: faith, love, perseverance, and breakthrough. Women like Willie Mae Rawls paved the way not just through words, but through action and unwavering belief in what’s possible. I plan to carry that same spirit into every patient interaction, every classroom, and every corner of the world I step into. I’m not just studying to graduate—I’m preparing to heal, to lead, and to be the answer to prayers I once prayed myself. Through my studies, through my faith, and through my future, I will make an impact that echoes far beyond me.

Resilience in the Face of Resistance One of the greatest obstacles I’ve had to overcome in my pursuit of higher education has been the weight of my home life. I grew up in a household marked by the reality of domestic violence, shaped by the presence of a father who was both physically absent and battling alcohol addiction. The emotional instability, financial strain, and deep trauma of that environment were not just background noise—they shaped my day-to-day experience. While many of my peers were focused on extracurriculars or planning for college visits, I was focused on survival. When I entered Florida A&M University as a Cardiopulmonary Science major, I thought leaving home would mean leaving the pain behind. But trauma doesn’t vanish—it follows you. While managing a full course load, I was also facing a new diabetes diagnosis, ongoing legal proceedings involving my father, and the immense pressure of having to support myself financially. It felt like I was running uphill with no breaks. There were moments when I genuinely didn’t know how I would keep going—mentally, physically, or spiritually. What helped me push through was the presence of a faithful support system. My mother, who carried our family for years in silence and strength, taught me how to persevere with dignity. And my church community from my college ministry became my anchor. They prayed for me, checked on me, encouraged me, and reminded me that my story was not over. They reminded me that hardship didn’t disqualify me—it refined me. Their support brought clarity to a truth I had lost sight of: I was called to become a healer. That clarity fueled my ambition. I no longer wanted to simply “make it out”—I wanted to use my story to transform others. I chose to lean fully into my studies and future in healthcare. STEM was no longer just a field of interest—it became my mission field. I knew I wanted to be the kind of doctor who doesn’t just treat symptoms, but addresses the broken systems and environments that allow people to fall through the cracks. This vision took deeper root during a medical mission trip to Belize, where I had the opportunity to serve in rural villages with limited access to healthcare. Many of the people we served had not seen a physician in years. I helped deliver basic health education, observed treatment efforts, and saw firsthand how compassion, access, and consistency can radically change lives. It reminded me that healing is not just about medicine—it’s about presence. That experience solidified my decision to pursue both clinical and community-based care, especially in underserved areas. Despite everything I’ve faced, I’ve remained committed to my education, my calling, and my community. I’ve also continued to lead through service—whether it’s hosting worship nights, tutoring peers, or preparing for my upcoming gospel-centered mission trip to Germany. Each step I take is about more than academic success—it’s about living out a purpose rooted in healing, justice, and faith. This scholarship would not only lift a financial burden—it would honor the journey I’ve taken to get here and the vision I carry forward. I want to be a Black woman in STEM who redefines what resilience looks like. I want to create spaces of healing for others because I know what it feels like to need that space myself. I belong in STEM. Not in spite of my story—but because of it. And I’m determined to make space for others to belong, too.

Charity as a Reflection of Grace To me, charity is not just an act of giving—it is a reflection of grace. It is the decision to see someone in need and say, “I’ve been there, and I won’t let you go through it alone.” Charity has played a powerful role in my life—not only through financial aid, but through the time, care, and compassion others have poured into me when I was at my lowest. Now, I carry a deep conviction to be that same presence for others. As a student at Florida A&M University, I’ve learned that even in seasons of lack, we still have something to give—whether it’s time, knowledge, or presence. I’ve experienced this firsthand through mentors who walked with me through my diabetic diagnosis and challenges growing up in a home impacted by alcoholism. Their support fueled my desire to serve others with the same intentionality. I plan to become a physician and use my platform to serve both locally and globally through health outreach, education, and mentorship. I’ve already begun this work through a medical mission trip to Belize, and I will continue this summer on a gospel-centered mission trip to Germany, where I’ll help meet physical and spiritual needs across cultures. In the future, I hope to create scholarships for students pursuing healthcare who, like me, carry both ambition and financial need. Charity transformed my journey—and I intend to make sure it transforms others, too.

From Memphis, For Memphis: A Vision to Heal My Hometown If given the opportunity, I would dedicate my life and future career to improving the health and hope of my hometown—Memphis, Tennessee. A city rich in culture, resilience, and soul, Memphis is also a place marked by deep-rooted struggles: high poverty rates, limited access to quality healthcare, rising gun violence, and a generation of youth silently searching for direction. For me, these aren’t just statistics—they are people I know, places I’ve walked, and burdens I carry in my heart daily. As a current student at Florida A&M University and future physician, my mission is to create faith-based health and mentorship initiatives that restore dignity, access, and opportunity to the people of Memphis. I want to bridge the gap between healthcare and hope, because I believe both are essential for true healing. One of the most urgent needs in Memphis is healthcare equity. Our city ranks among the highest in the nation for hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, particularly in Black communities. In fact, many of these chronic conditions start young and go undiagnosed, contributing to early death and generational cycles of illness. Having recently been diagnosed with diabetes myself, I understand the confusion and fear that comes with a chronic diagnosis, especially when you feel alone in navigating it. This is why I plan to launch mobile wellness clinics throughout Memphis—offering free screenings, chronic disease education, and spiritual counseling in underserved neighborhoods. But the issues in Memphis go beyond the physical. I’ve seen what it means to grow up fatherless, to live with trauma, to smile while silently suffering. Many young people in Memphis are surrounded by gun violence, family instability, and spiritual disconnection. They are told to be strong, but never taught how to heal. I want to create mentorship and discipleship programs that help high school and college-age students process their pain, discover their identity, and walk in purpose—regardless of what they come from. I’ve been sowing these seeds already. I lead through SALT College Ministry, help plan worship nights, and have served on a medical mission trip to Belize, where I witnessed the life-changing power of meeting both physical and spiritual needs. Now, I want to bring that same model home. Memphis deserves leaders who not only leave to succeed—but who return to invest. And I plan to be one of them. Growing up in Memphis with a father battling alcoholism often made our home feel like a single-parent household. But it also taught me perseverance. My mother’s strength and sacrifice taught me what it means to serve something greater than yourself. That’s why the legacy of Henry Walker Sr. inspires me. He rose above limitation and served his country with courage. I want to serve my city with that same heart—through medicine, ministry, and mentorship. This scholarship would allow me to finish strong academically while freeing me to continue serving my community without carrying the crushing weight of financial strain. It is not just an investment in my future—but in Memphis’ future. Because I believe healing Memphis doesn’t start with policy or politics—it starts with people willing to return, rebuild, and remind others that they are seen, worthy, and still have purpose. And I’m one of them.

Addressing the Silent Divide: Health Inequity in Underserved Communities In the realm of global and national health, one of the most dangerous threats is also one of the quietest: undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in young Black adults. It is a condition often dismissed as a concern for later in life, yet for many young people—especially in underserved communities—this silent killer begins its damage decades too early. Despite its prevalence and long-term consequences, this health issue remains under-discussed in both public health narratives and preventive care practices. Research from the CDC reveals that 54% of Black adults aged 18–39 with hypertension are unaware they even have it, and only 17% of those diagnosed have it under control. Early-life hypertension dramatically increases the risk of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure by middle age. As someone studying Cardiopulmonary Science at Florida A&M University, this issue resonates deeply with my academic interests—but also with my lived experience. I’ve seen how healthcare inequities, delayed screenings, and cultural mistrust of the medical system allow treatable conditions to evolve into life-threatening crises. In my own health journey, I was recently diagnosed with diabetes—another chronic condition that, when caught early and managed well, can be treated effectively. But like hypertension, it is often overlooked in young adults until symptoms become severe. These personal encounters have solidified my belief that prevention and education must become pillars of our healthcare system, especially in marginalized populations. This belief was further confirmed during a medical mission trip to Belize, where I helped provide care in rural communities with limited access to healthcare. There, patients walked for miles to attend pop-up clinics. Many hadn’t seen a physician in years, and several showed signs of hypertension and other preventable conditions without ever having been diagnosed. What struck me most was their resilience and gratitude—how much they valued being seen, heard, and treated with dignity. It reminded me that access to healthcare should not be a privilege—it’s a right, and it should be the standard. My passion for medicine is rooted not only in a love for science but in a desire to rebuild trust between underserved communities and the healthcare system. That’s why I intend to pursue a dual MD/MPH degree—to merge clinical expertise with public health advocacy. I want to become a physician who not only treats, but teaches; who not only prescribes, but empowers. I envision leading initiatives that target early hypertension screening in young adults, especially on HBCU campuses, where the data and cultural nuance both point to a critical need. Growing up with a father battling alcoholism often made our home feel like a single-parent household, and I watched my mother carry the weight of our family with strength and grace. Her example of sacrificial leadership shaped my own: I now lead worship nights with SALT College Ministry, volunteer through health outreach, and will spend this summer on a gospel mission trip to Germany, where I’ll serve and share the hope of Christ across cultures. Still, the financial cost of medical school is immense. Like many first-generation pre-med students of color, I carry the weight of both ambition and financial need. This scholarship would not only lighten that burden—it would fuel the future I am preparing for. I am not pursuing healthcare to simply wear a white coat—I am pursuing it to bridge the gap between care and community, and to fight against the quiet injustices that too often go unnoticed. With your support, I will become the kind of doctor who listens deeply, leads boldly, and leaves a legacy of healing that begins with those too often overlooked.

Where Preparation Becomes Purpose “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” These words by Malcolm X have shaped not only how I view education, but how I view purpose. As a senior at Florida A&M University studying Cardiopulmonary Science, I have come to understand education as more than a means to success—it is preparation for service. That’s why I am pursuing graduate education: not only to become a physician, but to become a vessel of healing, equity, and transformation for underserved communities around the world. I plan to pursue a dual degree: an MD alongside a Master’s in Public Health. This combination reflects the kind of physician I hope to become—one who not only treats individual patients, but confronts the broader systems that create health disparities. I’ve seen what happens when healthcare fails: patients delaying care because of fear or finances, preventable diseases turning into generational burdens, and communities that don’t trust the medical system because it has historically failed to advocate for them. I want to help rewrite that narrative. This desire came into sharper focus during a medical mission trip to Belize in December. I worked alongside physicians and volunteers to provide care to people in remote villages, many of whom had gone years without seeing a healthcare provider. We treated everything from untreated infections to respiratory conditions worsened by environmental factors. But what struck me most wasn’t just the lack of resources—it was the gratitude. People waited in lines for hours, not for prescriptions, but to be seen, to be heard, and to be treated with dignity. That experience confirmed for me that medicine is not just a science—it’s a calling. One that transcends borders, backgrounds, and socioeconomic status. My story is rooted in resilience. I’ve navigated the challenges of being a domestic violence survivor, a student without the financial or emotional support of a father, and most recently, a young adult managing a new diabetes diagnosis while remaining committed to academic and spiritual growth. Through it all, I’ve chosen to lead, to serve, and to hope. I’ve organized college worship nights, mentored younger students, and committed to spending this summer in Germany on a two-month mission trip to share the Gospel and serve local communities. My life’s aim is to be a bridge—between science and compassion, faith and care, hope and healing. Graduate school is the next chapter in that mission. But I’m fully aware of the financial obstacles that come with pursuing an MD/MPH. The costs are daunting, and many students like myself are often discouraged not by a lack of passion, but by a lack of resources. That’s why this scholarship is so significant. It doesn’t just ease a financial burden—it sends a message. A message that HBCU students are worthy of investment. A message that legacy, like that of Charles E. Nettles, lives on through those who rise up to serve. I carry his legacy with deep respect and a strong resolve. I don’t just want to be a doctor—I want to be a doctor who listens, who advocates, who transforms. A doctor who sees education as the foundation for action. A doctor who remembers Belize, who remembers Tallahassee, who remembers what it means to be seen and served—and who offers that same experience to every patient. I am preparing today because tomorrow depends on people like me—people who are willing to do the hard work, to study longer, serve harder, and lead with love. With your support, I won’t just pursue a degree—I will walk boldly into purpose.

Mental health has shaped nearly every layer of who I am—how I see myself, how I show up in relationships, and how I pursue my calling. As a first-generation college student who’s experienced depression, anxiety, and the impact of childhood trauma, I’ve come to realize that healing is not linear—and that the strongest people are often the ones who have had to fight for peace of mind. Growing up, I navigated instability, domestic violence, and abandonment. The weight of survival settled on me at a young age, and though I kept going, I carried anxiety like armor—always alert, always overthinking, always expecting something to fall apart. But for years, I didn’t have the language to name what I was going through. I just thought I had to be strong. That’s what I saw modeled. That’s what I thought resilience meant. It wasn’t until I reached a breaking point in high school that I sought help. Through therapy, mentorship, and my growing relationship with Christ, I slowly began to unlearn the lie that I had to carry everything alone. I discovered that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s strength wrapped in honesty. And I realized that mental health is not separate from faith or success—it’s foundational to living well and loving others well. This journey has reshaped my beliefs. I used to think that healing meant being “fixed,” but now I see healing as ongoing—something we return to daily, with grace. I used to think emotions were distractions. Now I understand that emotions are messengers—alerting us to what needs care. I’ve learned that God is not distant from our pain; He’s present in it, meeting us with comfort, truth, and hope. My experience with mental health has also deepened my relationships. I’ve become a more empathetic friend, a patient leader, and a safe space for others. As someone who mentors college students and leads prayer nights, I often encounter people who feel unseen or overwhelmed. Because I’ve been there, I can recognize their silent battles and offer encouragement rooted in both experience and compassion. Career-wise, my struggles have fueled my calling. I’m currently studying Cardiopulmonary Science, with plans to enter the medical field—but I don’t want to stop there. I also run a faith-based apparel brand that exists to spark Gospel-centered conversations and affirm people in their identity in Christ. I want to merge medicine, ministry, and entrepreneurship to create spaces—both physical and spiritual—where people are cared for holistically. Mental health isn’t just part of my story—it’s part of my mission. I want to help others know that healing is possible, that faith and therapy can co-exist, and that brokenness doesn’t disqualify us from purpose. In fact, it often equips us for it. If awarded this scholarship, I wouldn’t just use it to continue my education—I would use it to continue becoming someone who builds safe, hope-filled spaces for others to heal and grow.

Legacy is more than what you leave behind—it’s the light you carry forward while you’re still here. It’s the lives you touch, the hope you offer, and the truth you stand on when the world tells you to sit down. As a first-generation college student, domestic violence survivor, and ministry leader, I’ve learned that our greatest impact often comes from the very places we once tried to hide. That’s why I’m not just building a brand—I’m building a legacy that reflects light, truth, and purpose. While pursuing my degree in Cardiopulmonary Science, I’ve also founded a faith-based luxury leisurewear brand that creates more than clothing—it creates conversation. Each design is rooted in Scripture and crafted to affirm identity in Christ. Our goal is to give believers clothing that makes a statement not just in style, but in spirit. Through bold typography, minimal design, and high-quality materials, we create garments that encourage wearers to walk confidently in who God says they are—while inviting others into that story. My dream is to expand this brand into a global faith and fashion platform—a mission-driven business that disciples through design. I envision flagship stores that double as creative ministry hubs: places where believers are styled, trained, prayed over, and sent out. These hubs will also employ underserved youth, fund mission work, and offer creative workshops that equip artists and entrepreneurs to build Kingdom-first businesses. I believe entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful tools for change when it's rooted in service and surrender. But before I ever designed a shirt, I served people. I’ve led college prayer nights, served on worship teams, and volunteered through local outreaches. I’ve gone on a medical mission trip to Belize, where I assisted in clinics and helped care for over 700 underserved patients. I’m preparing to spend two months this summer in Germany sharing the Gospel across universities and cities. Whether in scrubs or streetwear, I’m committed to showing up for people—and pointing them to the One who heals and saves. I shine my light by choosing faith in dark places, by speaking life over myself and others, and by refusing to let my past disqualify me from my purpose. Every collection I design is prayed over. Every message we share is rooted in Scripture. Every event we host is an invitation into freedom. I want my business to reflect God’s creativity and character—to clothe people in confidence, purpose, and truth. My legacy won’t just be the clothes I make—it’ll be the lives impacted through them. I want young women to know they can be holy and creative, healed and healing, bold and broken but still used by God. That’s the kind of light I want to shine—and that’s the kind of legacy I’m building.

My father served as a United States Marine—an identity marked by discipline, resilience, and an unshakable sense of purpose. After his military service, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, using the same values he carried in uniform to build a business and provide for our family. Watching him lead in both roles shaped how I understand purpose: it’s not about position, but about how faithfully you serve in whatever assignment you’re given. His example laid the foundation for my own entrepreneurial path. I am the founder of a faith-driven clothing brand that fuses elevated leisurewear with biblical identity. Our goal is not simply to create beautiful clothing, but to offer garments that declare truth—truth that encourages, affirms, and invites others into conversations about faith. Every product is designed intentionally, with the hope that it would serve as a tool for everyday believers to share the Gospel organically and boldly. Beyond apparel, our mission is lived out through community engagement. I’ve planned immersive launch experiences that include a live worship night, testimony sharing, and a customizable airbrushed tee station where guests can declare who God calls them—‘daughter,’ ‘son,’ ‘redeemed,’ or ‘set apart.’ We’re also introducing a pop-up called Matcha for the Mission Minded—offering free matcha lattes and encouragement to local communities while sharing the heart behind our message. Our brand is a ministry, a movement, and a message all in one. Being raised by a veteran taught me how to endure and how to lead. My father's military service showed me what it means to serve with humility, press forward through adversity, and live with conviction. His entrepreneurial journey taught me how to dream with courage and build with intention. Both have played a significant role in shaping who I am—not just as a student, but as a leader, a creative, and a believer with a heart for impact. Now a first-generation college student studying Cardiopulmonary Science, I’m working to merge medicine, ministry, and business. My ultimate goal is to bring holistic healing to underserved communities—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I want to build more than a brand; I want to build something that restores dignity, invites transformation, and glorifies God. My father’s legacy lives in every risk I take, every dream I chase, and every person I serve. I carry his strength, his values, and his example with me—and I’m committed to multiplying the impact he started through a life that leads with faith and finishes with purpose.

I am a first-generation college student, a daughter of perseverance, and the evidence that beauty can rise from broken places. My journey has not been defined by comfort or privilege—it has been shaped by adversity. I grew up in a household where love often came laced with fear. As a survivor of domestic violence and the child of an absent father, I learned early on how to navigate pain, silence, and the unspoken weight of instability. There were moments when I questioned if peace was something I’d ever know, or if security—emotional, physical, or financial—was something I could ever expect. But in the middle of that darkness, something powerful began to form in me: resilience. Despite the chaos around me, I clung to my education. I saw it as more than a pathway—it was a lifeline. I studied late into the night, worked through high school to help cover personal expenses, and held onto hope even when my circumstances said otherwise. It wasn’t easy. There were nights I went to bed hungry, days I went to school without books I couldn’t afford, and semesters in college where I wasn’t sure how I would pay my rent or tuition. Yet somehow, I kept going. Today, I am a third-year Cardiopulmonary Science student at Florida A&M University. I am studying to become a physician who will one day serve underserved communities both medically and emotionally. But that’s only part of my story. I am also the founder of a Christian luxury leisurewear brand startup inspired by Romans 12:1. It’s a brand born from adversity—a brand that helps others wear their faith with boldness and walk in their God-given identity. I created the brand to help others experience what I once fought to find: purpose, peace, and the confidence to stand tall after surviving storms. Adversity has been my greatest teacher. It taught me how to lead with compassion, how to build when resources are scarce, and how to believe in myself when no one else did. It taught me that I am not a victim of my story—I am the vessel of something redemptive, something powerful, and something that will help change lives. This scholarship would not just help me—it would honor every sleepless night, every prayer whispered through tears, and every step I’ve taken toward a future I was once told I could never reach. I am committed to making my life a testament that where you start does not define where you finish. And that no matter how hard it gets, there is always hope.

My name is Chi’conna Gober, and I’m a third-year undergraduate student at Florida A&M University, majoring in Cardiopulmonary Science while actively pursuing a career in business and entrepreneurship. Though my academic path is rooted in health sciences, my entrepreneurial heart beats for something bigger—impact. I’m the founder of a Christian luxury leisurewear startup brand designed to help believers carry their faith into every room they walk into. Our brand is rooted in Romans 12:1, inspiring individuals to live as “living sacrifices” in everyday life. I created this business to merge fashion, faith, and purpose—offering minimal, elevated apparel that turns everyday garments into vessels for Gospel-centered conversations. This scholarship would significantly impact my journey by providing the financial breathing room I need to continue building both my academic and entrepreneurial pursuits. As a full-time student, ministry leader, and founder, I often carry more than my resources can comfortably hold. There are times when I’ve had to choose between business production costs and basic living expenses, and yet—I continue to show up with vision and determination. Receiving this scholarship would give me the support to invest in expanding Twelve One’s first full collection, develop marketing campaigns, and continue funding my education without sacrificing my stability. My long-term goal is to become a physician and a marketplace leader—a woman who heals in hospital rooms and in communities through advocacy, business, and discipleship. I believe business is one of the most influential platforms in our generation, and I want to use it to spark faith, social impact, and freedom. Through Twelve One, I hope to create jobs, launch community initiatives, and establish a brand that is both financially successful and spiritually transformative. I envision global reach—fashion shows that double as worship experiences, mission-focused product drops, and business initiatives that sponsor education and relief in underserved areas. I have experienced both physical and emotional weakness throughout my life. I am a survivor of domestic violence and grew up in a home marked by instability and the absence of a father figure. There were nights I questioned my worth and mornings I went without knowing how I’d make it through the week financially or emotionally. But I overcame those battles by clinging to faith, seeking therapy, serving others, and refusing to believe that my past would define me. Every hardship became fuel. Every tear became a seed. Through all of this, I’ve learned that strength is not about having it all together—it’s about showing up with heart, with purpose, and with an unshakable belief that you were created for more. I carry that belief into everything I do. This scholarship would not just fund my education—it would support a young woman who is building a brand, a business, and a life that reflects what it means to rise from brokenness into boldness.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because I have fought—spiritually, emotionally, and physically—to hold onto them. My dreams were not handed to me. They were cultivated in the dark, watered by tears, and lifted in prayer when I had no strength of my own. They were shaped in the middle of adversity, not luxury. And yet, they remain—bold, holy, and rooted in purpose. I am a third-year Cardiopulmonary Science major at Florida A&M University, pursuing a future in medicine where I can serve underserved populations with compassion, skill, and cultural sensitivity. I am passionate about healing not just bodies, but stories—especially those of women like me who were told by life that they wouldn’t make it this far. I am the daughter of a broken home, the product of survival, the witness of domestic violence, and the evidence of God’s redemptive hand. There is no earthly reason I should be standing where I am today, and yet—by grace—I’m not just standing. I’m building. That’s why I founded Twelve One, a Christian luxury leisurewear brand inspired by Romans 12:1. This isn’t just a clothing line. It’s a movement. Our brand creates elevated, minimal apparel designed to remind people of their identity in Christ and equip them to live out the Gospel in everyday spaces. Through high-quality fabrics and faith-infused storytelling, we’re redefining what it means to wear your worship. I started this brand with a single shirt design and a vision to see believers walk confidently into rooms—classrooms, campuses, corporate spaces—with apparel that speaks before they ever say a word. As a Black woman in both the medical and fashion entrepreneurship space, I carry dreams that are heavy with responsibility but overflowing with conviction. I serve as a student leader in my college ministry, leading hospitality, worship gatherings, and discipleship groups for young women who are also trying to walk with Jesus in hard seasons. I’ve served on international medical mission trips, most recently in rural Belize, and I’m preparing to serve in Germany this summer to share the Gospel with university students. Every aspect of my life—academics, business, ministry—is woven together by one thread: obedience to the call of God. I don’t aspire to build a platform for my name. I want to build spaces for others to encounter hope, truth, and restoration—whether through a stethoscope, a worship night, or a T-shirt. I am not afraid of sacrifice. I’ve lived it. I know what it’s like to choose groceries over textbooks, to attend class after a sleepless night of worry, to pray for a miracle in the middle of bills and deadlines. But even in the tension, I believe my dreams are still worth it—because I am worth it. And I am not worth it because of my perfection. I am worth it because of the purpose planted within me. I am worth it because I’ve chosen to keep dreaming, building, and serving even when it would have been easier to give up. I am worth it because I am not chasing success—I am stewarding a call. This scholarship would not just support a student. It would fuel a woman of vision, a brand built to reflect the heart of God, and a life that is dedicated to making sure other women know that their worth is not up for debate—it is already written. I am worth the dreams I carry, because the world needs what God put inside me. And I will not stop until every ounce of it is poured out in love, in excellence, and in purpose.

The healthcare industry is grappling with several challenges, notably the lack of adequate representation and education on its history. The underrepresentation of individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the medical profession and healthcare leadership results in disparities in health outcomes. Moreover, many healthcare facilities lack the necessary expertise to cater to patients of color, particularly women who may have reservations about the healthcare system. To combat these health disparities, it is imperative to advocate for and create opportunities. To address the concern about the underrepresentation of minority groups in healthcare, I am developing a mentorship pipeline program starting in grade school and extending through medical school. The program aims to introduce young people from underserved communities to various healthcare professions, inspiring them to pursue careers in healthcare that they may not have initially considered, but that are in desperate need of their unique perspective. After completing the requisite medical education, the goal is to establish an OB/GYN medical practice that primarily serves women of color. This establishment will provide a secure space for Black Indigenous women of color to receive healthcare services that are free from malpractice, racially systematic beliefs, or social disparities. It will serve as a sanctuary where mothers can receive maternal care and give birth to their babies without any concerns. Women of all ages can trust that their physician's interest is solely in providing accurate diagnoses and treatment for health conditions, as well as educating them about those conditions. By doing so, this medical practice will pave the way for a brighter future for women of color in the community, who have long been underserved in the healthcare system. Quarterly training programs will also be introduced in the practice through a health-focused company, which will provide these programs to many other health facilities. These programs will provide physicians with the knowledge necessary to improve patient care for minorities by addressing social health disparities. Lastly, advocacy for medical research on systematic racism and prejudices within healthcare will continue through biomedical labs and teaching at colleges and universities. A curriculum is being created that targets the comprehension of the true history of medicine, including the stories of individuals who have been overlooked and underrepresented. For example, the story of Anarcha Westcott, a slave who suffered through horrific experiments by J. Marion Sims, the so-called "father of modern gynecology," is just one example of the untold stories of Black women who have contributed to medical advances. Despite the fact that their experiences have led to foundational knowledge in medicine, their stories are rarely taught in classrooms. This research and curriculum aim to shed light on these women's lives and journeys and provide doctors with practical insights to improve their medical approaches and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders to continue this important work. All of these efforts will contribute to mitigating health disparities and promoting greater representation in healthcare, which is vital for a more equitable and just healthcare system.

The healthcare industry faces several challenges, including the lack of representation and education on its history. The underrepresentation of individuals from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities in the medical profession and healthcare leadership results in disparities in health outcomes. Moreover, many healthcare facilities lack the necessary expertise to cater to patients of color, particularly women who may have reservations about the healthcare system. To combat these health disparities, it is imperative to advocate for and create opportunities. To address the concern about the underrepresentation of minority groups in healthcare, I am developing a mentorship pipeline program starting in grade school and extending through medical school to introduce young people from underserved communities to various healthcare professions. The program aims to inspire students to pursue careers in healthcare that they may not have initially considered but that are in desperate need of their unique perspective. After completing my education, my goal is to establish an OB/GYN medical practice that primarily serves women of color. This establishment will provide a secure space for Black Indigenous women of color to receive healthcare services that are uncompromised by malpractice, racially systematic beliefs, or social disparities. It will serve as a sanctuary where mothers can receive maternal care and give birth to their babies without any concerns. Women of all ages can trust that their physician's interest is solely in providing accurate diagnoses and treatment for health conditions, as well as educating them about those conditions. By doing so, this medical practice will pave the way for a brighter future for women of color in the community, who have long been underserved in the healthcare system. Quarterly training programs will also be introduced in the practice through a health-focused company, which will be provided to many other health facilities. These programs will provide physicians with the knowledge necessary to improve patient care for minorities by addressing social health disparities. Lastly, advocacy for medical research on systematic racism and prejudices within healthcare will continue through biomedical labs and teaching at colleges and universities. I will create a curriculum that targets the comprehension of the true history of medicine, including the stories of individuals who have been overlooked and underrepresented. For example, the story of Anarcha Westcott, a slave who suffered through horrific experiments by J. Marion Sims, the so-called "father of modern gynecology," is just one example of the untold stories of Black women who have contributed to medical advances. Despite the fact that their experiences have led to foundational knowledge in medicine, their stories are rarely taught in classrooms. This research and curriculum aim to shed light on these women's lives and journeys provide doctors with practical insights to improve their medical approaches and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders to continue this important work. All of these efforts will contribute to mitigating health disparities and promoting greater representation in healthcare.

Hi, my name is Chi'conna, and I am attending Hampton University to continue my pursuit in nursing through higher education. I often find that passion actively challenges my acquaintance in the health field as I question and redevelop my knowledge. My mission is to provide a private practice named after and in honor of my granny, Hattie Mae. She passed away this year, on February 15th, from a gangrene infection throughout her body due to improper care/neglect for her pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and surgical errors. This practice will be for the community to ensure that all POC receive safe and uncompromised health care. In addition, I strive to learn how to use technological resources, combine existing local information of affected communities, and innovate educational awareness and advancement solutions. Additionally, I hope to break the chained cycle of black health disparities one community at a time through health advocacy reforms. This Scholarship will sponsor my research on effective methods to help a crisis, such as increasing numbers of African Americans dying from preventable risk factors (obesity, smoking, and asthma). Overall, I plan to study Nursing in hopes that I can sit at the table with other future leaders working to turn my passions into real solutions and create a change for all generations of health professionals and patients across the globe. Upon receiving the Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship, I will receive many opportunities. The greatest of all these would be a sense of relief from the weight of the financial deficiency I face in pursuing my passion and career through higher education. I know that from the support of this Scholarship, I will be able to focus on bettering myself as a student and future health professional as I further my knowledge, advance my skill and create new questions.

Hi, my name is Chi'conna, and I am attending Hampton University to continue my pursuit in nursing through higher education. I often find that passion actively challenges my acquaintance in the health field as I question and redevelop my knowledge. My mission is to provide a private practice named after and in honor of my granny, Hattie Mae. She passed away this year, on February 15th, from a gangrene infection throughout her body due to improper care/neglect for her pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and surgical errors. This practice will be for the community to ensure that all POC receive safe and uncompromised health care. In addition, I strive to learn how to use technological resources, combine existing local information of affected communities, and innovate educational awareness and advancement solutions. Additionally, I hope to break the chained cycle of black health disparities one community at a time through health advocacy reforms. This Scholarship will sponsor my research on effective methods to help a crisis, such as increasing numbers of African Americans dying from preventable risk factors (obesity, smoking, and asthma). Overall, I plan to study Nursing in hopes that I can sit at the table with other future leaders working to turn my passions into real solutions and create a change for all generations of health professionals and patients across the globe. Upon receiving the Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship, I will receive many opportunities. The greatest of all these would be a sense of relief from the weight of the financial deficiency I face in pursuing my passion and career through higher education. I know that from the support of this Scholarship, I will be able to focus on bettering myself as a student and future health professional as I further my knowledge, advance my skill, and create new questions.

Hi, my name is Chi'conna, and I am attending Hampton University to continue my pursuit in nursing through higher education. I often find that passion actively challenges my acquaintance in the health field as I question and redevelop my knowledge. My mission is to provide a private practice named after and in honor of my granny, Hattie Mae. She passed away this year, on February 15th, from a gangrene infection throughout her body due to improper care/neglect for her pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and surgical errors. This practice will be for the community to ensure that all POC receive safe and uncompromised health care. In addition, I strive to learn how to use technological resources, combine existing local information of affected communities, and innovate educational awareness and advancement solutions. Additionally, I hope to break the chained cycle of black health disparities one community at a time through health advocacy reforms. This Scholarship will sponsor my research on effective methods to help a crisis, such as increasing numbers of African Americans dying from preventable risk factors (obesity, smoking, and asthma). Overall, I plan to study Nursing in hopes that I can sit at the table with other future leaders working to turn my passions into real solutions and create a change for all generations of health professionals and patients across the globe. Upon receiving the Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship, I will receive many opportunities. The greatest of all these would be a sense of relief from the weight of the financial deficiency I face in pursuing my passion and career through higher education. I know that from the support of this Scholarship, I will be able to focus on bettering myself as a student and future health professional as I further my knowledge, advance my skill and create new questions.

What if improper health care was not limited to financial and political disadvantages? What if social obstacles were recognized just as pervasive as economic and political discriminants. I often find myself indulging in research on the history of the healthcare system and its influence on the black community during my free time. For example, I explore why we see African Americans dying to COVID-19 two to three times more than their white counterparts due to Diabetes and Chronic Heart Disease risk factors. Upon studying, I am faced with the harsh reality that black people often receive catastrophic care instead of preventive care. In knowing this, my greater concern would be why is this the case and what influences this repeated statistic? I have discovered that Black people have suffered at the hands of mistreatment, poor care, and gross negligence from health professionals for generations. This lack of trust has been fueled for centuries within America's black community as its history consists of several medical care offenses, such as repugnant experiments on enslaved people, the eugenics forced sterilizations and syphilis study in Tuskegee. Therefore, could one honestly blame only 42% of Black Americans for being willing to receive the vaccination. As a result, my passion actively challenges my acquaintance in the health field as I question and redevelop my knowledge. My mission is to provide a private practice named after and in honor of my granny, Hattie Mae. She passed away this year, February 15th, from a gangrene infection throughout her body due to improper care/neglect for her pressure ulcers, surgical wounds, and surgical errors. I want to recognize her along with many others who have been neglected or taken advantage of in the health care system without advocacy. This practice will be for the community to ensure that BIPOC receives safe and uncompromised health care. In doing so, I will continue using technological resources and existing local information of affected communities to innovate educational awareness and advancement solutions. I will also study effective methods to help a crisis, such as a rise in African Americans dying from preventable risk factors (obesity, smoking, and asthma). And I am convinced that studying Nursing will provide me with the academic knowledge I need for the future when I hope to break the chained cycle of black health disparities one community at a time through health advocacy reforms. I desire to be at the heart of decision-making to lead and form communities dedicated to addressing the urgent social and physical health crisis. Quite simply, I want to study Nursing in hopes that I can sit at the table with other future leaders working to turn my passions into real solutions and create a change for all generations of health professionals and patients across the globe. Furthermore, my nursing study at a degree level in an environment with like-minded individuals will be a mind-expanding experience providing me with answers and creating new questions. Upon receiving the Kenyada Me'Chon Thomas Legacy Scholarship, I will be granted many opportunities. The greatest of all would definitely be a sense of relief from the weight of the financial deficiency I face in pursuing my passion and career through higher education. I know that from the support of this scholarship, I will be able to focus on bettering myself as a student and future health professional. Including the opportunity to further my knowledge, advance my skill, and create life-changing experiences not only for myself as the recipient and my community and the future lives I will serve through medical research.

Hi, my name is Chi'conna Glori. I am a senior at Collierville High School and an active participant in my school's two-year dual CNA Nursing program. As a result, I am a CNA student at Baptist Hospital in Collierville and Memphis Jewish Home in Memphis, TN. I am also my school's team leader for HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America. Alongside my high school level studies, I am actively in a two-year Dual Nursing program that equips me with the knowledge to receive my CNA certification upon graduating. This scholarship is important because it allows me to invest in the future of my nursing career and gain educational resources and clinical experience before nursing school actively and practically. I find myself indulging in research on cases and the history prevalent in the healthcare system and the black community during my free time. We explore why we see African Americans dying to COVID-19 two to three times more than their white counterparts due to risk factors of Diabetes and chronic heart disease risk factors. Facing the harsh reality that black people often receive catastrophic care instead of preventive care is a significant concern and challenged me to question, develop and revisit my knowledge. This research increased my willingness to adapt to the new environment and grow confident while gaining leadership skills. I am confident that studying Nursing will provide me with the academic knowledge I need for the future when I hope to break the chained cycle of black health disparities one community at a time through health advocacy reforms. My mission is to run my private practice to ensure that African Americans-including POC- receive free, safe, and uncompromised health care. I want to learn how to use technological resources, combine existing local knowledge of affected communities, and create innovative solutions for educational advancement. The practical nature of this course strongly appeals to me as it combines academic thinking with practical and cultural-led solutions. This combination will guide me when researching effective methods to help a crisis such as a rise in the number of African Americans dying from preventable risk factors (obesity, smoking, and asthma). I am confident that the diversity of cultures within the student and teacher body will complement my journey to becoming a culturally sensitive advocate for change that aims to work alongside the developing community to enhance their strength without imposing or erasing their traditional history. I want to be at the heart of decision-making to lead and form communities dedicated to addressing the urgent mental and physical health crisis. Quite simply I want to study Nursing in hopes that I can sit at the table with other future leaders working to turn my personal passions into geniune solutions and become an agent of change for current and future generations across the globe. Furthermore, my study of nursing at a degree level in an environment with like-minded individuals will be a mind-expanding experience providing me with answers as well as creating new questions.

Hi, my name is Chi'conna Glori; I am a senior at Collierville High School and an active participant in my school's two-year dual CNA Nursing program. As a result, I am a CNA student at Baptist Hospital in Collierville and Memphis Jewish Home in Memphis, TN. I am also my school's team leader for HOSA, Health Occupations Students of America. Alongside my high school level studies, I am actively in a two-year Dual Nursing program that equips me with the knowledge to receive my CNA certification upon graduating. This program is essential because it allows me to invest in the future of my nursing career and gain educational resources and clinical experience before nursing school actively and practically. I find myself indulging in research on cases and the history prevalent in the healthcare system and the black community during my free time. This research investigates why we see African Americans dying to COVID-19 two to three times more than their white counterparts due to risk factors of Diabetes and chronic heart disease risk. Facing the harsh reality that black people often receive catastrophic care instead of preventive care is a significant concern. As a result, my passion actively challenges my acquaintance in the health field as I question and redevelop my knowledge. This research increased my willingness to adapt to the new environment and grow confident while gaining leadership skills. I am convinced that studying Nursing will provide me with the academic knowledge I need for the future when I hope to break the chained cycle of black health disparities one community at a time through health advocacy reforms. This year, on February 15, I lost my granny to a preventable spread of gang green, which infected her entire body. The infection resulted from several pressure ulcers on her backside that were not adequately changed and cleaned, along with surgical errors during her eight surgeries. My granny was an 84-year-old black woman who spent her days driving to church and family functions. She even went to the car dealership and purchased her car independently; she was resilient, strong, and healthy. Therefore my mission is to run my private practice to ensure that African Americans-including POC- receive free, safe, and uncompromised health care. I strive to learn how to use technological resources, combine existing local information of affected communities, and innovate educational awareness and advancement solutions. The nature of this course appeals to me as it provides academic thinking with practical and cultural-led solutions. This combination will guide me when researching effective methods to help a crisis, such as a rise in the number of African Americans dying from preventable risk factors (obesity, smoking, and asthma). I am confident that the diversity of cultures within Hampton University's student and teacher body will complement my journey to becoming a culturally sensitive advocate for change that aims to work alongside the developing community to enhance their strength without imposing or erasing their definitive history. I desire to be at the heart of decision-making to lead and form communities dedicated to addressing the urgent mental and physical health crisis. Quite simply, I want to study Nursing in hopes that I can sit at the table with other future leaders working to turn my passions into real solutions and create a change for all generations of health professionals and patients across the globe. Furthermore, my nursing study at a degree level in an environment with like-minded individuals will be a mind-expanding experience providing me with answers and creating new questions.