Turning 40 was a milestone. I never expected to be greeted with so much uncertainty, but also so much strength. As a full-time mom, breast cancer survivor, and active-duty Soldier, I have had to carry more than most. After enduring a painful divorce, where I was often made to feel less than because I didn’t have a degree, I made the courageous decision to return to school. I did it for myself, but more importantly, I did it to show my children that it’s never too late to begin again and choose differently. Shortly after my divorce, I received a breast cancer diagnosis, and in that same year, I lost my mother, my greatest supporter. Grieving, battling illness, and raising children while serving in the Army was overwhelming. Just two years after my diagnosis, my son underwent three surgeries of his own. While caring for him during that difficult time, I had to summon every ounce of strength to keep moving forward. Rather than let those experiences defeat me, I used them as fuel to redefine my purpose and find a more profound sense of direction. I chose to pursue a degree in nutrition because of my journey with healing. I have experienced firsthand how powerful nutrition can be, not just for preventing disease but for reclaiming one’s quality of life. As a Black woman, I have seen how chronic illness, poor access to care, and misinformation disproportionately affect our communities. My goal is to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and open a wellness practice focused on holistic, science-based care. I want to meet people where they are, especially busy mothers, military families, and women over 40. Balancing motherhood and military service has taught me to lead with strength, grace, and purpose. I have learned what it truly means to be resilient. These experiences have shaped not only my values but also my passion for helping others. I am deeply committed to mentoring women who feel overwhelmed by life’s demands. I want to build a community where women can share their stories, learn practical nutrition skills, and feel empowered to take charge of their well-being. I plan to use my education to create accessible programs that remove the barriers keeping people stuck. Not everyone has the time, resources, or support to prioritize their health. Through flexible learning options and culturally relevant resources, I want to make wellness education more inclusive. I envision offering nutrition workshops, online coaching, and community outreach initiatives that support long-term lifestyle changes and sustainable health practices. This scholarship would ease a significant burden. Like many adult learners, I am balancing full-time military service, parenting, and the demands of higher education. Financial support from the Debra S. Johnson Memorial Scholarship would allow me to focus more fully on my studies, especially during the final stages of my military service. It would serve as both a practical help and a powerful reminder that I am not walking this path alone. Debra S. Johnson’s story resonates deeply with me. Like her, I returned to school in my 40s with hope in my heart and a desire to not only transform my own life but to uplift others through service, compassion, and education. I hope to be a voice and a role model for women over 40, especially mothers, survivors, and fellow service members who feel like it’s too late to start over. Thank you for considering my application. I am deeply honored by the opportunity to walk in the legacy of a woman who chose courage and reinvention. I am determined to do the same.

Empowering Lives Through Nutrition: My Mission as a Future Nutrition Professional Nutrition is one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in the fight against chronic disease. As a breast cancer survivor and future Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), I know firsthand the healing power of food. My mission is to educate and empower individuals and families—especially those battling or at risk for chronic illnesses—through practical, evidence-based nutritional guidance that can transform and even save lives. In 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer. Thanks to early detection and the healthy lifestyle I had already been practicing, I was able to recover without chemotherapy or radiation. I believe wholeheartedly that my commitment to proper nutrition, regular physical activity, and a wellness-focused mindset played a vital role in my healing journey. Food wasn’t just part of my recovery—it was medicine. That same year, I also experienced the devastating loss of my mother. She passed away due to complications from diabetes, congestive heart failure, and kidney failure. Despite years of prescriptions and hospital visits, she did not receive the kind of preventative nutritional support that could have changed her outcome. That contrast between my recovery and her decline left a permanent imprint on my heart—and gave me a clear purpose. These profoundly personal experiences fuel my passion and commitment. I am currently pursuing my graduate degree in nutrition with the goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. With over 20 years of leadership experience from my service in the U.S. Army and a background in healthcare management, I bring a unique blend of structure, discipline, and compassion to my work. My service taught me the importance of clear communication, building trust, and leading with integrity—skills that directly translate to working with patients and their families on something as deeply personal as health and nutrition. If awarded this scholarship, I will use it to continue building my knowledge and credentials so I can make a broader impact through community education, clinical work, and one-on-one counseling. I envision creating accessible nutrition workshops, developing culturally relevant meal plans, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure that patients are receiving the full spectrum of support—especially those in underserved communities. I am incredibly passionate about breaking generational curses that lie in the food traditions passed down in many families, particularly in communities of color. These eating patterns—often rooted in survival, limited access, and cultural habits—can unknowingly contribute to a cycle of chronic illness, poor health outcomes, and premature death. In many underserved communities, nutritious food is not always accessible or affordable, and nutrition education is not prioritized. I want to help rewrite that narrative by teaching families how to embrace healthier choices without losing cultural identity or flavor—showing them that wellness is not a privilege but a right. There is strong peer-reviewed evidence connecting nutrition to the prevention, progression, and, in some cases, regression of major illnesses like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. I want to ensure that this knowledge is not confined to academic journals but reaches real people—mothers, fathers, and caregivers—before it’s too late. Through my future work, I plan to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, teaching people how to shop smarter, cook healthier, and make empowered decisions about their food. In memory and honor of Amber D. Hudson—and honor of my mother—I want to be a guiding light for families navigating the fear and uncertainty that comes with chronic illness. Nutrition saved my life, and I believe it can save countless others.

My journey of service began when I raised my right hand and took the oath to defend this nation. I have proudly served in the United States Army for over 20 years and continue to serve today. Throughout my career, I’ve served at nine different duty stations, rising through the ranks from Private First Class (PFC) to First Sergeant (1SG). I’ve deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, serving in both Iraq and Kuwait. Currently, I am serving in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division. My military journey has been challenging, humbling, and deeply rewarding—I wouldn’t change a thing. I remember clearly how much my mother hated the idea of me joining the military—especially after 9/11. Like many mothers, she feared for my safety. She didn’t want to see her daughter go off to war. But I felt called to serve and lead, and although she never stopped worrying, she supported me in her way throughout my career. The same mother who once begged me not to enlist would later become one of my biggest motivations in pursuing a second mission—nutrition. Serving in the Army has shaped my character and given me a strong foundation in leadership, discipline, and resilience. These values are not only part of who I am as a soldier—they are also at the core of my mission as a future healthcare professional. In 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer. Thanks to early detection and the healthy lifestyle I had already embraced, I was able to heal without aggressive treatments. That same year, I lost my mother to complications from diabetes, congestive heart failure, and kidney failure. These two life-altering experiences—one of survival and one of loss—deepened my commitment to understanding the power of nutrition as a means of both prevention and healing. I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in nutrition with the goal of becoming a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). My vision is to use evidence-based nutrition education to help others—especially in underserved communities—reduce their risk of chronic illness and reclaim their health. After graduation, I plan to work in both clinical and community settings, offering personalized nutrition counseling, leading wellness education, and serving fellow veterans and active-duty service members. With the right tools, people can improve their quality of life and live longer healthier lives. As a soldier, I’ve been trained to lead, serve, and never give up. Continuing to serve my country while preparing to serve in a new way—as a healthcare professional—means everything to me. Education is a powerful force multiplier, and with this scholarship, I will be equipped to make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

I am honored to apply for the Jill S. Tolley Scholarship because I represent the strength, resilience, and determination this award stands for. As a single mother of two, veteran, breast cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and first-generation graduate student, I carry the weight of responsibility with pride—but also with an awareness that this journey is not easy. Balancing graduate school, parenting, and running a business is a daily challenge, and I still serve in the Army. Yet, I remain committed to pushing forward—for my children, my community, and the legacy of my late mother. My “why” for pursuing a graduate degree in nutrition is deeply rooted in pain, purpose, and personal healing. I lost my mother to a chronic illness, and at the time, I felt utterly helpless. I didn’t fully understand the role that nutrition and lifestyle could have played in her health. That moment planted a seed in me—a commitment to never again feel powerless in the face of preventable illness. That same year, I faced my health battle when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was one of the most challenging chapters of my life—but also one of the most transformative. Nutrition became my foundation during recovery. It helped restore my physical strength, supported my immune system, and played a vital role in stabilizing my mental and emotional health. That experience solidified what I had long believed: food is medicine. And now, I want to share that message with others. My long-term goal is to help women—especially those in underserved communities—prevent and manage chronic illnesses through evidence-based, culturally relevant nutrition education. Earning my master’s degree in nutrition is the key to turning that vision into reality. I plan to design and lead community wellness programs, teach nutrition principles in a way that is accessible and sustainable, and eventually contribute to public health research and clinical education. As a single mother, I find the financial burden of graduate school immense. This is especially true now, as my oldest child is preparing to begin their college journey. Managing tuition costs for both of us—along with daily living expenses and care for my younger child—has added significant pressure. I’ve applied for assistantships, sought scholarships, and continue to run my business to support our needs. But the gap remains. That’s why the Jill S. Tolley Scholarship would be life-changing. It would not only ease the financial stress—it would validate the sacrifice, drive, and dedication I bring to this journey. I bring a unique blend of lived experience and professional purpose. I served 22 years in the U.S. Army, where I developed the discipline, leadership, and resilience I now carry into every role: student, mother, business owner, and survivor. My breast cancer journey taught me how deeply intertwined physical and emotional health genuinely are. And motherhood continues to teach me how powerful love, legacy, and hope can be. This degree is more than a personal milestone. It’s a chance to build a healthier future for my family and to serve others who are walking similar paths. I want my children to see what perseverance looks like. I want the women I will one day serve to know they are not alone. And I want to use my story to inspire change, healing, and empowerment. Receiving the Jill S. Tolley Scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would be a symbol of trust and belief in my ability to create an impact. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting single mothers with powerful dreams and a purpose-driven path