I was always a caregiver for my nephews and nieces, but I also lost my father at ten years old, and it changed how I view my life, impacting my career choices. As an immigrant kid without parental support, I honestly never had any guidance but followed my desire to continue in college and succeed. I have always dreamed of being in healthcare, specifically as a pediatrician. I arrived with my dream in mind and books in hand. Yet, I was unprepared for the challenges, and it hit me so hard when things got complicated. I became depressed, and I could not keep up with nursing. It seemed challenging to adapt to a new world and even lonelier not to have anybody. At the time, I switched to Community Health. However, my previous experience was eye-opening, allowing me to grasp whatever I could learn in the best possible way to provide adequate care for my patients. It is so much more than I expected: being able to conduct a head-to-toe assessment, take vital signs, and administer medications to different patients while providing therapeutic communication with compassion. At first, it was hard to apply the skills I had only learned in school to real life. It felt so uncomfortable and scary to tackle these challenges. However, as I'd learned, I started administering insulin and heparin shots. I have taken blood sugar tests, removed a Foley catheter, measured urine output, and flushed the IV sites. During my one-off site visit, I saw different non-healing wounds, Chronic edema patients, and wounds caused by surgical incisions. Great instructors and role models have greatly helped me through that journey. I'd also had frightening moments when a lady was on blood thinners and had gotten her PICC line removed. Next, you hear one of the nurses asking you to hold her arm while putting pressure on it. But I had no idea I should have raised her arm, preventing blood from coming out. Whoops, I have tried to use her shirt, putting it around the site, but there was still a lot of blood. Instead, her arm would have been raised, and in such times, it reminds me of the courage and grit it takes to pursue a career in nursing. As daunting as it may be, it becomes a valuable learning experience. Currently, I'm learning so much being a member of the NSLS, participating in community services, and volunteering in nonprofit organizations and projects in class and as a senior at Clarkson College, completing my last class, "Literature," to obtain my bachelor's degree in community health, graduating on August, 10th 2025. I can relate to and understand the complexities affecting predominantly low-income populations. It entails a lot in terms of social determinants, realizing how the places we live, the food we eat, and the people we interact with impact our future and livelihood. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Mosaic and work with developmentally disabled clients, based on my coursework in Mental Health, Gerontology, Women's Health, and Public Health. For instance, some of the clients dealt with Down Syndrome, Seizures, Alzheimer's, and others had UTIs. I have been accepted into an accelerated Nursing program for the Spring of 2026. My experience provides me with a broader understanding of the health aspects of working one-on-one with my clients and advocating for their needs. Trust is a rare virtue that patients look for in healthcare providers, and I'm committed to earning it from my clients. This opportunity will help me tremendously, as working full-time as a student and worrying about expenses is a significant challenge.

My father's death prompted my journey toward healthcare. His sickness journey lasted around six months. I had just turned ten. He did not have the means or family support necessary. As he said on his deathbed, "I wished my hands were wounded, not my legs, so that I could advocate for myself." That's why advocating for my clients is dear to my heart. Specifically, mothers and babies, regardless of their race, is an issue that needs to be considered. Underserved black women are especially a subject that has been dear to my heart. Providing vital resources, such as access to healthcare, reduced hospital costs, transportation, and peer support to all women in need. My mother sacrificed for my brother and me after my father's death, traveling from the Republic of Congo years after, and remarried a man she had not known because she longed for her children to have a great future. Thus, being a kid and the oldest of my mother, I quickly realized that I had to grow up faster and adapt to living with challenges: a new family and an Unfamiliar language, betrayal, and loneliness. I remember constantly having to be strong for myself, my mother, and my brother through the ups and downs. From those experiences, Mental health became another field of interest. I'm learning so much being a member of the NSLS, participating in community services, and volunteering in nonprofit organizations and projects in class and as a senior at Clarkson College, completing my last class, "Literature," to obtain my bachelor's degree in community health, graduating on August, 10th 2025. I can relate to and understand the complexities affecting predominantly low-income populations. It entails so much on the social determinants, realizing how the places we live, the food we eat, and the people we interact with impact our future and livelihoods. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Mosaic and work with developmentally disabled clients based on my curricular courses involving Mental Health, Gerontology, Women's Health, and Public Health. For instance, some of the clients dealt with Down Syndrome, Seizures, and Alzheimer's, and a few women had UTIs. I love caregiving; I've worked as a babysitter and cared for babies up to 5 years old. Being a previous nursing student taught me more about caring for people during hospital clinical. However, I switched to get my degree in community health, allowing me to discover more on the prevention side of diseases and the determinants that affect us all. Currently, I am a full-time certified nurse aide and certified Medicaid provider. I enjoy the companionship and watching out for my clients, essential for older people who lack social connections and interaction. I have three years of experience and have worked with a variety of clients, including those with dementia, Alzheimer's, cancer, and terminal illnesses. I have been accepted for an accelerated nursing program starting in the Spring of 2026 and continue my doctorate. My experience gives me a broader view of the health aspects of working one-on-one with my clients and advocating for them. It also allows me to provide quality and safe care while respecting their boundaries. Trust is a rare virtue that patients seek from their healthcare providers, and I'm willing to give it to my clients in the future by being present and empathetic. As a first-generation student without parental support, I saved nearly $31,000 and applied it toward my private loans. It's challenging to work full-time as a student and worry about loans and school expenses. This opportunity will help me tremendously and change my life.

My father's death prompted my journey toward healthcare. His sickness journey lasted around six months. I had just turned ten. He did not have the means or family support necessary. As he said on his deathbed, "I wished my hands were wounded, not my legs, so that I could advocate for myself." That's why advocating for my clients is dear to my heart. Specifically, mothers and babies, regardless of their race, is an issue that needs to be considered. Underserved black women are especially a subject that has been dear to my heart. Providing vital resources, such as access to healthcare, reduced hospital costs, transportation, and peer support to all women in need. My mother sacrificed for my brother and me after my father's death, traveling from the Republic of Congo years after, and remarried a man she had not known because she longed for her children to have a great future. Thus, being a kid and the oldest of my mother, I quickly realized that I had to grow up faster and adapt to living with challenges: a new family and an Unfamiliar language, betrayal, and loneliness. I remember constantly having to be strong for myself, my mother, and my brother through the ups and downs. From those experiences, Mental health became another field of interest. I'm learning so much being a member of the NSLS, participating in community services, and volunteering in nonprofit organizations and projects in class and as a senior at Clarkson College, completing my last class, "Literature," to obtain my bachelor's degree in community health, graduating on August, 10th 2025. I can relate to and understand the complexities affecting predominantly low-income populations. It entails so much on the social determinants, realizing how the places we live, the food we eat, and the people we interact with impact our future and livelihoods. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Mosaic and work with developmentally disabled clients based on my curricular courses involving Mental Health, Gerontology, Women's Health, and Public Health. For instance, some of the clients dealt with Down Syndrome, Seizures, and Alzheimer's, and a few women had UTIs. I love caregiving; I've worked as a babysitter and cared for babies up to 5 years old. Being a previous nursing student taught me more about caring for people during hospital clinical. However, I switched to get my degree in community health, allowing me to discover more on the prevention side of diseases and the determinants that affect us all. Currently, I am a full-time certified nurse aide and certified Medicaid provider. I enjoy the companionship and watching out for my clients, essential for older people who lack social connections and interaction. I have three years of experience and have worked with a variety of clients, including those with dementia, Alzheimer's, cancer, and terminal illnesses. I have been accepted for an accelerated nursing program starting in the Spring of 2026 and continue my doctorate. My experience gives me a broader view of the health aspects of working one-on-one with my clients and advocating for them. It also allows me to provide quality and safe care while respecting their boundaries. Trust is a rare virtue that patients seek from their healthcare providers, and I'm willing to give it to my clients in the future by being present and empathetic. As a first-generation student without parental support, I saved nearly $31,000 and applied it toward my private loans. It's challenging to work full-time as a student and worry about loans and school expenses. This opportunity will help me tremendously and change my life.

My father's death prompted my journey toward healthcare. His sickness journey lasted around six months. I had just turned ten. He did not have the means or family support necessary. As he said on his deathbed, "I wished my hands were wounded, not my legs, so that I could advocate for myself." That's why advocating for my clients is dear to my heart. Specifically, mothers and babies, regardless of their race, is an issue that needs to be considered. Underserved black women are especially a subject that has been dear to my heart. Providing vital resources, such as access to healthcare, reduced hospital costs, transportation, and peer support to all women in need. My mother sacrificed for my brother and me after my father's death, traveling from the Republic of Congo years after, and remarried a man she had not known because she longed for her children to have a great future. Thus, being a kid and the oldest of my mother, I quickly realized that I had to grow up faster and adapt to living with challenges: a new family and an Unfamiliar language, betrayal, and loneliness. I remember constantly having to be strong for myself, my mother, and my brother through the ups and downs. From those experiences, Mental health became another field of interest. I'm learning so much being a member of the NSLS, participating in community services, and volunteering in nonprofit organizations and projects in class and as a senior at Clarkson College, completing my last class, "Literature," to obtain my bachelor's degree in community health, graduating on August, 10th 2025. I can relate to and understand the complexities affecting predominantly low-income populations. It entails so much on the social determinants, realizing how the places we live, the food we eat, and the people we interact with impact our future and livelihoods. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Mosaic and work with developmentally disabled clients based on my curricular courses involving Mental Health, Gerontology, Women's Health, and Public Health. For instance, some of the clients dealt with Down Syndrome, Seizures, and Alzheimer's, and a few women had UTIs. I love caregiving; I've worked as a babysitter and cared for babies up to 5 years old. Being a previous nursing student taught me more about caring for people during hospital clinical. However, I switched to get my degree in community health, allowing me to discover more on the prevention side of diseases and the determinants that affect us all. Currently, I am a full-time certified nurse aide and certified Medicaid provider. I enjoy the companionship and watching out for my clients, essential for older people who lack social connections and interaction. I have three years of experience and have worked with a variety of clients, including those with dementia, Alzheimer's, cancer, and terminal illnesses. I plan to start my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the fall of 2025 and continue my doctorate. My experience gives me a broader view of the health aspects of working one-on-one with my clients and advocating for them. It also allows me to provide quality and safe care while respecting their boundaries. Trust is a rare virtue that patients seek from their healthcare providers, and I'm willing to give it to my clients in the future by being present and empathetic. As a first-generation student without parental support, I saved nearly $31,000 and applied it toward my private loans. It's challenging to work full-time as a student and worry about loans and school expenses. This opportunity will help me tremendously and change my life.