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Heaven Johnson

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Finalist

Bio

My name is Heaven Johnson, and I am a dedicated and compassionate college student with a strong interest in public health and health equity. I am especially passionate about addressing maternal health disparities and improving outcomes for underserved populations, particularly Black women in urban communities. Through my academic work, I have explored topics such as public health ethics, cultural competence, environmental health, and health inequities. I believe education is a powerful tool for creating meaningful change. My goal is to use what I learn to advocate for policies and programs that reduce health disparities and expand access to quality care. I am committed to leadership, service, and lifelong learning, and I hope to build a career in public health where I can make a lasting impact in my community and beyond.

Education

Prairie View A & M University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services

Summer Creek High School

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      nursing

    • Dream career goals:

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Food Bank — Managing
        2022 – Present

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Entrepreneurship

      Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship
      One goal I worked hard to reach was preparing myself to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse. Becoming a pediatric nurse has been a dream of mine for several years because I have always felt called to care for children and support families during difficult moments. However, I knew that entering the nursing field, especially with a focus on pediatrics, would require dedication, strong academic performance, and emotional resilience. To begin working toward this goal, I focused heavily on my performance in science courses, particularly biology and anatomy. These subjects challenged me, but I understood they were essential foundations for nursing. When certain topics felt overwhelming, I didn’t allow myself to fall behind. I asked questions in class, stayed after school for extra help, and used study guides and practice quizzes to strengthen my understanding. I created a consistent study schedule to stay organized and disciplined. Over time, my grades improved, and more importantly, my confidence in my ability to succeed in a healthcare field grew. In addition to academics, I sought opportunities that would help me better understand what it means to care for others. I volunteered at community events and helped care for younger children in my family and neighborhood. Spending time around kids confirmed that pediatrics was the right path for me. I learned that caring for children requires patience, compassion, and the ability to communicate in ways that make them feel safe and understood. I also saw how important it is to support parents and guardians, who are often just as anxious as their children during medical situations. Another major part of accomplishing this goal was strengthening my emotional resilience. Nursing is not just physically demanding,it is emotionally challenging as well. There were times when I questioned whether I was strong enough to handle the responsibility that comes with caring for sick or injured children. Instead of letting fear discourage me, I used it as motivation to grow. I worked on managing stress, developing empathy without becoming overwhelmed, and reminding myself why I chose this path in the first place: to make a difference in children’s lives. Reaching the point where I am academically prepared and confident in pursuing pediatric nursing has been incredibly rewarding. It represents not just good grades, but growth in responsibility, discipline, and compassion. Now, I am working toward my next goal: earning my nursing degree and gaining clinical experience in pediatric care. I hope to one day work in a children’s hospital or pediatric clinic, where I can provide comfort and quality care to young patients. Beyond that, I aspire to advocate for children’s health in underserved communities, ensuring families have access to the care and education they need. Becoming a pediatric nurse is more than a career choice for me. it is a commitment to serving, healing, and making a positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
      Text-Em-All Founders Scholarship
      I am a driven, curious, and community-oriented individual who believes that education is one of the most powerful tools for change. My journey has been shaped by perseverance, faith, and the constant encouragement of my family to strive for excellence. From a young age, I was taught that success is not only about personal achievement but also about how you use your gifts to uplift others. That belief has guided my academic goals and continues to shape the person I am becoming. Throughout my academic career, I have been especially drawn to problem-solving and innovation. I enjoy challenges that push me to think critically and creatively. Whether working on group projects, participating in science and technology activities, or helping classmates understand difficult concepts, I have always found fulfillment in learning and sharing knowledge. These experiences helped me realize that I want a career that allows me to create practical solutions that improve people’s lives. Education, to me, is more than earning a degree. It is preparation for service. I plan to pursue a career in engineering with a focus on developing sustainable and efficient solutions that address real-world challenges. Many communities, particularly underserved ones, face issues such as limited access to clean energy, safe infrastructure, and environmental resources. Through my education, I want to gain the technical knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to design systems that are both innovative and accessible. My goal is to contribute to projects that not only advance technology but also promote equity and long-term sustainability. In addition to technical impact, I hope to make a positive difference by mentoring and inspiring others. Representation matters, especially in STEM fields where many young students may not see people who look like them. I want to be someone who encourages the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics without fear or doubt. By sharing my journey, volunteering, and participating in outreach programs, I plan to show students that their dreams are attainable with dedication and resilience. My career choices will also be guided by integrity and responsibility. I believe that professionals have a duty to consider how their work affects society and the environment. As I grow in my field, I want to advocate for ethical innovation, solutions that prioritize safety, sustainability, and community well-being over short-term gain. Making a positive impact means thinking beyond profit and focusing on people. Ultimately, I see my education as the foundation for a life of purpose. I want my work to reflect compassion, creativity, and commitment to progress. By combining technical expertise with a heart for service, I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to the world around me. My goal is not only to build a successful career but also to leave a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and positive change for future generations.
      Grand Oaks Enterprises LLC Scholarship
      A combination of diligence, tenacity, and a strong desire to have a significant influence on the world have shaped my path to this point. I was always taught the importance of community and education as a child. The idea that knowledge is a potent tool for change was ingrained in me by my parents, and it has served as a foundation for everything I have done. Notwithstanding the difficulties I encountered along the road, whether they were monetary, intellectual, or personal, I have always seen them as chances to develop and show myself that, with enough willpower, I could conquer anything. I knew at a young age that I wanted to go to college, but I wasn't always sure which route I would take. I discovered my passion for science and technology in high school. I became enthralled with how things operated and began to envision a time in the future when I could make contributions to developments that would improve people's lives. I enjoyed coming up with solutions to problems, whether I was working on tech projects or participating in science fairs. As I neared graduation, I came to the realization that I wanted to pursue that goal at a university that would not only provide excellent academic programs but also a community that would support my development as a person and as a student. It holds great significance for me to attend a historically black college or university (HBCU). HBCUs are more than just educational institutions; they are a living example of the Black community's tenacity, inventiveness, and power. As a child, I was constantly motivated by the tales of people who, in spite of their struggles, cleared the path for others. I see attending an HBCU as carrying on that tradition. For me, it's an opportunity to fully immerse myself in an environment that celebrates and accepts my identity. I'm confident that at an HBCU, I'll be surrounded by people who have similar cultural experiences and values and will be given the tools I need to realize my full potential. I'm inspired to succeed by the rich history of HBCUs and the communities they create. By getting an engineering degree, I hope to improve my family's and my community's lives by applying my knowledge and abilities to develop solutions for some of the most important problems that marginalized communities face. I have a special enthusiasm for renewable energy and environmental sustainability. I have personally witnessed how pollution, a lack of access to clean energy, and environmental degradation disproportionately affect lower-income communities, especially communities of color. I want to use my education to create innovations that can lessen environmental damage and increase these communities' access to clean energy. In addition to addressing environmental concerns, I hope to establish projects that offer information and tools to encourage others to contribute to the solution. In addition to my academic goals, I want to set an example for the younger members of my community. I want to change the fact that I didn't always have role models in science and technology when I was growing up. By being successful in my line of work, I want to demonstrate to young people that no matter where they come from, they can accomplish anything. Additionally, I intend to continue participating in neighborhood organizations and projects that support and empower members of my community, particularly those that concentrate on youth development and education. In addition to providing me with a chance to advance academically, attending PVAMU will strengthen my ties to my community. I will be able to use the knowledge I gain, the connections I make, and the experiences I have at PVAMU as tools to motivate change and leave a lasting impact on my family and the larger community when I return home. This journey is about more than just me; it's about helping others, giving back, and making a positive impact on everyone's future.
      Mrs. Doris Glover Scholarship
      Mrs. Johnson, my English teacher in high school, was one of the most influential educators I've ever had. Her method of instruction was both captivating and transformative. She gave me a profound understanding of the value of critical thinking and the power of words, in addition to teaching me grammar and literature. Her influence extended well beyond the classroom, influencing my approach to relationships, challenges, and personal development. Mrs. Johnson's teaching style stemmed from her sincere passion for both her students and her subject. She fostered an atmosphere in which we were urged to think independently, to question preconceived notions, and to view literature as a prism through which to view the world. I recall the first time she gave us 1984 by George Orwell. Mrs. Johnson led us on a journey to examine topics like freedom, surveillance, and the nature of truth, whereas other teachers might have only concentrated on the plot. Her inquiries were always open-ended, encouraging us to draw our own conclusions and consider how what we read affected our own lives. The value of independent thought was one of the most important things I took away from her. Mrs. Johnson consistently emphasized that developing the capacity to think critically and generate original ideas was more important for true learning than simply memorizing facts. She believed that the process of thinking deeply about a subject was as important, if not more so, than the answer itself. This viewpoint altered my perspective on education. I started to see it as a chance to interact with the outside world and develop my own viewpoint rather than as a set of chores to finish. Mrs. Johnson also instilled in me the value of perseverance. "Don't be afraid to fail; be afraid of not trying," she frequently advised us. In life as well as in the classroom, this lesson was priceless. I realized that failure is an essential part of personal development rather than a reflection of who we are. The willingness to try and learn from failure became a guiding principle for me, whether I was writing an essay or working toward personal objectives. These lessons will continue to influence my experience as I anticipate my time at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU). I learned from Mrs. Johnson to think critically, to rise to challenges, and to see failure as a chance for personal development. I'll go into my coursework with an open mind, ready to interact with novel concepts, question presumptions, and absorb viewpoints. I will approach my education at PVAMU as a reflection of my future and my place in the world, just as Mrs. Johnson urged us to see literature as a reflection of the world. In addition, the lesson of perseverance will help me deal with the difficulties of college life. Whether they are social, personal, or academic, challenges are unavoidable in college. But now that I know that failure is only a necessary step on the path to success, I feel ready to take on any challenge. I'll keep in mind what Mrs. Johnson said and keep going because I know that hardships are often the catalysts for growth. In conclusion, it is impossible to overestimate Mrs. Johnson's impact on my life. She instilled in me the values of critical thinking, accepting failure, and perseverance in the face of difficulties. As I start my journey at PVAMU, these priceless lessons will continue to direct me, assisting me in developing personally and making a significant contribution to the community in addition to achieving academic success.
      Future Is Female Inc. Scholarship
      Women and girls still experience daily abuse, unfair pay, and prejudice in the twenty-first century. In order to achieve social justice, feminism fights against gender and sexuality-based abuse and exploitation. A social and political movement known as feminism fights for women's rights on the grounds of gender equality. Although it calls for equality in opportunities, it does not discount the biological disparities between the sexes. Everything is covered, including social, political, and economic spheres. Feminist campaigns have actually played a significant role in the history of women's emancipation. The twentieth-century feminist movements made it feasible to exercise rights like as voting, owning property, working, and going to school. As a result, the importance and effects of feminism will be covered in an essay. Feminism, in general, can be viewed as a movement to eradicate sexism, sexist oppression, and exploitation in order to attain complete gender equality in both law and practice. Male aggression against women and sexual harassment are "norms" in all civilizations, women earn less and are more likely to live in poverty, and men are more likely to commit suicide. All of these issues may be attributed to patriarchy. Patriarchy has its antidote in feminism. The most inspirational person to me is my mother of course. I feel like her being strong enough to raise me by herself is something that I couldn't do. I inspire to be like her, why wouldn't I? I feel like she raised me the best she could, especially because she was the age I am right now when she was pregnate. That's a big thing to go through at such a young age. Feminism does not only help women, which is a fact that must be corrected. It aims for gender equality rather than female superiority. The gender roles that have existed for a long time are taken on by feminism and attempted to be dismantled. People are able to live freely and independently without being constrained by long-standing conventions because to this. In other words, both men and women gain from it. For instance, it argues that men shouldn't be the family's primary provider even though it supports women's right to earn a living. It aims to grant everyone freedom. At my school, sexism appears to be on the rise, and the women's movement is completely misunderstood. Women's studies classes, while I realize they won't abolish sexism for good, at least will help students grasp what feminists are actually about, unlike my friend. And by teaching their acquaintances what they learn, course participants disseminate knowledge. I have some advice for young feminists to reassure them that it is feasible to uphold their principles throughout high school, even though I am unable to directly sponsor women's and gender studies programs in all schools. Everyone's life has been changed by feminism, but especially that of women. History reveals that this is what granted women the right to vote. Although it was no easy task, the ladies were successful in completing it. In addition, modern feminism demonstrates how it engages in campaigns that have a profound impact on people's lives. Women's freedom of choice, for instance, is supported by campaigns that advocate for reproductive rights and the termination of undesired pregnancies. Additionally, feminism works to abolish gender norms and continually challenges patriarchy. It gives guys the freedom to be whoever they want to be without fear of criticism. Men are now permitted to cry openly because they must be given the freedom to do so.
      Collaboration & Diversity in Healthcare Scholarship
      Supporting diversity in the healthcare industry can help healthcare professionals become culturally competent and be able to deliver treatments that are tailored to the specific social, cultural, and linguistic needs of their patients. I can apply these values by having respect for others, keeping my word, taking responsibility for my actions, and delivering outstanding service are a few examples of these values. Last summer, I experienced working for the first time at a place called Urban Air. I met a lot of fun people there but it lacked a lot of organization and management. I had to work in two different positions because of the lack of staff. Team Member, which is watching kids and making sure they are following the rules of the park. And Party Host, which is setting up and taking down parties, and taking care of the party guests' every need. I and my coworkers always had to figure things out ourselves to get our jobs done correctly to satisfy the customers. Workflows run more smoothly, jobs can be completed more quickly and effectively, good relationships can be developed, and productivity can be increased when everyone joins forces and works together. Without a doubt, this in turn raises spirits, intensifies motivation, and is advantageous to all parties involved. An atmosphere that is based on collaboration is one in which both individuals and organizations flourish. Workflows run more smoothly, jobs can be completed more quickly and effectively, good relationships can be developed, and productivity can be increased when everyone joins forces and works together. Without a doubt, this in turn raises spirits, intensifies motivation, and is advantageous to all parties involved. And at the heart of it all are culture and thinking. We need to make sure that we move everyone into a level of independence and make things happen if we want to create cohesive teams and an organization that achieves unmatched performance heights. If we help individuals around us transition from reliance to independence in their ideas and behaviors, we as leaders are at the wheel of directing that and can empower those around us to excel. In all facets of our lives, we all function at varying levels of dependence. The first level functions under the assumption that we are dependent on everything and everyone around us, which is regrettably how many people live. At this level, our efforts don't produce as much as we invest since we spend a lot of unnecessary energy continually feeling vulnerable and influenced by those around us.