Growing up, I always thought I would be on stage. I went to a school for the arts where I trained in acting and singing, and I truly believed that music or performance was where my future was heading. I loved how art let me express myself and connect with others emotionally. At the time, it felt like the most powerful way to make an impact. But when I was 15, my world flipped upside down, and so did my dreams. My father had a stroke and a brain blood clot that nearly took his life. Our household, which was already tight financially, became flooded with fear, uncertainty, and medical bills. I didn’t understand what was happening to him. One day, he was talking and walking, and the next, everything changed. My mom later faced a noncancerous brain tumor as well. Watching both of my parents go through terrifying neurological issues back-to-back at such a young age shook me to my core. In that moment, I no longer saw the stage as my future. Something inside me told me I was meant to do more. Not just comfort people through performance, but actually help them through healing. I made the decision to leave the arts behind and enter a biomedical program. And that change?not just one I made, but one that truly felt like it chose me to discover a new kind of passion for neuroscience. Neuroscience opened a door I never expected. It was like all the curiosity, compassion, and creativity I had before were still with me, just being used in a different way. I started to fall in love with understanding the brain, how it controls everything from memories to movement to mental health. Biology no longer felt like just science. It felt personal. It felt like purpose. Today, I’m majoring in Biology at North Carolina A&T State University, where I maintain a 4.0 GPA and take pride in being part of organizations like TRiO, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Technical Honor Society. I come from a low income background, and I’m also a proud Black woman in STEM, a field where people like me are still far too underrepresented. That’s why this isn’t just about achieving my own dreams. It’s about opening doors for others, too. Brain health in children and communities of color, is at the heart of everything I’m working toward. I’ve seen too many people suffer in silence because therapy is stigmatized or mental illness is misunderstood. I want to help change that. I want to be the doctor who sees her patients fully, listens deeply, and advocates for early intervention and culturally sensitive care. I’ve already started using my voice. I mentor students, speak up about mental health, and encourage my peers to embrace therapy and self care. I believe that mental health education should be just as common in our schools and communities as math or reading. And I’m working toward a future where that’s possible, especially in underserved areas where those conversations are still considered taboo. Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial relief, it would be a reminder that my story matters. That it’s okay not to start with a perfect plan, and that purpose often finds us in the hardest seasons of our lives. I may have begun on a stage, but now, I’m preparing for an even greater one, where I’ll serve as a pediatric neurologist, advocate for mental health equity, and help create a system that truly sees every patient, no matter where they come from. Thank you for seeing students like me.

Children are the heartbeat of our future, and the positive influence they receive today can shape who they become tomorrow. I believe deeply in this idea, which is why I have dedicated myself to working with youth and serving my community in ways that uplift, encourage, and educate. I plan to make a lasting difference in the world by becoming a pediatric neurologist, focusing not just on medical treatment, but also on community health education and access for children and families in underserved areas. My passion for healthcare and youth support is rooted in personal experience. When I was a sophomore in high school, my father suffered a stroke and a brain blood clot. Around the same time, my mother needed surgery for a non-cancerous brain tumor. These experiences opened my eyes to how complex and frightening neurological conditions can be, not only for patients but for their children and caregivers. I saw how difficult it was to navigate medical systems, especially without strong support or access to specialized care. These challenges inspired me to pursue a degree in neuroscience and ultimately a career in pediatric neurology, where I can help families find answers, stability, and hope. The scholarship seeks students who have a background working with children or nonprofits, and I’ve made this a major part of my life. I currently serve as a youth leader and head of the music department at my church, where I mentor younger children, plan youth events, and help create a safe, positive environment for growth. This role isn’t just about leading songs or organizing programs; it’s about being consistent, building trust, and showing up as a positive influence in children’s lives. Through this work, I’ve learned how to engage with kids in a way that’s both uplifting and empowering. Outside of church, I have also supported non-profit efforts in my community, including food drives, youth academic support events, and church-organized outreach programs that target families with limited resources. Volunteering has taught me that service doesn’t always mean doing something big, it means doing something meaningful. Whether I’m tutoring a child or handing out resources to families in need, I’m reminded that every small act of service can spark long-term change. In my future career, I plan to extend this same spirit of service by creating community health initiatives focused on brain health and early screenings for children. Many families don’t realize how important early neurological care can be, especially for developmental issues or childhood conditions like epilepsy or learning disorders. I want to build programs that provide education, free assessments, and resources that empower families, not just treat them after problems arise. Additionally, I hope to develop a mentorship program for young students of color, especially girls, who want to explore careers in medicine or science but may not see many role models in those fields. As someone who has had to carve out her own path in many ways, I want to make that road easier and more visible for the next generation. This scholarship honors the legacies of John Walker and Christine Horton, two individuals who understood the power of service and education. In that same spirit, I will continue giving back through my career and everyday actions. Supporting me now will not just help me reach my goals, it will help multiply opportunities for every child and community I hope to serve in the future.

As a proud African American woman with a 4.0 GPA, I am stepping confidently into the next chapter of my life at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a place where culture, excellence, and purpose come together. I plan to major in neuroscience and minor in business administration with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric neurologist. I chose this path not just because I love science, but because I’ve seen the power of medicine, and the gaps in it, through deeply personal experiences. During my sophomore year of high school, I faced one of the hardest seasons of my life. My father suffered a stroke and a brain blood clot, leaving him unable to work. Just as we were adjusting to that change, my mother had surgery for a non-cancerous brain tumor. As a teenager, I wasn’t just a student, I became a caretaker, a helper, and a shoulder for my family. I balanced doctor visits and hospital waiting rooms with homework and dual enrollment classes at Central Piedmont Community College. It was exhausting, yes, but it was also eye-opening. I knew then that I didn’t want to just survive these experiences, I wanted to rise from them and help others do the same. That’s where my passion for neuroscience was born. I became fascinated with how the brain works and inspired by how early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. I also saw firsthand the inequalities that exist in healthcare, how many families, especially those who look like mine, struggle to get access to the information and resources they need. I don’t just want to be a doctor, I want to be a source of hope, guidance, and equity for the families I’ll serve. NC A&T is the perfect place for me to start that journey. As one of the top HBCUs in the country, A&T represents more than just academic excellence, it represents legacy, leadership, and the nurturing of Black talent and ambition. It’s a place where I won’t have to explain my identity or defend my dreams. I’ll be surrounded by people who understand my path, my struggles, and my purpose. That kind of environment is powerful. It’s where confidence is built, voices are amplified, and leaders are born. Beyond academics, service is at the core of everything I do. I serve as the youth leader and head of the music department at my church, where I mentor younger children, lead worship, and help plan events that bring our community together. These experiences have helped me develop leadership skills and a deep sense of compassion. I’ve learned how to be patient, how to communicate with people from all walks of life, and most importantly, how to show up even when it’s hard. That’s what public service is all about, being a light for others, even when your own path is uncertain. I’m also a proud member of TRiO, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Technical Honor Society. These programs have helped me connect with other driven students and opened the door to resources that have made my education more accessible. Through these communities, I’ve learned the value of mentorship and how crucial it is for students like me to not only be supported, but to support others in return. After earning my degree and completing medical school, I plan to create community-based neurological health initiatives that provide early brain screenings, educational workshops, and mental health resources to underserved families. I also want to start a mentorship pipeline for minority students in STEM, particularly for young Black girls who might feel isolated in science classrooms or overlooked in healthcare careers. Representation is powerful. If I can help just one student see herself in a lab coat or a leadership role, then I’ve done more than practice medicine, I’ve helped change the future. This scholarship would do more than lift a financial burden, it would affirm that everything I’ve been through, everything I’ve worked for, and everything I’m building is worth investing in. It would help me afford tuition, textbooks, and application fees, freeing me to focus fully on becoming the student, doctor, and leader I know I’m meant to be. More importantly, it would allow me to take advantage of every opportunity at NC A&T, from research to leadership programs, without constantly worrying about money. The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s commitment to developing leaders, promoting academic excellence, and serving others reflects the values I live by every day. I am not just pursuing a personal dream, I am working to create a ripple effect that will empower and uplift generations. I want to honor the strength of my parents, the legacy of my ancestors, and the future of every child I’ll one day serve. I want to represent not just myself, but my community, and I want to do so with excellence. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship. Your support would not only help me reach my goals, it would help me create a future rooted in healing, advocacy, and public service. I’m not just preparing to rise, I’m preparing to bring others with me.

I was a sophomore in high school when everything changed. My father had a stroke and a brain blood clot. Not long after, my mother underwent surgery for a non-cancerous brain tumor. While most teens were focused on tests and dances, I was focused on recovery timelines, medication schedules, and late-night prayers. In those overwhelming moments, I found my purpose. I knew I wanted to become a pediatric neurologist, not just to understand the brain, but to help others before emergencies like these happen. As a Black woman pursuing a career in STEM, my journey has not been easy. The emotional weight of my family’s experiences has fueled my drive, but the financial burden has often threatened to slow me down. My father is disabled and unable to work, so we live on a limited income. Between application fees, lab materials, and textbooks, even simple academic steps come with a price tag. I’m currently taking dual enrollment courses at Central Piedmont Community College and have earned recognition through TRiO, Phi Theta Kappa, and the National Technical Honor Society, but none of that came without sacrifice. I’ve had to work hard to balance school, leadership roles, and financial stress, often all in the same week. Preparing for a professional program is an expensive and demanding journey. Admission tests, study guides, and travel costs to visit schools or attend conferences are all crucial, yet financially draining. Receiving this scholarship would ease those pressures. It would allow me to focus on deepening my academic foundation and preparing for medical school without the constant fear of whether I can afford to take the next step. More importantly, this scholarship would amplify the impact I want to make. I plan to create outreach programs that offer free early screening for neurological conditions in underserved communities. I also want to mentor young women, especially girls of color, who feel that medicine is out of reach for them. Through my current leadership in church and music ministry, I’ve seen how guidance and encouragement can shape someone’s future. I want to bring that same mentorship into the medical field. By awarding me this scholarship, you are not just investing in my education, you’re investing in future patients, future mentees, and a future where diversity, compassion, and representation thrive in medicine. With your support, I will turn every challenge I’ve faced into fuel to uplift others. Thank you for considering my story, my goals, and my heart for healing. I am determined to make a difference, and with your help, I will.