What drives me is the percentage of black nurses being 1.6% in Nebraska. Despite improvements in the country’s overall health, racial and ethnic minorities still experience lower healthcare quality, and I want to change that. I am currently in the diversity club at Bryan, and we had an amazing panel called "Racism in Medicine" where Dr. Jordan Bowling, the only black trauma surgeon in Lincoln, NE spoke about his experiences. Upon graduation, I will continue to help build and promote diversity within the Bryan College community. Growing up, and even now, I don’t see people who look like me in healthcare. I aim to be a role model for black and brown boys and girls in our community. After I graduate from nursing school, I plan to work in either trauma, ICU, or cardiac ICU. I aim to gain critical care experience and return to Bryan for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia program. Currently, I work as a Medical assistant and have done so for seven years. The University of Colorado Hospital hired me right out of my externship in General surgery. This clinic included a variety of specialties such as wound care, podiatry, plastics, bariatric services, colorectal, and endocrinology. I worked there for two years and then was offered a promotion to work for the state of Colorado at CU Rocky Mountain OBGYN to provide prenatal care for high-profile patients. I accepted the position and was there for three years before moving to Lincoln after being accepted into the BSN program at Bryan. Working as a medical assistant has provided me with confidence in patient care and helped me connect with several providers while allowing me experience in different specialties. While my nursing school journey has not been easy, it has been so rewarding as I continue progressing through the program because I did not think a brown girl like me could succeed, but I am proud to say I have two semesters remaining! I have always had a passion for medicine but was unsure exactly what I wanted to do until I gained experience. Healthcare is a rewarding career; when I visualize my future in nursing, I picture endless possibilities and the reward of growing personally and professionally. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to continue chasing my dreams. Your earnest investment in my future goals will not be forgotten if you decide to choose me. I truly appreciate your consideration.

What drives me is the percentage of black nurses being 1.6% in Nebraska. Despite improvements in the country’s overall health, racial and ethnic minorities still experience lower healthcare quality, and I want to change that. I am currently in the diversity club at Bryan, and we had an amazing panel called "Racism in Medicine" where Dr. Jordan Bowling, the only black trauma surgeon in Lincoln, NE spoke about his experiences. Upon graduation, I will continue to help build and promote diversity within the Bryan College community. Growing up, and even now, I don’t see people who look like me in healthcare. I aim to be a role model for black and brown boys and girls in our community. After I graduate from nursing school, I plan to work in either trauma, ICU, or cardiac ICU. I aim to gain critical care experience and return to Bryan for the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia program. Currently, I work as a Medical assistant and have done so for seven years. The University of Colorado Hospital hired me right out of my externship in General surgery. This clinic included a variety of specialties such as wound care, podiatry, plastics, bariatric services, colorectal, and endocrinology. I worked there for two years and then was offered a promotion to work for the state of Colorado at CU Rocky Mountain OBGYN to provide prenatal care for high-profile patients. I accepted the position and was there for three years before moving to Lincoln after being accepted into the BSN program at Bryan. Working as a medical assistant has provided me with confidence in patient care and helped me connect with several providers while allowing me experience in different specialties. While my nursing school journey has not been easy, it has been so rewarding as I continue progressing through the program because I did not think a brown girl like me could succeed, but I am proud to say I have two semesters remaining! I have always had a passion for medicine but was unsure exactly what I wanted to do until I gained experience. Healthcare is a rewarding career; when I visualize my future in nursing, I picture endless possibilities and the reward of growing personally and professionally. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to continue chasing my dreams. Your earnest investment in my future goals will not be forgotten if you decide to choose me. I truly appreciate your consideration.