Firstly, being black means being comfortable in skin that makes so many people uncomfortable and being creative and leading with our character so people will see that and define me from that and not my skin. I also feel as it's embracing all parts of yourself and living in the confidence of knowing being different means your doing something correct. I know for a fact being black means having the ability to switch to the type of person i would be based on my surroundings. "Being Black, to me, also means being a conqueror in the aspect of knowing what our ancestors had to do for us to walk the path we can now, and knowing that we can beat any obstacle that stands in front of us. I want to be the first male nurse in my family and I would like specialize in Labor delivery. I would love to dive into this speciality because research shows that black women have a higher maternal mortality rate at about three times the chance compared to other races. I hope to help figure out what and really combat that problem once i attain my degree. Lastly I hope to make a lasting impact on women's health

Chess, a strategic game requiring deep thought and foresight, imparts several valuable lessons that extend beyond the board. The game teaches patience, as each move necessitates careful consideration of immediate and long-term consequences. It fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, requiring players to anticipate their opponent’s strategies and plan several moves ahead. Additionally, chess enhances decision-making abilities, as players often must make quick yet calculated choices under pressure. Moreover, the game emphasizes the importance of adaptability; players need to adjust their strategies based on their opponent’s actions and the evolving state of the game. Finally, chess instills a sense of discipline and concentration, as maintaining focus is essential to success. The skills and lessons learned from chess are highly transferable to the nursing profession. Patience, for instance, is crucial in nursing, where complex cases and patient care often require careful observation and thoughtful intervention over extended periods. The critical thinking and problem-solving abilities honed in chess are directly applicable to nursing. Nurses must assess patient conditions, anticipate potential complications, and devise effective care plans, often needing to adjust these plans based on patient responses and changing conditions. Decision-making is another vital skill shared between chess and nursing. In healthcare, quick yet informed decisions can significantly impact patient outcomes. For example, nurses often encounter emergency situations where they must rapidly assess the situation and decide on the best course of action, similar to making a strategic move in chess under time constraints. Adaptability is also key in nursing, as each patient is unique and may respond differently to treatments. Just as a chess player must adjust their strategy based on the opponent’s moves, nurses must be flexible and modify care plans in response to patient needs and unforeseen challenges. Lastly, the discipline and concentration required in chess are invaluable in nursing. The profession demands a high level of focus and attention to detail, as even minor oversights can have significant repercussions for patient health. The discipline to follow protocols meticulously and the concentration to monitor patients closely are directly aligned with the mental rigor cultivated through chess. In summary, the strategic thinking, patience, adaptability, and decision-making skills developed in chess are directly applicable to nursing, making it a valuable preparatory activity for those in or entering the healthcare field. These competencies contribute to providing high-quality patient care and navigating the complexities of the nursing profession effectively. That's why i think this scholarship would be a great suit for me.

When I first heard of mental health, I thought it was an actual joke, especially the idea of being depressed. I believed it was just a consequence of your actions or a feeling you brought on yourself. Little did I know that I had family and friends who had suffered from depression. This realization profoundly changed my perspective and affected my relationships in various ways. For example, I had a friend who wasn’t treated well by their parents, and that manifested in how they saw themselves. With that friend, I tried to be encouraging because I knew they didn’t receive much support in their life. I could also see what it does to a person because of how she acted; I could see she needed more attention in certain areas. Furthermore, my mother had been through episodes dealing with the weight of having children at a younger age, which significantly altered the trajectory of her life. Witnessing her struggles made me more empathetic and aware of how mental health issues can impact someone's life. I have learned my fair share of how detrimental mental health issues can be, especially after experiencing how tough my first semester in nursing school was. My concept of self was challenged because I truly tried hard, but I felt my work ethic did not match my grades. I felt like I should have done better given how hard I was working. This really played with my mind, and seeing the same results despite putting in so much work was really tough. It was then that I could understand how people become depressed, as there were long nights and tough times during my first semester. These experiences have significantly influenced my beliefs. I now understand that mental health issues are real and can be as debilitating as physical illnesses. Additionally, I know that in my belief, some people think you can pray away certain mental health problems. However, I believe people need to actually see someone, like a licensed therapist, or talk to someone because mental health is something that we have to address. It won’t just disappear unless we put in the work ourselves. This understanding has also influenced my career aspirations. As a future nurse, I am committed to advocating for mental health awareness and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that includes mental health support. This holistic approach is essential for true healing and well-being, and I hope to contribute to a healthcare environment where mental health is given the attention it deserves. I would also say from my life experiences i can now understand what mental health truly embodies and why we need it. I also know now not to neglect my own mental health and find ways to manage the stress of everyday life. I also advocate for people to seek help because it is essential to reach out and talk to someone about your problem. I feel as a people were making small strives to where we want to be in life.

My decision to pursue a career in nursing stems from a profound desire to positively impact people's lives and deliver the highest standard of care. Primarily, I am driven by the aspiration to support individuals during their most challenging mental and physical moments, serving as a beacon of encouragement and resilience in their healthcare journey.I also want to be an inspiration for others and show them that they can do whatever they truly put their mind too. Specializing in labor and delivery nursing holds a particular allure for me, as it presents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to maternal health and address the alarming rates of maternal mortality. Did you know that the maternal mortality rate is three times higher for African American women as opposed to other races. My overarching goal is to ensure that more mothers witness the joy of watching their children grow and thrive. This aspiration is deeply rooted in personal experience, as I draw inspiration from my grandmother, whose dedication to nursing spans years of bedside service. Witnessing her unwavering determination to pursue nursing education while raising a family has left an indelible impression on me. In striving to emulate her perseverance and commitment, I aim to make significant strides in enhancing the well-being of others. By advocating for maternal health and delivering compassionate care, I endeavor to honor her legacy and contribute to the broader healthcare landscape positively.I'm so excited to be put in challenging situations that will shape me for the rest of my life. I also can't wait to make fast paced decisions on the scenario placed in front of me. I'm also knowing that those decisions will help me be the equipped for any thing that could happen. The prospect of becoming a nurse case manager, akin to my grandmother's current role, also resonates with me. It represents an opportunity to assume a leadership position in healthcare delivery, utilizing both clinical expertise and administrative acumen to enact systemic change and improve patient outcomes. In essence, my journey into nursing is driven by a deep-seated passion for making a tangible difference in people's lives. Through continuous learning, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to the nursing profession, I aspire to leave a lasting impact on the individuals and communities I serve. I plan to venture out in different ways Explore different ways you plan to continue learning and growing as a nurse throughout your career.

A pivotal moment in my life was receiving my associate's degree because I overcame what has been laid in front of me. I was the first of my mother's children to graduate with my associate's degree. This is where I showed myself every long night, every day spent in the math tutorial and reading tutorial center paid off. I showed myself I could finish something I started even when I believed sometimes I wasn't going to make it through and I wanted to throw in the towel. My involvement with the greater community has been helping with my former community college, Tarrant County College, and my church. While being at Tarrant County College, I had the wonderful experience of giving back at Trinity Habitat for Humanity. I was part of the Intercultural Network, and we broke down and cut wood up so that we could hammer it into certain parts of the house. This was an immersive experience because I was literally helping build what someone would need to have just to make it by. I also had the chance to give back during the time of Thanksgiving at the Fort Worth Hope Shelter where we gave back frozen turkeys, cornbread mix, canned collard greens, canned cranberry sauce, snacks, and many other things. This was a great experience helping pick food out to give to someone who maybe wouldn't be able to have Thanksgiving without the help from the shelter. I also had the chance to give back with my church, Baker Chapel AME Church, where on Saturdays, I would drive up there about 8 and first, I would help bring down chairs and tables so that we could set up the food and have places for people to sit. Then I helped carry miscellaneous foods to people's cars, which really helped put a smile on their face. That, in turn, put a smile on my face giving people food who truly need it and packs of lemonade. I would like to become a family nurse practitioner, but as of right now, I'm on my way to get my Bachelor's in Science of Nursing. By doing this, I can show my community that a black man can become a nurse. I seldomly see black male nurses, and we only make up 1% of the nursing world. By becoming a family nurse practitioner, I can be a role model for all kids from single mother households who want to make a difference. Lastly, I would be able to start my own initiative to give back to people in lower socioeconomic places

Embarking on the journey of becoming a labor and delivery nurse is a profound calling for me. It's not just about delivering babies; it's about being a part of one of life's most significant moments and making a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and their newborns. The prospect of contributing to combatting the rising maternal mortality rate is both daunting and deeply motivating. Through my role as a labor and delivery nurse, I see an opportunity to address this pressing issue directly. The joy of witnessing a mother cradle her newborn for the first time is something that resonates deeply within me. It's a moment filled with hope, love, and the promise of a new beginning. Knowing that I can play a part in facilitating this moment, while also providing the emotional support and medical care that mothers need during childbirth, is profoundly fulfilling. I believe in the power of empathy and compassion, especially during such critical moments in a person's life. Being there for someone during their journey into motherhood is a responsibility I eagerly embrace. Moreover, the fast-paced environment of labor and delivery appeals to my desire for constant growth and learning. Each birth is a unique experience, presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. I am eager to immerse myself in this dynamic field, knowing that every day will bring new lessons and insights. As I navigate through these experiences, I hope to hone my skills and expertise, becoming a proficient advocate for maternal health. One of my primary aspirations as a labor and delivery nurse is to ensure that all pregnant individuals have access to comprehensive prenatal care. I am deeply committed to addressing disparities in healthcare access, particularly among marginalized communities. Through education and outreach initiatives, I aim to empower at-risk patient populations with knowledge about the importance of prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices. By advocating for policies and programs aimed at improving access to quality maternal healthcare services, I hope to contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates. In essence, my journey towards becoming a labor and delivery nurse is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that each step brings me closer to realizing my goal of being a compassionate and competent advocate for maternal health.