By Jaya Greene,
I have struggled with many issues in my life, whether it be academically, mentally, or with the death of close friends and family. I have been concerned about so many different battles within and outside of my control, like being homeless, sexuality, and being an African-American woman in America. Even though I grew up in a two-parent household, I've always felt alone. But there was still something inside me that wanted to help people. I would give up my lunch for someone else that I knew needed it more than me, helping classmates with science homework or tests. Any way I could help, I would make sure I could, despite my struggles at home. I've always been the one to put my efforts and fears aside so that I could help those who need a support system they never had.
My mother inspired and encouraged me to become a nurse since she is one herself. I saw the fantastic work that nurses and people in the medical field did, and I just knew that this was the place for me. In school, I tried to balance my sports life with my education, which was a struggle and even caused me to go into a deep depression. I played every sport for each season, like softball, basketball, and tennis. I've also volunteered for student council, helped younger kids with their reading and writing, participated in robotics, and was a weaseling manager and stats girl.
These activities helped me with my communication skills, how to be a good team member, and how to find myself within. I've received a few awards like a varsity letter, state/city recognitions for robotics, third in the conference for softball, and many more. These awards help me realize that I can do anything, but people and obstacles will be holding me back, like racism and sexism in America. Also, I have pride in being a strong bisexual woman who wants to make her parent proud despite their disapproval of my sexuality. Lastly, society and how they'll label me as the angry black, uneducated woman who probably needs government aid to survive this life. I want to be able to make a name for myself. I don't want to be a nurse; I want to be a nurse practitioner who focuses on the study of sickle cell patients, and hopefully, my research and team can find a cure to help young black kids live their lives in totality. I want people to research me and say that I made a difference in life for many people. I want to live a stable and comfortable life, not only for me but also for my family. I would also like to start a foundation for low-income students or impoverished people. I believe no matter where you come from or what challenges you’ve faced, you can concur with anything you put your mind to.
Being part of the Tennessee State community along with this scholarship would mean so much to me because not only would you be granting me a chance of a lifetime, you would be helping a young girl achieve her dreams. Along with supporting a dream come true, I’ll be able to say that I was the first person in my family to attend an HBCU and a four-year college.