They say success comes to those who wait, but I wasn't just waiting; I was sprinting, sweating, and giving everything I had, yet recognition still felt out of reach, like a finish line that moved every time I approached it. I poured my all into every race, practice, and late nights of studying, but coaches rarely noticed. My dad's support faded after the races, and I felt invisible. I wanted emotional support and a dad who showed up even when medals weren't involved. When that didn't come, I realized his love had limits. My mom's love looked different. She pushed me harder every day, believing in pressure over praise, rarely giving compliments. At first, I resented her toughness, wishing for softer encouragement, but over time, her voice became my inner coach. I learned to push myself, to seek my approval, and to recognize my own worth. I ran for myself and stopped waiting to be chosen. This mindset extended beyond track; I worked harder in school, became more independent, and set goals bigger than medals. My strength evolved from physical to emotional resilience. This journey shaped my desire to become a nurse. I strive to be the support I needed as a child; someone who notices people when they feel invisible, who uplifts spirits even when the spotlight is off. Nursing allows me to heal not just bodies, but also minds, combining my compassion for healthcare with my passion for psychology. I want to give patients the confidence and resilience I once had to find within myself, to help them feel seen and valued even when others overlook them. Nursing is not just a career; it's my way of giving back, of being the person I once needed, and of creating hope for all. My inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field comes from a deep passion caring for others and supporting people during the most critical moments of their lives. Healthcare has always been my passion because it combines different components like science, empathy, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's well being. Over time, I realized that my main focus is going into midwifery, a profession that allows me to empower women, support families, and provide comforting care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Further into the future, I want to open up my own birthing center that is accessible and affordable for all women, regardless of financial situation. I have seen how high medical costs and limited resources can create barriers to quality care, and I want to remove those barriers. By creating a welcoming, safe space where women can receive holistic care, I hope to empower families, promote positive birth experiences, and reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes. Becoming a midwife and eventually running a birthing center will allow me to impact the lives of countless families, inspire other women to pursue their goals, and contribute to a future where every woman has the right to safe, affordable, and respectful healthcare. This vision motivates me to pursue my education, gain hands on experience, and dedicate myself fully to a career in midwifery.

They say success comes to those who wait, but I wasn't just waiting; I was sprinting, sweating, and giving everything I had, yet recognition still felt out of reach, like a finish line that moved every time I approached it. I poured my all into every race, practice, and late nights of studying, but coaches rarely noticed. My dad's support faded after the races, and I felt invisible. I wanted emotional support and a dad who showed up even when medals weren't involved. When that didn't come, I realized his love had limits. My mom's love looked different. She pushed me harder every day, believing in pressure over praise, rarely giving compliments. At first, I resented her toughness, wishing for softer encouragement, but over time, her voice became my inner coach. I learned to push myself, to seek my approval, and to recognize my own worth. I ran for myself and stopped waiting to be chosen. This mindset extended beyond track; I worked harder in school, became more independent, and set goals bigger than medals. My strength evolved from physical to emotional resilience. This journey shaped my desire to become a nurse. I strive to be the support I needed as a child; someone who notices people when they feel invisible, who uplifts spirits even when the spotlight is off. Nursing allows me to heal not just bodies, but also minds, combining my compassion for healthcare with my passion for psychology. I want to give patients the confidence and resilience I once had to find within myself, to help them feel seen and valued even when others overlook them. Nursing is not just a career; it's my way of giving back, of being the person I once needed, and of creating hope for all.

My name is Jordan Rawls and I am a high school senior at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. My inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field comes from a deep passion caring for others and supporting people during the most critical moments of their lives. Healthcare has always been my passion because it combines different components like science, empathy, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's well being. Over time, I realized that my main focus is going into midwifery, a profession that allows me to empower women, support families, and provide comforting care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I've seen online and in my family how critical it is for women to have access to knowledgeable, supportive, and culturally aware care during childbirth. This is what inspired me to become a midwife, where I can not only ensure the safety and health of my patients but also provide emotional support and education throughout the birthing experience. I want every women to feel confident, respected, and heard during such a vulnerable and transformative time. My experiences volunteering at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital have further solidified my passion for healthcare and patient centered care. Transporting patients and assisting staff has shown me the importance of compassion, communication, and time management. I have witnessed firsthand how a caring presence and clear guidance can ease anxiety and make a difficult experience more manageable. These lessons have inspired me to combine technical expertise with empathy in my future career as a midwife. Further into the future, I want to open up my own birthing center that is accessible and affordable for all women, regardless of financial situation. I have seen how high medical costs and limited resources can create barriers to quality care, and I want to remove those barriers. By creating a welcoming, safe space where women can receive holistic care, I hope to empower families, promote positive birth experiences, and reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes. Throughout my career, I plan to make a difference by combining medical expertise with compassion, education, and advocacy. I want to not only cate for patients physically but also support them emotionally, guide them in making informed decisions, and foster trust in healthcare systems. My ultimate vision is to create a birthing center that becomes a community hub, one that serves as a model for accessible, inclusive, and empowering maternal care. Becoming a midwife and eventually running a birthing center will allow me to impact the lives of countless families, inspire other women to pursue their goals, and contribute to a future where every woman has the right to safe, affordable, and respectful healthcare. This vision motivates me to pursue my education, gain hands on experience, and dedicate myself fully to a career in midwifery.

My name is Jordan Rawls and I am a high school senior at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Michigan. My inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field comes from a deep passion caring for others and supporting people during the most critical moments of their lives. Healthcare has always been my passion because it combines different components like science, empathy, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's well being. Over time, I realized that my main focus is going into midwifery, a profession that allows me to empower women, support families, and provide comforting care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I've seen online and in my family how critical it is for women to have access to knowledgeable, supportive, and culturally aware care during childbirth. This is what inspired me to become a midwife, where I can not only ensure the safety and health of my patients but also provide emotional support and education throughout the birthing experience. I want every women to feel confident, respected, and heard during such a vulnerable and transformative time. My experiences volunteering at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital have further solidified my passion for healthcare and patient centered care. Transporting patients and assisting staff has shown me the importance of compassion, communication, and time management. I have witnessed firsthand how a caring presence and clear guidance can ease anxiety and make a difficult experience more manageable. These lessons have inspired me to combine technical expertise with empathy in my future career as a midwife. Further into the future, I want to open up my own birthing center that is accessible and affordable for all women, regardless of financial situation. I have seen how high medical costs and limited resources can create barriers to quality care, and I want to remove those barriers. By creating a welcoming, safe space where women can receive holistic care, I hope to empower families, promote positive birth experiences, and reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes. Throughout my career, I plan to make a difference by combining medical expertise with compassion, education, and advocacy. I want to not only cate for patients physically but also support them emotionally, guide them in making informed decisions, and foster trust in healthcare systems. My ultimate vision is to create a birthing center that becomes a community hub, one that serves as a model for accessible, inclusive, and empowering maternal care. Becoming a midwife and eventually running a birthing center will allow me to impact the lives of countless families, inspire other women to pursue their goals, and contribute to a future where every woman has the right to safe, affordable, and respectful healthcare. This vision motivates me to pursue my education, gain hands on experience, and dedicate myself fully to a career in midwifery.

My name is Jordan Leah Rawls and I am a senior at Cass Technical High School with a deep passion for caring for others and making a difference in not only my community, but around the world. From a young age, I've been drawn to healthcare because it allows me to support people during vulnerable moments in their lives, combining science, empathy, and human connection. This passion has motived my goal of becoming a midwife, where I can provide comforting support to women and families during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Beyond maintaining a 3.0 GPA, I actively engage in school and community programs to develop leadership, teamwork, and creativity. I have participated in DECA, Track and Field, Henna Club, and Winning Futures Mentoring Program, all of which has taught me discipline, compassion, communication, and how to balance responsibility with service. A central part of my community invovlement is volunteering at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital as a patient transporter. Every Tuesday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm I volunteer transporting patients from their rooms to their cars once their stay is concluded at Henry Ford Hospital. While this may seem simple, doing this once every week has taught me how small acts of kindness can empower one person. Many patients I encounter are in pain and are in a rush to leave the hospital. During these moments I make it my mission to use small acts like a comical conversation, a compliment, or even just a reassuring smile so that they feel safe and comfortable enough to allow me to get them to where they need to go. Volunteering at a hospital has also given me firsthand experience to the healthcare field, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career centered on caring for others. Being around nurses and doctors that go above and beyond for their patients has forced me to adapt that mindset of service and compassion. This has helped me understand that working in healthcare is not just about the physical treatment but also about the mental and emotional treatment. Financially, I face significant challenges as I prepare to further my education in college. My family does not have the means to fully fund my college education, and tuition, books, and other expenses create stress for both my parents and me. Scholarships and financial support would allow me to focus entirely on my studies, gain hands on experience, and develop skills to achieve my career goals without the added burden of financial uncertainty. Receiving financial assistance would not only provide stability for my family but also allow me to dedicate myself fully to serving my community through healthcare. In addition to volunteering in healthcare, I take safety and mental health seriously, particularly for children and youth who are not able to defend themselves. I actively work to prevent bullying by all means and stop it as soon as I noticed it's occurring. I encourage peers to be kind to one another and to speak up whenever they feel bullied and less than. Through school programs and community activities, I emphasize teamwork, inclusion, and empathy, helping create safe environments for learning and growth. Online, I practice safe digital practices, such as reporting harmful content that could impact the youth negatively, so young people can interact responsibly and confidently in virtual spaces. Through my volunteer work, leadership in school, and commitment to safety, I aim to make a lasting, positive impact on my community while preparing to serve others professionally in healthcare.

My inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field comes from a deep passion caring for others and supporting people during the most critical moments of their lives. Healthcare has always been my passion because it combines different components like science, empathy, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's well being. Over time, I realized that my main focus is going into midwifery, a profession that allows me to empower women, support families, and provide comforting care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I've seen online and in my family how critical it is for women to have access to knowledgeable, supportive, and culturally aware care during childbirth. This is what inspired me to become a midwife, where I can not only ensure the safety and health of my patients but also provide emotional support and education throughout the birthing experience. I want every women to feel confident, respected, and heard during such a vulnerable and transformative time. My experiences volunteering at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital have further solidified my passion for healthcare and patient centered care. Transporting patients and assisting staff has shown me the importance of compassion, communication, and time management. I have witnessed firsthand how a caring presence and clear guidance can ease anxiety and make a difficult experience more manageable. These lessons have inspired me to combine technical expertise with empathy in my future career as a midwife. Further into the future, I want to open up my own birthing center that is accessible and affordable for all women, regardless of financial situation. I have seen how high medical costs and limited resources can create barriers to quality care, and I want to remove those barriers. By creating a welcoming, safe space where women can receive holistic care, I hope to empower families, promote positive birth experiences, and reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes. Throughout my career, I plan to make a difference by combining medical expertise with compassion, education, and advocacy. I want to not only cate for patients physically but also support them emotionally, guide them in making informed decisions, and foster trust in healthcare systems. My ultimate vision is to create a birthing center that becomes a community hub, one that serves as a model for accessible, inclusive, and empowering maternal care. Becoming a midwife and eventually running a birthing center will allow me to impact the lives of countless families, inspire other women to pursue their goals, and contribute to a future where every woman has the right to safe, affordable, and respectful healthcare. This vision motivates me to pursue my education, gain hands on experience, and dedicate myself fully to a career in midwifery.

Community service has been one of the most meaningful things for me throughout my high school career. It allows me to benefit others while also learning life skills like responsibility, time management, and communication skills. One of the ways I give back to my community is through my volunteer work at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital as a transporter. Every Tuesday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm I volunteer transporting patients from their rooms to their cars once their stay is concluded at Henry Ford Hospital. While this may seem simple, doing this once every week has taught me how small acts of kindness can empower one person. Many patients I encounter are in pain and are in a rush to leave the hospital. During these moments I make it my mission to use small acts like a comical conversation, a compliment, or even just a reassuring smile so that they feel safe and comfortable enough to allow me to get them to where they need to go. I've learned to be kind even when patients seem to have an attitude or seem in distress because I always keep it in the back of my mind that I may never know what happened during their stay at the hospital. Volunteering at a hospital has also given me firsthand experience to the healthcare field, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career centered on caring for others. Since I want to pursue a career in midwifery, working in a hospital gives me a raw view of what being in that environment looks like and how to deal with the obstacles that come with it. My long term goal is to open up my own birthing center that is affordable and easy access for all women and I feel as if this experience can benefit me and help me reach this goal faster and easier. This opportunity has opened doors for myself that can help me in the long run. Being around nurses and doctors that go above and beyond for their patients has forced me to adapt that mindset of service and compassion. This has helped me understand that working in healthcare is not just about the physical treatment but also about the mental and emotional treatment. I think it is important to give back and pay things forward because no one succeeds alone. Success and come faster and easier when there are more people working together towards the same goal. Volunteering has shown me that small contributions have a ripple effect, meaning one act of kindness can inspire others to be kind as well. Throughout the months I've been volunteering I have had countless people come up to me asking what I do because of my age and how I obtained this volunteer spot, proving my point that one nice act can inspire others to do kind things as well. Giving back is a way to express gratitude and show that you are willing to help others even when you are going through things in your personal life also. Ultimately, community service has built my character and shaped who I am. It has help me become more patient, kind, and aware of different emotions that come out of working in healthcare. By volunteering at Henry Ford and being surrounded by great attitudes of the staff, I learned that making a difference does not have to include grand gestures, sometimes it means just being present, dependable, and willing to help. That belief is what drives me to continue giving back and carrying those values into my future career and beyond.

I've demonstrated resilience by remaining committed to volunteering at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital despite having to balance school, extracurricular activities, family responsibilities, and personal stress. As a patient transporter, I volunteer once a week during evening hours, which requires strong time management, consistency, and dedication. There are days when I feel tired or overwhelmed, but I continue to show up because I understand the importance of being reliable for patients who may already be experiencing fear or uncertainty. Through this experience, I was able to inspire a close friend of mine to being volunteering as well. My friend noticed the effort I put into managing my schedule and staying dedicated to my role at the hospital. Sharing my stories about my volunteer shifts, explaining how meaningful it felt to support patients during vulnerable moments and how the experience confirmed my interest in healthcare. Instead of focusing on the challenges, I shared the purpose behind my work and how volunteering helped me grow both personally and professionally. Seeing me balance my responsibilities snd remain consistent encouraged my friend to believe that they could also make time to give back. After many conversations and encouragement, my friend applied to volunteer at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital and was accepted. Knowing that my persistence helped motivate someone else to step outside of their comfort zone and serve the community showed me the power of leading by example. Later on, my friend shared that volunteering made her feel more confident, responsible, and fulfilled. Hearing this reinforced my belief that resilience is contagious. When one person continues to move forward despite obstacles, it can inspire others to do the same. This experience helped me understand that resilience is not just about overcoming challenges alone, but about using your strength to positively influence others. This experience has shaped the way I view leadership and service. I learned that actions often speak louder than words, and that staying committed through difficult moments can inspire others more than advice ever could. Looking ahead, I plan to carry the lessons I've learned into my future working as a midwife. I want to continue inspiring others, not only through my work but through mentoring and encouraging peers to find purpose in service. By continuing to volunteer and encouraging those around me, I hope to inspire more people to serve their communities and realize that even small acts of dedication can create lasting impact. I also see how this experience will guide my further career in healthcare, teaching me the importance of perseverance, mentorship, and uplifting others through both action and example.

My personal experiences with finances and financial education have been shaped growing up in a household where money had to be managed carefully. My family has always emphasized the importance of prioritizing needs over wants, budgeting responsibly, and making thoughtful financial decisions even when resources are limited. While I was not formally taught about financial education, I learned valuable lessons through observations, conversations at home, and real life experiences. Participating in programs at school like Winning Futures Mentoring Program helped strengthen my understanding of financial responsibility, goal setting, and planning for the future. Through these experience, I learned the importance of saving, understanding how credit works, and putting money aside for major expenses like college. These lessons made me more aware of how financial decisions made today can affect future opportunities and stability. Being involved in school activities and volunteering has also shown me how financial limitations can impact access to opportunities. I have seen firsthand how the cost of higher education can put stress on families, including my own. This awareness is what motivated me to seek as many scholarships as I can, learn about financial aid, and become proactive about managing my finances rather than avoiding the topic. As I further my education, I plan to use what I've learned about financial literacy to create a stable and secure future for myself. My plan is to budget carefully, avoid unnecessary debt, and make informed decisions that do not require me to take out many loans that will have to be paid back in the future. Understanding my finances will allow to focus on my academic and career goals without being overwhelmed by financial stress. In the long run, I plan to use financial education to build generational stability and give back to the people who helped me see the importance of finance. Financial education will help me plan ahead for college and manage the responsibilities that come with adulthood. By understanding saving, investing, and long term financial planning, I can reduce future financial strain and create opportunities for myself and my family. Financial stability will also give me the freedom to make choices based on passion rather than limitation. Instead of being restricted by financial stress, I will be able to focus on developing my skills, continuing my education, and pursuing opportunities that align with my values. Being financially informed will allow me to focus on my purpose in healthcare, advocate for others, and build a future rooted in stability, independence, and service rather than financial uncertainty. In the future I also hope to use my financial knowledge to mentor others, especially students from similar backgrounds, and encourage them to take control of their finances early. By doing so, I can help break cycles of financial insecurity and create lasting change.

Community service has been one of the most meaningful things for me throughout my high school career. It allows me to benefit others while also learning life skills like responsibility, time management, and communication skills. One of the ways I give back to my community is through my volunteer work at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital as a transporter. Every Tuesday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm I volunteer transporting patients from their rooms to their cars once their stay is concluded at Henry Ford Hospital. While this may seem simple, doing this once every week has taught me how small acts of kindness can empower one person. Many patients I encounter are in pain and are in a rush to leave the hospital. During these moments I make it my mission to use small acts like a comical conversation, a compliment, or even just a reassuring smile so that they feel safe and comfortable enough to allow me to get them to where they need to go. I've learned to be kind even when patients seem to have an attitude or seem in distress because I always keep it in the back of my mind that I may never know what happened during their stay at the hospital. Volunteering at a hospital has also given me firsthand experience to the healthcare field, reinforcing my desire to pursue a career centered on caring for others. Being around nurses and doctors that go above and beyond for their patients has forced me to adapt that mindset of service and compassion. This has helped me understand that working in healthcare is not just about the physical treatment but also about the mental and emotional treatment. I think it is important to give back and pay things forward because no one succeeds alone. Success and come faster and easier when there are more people working together towards the same goal. Volunteering has shown me that small contributions have a ripple effect, meaning one act of kindness can inspire others to be kind as well. Throughout the months I've been volunteering I have had countless people come up to me asking what I do because of my age and how I obtained this volunteer spot, proving my point that one nice act can inspire others to do kind things as well. Giving back is a way to express gratitude and show that you are willing to help others even when you are going through things in your personal life also. Ultimately, community service has built my character and shaped who I am. It has help me become more patient, kind, and aware of different emotions that come out of working in healthcare. By volunteering at Henry Ford and being surrounded by great attitudes of the staff, I learned that making a difference does not have to include grand gestures, sometimes it means just being present, dependable, and willing to help. That belief is what drives me to continue giving back and carrying those values into my future career and beyond.

They say success comes to those who wait, but I wasn’t just waiting. I was sprinting, sweating, going the extra mile to be seen, and still, no one looked. The expectation is to work hard for great results, but no matter how much I worked for it, the payoff still felt out of reach, like a finish line that continued to move every time you got closer. Pouring my all into every practice, every race, every night that I was forced to stay up and study, yet recognition was rare. Coaches hardly glanced my way, my dad’s support faded as soon as the race ended, and the only thing left was for me to wonder why all the effort I put in to fill the void of not being successful still felt like invisible ink on a page no one was reading. Every race my dad was there cheering with the crowd encouraging me to pursue track, but outside of the track his presence faded. Encouragement wasn’t the only thing I needed before a meet, I wanted emotional support, real conversations, and a dad who showed up for me even when there weren’t medals involved. When that never came is when I started to realize his love came with limits. On the other hand, my mom showed love in a different manner. She didn’t baby me; she showed tough love and pushed me to always be better. She believed more in pressure rather than praise and rarely gave verbal compliments. We often struggled with this at home because I wished for a softer more uplifting tone that would boost my confidence, but after a while I came to the realization that this prepared me for the real world. Back then, I thought she was just being mean but overtime her voice became my inner coach. I spent so long trying to be the best version of myself, not just in track, but in everything. I had the mindset that if I pushed harder day by day there’d finally be someone to say, “I see you”. But that moment didn’t come from a coach. It didn’t come from my dad, nor did it come from my mom. It came from me. I ran for myself and stopped trying to seek approval. I stopped waiting to be chosen and chose myself. I came to the realization that me being overlooked had nothing to do with me lacking value, but because I hadn’t learned my own worth yet. I applied this same mindset throughout the rest of my life. I pushed harder in school and became more independent. My goals became bigger than the medals after the meets, I had something to prove. My strength wasn’t just physical anymore, it was emotional. That’s what drew me to nursing. I strive to be the person I needed back then. Someone who sees the good in people when they feel invisible. Even when the spotlight is off, I want to be the person that shows up. While being a nurse I don’t want to just heal bodies on the outside, I want to uplift spirits on the inside. Yes, I ran track and was overlooked. But this essay isn’t about sports. It’s about every time I kept showing up for myself when I felt as if no one was there. It’s about how I turned tough love into daily affirmations that created self-resilience. It’s about how I’m taking everything I lived through and dealt with and using it to care for others in a way the world once didn’t for me.

They say success comes to those who wait, but I wasn’t just waiting. I was sprinting, sweating, going the extra mile to be seen, and still, no one looked. The expectation is to work hard for great results, but no matter how much I worked for it, the payoff still felt out of reach, like a finish line that continued to move every time you got closer. Pouring my all into every practice, every race, every night that I was forced to stay up and study, yet recognition was rare. Coaches hardly glanced my way, my dad’s support faded as soon as the race ended, and the only thing left was for me to wonder why all the effort I put in to fill the void of not being successful still felt like invisible ink on a page no one was reading. Every race my dad was there cheering with the crowd encouraging me to pursue track, but outside of the track his presence faded. Encouragement wasn’t the only thing I needed before a meet, I wanted emotional support, real conversations, and a dad who showed up for me even when there weren’t medals involved. When that never came is when I started to realize his love came with limits. On the other hand, my mom showed love in a different manner. She didn’t baby me; she showed tough love and pushed me to always be better. She believed more in pressure rather than praise and rarely gave verbal compliments. We often struggled with this at home because I wished for a softer more uplifting tone that would boost my confidence, but after a while I came to the realization that this prepared me for the real world. Back then, I thought she was just being mean but overtime her voice became my inner coach. I spent so long trying to be the best version of myself, not just in track, but in everything. I had the mindset that if I pushed harder day by day there’d finally be someone to say, “I see you”. But that moment didn’t come from a coach. It didn’t come from my dad, nor did it come from my mom. It came from me. I ran for myself and stopped trying to seek approval. I stopped waiting to be chosen and chose myself. I came to the realization that me being overlooked had nothing to do with me lacking value, but because I hadn’t learned my own worth yet. I applied this same mindset throughout the rest of my life. I pushed harder in school and became more independent. My goals became bigger than the medals after the meets, I had something to prove. My strength wasn’t just physical anymore, it was emotional. That’s what drew me to nursing. I strive to be the person I needed back then. Someone who sees the good in people when they feel invisible. Even when the spotlight is off, I want to be the person that shows up. While being a nurse I don’t want to just heal bodies on the outside, I want to uplift spirits on the inside. Nursing isn't just a career choice, it's a passion to give back and help others as no one did for you. My compassion for nursing and my passion for psychology combined can create fuel for my patients mentally and physically. I dream of giving someone the confidence and resilience that I had when I was younger even when people brought me down and I didn't see it in myself.