I love my hair, but for a long time, I resented it. I began attending a PWI in middle school, and as far as the eye could see there was straight blonde, brunette, black, and red hair. My curls and coils made me stand out, and I began to beg my mom to straighten my hair every night. For a while, she obliged, and I was happy. I would get compliments on my straight, "acceptable" hair at school, but once I washed it and the curls were back, I felt isolated again. Eventually, my mom refused to straighten my hair (protecting me from a future of heat damage and split ends), and I had to come to terms with my mane. It wasn't an easy process, learning to love an aspect of yourself that made you so different from the majority, but slowly, I started to love my hair. I would watch Jasmine Brown's "Curl Hair Routine" videos on YouTube and get giddy over trips to Target and the Beauty Supply Store to get new products. It took me a while to learn what I was doing, but I got pretty good at styling my own hair. I learned how to do all kinds of knotless box braids, fros, buns, and faux locs. I not only embraced what made me different, I mastered it. The funny thing is I think that's why I love my hair so much --- because it's what makes me different. I can do all sorts of creative styles with my curly hair that I wouldn't be able to do if it was straight. I love my curly hair.

The disparity within the healthcare system among minorities, specifically Black women, is an issue that has always bothered me. It makes no logical sense to me that in this day and age, Black women are still dying at such high rates in childbirth. My biggest issue with this disparity is the completely avoidable nature of it. My grandmother has always told me and continues to tell me to this day, not to complain about issues you want to see fixed, but to take charge and be the one to fix them. This is why I would like to become a Nurse Midwife. Assisting women of all colors and backgrounds, especially those who are intentionally ignored/mistreated, and ensuring they receive proper and above excellent care is my dream. This disparity, and others like it, are the exact reason why I believe that racial diversity is not just important, but fundamental in healthcare. It is far too easy for people to get caught up with their own issues, resulting in an inability to be conscious of the tragedies that the people around them are facing --- the same can be said for individual racial groups. Even if we are able to empathize with others, life experiences between the majority and minority are so completely different, it is impossible to truly understand certain struggles. To have a diverse healthcare system is to ensure that there will always be a doctor or nurse who will provide you with not only equal and proper care but understanding, relatability, and comfort as well. As for my future, I would hope to spearhead an organization that brings together the talent of other Black women and men worldwide, with the goal of making a statistical difference in the maternal mortality rate amongst women of color (specifically in inner cities and 3rd world countries). Not only would my organization promote change through our first-hand work, but also through seminars set up and led by my organization with the intention of educating other doctors and nurses on the biases of the healthcare system. As I said before, it is difficult for racial groups to grasp the struggles of others, so hopefully, through these seminars, a deeper understanding would be provided. Bringing to light this tragic, avoidable disparity that many have no clue exists will definitely be impactful on my overall goal of saving Black women and their babies. As a recipient of the MedLuxe Representation Matters Scholarship, I would be a step closer to making all of my dreams possible. Thank you.