My name is Karema Purdy, and I am currently a sophomore nursing student at Prairie View A\&M University. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and I am proud to be a first-generation college student. My journey to higher education has been shaped by determination, faith, and a passion for helping others. I have always believed that true purpose lies in service, and I am committed to using my education and future career to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women who inspired me with their resilience and dedication to their families and communities. These women shaped my values and taught me the importance of empathy, responsibility, and giving back. I also saw how many of them struggled to access the quality healthcare they needed especially during pregnancy and childbirth. Witnessing this opened my eyes to the disparities that exist in our healthcare system, particularly for African American women. That experience deeply influenced my decision to pursue a career in nursing, with a focus on maternal health. I plan to become a labor and delivery nurse and eventually work in underserved communities where access to maternal care is limited. My goal is to provide compassionate, culturally competent care that supports and uplifts women during one of the most vulnerable and meaningful times in their lives. I want every woman I serve to feel safe, heard, and empowered. I believe that when mothers are cared for with dignity, entire families and communities are strengthened. At Prairie View A&M University, I am not only gaining the medical knowledge and clinical experience needed for my future profession, but I am also growing as a leader, advocate, and changemaker. Being at an HBCU has surrounded me with peers, mentors, and faculty who understand my journey and challenge me to push beyond barriers. It has given me a strong foundation rooted in excellence, pride, and purpose. In addition to nursing, I hope to mentor other young Black students who are interested in the medical field. I understand how hard it can be to navigate college and career planning without guidance, and I want to be the support system that I once needed. Representation matters, and I want others to see someone who looks like them thriving in healthcare and know that they can do it too. Long-term, I aspire to use my platform to advocate for improved maternal health policies, host educational workshops, and build initiatives that close the healthcare gap in marginalized communities. Through service, advocacy, and education, I am committed to creating change that extends far beyond myself. My studies and future career are not just about earning a degree or a title they are about healing, inspiring, and transforming lives. I am ready to do the work, and I believe my purpose as a nurse is to be a light wherever there is need.

My name is Karema Purdy, and I am currently a sophomore nursing student at Prairie View A&M University. I am a proud first-generation college student from Houston, Texas, and I carry that title with deep pride and responsibility. My journey toward a career in healthcare has been fueled by my passion for helping others, my desire to uplift my community, and my commitment to making a real, lasting difference in people’s lives. From a young age, I was drawn to the medical field. I’ve always had a nurturing spirit and a deep sense of empathy, which naturally led me to pursue nursing. Over time, I developed a strong interest in maternal health, specifically labor and delivery. Witnessing the disparities that African American women face during childbirth such as higher rates of complications, lack of proper care, and not being listened to by medical professionals opened my eyes to the need for change. I knew then that I didn’t just want to be a nurse I wanted to be an advocate, a protector, and a voice for women who are often unheard. My ultimate goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse who provides compassionate, culturally competent, and patient-centered care. I want every woman I work with to feel seen, valued, and supported during one of the most vulnerable yet powerful times in her life. I plan to work in underserved communities, where quality maternal care is often lacking, and be part of the solution to health disparities that disproportionately affect people of color. In addition to direct patient care, I also hope to become a mentor and role model for other young Black students who are interested in healthcare careers. Being a first-generation college student has taught me the importance of guidance and support. I want to be the person I once needed someone who encourages, empowers, and helps others navigate the path to higher education and professional success. I also plan to use my platform to educate communities about maternal health, host workshops, and advocate for better policies that protect mothers and babies alike. My vision extends beyond the hospital I want to be involved in creating a future where healthcare is more equitable, more inclusive, and more human. Through my medical career, I plan to be a source of healing, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. Nursing, to me, is more than a job it’s a calling. I am committed to using my education, my voice, and my heart to make the world a better place, one patient, one family, and one community at a time.

One of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome in pursuit of higher education has been navigating the challenges of being a first-generation college student. While I am incredibly proud of this identity, it has also come with unique difficulties especially during the transition from high school to college. I did not have close family members who could walk me through the admissions process, explain how to apply for financial aid, or offer guidance on choosing a major. Everything from registering for classes to understanding how to manage my time was something I had to figure out on my own. At times, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of whether I truly belonged in college. I carried the pressure of being the first in my family to reach this level of education, and I didn't want to let anyone down. There were moments when I questioned if I could really succeed, especially when things became stressful academically or financially. However, I reminded myself why I started this journey to build a better future for myself and to be an example for those who come after me. Thankfully, I didn’t have to overcome this obstacle entirely on my own. One person who made a significant impact in helping me push through was one of my high school mentors. She saw my potential early on and consistently encouraged me to aim higher, even when I doubted myself. She helped me with my college applications, explained how to complete the FAFSA, and showed me how to search for scholarships. Even after I started college, she would check in on me to make sure I was adjusting well and staying focused. In addition to my mentor, I found a support system at Prairie View A\&M University. The faculty, advisors, and student organizations created an environment where I felt seen, heard, and supported. Being in a space that celebrates Black excellence and promotes student success has helped me build confidence in my abilities and given me the tools to succeed academically and personally. It also reminded me that I am not alone that there are many others who have walked a similar path and are willing to help guide me. Overcoming the obstacle of being a first-generation college student has taught me resilience, independence, and the power of asking for help when needed. It has also made me even more determined to give back. One day, I hope to mentor other young students who feel unsure of their place in higher education and show them that they, too, can succeed just like someone did for me. This journey has not been easy, but every challenge I’ve faced has helped shape the strong, motivated woman I’m becoming.

In the future, I plan to become a labor and delivery nurse, using my career to advocate for safer and more compassionate maternal care especially for African American women. Far too often, Black women face higher risks during childbirth due to racial disparities in the healthcare system. I want to be part of the change by offering culturally competent care that ensures every woman is treated with respect, listened to, and supported throughout the birthing process. My long-term goal is to work in underserved communities, provide education and support to expecting mothers, and eventually help mentor other young people of color entering the medical field. Being Black to me means strength, resilience, pride, and legacy. It means knowing where I come from, honoring those who came before me, and continuing to break barriers so that future generations can dream bigger and achieve more. My identity as a Black woman shapes the way I view the world and how I show up in it with confidence, compassion, and determination. I chose to attend Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU, because I wanted to be surrounded by a community that values culture, uplifts its students, and celebrates Black excellence. At Prairie View A&M University, I feel seen, supported, and inspired by those who share similar backgrounds and ambitions. It’s more than just a school it’s a family and a foundation that’s helping me grow into the nurse, leader, and woman I aspire to be.

My name is Karema Purdy, and I am currently a sophomore at Prairie View A&M University, majoring in nursing. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and I am proud to be a first-generation college student. For me, education has always been more than just a pathway to a career it has been a symbol of opportunity, hope, and breaking generational cycles. Every step I take in my college journey represents the dreams of those who came before me, and I am fully committed to using this opportunity to uplift myself, my family, and my community. From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to help people in meaningful, life-changing ways. That desire led me to the field of nursing, and more specifically, to my passion for maternal healthcare. I aspire to become a labor and delivery nurse because I want to be there for women during one of the most sacred and transformative moments of their lives bringing a child into the world. I am particularly passionate about supporting African American women, who statistically face higher risks and complications during childbirth due to racial disparities in healthcare. I want to be part of the solution by providing compassionate, culturally competent care that empowers and protects women during childbirth. My long-term career goal is to work in underserved communities where access to quality maternal care is limited. I want to advocate for safer birthing practices, better education around pregnancy and childbirth, and healthcare systems that truly listen to and respect women especially women of color. Eventually, I hope to become a nurse educator or open a clinic that provides prenatal and postnatal care, educational resources, and support for families in need. Beyond my career goals, I am deeply committed to making a positive impact in my community. I believe that true change happens when we lift as we climb, and I want to use my platform to mentor young students of color who are interested in healthcare. Representation in medicine matters, and I want to be the kind of nurse and leader who not only makes space but creates space for others. I envision hosting workshops, volunteering at local schools, and speaking to youth about the importance of education, perseverance, and self-belief. In everything I do, I lead with empathy, integrity, and a heart for service. My dream is not just to succeed for myself, but to open doors for others and help build a stronger, healthier, and more just community. Becoming a nurse is just the beginning my true mission is to be a healer, a helper, and a change-maker. With the education and experiences I gain in college, I know I will be fully prepared to give back and make a lasting difference.

Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means more than just personal success it represents breaking generational barriers, fulfilling a dream that many before me could only hope for, and setting a new standard for what’s possible in my family. It’s a powerful reminder that my hard work, sacrifices, and determination are paving the way not only for myself, but also for those who will come after me. As a first-generation college student, I carry the hopes and prayers of my parents, grandparents, and extended family. Their encouragement and struggles have fueled my ambition, and I want to make them proud by becoming an example of what education can truly do change lives and uplift entire communities. It means proving to myself and others that despite obstacles, it is possible to rise, achieve, and succeed. In college, I am pursuing a degree in nursing, with a focus on becoming a labor and delivery nurse. I have always had a strong desire to help others, but I feel particularly drawn to maternal health because of how critical and life-changing that area of care is. I want to be there for women during one of the most important moments of their lives bringing a child into the world. My goal is to provide support, compassion, and high-quality care, especially to women of color who often face disproportionate health risks. At Prairie View A\&M University, I am building the academic foundation, clinical experience, and leadership skills I need to succeed in this career and make a real difference in the lives of others. My long-term goals go far beyond earning a degree or landing a good job. I want to be a voice and advocate for women especially African American women who often go unheard in medical settings. I plan to work in underserved communities where quality maternal care is limited, helping to reduce disparities in birth outcomes. Additionally, I want to mentor and inspire other young people of color who are interested in healthcare, especially those who may not see many people who look like them in the field. I hope to eventually open or work in clinics that provide holistic, accessible, and culturally competent care to mothers and families. Ultimately, my goal is to create change. Through my work as a nurse, my advocacy, and my commitment to education, I want to impact lives, uplift communities, and help build a more just and compassionate healthcare system. Being the first in my family to go to college is just the beginning of a much bigger journey.

My name is Karema Purdy, and I am currently a sophomore at Prairie View A\&M University, where I am pursuing a degree in nursing. I have a deep passion for maternal health and aspire to become a labor and delivery nurse. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and I am proud to be a first-generation college student. My journey to this point has been fueled by determination, resilience, and an unwavering desire to serve others especially women and families during some of the most powerful, life-changing, and vulnerable moments of their lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how gaps in healthcare access and understanding can deeply affect outcomes for women of color. These experiences inspired me to pursue a medical career that not only treats patients but also empowers them. I am especially passionate about making childbirth safer, more compassionate, and more equitable for African American women, who are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality and complications. As a future labor and delivery nurse, I want to be a strong advocate at the bedside someone who listens, supports, educates, and fights for her patients' well-being. My goal is to provide culturally competent, empathetic care that makes every woman feel seen, heard, and respected. I believe that birth should be a beautiful, empowering experience, and I want to be part of transforming that vision into a reality for as many families as possible. I also recognize that healthcare is not just about what happens in hospitals it’s also about community, education, and representation. That’s why I plan to give back by mentoring young students of color who are interested in pursuing careers in nursing and medicine. Representation matters, and having more diverse voices in healthcare leads to better outcomes for all. I want to be someone who not only thrives in the medical field but also opens doors for others to do the same. I envision hosting workshops, speaking at schools, and helping other young women believe in themselves and their dreams. My long-term dream is to work in underserved communities, where I can help improve access to quality maternal care and reduce the racial disparities that exist in our healthcare system. Through compassion, education, and advocacy, I am committed to using my medical career to uplift others, bring justice to healthcare, and be a light in someone’s most critical moment. My purpose is rooted in service and I am ready to make a difference.