My name; is Kennedy White. I carry pride in my name. Everything has not been handed to me. I worked hard and I am tenacious. I have faced adversity all my life. I could have chosen to give up and fail. I could have sat back and let the negative destroy my ambiance. I could've become a statistic. Did I let my failures and hard times define me? No. Instead, I choose optimism. I use my failures as fuel. I choose to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. I was younger when I endured the most. I can honestly say without the horrible experiences I would not be what I am today. Those experiences molded me to be the strong and valorous young woman I am today. One experience I want to emphasize is my parent's divorce. My parents are very important people in my life. Whatever I do, I always strive to make them proud. I was very young when my parents divorced; just 4 years old. At the time, I didn't understand what was going on because I was so young. I just knew that I wouldn't be able to see my father every day like I was used to. I love my mother and father more than anything. So seeing my family split up shattered my world. As I got older, I felt like I was being ripped from my dad. I felt a part of me was gone. My mother and father Co- parents. My siblings and I would see our father on the weekends. Something about how we were all split up affected me more than my parents could ever imagine. I didn't understand it. I didn't understand why we just couldn't all be one. I didn't understand why I felt so much rage within my family. My mother and father would often get into aggressive arguments and disagreements. I often asked myself “Is this all my fault?” When my parents argued I tried to protect my sisters from hearing it. I felt a heavy ache in my heart. I felt liable for my parents' indignation towards each other. I didn't know what to do. Sometimes, I got so frustrated that all I could do was cry and yell at them to stop. Looking back, I can honestly say at 11 years old, I lost the little bit of myself that I did know at that age. I wasn't happy. I wasn't confident. I never opened up. I never wanted to show people how my mind worked. I felt like if I did I would cause problems for whoever I was talking to. To avoid the havoc that I thought I might cause, I shut everyone out. My mental health was at its worst. I was not OK. I became suicidal. My mother put me in therapy as she started recognizing my behavioral changes, but that didn't last long. I never talked in therapy. I hated talking about how I felt. I refused to talk so I discontinued therapy. As the years went by, seeing my dad every weekend became the regular. I made a choice. I said to myself ``I can sit here and continue to let this hardship put me down or I can rise to this all and blossom.” I wanted better for myself. I wanted to experience life. I wanted to have a purpose when I grew up. I knew I couldn't let this traumatic event dictate my life. I chose to stand above it all. I chose to blossom.

A leader should have the ability to convince followers (and others) to change destructive habits. Leaders can’t only think about themselves they must remember who is behind them. They must have morals and good attributes. Not many in the world can say they impacted someone else's life like how a leader might. Being a leader is a big role to play but it is very important. I play volleyball in and outside of school. I have been captain of my varsity team since my junior year. I love the game of volleyball. I am a devoted and hard working volleyball player. I believe that I am greater than my successes and greater than my failures. I say this because I put in the hard work to lead me to where I am today. All the early painful 5:30 am workouts and errors are worth it. I have been playing for over 6 years now. I never gave up! I have had 4 different head coaches during my 4 years of high school. I would have to say my senior year was the hardest to adjust to. It was not easy. I had to face adversity. In the season the team felt as though we weren’t getting coached at the level we should which limited our growth. I agreed with them. But what’s different about my teammates and I is how differently we both handled the situation. Many of them had bad attitudes with the coach and decided to not give 100% effort every time they stepped on the court. I thought to myself ”this is not going to help anybody on this team.” I remembered why I was there. I remembered why I put my time into playing. I rose. I became greater than the situation. I was the one who decided to work harder. I knew that if one person did not do what was right then the whole team would fail. It was bigger than volleyball. It was about respect. It was about self determination. It was about my team’s success. It wasn't easy trying to turn the aura around but the energy was contagious! More girls on the team were upbeat and ready to play when it was time! They didn't dread practice anymore. With our mindset turned around, we made it to the second round of playoffs for the first time in 7 years! I decided to be the one to give more than 100% not just for myself but for the betterment of the team. It was a choice. A leader not only thinks about themselves, but thinks about what's bigger than themselves .I strive for greatness and I not only want to be great for myself but I want to be able to say I was great for some else. Being a leader is hard sometimes but the impact you leave on someone else's life will be more than worth it!

My name; Kennedy White. I carry pride in my name. Everything has not been handed to me. I work hard and I am tenacious. I have faced adversity all my life. I could have chosen to give up and fail. I could have sat back and let the negative destroy my ambiance. I could've become a statistic. Did I let my failures and hard times define me? No. Instead, I choose optimism. I use my failures as fuel. With that being said, I plan to pursue a career that requires mental toughness. I want to become a General Nurse Practitioner! I know being a nurse will be more than just an impact on my local community, becoming a nurse will be an impact on the world. My biology degree along with my nursing degree will be a step towards a better future for those who are less fortunate, those who feel alone, those who feel like they are at the end, and so many more individuals and families. My major will be the beginning of flourishing occasions and bountiful blessings for many. Because I will have both my biology and my nursing degree, I will be the educated female this world needs. I will be able to say that I am not a statistic. I am not a number, but in fact an educated Black nurse practitioner. I am willing to go the extra mile just to make sure someone is taken care of and knows they are loved. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! Being a Nurse means you must have the desire to help people. With that being said, I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate. By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community on a high pedestal. Huston-Tillotson University will allow me to embrace the community and give back more than I could ever imagine. Huston-Tillotson will offer me my biology degree that will give me the confidence and the strength to become a leader for not only my local community but for little girls who desire to be a nurse just like me . My college education will pave a path for me to not only grow and mature but to also become a leader in my medical profession. Huston-Tillotson University will mold me and ground me to become an active member in my community even when I am off duty as a nurse. Having the label of a licensed nurse is just the surface of giving back, but how much you are willing to give even for non-profit organizations outside of the workplace determines how dedicated and how true you are to the future generations. Attending Huston-Tillotson University is a vital step for me to become the inspirational medical leader and a successful community driven citizen I intend to be. I will remain heavily involved with my community while being a successful nurse.

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it is not going to be easy. I know being a nurse will be more than just an impact on my local community, becoming a nurse will be an impact on the world. My biology degree along with my nursing degree will be a step towards a better future for those who are less fortunate, those who feel alone, those who feel like they are at the end, and so many more individuals and families. My major will be the beginning of flourishing occasions and bountiful blessings for many. Because I will have both my biology and my nursing degree, I will be the educated female this world needs. I will be able to say that I am not a statistic. I am not a number, but in fact an educated Black nurse practitioner. I am willing to go the extra mile just to make sure someone is taken care of and knows they are loved. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! Being a Nurse means you must have the desire to help people. With that being said, I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate. By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community on a high pedestal. Huston-Tillotson University will allow me to embrace the community and give back more than I could ever imagine. Huston-Tillotson will offer me my biology degree that will give me the confidence and the strength to become a leader for not only my local community but for little girls who desire to be a nurse just like me . My college education will pave a path for me to not only grow and mature but to also become a leader in my medical profession. Huston-Tillotson University will mold me and ground me to become an active member in my community even when I am off duty as a nurse. Having the label of a licensed nurse is just the surface of giving back, but how much you are willing to give even for non-profit organizations outside of the workplace determines how dedicated and how true you are to the future generations.

I know being a nurse will be more than just an impact on my local community, becoming a nurse will be an impact on the world. My biology degree along with my nursing degree will be a step towards a better future for those who are less fortunate, those who feel alone, those who feel like they are at the end, and so many more individuals and families. My major will be the beginning of flourishing occasions and bountiful blessings for many. Because I will have both my biology and my nursing degree, I will be the educated female this world needs. I will be able to say that I am not a statistic. I am not a number, but in fact an educated Black nurse practitioner. I am willing to go the extra mile just to make sure someone is taken care of and knows they are loved. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! Being a Nurse means you must have the desire to help people. With that being said, I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate. By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community on a high pedestal.

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know being a nurse will be more than just an impact on my local community, becoming a nurse will be an impact on the world. My biology degree along with my nursing degree will be a step towards a better future for those who are less fortunate, those who feel alone, those who feel like they are at the end, and so many more individuals and families. My major will be the beginning of flourishing occasions and bountiful blessings for many. Because I will have both my biology and my nursing degree, I will be the educated female this world needs. I will be able to say that I am not a statistic. I am not a number, but in fact an educated Black nurse practitioner. I am willing to go the extra mile just to make sure someone is taken care of and knows they are loved. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! Being a Nurse means you must have the desire to help people. With that being said, I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate. By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community on a high pedestal. my college education will offer me my biology degree that will give me the confidence and the strength to become a leader for not only my local community but for little girls who desire to be a nurse just like me . My college education will pave a path for me to not only grow and mature but to also become a leader in my medical profession. Having the label of a licensed nurse is just the surface of giving back, but how much you are willing to give even for non-profit organizations outside of the workplace determines how dedicated and how true you are to the future generations. Attending Huston-Tillotson University is a vital step for me to become the inspirational medical leader and a successful community driven citizen I intend to be. I will remain heavily involved with my community while being a successful nurse.

One might say that nothing in this cryptic world we live in is immortal. However, when we dive deep into the world of science can we particularly say this statement is true? There are so many brilliant scientific discoveries that have already been revealed and proven to be such an impactful addition to the marvelous wonders of our world. I must say, in a world where discoveries happen everyday this one is one that I will never be able to wrap my head around how astonishing it is ; HeLa Cells. Henrietta Lacks' story alone is special. Furthermore, there are many reasons that I can bring up why I think HeLa Cells alone are the greatest scientific discovery. I, However, will go over a few. First, HeLa Cells have been around since 1951. The HeLa Cell line is still around today in 2022! These cells are still growing and dividing allowing us to use them for cures and research. These cells have helped in developing advances like the polio and Covid-19 vaccines, treatments for cancer, HIV, AIDS, and much more. This immortal cell line is still able to make medical breakthroughs after years of being discovered. Secondly, HeLa Cells allow research to be conducted faster. The Cells almost double within 24 hours. Scientist don't have to go through trails waiting for the flask to get confluent for example. This saves ample of time. Lastly, HeLa Cells were the first human cell line that is "Immortal". Other human immortal cell lines can be discovered by chance or produced by genetic engineering. If HeLa Cells were in the same incubator as other cell cultures HeLa Cells will overgrow the other cell cultures because of their aggressive nature. Usually human cells cannot divide any more then 50 times outside the body. Quite remarkable.

My name; Kennedy White. I carry pride in my name. Everything has not been handed to me. I work hard and I am tenacious. I have faced adversity all my life. I could have chosen to give up and fail. I could have sat back and let the negative destroy my ambiance. I could've become a statistic. Did I let my failures and hard times define me? No. Instead, I choose optimism. I use my failures as fuel. I choose to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. It takes the same energy to think negative as it does to think positive. So in unfortunate situations, instead of using that valuable energy to think negatively, why not think positive? I am Kennedy White. I am greater than all my failures and greater than all my successes. My two sisters and I live with my mother who sacrifices so much for us. My sisters and I are very close in age and tend to be very very expensive for my single mother. My parents got divorced when I was just 4 years old. My dad is still an important part of my life. I am not able to see my dad often. Together my mom and sisters and I have been through many ups and downs like living in shelters homes and just trying to make ends meet. Those were some of the hardest times of my life I must say. A Lot of depression, anger and confusion came upon me but I made a choice. I said to myself ``I can sit here and continue to let these hardships put me down or I can blossom. "I rose. I can honestly say those times made me mentally strong. I grew not only physically and mentally but most importantly, I grew spiritually which was the best thing I could have ever done. although this was a very hard thing for me to overcome I now have the mental strength and the capacity to be persistent and head on with any adversity that I face.

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on. I strive for greatness regardless of the challenges. I find that the harder the battle is the sweeter the victory will be! Besides, I like challenges! I know being a nurse will be more than just an impact on my local community, becoming a nurse will be an impact on the world. My biology degree along with my nursing degree will be a step towards a better future for those who are less fortunate, those who feel alone, those who feel like they are at the end, and so many more individuals and families. My major will be the beginning of flourishing occasions and bountiful blessings for many. Because I will have both my biology and my nursing degree, I will be the educated female this world needs. I will be able to say that I am not a statistic. I am not a number, but in fact an educated Black nurse practitioner. I am willing to go the extra mile just to make sure someone is taken care of and knows they are loved. Being a Nurse means you must have the desire to help people. With that being said, I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate. By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as a leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community on a high pedestal. I will the have the confidence and the strength to become a leader for not only my local community but for little girls who desire to be a nurse just like me. I know this will take a great deal of focus and hard work. I am determined to achieve my goals. I know I will have to have patience. I will have faith in the lord. I know that with the lord's guidance I will get to where I want to be. My father always taught me that things will not be given to me; a African American Female, in a cruel world like today’s, so I must be Tenacious to be rewarded with everything I want and desire and I insist on doing so.

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it is not going to be easy. I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on. I will withstand the hard times. I strive for greatnesses regardless of the challenges. I find that the harder the battle is the sweeter the victory will be! Besides, I like challenges! My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University starting the fall of 2021. I will major in human biology concentration while also playing volleyball. Then I will continue school for another year to receive my bachelors in nursing(BSN). Nursing and biology may differ considerably , but some of the knowledge a biology degree provides can be quite helpful in nursing school as a nurse. That is why I chose to take the biology route first. After earning my BSN and passing the NCLEX Exam I will then gain years of experience as a registered nurse. I will then go back to school for about two years and study to receive my Masters of Science In Nursing (MSN), obtain certification from a specialty nursing board, obtain a nurse practitioner state license, and finally be the Nurse practitioner I deeply desire to be. I know at Huston-Tillotson University I will be able to represent the Black community (because it is an honorable HBCU) while earning a quality education. I know being a nurse will be more than just an impact on my local community, becoming a nurse will be an impact on the world. My biology degree along with my nursing degree will be a step towards a better future for those who are less fortunate, those who feel alone, those who feel like they are at the end, and so many more individuals and families. I will be able to say that I am not a statistic. I am not a number, but in fact an educated Black Nurse Practitioner. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate. By becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and the beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will strive to impact the world!

There are so many standards and expectations that are put on the younger generation. Growing up in society today where these standards and expectations are sometimes too complex and dense to understand can be mentally draining and physically overwhelming to children and adolescents. I myself struggle with trying to pacify and adhere to what is subjected to children and adolescents based on what society demands. It is no easy task especially for an african american female. However , I must say, there has always been one person who I know I can always confide in and that has always been an immense exemplar to me. That person is my father. My mother and father are divorced but my father has always been a substantial part of my life. Sports are a very significant part of my family. I have been playing volleyball since the 7th grade. I wasn't that great when I started. My father would attend every game and notice my strengths and weaknesses. Later, on the weekends, My father who has never played volleyball before, took me to train with him to help me learn how to overhand serve. He also physically conditioned me so I can excel in a way that no one else would. Moving along to 2021, I will be playing collegiate volleyball at Huston-Tillotson University and three times out of the week my father and I wake up at 7am to continue to train and excel so I can mentally and physically be ready for my fall season. Although the surface of all I just stated is mostly sports related there is truly a more profound meaning. Let me emphasize my last point. With my fathers lessons, Inducement talks, and through all the hard work and all the failures I learned about dedication. I learned that no matter what it is in life, once you start something you always strive to be the best and you never quit. My father taught me about mental toughness and how to withstand adversity no matter what odds are against me. I live by two sayings: “look at the glass half full instead of half empty.” and “no matter what it is, always strive for greatness.” . My father is the one who bestowed this mindset to me along with many other lessons. Without him I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today. I know how to attack obstacles and how to overcome trials and tribulations. With that being said, I have hopes of being a Nurse Practitioner. I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can. Being a Nurse Practitioner, I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it’s not going to be easy. I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on like how my father inspired me to do it. Everything my father influenced and taught me will surely carry on throughout my career. I will strive for greatnesses regardless of the challenges. I know this will take a great deal of focus and hard work. I am determined to achieve my goals. I know I will have to have patience. I will have faith in the lord. My father always taught me that things will not be given to me; a African American Female, in a cruel world like today’s, so I must be tenacious to be rewarded with everything I desire and I insist on doing so.

Since I was a little girl I always wanted to pursue a health professions career. I just knew I had to be in the medical field. Although I was unsure of what I wanted to be in the medical field, I was persistent in doing whatever needed to be done to achieve being in the medical field. My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it is not going to be easy. I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on. I will withstand the hard times. I strive for greatnesses regardless of the challenges. I find that the harder the battle is the sweeter the victory will be! Besides, I like challenges! I know being a nurse will be more than just an impact on the underserved communities.Becoming a nurse will be an impact on the world. My biology degree along with my nursing degree will be a step towards a better future for those who are less fortunate, those who feel alone, those who feel like they are at the end, and so many more individuals and families. My major will be the beginning of flourishing occasions and bountiful blessings for many. Because I will have both my biology and my nursing degree, I will be the educated female this world needs. I will be able to say that I am not a statistic. I am not a number, but in fact an educated Black Nurse Practitioner. I am willing to go the extra mile just to make sure someone is taken care of and knows they are loved. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! Being a Nurse means you must have the desire to help people. With that being said, I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate in any way I can. By becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put the underserved communities on a high pedestal.

My name; Kennedy White. I carry pride in my name. Everything has not been handed to me. I work hard and I am tenacious. I have faced adversity all my life. I could have chosen to give up and fail. I could have sat back and let the negative destroy my ambiance. I could've become a statistic. Did I let my failures and hard times define me? No. Instead, I choose optimism. I use my failures as fuel. I choose to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. It takes the same energy to think negative as it does to think positive. So in unfortunate situations, instead of using that valuable energy to think negatively, why not think positive? I am Kennedy White. I am greater than all my failures and greater than all my successes. My two sisters and I live with my mother who sacrifices so much for us. My sisters and I are very close in age and tend to be very very expensive for my single mother. My parents got divorced when I was just 4 years old. My dad is still an important part of my life. I am not able to see my dad often. Together my mom and sisters and I have been through many ups and downs like living in shelters homes and just trying to make ends meet. Those were some of the hardest times of my life I must say. A Lot of depression, anger and confusion came upon me but I made a choice. I said to myself ``I can sit here and continue to let these hardships put me down or I can blossom."I rose. I can honestly say those times made me mentally strong. I grew not only physically and mentally but most importantly, I grew spiritually which was the best thing I could have ever done. With that being said, I plan to pursue a career that requires mental toughness. I want to become a General Nurse Practitioner! I know this will take a great deal of focus and hard work. Although going through these times were strenuous, these times molded me into who I am today. I refuse to give up on anything. I refuse to accept and give into the stereotype this world has on black females. Instead, I will be persistent at anything I do. I am determined to achieve my goals. I know I will have to have patience. I will have faith in the lord. I know that with the lord's guidance I will get to where I want to be. My father always taught me that things will not be given to me; a African American Female, in a cruel world like today’s, so I must be Tenacious to be rewarded with everything I want and desire and I insist on doing so.

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it is not going to be easy. I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on. I will withstand the hard times. I strive for greatnesses regardless of the challenges. I find that the harder the battle is the sweeter the victory will be! Besides, I like challenges! My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University starting the fall of 2021. I will major in human biology concentration while also playing volleyball. Then I will continue school for another year to receive my bachelors in nursing(BSN). I have decided to major in biology first because after doing research, I find that having a biology degree in the nursing field can open up so many pathways for me. A degree in biology will prepare me for nursing school and the nursing profession. After earning my BSN and passing the NCLEX Exam I will then gain years of experience as a registered nurse. I will then go back to school for about two years and study to receive my Masters of Science In Nursing (MSN), obtain certification from a specialty nursing board, obtain a nurse practitioner state license, and finally be the Nurse practitioner I deeply desire to be. I know at Huston-Tillotson University I will be able to represent the Black community (because it is an honorable HBCU) while earning a quality education. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community on a high pedestal. Without Huston-Tillotson University will allow me to embrace the community and give back more than I could ever imagine. Huston-Tillotson will offer me my biology degree that will give me the confidence and the strength to become a leader for not only my local community but for little girls who desire to be a nurse just like me . My college education will pave a path for me to not only grow and mature but to also become a leader in my medical profession. Huston-Tillotson University will mold and ground me into becoming a great community leader and nurse.

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it is not going to be easy. I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on. I will withstand the hard times. I strive for greatnesses regardless of the challenges. I find that the harder the battle is the sweeter the victory will be! Besides, I like challenges! My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University and major in biology while also playing volleyball. (A degree in biology will prepare me for nursing school and the nursing profession.) Then I will continue school for another year to receive my bachelors in nursing(BSN). After earning my BSN and passing the NCLEX Exam I will then gain years of experience as a registered nurse. I will then go back to school for about two years and study to receive my Masters of Science In Nursing (MSN), obtain certification from a specialty nursing board, obtain a nurse practitioner state license, and finally be the Nurse practitioner I deeply desire to be.I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I will be a part of Black Excellence! By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community on a high pedestal. Without Huston-Tillotson University will allow me to embrace the community and give back more than I could ever imagine. Huston-Tillotson will offer me my biology degree that will give me the confidence and the strength to become a leader for not only my local community but for little girls who desire to be a nurse just like me . My college education will pave a path for me to not only grow and mature but to also become a leader in my medical profession. Huston-Tillotson University will mold me and ground me to become an active member in my community even when I am off duty as a nurse.

My name; Kennedy White. I carry pride in my name. Everything has not been handed to me. I work hard and I am tenacious. I have faced adversity all my life. I could have chosen to give up and fail. I could have sat back and let the negative destroy my ambiance. I could've become a statistic. Did I let my failures and hard times define me? No. Instead, I choose optimism. I use my failures as fuel. I choose to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. It takes the same energy to think negative as it does to think positive. So in unfortunate situations, instead of using that valuable energy to think negatively, why not think positive? I am Kennedy White. I am greater than all my failures and greater than all my successes. My two sisters and I live with my mother who sacrifices so much for us. My sisters and I are very close in age and tend to be very very expensive for my single mother. My parents got divorced when I was just 4 years old. My dad is still an important part of my life. I am not able to see my dad often. Together my mom and sisters and I have been through many ups and downs like living in shelters homes and just trying to make ends meet. Those were some of the hardest times of my life I must say. A Lot of depression, anger and confusion came upon me but I made a choice. I said to myself ``I can sit here and continue to let these hardships put me down or I can blossom."I rose. I can honestly say those times made me mentally strong. I grew not only physically and mentally but most importantly, I grew spiritually which was the best thing I could have ever done. With that being said, I plan to pursue a career that requires mental toughness. I want to become a General Nurse Practitioner! My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University and major in biology while also playing volleyball. (A degree in biology will prepare me for nursing school and the nursing profession.) Then I will continue school for another year to receive my bachelors in nursing(BSN). After earning my BSN and passing the NCLEX Exam I will then gain years of experience as a registered nurse. I will then go back to school for about two years and study to receive my Masters of Science In Nursing (MSN), obtain certification from a specialty nursing board, obtain a nurse practitioner state license, and finally be the Nurse practitioner I deeply desire to be.I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I will be a part of Black Excellence! I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. Although I know I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals and aspirations I will always put my community and health care for the entire world on a high pedestal.

My name; Kennedy White. I carry pride in my name. Everything has not been handed to me. I work hard and I am tenacious. I have faced adversity all my life. I could have chosen to give up and fail. I could have sat back and let the negative destroy my ambiance. I could've become a statistic. Did I let my failures and hard times define me? No. Instead, I choose optimism. I use my failures as fuel. I choose to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. It takes the same energy to think negative as it does to think positive. So in unfortunate situations, instead of using that valuable energy to think negatively, why not think positive? I am Kennedy White. I am greater than all my failures and greater than all my successes. My two sisters and I live with my mother who sacrifices so much for us. My sisters and I are very close in age and tend to be very very expensive for my single mother. My parents got divorced when I was just 4 years old. My dad is still an important part of my life. I am not able to see my dad often. Together my mom and sisters and I have been through many ups and downs like living in shelters homes and just trying to make ends meet. Those were some of the hardest times of my life I must say. A Lot of depression, anger and confusion came upon me but I made a choice. I said to myself ``I can sit here and continue to let these hardships put me down or I can blossom."I rose. I can honestly say those times made me mentally strong. I grew not only physically and mentally but most importantly, I grew spiritually which was the best thing I could have ever done. With that being said, I plan to pursue a career that requires mental toughness. I want to become a General Nurse Practitioner! This is my passion! I will to whatever it takes! My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University and major in biology while also playing volleyball. Then I will continue school for another year to receive my bachelors in nursing(BSN). I have decided to major in human biology concentration first because after doing research, I find that having a biology degree in the nursing field can open up so many pathways for me. A degree in biology will prepare me for nursing school and the nursing profession. Nursing and biology may differ considerably , but some of the knowledge a biology degree provides can be quite helpful in nursing school as a nurse.That is why I chose to take the biology route first. After earning my BSN and passing the NCLEX Exam I will then gain years of experience as a registered nurse. I will then go back to school for about two years and study to receive my Masters of Science In Nursing (MSN), obtain certification from a specialty nursing board, obtain a nurse practitioner state license, and finally be the Nurse practitioner I deeply desire to be.I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I will be a part of Black Excellence!

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it is not going to be easy. I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on. I will withstand the hard times. I strive for greatnesses regardless of the challenges. I find that the harder the battle is the sweeter the victory will be! Besides, I like challenges! My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University starting the fall of 2021. I will major in human biology concentration while also playing volleyball. Then I will continue school for another year to receive my bachelors in nursing(BSN). A degree in biology will prepare me for nursing school and the nursing profession. Nursing and biology may differ considerably , but some of the knowledge a biology degree provides can be quite helpful in nursing school as a nurse. That is why I chose to take the biology route first. After earning my BSN and passing the NCLEX Exam I will then gain years of experience as a registered nurse. I will then go back to school for about two years and study to receive my Masters of Science In Nursing (MSN), obtain certification from a specialty nursing board, obtain a nurse practitioner state license, and finally be the Nurse practitioner I deeply desire to be. I know at Huston-Tillotson University I will be able to represent the Black community (because it is an honorable HBCU) while earning a quality education. I know this will take a great deal of focus and hard work. I am determined to achieve my goals. I know I will have to have patience. I will have faith in the lord. I know that with the lord's guidance I will get to where I want to be. My father always taught me that things will not be given to me; a African American Female, in a cruel world like today’s, so I must be Tenacious to be rewarded with everything I want and desire and I insist on doing so.

My grandmother has always been an inspiration for me when choosing my career. She was a prestigious Registered Nurse receiving multiple accolades and head positions. She would always tell me the stories of being a nurse. She would also tell me how hard it was for her to achieve all that she did, especially being one of the few black females. After hearing her stories, I felt so empowered. I knew what I wanted to do. I did not just want to be a registered nurse, I wanted to go further. I want to be a General Nurse Practitioner! I have a powerful urge to help people in any way I can and I know that if I am a Nurse practitioner I will be able to achieve my goal while not only representing the black community but also representing black females! I know that it is not going to be easy. I know that I am going to be faced with adversity and hardships, but that will not stop me from being ambitious and head on. I will withstand the hard times. I strive for greatnesses regardless of the challenges. I find that the harder the battle is the sweeter the victory will be! Besides, I like challenges! My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University starting the fall of 2021. I will major in human biology concentration while also playing volleyball. Then I will continue school for another year to receive my bachelors in nursing(BSN). I know at Huston-Tillotson University I will be able to represent the Black community (because it is an honorable HBCU) while earning a quality education. I am willing to go the extra mile just to make sure someone is taken care of and knows they are loved. When I become a General Nurse Practitioner I will also become a part of Black Excellence! Being a Nurse means you must have the desire to help people. With that being said, I love to work in the community and give back to the less fortunate. By becoming a licensed nurse practitioner I will be the face of medicine as well as the leader that will push our community to offer adequate care to all. I will provide a safe space for all patients as well as a sense of security to ease the daunting and fearful choices patients and their families might have to make. I will be put in strenuous situations and what feels like impossible places to get out of, but with my persistence and my beaming vision of my goals I will always put my community on a high pedestal. Without Huston-Tillotson University It will be very difficult for me to embrace the community and give back. My college education will pave a path for me to not only grow and mature but to also become a leader in the community and in my medical profession. Huston-Tillotson University will mold me and ground me to become an active member in my community even when I am off duty as a nurse. Having the label of a licensed nurse is just the surface of giving back, how much you are willing to give even for non-profit organizations outside of the workplace determines how dedicated and how true you are to the future generations. Attending Huston-Tillotson University is a vital step for me to become the inspirational medical leader and a successful community driven citizen I intend to be. I will remain heavily involved with my community while being a successful nurse.

My name; Kennedy White. I carry pride in my name. Everything has not been handed to me. I work hard and I am tenacious. I have faced adversity all my life. I could have chosen to give up and fail. I could have sat back and let the negative destroy my ambiance. I could've become a statistic. Did I let my failures and hard times define me? No. Instead, I choose optimism. I use my failures as fuel. I choose to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. It takes the same energy to think negative as it does to think positive. So in unfortunate situations, instead of using that valuable energy to think negatively why not think positive? I am Kennedy White. I am greater than all my failures and greater than all my successes. I was younger when I endured the most. I can honestly say without the horrible experiences I would not be what I am today. Those experiences molded me to be the strong and valorous young woman I am today. One experience I want to emphasize is my parent's divorce. My parents are very important people in my life. Whatever I do, I always strive to make them proud. I was very young when my parents divorced; just 5 years old. At the time, I didn't really understand what was going on because I was so young. I just knew that I wouldn't be able to see my father every day like I was used to. I love my mother and father more than anything. So seeing my family split up shattered my world. As I got older, I felt like I was being ripped from my dad. I felt a part of me was gone. My mother and father Co-parent. My siblings and I would see our father on the weekends. Something about how we were all split up affected me more than my parents could ever imagine. I didn't understand it. I didn't understand why we just couldn't all be one. I didn't understand why I felt so much rage within my family. Looking back, I can honestly say at 11 years old, I lost the little bit of myself that I did know at that age. I wasn't happy. I wasn't confident. I became mean and serious. I never opened up. I never wanted to show people how my mind worked. I shut everyone out. My mental health was at its worst. I became suicidal. My mother put me in therapy as she started recognizing my behavioral changes, but that didn't last long. I refused to talk so I discontinued therapy. As the years went by, seeing my dad every weekend became regular. I made a choice. I said to myself ``I can sit here and continue to let this hardship put me down or I can blossom."I rose. I can truly say, I appreciate my experiences with adversity as painful as they were. Without those experiences, I would not have been molded mentally and physically into what I am today. furthermore, My plan is to attend Huston Tillotson University and major in human concentration biology while also playing collegiate volleyball. I will then continue school for another year to receive my bachelor's in nursing(BSN). I have decided to major in biology first because after doing research, I find that having a biology degree in the nursing field can open up so many pathways for me. A degree in biology will prepare me for nursing school and the nursing profession. Nursing and biology may differ considerably, but some of the knowledge a biology degree provides can be quite helpful in nursing school as a nurse. That is why I chose to take the biology route first. After earning my BSN and passing the NCLEX Exam I will then gain years of experience as a registered nurse. I will then go back to school for about two years and study to receive my Masters of Science In Nursing (MSN), obtain certification from a specialty nursing board, obtain a nurse practitioner state license, and finally be the Nurse practitioner I deeply desire to be. I know this will take a great deal of focus and hard work. with all the adversity I have faced in my life, I can say I am ready for anything that is thrown my way. It will not be easy but I am prepared for everything. Those experiences with adversity taught me how to look at the glass half full instead of half empty. I learned how to be stronger than the odds against me. I learned how to persevere through all the differences. I am determined to achieve my goals. I know I will have to have patience. I will have faith in the lord. I know that with the lord's guidance I will get to where I want to be. My father always taught me that things will not be given to me; an African American Female, in a cruel world like today’s, so I must be Tenacious to be rewarded with everything I want and desire and I insist on doing so.