Why I Chose Healthcare and What I Hope to Do With My Degree Choosing to pursue a career in healthcare wasn’t a random decision for me, it came from lived experience, passion, and a deep desire to help others. As a new mom who faced the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding firsthand, I realized how crucial compassionate, knowledgeable healthcare providers are in those vulnerable moments. It wasn’t always easy for me, especially in the first few months when breastfeeding was painful and overwhelming. I saw how much of a difference proper education and support could make, and I wanted to be that source of encouragement and care for other women. Before becoming a mom, I worked in different industries and faced two layoffs that made me rethink my career path. These experiences gave me clarity and purpose, I wanted to pursue something meaningful that would allow me to make a real impact. Healthcare stood out because it combines science, human connection, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives every day. I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree and planning to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school because becoming a PA fits my goal of being hands-on in patient care while also having the flexibility to work in many medical settings. I love the idea of partnering with patients, listening to their stories, and helping them navigate their health journeys with empathy and respect. In the future, I want to use my degree to focus on women’s health, particularly supporting mothers and families during pregnancy and postpartum. I hope to work in communities where healthcare resources are limited and where people might feel unheard or overlooked. My goal is to provide education, support, and compassionate care that empowers people to take control of their health and well-being. I also dream of opening or working in clinics that emphasize preventive care and education. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illness but about building trust, fostering understanding, and helping people live healthier lives. My personal journey as a new mom juggling school and motherhood has taught me resilience and patience, qualities I plan to bring to my future career. Ultimately, I chose healthcare because I want to be a part of something bigger than myself, a career that allows me to serve others, to educate, and to make a positive difference in my community. My degree is not just a credential; it’s a tool to change lives, including my own and those around me.

About Me and My Future Career Goals My name is Keyonna, and I am a new mom, a student, and someone who has faced life’s challenges head-on with determination and faith. Over the past year, I have experienced two unexpected layoffs, including one on the day of my gender reveal. Losing my job twice was difficult and scary, especially while preparing to welcome my son into the world. But instead of letting those setbacks defeat me, I chose to see them as signs to pause, reflect, and redirect my path toward something bigger, something meaningful. I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree and preparing to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school next year. Becoming a PA has been my dream because it combines my passion for science, helping others, and providing hands-on care. Through this career, I want to serve as a trusted healthcare provider who listens, educates, and supports patients through some of the most vulnerable and important moments in their lives. My own experiences as a new mom have deepened my commitment to healthcare, especially women’s health. Breastfeeding, for example, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. The first couple of months were painful and exhausting, and there were times I wanted to give up. But now, at seven months in, I’m still going strong, and I’ve learned how important it is to have proper support and education. Unfortunately, many women don’t get that support, especially in underserved communities. This lack of resources can lead to unnecessary struggles and even health complications. That’s why my goal is to make a positive impact by improving access to quality healthcare and education in my community. I want to be a healthcare provider who not only treats illness but also empowers patients with knowledge so they can take control of their own health. I want to help women navigate pregnancy, breastfeeding, and other health challenges with confidence and care. I also want to advocate for those who feel unheard or overlooked by the healthcare system. Balancing school and motherhood is a daily challenge, but my son is my biggest motivation. Every time I feel tired or overwhelmed, I remind myself that I am building a better future for him. I want him to see that hard work and perseverance pay off, and that it’s possible to rise above difficult circumstances. My hope is that through my work, I can create a ripple effect, helping not just individuals, but families and the entire community become healthier and stronger. In the future, I dream of opening a women’s health clinic in my community, where education and compassionate care go hand in hand. I want to create a space where people feel safe asking questions, learning about their bodies, and getting the care they deserve without fear or judgment. I believe that healthcare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or income. My journey has not been easy, but it has taught me resilience, patience, and the power of hope. I’m committed to using my education and experiences to make a real difference. This scholarship would not only support me financially but also help me continue on this path to becoming a healthcare professional who can serve, uplift, and inspire others.

My name is Keyonna, and I’m a proud new mom, a full-time student, and a woman on a mission to make a difference. After going through two unexpected layoffs and receiving my last unemployment check, I found myself at a crossroads. I could either give in to fear, or I could lean into faith and keep pushing toward a life of purpose, not just for myself, but for my son. I’m currently finishing my bachelor’s degree and preparing to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school next year. Healthcare has always been close to my heart, but becoming a mother gave me a whole new reason to pursue this path. I’ve experienced firsthand how overwhelming and confusing medical situations can be, especially when you don’t feel seen or heard. I want to change that for others. Through my career, I plan to make a positive impact by being a provider who leads with compassion, listens intentionally, and educates and empowers patients, especially women, mothers, and underserved communities. I want to create spaces where people feel safe, where their concerns are taken seriously, and where they leave feeling more in control of their health and well-being. My own experiences, going through pregnancy while unemployed, pushing through school with a newborn, and navigating painful breastfeeding challenges, have shown me the gaps in our healthcare system when it comes to education and support. It’s not just about diagnosing and treating; it’s about connecting, uplifting, and walking with people through some of the most vulnerable times in their lives. One of my biggest dreams is to one day open a women’s health center that offers both physical care and education, on things like reproductive health, breastfeeding, and preventive care. I want to be a resource, a guide, and a reminder that no matter your background, income level, or past, you are worthy of good care and a healthy future. At the heart of everything I do is my son. He’s my reason, my motivation, and my biggest blessing. I want him to grow up watching his mom build a life she’s proud of. I want him to know that when life knocks you down, you don’t quit, you rise, you pivot, and you pour that pain into purpose. This next chapter of my journey is about impact. It’s about stepping into the role I was made for, not just as a healthcare professional, but as a voice for those who feel unseen. And I truly believe that every step I take now, every late-night study session, every diaper change between assignments, every prayer for strength, is leading me closer to that purpose.

What inspired me to continue my education? Simply put, my son. Becoming a mom changed everything for me. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to give my baby a better life, and I knew that meant making serious changes. I was already in school working on my bachelor’s degree, but my mindset shifted. It was no longer just about getting a degree—it became about building a secure future, walking in my purpose, and showing my son that no matter what life throws at you, you keep going. I’ve always been passionate about helping people. After two unexpected layoffs, one of which happened on the same day as my gender reveal, I had to reevaluate my entire career. I lost my job, my income, and honestly, a lot of my confidence. But I refused to let that be the end of my story. Instead, I saw it as a redirection. That’s when I decided to pursue a career in healthcare and started preparing for Physician Assistant (PA) school. I want to be someone who makes a difference in people’s lives, especially women and families who need compassionate, knowledgeable care. The road hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced more than my share of obstacles—emotional stress from the layoffs, financial instability, and the learning curve of being a new mom while in school. There were times I questioned if I could really do it. The late nights balancing homework with midnight feedings, the constant juggling act between being present for my son and pushing forward in my studies, it’s exhausting. But it’s also been the most meaningful season of my life. The truth is, managing school and motherhood takes a lot of sacrifice, structure, and grace. I’ve had to become extremely intentional with my time. I plan my days around my son’s schedule, nap times become study sessions, and once he’s asleep at night, I get back to my laptop to catch up on assignments. Some days I feel like I’m just barely holding it together, but every time I look at him, I’m reminded why I started this journey in the first place. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how to give myself grace. I used to think I had to do everything perfectly. But now, I know that just showing up and doing my best every day is more than enough. I’ve learned to ask for help when I need it and to celebrate the small wins, even if it’s just submitting an assignment on time or getting through a long day with a smile. Continuing my education while raising a child hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me stronger, more focused, and more passionate than ever before. I want to show my son that even when life gets hard, you don’t give up. You find strength in the struggle and purpose in the pain. I’m not just earning a degree, I’m rewriting my story. And my goal is to use everything I’ve learned to pour back into others. Whether it’s through healthcare, education, or just encouraging another mom who feels like she’s barely keeping up, I want my journey to mean something bigger than me.

Why Breast Health Education Matters to Me As a new mom and a woman going through a major life transition, breast health has taken on a whole new meaning for me. It's not just something I read about in textbooks anymore—it’s something I live every single day. Between navigating motherhood, career changes, and financial uncertainty after two recent layoffs, I've learned just how important it is to understand and care for our bodies, especially when it comes to our breast health. One of the most personal parts of this journey for me has been breastfeeding. I’ll be honest—those first couple of months were some of the hardest. It was incredibly painful, and there were times I genuinely wanted to give up. I had a lot of soreness, and moments of just feeling completely overwhelmed. But I kept going, pushing through each feeding, learning my baby’s needs, and learning my body all over again. Now, here I am, still going strong at 7 months, little man is super healthy and I’m incredibly proud of that. That experience taught me so much about my body, but also about how little we’re taught as women, especially new moms, about breast health and breastfeeding. There’s this assumption that it’ll come naturally, that our bodies just “know what to do.” But no one really prepares you for how hard and emotional it can be. I had to learn how to advocate for myself, ask the right questions, and take care of my breast health in a way I never thought about before. This is exactly why breast health education is so important to me. Whether it’s teaching women how to do self-exams, explaining the changes your body goes through during breastfeeding, or just encouraging open conversations, education is everything. And I’ve seen firsthand how not having access to that education can leave women feeling isolated, scared, or unsure. I come from a community where breast health wasn’t something we really talked about. It wasn’t a priority, mostly because we didn’t have the resources or support to make it one. I’ve seen women I know and love find out they had breast cancer later than they should’ve, just because they didn’t know what signs to look for, or they were afraid to speak up. That’s why I’m passionate about breaking that cycle. Right now, I’m finishing my bachelor’s degree and preparing to apply to Physician Assistant (PA) school next year. After being laid off twice, I had to reevaluate my path. But instead of giving up, I decided to pursue my dream of working in healthcare. I want to be the kind of provider who listens, who explains things clearly, and who empowers her patients, especially women, to know and trust their bodies. Breast health education isn’t just about preventing disease. It’s about giving women the confidence to understand their bodies, the knowledge to catch changes early, and the support to know they’re not alone. As someone who’s lived through the pain, the confusion, and the beauty of breastfeeding, I know how vital this education is—not just for new moms, but for all women. This scholarship would help lighten the financial load on my shoulders, yes, but more importantly, it would be a step toward that vision. Toward more education, more support, and more women feeling empowered about their health.

Pursuing Purpose Through Resilience: My Why for Higher Education My journey has been anything but traditional. I am a new mother, a full-time student, and someone who has recently faced the emotional and financial strain of two consecutive layoffs. Most recently, I received my last unemployment check, and while that could be viewed as a dead end, I see it as a new beginning. Despite these personal and professional challenges, I’ve never stopped striving to create a better life for myself and my child. I believe I am uniquely deserving of this award because my life experiences have shaped me into someone deeply resilient, purpose-driven, and committed to serving others, qualities I will carry with me into my future as a Physician Assistant (PA). What makes me different is not simply that I have faced hardships, but that I have chosen to turn those hardships into fuel. The first layoff I experienced happened on the day of my gender reveal, what should have been a day of joy became clouded by anxiety about my future. I leaned into faith, resourcefulness, and my support network, refusing to let that moment define the rest of my story. After a second layoff, I was again forced to reevaluate my career path and financial stability. It was during this time of uncertainty that I rediscovered a long-standing dream: to work in healthcare and become a Physician Assistant. My “why” for pursuing higher education goes far beyond a degree or a paycheck. I want to provide quality care to people in need. I want to be the person who listens, who advocates, and who offers not just treatment, but empathy. As a new mom, I’ve experienced firsthand how vulnerable it can feel to rely on others, especially in a medical setting. This perspective deepened my desire to enter the medical field, where I can use both my personal and professional experiences to deliver compassionate, informed, and culturally aware care. Education is the bridge between where I am and where I want to be. I am currently a senior working toward my bachelor’s degree, and I plan to apply to PA school next year. I know that the path ahead will not be easy, especially balancing school, motherhood, and financial stress, but I also know that I’m equipped with the strength and resilience to keep going. Every class I take, every late night of studying, and every sacrifice I make is not just for me, but for my child. I want them to grow up watching their mother achieve what she set out to do, no matter how hard it was. I want to model perseverance, service, and the pursuit of purpose. Receiving this scholarship would be more than just financial support, it would be an affirmation that my hard work, determination, and vision for the future matter. It would lift a significant burden off my shoulders, allowing me to focus more fully on my education and training. It would also serve as a reminder that I am not alone on this journey, that there are people and organizations willing to invest in someone who is fighting for a better future. In the end, I want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others through healthcare. I want to show my child that even in the face of adversity, dreams are still possible. And I want to use my education to serve others with compassion and care. I am not just pursuing a degree; I am building a legacy of strength, compassion, and service.