With a babydoll in my left hand and an artificial bottle in my right, becoming a labor and delivery nurse has been my biggest career goal since I was a little girl. The thought of helping women through one of the most vulnerable and significant periods of their life, childbirth, is inspiring to me. I am determined to be a person of assurance for patients, to be confident in my skills and abilities to help, and most importantly, to be the patient’s advocate and champion for their health and well-being during a time when they cannot do it for themselves. My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and pursuing a medical career as a labor and delivery nurse. With my education in nursing, I intend to contribute to the disadvantages women face in our healthcare system. Throughout history, women have faced various disadvantages, including limited social and economic power, resulting in restricted access to essential needs like healthcare. As a labor and delivery nurse, I plan to make a difference and a positive impact on the world by providing compassionate and holistic care to women during one of the most vulnerable and significant periods of their lives. Throughout my personal academic journey, I have strived for excellence, recognizing the importance of education in laying the foundation for my future career goals. In high school, I maintained a commendable 3.9 GPA while actively participating in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading and drill team, where I served as the Social Officer President during the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, I was an engaged member of the National Honor Society and AVID, recognizing the importance of well-rounded personal and academic growth. Continuing my educational path in college was a natural progression, as I believe higher education equips me with the necessary skills and knowledge to support my chosen career path. In the fall, as I embark on my junior year at Prairie View A&M University, I eagerly anticipate my enrollment in nursing school and look forward to immersing myself in the field that ignites my passion. In my college journey, I have consistently demonstrated academic excellence, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Alongside my academic pursuits, I have actively engaged with the Women of S.T.E.M organization, a community that celebrates and empowers women in science, technology, engineering, and math. In addition to my other endeavors, you can also find me dedicating time volunteering at Special Pals Animal Shelter impacting the lives of animals in need or alongside my grandfather’s church participating in meaningful projects. With a strong academic background, a passion for service, and a determination to excel in my field, I am ready to embark on this journey and make a meaningful impact. I am dedicated to becoming a labor and delivery nurse, addressing healthcare disparities and providing compassionate care to women. Receiving a scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden but also validate my achievements and support my aspirations. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship and look forward to the chance to contribute positively to my community and the field of nursing.

Given the opportunity to make a positive impact in my community, I would dedicate myself to the field of women's health nursing, specifically focusing on labor and delivery. My life's mission is to inspire hope and contribute to the health and well-being of African-American women through the art of nursing. While significant progress has been made in the health of black women in the United States over the past century, there still exist alarming health disparities that persist due to the lingering effects of institutional and individual racism and discrimination. Studies show that racial disparities in socioeconomic factors amongst blacks can be attributed to segregation, discrimination, and historical laws designed to oppress the black community in the United States. For instance, black women, on average, earn $5,500 less annually and face higher rates of unemployment compared to the national average. Furthermore, black women often assume the role of head of households more frequently than their white counterparts, juggling the responsibility of supporting dependents with limited resources. Additionally, black women tend to reside in areas with lower property values, with 24% of black women in the U.S. living in poverty, compared to 14% of all women. These socioeconomic disparities create an environment conducive to health disparities. In essence, the health inequities experienced by black women are closely intertwined with social, economic, and environmental disadvantages. The history of inequality in access to healthcare for black women, in contrast to other racial groups, traces back to the grim reality of slavery. Black women were viewed as sources of profit by white slave owners, resulting in the abuse and neglect of their reproductive health. As a result of this history, black women have been at a disadvantage ever since. Shockingly, 42.4% of black women face pregnancy-related mortality issues, compared to 13% of white women and 16% of women from other racial backgrounds. Such statistics are problematic and justify the urgency to rectify the disparities, as equitable access to maternal care should be a fundamental right for all races. As an African American woman, the imperative to advocate for the health and well-being of women like myself resonates deeply within me. I am determined to make a difference in my community by championing the health of black women. My ultimate goal is to enhance the well-being of the black community by providing women a safe space during childbearing and addressing healthcare disparities through advocating for equitable care, promoting preventive measures, and actively participating in community health initiatives. I envision myself as a reliable source of support for patients, to be confident in my skills and abilities to help, and most importantly, to be the patient’s advocate and champion for their health and well-being during a time when they cannot do it for themselves. Moreover, becoming a nurse holds significance for me as it serves as a catalyst for encouraging women of color. As an aspiring black woman in nursing, I am aware of the underrepresentation of people of color in the healthcare field, which has discouraged women of color from pursuing careers in the healthcare profession. Nonetheless, by being visible and successful in nursing, I aim to dismantle these barriers, defy stereotypes, and inspire women like myself. Together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse future in the realm of healthcare.

Throughout my academic journey, I have always sought opportunities to get ahead. During high school, I took dual credit classes to prepare for the demands of college, completing 12 semester hours before starting. Therefore, when the chance to enroll in a summer course after my first year of college presented itself, I recognized it as an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I decided to enroll in a five-week Anatomy and Physiology course at the local community college in my area. This course would fulfill the prerequisites for nursing school and lighten my future course load. Additionally, the month-long duration allowed me to balance academic goals and enjoy the summer. As the start of summer school drew near, I experienced a mixture of anxiety and apprehension. I felt a sense of unease as I prepared to take on my first science-related course at the higher education level, uncertain about how I would navigate the challenging curriculum. Additionally, conversations with my peers about summer courses left me somewhat shaken, further contributing to my nervousness. Nonetheless, I went into the first day hoping for the best but mentally preparing for the worst. The memory of the first day will always be etched into my mind. As he outlined the requirements and assessment methods, my stomach churned, and I could feel the stress building up. We had weekly lecture tests and biweekly lab exams with about 3-5 chapters on each. It was my first experience in such a fast-paced learning environment, and I was nervous about whether I was going to be able to maintain the 4.0 GPA that I had worked diligently to obtain the previous semesters. Throughout the month, overwhelming anxiety and daily challenges fueled my desire to succeed within a tight timeframe. Self-doubt and fear crept in, questioning my ability to handle stress and future difficulties. Despite these obstacles, I remained focused on my objective, fighting each day to achieve it. Recognizing the need for change, I took proactive steps to address the challenge. Seeking support from campus counseling services, I gained insights into managing perfectionism, setting realistic goals, and developing healthy study habits. I discovered effective strategies like time management and organization to combat anxiety. Creating a new study schedule that broke tasks into manageable chunks helped me prioritize my workload and set realistic intentions, alleviating the overwhelming feeling of assignments piling up. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I persevered, ultimately achieving an outstanding A average upon completion of the course. Throughout this journey, I learned a lot of new things about myself. I discovered that despite my tendency to overthink and worry, I possess the power to accomplish far beyond what I initially believe. I learned that I can do anything I truly dedicate myself to and that my fears and anxieties should never define or limit me. This journey, however, was not merely about academic success. It represented my personal journey in overcoming self-doubt and academic anxiety. By shifting my perspective and seeking support, I transformed this journey into a personal triumph, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I recognized the impact of academic anxiety on my well-being and proactively sought therapy, learning valuable strategies to combat it. Through therapy, I gained confidence, coping mechanisms, and a deeper understanding of myself. The therapeutic process empowered me to approach challenges with a newfound sense of confidence and self-belief. During difficult times, I reflect on this achievement and remind myself of how far I have come, acknowledging the importance of seeking help and the reasons to be proud of my journey.

In my pursuit of higher education, I have encountered various obstacles that tested my resilience and determination. One significant obstacle that I faced throughout college was confronting and overcoming academic anxiety. Academic anxiety can be defined as feelings of worry, tension, or dread that are associated with academic settings or tasks. Despite excelling effortlessly in school during my childhood, the higher expectations and demanding coursework of college triggered unease and self-doubt. I was constantly burdened with the fear of failure with the pressure to maintain a high GPA weighing on me. I also faced the issue of perfectionism, constantly feeling the pressure to perform without flaw. In the beginning of college, I spent a lot of time worrying and questioning my abilities. This anxiety started to develop stress and became a hindrance to my learning experience. To overcome academic anxiety, I took proactive steps to address and manage this challenge. Firstly, I sought support from campus resources such as counseling services. Through counseling sessions, I gained insights into managing perfectionism, setting realistic goals, and developing healthy study habits. I also discovered effective strategies like time management and organization, which helped combat anxiety. Creating a new study schedule that broke tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks allowed me to prioritize my workload and set realistic intentions, alleviating the overwhelming feeling of being overwhelmed by assignments. Over time, I noticed a decrease in my academic anxiety. By seeking support and implementing new strategies, I was able to regain a sense of control, approach my studies with a more positive mindset, and become satisfied in my academic journey. Additionally, the transition from high school to college presented its own obstacles. As the familiar hallways of high school faded behind me, I entered a world where I had to navigate uncharted territories and take charge of my education. The structured routine and constant guidance were replaced by a more flexible and self-directed approach. The sudden freedom to choose courses, manage time, and make decisions was both exciting and overwhelming. Even adjusting to independent living was a culture shock. It was a surprising realization when I found myself purchasing household items much earlier than expected. While there were times when I was unsure and doubted myself, I quickly recognized that this shift was a chance for personal growth. With each passing day, I welcomed the difficulties and gained essential lessons about self-discipline. Despite the hurdles I've faced in my pursuit of higher education, my ultimate goal remains a constant source of motivation. My life's mission is to inspire hope and improve the health and well-being of women through the art of nursing. Throughout history, women have faced various disadvantages, including limited social and economic power, resulting in restricted access to essential needs like healthcare. As a labor and delivery nurse, I plan to make a difference and a positive impact on the community by providing compassionate and holistic care to women during one of the most vulnerable and significant periods of their lives.

With a baby doll in my left hand and an artificial bottle in my right, I always knew nurturing was instilled into me. However, It wasn’t until I was 16 years old, witnessing my older sister give birth to my nephew that my passion for nursing was sparked. The nurses' delicate care during her challenging journey showed me the power of nursing. They provided comfort and support when she needed it most, creating a sense of assurance. This is what I believe is so special about nursing. Nurses get the privilege to share intimate moments and build connections with patients while advocating for their health through compassion and empathy. Seeing her vulnerability and the support she received during childbirth reaffirmed the nurturing and caring traits instilled in me from a young age. From that moment, I knew without a doubt that becoming a nurse was my purpose. This personal experience serves as a powerful motivation for me to pursue a career in nursing, with a special focus on labor and delivery. With that, the mission of my life is to inspire hope and contribute to the health and well-being of women through the art of nursing. For many generations, women have faced various disadvantages, including limited social and economic power, resulting in restricted access to essential needs like healthcare. By fulfilling my mission I plan to make a positive impact on the world by providing awareness and proper care to the disadvantages of women in the healthcare system. I aim to create a safe and supportive environment where women feel empowered, heard, and respected throughout their childbirth journey Ultimately, I aspire to contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, particularly among marginalized communities. I envision myself as being a reliable source of support, confident in my skills and abilities to provide care, and foremost, an advocate for the health and well-being of my patients when they cannot advocate for themselves. To fulfill this aspiration, I am dedicated to acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Throughout my academic journey, I have strived for excellence, recognizing the importance of education in laying the foundation for my future career goals. In high school, I maintained a commendable 3.9 GPA while actively participating in extracurricular activities such as cheerleading and drill team, where I served as the Social Officer President during the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, I was an engaged member of the National Honor Society and AVID. Continuing my educational path in college was a natural progression, as I believe higher education equips me with the necessary skills and knowledge to support my chosen career path. In the fall, as I embark on my junior year at Prairie View A&M University, I eagerly anticipate my enrollment in nursing school and look forward to immersing myself in the field that ignites my passion. In my collegiate journey, I have consistently demonstrated academic excellence, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Alongside my academic pursuits, I have actively engaged with the Women of S.T.E.M organization, a community that celebrates and empowers women in science, technology, engineering, and math. All in all, receiving the Emma Jean Ridley Memorial Scholarship would be instrumental in supporting my educational journey. It would provide financial assistance and help alleviate the financial burden of tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses. With the scholarship's support, I would be able to focus more on my studies and engage in valuable learning experiences. This scholarship would also empower me to further develop my skills and ultimately enable me to make a significant and positive impact in the field of nursing.

Throughout my academic journey, I have always sought opportunities to get ahead. During high school, I took dual credit classes to prepare for the demands of college, completing 12 semester hours before starting. Therefore, when the chance to enroll in a summer course after my first year of college presented itself, I recognized it as an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I decided to enroll in a five-week Anatomy and Physiology course at the local community college in my area. This course would fulfill the prerequisites for nursing school and lighten my future course load. Additionally, the month-long duration allowed me to balance academic goals and enjoy the summer. As the start of summer school drew near, I experienced a mixture of anxiety and apprehension. I felt a sense of unease as I prepared to take on my first science-related course at the higher education level, uncertain about how I would navigate the challenging curriculum. Additionally, conversations with my peers about summer courses left me somewhat shaken, further contributing to my nervousness. Nonetheless, I went into the first day hoping for the best but mentally preparing for the worst. The memory of the first day will always be etched into my mind. As he outlined the requirements and assessment methods, my stomach churned, and I could feel the stress building up. We had weekly lecture tests and biweekly lab exams with about 3-5 chapters on each. It was my first experience in such a fast-paced learning environment, and I was nervous about whether I was going to be able to maintain the 4.0 GPA that I had worked diligently to obtain in the previous semesters. Throughout the month, I felt overwhelming anxiety and daily challenges, driven by my desire to succeed within a tight timeframe. Self-doubt and fear crippled me, making me question my ability to handle stress and future difficulties. Nevertheless, I was aware of the objective I had established, and each day I had to fight to achieve that aim. Recognizing the need for a change, I made a conscious decision to take a break from other commitments and focus solely on my academics. With a new study method, I dedicated time daily to learning and exam preparation. Despite restless days and early mornings, I stayed committed and on track. I also practiced self-care to ease anxiety and find balance. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I persevered, ultimately achieving an outstanding A average upon completion of the course. Throughout this journey, I learned a lot of new things about myself. I discovered that despite my tendency to overthink and worry, I possess the power to accomplish far beyond what I initially believe. I learned that I can do anything I truly dedicate myself to and that my fears and anxieties should never define or limit me. This journey, however, was not merely about academic success. It represented my personal journey in overcoming self-doubt and academic anxiety. By shifting my perspective and seeking support, I transformed this journey into a personal triumph, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I recognized the impact of academic anxiety on my well-being and proactively sought therapy, learning valuable strategies to combat it. Through therapy, I gained confidence, coping mechanisms, and a deeper understanding of myself. The therapeutic process empowered me to approach challenges with a newfound sense of confidence and self-belief. During difficult times, I reflect on this achievement and remind myself of how far I have come, acknowledging the importance of seeking help and the reasons to be proud of my journey.

An unpopular opinion that I hold is that today's beauty standards are toxic and they are causing more harm than benefit within our society. In today's society, beauty standards have become increasingly pervasive and unattainable, leading to harmful consequences for individuals and our collective well-being. This unpopular opinion challenges the widely accepted belief that beauty standards are harmless or aspirational and highlights the negative impact they have on our self-esteem, mental health, and overall societal values. One of the main reasons why I believe today's beauty standards are toxic is their narrow focus on a specific, often unrealistic, ideal of beauty. When looking at mainstream media and influencers, we are bombarded with imagery of flawless skin, hair, and makeup, perfectly proportionate facial features, and what is considered the epitome of an ideal body shape. These images have permeated our minds and become deeply ingrained as the prevailing standards of attractiveness. While we often find enjoyment in viewing these individuals, deem them as beautiful or “goals”, and even draw inspiration for our own appearance from their reflection, it's important to recognize that these images fail to candidly depict the reality of how these standards were attained. For instance, the media often portrays a slim waist and voluminous hips as the standard of beauty, creating an idealized body image that is widely accepted. However, what remains unseen are the extreme measures that individuals may resort to in order to achieve this desired look. Furthermore, influencers often withhold the truth behind their appearance and construct a false narrative, suggesting that they have achieved their looks solely through exercise or by drinking slimming detox teas. However, the reality is that many of them have undergone cosmetic surgery procedures to attain their desired appearance. This lack of transparency creates a misleading image and promotes unrealistic expectations among the average consumer and follower. In conclusion, constant exposure to praised yet unrealistic beauty ideals can lead individuals to perceive themselves as falling short, resulting in a range of negative emotions, self-critical thoughts, and feelings of comparison. It’s important to note that beauty standards are not essentially bad, and appreciating beauty is a natural human inclination. However, the toxicity lies in the inflexible and unattainable nature of today's standards, which creates an unhealthy obsession with appearance and initiates a cycle of dissatisfaction and self-loathing. In addition to that, emphasizing physical beauty as a determinant of worth and value might result in a vain and superficial culture. People may feel judged and devalued purely based on their appearance, resulting in a society that prizes appearance above qualities and talents. I hold this opinion even though it is unpopular because challenging today's beauty standards is vital for building an inclusive and diverse society. I believe that it is important for us to embrace our natural selves and resist the pressure to conform to the narrow definition of beauty portrayed by the media. By embracing our natural selves, we accept and love our bodies, flaws and all, without feeling the need to constantly alter or conform to anything. It involves recognizing that true beauty is not confined to a specific size, shape, or complexion, but rather encompasses the uniqueness of our individuality. Also, when we welcome a broader spectrum of beauty that celebrates individuality and rejects the idea of a singular ideal, we promote self-acceptance and build more positive self-esteem. As well as, by shifting the narrative and valuing qualities, traits, and talents we can create a more inclusive and accepting society that values people for who they are rather than how they look.

With a babydoll in my left hand and an artificial bottle in my right, becoming a labor and delivery nurse has been my biggest career goal since I was a little girl. The thought of helping women through one of the most vulnerable and significant periods of their life, childbirth, is inspiring to me. I am determined to be a person of assurance for patients, to be confident in my skills and abilities to help, and most importantly, to be the patient’s advocate and champion for their health and well-being during a time when they cannot do it for themselves. My educational aspirations consist of acquiring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and pursuing a medical career as a labor and delivery nurse. I have worked diligently throughout my academic journey to achieve at my highest capacity level. Education has always been important to me so that I could set the foundation for myself to obtain my career goals in the future. During high school, I successfully obtained a 3.9 GPA, while participating in extracurricular activities such as drill team, where I served as Social Officer President for the 2020 -2021 school year. I was also an active member of the National Honor Society and AVID. To prepare myself for my journey even further, I continued my education through college. I decided to attend college because a higher level of education will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue and support my career path. I also believe college has helped me bridge the gap between childhood and adulthood, gain new skills, and discover individuality. In the fall, I will be a junior at Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas where I will be attending nursing school. In college, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, while participating in the Women of S.T.E.M organization, an organization that assists women students in all areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. My personal scare with having COVID-19 affected my outlook on future possibilities and how my health would be affected. After recovering, I was further inspired to work in the medical field to facilitate improvements and encourage more personalized care for individuals and families. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer in various settings, such as multiple schools, missions, and with humanitarian services. During this time of medical personnel shortage, my chosen career path could be an asset to multiple communities across the world. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for nurses is expected to increase significantly in the coming decade, with 200,000 new nurses needed each year until 2026 to fill new positions or replace retiring nurses. By being a nurse, I could efficiently contribute to meeting the paramount deficits in the medical care shortage that currently plagues our society. In addition, the mission of my life is to inspire hope and contribute to the health and well-being of women through the art of nursing. For many generations, women have historically been at a disadvantage in a variety of ways, including social and economic power, which limits their access to basic needs like health care. I plan to contribute to the field of science through my medical career by providing awareness and proper care to the disadvantages of women in the healthcare system. I aim to make a difference in meeting the needs of our communities and strive to have the privilege to be able to treat patients with understanding and compassion.