As a nursing student and medical assistant, I possess a profound understanding of the challenges individuals face in accessing mental health care. My unique contribution lies in my ability to bridge the gap between patients and resources. I have good relationships with patients and by establishing strong relationships with patients, I can advocate for their needs, educate them about available options, and connect them with affordable mental health services. This personalized approach will empower patients to actively participate in their mental health journeys while breaking down financial barriers that prevent many from seeking help. Another crucial aspect of my contribution as a nurse is my commitment to community outreach and education. I recognize the importance of early intervention and prevention in mental health care. By organizing community programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns, I aim to destigmatize mental health issues and promote the significance of seeking timely assistance. These initiatives will help individuals recognize the value of mental health care, encouraging them to prioritize their well-being and seek affordable options when needed. In conclusion, I possess the passion, empathy, and expertise necessary to make a unique contribution to the accessibility and affordability of mental health care. By establishing strong patient relationships, providing personalized care, and conducting community outreach, I will play an instrumental role in creating a world where mental health support is available and affordable for all those in need. Consider me for this scholarship and together, we can break barriers and foster a healthier, more compassionate society.

"Mom, who is going to touch the untouchable?" These profound words, spoken by a 16-year-old girl to her mother in 2018, have lingered in my thoughts ever since. That year marked a significant turning point in my life, it opened my eyes to the global needs of people around the world. It was during that time that I embarked on a mission trip to Plateau State, Jos, Nigeria, as part of my volunteer work with the organization Back2Back to make a difference. Before venturing to Africa, I dedicated my efforts to local volunteering. At an Advent house, I engaged with underprivileged children, acting as a mentor and role model. The children eagerly anticipated my visits, as we played games, explored books, created plays and indulged in arts and crafts. However, I quickly realized that I, too, was a student in this experience. I witnessed the power of community engagement through activities that involved parents. Additionally, I served meals to both children and parents, fostering a sense of togetherness and support. Simultaneously, I served as a Sunday school teacher at my church, sharing stories from the Bible and teachings about Jesus Christ's love for humanity. I alternated these roles from 2016-2022. They brought me immense joy and further deepened my commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. From 2017 to 2018, I worked as a medical assistant at an inner-city community health center, where I interacted with adolescents from diverse backgrounds, aged 5 to 26. Many patients confided in me, sharing their struggles and seeking guidance. Through these connections, I formed strong bonds with the patients, and it was during this time that I encountered a concerned mother who questioned my decision to travel to Nigeria. She expressed her worries about the dangers of heading overseas, prompting her daughter to interject with profound insight, asking, "If no one goes, then who will touch the untouchable?" This simple yet profound question left the mother astounded, and she conceded to the truth within her daughter's words. It brought solace knowing that someone else understood my heart's desire to help the orphaned child. My mission trip to Nigeria in 2018 was life-changing! It allowed me to help orphans and the local community, shaping my journey to become a nurse. Witnessing the resilience of orphans amidst hardships was transformative. In the beginning, I was nervous and questioned what I had to offer them, but I quickly realized by offering emotional support and care, I aimed to inspire hope. This experience solidified my aspiration to become a nurse and make a profound impact on vulnerable populations. My time in Nigeria fueled my passion to advocate for marginalized communities. As a nurse, I want to bring innovation and healing. I want to ensure that those in need receive the care they deserve. Currently, I have dedicated myself to being a full-time nursing student at a private university where tuition is high and increases yearly. I work 1-2 days a week as my schedule permits. I support my family while paying for tuition, housing and vehicle expenses and other bills. Last year was a struggle and I have depleted my saving to follow my vision. This scholarship will enable me to pay for tuition and give me mental and financial relief. The question, "Who is going to touch the untouchable?" drives my commitment to reaching out to those overlooked or neglected. I am inspired to make a difference, promoting health, hope, and empowerment. With determination, I eagerly await my future as a nurse, bringing compassion, innovation, and a healing touch to those in need.

I was not born in Nigeria, but Nigeria is in my veins. In 2018, I embarked on a mission trip where I wholeheartedly committed to extending a helping hand to orphans and the broader community. I aimed to make a lasting impact by providing not only material support but also a sense of hope and encouragement. Engaging with orphanages, I witnessed the smiles on the faces of children in need as I offered them love, care, and a sense of belonging. I worked tirelessly to alleviate their burdens, providing support, empowerment, and resources to help them build their lives. Through this mission trip, I had the privilege of uplifting the lives of those facing adversity, fostering a positive change that resonated within their hearts and throughout the entire community. This experience in Nigeria had a profound impact on me, particularly in terms of healthcare disparities. It pained me to witness the challenges faced by individuals due to limited access to quality care. This deeply influenced my desire to become a nurse and make a meaningful impact on healthcare outcomes. It ignited a fire within me, a determination to bridge the healthcare gap in both Nigeria and America, utilizing my nursing skills and knowledge to advocate for those in need. Nigeria holds a special place in my heart as it is where I met my husband. The land my ancestors once called home became my home once again. In a country with a vast population and diverse healthcare needs, there exists a significant disparity in healthcare access and quality, particularly in rural areas. I’m committed to addressing these disparities by collaborating with local healthcare organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to develop sustainable solutions. Whether through participation in medical missions, promotion of health education, or advocacy for improved infrastructure and resources, I’m determined to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities in Nigeria. However, the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes are not exclusive to Nigeria alone. Even America, a country renowned for its advanced healthcare system has underserved populations and marginalized communities facing similar challenges. This realization drives my passion to bridge the gap and ensure that everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic background or ethnicity, receives equitable and compassionate care. My goal is to work in communities with vulnerable populations, focusing on underserved areas where healthcare disparities persist. Through culturally sensitive care, patient education on preventive measures, and advocacy for policy changes addressing the root causes of health inequities, I aspire to make a significant impact. Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and I’m committed to advocating for equal access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Furthermore, I recognize the opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange between healthcare systems in Nigeria and America. By understanding the unique challenges and strengths of each system, I can contribute to the development of strategies that can be implemented in both countries. Sharing best practices, innovative approaches, and resources has the potential to yield improved healthcare outcomes and contribute to a more equitable global healthcare landscape. In conclusion, my mission trip experience in Nigeria reignited a deep sense of purpose within me. It fueled my desire to become a nurse, address healthcare disparities, and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Nigeria holds a special place in my heart, but my commitment extends beyond its borders. Through collaboration, advocacy, and tireless dedication to equitable healthcare, I aim to bridge the gap and ensure that every individual receives the care they deserve.

Helping One Could Help a Multitude Growing up in a family of helpers and leaders has shaped my perspective on the importance of serving others and leading by example. From a young age, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that a compassionate and caring individual can have on the mind, body and souls of those in need. It is this foundation that inspires me to pursue a career in nursing, as I believe that helping even a single person can have a ripple effect, positively influencing countless others. The need for assistance and care is evident all around me, and this realization fuels my determination to become a nurse. Whether it's witnessing a loved one battle an illness or encountering individuals struggling with their health, I am deeply moved by their experiences and the challenges they face. This empathy compels me to take action, to be the person who can offer solace, support, and healing in their times of vulnerability. Moreover, I am motivated by the opportunity to educate and lead not only my generation but also future generations. The world is facing a crisis of compassion, where the hurried pace of modern life often leaves people disconnected and indifferent to the suffering of others. As a nurse, I aspire to reverse this trend and rekindle the spirit of empathy and kindness in our society. By educating others about the importance of caring for one another and by leading by example, I hope to inspire a new generation of compassionate individuals who will continue the legacy of helping those in need. Nursing, to me, is more than just a profession; it is a calling to serve the helpless and touch the untouchable. The role of a nurse goes far beyond administering medications and treating physical ailments. It involves connecting with patients on a deep emotional level, understanding their fears, and providing comfort in moments of despair. It is in these interactions that the transformative power of nursing becomes evident. By embracing the values of empathy, compassion, and respect, I believe that I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Each time I offer a listening ear to a distressed patient, provide a gentle touch to ease their pain, or advocate for their rights and well-being, I contribute to a chain reaction of positivity and healing. Helping one person not only improves their life but also has the potential to positively influence their family, friends, and community. The path to becoming a nurse is not an easy one. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. However, the rewards that come from making a genuine impact on someone's life are immeasurable. The joy of seeing a patient recover, the gratitude expressed by their loved ones, and the knowledge that I have played a role in their journey toward health and happiness are what inspire me to overcome any obstacles along the way. In conclusion, the words "Helping one could help a multitude" encapsulate the essence of why I am inspired to be a nurse. The need for compassionate care is evident in our world, and I am driven to be the one who provides that care. By helping one person at a time, I hope to create a ripple effect of healing and compassion that extends far beyond my immediate reach. As I embark on this noble profession, I carry with me the values instilled in me by my family, the desire to educate and lead, and the determination to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Education is the foundation of knowledge; without it, humans would cease to exist. From birth, every living organism uses knowledge to survive. Whether it be learning how to fly, hunt for food, walk, read, or become a scientist, education is key. My earliest teachers were my mother and grandmother. They are both women who have tremendous faith and taught me by example. My mother's stern but needed rules kept me out of trouble and harm's way in my early youth. I still recall learning from my grandmother in her garden. Or sitting with her as the scent of fresh May flowers tickled our noses and I listened to her life lessons that I hold dear to this day. My mother is a woman that stands firm on not being a mindless follower. She gets this mindset from her courageous mother. A woman that traveled with her husband, leaving all that they knew and loved to relocate to Michigan from Alabama during the Second Great Migration, to provide stable lives for their children. This was instilled in me and has impacted me to this day. I have learned not to do what everyone else is doing because it is popular or seems desirable to the eye. I must focus on what is going to affect my body, mind, and soul. Thinking of life in a forward direction so that I do not regret much in the past. This mindset is what has kept me goal oriented. It has navigated the way I choose friends and it is how I chose my amazing life partner, my husband. My mother's gift is helping, and it is mine as well. I enjoy assisting and serving others in the areas I can. This gift directed me to become a nurse and one day an educator in the field. Nursing is the field of medicine where the medical professional takes time to listen first, then educates the person on how our life's everyday choices have an impact on the physical body's longevity. These choices include what we eat, how we behave or think and how much we exercise. As a nurse, it would be my duty to steer people in the right direction to preserve their health. To do this I will become a registered nurse, which I am currently working on. Next, I will work in underserved populations as a public health or a community nurse where having a formal education and knowledge of health and wellness is not well known. I will continue my education and earn my master's degree in science of nursing or my doctorate in Nursing to be an educator and have patients of my own. My goal is to serve and teach individuals how to live healthily in their culture, whether it be my own or another. I do not desire others to denounce their culture to be healthy. I desire others to integrate health and wellness into their lives so they can live on to preserve their culture. This scholarship will aid me in reaching my goal of becoming all these things and more.