This was an interesting concept to read being a "Millennial". I couldn't agree more. The older generation created some issues that I feel like I myself being a Millennial have to "clean up" if you will. We Millennials are innovators. We go out and get it by any means necessary. I feel as though I wasn't taught certain things by my parents, leaving me having to figure things out independently, trial and error! One of the main things I had to educate myself on was financial literacy and creating wealth for my children and generations to come. This is something I was never taught by my mom, my dad or my grandmother because they didn't know much about it. Millennials essentially paved the way for the Gen-Z generation. We're open, outspoken and do it OUR WAY!!! I feel as though, being a Millennial has the best of both worlds; some knowledge and wisdom from our elders plus the ability to make our own plans and create our own destiny, without caring what others say, think or believe. When it comes to the digital age, Millennials pave the way and Gen-Z follows using their tech savvy skills. Together we redefine the norms, shaping the world for future generations! Branching out from life as I knew it to be, staying in one place was unfulfilling to me. I'm proud to say, that I am the first out of 10 siblings to graduate high school, move from my hometown, get accepted into nursing school and to be graduating and completing my BSN in less than 6 months! Not to mention I am first generation college student. If that's not creating my own destiny, I'm not sure what is! I am very proud to be a MILLENNIAL !!!!!

@kippiewilliams

Hello, my name is Kurtisha Brown and I have a personal reason as to why nursing is important to me and why I feel as though nursing chose me. Nursing, a profession that embodies compassion, empathy, and the power to make a difference, has always held a special place in my heart. From a young age, I witnessed the transformative impact nurses had on patients' lives, and it was this firsthand experience that led me to choose nursing as my career path. The decision to pursue nursing is deeply rooted in my passion for helping others, my commitment to healthcare advocacy, and my desire to contribute positively to society. First and foremost, nursing offers me the opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need. The idea of being there for patients during their most vulnerable moments and offering comfort, care, and support resonates deeply with my values. I believe that each patient is more than just a medical case; they are individuals with unique stories, fears, and hopes. By becoming a nurse, I can forge meaningful connections and provide holistic care that addresses not only their physical needs but also their emotional well-being. My youngest brother was born prematurely. So I would visit him at the hospital every day when my mom would go. Granted I had other siblings but out of all 8 of my siblings, I was the only one willing and excited to go every day. I would help my mom feed him, hold him, and rock him to sleep. This was the highlight of my day every day after school. Seeing the lack of care and attention the NICU nurse provided made me want to make a difference specifically as a NICU nurse so that's exactly what I plan to do! The importance of nursing to me goes beyond a profession; it's a calling that allows me to contribute to society in a meaningful way. I am drawn to the continuous learning that nursing offers, as medical knowledge is ever-evolving. Embracing lifelong learning means that I can remain at the forefront of medical advancements, ensuring that I provide the best possible care to my patients. Furthermore, nursing provides an avenue for personal and professional growth. The challenges that nurses face daily—from making split-second decisions to working in high-stress environments—help build resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, I anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and honing my ability to work effectively in diverse settings. Ultimately, my decision to choose nursing is driven by my aspiration to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. The privilege of being part of someone's journey toward health and healing is an honor that I hold with great humility. Whether it's tending to a newborn's first cries, offering solace to a terminally ill patient, or working to prevent diseases through education, nursing provides a canvas through which I can create a legacy of empathy, advocacy, and compassionate care. In conclusion, choosing nursing is not just a career decision; it's a manifestation of my values, aspirations, and commitment to humanity. Through nursing, I intend to contribute to the well-being of individuals, stand as an advocate for those in need, and be a catalyst for positive change within the healthcare system. The journey ahead is both challenging and rewarding, and I am prepared to embark on it with dedication, resilience, and an unwavering passion to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Thank you!

A little bit about myself, as a child growing up with 10 other siblings, being the first to graduate high school and move from my hometown to go to college, and being accepted into nursing school, I know I have a plan and a purpose to help others. It is a great feeling to be able to say those words. I have siblings older than me and younger than me, so I find myself having to push myself to be a role model for my younger siblings even without having that older influence and motivation from my older siblings. My degree will enable me to be able to give back and build a birthing center. My birthing center will provide financial assistance to those wanting to have natural births in the community but cannot afford it. I plan to make a positive impact on the world throughout my nursing career because I am the type of person who will help anyone in any situation if I am able to. I tend to put others' needs before mine, and some may say this is a curse rather than a blessing, but I look at it as "my purpose". Being such a giving and selfless person will benefit me in my life journey as a NICU Nurse and clinic owner. I say this because, for most if not all of the parents who have babies in the NICU, this is one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, so having someone there who is going to motivate them as well as provide them the courage as well as encouraging words at a time like this makes all the difference. Sadly some of the babies don't make it out of the NICU and being a selfless individual will benefit the parents. Being able to provide empathy and sympathy will give them the strength to continue fighting and the strength to be strong even when they feel like it is impossible to go on. As a Birthing Center owner, being selfless will ensure that the mothers admitted to my clinic will be given the best care and that their needs will be met in each and every situation. Giving birth requires the mother to be in an extremely vulnerable state, and I will make sure that they have the best birthing experience there is to offer. Not only for the mom, but the partner as well, I mean after all they are the ones experiencing the pregnancy as well. Additionally, I know I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will assist me with paying for much-needed supplies such as books, lab coats, study materials and tuition. I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity.

I have lots of education and I will use this knowledge for good, to inspire future generations. I will do this by sharing knowledge and information with others. Education is one of the most powerful tools that can be used to create positive change. I will always encourage others to pursue their passions and provide them with the necessary resources to achieve their goals whether it be financial assistance or helping with knowledge. I will volunteer my time and resources to help those in need, by helping in any way possible at local charities or organizations and participate in community service projects. I will advocate for social justice and speak out against discrimination and inequality. I will also support organizations that work to promote social justice and human rights. My career goals are to finish my Bachelor’s in Nursing and become a Neonatal ICU Nurse, shortly after I will open my own birthing center to provide natural birthing options for families who cannot afford to do so. I chose to become a nurse because I have a natural inclination to care for others and want to make a positive impact on people's lives. Ultimately, the decision to become a nurse is a personal one that depends on individual interests, values, and aspirations. For me, choosing to become a nurse was something I felt was my purpose. My youngest brother was born prematurely and being at the hospital with my mom every day, being able to hold him, feed him, and assist the nurses in his care is what grew my passion for this career of choice. I am the first out of 11 children (yes, my mom has 11 kids), to graduate high school, move to another city for college, graduate with an Associate’s degree, and be accepted into a very competitive nursing school. This is something that I am so proud of myself for doing, as this journey has not been an easy one, but with the help and support of my fiancé and family when needed, I will continue to do what needs to be done and make my family proud. In doing this I am also able to be the motivation and set the example for my younger siblings to look up to, as my older siblings did not complete high school nor make the decision to go to college. My personal goals are to take care of my mom and grandmother as they’ve sacrificed so much for me and my siblings so it's only right that I give them everything and provide for them just as they’ve done for me. Also, to give back to my fiancé for always giving me help, love, and support especially financially, since I decided to leave my previous job and focus on school. As you can imagine, the decision to put school before working since my previous job would not accommodate my school schedule was a major decision for me and the funds from this scholarship will help me tremendously by funding my books and other supplies for nursing school, enable me to get caught up past due bills, give back to the people that has helped me while in school, as well as pay my tithes to church. Ultimately, everyone has the power to make a positive impact on the world. By using our talents and education to promote positive change, we can create a better world for future generations. Thank you for this opportunity.

The dream version of myself? That's a loaded question but to simplify it, I am a part-time Travel NICU Nurse. I am the owner of a prestigious birthing center as well as a point-of-care clinic and medspa that specializes in IV hydration treatments. I am happily married and we have 2 wonderful and beautiful children. I donate to a charity and non-profit organization every quarter and take care of my family. I am truly happy with my life and take pride in giving back to my community and showing the goodness of God.

In a world often characterized by its fast pace and individualistic tendencies, community bonds are more important than ever. My involvement in my local church has been a transformative journey that has not only enriched my spiritual life but has also enabled me to serve my community in meaningful ways. My journey began when I first stepped into my local church. The warmth of the congregation, the sense of belonging, and the shared values instantly resonated with me. Engaging in worship services, Bible studies, and fellowship events, I found myself not only deepening my faith but also forging connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These interactions provided the foundation for my growth as both a spiritual and community-oriented individual. As my involvement within the church deepened, I began to recognize the importance of community service as a fundamental expression of faith. The teachings of compassion, empathy, and selflessness that I imbibed from my church experiences guided me toward seeking opportunities to contribute beyond the confines of the congregation. This marked a turning point in my journey, where I realized that the values, I practiced within the church were directly applicable to making a positive impact on the broader community. Informed by my church's teachings, I started participating in various community service initiatives. Whether it was volunteering at local shelters, organizing food drives, or participating in neighborhood cleanup projects, I began to witness the tangible effects of my actions on those in need. By embodying the principles of love and kindness I learned within my church, I found myself playing a role in uplifting the less fortunate and spreading positivity. My involvement in the church significantly expanded my social circle. The friendships and partnerships formed within the congregation became valuable assets in my community service endeavors. Collaborating with like-minded individuals, both from the church and the community, allowed us to pool our resources and talents for more substantial impact. These collaborative efforts underscored the power of shared values in strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of togetherness. As I continued to engage in various church activities and community service projects, I noticed a transformation within myself. The experiences challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, develop leadership skills, and refine my ability to empathize and communicate effectively. This personal growth further fueled my commitment to serve, as I recognized that by continuously evolving, I could make a more significant and lasting difference in the lives of others. Over time, I realized that my commitment to community service was not just about fulfilling a duty, but also about inspiring positive change in others. Through my involvement in the church and its outreach programs, I became a visible example of how faith-based values could translate into meaningful actions. This served as an inspiration to fellow church members and community residents alike, encouraging them to also become agents of change. My journey of involvement in my local church has been a remarkable one, characterized by personal growth, connection, and a profound commitment to community service. The principles of compassion, empathy, and selflessness that I learned within the church environment have not only enriched my spiritual life but have empowered me to contribute to the betterment of my community. As I continue on this journey, I am reminded that by bridging the gap between faith and community, I can continue to be a beacon of positive change, fostering unity, compassion, and hope in a world that greatly needs it.

Education is one of the most powerful tools that can be used to create positive change. I will always encourage others to pursue their passions and provide them with the necessary resources to achieve their goals whether it be financial assistance or helping with knowledge. I will volunteer my time and resources to help those in need, by helping in any way possible at local charities or organizations and participate in community service projects. I will advocate for social justice and speak out against discrimination and inequality. My career goals are to finish my Bachelor’s in Nursing and become a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurse, shortly after I will open my own birthing center to provide natural birthing options for families who cannot afford to do so. Some people may choose to become a nurse because they have a natural inclination to care for others and want to make a positive impact on people's lives. Others may be drawn to nursing because of the variety of opportunities available within the field, such as working in hospitals, clinics, schools, or home healthcare settings. Nursing can also be a rewarding career in terms of job stability and financial compensation. Ultimately, the decision to become a nurse is a personal one that depends on individual interests, values, and aspirations. For me, choosing to become a nurse was something I felt was my purpose. My youngest brother was born prematurely and being at the hospital with my mom every day, being able to hold him, feed him, and assist the nurses in his care is what grew my passion for this career of choice. I am the first out of 11 children (yes, my mom has 11 kids), to graduate high school, move to another city for college, graduate with an Associate’s degree, and be accepted into a very competitive nursing school. This is something that I am so proud of myself for doing, as this journey has not been an easy one, but with the help and support of my fiancé and family when needed, I will continue to do what needs to be done and make my family proud. In doing this I am also able to be the motivation and set the example for my younger siblings to look up to, as my older siblings did not complete high school nor make the decision to go to college. My personal goals are to take care of my mom and grandmother as they’ve sacrificed so much for me and my siblings so it's only right that I give them everything and provide for them just as they’ve done for me. Also, to give back to my fiancé for always giving me help, love, and support especially financially, since I decided to leave my previous job and focus on school. As you can imagine, the decision to put school before working since my previous job would not accommodate my school schedule was a major decision for me and the funds from this scholarship will help me tremendously by funding my books and other supplies for nursing school, enable me to get caught up past due bills, give back to the people that has helped me while in school, as well as pay my tithes to the church. Ultimately, everyone has the power to make a positive impact on the world. By using our talents and education to promote positive change, we can create a better world for future generations. Thank you for this opportunity, Kurtisha Brown.

Hello, my name is Kurtisha Brown and I have a personal reason as to why nursing is important to me and why I feel as though nursing chose me. Nursing, a profession that embodies compassion, empathy, and the power to make a difference, has always held a special place in my heart. From a young age, I witnessed the transformative impact nurses had on patients' lives, and it was this firsthand experience that led me to choose nursing as my career path. The decision to pursue nursing is deeply rooted in my passion for helping others, my commitment to healthcare advocacy, and my desire to contribute positively to society. First and foremost, nursing offers me the opportunity to extend a helping hand to those in need. The idea of being there for patients during their most vulnerable moments and offering comfort, care, and support resonates deeply with my values. I believe that each patient is more than just a medical case; they are individuals with unique stories, fears, and hopes. By becoming a nurse, I can forge meaningful connections and provide holistic care that addresses not only their physical needs but also their emotional well-being. My youngest brother was born prematurely. So I would visit him at the hospital every day when my mom would go. Granted I had other siblings but out of all 8 of my siblings, I was the only one willing and excited to go every day. I would help my mom feed him, hold him, and rock him to sleep. This was the highlight of my day every day after school. Seeing the lack of care and attention the NICU nurse provided made me want to make a difference specifically as a NICU nurse so that's exactly what I plan to do! The importance of nursing to me goes beyond a profession; it's a calling that allows me to contribute to society in a meaningful way. I am drawn to the continuous learning that nursing offers, as medical knowledge is ever-evolving. Embracing lifelong learning means that I can remain at the forefront of medical advancements, ensuring that I provide the best possible care to my patients. Furthermore, nursing provides an avenue for personal and professional growth. The challenges that nurses face daily—from making split-second decisions to working in high-stress environments—help build resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Through collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, I anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and honing my ability to work effectively in diverse settings. Ultimately, my decision to choose nursing is driven by my aspiration to make a positive impact on individuals and communities. The privilege of being part of someone's journey toward health and healing is an honor that I hold with great humility. Whether it's tending to a newborn's first cries, offering solace to a terminally ill patient, or working to prevent diseases through education, nursing provides a canvas through which I can create a legacy of empathy, advocacy, and compassionate care. In conclusion, choosing nursing is not just a career decision; it's a manifestation of my values, aspirations, and commitment to humanity. Through nursing, I intend to contribute to the well-being of individuals, stand as an advocate for those in need, and be a catalyst for positive change within the healthcare system. The journey ahead is both challenging and rewarding, and I am prepared to embark on it with dedication, resilience, and an unwavering passion to make a lasting impact on the lives of others. Thank you!

Hello, my name is Kurtisha and I believe the first step in addressing any social issue is to educate oneself about the problem at hand. This involves learning about the history, causes, and consequences. Since I am both African American and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I chose racism and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals to focus on. It also includes self-reflecting on any personal biases or misconceptions that might need to be addressed. Ways that I am working to address this important social issue are by: 1. Raising awareness about these issues is crucial to sparking conversations and change. This can involve sharing educational resources, articles, and personal stories on social media platforms or within your community. Creating informative content can help dispel myths and stereotypes, promoting empathy and understanding. 2. Creating safe spaces where people can openly discuss their experiences and concerns is essential, by organizing workshops, discussion groups, and events that foster dialogue and provide support for those affected by racism or discrimination. 3. Supporting organizations that work directly with LGBTQ+ individuals can make a significant impact on not only our community but other communities as well. 4. Promoting cultural sensitivity and inclusivity is vital in addressing racism and discrimination. Encouraging workplaces, educational institutions, and communities to adopt inclusive policies and practices helps create environments where everyone feels valued and respected. 5. Collaboration with like-minded individuals, community groups, and organizations can amplify your efforts. By working together, you can pool resources, share strategies, and create a larger impact. 6. Addressing these issues sometimes requires having uncomfortable conversations with friends, family members, or colleagues who may hold discriminatory views. Engaging in respectful and constructive dialogues can challenge biases and promote understanding. Being a part of both the African American and LGBTQ+ communities, it is my duty to advocate for both and to ensure that any injustice is recognized and handled appropriately. Although thankfully I haven't experienced any injustice or discrimination personally whether it be racism or discrimination because of sexual preference, many of my family members and peers have. So it is important for me to do my part in addressing these social issues, not only for me but also for my children and the generations to come. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to apply for such a scholarship that allows me to highlight the great things I am a part of, in hopes of making a difference. If I am chosen as a recipient of this scholarship, I will make great use of the funds to help fund my education expenses. Thank you

volunteering can have a positive impact on individuals by providing them with the opportunity to develop new skills, gain a sense of purpose, and make a difference in their community. It can also increase empathy and compassion towards others. Working as a volunteer in the NICU has really changed my perspective on what it takes to not only work in the NICU but to also be a mother or father to a child in the NICU. Getting a firsthand look on what the day-to-day life is of a NICU nurse with something that was very new to me, but I was very eager to learn and adapt. Some of the newborns in the NICU may not have a mother or the mother may have started back working which means the entire well-being of that newborn is in the hands of us NICU nurses and volunteers. This includes bathing the newborns, feeding the newborn, skin to skin with the newborns, and all of the above that the mother may not physically be able to do. Being able to provide this type of care and step in to care for these critically ill newborns when the family cant was something I fell in love with which is what prompted my choice in wanting to go to school for nursing , NICU nursing to be exact. I am really grateful I was giving the opportunity to be a NICU Nurse volunteer as being given this opportunity was a long and tedious task especially due to COVID. Scholarships are often necessary for individuals who may not have the financial resources to pursue their educational goals without assistance. Scholarships can help alleviate the burden of educational expenses, allowing individuals such as myself to focus on their studies and achieve their full potential. This scholarship would be greatly beneficial to me, as being a college student that has decided to leave work and focus solely on school due to my heavy workload and doing close to 30 clinical hours a week it was difficult for me to continue working a full time job. So ensuring that all of my courses are paid for as well as my materials such as lab coats and other tools such as books and medical material is vital for me. Additionally, I know I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will assist me with paying for much needed supplies such as books, lab coats, study materials and tuition. I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity.

A little bit about myself, as a child growing up with 10 other siblings, and being the first to graduate high school and move from my hometown to go to college, and being accepted into nursing school, I know I have a plan and a purpose to help others. It is a great feeling to be able to say those words. I have siblings older than me and younger than me, so I find myself having to push myself in being that role model for my younger siblings even without having that older influence and motivation from my older siblings. My degree will enable me to be able to give back and build a birthing center. My birthing center will provide financial assistance to those wanting to have natural births in the community but cannot afford it. I plan to make a positive impact on the world throughout my nursing career because I am the type of person who will help anyone in any situation if I am able to. I tend to put others' needs before mine, and some may say this is a curse rather than a blessing, but I look at it as "my purpose". Being such a giving and selfless person will benefit me in my life journey as a NICU Nurse and clinic owner. I say this because, for most if not all of the parents who have babies in the NICU, this is one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, so having someone there that is going to motivate them as well as provide them the courage as well as encouraging words at a time like this makes all the difference. Sadly some of the babies don't make it out of the NICU and being a selfless individual will benefit the parents. Being able to provide empathy and sympathy will give them the strength to continue fighting and the strength to be strong even when they feel like it is impossible to go on. As a Birthing Center owner, being selfless will ensure that the mothers admitted to my clinic will be given the best care, and their needs will be met in each and every situation. Giving birth requires the mother to be in an extremely vulnerable state, and I will make sure that they have the best birthing experience there is to offer. Not only for the mom, but the partner as well, I mean after all they are the ones experiencing the pregnancy as well. Additionally, I know I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will assist me with paying for much needed supplies such as books, lab coats, study materials and tuition. I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity.

A little bit about myself, as a child growing up with 10 other siblings, and being the first to graduate high school and move from my hometown to go to college, and being accepted into nursing school, I know I have a plan and a purpose to help others. It is a great feeling to be able to say those words. I have siblings older than me and younger than me, so I find myself having to push myself in being that role model for my younger siblings even without having that older influence and motivation from my older siblings. My degree will enable me to be able to give back and build a birthing center. My birthing center will provide financial assistance to those wanting to have natural births in the community but cannot afford it. I plan to make a positive impact on the world throughout my nursing career because I am the type of person who will help anyone in any situation if I am able to. I tend to put others' needs before mine, and some may say this is a curse rather than a blessing, but I look at it as "my purpose". Being such a giving and selfless person will benefit me in my life journey as a NICU Nurse and clinic owner. I say this because, for most if not all of the parents who have babies in the NICU, this is one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, so having someone there that is going to motivate them as well as provide them the courage as well as encouraging words at a time like this makes all the difference. Sadly some of the babies don't make it out of the NICU and being a selfless individual will benefit the parents. Being able to provide empathy and sympathy will give them the strength to continue fighting and the strength to be strong even when they feel like it is impossible to go on. As a Birthing Center owner, being selfless will ensure that the mothers admitted to my clinic will be given the best care, and their needs will be met in each and every situation. Giving birth requires the mother to be in an extremely vulnerable state, and I will make sure that they have the best birthing experience there is to offer. Not only for the mom, but the partner as well, I mean after all they are the ones experiencing the pregnancy as well. Additionally, I know I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will assist me with paying for much needed supplies such as books, lab coats, study materials and tuition. I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity.

A little bit about myself, as a child growing up with 10 other siblings, and being the first to graduate high school and move from my hometown to go to college, and being accepted into nursing school, I know I have a plan and a purpose to help others. It is a great feeling to be able to say those words. I have siblings older than me and younger than me, so I find myself having to push myself in being that role model for my younger siblings even without having that older influence and motivation from my older siblings. My degree will enable me to be able to give back and build a birthing center. My birthing center will provide financial assistance to those wanting to have natural births in the community but cannot afford it. I plan to make a positive impact on the world throughout my nursing career because I am the type of person who will help anyone in any situation if I am able to. I tend to put others' needs before mine, and some may say this is a curse rather than a blessing, but I look at it as "my purpose". Being such a giving and selfless person will benefit me in my life journey as a NICU Nurse and clinic owner. I say this because, for most if not all of the parents who have babies in the NICU, this is one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, so having someone there that is going to motivate them as well as provide them the courage as well as encouraging words at a time like this makes all the difference. Sadly some of the babies don't make it out of the NICU and being a selfless individual will benefit the parents. Being able to provide empathy and sympathy will give them the strength to continue fighting and the strength to be strong even when they feel like it is impossible to go on. As a Birthing Center owner, being selfless will ensure that the mothers admitted to my clinic will be given the best care, and their needs will be met in each and every situation. Giving birth requires the mother to be in an extremely vulnerable state, and I will make sure that they have the best birthing experience there is to offer. Not only for the mom, but the partner as well, I mean after all they are the ones experiencing the pregnancy as well. Additionally, I know I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will assist me with paying for much needed supplies such as books, lab coats, study materials and tuition. I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity.

A little bit about myself, as a child growing up with 10 other siblings, and being the first to graduate high school and move from my hometown to go to college, and being accepted into nursing school, I know I have a plan and a purpose to help others. It is a great feeling to be able to say those words. I have siblings older than me and younger than me, so I find myself having to push myself in being that role model for my younger siblings even without having that older influence and motivation from my older siblings. I plan to make a positive impact on the world throughout my nursing career because I am the type of person who will help anyone in any situation if I am able to. I tend to put others' needs before mine, and some may say this is a curse rather than a blessing, but I look at it as "my purpose". Being such a giving and selfless person will benefit me in my life journey as a NICU Nurse and clinic owner. I say this because, for most if not all of the parents who have babies in the NICU, this is one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, so having someone there that is going to motivate them as well as provide them the courage as well as encouraging words at a time like this makes all the difference. Sadly some of the babies don't make it out of the NICU and being a selfless individual will benefit the parents. Being able to provide empathy and sympathy will give them the strength to continue fighting and the strength to be strong even when they feel like it is impossible to go on. As a Birthing Center owner, being selfless will ensure that the mothers admitted to my clinic will be given the best care, and their needs will be met in each and every situation. Giving birth requires the mother to be in an extremely vulnerable state, and I will make sure that they have the best birthing experience there is to offer. Not only for the mom, but the partner as well, I mean after all they are the ones experiencing the pregnancy as well. Additionally, I know I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will assist me with paying for much needed supplies such as books, lab coats, study materials and tuition. I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity.

Hi, my name is Kurtisha, being an African American woman in the healthcare field holds its own weight! As a child, I knew I always wanted to work in the nursing industry. When I would see my grandmother coming home from work with her white scrubs and stethoscope around her neck, I knew that was something that I wanted to do not realizing exactly what it is I want it to specialize in. My grandmother worked in a nursing home and boy did she have some stories to tell. Nevertheless, I knew that in the midst of all the stories she would tell me, the main thing she would pride herself on was being able to help and care for others. Being there for others when they couldn't feed themselves bathe themselves, dress themselves and give them companionship when the families failed to do so. Some stories that I remember vividly was when my grandmother would talk about how being an African American working in the nursing field was very challenging for her. She talked about how she was treated sometimes by higher-ups and also by other races that felt as though they were more educated or superior to her. My grandmother never let the naysayers stop her from doing what she loved, and she became one of the top workers at the nursing home she was employed. Remembering all the stories that my grandmother went through motivates me today, especially with wanting to pursue a career working as a PA. The things that my grandmother went through in her career, and still being able to come out on top pushes me to the best of my abilities. My personal identity will influence my interactions in the healthcare setting and goals as a future PA because as an African American PA, it'll make me more personable, more empathetic, more understanding, more grateful and allow me to put myself and others' shoes the same way my grandmother did while working as a nurse. Seeing all the things that my grandmother overcame working as an African American nurse and how she didn't let anything or anyone’s own opinions about her stop her from being the best she could be. I want to thank you for allowing me time to share my story with you and I hope that I am selected as not only a finalist but as the winner to receive this scholarship.

The characteristic I value most in myself is being selfless. The definition of selfless according to Google.com says, "concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own; unselfish." This truly embodies who I am as a person. I am the type of person who will help anyone in any situation if I am able to. I have the tendency to put others' needs before mine, and some may say this is a curse rather than a blessing, but I look at it as "my purpose". Being such a giving and selfless person will benefit me in my life journey as a NICU Nurse and clinic owner. I say this because, for most if not all of the parents who have babies in the NICU, this is one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, so having someone there that is going to motivate them as well as provide to them the courage as well as encouraging words at a time like this makes all the difference. Sadly some of the babies don't make it out the NICU and being a selfless individual will benefit the parents. Being able to provide empathy and sympathy will give them the strength to continue fighting and the strength to be strong even when they feel like its impossible to go on. As a Birthing Center owner, being selfless will ensure that the mothers admitted to my clinic will be given the best care, their needs will be met in each and every situation. Giving birth requires the mother to be in an extremely vulnerable state, and I will make sure that they have the best birthing experience there is to offer. Not only for the mom, but the partner as well, I mean after all they are the ones experiencing the pregnancy as well. As a child growing up with 10 other siblings, and being the first to graduate high school and move from my hometown to go to college, and being accepted into nursing school, I know I have a plan and a purpose to help others. Its a great feeling to be able to say those words. Additionally, I know I am a great candidate for this scholarship because it will assist me with paying for much needed supplies such as books, lab coats, study materials and tuition. I am grateful and thank you for the opportunity.