My “pie in the sky dream” isn’t glamorous or unrealistic, but in the world we live in today, it can sometimes feel hard to reach. My dream is simply to be able to take care of my daughter and truly be present in her life. As a single mother and a full-time student, getting ahead often feels like an uphill battle, but that dream is what keeps me going. I don’t dream of luxury or excess. I dream of stability. I want to be financially secure enough to take a day off without stress and spend it relaxing with my child. I want to be able to enroll her in a dance class and sit through rehearsals, watching her do something she loves. I want the freedom to choose the right school for her one that fits her needs and helps her grow without constantly worrying about whether I can afford it. These may seem like small things, but to me, they mean everything. Right now, life requires constant sacrifice. Between school, work, and parenting, there isn’t much room to pause. Still, I push forward because I know that what I’m building is not just for me, but for her. I want to show my daughter what perseverance looks like. I want her to grow up knowing that hard work, determination, and education can change the direction of your life. This dream is not about having more it’s about having enough. Enough time. Enough security. Enough peace of mind to be present in the moments that matter most. I believe that education is the path that will help me reach that place, and every step I take brings me closer to giving my daughter the life she deserves. Achieving this dream would not only change our day-to-day life, but it would also give me the ability to show up as the best version of myself as a mother and future nurse. Financial stability and balance would allow me to focus more on my education, my career, and my daughter without constantly feeling stretched thin. It would give me the chance to slow down, be present, and fully appreciate the moments that matter most. More than anything, reaching this goal would mean knowing that my daughter is secure, supported, and surrounded by love, and that the sacrifices made along the way were worth it. My “pie in the sky dream” is simple, but it is powerful. It’s rooted in love, responsibility, and hope for a better future one where my daughter and I can truly thrive, together.

My name is Lashia Campbell, and I am a 26-year-old African American woman furthering my education to become a Registered Nurse. Years ago, I would have approached a question like this by trying to write the perfect paragraph using long impressive words. Life has taught me that building a more empathetic and understanding global community does not start with sounding smart it starts with showing genuine love, care, and real concern for people. I currently work for a after school program at a community center for less fortunate children in my neighborhood.IM the bus driver so I'm the first person the kids see when I pick them up and the last person they see when I drop them off. These kids are smart, creative, and full of potential, but many of them do not have consistent support systems or adults who truly take the time to care. Working with them has shown me how powerful Love and patience really are. Sometimes the most important thing I can do is listen. Sometime that's all they want is someone to listen. By hearing their stories, encouraging them to believe in themselves, and creating a safe space where they feel valued, I help them feel seen and understood. One of my biggest strengths is my ability to connect with people who feel overlooked. Whether I am helping with homework, mentoring, or simply being present, I focus on building trust through kindness and understanding. These moments may seem small, but they matter. I believe in the domino effect. When you positively impact one person, it can create a chain reaction of change. Spreading love to one person can inspire them to pass that same love on to someone else. As I continue my education, I plan to carry these values with me into the nursing field. Nursing is not just about medical skills; it is about compassion, patience, and understanding people during their most vulnerable moments. I want to be the kind of nurse who listens, advocates, and treats every patient with dignity and respect, no matter their background. On a larger scale, I hope to use my voice and experiences to connect with people from diverse communities and cultures. By leading with empathy, I want to help break down barriers and promote understanding wherever I go. I truly believe that creating a more caring world starts with individual actions. It only takes one person to make a difference. It only takes you.

My name is Lashia Campbell, and I am a 25-year-old single mother fueled by a fierce determination to create a better life for my daughter and myself. This journey has not been easy. It has been filled with challenges and heartbreaks that have forged a resilient woman from the depths of struggle. After high school, I enrolled in community college, unsure of my true calling. As I navigated through various classes, I worked at a group home for adults with disabilities. There, I witnessed the incredible strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, which inspired me deeply. The joy I found in giving back and helping others was a small light in a tumultuous period of my life. At 19, overwhelmed by life’s demands and financial instability, I took a break from my studies. I lost my home and felt lost, deciding to drop out of school while diving full time into the workforce. The next five years became a rollercoaster of highs and lows that truly tested my spirit and faith. I poured my heart into my work as a CNA in healthcare, providing care for others, yet I returned each day to a toxic relationship with an alcoholic who undermined my worth. Degraded me as a person.The weight of each passing day became unbearable to abide to. I felt as though I was drowning in despair, consumed by negativity, trapped in a life that effected my spirit.Each day was a battle.I forgot who I was.I forgot my passions being consumed by low vibrational energy.I couldn't believe That light hearted funny little girl turned into a hopeless demoralized woman. However, everything changed the day I discovered I was pregnant with a little girl.Such a precious thing to carry a child.At 24, when I held her in my arms, I experienced a profound awakening. Gazing into her innocent eyes, I realized I wanted to become the role model she could look up to someone who embodies strength, resilience, and love. Recognizing that I had to relearn how to love myself to show her how to love herself, I left her father’s home and moved back with my mother.Somewhere I haven't been in almost 7 years. Driven by faith and a desire for a brighter future, I applied to Eastern Michigan University. Within just three months, this transformative environment empowered me to rebuild my dreams. As I embraced my new role as a student, I became passionate about advocating for women’s issues, driven by my experiences as a survivor. If I can rise from that dark time in my life, I wholeheartedly believe anyone can find their way out and thrive. My story serves as a testament to hope, resilience, and the belief that brighter days are always ahead. After every storm comes a bloom of flowers. Together, we can overcome darkness and embrace the light, for there is always hope in the shadows.

My name is Lashia Campbell, and I am a 25-year-old single mother fueled by a fierce determination to create a better life for my daughter and myself. This journey has not been easy; it has been filled with challenges and heartbreaks that have forged a resilient woman from the depths of struggle. After high school, I enrolled in community college, unsure of my true calling. As I navigated through various classes, I worked at a group home for adults with disabilities. There, I witnessed the incredible strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity, which inspired me deeply. The joy I found in giving back and helping others was a small light in a tumultuous period of my life. At 19, overwhelmed by life’s demands and financial instability, I took a break from my studies. I lost my home and felt lost, deciding to drop out of school while diving full-time into the workforce. The next five years became a rollercoaster of highs and lows that truly tested my spirit and faith. I poured my heart into my work as a CNA in healthcare, providing care for others, yet I returned each day to a toxic relationship with an alcoholic who undermined my worth. The weight of each passing day became unbearable; I felt as though I was drowning in despair, consumed by negativity, trapped in a life that stifled my spirit. However, everything changed the day I discovered I was pregnant with a little girl. At 24, when I held her in my arms, I experienced a profound awakening. Gazing into her innocent eyes, I realized I wanted to become the role model she could look up to—someone who embodies strength, resilience, and love. Recognizing that I had to relearn how to love myself to show her how to love herself, I left her father’s home and sought refuge with my mother. Driven by faith and a desire for a brighter future, I applied to Eastern Michigan University. Within just three months, this transformative environment empowered me to rebuild my dreams. As I embraced my new role as a student, I became passionate about advocating for women’s issues, driven by my experiences as a survivor. If I can rise from the depths of despair, I wholeheartedly believe anyone can find their way out and thrive. My story serves as a testament to hope, resilience, and the belief that brighter days are always ahead. After every storm comes a bloom of flowers. Together, we can overcome darkness and embrace the light, for there is always hope in the shadows.

My name is Lashia Campbell. I am 26 years old and the proud mother of a beautiful daughter who inspires me every day to be the best version of myself. I am currently pursuing a degree in nursing, with the goal of becoming an elementary school nurse. My dream is to combine my passion for healthcare with my deep love for working with children, creating a career where I can truly make a difference in both health and education. Caretaking and teaching run deeply in my family. My mother, a devoted teacher for children with disabilities, also served as a caretaker for disabled adults. Watching her pour her heart into her work taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and service.Growing up in this environment, I naturally developed a strong sense of empathy and a calling to care for others. Her example laid the foundation for my own journey into nursing and becoming the best caretaker I can become. My motivation to enter the medical field was deeply solidified in 2020, when my grandfather passed away. That experience changed everything for me. He was not treated with the dignity and attentiveness he deserved during his most vulnerable moments, and witnessing that was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Even in his suffering, my grandfather displayed remarkable strength and courage. His bravery inspired me to take action—to become the kind of nurse who ensures that no patient feels overlooked or uncared for. From that painful experience, a fire was lit inside me. I made a promise to myself that I would be a nurse who provides not only high-quality care, but also kindness, respect, and comfort. I want to be the steady, compassionate presence for someone else’s loved one—the way I wish someone had been for my grandfather. Now, as I move through my nursing studies, I carry that purpose with me every day. I believe nursing is more than just a profession; it is a calling. It requires heart, strength, and an unwavering dedication to others. With determination, faith, and the lessons I’ve learned through both hardship and love, I am committed to making a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. As a future elementary school nurse, I hope to be a source of reassurance and care for young students and their families. I want to be someone they can rely on—not just for medical needs, but for a sense of comfort, safety, and support.