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.