From the moment I first held Mrs. Thompson’s hand at the senior living center last summer, I understood the profound impact a kind word and a gentle touch can have on someone’s well-being. As I guided her to the garden bench and listened to her stories of teaching school in rural North Carolina, I realized that nursing is not just about administering medications or charting vital signs; it’s about offering compassion when it’s needed most. My interest in nursing stems from a desire to blend scientific rigor with genuine human connection. In the shadowing experience I completed with my family physician, I observed how nurses not only anticipate clinical needs but also provide comfort and reassurance to patients and their families. Seeing a nurse calm a worried parent while deftly managing a newborn’s assessment showed me that excellent healthcare hinges on empathy as much as expertise. This balance of heart and skill is what draws me to the nursing profession. To build a successful nursing career, I have set both short- and long-term goals. In the next four years, I aim to master foundational clinical skills, such as patient assessment, IV insertion, and evidence-based decision-making, through rigorous coursework and hands-on lab experiences. Concurrently, I will seek leadership roles in campus health organizations to hone my communication and teamwork abilities. Looking ahead, my ultimate ambition is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in underserved communities. In that role, I plan to develop outreach programs that promote preventative care and reduce health disparities, ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of background or income. Thus far, I have taken concrete steps toward these goals. Volunteering at a local senior living center taught me patience, active listening, and adaptability, skills I’ll carry into every clinical rotation. My shadowing experience introduced me to the fast-paced environment of primary care and reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning. Academically, I challenged myself in rigorous science courses through junior year, proving that I can thrive in demanding settings. Nursing appeals to me because it offers a daily opportunity to combine critical thinking with kindness. Whether I am charting a care plan, educating a patient about medication management, or simply offering a comforting presence, I will be guided by a commitment to equity and empathy. With each clinical skill I acquire and every patient interaction I undertake, I move one step closer to fulfilling my dream of serving as a nurse practitioner who not only treats illness but also uplifts the human spirit.

When I was a child and I had to get my first vaccine, the nurse helped me overcome my fear and didn't make me feel crazy because of it. That memory stayed with me. It was the first time I understood how deeply human the work of a nurse really is. I want to pursue a nursing degree because I believe healing goes beyond medicine. It’s about presence, compassion, and truly seeing people for who they are. I’ve always been drawn to helping others, whether that was volunteering at a senior living center, assisting at a local food bank, or simply being a source of comfort to my peers during hard times. Nursing brings together everything I care about: science, service, advocacy, and connection. To prepare for this path, I’ve taken deliberate steps. I shadowed my doctor to gain firsthand insight into patient care. I asked questions, watched how she communicated with patients, and paid attention to how every little interaction mattered. I’ve also spent time volunteering in my community, where I saw the deep need for accessible, empathetic healthcare, especially among underserved populations. I’ve applied to nursing programs at the colleges I was accepted to, determined to continue learning and growing in this field. As a nurse, I want to be an advocate for my community, particularly for people who often feel overlooked or misunderstood in medical spaces. I come from a predominantly Black neighborhood, where healthcare access and trust are major challenges. I’ve seen family and neighbors delay care because they didn’t feel heard or didn’t trust the system. I want to change that. I hope to become a nurse practitioner who not only treats symptoms but also educates, empowers, and builds bridges between patients and providers. Eventually, I’d like to open a community health center that offers free screenings, preventative care, and health education. My goal is to create a space where people can feel safe, respected, and cared for, regardless of their background or income level. I believe health equity starts with trust and representation, and I hope to be part of the generation of nurses who lead that change. This scholarship would ease the financial strain of pursuing nursing school and allow me to focus on what matters most: learning, serving, and becoming the kind of nurse children like me would’ve smiled at. I’m driven not just by ambition, but by the belief that every person deserves to be cared for with dignity and compassion. Through nursing, I want to offer that care and make a lasting impact, one patient at a time.

When I was younger, I didn’t see many people who looked like me wearing scrubs or being introduced as “Nurse Practitioner.” What I did see were neighbors struggling to afford medical care, elders putting off doctors’ visits, and families, especially families of color, left to navigate a system that didn’t always speak their language or honor their experiences. That planted something in me: a calling, not just to enter healthcare, but to change how care is delivered and to whom. Academically, I’ve worked to position myself for a future in nursing. I’ve maintained a strong GPA, challenged myself in classes that build a foundation for science and communication, and sought out opportunities that push me beyond the classroom. I’ve shadowed my doctor, volunteered at a senior living center, and applied to direct-entry nursing programs at the colleges I was accepted into. Every step I’ve taken has been part of a larger vision: to become a nurse practitioner who brings empathy, cultural awareness, and fierce advocacy to every patient interaction. Giving back has never felt like a task to me; it’s always felt like home. Whether volunteering at my local food bank or spending hours with residents at the senior center, I’ve learned the power of simply showing up for people. I didn’t have to be rich, fully grown, or “important” to make a difference; I just had to care. That lesson has stayed with me. It’s what drives me to pursue a profession rooted in service and healing. Seeing how these moments of community service have impacted others has only deepened my desire to do more. I’ve seen people’s faces light up over a warm meal. I’ve had deep conversations with seniors who reminded me how powerful it is just to be heard. These experiences made my dream of nursing tangible. They taught me that change doesn’t start with grand gestures; it begins with consistency, compassion, and presence. As a first-generation college student, earning my degree isn’t just about me. It’s about creating generational momentum. It’s about showing younger kids in my neighborhood what’s possible. I want to be the nurse who listens. The one who explains things without judgment. The one who notices when someone is too afraid to ask for help and offers it anyway. This scholarship would help lighten the load, financially, yes, but also emotionally. It would be a reminder that someone believes in the kind of nurse I hope to become and the world I want to help build: one where care is a right, not a privilege, and where representation isn’t rare, it’s expected.

The summer before my senior year, I volunteered at a senior living center. I expected to help with activities, maybe serve meals or play cards. What I didn’t expect was to witness a level of compassion that would shift the way I viewed care and people in general. There was one resident, Mrs. Louis, who rarely spoke to anyone. She often sat by herself, distant and quiet, and many volunteers, including me, left her alone, assuming she preferred it that way. But one of the nurses, who had worked there for years, made it a point to sit with Mrs. Louis every morning. She didn’t force conversation; she just sat, asked small questions, and offered a gentle presence. Slowly, day by day, Mrs. Louis started to open up. First, with short answers. Then, with stories from her past. She had been a teacher, a mother, and a dancer. She just hadn’t felt seen in a long time. Watching that nurse show up consistently with patience, kindness, and quiet understanding was one of the most moving things I’ve ever witnessed. She treated Mrs. Louis not like a task, but like a whole person. And that, to me, is the heart of compassion: seeing someone for who they are, not just what they need from you. That experience affected me deeply. It made me realize that compassion isn’t always loud or dramatic. Sometimes it’s just being present for someone, without expectation. I had always thought that making an impact had to look big, like saving a life or making a grand gesture. But that nurse reminded me that small moments matter too. A kind word, a listening ear, or a simple presence can completely change someone’s day, or even their outlook on life. Since then, I’ve tried to carry that lesson with me. Whether I’m comforting a friend who’s having a bad day, supporting my classmates, or helping younger students, I remind myself to slow down and show up with intention. Compassion means recognizing that everyone is carrying something and choosing to respond with empathy instead of judgment. As someone planning to go into nursing, this lesson is one I know I’ll return to again and again. The medical field is about more than procedures and medications, it’s about people. Real people with fears, stories, and needs that go beyond the surface. I want to be the kind of nurse who makes my patients feel heard and valued, even in their most vulnerable moments. The time I spent at that senior living center didn’t just help me gain volunteer hours; it helped shape the kind of person and future healthcare worker I want to be. Compassion isn’t something you turn on when it’s convenient; it’s something you build into the way you live. And I’m grateful for the chance to have seen that up close.

The first time I felt truly empowered was when I stepped onto a stage to perform a solo I had choreographed myself. I had poured weeks of work into every movement, and in that moment, I realized I wasn’t just performing, I was leading. I had taken an idea, shaped it, and inspired others to follow. That experience changed the way I saw myself. I wasn’t just a student. I was a leader. And that’s what empowerment means to me: believing in your own voice and helping others find theirs too. Growing up, I often felt like certain opportunities weren’t meant for someone like me. I didn’t come from wealth or connections, and that can make you feel invisible sometimes. But I’ve learned that empowerment is about pushing back against those feelings. It’s about raising your hand even when you're unsure, trying even when you might fail, and believing that you belong in every room you walk into. It’s also about helping others realize they belong too. One place I’ve felt this most is through school leadership and community events. I’ve taken on roles where I help organize performances, collaborate with others, and support underrepresented voices, especially in spaces where we don’t always see young women leading. These experiences have shown me how powerful it can be to stand in your truth, even when it’s hard, and how your courage can give someone else the strength to do the same. Empowerment affects every part of my life. It’s the reason I’ve been able to stay driven, even when things get tough. It’s the reason I’m pursuing a career in nursing. I want to be a nurse because I know how important it is for women to have a seat at the table in fields like healthcare, where empathy, leadership, and innovation are crucial. I plan to use my education to make an impact, whether it’s caring for patients directly or advocating for better healthcare access for underserved communities. Empowerment, for me, is about not just succeeding personally, but helping others do the same. But none of this is possible without access. I’ve worked hard to apply what I’ve learned, financially, academically, and emotionally, but I know that funding is a real obstacle. I’m applying for scholarships not just to ease the burden, but to make sure I can stay focused on my goals and keep growing as a leader. With this opportunity, I will be one step closer to becoming the woman I’ve always dreamed of being: bold, educated, and ready to create change in healthcare. Empowerment is not just a word to me, it’s a mission. It’s what has gotten me this far, and it’s what I plan to keep spreading as I move forward. When women are empowered, we don’t just lift ourselves, we lift everyone around us. I’m ready to empower others in my future career, whether through patient care or leadership in the healthcare field.

I still remember the first time I had to think seriously about money: trying to figure out how I was going to pay for college. That moment forced me to realize how important financial knowledge is, especially when you don’t come from generational wealth. I wasn’t handed a college fund or detailed money advice growing up, but I’ve come to see that this doesn’t have to define my future. Thanks to my economics class, I’ve learned tools that are helping me build financial stability, and I plan to use them not only to make it through college but to break the financial cycle for myself and those after me. One of the most valuable lessons I learned in class was how to plan for big financial decisions, like college. I now understand the importance of comparing financial aid packages, applying for scholarships, and understanding the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Instead of being overwhelmed by college costs, I’ve been able to create a realistic plan: applying for as much financial aid as possible, budgeting carefully while in school, and minimizing student loan debt. It’s not just about getting into college, it’s about getting through it without being buried in debt afterward. Learning to manage money in small ways now, like budgeting, saving, and setting spending limits, is already helping me prepare for the bigger financial responsibilities that come with college life. I’ve started tracking my spending, using budgeting apps, and setting savings goals. These may seem like small habits, but they’re helping me build discipline and awareness, two things I didn’t have before this class. College is more than a degree for me, it’s a stepping stone to long-term stability. I know that by earning a degree in a field I’m passionate about, I’ll have access to better job opportunities and higher earning potential. That, paired with smart financial habits, will allow me to build the kind of future I’ve always dreamed of. It’s not just about personal success, it’s about changing the pattern. I want to be the first in my family to graduate from college without drowning in debt and with a real understanding of how to manage money. Breaking the cycle means creating a new standard in my family: one where we talk about saving, credit, investing, and planning for the future. I want to be able to help my siblings and future children avoid the confusion and stress I felt. My goal isn’t just to survive financially, it’s to thrive and help others do the same. What I’ve learned in economics gave me more than financial tips; it gave me hope. Hope that with careful planning, hard work, and the right tools, I can take control of my future and rewrite the financial story for myself and my family.

Some people are born into opportunity. Others, like Jack Terry and I, are born into struggle and choose to make something beautiful out of it. Reading Jack Terry’s story felt like looking at a map of resilience. Orphaned, alone, and a survivor of unimaginable trauma, he still found the strength to learn a new language, pursue education, serve his country, and help others heal. That’s the kind of strength I aspire to. Jack’s life taught me that it doesn’t matter where you start; it matters how fiercely you keep going. Growing up, I often felt like I had to downplay my reality. I never wanted friends to know that I lived in a one-story house in a neighborhood some call “the hood.” I didn’t want them to see that as a senior, I still ride the school bus because my family can’t afford a car for me. I learned to keep quiet and blend in, but silence doesn’t build dreams. Instead of letting shame hold me back, I started to build my future. I volunteered at a senior center and a food bank, driven by a desire to care for others. I shadowed a doctor and asked endless questions to my cousin, who recently became a nurse. Each step brought me closer to my dream: becoming a nurse practitioner. It’s not just a job, it is a way for me to show up for people the way I always wished someone would show up for me. The adversity I have faced has taught me empathy and determination. I know what it is like to be overlooked, underestimated, and to want more for yourself than what your circumstances suggest you can have. But like Jack Terry, I won’t let that define me. I will use every challenge as fuel. I’ll use my studies to gain the knowledge and skills to heal, not just bodies, but spirits. My goal is to provide compassionate care to those who often fall through the cracks of our healthcare system. One day, I even hope to open a free health center in underserved communities, where patients can receive medical support without fear of judgment or cost. That’s how I plan to give back: by creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported. Jack Terry’s legacy reminds me that no hardship can stop a determined heart. His story gives me hope, and now, I want to be that hope for others.

In elementary school, I was the kid who set up a “clinic” in the corner of the playground, patching up scrapes with imaginary bandages and pretending to take vitals with a pencil. Even back then, I knew I wanted to care for people. Now, as a high school senior, that dream has grown into a lifelong goal: to become a nurse and make healthcare more accessible, especially for communities like mine. I attend Broughton High School in Raleigh, NC, where I’ve worked hard to balance academics with involvement in extracurricular activities and community service. I’ve volunteered at a senior living center, where I provided companionship and learned to care for the elderly with patience and compassion. I’ve also served at a local food bank, distributing meals and realizing how deeply healthcare, nutrition, and economic security are connected. These experiences not only deepened my interest in nursing but also showed me how much of a difference one person can make by simply showing up and offering support. Outside of volunteering, I’m involved in equity clubs like my school's Habitat for Humanity club, a hip hop team, and a dancer who participates in a minimum of 5 shows per year with multiple pieces in each show. And I enjoy anime, K-pop, and reading (My favorite genre is fantasy, especially with a Black female lead). My passions all center around helping others, whether that’s in the classroom, on the field, or in the community. I believe in meeting people where they are, listening without judgment, and showing up with empathy. That belief is what fuels my dream to work in healthcare. After high school, I plan to attend college as a nursing major and have already applied to special programs designed for incoming nursing students. I’m committed to continuing my education so I can become a nurse practitioner one day, serving patients with compassion and advocating for equitable healthcare access. I often ask my cousin, who recently graduated as a nurse, about the field, and every conversation leaves me more excited about the future. If I could start my own charity, it would be a free healthcare center rooted in underserved communities. The mission would be to provide basic medical care, health education, and emotional support to people who otherwise might not have access. Volunteers would include students studying healthcare, local professionals, and community members who want to give back. They’d assist with patient intake, run educational workshops, and help organize wellness drives. No one would be turned away, and every person who walked through the doors would leave feeling seen, heard, and cared for. To me, success isn’t just about the title I earn or the salary I make. It’s about the lives I touch and the community I uplift. Through nursing and service, I want to build a life defined by purpose. And it all starts with this next step: college, and the opportunities that come with it.

There were times in middle and high school when I’d make up excuses for why my friends couldn’t come over. “My parents are busy,” or “We’re getting the house fixed.” The truth was harder to say. I was embarrassed. Embarrassed that I lived in a one-story home in a neighborhood many would call the “hood.” Embarrassed that, even as a senior in high school, I still ride the school bus. These small details of my life, my home, my transportation, my zip code, made me feel like I had to hide parts of myself to be accepted. But over time, I’ve come to see that these things don’t define my worth; they shape my strength. Growing up in a working-class Black neighborhood has taught me resilience, pride, and the value of community. I’ve seen neighbors who look out for each other, families who stretch every dollar, and parents who work overtime just to give their kids a shot at something more. It’s in this environment that I’ve learned how to persevere, even when things weren’t easy or glamorous. Financially, my family has always had to be careful. College is a dream that comes with a heavy price tag, and while I’ve been accepted to schools and nursing programs I’m proud of, the financial reality is daunting. Scholarships like this one don’t just lift a burden, they make the difference between possibility and limitation. They allow students like me, who may not have a car or a big house, to walk boldly into spaces we once felt we didn’t belong in. This scholarship would not only support my educational journey, but it would also honor every moment I’ve chosen to rise above shame, every ride on the bus that got me closer to my goals, and every late night I’ve spent dreaming about a life I can build through hard work and heart. I want to become a nurse so I can care for others, especially those who feel unseen or overlooked. But before I can care for others, I need the opportunity to invest in myself, and this scholarship would help me do just that.

I still remember the moment I opened my first college acceptance letter. I stared at the words, heart pounding, and thought, “This changes everything.” In that instant, I saw more than just a new chapter for myself, I saw the beginning of a new story for my entire family. As a first-generation college student, earning a degree isn’t just a personal achievement. It’s a symbol of hope, a step toward stability, and the foundation for a legacy of generational change. Growing up, I watched my mother work tirelessly to provide, often sacrificing her own dreams so I could chase mine. College wasn’t a given in our world, it was a dream that felt distant. But I always knew I wanted more, not just for myself, but for those who would come after me. A college degree represents that “more.” It means financial stability, ownership of my future, and the pride of knowing that I created something my family can stand on. It would mean breaking cycles of uncertainty and starting a new legacy rooted in opportunity and strength. I’m passionate about nursing because I believe deeply in the power of care. It’s one thing to treat a wound, but it’s another to offer comfort, advocacy, and dignity to someone in their most vulnerable moments. That’s what nurses do, and that’s the kind of impact I want to have. I’ve pursued this passion through volunteering at a senior living center, where I offered support and companionship to elderly residents, and at a local food bank, where I helped distribute meals to those in need. These experiences taught me how to show up with compassion, to listen with empathy, and to give with my whole heart. I’ve also taken initiative in preparing for this career by shadowing my doctor and applying to specialized nursing programs at the colleges I’ve been accepted to. I’m not just dreaming, I’m building. Every step I take, from learning medical terminology to asking my cousin (a newly graduated nurse) endless questions, is a brick laid in the foundation of my future. But this journey isn’t just about me. It’s about my younger cousins, who now talk about college like it’s always been possible. It’s about my parents, who will finally see one of their biggest hopes realized. And it’s about the generations of women in my family who never had the chance to pursue their education, whose strength I carry with me in every classroom, every test, every patient interaction. A college degree would be the key that opens doors not just for me, but for those who walk beside me and follow behind. It would turn passion into purpose, and purpose into legacy. I’m ready to walk this path, not only for my future, but to light the way for others who dare to dream.

The first time I packaged a meal for someone at the food bank, I saw something that changed me: a mix of gratitude, surprise, and relief. It was a quiet reminder that kindness, even in small doses, can be life-changing. That moment sparked something deeper in me: a commitment to serve others, especially within my own North Carolina community, and to do so with consistency, compassion, and care. As a young Black woman growing up in this state, I’ve seen the effects of generational inequality, health disparities, and economic struggles. I’ve seen how systems can fail the very people who need them most. But I’ve also seen the power of neighbors coming together, of youth stepping up, and of simple actions creating real change. My community has shaped who I am, and I feel a responsibility. Not just to give back, but to uplift and advocate for those whose voices are too often overlooked. One of the ways I’ve committed myself to service is through volunteering at our local food bank. For several months, I helped organize donations, pack care packages, and distribute meals. It wasn’t just about the food, it was about the dignity that comes with being seen and cared for. I learned how something as basic as a smile or a conversation could make someone feel human again. This experience grounded me in the belief that service isn’t charity, it’s solidarity. I also spent time volunteering at a senior living center, where I helped residents with daily activities and offered companionship to those who felt isolated. Some of whom were Black elders, and I often found myself listening to stories of resilience and struggle that felt deeply personal. I saw in them the generations before me, the ones who fought quietly for opportunities I now have. Serving them felt like honoring that history, and like preparing myself to carry it forward. Beyond volunteering, I look for everyday ways to show up for my community. Whether it’s helping classmates with college applications, participating in school assemblies about equity, or simply being a support system for younger students, I try to make my presence purposeful. Community service, to me, isn’t always about organized events or hours logged; it’s a mindset. It's a way of living where you recognize your privilege, your power, and your responsibility to use them well. Looking ahead, I plan to continue this commitment through my career in nursing. I want to be a caregiver, an advocate, and a leader in public health, especially for underserved BIPOC communities in North Carolina. I see nursing as another form of service, one where I can continue to meet people where they are and offer them the care they need to thrive. My heart is rooted in this state, and my hands are ready to work for its people. Community service isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am. And I’m committed to making sure that wherever I go, I carry that purpose with me.

It started with a question: “Why do you want to be a nurse?” I was shadowing my doctor at the time, watching her carefully stitch a wound while making small talk with the patient to keep them calm. She asked me that question offhandedly, but it struck me deeply. In that quiet exam room, I realized my answer wasn’t just about loving science or wanting a stable career, it was about trust. People trust nurses with their pain, their healing, and sometimes even their final moments. I want to be someone who earns and honors that trust every day. My name is Mariam (Mary-Um), and I’m a graduating senior preparing to step into the next phase of my journey, college, where I plan to pursue a degree in nursing. I’ve always been drawn to caring for others, but over the years, that instinct has grown into a deeper purpose. I want to be a nurse not only because I care, but because I want to advocate, support, and make real change in the lives of patients who might not always feel heard. I plan to specialize in either geriatric or community health nursing. My time volunteering at a senior living center opened my eyes to how much compassion and attention the elderly need, and how often they’re overlooked. I loved hearing their stories, helping with meals, and just being present with them. That experience taught me that nursing is more than medicine; it’s about making people feel seen. Geriatric care would allow me to build meaningful relationships with patients who often feel invisible, and to ensure they receive the dignity and care they deserve. To prepare myself, I’ve taken intentional steps both academically and personally. I shadowed my primary care doctor to get firsthand exposure to the day-to-day challenges and rewards of healthcare. I asked questions constantly, about treatment decisions, patient interactions, and even paperwork. I also applied and was accepted to nursing programs at multiple colleges, including those with special pre-nursing tracks for incoming freshmen. I knew I wanted to start strong, to immerse myself in a program that would push and support me from day one. In addition, I lean on my older cousin, who just graduated from nursing school. He’s been a role model and mentor throughout this journey, offering honest advice, test prep tips, and even pep talks when I’ve doubted myself. His success reminds me that this path is possible, even when it feels hard. Ultimately, nursing is the perfect blend of science, service, and soul. It demands knowledge, resilience, and heart. I’m ready to meet that challenge head-on. I want to be the person who helps a patient breathe a little easier, who advocates for the voiceless, who brings light into a difficult moment. This next chapter of my life is just beginning, but my heart is already in it, and I can’t wait to see the difference I can make.

Under the gentle glow of a setting sun at a community outreach event, I witnessed firsthand how a small act of kindness could transform someone’s day and, in many cases, their life. It was at this event that I realized my calling to become a nurse, a path defined not only by clinical expertise but also by the deep connections forged through compassionate care. Growing up in a close-knit neighborhood in Raleigh, North Carolina, I observed the challenges faced by many of our community members, particularly those who struggled to access quality healthcare. This realization sparked a passion in me for addressing healthcare disparities. Determined to make a difference, I volunteered at local clinics and dedicated countless hours at a nearby food bank, where I learned the value of empathy, perseverance, and community-driven action. These experiences provided me with a window into the critical role that healthcare providers play in fostering a healthier, more inclusive society. My goal as a nurse is to specialize in community health, focusing on preventive care and holistic wellness. I plan to pursue advanced studies that will allow me to merge scientific knowledge with compassionate patient interactions. At Broughton High School, where I am currently excelling in my studies, I have immersed myself in biology and health sciences to build a strong foundation for my future practice. Every lecture, lab session, and volunteer shift reaffirms my belief that effective healthcare must address both the physical and emotional needs of individuals. One of my most innovative aspirations is to establish a community wellness center dedicated to underserved populations. This center would serve as a one-stop hub for health screenings, preventive education, and personalized care. By collaborating with local health agencies and community groups, I envision creating programs that offer regular health workshops, free screenings, and even mental wellness sessions, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and supported. The center would not only extend health resources but also empower community members with knowledge, fostering a culture of proactive well-being. Moreover, I want to serve as a mentor and role model for aspiring healthcare professionals, especially for young women and students of color who often face significant barriers in reaching their academic and professional goals. By sharing my journey and the challenges I have overcome, I hope to inspire others to pursue careers in healthcare and join the effort to create a more diverse and empathetic medical community. Every step I take toward my dream of becoming a nurse is fueled by the conviction that healthcare is about more than just treating illnesses; it is about nurturing hope and improving lives through human connection. I am committed to using my education, skills, and genuine care to build bridges within my community, ensuring that every patient receives not only high-quality medical care but also the understanding and respect they deserve.

From the moment I held my first stethoscope at a community health fair in Raleigh, North Carolina, I knew I wanted to be more than just a bystander in healthcare; I wanted to be a force for compassionate change. I still vividly recall a chilly autumn afternoon when an elderly woman, with eyes brimming with both sorrow and hope, confided in me her struggles to secure proper elderly care. In that instant, I recognized that every patient’s story was layered with vulnerability and resilience, and I made a silent promise to honor that trust by dedicating my life to bridging the gaps in our healthcare system. My journey, steeped in perseverance, began in a modest neighborhood where opportunities were scarce and obstacles plentiful. Throughout my academic career, I have faced challenges, from balancing rigorous coursework at Broughton High School with community service commitments to overcoming personal setbacks that threatened to derail my dreams. Yet, each hurdle has only deepened my resolve. I’ve spent countless late nights poring over textbooks on biology and health sciences, fueled by a determination to master the knowledge required to one day return that care to the community that raised me. In high school, I took initiative by volunteering at local clinics and attending health fairs in underserved areas. There, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of genuine care and how a single act of kindness could ripple outwards into communities. These experiences taught me that perseverance is not about avoiding hardship, but about forging ahead despite it, learning, evolving, and using setbacks as stepping stones toward a brighter future. By consistently volunteering, mentoring, and engaging in medical opportunities, I learned to see every challenge as an opportunity. A chance to advocate for those whose voices are too often muted by systemic inequalities. Looking ahead, my ambition is clear: I plan to become a nurse practitioner who not only excels in clinical expertise but also pioneers initiatives that empower and represent women of color in medicine. Through my studies, I intend to delve deep into patient advocacy and community health management, using evidence-based research to influence policy reforms that ensure equitable care for all. I envision a future where diverse voices lead in healthcare, transforming patient interactions into genuine partnerships built on trust and respect. My passion is fueled by the stories of those who have entrusted me with their struggles and hopes, and my perseverance has been molded by every setback I encountered along the way. With every lecture, every volunteer hour, and every moment of self-reflection, I am preparing to positively impact the world through a career that marries scientific rigor with heartfelt empathy. I am determined to create spaces in medicine where every patient, regardless of background, can find a caregiver who sees them as more than just a case file, but as a person whose story deserves to be heard and honored.

Even though I’m going to be the second person in my family to graduate, there is still a lot of pressure to be successful. My mom is from Sierra Leone and my dad is from Gambia they are both muslims and they come from mostly muslim countries. My mom did not have much growing up but she worked hard to make it to the US to give me and my older sister the life she never had. Now as payback she expects us to do well in school, graduate, get a job, and marry a good muslim man. My sister is MashAllah following this path as she has graduated with a degree in Computer Science and has a job. Since my sister has done what my mom wants the pressure is now on me even worse than it was before to follow in these paths. My mom wants me to be a doctor or lawyer. I wouldn’t mind being these things but I don’t know how to explain to her that there are so many other high paying jobs that don’t require me going to law or medical school. Inshallah I want to go into a field that deals with climate change and how we can slow it down. My grades are good MashAllah so if I were to receive this scholarship I would use the money to lead a passion project that would help me catch the eye of schools like A&T. Schools like A&T are the front leaders in agriculture and technology which is what we need to slow down climate change. Receiving this scholarship would also help my mom understand that the US is a place of opportunity and with Allah’s guidance and help I can’t be steered down the wrong path or be unsuccessful. My mom has just returned from Mecca MashAllah as well and it is her dream to see me and my sister go. Inshallah if I pursue my climate change passion project I will still be able to when I am of age. Being muslim has taught me to be tough and grateful for every and all opportunities. Receiving this scholarship would also allow me to pursue a career where I would be able to pray my five daily prayers on time. To spend both Eid’s with my family. Build a muslim community around me. And fast during Ramadan with support. Thank you so much

My favorite thing about Disney is the ability it has to return anyone of any age to a childlike state. This is very meaningful to me because in a world where we are constantly told to grow up having a safe space to be innocent and emotional is very important. To me specifically the Disney princess movies are very dear. These brave and beautiful women raised me to be kind and thoughtful. They also taught me to be strong and adventurous . Watching Tangled as a young girl invoked feeling like I could do anything I put my mind to as long as I believed in myself. Tiana taught me that no dream is too small and no obstacle is too big when you set your mind on something and work hard to achieve it. Mulan taught me that a woman can do anything a man can do and sometimes can do it better than a man. These women of color helped me feel represented in the media which helped me be the young woman I am today. Even now when I don’t watch their movies as often as I would like, I know that the lessons they taught me and many other young girls will long outlive them. Although Disney princess movies raised me, movies like Soul, The Good Dinosaur, and Inside Out really know how to break me. Disney is known as a place of magic and wonder but movies like the ones I mentioned are filled with complex characters, storylines, and plots. Although Soul is a rather recent film, I sob almost every time I watch it due to the main character Joe Gardner’a realization that his life is his own and he has the ability to make the most of it. The relatability was what sent me over the edge as it is a reminder that we should all live every day to the fullest because life is short and that’s what makes it beautiful and worth living. The Good Dinosaur and Inside Out are also reminders of this when one of the beloved side characters die. Arnold’s Dad and Bing Bong who both sacrifice themselves for the people they love. One theme that Disney is great at portraying is love. The sacrifices made for no matter how big or small are always done to show love. My favorite Disney characters showing genuine care for their friends and family are a reminder for me to show love to my friends, family, strangers, and myself. We could all do with a little more love and Disney helps us with that.