Growing up in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California, has been an incredible journey that has shaped my perspective on the importance of community and its well-being. If given the opportunity, I would focus my efforts on addressing the pressing healthcare crisis in our community. This undertaking is not just an aspiration; it is a personal conviction deeply rooted in my experiences, values, and desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of my community. Los Angeles, a diverse and dynamic metropolis, is known for its cultural richness and opportunities. Yet, amidst the allure and splendor, our community faces an alarming healthcare crisis. Access to quality healthcare services remains a significant challenge for many residents, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. High healthcare costs, limited medical facilities, and insufficient health education contribute to an unsettling disparity in health outcomes across different socioeconomic backgrounds. The impact of this crisis hits close to home. I have witnessed friends and family members struggle to access timely and affordable medical care, sometimes having to forgo treatment altogether due to financial constraints. These experiences have fueled my determination to drive change and provide a helping hand to those in need. To improve our community's health, I would initiate and actively participate in several key initiatives. Firstly, I would collaborate with local healthcare providers and nonprofits to establish community health fairs. These events would offer free screenings, check-ups, and health education programs, targeting underserved areas where access to healthcare is limited. By bringing essential medical services directly to these neighborhoods, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of many residents, ultimately preventing and detecting health issues early on. Secondly, I would advocate for increased funding and support for community clinics. These facilities serve as crucial lifelines for low-income individuals and families, offering affordable and accessible healthcare options. By bolstering their resources, we can enhance their capacity to meet the growing demand for medical services and ensure that nobody in our community is left behind. Education is another critical aspect of addressing the healthcare crisis. I would collaborate with local schools and community centers to develop comprehensive health education programs. By empowering individuals with knowledge about preventive care, healthy lifestyles, and disease management, we can promote a culture of proactive health consciousness, reducing the burden of preventable illnesses. Moreover, I believe in the power of technology to bridge gaps in healthcare access. I would work towards creating a digital platform that connects patients with medical professionals and resources, facilitating telemedicine consultations, and providing information about nearby medical facilities and services. This initiative would be especially beneficial for those living in remote or underserved areas, ensuring they can receive timely medical advice and assistance. Why is this endeavor so important to me? It stems from a genuine sense of responsibility and empathy towards my community. Los Angeles has given me so much, and I believe in giving back. The healthcare crisis affects the very heart of our society, impacting the well-being and future prospects of countless individuals. By contributing to the improvement of healthcare access and outcomes, I hope to play a role in creating a healthier, more equitable Los Angeles. Additionally, this cause aligns perfectly with my career aspirations. I am passionate about healthcare and plan to pursue a career in nursing. By actively engaging in community health initiatives, I can gain valuable experience, deepen my understanding of the challenges faced by underserved populations, and become a more compassionate and effective healthcare professional.

As I approach the completion of my bachelor's degree in nursing, I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment and gratitude. My journey thus far in pursuing a degree in nursing has reaffirmed my passion for helping others, particularly children, and has ignited within me a desire to continue my education post-graduation. Pursuing a master's degree in nursing to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is the next step in my career, aligning perfectly with my aspirations, love for children, and unwavering dedication to learning and personal growth. From an early age, I have been drawn to the joyful and innocent world of children. As an older sibling, I have witnessed the powerful bond that forms between siblings and the impact that nurturing and support can have on a child's development. This experience has taught me the value of empathy, patience, and compassion when caring for children. The notion of being part of a child's healing journey and making a positive difference in their lives excites and inspires me beyond measure. My undergraduate studies in nursing have provided me with a solid foundation, honing my clinical skills, and fostering a deep understanding of healthcare principles. However, I recognize that to become a pediatric nurse practioner, I must acquire specialized knowledge and expertise in pediatric care. A master's program will equip me with comprehensive training, enabling me to diagnose, treat, and manage illnesses specific to children, all while promoting their physical and emotional well-being. Beyond the technical aspects, I believe continued education is essential for any healthcare professional. Medicine is an ever-evolving field, with advancements occurring at a rapid pace. By pursuing further studies, I can stay abreast of the latest developments, innovative treatments, and evidence-based practices. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that I can offer the best possible care to my young patients, staying at the forefront of pediatric healthcare. Moreover, a master's degree will provide me with the opportunity to become a leader in my field. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I can advocate for children's health rights, contribute to policy changes, and actively participate in research that can shape the future of pediatric care. The privilege of positively impacting the lives of children and their families is one that I wholeheartedly embrace. Ultimately, my ambition to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is driven by an unwavering love for children, a passion for learning, and a sense of responsibility to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Each day of my undergraduate studies has reaffirmed my commitment to this path. I have seen the smiles of children in my care, and I have experienced the profound fulfillment that comes from making a positive difference in their lives. In conclusion, continuing my education post-graduation is not just a goal, but a calling. Pursuing a master's program to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner is the perfect way to combine my love for children, my dedication to learning, and my desire to advocate for better pediatric healthcare. With an open heart and a curious mind, I am eager to embark on this new chapter, ready to embrace the challenges and rewards that come with being a compassionate and knowledgeable provider for the next generation's well-being.

My name is Mikyla Malie Jackson. I am a junior nursing major from Los Angeles, California who holds the dearest passion to become a pediatric nurse and further continue on my education to become a pediatric nurse practioner. Since a young age, I have always been awed by all the aspects of the medical field. As the daughter of a clinical research supervisor, growing up, I participated in several clinical and research trials focusing on children with asthma. This first hand experience allowed me to observe the lifestyle, environment, and duty of medical professionals which ultimately stemmed my desire to pursue becoming a registered nurse. I find great joy and satisfaction in assisting and nurturing others. Aside from taking on the many responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling, I also stand as an alternative caretaker for my grandmother’s sister with autism. It is my responsibility to give my aunt her medication at due time, monitor, and feed her throughout the day. Keeping a routine on my responsibilities is important, otherwise, my aunt can have adverse reactions including behavior or physical changes. My ambition for choosing a vocation that would enable me to deliver compassionate care was stoked by these early experiences. I continued to venture and expand on my interest in the medical field as I entered high school and presently as a student at Howard University, by taking part in hospital and healthcare-based volunteer opportunities. Being an inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, serving as an ambassador for the national nonprofit organization Be The Match, becoming a member of the AMIAA medical informatics association, completing the 4-year Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program, earning CPR and AED certification and volunteering as a Kids In Action leader with Children's National Hospital are just a few of the accomplishments and experiences. With my most recent commitment to being a volunteer inpatient administrator at Medstar Washington hospital, I’ve had the pleasure of shadowing and assisting an RN in the energy department. The compassion and empathy that the nurse showed her patients left a lasting impression on me, and I knew that I wanted to make that same impact on my future patients. As a first-generation college student, I place a high value on my education. I have demonstrated my commitment to my studies and to nursing during my stay at Howard University thus far by keeping a 3.9 grade point average and by passing the TEAS test the first time. I embrace the challenges that becoming a nurse entails. I am aware of the numerous sacrifices one may have to make in order to formally obtain a title in the profession, but I am not intimidated by the challenge. I believe my character qualifies me for a career in nursing in addition to my academics and volunteer experiences. I am a patient, empathetic, and detail-oriented person who values open communication and collaboration with others. I believe that these qualities are essential for providing high-quality patient care and building strong relationships with patients and their families. It is an unfortunate reality that minorities such as myself are unrepresented in this field. These statistics have ultimately formulated into my motivation of becoming a black nurse. Black nurses broaden the health care workforce, decrease health inequities, and enhance patient care for all patients. One of my ultimate goals is to eliminate the pervasive racial disparities and systemic prejudices in healthcare through the diversification of the healthcare workforce. I strive to defy the odds and overcome all challenges to become a pediatric nurse to help and advocate for others.

My name is Mikyla Malie Jackson. I am a junior nursing major from Los Angeles, California who holds the dearest passion to become a pediatric nurse and further continue on my education to become a pediatric nurse practioner. Since a young age, I have always been awed by all the aspects of the medical field. As the daughter of a clinical research supervisor, growing up, I participated in several clinical and research trials focusing on children with asthma. This first hand experience allowed me to observe the lifestyle, environment, and duty of medical professionals which ultimately stemmed my desire to pursue becoming a registered nurse. I find great joy and satisfaction in assisting and nurturing others. Aside from taking on the many responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling, I also stand as an alternative caretaker for my grandmother’s sister with autism. It is my responsibility to give my aunt her medication at due time, monitor, and feed her throughout the day. Keeping a routine on my responsibilities is important, otherwise, my aunt can have adverse reactions including behavior or physical changes. My ambition for choosing a vocation that would enable me to deliver compassionate care was stoked by these early experiences. I continued to venture and expand on my interest in the medical field as I entered high school and presently as a student at Howard University, by taking part in hospital and healthcare-based volunteer opportunities. Being an inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, serving as an ambassador for the national nonprofit organization Be The Match, becoming a member of the AMIAA medical informatics association, completing the 4-year Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program, earning CPR and AED certification and volunteering as a Kids In Action leader with Children's National Hospital are just a few of the accomplishments and experiences. With my most recent commitment to being a volunteer inpatient administrator at Medstar Washington hospital, I’ve had the pleasure of shadowing and assisting an RN in the energy department. The compassion and empathy that the nurse showed her patients left a lasting impression on me, and I knew that I wanted to make that same impact on my future patients. As a first-generation college student, I place a high value on my education. I have demonstrated my commitment to my studies and to nursing during my stay at Howard University thus far by keeping a 3.9 grade point average and by passing the TEAS test the first time. I embrace the challenges that becoming a nurse entails. I am aware of the numerous sacrifices one may have to make in order to formally obtain a title in the profession, but I am not intimidated by the challenge. I believe my character qualifies me for a career in nursing in addition to my academics and volunteer experiences. I am a patient, empathetic, and detail-oriented person who values open communication and collaboration with others. I believe that these qualities are essential for providing high-quality patient care and building strong relationships with patients and their families. It is an unfortunate reality that minorities such as myself are unrepresented in this field. These statistics have ultimately formulated into my motivation of becoming a black nurse. Black nurses broaden the health care workforce, decrease health inequities, and enhance patient care for all patients. One of my ultimate goals is to eliminate the pervasive racial disparities and systemic prejudices in healthcare through the diversification of the healthcare workforce. I strive to defy the odds and overcome all challenges to become a pediatric nurse to help and advocate for others.

My name is Mikyla Malie Jackson. I am a junior nursing major from Los Angeles, California who holds the dearest passion to become a pediatric nurse and further continue on my education to become a pediatric nurse practioner. Since a young age, I have always been awed by all the aspects of the medical field. As the daughter of a clinical research supervisor, growing up, I participated in several clinical and research trials focusing on children with asthma. This first hand experience allowed me to observe the lifestyle, environment, and duty of medical professionals which ultimately stemmed my desire to pursue becoming a registered nurse. I find great joy and satisfaction in assisting and nurturing others. Aside from taking on the many responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling, I also stand as an alternative caretaker for my grandmother’s sister with autism. It is my responsibility to give my aunt her medication at due time, monitor, and feed her throughout the day. Keeping a routine on my responsibilities is important, otherwise, my aunt can have adverse reactions including behavior or physical changes. My ambition for choosing a vocation that would enable me to deliver compassionate care was stoked by these early experiences. I continued to venture and expand on my interest in the medical field as I entered high school and presently as a student at Howard University, by taking part in hospital and healthcare-based volunteer opportunities. Being an inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, serving as an ambassador for the national nonprofit organization Be The Match, becoming a member of the AMIAA medical informatics association, completing the 4-year Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program, earning CPR and AED certification and volunteering as a Kids In Action leader with Children's National Hospital are just a few of the accomplishments and experiences. With my most recent commitment to being a volunteer inpatient administrator at Medstar Washington hospital, I’ve had the pleasure of shadowing and assisting an RN in the energy department. The compassion and empathy that the nurse showed her patients left a lasting impression on me, and I knew that I wanted to make that same impact on my future patients. As a first-generation college student, I place a high value on my education. I have demonstrated my commitment to my studies and to nursing during my stay at Howard University thus far by keeping a 3.9 grade point average and by passing the TEAS test the first time. I embrace the challenges that becoming a nurse entails. I am aware of the numerous sacrifices one may have to make in order to formally obtain a title in the profession, but I am not intimidated by the challenge. I believe my character qualifies me for a career in nursing in addition to my academics and volunteer experiences. I am a patient, empathetic, and detail-oriented person who values open communication and collaboration with others. I believe that these qualities are essential for providing high-quality patient care and building strong relationships with patients and their families. It is an unfortunate reality that minorities such as myself are unrepresented in this field. These statistics have ultimately formulated into my motivation of becoming a black nurse. Black nurses broaden the health care workforce, decrease health inequities, and enhance patient care for all patients. One of my ultimate goals is to eliminate the pervasive racial disparities and systemic prejudices in healthcare through the diversification of the healthcare workforce. I strive to defy the odds and overcome all challenges to become a pediatric nurse to help and advocate for others.

Since a young age, I have always been awed by all the aspects of the medical field. As the daughter of a clinical research supervisor, growing up, I participated in several clinical and research trials focusing on children with asthma. This first-hand experience allowed me to observe the lifestyle, environment, and duty of medical professionals which ultimately stemmed my desire to pursue becoming a registered nurse. I find great joy and satisfaction in assisting and nurturing others. Aside from taking on the many responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling, I also stand as an alternative caretaker for my grandmother’s sister with autism. It is my responsibility to give my aunt her medication at due time, and monitor, and feed her throughout the day. Keeping a routine on my responsibilities is essential, otherwise, my aunt can have adverse reactions including behavior or physical changes. My ambition for choosing a vocation that would enable me to deliver compassionate care was stoked by these early experiences. I continued to venture and expand on my interest in the medical field as I entered high school and presently as a student at Howard University, by taking part in hospital and healthcare-based volunteer opportunities. Being an inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, serving as an ambassador for the national nonprofit organization Be The Match, becoming a member of the AMIAA medical informatics association, completing the 4-year Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program, earning CPR and AED certification and volunteering as a Kids In Action leader with Children's National Hospital are just a few of the accomplishments and experiences. With my most recent commitment to being a volunteer inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, I’ve had the pleasure of shadowing and assisting an RN in the energy department. The compassion and empathy that the nurse showed her patients left a lasting impression on me, and I knew that I wanted to make that same impact on my future patients. As a first-generation college student, I place a high value on my education. I have demonstrated my commitment to my studies and to nursing during my stay at Howard University thus far by keeping a 3.9 grade point average and by passing the nursing school entrance exam on the first try. I embrace the challenges that becoming a nurse entails. I am aware of the numerous sacrifices one may have to make in order to formally obtain a title in the profession, but I am not intimidated by the challenge. I believe my character qualifies me for a career in nursing in addition to my academics and volunteer experiences. I am a patient, empathetic, and detail-oriented person who values open communication and collaboration with others. I believe that these qualities are essential for providing high-quality patient care and building strong relationships with patients and their families. It is an unfortunate reality that minorities such as myself are unrepresented in this field. These statistics have ultimately formulated my motivation of becoming a black nurse. Black nurses broaden the healthcare workforce, decrease health inequities, and enhance patient care for all patients. One of my ultimate goals is to eliminate the pervasive racial disparities and systemic prejudices in healthcare through the diversification of the healthcare workforce. I strive to defy the odds and overcome all challenges to become a pediatric nurse to help and advocate for others through the preparation Howard University College of Nursing will provide me with.

Since a young age, I have always been awed by all the aspects of the medical field. As the daughter of a clinical research supervisor, growing up, I participated in several clinical and research trials focusing on children with asthma. This first-hand experience allowed me to observe the lifestyle, environment, and duty of medical professionals which ultimately stemmed my desire to pursue becoming a registered nurse. I find great joy and satisfaction in assisting and nurturing others. Aside from taking on the many responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling, I also stand as an alternative caretaker for my grandmother’s sister with autism. It is my responsibility to give my aunt her medication at due time, and monitor, and feed her throughout the day. Keeping a routine on my responsibilities is essential, otherwise, my aunt can have adverse reactions including behavior or physical changes. My ambition for choosing a vocation that would enable me to deliver compassionate care was stoked by these early experiences. I continued to venture and expand on my interest in the medical field as I entered high school and presently as a student at Howard University, by taking part in hospital and healthcare-based volunteer opportunities. Being an inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, serving as an ambassador for the national nonprofit organization Be The Match, becoming a member of the AMIAA medical informatics association, completing the 4-year Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program, earning CPR and AED certification and volunteering as a Kids In Action leader with Children's National Hospital are just a few of the accomplishments and experiences. With my most recent commitment to being a volunteer inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, I’ve had the pleasure of shadowing and assisting an RN in the energy department. The compassion and empathy that the nurse showed her patients left a lasting impression on me, and I knew that I wanted to make that same impact on my future patients. As a first-generation college student, I place a high value on my education. I have demonstrated my commitment to my studies and to nursing during my stay at Howard University thus far by keeping a 3.9-grade point average and by passing the nursing school entrance exam on the first try. I embrace the challenges that becoming a nurse entails. I am aware of the numerous sacrifices one may have to make in order to formally obtain a title in the profession, but I am not intimidated by the challenge. I believe my character qualifies me for a career in nursing in addition to my academics and volunteer experiences. I am a patient, empathetic, and detail-oriented person who values open communication and collaboration with others. I believe that these qualities are essential for providing high-quality patient care and building strong relationships with patients and their families. It is an unfortunate reality that minorities such as myself are unrepresented in this field. These statistics have ultimately formulated my motivation of becoming a black nurse. Black nurses broaden the healthcare workforce, decrease health inequities, and enhance patient care for all patients. One of my ultimate goals is to eliminate the pervasive racial disparities and systemic prejudices in healthcare through the diversification of the healthcare workforce. I strive to defy the odds and overcome all challenges to become a pediatric nurse to help and advocate for others through the preparation Howard University College of Nursing will provide me with.

Since a young age, I have always been awed by all the aspects of the medical field. As the daughter of a clinical research supervisor, growing up, I participated in several clinical and research trials focusing on children with asthma. This first hand experience allowed me to observe the lifestyle, environment, and duty of medical professionals which ultimately stemmed my desire to pursue becoming a registered nurse. I find great joy and satisfaction in assisting and nurturing others. Aside from taking on the many responsibilities that come with being the oldest sibling, I also stand as an alternative caretaker for my grandmother’s sister with autism. It is my responsibility to give my aunt her medication at due time, monitor, and feed her throughout the day. Keeping a routine on my responsibilities is important, otherwise, my aunt can have adverse reactions including behavior or physical changes. My ambition for choosing a vocation that would enable me to deliver compassionate care was stoked by these early experiences. I continued to venture and expand on my interest in the medical field as I entered high school and presently as a student at Howard University, by taking part in hospital and healthcare-based volunteer opportunities. Being an inpatient administrator at MedStar Washington Hospital, serving as an ambassador for the national nonprofit organization Be The Match, becoming a member of the AMIAA medical informatics association, completing the 4-year Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science program, earning CPR and AED certification and volunteering as a Kids In Action leader with Children's National Hospital are just a few of the accomplishments and experiences. With my most recent commitment to being a volunteer inpatient administrator at Medstar Washington hospital, I’ve had the pleasure of shadowing and assisting an RN in the energy department. The compassion and empathy that the nurse showed her patients left a lasting impression on me, and I knew that I wanted to make that same impact on my future patients. As a first-generation college student, I place a high value on my education. I have demonstrated my commitment to my studies and to nursing during my stay at Howard University thus far by keeping a 3.9 grade point average and by passing the nursing school entrance exam on the first try. I embrace the challenges that becoming a nurse entails. I am aware of the numerous sacrifices one may have to make in order to formally obtain a title in the profession, but I am not intimidated by the challenge. I believe my character qualifies me for a career in nursing in addition to my academics and volunteer experiences. I am a patient, empathetic, and detail-oriented person who values open communication and collaboration with others. I believe that these qualities are essential for providing high-quality patient care and building strong relationships with patients and their families. It is an unfortunate reality that minorities such as myself are unrepresented in this field. These statistics have ultimately formulated into my motivation of becoming a black nurse. Black nurses broaden the health care workforce, decrease health inequities, and enhance patient care for all patients. One of my ultimate goals is to eliminate the pervasive racial disparities and systemic prejudices in healthcare through the diversification of the healthcare workforce. I strive to defy the odds and overcome all challenges to become a pediatric nurse practioner to help and advocate for others.