In 2017, my family learned that my great-grandmother had Alzheimer's disease. At the time, I was around 12 years old and did not fully understand what Alzheimer's was or why it caused so many changes in her behavior. I only knew what I saw. Some days she seemed like the same loving person I had always known, while other days she struggled to remember people, became confused, or experienced sudden changes in her mood. As a child, it was difficult to understand why these things were happening, but I could see that the disease was changing both her life and the lives of everyone who loved her. My great-grandmother was the foundation of our family. She brought everyone together, and family gatherings always revolved around spending time with her. Holidays, birthdays, and special occasions felt complete because she was there. As Alzheimer's progressed, those gatherings became bittersweet. We still came together because we loved her, but we also knew she was slowly losing parts of the memories and relationships that meant so much to all of us. Watching someone you love slowly forget people and experiences is heartbreaking, especially when you are too young to fully understand why it is happening. The person who carried the greatest responsibility was my grandmother, who became my great-grandmother's primary caregiver. Looking back now, I realize how much she sacrificed. She devoted countless hours to making sure my great-grandmother was safe, comfortable, and cared for. She often missed church because she could not leave her alone, and much of her daily life centered around caregiving. At the time, I did not fully recognize how physically and emotionally exhausting that responsibility was. Now that I am older, I have a much deeper appreciation for the patience, strength, and unconditional love my grandmother showed every day. Although my great-grandmother passed away, the experience taught me lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned that Alzheimer's disease affects much more than the individual diagnosed; it impacts the entire family. It changes routines, creates emotional challenges, and requires tremendous compassion from caregivers. I also learned the importance of patience. People living with Alzheimer's are not choosing to forget or become confused; they are living with a disease that gradually takes away their memories and independence. They deserve kindness, dignity, and understanding throughout every stage of their illness. This experience has also helped me value the time I spend with my loved ones. Memories are precious, and I have learned not to take them for granted. Losing my great-grandmother to Alzheimer's showed me how important it is to cherish every conversation, every family gathering, and every moment with the people we love. While Alzheimer's disease brought sadness to my family, it also revealed the strength of our bond. We came together to support my great-grandmother and one another through one of the most difficult times in our lives. Seeing my grandmother's selflessness and witnessing my family's love despite the challenges taught me that compassion is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Those lessons continue to shape the way I view family, caregiving, and the importance of treating every person with empathy and respect.

Mental health is incredibly important to me as a student because I have experienced firsthand how deeply it can affect every aspect of a person's life. One of the most difficult experiences I have ever faced was losing my dad. His passing changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. Along with grieving such a significant loss, I still had to continue my education, complete assignments, attend classes, and try to maintain some sense of normalcy. It wasn't always easy. There were days when it was difficult to focus, stay motivated, or even believe in myself. That experience taught me that mental health is just as important as physical health and that taking care of your emotional well-being is essential for success in school and in life. Losing my dad showed me that everyone is carrying struggles that others may not see. Grief does not disappear overnight, and balancing personal challenges with academic responsibilities can be overwhelming. During that time, I learned the importance of reaching out for support from family, friends, and trusted mentors instead of trying to handle everything on my own. I also realized that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Being able to express my emotions and lean on the people who cared about me helped me slowly heal while continuing to pursue my goals. Because of my own experiences, I have become more aware of the importance of advocating for mental health within my community. I try to be someone others can talk to without fear of being judged. Sometimes the best way to support someone is simply by listening and reminding them that they are not alone. I make an effort to check in on my friends and family, especially when I notice they seem overwhelmed or stressed. Even a simple conversation can make a meaningful difference in someone's day. I also encourage others to use the mental health resources available through school or their community if they need additional support. As a student, I believe schools should continue creating environments where mental health is openly discussed and where students feel comfortable asking for help. Academic success is important, but it should never come at the expense of a person's well-being. When students feel emotionally supported, they are more likely to succeed academically, build healthy relationships, and develop resilience during difficult times. Although losing my dad is something I will always carry with me, it has shaped me into a more compassionate, understanding, and empathetic person. It has taught me the importance of resilience, self-care, and supporting those around me. My experiences have inspired me to advocate for mental health by encouraging open conversations, showing kindness, and helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. I hope that by sharing my story and supporting others, I can help create a community where people feel safe seeking help, valued for who they are, and reminded that they never have to face their struggles alone.

Faith has played one of the biggest roles in shaping who I am today and who I hope to become in the future. My relationship with God has been my source of strength, guidance, and comfort through many different seasons of life. As a senior Health Sciences major at James Madison University, there have been moments when balancing school, work, personal struggles, and responsibilities felt overwhelming. During those times, my faith reminded me to keep going, trust God’s timing, and believe that my hardships had purpose. Growing up in a low-income household and losing my father at a young age impacted me deeply. There were moments of uncertainty and challenges that tested my strength emotionally and mentally. However, faith taught me endurance. Instead of allowing difficult experiences to stop me, I learned how to lean on God for peace, direction, and hope. My faith has helped me remain positive even during difficult seasons and has encouraged me to see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than defeat. One of the most meaningful parts of my faith journey has been serving in Chi Alpha Campus Ministries as a core group leader. I co-lead a sisterhood where young women come together to read the Word of God, worship, encourage one another, and grow closer to Him. Being a leader has taught me responsibility, patience, compassion, and how important it is to build genuine community. It has also shown me that leadership is not about being perfect, but about being willing to support and uplift others through both good and difficult moments. In addition to serving in Chi Alpha, I am also a praise dancer at my church back home. Since we do not have a worship team that sings, our praise team worships God through dance. Praise dancing has allowed me to express my faith powerfully and creatively. Worship through movement has strengthened my confidence, discipline, and connection with God. It reminds me that worship is not limited to words alone, but can also be expressed through passion, obedience, and service. Faith has impacted my academic and future goals by teaching me to pursue purpose rather than just success. My goal is to work in healthcare and eventually become a pediatric nurse practitioner because I want to care for children and families with compassion and empathy. I believe healthcare is more than treating physical conditions; it is also about making people feel seen, valued, and cared for during vulnerable moments in their lives. My faith encourages me to serve others wholeheartedly and to use my career as a way to positively impact people’s lives. In addition to my faith, my mother has been one of the greatest motivations behind my pursuit of higher education. Watching her work hard, sacrifice, and continue moving forward despite hardships inspired me to do the same. She has always encouraged me to strive for more while remaining grounded in faith and humility. Her resilience showed me the importance of perseverance and believing in yourself even when life becomes difficult. Overall, faith has given me the strength to continue pursuing my education, my goals, and my purpose. It has shaped my mindset, my values, and the way I want to impact others. No matter where life takes me, I hope to continue encouraging people, serving my community, and reflecting God’s love through both my actions and career. Instagram: @im.just.jeah

Higher education has allowed me to grow not only academically, but also personally and emotionally. As a senior Health Sciences major at James Madison University, college has helped me develop discipline, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the kind of person and professional I want to become. Coming from a low-income family and experiencing the loss of my father at a young age, pursuing higher education has always meant more to me than simply earning a degree. It represents stability, opportunity, and the chance to create a better future for myself and my family. Throughout my journey, I have learned that success is not always determined by where you come from, but by your willingness to keep going even during difficult moments. Watching my mother work hard to provide for my brother and me showed me the value of perseverance and sacrifice. Her strength inspired me to take my education seriously and strive for something greater despite the challenges we faced. Because of her example, I learned how important it is to remain hopeful and determined even when circumstances are difficult. Attending college has also allowed me to gain experiences that shaped my goals and strengthened my passion for healthcare. During high school, I participated in a Medical Assistant program through the Career and Technical Center, which introduced me to patient care and confirmed my desire to help others. In addition, working at Walmart throughout high school and college taught me responsibility, communication skills, and how to balance multiple responsibilities. Managing work while pursuing my education helped me understand the importance of resilience, time management, and commitment. In the future, I hope to work in healthcare and eventually become a pediatric nurse practitioner. I have always enjoyed caring for others and making people feel supported during difficult times. Children especially deserve compassionate healthcare providers who can make them feel safe, understood, and cared for. I want to be someone who not only treats patients medically, but also brings comfort and encouragement to families during vulnerable moments in their lives. Higher education will continue to help me achieve these goals by providing the knowledge, training, and opportunities needed to grow within the healthcare field. It will allow me to expand my understanding of patient care, strengthen my leadership skills, and gain the experience necessary to positively impact the lives of others. Education gives people the ability to break cycles, open doors, and create opportunities that may not have seemed possible before. Beyond my career goals, I plan to create a positive impact by encouraging others through my attitude, compassion, and perseverance. I believe that even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life. Whether through healthcare, volunteer work, or everyday interactions, I want to uplift others and remind them that difficult situations do not define their future. I want people to see that it is possible to endure hardships while remaining hopeful and motivated. As I continue growing into adulthood, I am learning how to take risks, make independent decisions, and become the best version of myself. Higher education is helping me build the foundation for a meaningful future where I can support my family, serve my community, and inspire others through both my work ethic and compassion. My experiences have taught me resilience, and I plan to use everything I have learned to positively impact the world around me.

Growing up in a low-income household taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of perseverance. My name is Najeah Gordon, and I am a 21-year-old senior at James Madison University majoring in Health Sciences. Throughout my life, both personal and work experiences have shaped me into someone who values hard work, compassion, and growth. One of the biggest experiences that shaped me was losing my father at a young age. Although it was painful, it taught me the importance of strength and family. Watching my mother raise my brother and me on her own had a profound impact on me. There were difficult moments, but she never gave up. No matter how hard life became, she always found a way to keep going while showing us love, discipline, and faith in God. Seeing her fall and continue to rise again motivated me to become stronger and more determined in my own life. Another experience that shaped me was working at Walmart during my junior and senior years of high school and continuing throughout college. Balancing work and school taught me responsibility, time management, and how to communicate with different kinds of people. It also showed me the value of serving others and staying committed even when things become stressful or exhausting. During high school, I attended a Career and Technical Center where I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant program. That experience confirmed my passion for healthcare and helping others. I discovered that I truly enjoy caring for people and making them feel seen, heard, and supported. Even though my degree is in Health Sciences, my long-term goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner because I want to positively impact children and families through compassionate healthcare. As a person, I would describe myself as curious, observant, loyal, and caring. I tend to notice the small things that others may overlook. I value meaningful relationships and enjoy taking care of the people I love. While I am independent, I have also learned that it is okay to lean on others for support. As I prepare to step into adulthood and the real world, I am learning how to make my own decisions, take risks, and continue growing into the woman I want to become. I plan to make a positive impact on the world by choosing endurance over negativity. Life is not always easy, but I believe that maintaining a positive spirit can influence the people around you in a powerful way. Through volunteer work, healthcare, and everyday interactions, I want to encourage others, bring comfort to those in need, and show kindness even during difficult times. Sometimes the smallest acts of compassion can change someone’s entire day or perspective. The person who motivates me most is my mother because she represents strength, sacrifice, faith, and unconditional love. Her perseverance reminds me that no matter how difficult life becomes, there is always hope, growth, and purpose ahead.

My name is Najeah Gordon, and I am a 20-year-old junior at James Madison University, preparing to enter my senior year. My story is shaped by my origins. I was raised in a low-income household where my mother has always been the sole provider for my younger brother and me. Watching her work hard every day, even when things were difficult, has taught me the importance of resilience, responsibility, and perseverance in pushing forward, regardless of the circumstances. Everything I do is not only for myself, but also to make her proud and to create a better future for my family. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, especially fantasy-romance books. They have always been an escape for me, but also a reminder that there is more out there and that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown. That mindset reflects who I am, someone who is curious and willing to try new things, even if they push me out of my comfort zone. My faith is also a huge part of my life. I grew up as a Christian and continue to build a strong relationship with God. I express that through praise dancing and through my involvement in Chi Alpha, a fellowship organization on campus. As a core group leader, I co-lead a group of girls where we create a safe and supportive sisterhood. Being in this role has helped me grow in ways I did not expect. It has taught me how to listen, how to support others, and how to be present for people during both their struggles and their successes. I have always been a quiet person, but I have learned to see that as a strength. Being quiet allows me to observe more, listen closely, and truly understand people. I believe those qualities are essential in healthcare, where patients want to feel heard, respected, and cared for, not just treated. I chose to pursue health science because I want to make a real difference in people’s lives. What draws me to this field is not just the variety of career opportunities but the chance to help others in meaningful ways. Whether it is through patient care, education, or community outreach, I want to be someone who makes people feel seen and supported during vulnerable moments. Coming from a background where resources were limited, I understand how difficult it can be for families to access proper healthcare and information. That experience has motivated me to be part of the change. I want to help bridge those gaps by providing care, education, and compassion to underserved communities. I want people to feel like they matter, no matter their background or circumstances. At the end of the day, my goal is simple: I want to help people. I want to use my experiences, my faith, and my education to make a difference, not just in big ways, but in the small moments that truly matter. Healthcare, to me, is not just a career path. It is a purpose.

I lost my father in April of 2019 when I was fourteen years old, only months away from turning fifteen and finishing eighth grade. His passing changed my life almost overnight. While the impact was immediate, the process of grieving and healing has taken years. Even now, six years later, I am still learning how to carry his absence with grace while allowing his love to remain a constant presence in my life. Growing up, my father and I shared an incredibly close bond. No matter the challenges he faced in his own life, I was always his little girl. However, at the time of his passing, I found myself unable to fully process my emotions. I entered survival mode, focusing on getting through each day instead of confronting the weight of my loss. For years, it was difficult for me to speak about my dad as if he were still here, even though his influence never left me. Over time, that has changed, marking a turning point in my journey. Now, when I look at photos or watch videos of him, I smile. Those images remind me of the love we shared, the laughter we had, and how deeply he believed in me. His absence became most apparent during milestone moments. For example, I attended homecoming without my father picking me up, graduated high school without seeing him in the crowd, earned my driver’s license without his encouragement, and learned how to navigate adulthood without his guidance. As the oldest daughter, I had to mature quickly and take on more responsibility, not only for myself but also for my family. While these experiences were painful, they shaped me into someone more resilient, independent, and determined than I ever imagined I could be. Throughout this journey, my faith has been a grounding force in my growth. I never blamed God for taking my father away. Instead, my relationship with God has transformed over time into something beautiful and deeply personal. Learning to trust Him during moments of uncertainty has strengthened my ability to lean on faith rather than fear. Knowing that God’s presence is constant has given me peace, even in my father’s physical absence. Today, at twenty years old, I am a junior in college at James Madison University, majoring in health science and preparing to step into the nursing program in Spring 2026. Every accomplishment I achieve is fueled by my desire to make my father proud. Although he is not here to witness my journey in person, I carry him with me in everything I do. I hope he knows that I am doing this for him, for the sacrifices he made, the love he gave, and the belief he always had in me. Losing my father at such a young age shaped me into a strong, determined, and independent woman. While the journey without him has been difficult, it has also revealed the depth of my strength, faith, and perseverance. I will forever cherish the moments I shared with my dad, and I continue to honor his legacy through the life I am building, one rooted in compassion, purpose, and resilience.

My name is Najeah Gordon. I am 20 years old and from Chesterfield, Virginia, and I am currently a junior health science major at James Madison University. My upbringing, family structure, and life experiences have shaped who I am today and have strongly influenced my desire to make a difference in the world through compassion and service. I grew up in a low-income household with my mom and my younger brother. My dad was present in my life while I was growing up, but he struggled with his own difficult path. In April of 2019, my father passed away, which marked one of the most challenging moments of my life. Losing him left a deep emotional impact on me, especially as his oldest daughter. While he had his struggles, he also played a meaningful role in my life, and his absence created gaps that sometimes feel impossible to fill. Over time, I learned that his passing was not the end of my story. Turning to God helped me understand that even in loss, I was not alone, and that He could fill the spaces I once believed only my father could. My family structure is rooted in resilience and independence. My mom is strong, hardworking, and determined, but she is also introverted, emotionally reserved, and not one to openly share her feelings. Growing up in that environment shaped both my brother and me. We tend to be closed off with our emotions and internalize a lot, which has been a challenge at times. However, because it has only been the three of us, we are incredibly close in our own way. Our bond is built on loyalty, persistence, and unconditional support rather than constant emotional expression. Through hardships, my family has always shown up for each other, even when words were not spoken. One of the biggest challenges I have overcome is learning how to navigate grief while still moving forward. Losing a parent at a young age forced me to grow up quickly and take on more responsibility, both emotionally and practically. It taught me the importance of perseverance and strengthened my faith. These experiences shaped my character and gave me a deeper understanding of pain, loss, and healing. My motivation to pursue nursing stems from my personal experiences growing up in an environment where compassion was often expressed through actions rather than words. Experiencing loss and witnessing my family's resilience have shown me the vital importance of emotional support, especially in moments of vulnerability. I chose nursing specifically because it allows me to combine my desire to help others with my passion for providing both physical and emotional care. Through my education, I am learning how to support patients holistically, and I am eager to make a tangible difference in people’s lives by offering the kind of care and understanding that has deeply impacted me.

My plans are centered on my goal of building a meaningful and impactful career in healthcare. Since I am now majoring in Health Science, my next major step after graduation will be to apply to a nursing program, allowing me to earn my Registered Nurse (RN) license. Although my academic path has changed, my long-term goals have remained the same. I am still determined to enter the nursing field, gain clinical experience, and eventually continue my education by pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP). Each step of this journey is intentional and motivated by my passion for caring for others, especially children and families. After completing my Health Science degree, I plan to enter a nursing program that will provide the clinical foundation I need to become a skilled and confident nurse. Earning my RN license will allow me to gain hands-on experience in patient care, strengthen my communication skills, and learn how to navigate the challenges that healthcare workers face every day. Working as an RN will not only help me grow professionally but will also prepare me to take the next step in my education. Once I have gained meaningful nursing experience, I plan to return to graduate school to pursue my MSN and become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. As a PNP, I hope to provide compassionate, comprehensive care while educating families and supporting children through every stage of their health journey. Coming from a low-income family, financing my education has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced. Grants and student loans have helped me reach my third year of college, but continuing my education requires ongoing financial support. As a Health Science major preparing for nursing school, I know that balancing demanding coursework with financial stress can be overwhelming. This scholarship would help alleviate that burden and allow me to focus more fully on my academic success and preparation for nursing school. Receiving this scholarship would lessen the amount of additional loans I need to take out, providing stability and peace of mind as I continue my education. It would also allow me to devote my time and attention to building the experience and knowledge I need to succeed as a future nurse. Beyond easing financial stress, this scholarship represents an important investment in my future and in the communities I hope to serve. My ultimate goal is to give back by providing high-quality, empathetic care to children and families who may be facing difficult moments.

I am passionate about nursing because caring for others has always been a core part of who I am. I have consistently found purpose in helping people through difficult moments, offering support, and being someone others can rely on. Nursing allows me to turn this compassion into a meaningful career where I can serve individuals and families while continuing to grow personally and professionally. My interest in nursing developed through both personal and academic experiences. I participated in a Medical Assistant program at my local Career and Technical Center, where I learned foundational clinical skills and gained exposure to patient-centered care. As part of this program, I completed an externship at Commonwealth Pediatrics in Richmond, Virginia. Working in a pediatric setting allowed me to interact closely with children and their families, helping me understand how important trust, communication, and empathy are in healthcare. This experience showed me that effective nursing goes beyond medical tasks—it requires emotional understanding and genuine human connection. Healthcare has also played a significant role in shaping my passion through my family. My mom works as a CNA and med tech in geriatrics, and witnessing her dedication to caring for elderly patients has inspired my work ethic and compassion. Observing her manage long hours and emotional challenges taught me the importance of resilience and commitment in nursing. Additionally, my grandmother works at a daycare, where she provides care, guidance, and encouragement to children every day. Growing up surrounded by caregivers reinforced my desire to enter a profession centered on service and responsibility. Through my career as a nurse, I hope to gain experiences that strengthen my confidence, resilience, and clinical judgment. Nursing is a demanding profession that requires adaptability and emotional strength, but I believe these challenges are essential to personal and professional growth. I want to become a nurse who advocates for patients, provides comfort during vulnerable moments, and contributes positively to the healthcare team. The hardships of nursing do not deter me; instead, they motivate me to become a stronger caregiver and leader. My goal is to first become a Registered Nurse after graduating from college and then continue my education to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Pediatrics is the area of nursing I am most drawn to because of my genuine passion for working with children. I enjoy building relationships with them, encouraging them, and helping them feel safe and supported in unfamiliar environments. Children deserve care that is not only clinically effective but also compassionate and reassuring, and I hope to provide both. As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, I want to deliver patient-centered care, educate families, and be a trusted guide through challenges. By combining my education, experience, and dedication, I hope to make a real difference in pediatric healthcare and fulfill my purpose as a nurse.

My name is Najeah. Six years ago, I lost my father, to gun violence. I was 14 in 8th grade, living with my mother and younger brother, who was 10 years old. In that moment I was devasted, sad, and disconnected. Talking about how I felt 6 years ago, I felt as if I should have expressed more emotions about it. However, when I got that call when my uncle wanted to talk to my mother, I knew instantly that my father was either hurt or dead. And it was confirmed, so I couldn't believe that I was right so I just accepted it for what it was at the time. When I found out, I didn't take the time to step away from school. I went back to school, but I wasn't focused. It was exam week, so I passed some but not all and was able to retake them and I eventually passed. Then after that, it was homecoming. I was having an amazing time with my friends, and yet towards the end of the dance I saw all the fathers pick up their daughters and that's where it hit me. I had to grow up without my father being there throughout all the best memories I made. Went to high school, graduated high school, got my learner permit then my driver's license. Fast forward, now I'm a 20 year old junior at JMU. My father had a difficult path, so I wasn't angry or disappointed in him before or after his death because he did everything he could to take care of his children. But why wasn't I angry? Why didn't I lead down a bad road? It's because I let my God walk me through the steps of my life and lead me down the path that I was destined to be in. He kept my mind at peace from the moment I found out till now. Throughout the years I didn't get depressed., but I had my moments when I needed my father, and still do. Losing a parent, especially a father who one's job is to protect their children, the daughter who is the princess of their world. And now they're gone, I didn't have my older brother in my life at the time, but that relationship is slowly coming back together. So I didn't have the protection that I once had before. That's why when it came to relationships and whoever treated me right I would give my all to them because I didn't want to lose them just like how I lost my father, I needed to feel that love again, but the only way I would get a special love is from God. I joined a community called Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship. Where you come together with other college students to express the love and praise that they have for the Lord. I ended up making some great friends in this community and is forever grateful of joining and growing with them. Now I'm a core group leader to lead people in my small group to merge their life with God and see the miraculous plans he has for us. As for my major, I'm a nursing student who has applied to the program this summer and is currently waiting. I've always wanted to help people, growing up I loved helping my family out because seeing them secured made me happy. That's why I want to become a PNP because I love working with kids, to help and make them feel secure. Today, I am secured, happy, determined, and blessed.

To start my story I will say that my life has been mind-blowing with so many good and bad memories, and experiences that I had gone through that made me who I am today. The major impact that affected my life was when I lost my father 5 years ago, so it was mainly just me, my brother, and my mother. My parents were already separated when I was in my young teens, so my mom has been a single mother for almost all of my life. I am very grateful for what my parents were able to endure for me at a young age and now even though my father is no longer here. My mother is a CNA and a med-tech who works in a memory center with geriatrics and my grandmother works at a daycare center. So these two specific people in my life who have a job and have a responsibility to care for and help people took it upon me to head into that direction. While I was in high school during my junior and senior years I was in the Career and Technical Center program, specifically in the medical assistant program. Throughout my senior year, I was able to do an externship job where I worked in a pediatrics office with other medical assistants and doctors. Being able to see the real-life work of what the nurses and doctors do did take a toll on me because it felt like I was behind the scenes but playing a major role while I was learning my mistakes and was able to progress as I went. My goal for my interest in nursing is to be able to learn, grow, and acknowledge my mistakes because I feel like in this generation it's all about making money. However, as for someone who is a sensitive person it's been part of me to put people first before my needs. So when I do reach my accomplishment of becoming a Registered Nurse and then a Nurse Practitioner the only duty that I want to maintain and fulfill is healing and taking care of my patients and the strength that God will give me when I am at my lowest and even my highest because everything is not going to be easy, but it's about if we're able to get through it and face the challenges. God has put nurses and doctors on this earth for a reason because they have a gift of compassion and when its my time I will be able to fulfill that and continue to complete my accomplishments as a walk through the faith of God.

Six years ago, I lost my father, who was shot. I was 14 in 8th grade, living with my mother and younger brother, who was 10 years old. In that moment I was devasted, sad, and disconnected. Talking about how I felt 6 years ago, I felt as if I should have expressed more emotions about it. However, when I got that call when my uncle wanted to talk to my mother, I knew instantly that my father was either hurt or dead. And it was confirmed, so I couldn't believe that I was right so I just accepted it for what it was at the time. When I found out, I didn't take the time to step away from school. I went back to school, but I wasn't focused. It was exam week, so I passed some but not all and was able to retake them and I eventually passed. Then after that, it was homecoming. I was having an amazing time with my friends, and yet towards the end of the dance I saw all the fathers pick up their daughters and that's where it hit me. I had to grow up without my father being there throughout all the best memories I made. Went to high school, graduated high school, got my learner permit then my driver's license. Now stepping into college, as a 19-year-old in her sophomore year at JMU. My father had a difficult path, so I wasn't angry or disappointed in him before or after his death because he did everything he could to take care of his children. But why wasn't I angry? Why didn't I lead down a bad road? It's because I let my God walk me through the steps of my life and lead me down the path that I was destined to be in. He kept my mind at peace from the moment I found out till now. Throughout the years I didn't get depressed., but I had my moments when I needed my father, and still do. Losing a parent, especially a father who one's job is to protect their children, the daughter who is the princess of their world. And now they're gone, I didn't have my older brother in my life at the time, but that relationship is slowly coming back together. So I didn't have the protection that I once had before. That's why when it came to relationships and whoever treated me right I would give my all to them because I didn't want to lose them just like how I lost my father, I needed to feel that love again, but the only way I would get a special love is from God. Now, since I'm in college I joined a Christian community called Chi Alpha. Where you come together with other college students to express the love and praise that they have for the lord. I ended up making some great friends in this community that I'm in and I'm grateful enough to be part of it. As for my major, I'm a nursing student who's going to apply to the program during the summer. I've always wanted to help people, growing up I loved helping my family out because seeing them secured made me happy. That's why I want to become a Pediatric Nurse practitioner because I love working with kids, yet to help and make them feel secure. This scholarship will help me with my financials throughout college because I don't come from a wealthy family, so it is a struggle but it's worth having faith in God's hand.

My name is Najeah Gordon, and I am a 19-year-old sophomore at James Madison University pursuing a degree in Nursing and Health Science. I was born and raised in Chesterfield, Virginia, back at home I live with my mother and older brother, my father unfortunately passed away 6 years ago. I believe this scholarship will help me financially, especially with the loans that I have to pay back and up fall/spring semester bills. Not only will it help me financially, but also take the burden off my back and my mother who has helped me ever since I got accepted into JMU. Help her realize that we are not the only ones struggling, and that's why it's never too late to apply for scholarships and pray that God will work it through for us. Also, it will help me stay dedicated to my academics and still have a passion for my majors. Overall, I do still have hope and not lose that faith when I step onto the campus, and still have that when I graduate. My career goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner because I am the type to always help out my family, especially the ones that I am close to. So, with that, I realized that I wanted to help people, but I didn't know at first if I wanted to work with children, adults, the elderly, or all of them. During my junior and senior years, I was in the medical assistant program at the Career and Technical Center, and during my senior year in the second year of the MA program, it was a requirement to have an externship at a clinical, and I knew instantly that I wanted to work with pediatrics. I ended up going to the Commonwealth Pediatrics, which was about 5 minutes away from my house, and it was the best experience that I've ever had. I had great medical assistant doctors who showed me the way how to become an MA and showed me the difficulty but the fun of it. Working with children opened my heart up, even though it was quite stressful sometimes, but it's part of the job that I'm willing to work in. Throughout my teenage years, I believed I'd never contributed to my community which makes me feel disappointed in myself because I knew that then I could have done better, but I know that now I can. My goal this year is to contribute to my community by volunteering or mentoring in any kinds of way. If I was allowed to work with kids within my community I would feel joyful because not only would it be beneficial, but also a great experience to learn and thrive in, and wanting to do more of it. A time where I failed and what I've learned from it was during my fall semester as a sophomore and I failed my anatomy lab class. It's a prerequisite course for my nursing major and that class was one of the hardest classes that I've taken since I've been at JMU. I was struggling hard in the class, I couldn't find a proper way to study to pass all my exams. What I learned from it is that I need to reach out for help with my academics instead of struggling by myself which leads to me having to push back my career path. My greatest strengths are adaptability because I'm a flexible person to changes, communication, and patience because I'm a great active listener, having empathy, and being mindful.

If you ever heard of the term being "God's strongest soldiers", you can say I am one of them with everything that God has brought me through and still is today. I am currently a 19-year-old undergraduate student at James Madison University, back at home in Chesterfield, Virginia I live with my single mother and younger brother. When I was a younger girl, my grandmother was the one who raised me in church, so I grew up Christian, and ever since I was about 5 to 6 years old I've been a praise dancer, so you can say I've always had God faithfully in my life. Growing up was quite difficult, moving in and out of homes and apartments, and always ended up living at my grandmother's house throughout my childhood and teenage years. I knew God had me then, but at some point, I just always wondered why this was happening to me personally. Around 2017, my mother got our first house, so I was in middle school at the time, we stayed there for a year until the landlord decided to put the house for sale, so we moved back into my grandmother's house once again. Two years later my mom found another house and I was in 8th grade by then, and again the landlord decided to put the house for sale. The moving back and forth made me feel angry inside because I was wondering why God was letting this affect my family as if we were getting our hopes up that this house was the one or the other. From that moment on I lived with my grandmother throughout my whole high school years, and it was a handful living in a full house, don't have your room so you're sharing a room with your younger brother. At some point I accepted it and continued going to church and praise dancing because I felt like that was the only thing keeping me close with God. However in 2019 was when I lost my dad, and that year was the worst of my life. An 8th-grade student who lost her dad had to quickly accept and mature up, went to the homecoming dance without my father being able to pick me up, graduated from high school, got my driver's license, stepping into college. It was a lot that I had to endure in without my father being there for me and it took a toll on me. Yet, that's why I am one of God's strongest soldiers because he knew deep down I was able to get through it and conquer it. After all, I am more than a conqueror. No matter how many trials and tribulations God had put me through whether it was with financials with college, family matters, or even with relationships. It was a lesson over and over again that I was learning from to be a better person, a child of God. Throughout all of it, I almost gave up on praise dancing because I didn't feel the worth of it anymore, but there were times currently in college when a difficult situation would come up and I wouldn't know what to do or who to turn to I would end up praise dancing, giving thanks to the lord for putting me where I am today in college as a first generation student. I am beyond grateful for the doors that I had to kick down or turn away because without all of it, I wouldn't be where I am today and that's because of my lord and Savior.

Throughout my childhood when I was in elementary school. They would have these career days where they dress up to who they want to become when they get older. So, for I dressed up as a nurse I wore my mom's nurse shirt and had a fake stethoscope one with a name tag. That idea never changed, becoming a nurse always stayed in my mind throughout my childhood to my adulthood. You can say my mother was the one who inspired me, she is currently a CNA and a med tech who works at a memory center and takes care of elderly people. She even took care of my great-grandmother and she was amazing at it, she's good at her job and knows how to be professional with it too. Since my mom's passion is working with geriatrics, my passion is to work with peds. During my junior year in high school, there was a program called Career and Technical Education in Chesterfield, Virginia. Where they help you decide which career path you wish to take, and as for me I decided to apply to the medical assistant program, and I got accepted. The medical assistant program is split into 2 where the first year you learn how to become a medical assistant. So, in my junior year while I was in the program I learned how to take vitals, practice asking patient questions, and learn about medical terminology and also anatomy, and physiology. The second year was mainly about going to clincals and this is when I knew I had the desire to with the peds. Luckily I was assigned to the Commonwealth Pediatrics in Richmond, Virginia and I was nervous for my first day because as a student working her way to become a medical assistant, I get to see the background work instead of being the patient. I loved the environment and the MA's who were very helpful and kind. I took vitals, answered the phone, did paperwork, preparing medications. That was the best part about it, but the difficult part about shadowing and doing hands-on work was about working with the children who didn't want to be touched, screamed, crying, and parents who were very cautious over their children where they didn't seem to think I had to ability to perform certain tasks since I wasn't a certified medical assistant. Which I didn't take personally because I was still learning at the time. However, being able to hold the newborns and infants made my heart melt especially when they were calm and giggly. It made me enjoy the job even more even though the children would behave the exact opposite, but it's all part of the job that I was willing to deep dive into. Now, I am currently a sophomore at James Madison University, I started with my declaring degree in nursing, but now I double majored in health science. I knew before applying to the nursing program would be difficult with the prerequisite courses and maintaining certain grades and a GPA because in high school I graduated with a 4.3 and now I have a 2.7 and I didn't expect that to happen, but I realize the classes do get harder, but I didn't allow myself to give up. Unfortunately, I couldn't apply to the nursing program in December of 2024 because you have to maintain a 3.0 but my GPA for my degree in nursing was 2.8, at first it was disappointing and I was devasted. I could have dropped nursing and focused on health science, but I didn't I just had to take another route that may have been longer and that was something I was willing to accept. My goal is to achieve and not lose the love of being a registered nurse because it's challenging and I'm not surprised about that because it's about saving lives and having empathy for the patients and that's a desire that I want to have and achieve in. I believe I was called to make a positive impact on the lives of others because as a daughter and sister, it is an instinct of mine to take care of my family and friends, before I think about myself I think about my mother and younger brother to make sure that they're well and satisfied because I have the compassion and the sensitivity to care for others who I may or may not know, but its a part of who I am and who I was destined to be. I may not be an official nursing student yet, but best believe I will become one because if this wasn't a career I was determined to have I wouldn't be this passionate about it, but here I am destined and vividly can see myself becoming an RN helping children every single day with challenges that may come my way whether it's the good or bad days, but that's the joy about it.

To learn about my background, let's start with something easy. Right now, I am living with my single mother and younger brother. Five years ago my father passed away, which did take a big step back in my life. Before my father passed, my family and I were living with my grandmother and this was our second time living there. Sometimes, I look at how I was living before and now. I always wondered why God put me in this position to live like this because it felt like when everything started going well with my family, there was something bad that would sneak behind and grab it all. When my mother got our first house, it was amazing where all of us were able to have our rooms and space, but then the landlord decided to put it up for sale, so we went to live with my grandmother for the first time. Then when my mother was able to get our second house, during that time my father passed away and a few months later the landlord decided to put the house for sale. So, as you can see with my life it's as if God opened up each door for me to walk in, live through it, go through it, grow through it, and shut the door to open up a new one. I didn't understand it at the age of 15, but now at 19 I finally understand it. To speed up the process with my background story, my mother is a CNA and a med tech and she currently works in a memory center with elderly people. My grandmother who has been babysitting for years now works at a daycare. These are the two people who have inspired me to pursue my passion. In high school during my junior and senior years, I was in the Technical and Career Center School and got accepted into the medical assistant program. During my senior year, I was in clinical from November to March at Commonwealth Pediatrics, and I can say I learned a lot when it came to working with the kids, medical assistants, and doctors as well. I was able to work behind the scenes because all of my life as a teenager we would have to wait and wait for the doctors to show up, get shots when we didn't want to and in the end get a sticker. However, when I was working with the medical assistants and doctors it came with responsibility and dedication when working with kids and the parents as well. There were some moments, but I believe it's normal to experience those types of situations when you worked in the nursing field for years, and I did get to witness a lot of that. This made me want to work with kids in the future when I graduate from James Madison University with my Bachelor's degree in Science and become a Registered Nurse and then go back to school to become a Nurse practitioner and work with pediatrics. That's the reason why I entered the nursing field because through it all working with the kids and seeing how my mother and grandmother handle the field that they're in I know for myself I'm able to do the same.

To start my story I will say that my life has been mind-blowing with so many good and bad memories, and experiences that I had gone through that made me who I am today. The major impact that affected my life was when I lost my father 5 years ago, so it was mainly just me, my brother, and my mother. My parents were already separated when I was in my young teens, so my mom has been a single mother for almost all of my life. I am very grateful for what my parents were able to endure for me at a young age and now even though my father is no longer here. My mother is a CNA and a med-tech who works in a memory center with geriatrics and my grandmother works at a daycare center. So these two specific people in my life who have a job and have a responsibility to care for and help people took it upon me to head into that direction. While I was in high school during my junior and senior years I was in the Career and Technical Center program, specifically in the medical assistant program. Throughout my senior year, I was able to do an externship job where I worked in a pediatrics office with other medical assistants and doctors. Being able to see the real-life work of what the nurses and doctors do did take a toll on me because it felt like I was behind the scenes but playing a major role while I was learning my mistakes and was able to progress as I went. My goal for my interest in nursing is to be able to learn, grow, and acknowledge my mistakes because I feel like in this generation it's all about making money. However, as for someone who is a sensitive person it's been part of me to put people first before my needs. So when I do reach my accomplishment of becoming a Registered Nurse and then a Nurse Practitioner the only duty that I want to maintain and fulfill is healing and taking care of my patients and the strength that God will give me when I am at my lowest and even my highest because everything is not going to be easy, but it's about if we're able to get through it and face the challenges. God has put nurses and doctors on this earth for a reason because they have a gift of compassion and when its my time I will be able to fulfill that and continue to complete my accomplishments as a walk through the faith of God.