My name is Nakala Durden, and I am a senior at Southern University and A&M College majoring in nursing with a minor in psychology. I have always found myself reading books in my free time or whenever I need a break from the physical world in front of me. Reading books has always been a passion of mine since I was a young child. While I have read countless books in my lifetime, one book that truly made an impact on my life and my outlook on it was the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird follows the life of young Scout, the daughter of Atticus Finch - a small-town lawyer who goes against the conventions of society to defend an African American man accused of rape in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. From Scout’s perspective, I was able to learn honest lessons about prejudice, acceptance, hope and courage, while developing a strong empathy for the characters. The novel is full of wisdom as it teaches us to look beyond preconceived notions and to be kind to everyone despite what our immediate opinions may be. This book showed me that not everything is as it appears and to think before I act. The most important lesson it taught me was to stand up for what I believe in and to be wary of judging people based on the actions of others. This book likely changed my life by yielding such a deep appreciation for the battles and issues faced by people all over the world, from America to countries around the globe. This does not mean that a person’s opinion should be ignored, but rather respected for the strength and courage it took for them to be in the fight. By understanding and sympathizing with the struggles people face, I am able to recognize the importance of information and utilizing various sources to educate myself. To Kill a Mockingbird has remained one of my favorite books to this day. Its lessons are timeless and resonate with readers from generation to generation. It has made me aware of the injustice and prejudice that still operate in our society and how compassion and understanding can help change it. The powerful themes of the book serve as a reminder of how attitudes and perceptions can be altered given the right set of circumstances. Above all else, it provided me with a pathway of self-discovery and the importance of standing up for what is right, regardless of varying opinions.

As we go through life, we are constantly growing and learning from our experiences – and the past year has been no exception. Each of us has our own stories to tell, and the events of the past year have opened my eyes to the importance of growth and self-improvement. This past year, I have grown significantly in a variety of areas, most notably in my understanding of mental health and self-awareness. At the beginning of the year, I was very much unaware that mental health was something that I should have been taking seriously. I was in a place of deep anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and lost, not sure how I should progress. Upon examining my behaviors, I realized that it was time to prioritize my mental health and focus on my self-discovery. I started to learn about the different aspects of mental health, familiarizing myself with the various types of therapy and counseling, and understanding the power of a healthy mindset. I've invested more time into meditation and mindfulness activities, allowing me to gain more inner clarity and foster a stronger sense of self-awareness. This self-reflection has helped me develop a greater appreciation for the beauty of life and the power of resilience. All of this has helped me to become a more conscious and aware person. Despite the difficulties and the challenges involved, along the way, I have learned invaluable lessons about myself. As I reflect on my growth over the past year, I can’t help but feel proud of the progress I have made. I have come to understand the importance of prioritizing mental health and have become a better listener and communicator. I have stepped outside of my comfort zone to pursue my dreams and have learned to appreciate the beauty of life. This has helped me to become a more conscious and aware person, and I am grateful for the lessons I have learned over the year. Self-discovery is a unique and personal experience, and the knowledge and insight one can gain from it is invaluable. By understanding our strengths, weaknesses, and values, we are equipped with the necessary tools to mold our future. My journey of self-discovery has taught me the importance of embracing my vulnerabilities. Some key takeaways in this expiring are that the journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and one must never allow thyself to become complacent. No matter how much knowledge I gain from the introspective process, I remain open to learning more. This is essential if I am to reach a deep understanding of who I am and what I want from life. I have learned the importance of releasing my hold on the past to focus on the present. The things that have happened to us, and the choices we've made aren't necessarily indicative of the individual we are now. Therefore, it is important to take the time to analyze past experiences without letting them cloud our judgment and affect our ability to move forward. Often when considering the deepest parts of ourselves, insecurities and fears arise. Yet, I have come to realize that these moments of discomfort are necessary; they offer a chance for us to recognize our anxieties and develop coping mechanisms for them. In the end, accepting our weaknesses and vulnerabilities helps us to stave off insecurities by finding strength in our perspicacity and courage.

Growing up, I always wanted to help others and make a difference in the world. Becoming a nurse was the most natural way to turn those aspirations into a reality. I've always had a natural curiosity and interest in the sciences, specifically healthcare. Over the years, my appreciation and understanding of the medical profession has contoured to grow. I am passionate about nursing because it is a profession that brings immense joy and fulfillment to me while having a positive impact on people's lives. The world of nursing, for me, is a universe of bodily healing and spiritual rejuvenation. I truly believe in being a nurse and I can’t think of a better way to help stabilize healthcare systems, promote the well-being of humanity, and ameliorate suffering. As a nurse, my work goes beyond typical medical duties. Nurses use a blend of both scientific knowledge, as well as their emotional intelligence and intuition, to help patients take control of their health and bring restoration and healing. Having the opportunity to obtain a college education brings with it the chance to grow intellectually, expand opportunities, and make a positive impact both on a personal and a larger scale. I hope to continue discovering my passions and develop skills to become an active participant in my community, making positive impacts on local and global issues as it relates to my field. Locally, I aim to address the educational inequity that exists in my city. Growing up in a wider community comprised of low-income households, high unemployment rates, and underfunded public schools, I have seen – first-hand – the disparity between the resources of public schools and those of more affluent areas. Through pursuing an education in the healthcare field, I hope to form a basis to develop initiatives that can promote equitable funding to different programs and schools in my city. Furthermore, I aim to contribute to global initiatives. My education gives me a platform of knowledge to advocate for issues of global importance such as economic disparities and access to health care, immunization education, or creating opportunities for low-income households to have clean running water accessible to them. I plan to utilize my education to navigate the complexities of government, private sector, and nonprofit institutions to create sustainable programs for socioeconomic improvement. Largely involved in research-based projects for non-profit organizations, I have extensive experience dealing with public policy, economic development, and social justice, which can be applied in both the public and private sectors. I specifically look forward to providing equal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in my community. I believe having a degree boosts the effectiveness of those capable of enacting change. Obtaining a degree allows individuals to introduce necessary conversations into communities and create policy initiatives to address local, national, and global issues. Through my degree, I plan to utilize the strengths and knowledge of people in my community to make sure resources are distributed equitably and sustainably, reducing educational, healthcare, and economic gaps. Being honored as the recipient of this scholarship would alleviate significant financial stress and hardship for myself and my family, allowing me to better focus and devote myself to my studies in pursuit of my degree. I can assure you that if I’m selected as the award winner for this scholarship, you will without a doubt be contributing not only to my academic success but to what I hope to be a much greater cycle of kindness and generosity as I go on and strive to touch, aid, and change countless lives for the better throughout my future career.

In this day and age, minorities' health in America is more important than ever. In the 21st century, there is a growing concern about the health of minorities. The gap between the health of minorities and that of non-minorities has been widening for decades. While there has been significant progress in recent years, there are still pronounced disparities in health outcomes between white and minority populations, with minority populations often experiencing poorer outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to healthcare services are many reasons why this gap exists. As someone majoring in nursing and obtaining a minor in psychology, I am uniquely situated to help bridge these gaps and strive to close these disparities in health outcomes. The first step will be to use the knowledge gained during my course of study to better serve minority populations in the healthcare setting. This can be done through respectful and culturally aware patient care. By taking the time to understand their cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and practices, I can provide more personalized care that meets their individual needs. This could also include language interpretation to ensure that minority patients have access to essential health information and services. Additionally, I will ensure that minority patients are encouraged to participate in preventive health measures, such as vaccinations, nutrition counseling, and physical examination. The second step is to not just treat medical conditions but to address the underlying social issues which lead to poor health outcomes in minority populations. For example, systemic racism has an incredible impact on the health of minority communities. Lack of access to health care, education, employment, and housing all play a role in preventing these groups from getting the care they need to stay healthy. I would use my knowledge to help find or develop programs that address these issues and strive to better serve minority populations. Finally, I think it is important to use my degree and position as a healthcare professional to advocate for minority health and health equity. I can do this by volunteering with advocacy organizations or engaging in research related to minority health. By joining a committee or board related to minority health, I can bring awareness to health disparities and promote evidence-based policy and practice changes. My desire to use my cognizance and skills to improve minority health is rooted in my belief that everyone deserves equitable health care. With the knowledge and skills gained during my degree program and the motivation to create change, I hope to make a tangible difference in the lives of members of minority communities and promote health equality for all. I plan to work towards improving the health of minority populations through research, policy development, and community engagement. I plan to research the health disparities that exist among minority populations and use this research to inform policy decisions that will help to reduce these disparities. By working with local organizations and advocacy groups, I hope to create a more equitable healthcare system that can provide better care and resources for marginalized communities.

This poem reflects emotions I was once unable to express. I sat in a corner, pen and paper in hand, grappling with my thoughts and emotions. Before I knew it poetic justice was written and my mind was unfettered. Please enjoy. Poetic Justice By N. Durden There is nothing poetic in my death. The death of people with skin of copper and hair of wool. We do not bleed gold. Take our names and twist our history. We are the beginning and the end, the very foundation of this nation. Yet the ones who oppress us benefit most from our sacrifices. Chains and whips now out of reach, they gun us down in the streets. There’s nothing poetic in my death. The poetry is in all that I’ve lived for and leave behind. I don’t bleed gold, I bleed black girl magic and black boy joy. I am a descendant of the first Kings and Queens. Imbued within me is the culture of my ancestors, passed down for generations. The same culture you try so hard to bleed me for.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought new beginnings and experiences for me. I slowly learned who I was becoming as a person and what my aspirations are in life. I moved into my own, and very first apartment. Not only that but I was also accepted into the School of Nursing program at Southern University after transferring from Southwestern Oklahoma University in the Fall of 2020. Navigating through the pandemic, a new environment, and trying to keep a positive outlook on life truly took a toll on my mental health. Dealing with the stresses of being a first-generation college student in my family, my mental and physical health began to take decline early on in my sophomore year - my academics soon followed. Later that year I had a knee injury that brought my athletic season to an early end. Now underperforming, both academically and in sports, I had some difficult decisions to make. Ultimately, and with the encouragement of a much-appreciated support system, I decided to leave an environment that I felt was non-conducive for my well-being, even if that decision came with a few risks. I transferred to my family’s alma mater and legacy the following year, Southern University and A&M College. I was no longer a scholarship student, my academic track was no longer guaranteed, and found myself still stranded on the road to self-discovery. In an unfamiliar area, separated from friends and family, the anxiety and pressures to succeed weighed on me heavily. My family has made it possible for me to continue my academic journey to achieve higher education, but since the COVID-19 pandemic had begun we have been in a slow albeit steady financial decline. Since I was in a new environment in what felt like uncharted territory, I stayed in a spare room with a distant relative that lived near the university and picked up a job to cut costs after the initial move. This later proved to be no more than a temporary stopgap as living conditions slowly worsened with time. We were constantly yelling and stepping on each other’s toes. Despite my disappointment, I knew that the tension in our home stemmed primarily from fear of the unknown, rather than a lack of love. I did everything in my power to make the best of a bad situation. Even after the difficulties, and with an extraneous amount of effort, I not only made it through the end of the term but was admitted into the Nursing program the following semester. Having persevered and reached this point in my academic career, and learning so much about myself in the process, has only served to further strengthen my convictions in working towards my goal. The pandemic taught me that I am going to have bumps in the road to success no matter what lessons are to be had but the most important is the trials to overcome. This scholarship would not only alleviate significant financial stress and hardship for myself and my family but also provide me the opportunity to better focus and devote myself to my studies in pursuit of my degree. I decided from a young age that helping others was to one day be my life’s purpose, and I can assure you that if I’m selected as the award winner for this scholarship, you will without a doubt be contributing not only to my academic success but to what I hope to be a much greater cycle of kindness and generosity as I go on and strive to touch, aid, and change countless lives for the better throughout my future career.

My name is Nakala Durden I am currently a senior nursing major with a minor in psychology. I attend Southern University and A&M college. I am currently in my final stretch of nursing school with an expected graduation of 05/2023. My education is something I am proud of. My education is something that defines the woman I am becoming. Something I can say I have accomplished. My education Has helped me take the right steps needed in order to achieve my goals and aspirations in life. My educational journey has given me the voice and courage that as a young girl, I could only once imagine. Ever since I was a young girl, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, creating a positive impact on other people’s lives. It wasn’t until I lost my grandmother at the age of 17, that I knew I wanted to become a nurse. The knowledge, skills, and experience I have gained through my education have helped me both in my future career and in my life as a whole. My family has been one of the strongest pillars of my Academic career. The sacrifices and unconditional support my family has made for me to continue advancing my education Is something I will forever be grateful for. My family will be able to look at me and my accomplishments, knowing that their efforts and support have not gone to waste- while my success serves as an inspiration for the generations that follow. An educated individual, such as myself believes that higher learning builds on the strength of the family & in turn, contributes to establishing a stronger community. A good solid education is key to maintaining any healthy community, be it in the form of lawmakers, doctors, teachers or even scientists. For me, helping in creating a Healthy community just so happened to take shape in the form of a nursing career. In every and all aspects of healthcare, nurses work to provide education, promote healthy practices, share their expertise and most importantly help patients heal and feel heard. I decided from a young age that helping others was to one day be my life’s purpose, and I can assure you that if I’m selected as the award winner for this scholarship, you will without a doubt be contributing not only to my academic success but to what I hope to be a much greater cycle of kindness and generosity as I go on and strive to touch, aid, and change countless lives for the better over the course of my future career. Thank you for your time and consideration!

I am currently in my senior level of nursing school, at Southern University and A&M College, with an expected graduation in May 2023. Ever since I was a young girl, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, creating a positive impact on other people’s lives. It wasn’t until I lost my grandmother at the age of 17, that I knew I wanted to become a nurse. My family made it possible for me to go to college to achieve higher education, but ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began we have been in a slow albeit steady financial decline. Dealing with the stresses of being a first-generation college student in my family, my mental and physical health began to take decline early on in my sophomore year - my academics soon followed. I felt lost, almost like my life had just done a complete 180 turn all while also trying to survive in the middle of a pandemic. I refused to give up on all I had accomplished thus far and needed to continue to prevail. I was a lost soul looking for my purpose in life, but once I was accepted into the nursing program, I knew I was going in the right direction. I have maintained above a 3.0 Grade point average my entire academic career. I am now a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses in recognition of my exceptional academic achievement. Sigma Theta Tau is internationally regarded as the top honor society for nursing and is dedicated to advancing world health. I believe quality medical services should be provided and accessible to anyone and everyone. However, African Americans are generally known to have increased rates of predisposition and risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, influenza, diabetes, and many other ailments. As not only a nurse but more importantly a health advocate, I want to spread awareness to the African American community about how important health checkups are. I intend to restore trust within the black community as it relates to westernized medicinal practices and doctor visits. I hope to use my position to help my patients feel comfortable with medical personnel and procedures in an attempt to make them feel safer in their times of need. Having persevered and reached this point in my academic career, and learning so much about myself in the process, has only served to further strengthen my convictions in working towards my goals. To be honored as the recipient of this Scholarship would not only alleviate significant financial stress and hardship for myself and my family but also allow me the opportunity to better focus and devote myself to my studies in pursuit of my degree. I decided from a young age that helping others was to one day be my life’s purpose, and I can assure you that if I’m selected as the award winner for this scholarship, you will without a doubt be contributing not only to my academic success but what I hope to be a much greater cycle of kindness and generosity as I continuously strive to touch, aid, and change countless lives for the better throughout my future career.