“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” These are the words of the phenomenal woman herself, Marguerite Ann Johnson but known to the world as Dr. Maya Angelou. It was this quote that has helped me to remember on the daily just how much words are important. I must also be mindful of my tone because I do not want to offend others and conscious of what I say but words have a lingering effect on the mind. Maya Angelou was a remarkable poet who was a civil rights activists who influence not just the African American community but many people around the world. Dr. Angelou’s influence on American Literature and society were based on her experience while navigating the world as an African American woman. Her tall stature of 6 feet gave off a presence of confidence and strength that sometimes came off as intimidating to most. She often spoke against living up to the beauty standards of society and how it diminishes an individual’s worth. She felt that when an individual is solely judged on their appearance it can diminish one’s self worth and create internal issues resulting in a self esteem issue. I respect. the tenacity and resilience that Dr. Angelou possessed. She didn’t allow the negativity she faced in her life to alter her trajectory or goals she wanted to achieve. From her childhood traumatic experiences having travel to Stamps, Arkansas alone at a tender age to live with her grandmother after her parents’ divorce while later moving with her mother where she was then molested by a man in the neighborhood. Even though she went mute and used a writing pad to communicate, in due time she used her voice to raise awareness about racism, sexism, and segregation. My favorite book received as a birthday gift from my mother of her Dr. Angelou is entitled ‘Letter to My Daughter’. Although she never birthed a daughter, this book is comprised of essays for the daughters she never had but recognized in every way. Discussing motherhood, ways women can find themselves marginalized in society, love, and many other topics that bring community for women. I’d like to consider this a gift of knowledge from a grandmother that I never met but can learn from her experiences. I have realized that what I have gone through in life may be different from Dr. Angelou’s journey, but we are so much alike in more ways than none. In the book of hers “I Know Why the Card Bird Sings”, Dr Angelou inspires me by giving exhales of her how resilient she was. Her honesty and candidness of navigating through hard times has resonates so much with me as my life has not been easy. I too can make it just as she did. “Now you understand just why my head’s not bowed. I don’t shout or jump about. Or have to talk real loud. When you see me passing, it ought to make you proud. I say, it’s in the click of my heels. The bend of my hair, the palm of my hand, the knee for my care. Cause I’m a woman, phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that’s me.” -Dr. Maya Angelou.

To whom it may concern: My name is Norelle Meadows and I am applying for this scholarship to pay for my associate's degree in nursing. I have found a love for the medical field as I currently work in an assisted living facility a Qualified Medication Tech. My faith has been an asset in my life and I show Gods love to the residents while a work. I explain to the residents that their body is temple and God and we should take care of ourselves by drinking water and being active daily. I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of people in nursing homes and hospitals; finishing my degree and becoming a nurse will allow me to do more than I am unable to do at this time. As a single mother, I can appreciate the lower tuition because I have a son who depends on me and this scholarship would put less of a strain on me as I am his sole provider. I have been able to pick myself up after a long and traumatizing divorce a few years ago and helped my son transition to a new life without the other parent around and adjusting to the different financial changes that come with being the sole provider. Out of 182 applicants, I am one of 25 students accepted into the spring 2025 RN program. I hope that I have shown my son that he should never give up or allow circumstances to stop him from achieving his goals in life, I hope that I have displayed and continue to display a great example of resilience for him to internalize and may he never forget as he grows and matures into a resilient adult. I plan to work in an urban area or community hospital where I can help the less fortunate by providing care for them. Although I am one person, sometimes when people see themselves in others, be it by experience, age, or cultural background, that sometimes is the catalyst to cultivate a change for the better in them. While working at the hospital, I want to volunteer at a middle school and boys and girls club to educate young girls and boys about their health. I will express to them how important it is to stay away from drugs and the effects of too much screen time. I want to also partner with the schools to teach students about their health, of course with the consent of their parents. As a Christian, I believe in the power of prayer. I will pray for my patients when given a chance while respecting their religious beliefs. I will show empathy towards my coworkers and patients and will lend a helping hand when needed. If ever I find myself in a disagreement at work, I will maintain dignity address my coworkers and patients with respect, and maintain a professional demeanor. Christians have to abide by a standard no matter what challenging situation they are in, and I believe that people should see and feel the love of Jesus Christ in me.