Michelle Obama is a Black leader who has really influenced me, and I feel obligated to reflect on her in recognition of Black History Month. As the first Black First Lady of the United States and a fierce advocate for empowerment and equity, Michelle Obama is the embodiment of the gracefulness, strength, and intelligence that I want to have as a Black woman. In my experience as a student at Spelman College, a school committed to educating and empowering Black women, Michelle Obama's journey is especially motivating. She symbolizes the strength of determination and the importance of using a position of power to bring about long-lasting change. My belief that Black women are capable of succeeding in any context, no matter how challenging or underrepresented it may be, is further strengthened by her example. One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had during my time at Spelman was attending Michelle Obama’s voting rally with my peers. This event was a call to action and a profound reminder of the power of our voices and votes. Michelle Obama spoke passionately about the importance of civic engagement, especially for young Black women, urging us to take ownership of our futures and make a difference in our communities. Her words left a lasting impression on me, reaffirming my commitment to being an active participant in shaping the future of our democracy. Outside politics, Michelle Obama has had a huge impact. She demonstrated her dedication to health, education, and empowerment through her efforts, including the Let's Move campaign and her involvement with the Reach Higher program. She has strongly supported young females, inspiring them to break down boundaries and have highly driven dreams. The difficulties and achievements of handling life as a Black woman in environments where we are frequently overlooked are vividly documented in her autobiography Becoming. As a Black woman attending an all-Black women’s college, I see Michelle Obama’s work as a beacon of hope and possibility. She reminds me that my voice matters, my dreams are valid, and my potential is limitless. Her commitment to empowering Black women resonates deeply with me. She has shown us that we can lead authentically, advocate for change, and uplift our communities in meaningful ways. Michelle Obama has inspired me to embrace my identity and take pride in my journey. Her story reminds me that success is about personal achievement and creating opportunities for others. As I work toward becoming a nurse practitioner dedicated to serving underserved communities, I carry her example with me. Her advocacy for equity and inclusion motivates me to make a difference in the lives of others, just as she has. In celebrating Michelle Obama this Black History Month, I honor her incredible accomplishments and her unwavering dedication to Black women like me. She continues to inspire generations, proving that with determination and purpose, we can overcome obstacles and leave a lasting legacy.

Personal well-being and academic achievement are both strongly impacted by mental health. For college students like myself, mental health issues can show up as things like low energy, trouble focusing, and a diminished sense of optimism that make it harder to succeed. Research shows that concurrent anxiety and depression might make these difficulties worse, and depression is linked to lesser grade point averages. Mental health issues can also have an impact on behavior, making it more difficult to make friends or participate completely in the classroom setting. Over time, untreated or inadequately treated mental health conditions might impact long-term objectives and aspirations by posing serious obstacles to finishing education. As a student at Spelman College, I understand how critical it is to prioritize mental health. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule while working toward becoming a nurse practitioner, joining extracurricular programs like Spelman’s Student Ambassador Program, and preparing for pipeline opportunities like Emory University’s nursing program can be rewarding and overwhelming. Challenges like pursuing scholarships to avoid debt and keeping up good marks to make the Dean's List call for determination, focus, and effort. However, I have found that prioritizing mental health last makes it more difficult to achieve these objectives. Actively tracking my feelings and moods is one way I make sure my mental health always comes first. I can handle these emotions before they deepen because of this exercise, which helps me identify when I'm feeling anxious or overwhelmed. In order to keep a sense of purpose and optimism, I also practice gratefulness by thinking back on enjoyable experiences, such as the joy that I had at New Student Orientation. Exercise and mindfulness also play a significant role in maintaining my mental health. Exercise helps me decompress and maintain my energy levels, while mindfulness exercises like meditation help me stay balanced. Knowing that my physical and mental health are closely related, I also value my physical health by eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. Another vital component is stress management. I separate my academic and professional objectives into more achievable, smaller activities, like finding nursing-related internships or shadowing opportunities. This method decreases anxiety and gives long-term goals a feeling of reachable status. Setting limits is similarly important; to maintain my time and energy for the things that really count, I've learned to say no when necessary. My life has also been transformed by self-care. I keep motivated and emotionally rejuvenated when I participate in such hobbies, whether they include journaling, spending time with friends, or simply taking a break. Lastly, I count on Spelman's encouraging environment, where I can interact with mentors and students who understand the difficulties of college life. I am better suited to flourishing both emotionally and academically when I put my mental health first. I am reminded of how crucial mental health is to reaching my objectives as I work toward my goal of being a nurse practitioner who focuses in assisting lower-income families. Ultimately, taking care of my mental health allows me to be the best version of myself—for my studies, future patients, and the community I aspire to serve.

In the medical field, freedom of expression plays an important role since it promotes innovation, boosts patient care, and ensures tolerance while addressing a range of medical requirements. Open communication of ideas is essential to the medical industry because it enables practitioners to question older procedures, communicate new outcomes, and promote fair treatment. Without the right to free speech, medical advancement would slow down, and critical voices, specifically those addressing health inequities, might be suppressed. Free speech has a big impact on medicine because it allows professionals to express their concerns and offer solutions when it comes to patient care. For instance, a nurse who is empowered to talk about a patient's symptoms that would have gone overlooked could mean the difference between life and death. In the same way, researchers must be encouraged to challenge conventional thinking and push boundaries in their search for disease treatments. Better results for patients and society as a whole are produced by the collaborative environment that free expression promotes. Additionally, the medical community may advocate change in structures, primarily if it comes to managing inequities that affect marginalized groups by virtue of the right to expression. In the past, underprivileged populations have experienced discriminatory treatment and unequal access to healthcare. By calling attention to these injustices, medical professionals pave up possibilities for changes that ensure everyone receives fair treatment. Also, free speech promotes an inclusive culture that encourages various viewpoints, ensuring that laws and treatments are fair. Individuals who operate in the medical industry strive to help create situations that promote and maintain the freedom of speech. The initial stage towards accomplishing this is establishing an atmosphere of admiration where people may freely express their opinions without worrying about judgment or retribution. Healthcare leaders can make sure that everybody's opinions are heard by developing confidential communication methods, mentorship programs, and forums for discussion. Another important factor is education. The value of free speech should be emphasized in medical schools, along with ethical communication. Future healthcare professionals build a sense of responsibility to speak up for patients and themselves when they are encouraged to voice their views and worries. In addition, strengthening collaboration between fields helps remove medical barriers, opening up new opportunities for exchanging ideas and various points of view. Professionals must also be on the lookout for systems or practices that limit free speech, like suppression or companies that put profit above patient care. The medical community can guarantee that honesty and innovation continue to be at the core of healthcare by uniting against these obstacles. Freedom to speak out encourages imagination, advocacy, and inclusiveness in managing problems with healthcare, which is necessary for progress in medicine. By putting education first, improving positive atmospheres, and maintaining openness, practitioners can keep it. In order to support marginalized patients and assist in establishing an equitable healthcare system, I have committed myself to promoting free speech as a future nurse practitioner.

My upbringing in a low-income family with only one source of income has given me a strong feeling of mental toughness and determination. My father has always stressed the value of education and has even given up something personal to help me pursue my goals. After realizing I couldn't afford Spelman College, my ideal institution, I intended to enroll at a community college. But my father, who understood how important attending Spelman meant to me, stopped me. He expressed his constant dedication to my success and enjoyment by taking money out of his retirement fund so I could take full advantage of this opportunity. This sacrifice motivates me daily to overcome challenges. My dedication to reaching my goals is a way for me to show appreciation for my father's hard work and trust in me. I am pursuing a career as a family nurse practitioner because I want to help disadvantaged communities with patient care. To help my family financially, I constantly apply for scholarships. I also seek internship and shadowing opportunities to expand my expertise and skills. I've learned the value of diligence and service from my experiences. To address disparities in health care and make sure that others receive the assistance they require, as my father has given me, I plan to use my degree and professional experience.

Becoming a nurse practitioner with a focus on offering underprivileged Black women compassionate, superior care is my ultimate professional aim. Reducing health inequalities that disproportionately impact our group is something I am quite enthusiastic about, especially when it comes to managing chronic diseases and maternity health. My objective is to establish secure environments where Black women feel powerful, acknowledged,  while making healthcare decisions. Spelman College is playing a pivotal role in preparing me for this journey. Through its liberal arts curriculum, I am gaining a well-rounded education that fosters critical thinking, cultural competence, and a commitment to service—qualities essential for a nurse practitioner. My short-term goals include excelling academically to maintain high grades, earning scholarships to graduate debt-free, and gaining practical experience through internships or shadowing opportunities. Additionally, I aim to join a nursing pipeline program with Emory University to transition seamlessly into their nursing program and earn my RN license after four years. Long-term, I aspire to open a community health center that not only provides medical care but also offers health education workshops and support resources tailored to Black women. Beyond clinical practice, I hope to inspire others as a role model, showing the importance of advocating for equity in healthcare. My career path is driven by a desire to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of others, starting with those most in need.

I'm Nyla Bailey, a first-year student majoring in health science and minoring in psychology at Spelman College. The capacity for resilience, careful planning, and a strong desire to help others have shaped my journey to this point. Being raised in a low-income household where my father puts forth a lot of effort to support us, I've learned the importance of patience and giving back. Unfortunately, I do not qualify for FAFSA, which has made it quite difficult for me to pay for my education. Considering this, I am focused on my academics because I understand that my time at Spelman is an investment in myself and the lives I want to change by becoming a nurse. My desire to help people and my own experiences are the main reasons for my passion for nursing. I saw firsthand during the COVID-19 pandemic how important healthcare providers are to families' and communities' health. In addition to raising attention to the nursing shortage, the pandemic highlighted discrepancies in healthcare access, especially for communities that are marginalized. This inspired me to become a family nurse practitioner so that I could help needy families with compassionate, comprehensive care. Throughout high school, I was able to balance my academic responsibilities, provide financial support for my family, and play soccer—a sport I've loved for 14 years. Playing as a midfielder taught me the value of cooperation, perseverance, and flexibility—skills I use to every aspect of my life. Soccer taught me how to manage stress, maintain focus, and connect with others to achieve a goal—skills that are important in the medical industry. I'm learning more about the health disadvantages that underprivileged communities face while gaining a solid grounding in the sciences at Spelman. By advocating policies that increase access to healthcare and providing treatment that is culturally appropriate, I hope to overcome such disparities. Regardless of their background, I want to make sure that families can get the help they require to be successful. There have been difficulties along the way, but I view each one as a chance to improve. My goal in becoming a family nurse practitioner is to offer my community a wide range of services that promote long-term health and well-being rather than just treating illnesses. I've learned at Spelman how important it is to employ education to affect change in the world, and I am fully dedicated to doing just that in my medical career. My goal extends beyond providing care; I aim to motivate and inspire others through my journey. Having grown up in a household that faced financial difficulties, I understand how challenging life can be without proper support. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others—especially young Black women—to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles they encounter. Through hard work, dedication, and giving back to my community, I want to show that it is possible to overcome adversity and create meaningful change. I believe that by being committed and compassionate, I can help close the healthcare gap while encouraging others to follow my example.

"Get it done!" is the attribute I most strongly represent since I am committed to acting and overcoming obstacles to accomplish my goals, no matter the situation. Given my experience and the systemic challenges that people like me encounter, I know just how crucial it is to be proactive, difficult, and focused as a Black woman pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner. As a single-income family that struggles to make ends meet, I've come to appreciate the importance of tenacity and resourcefulness. Seeing how hard my dad works to support our family has motivated me to work just as hard to build a better future—not just for me but also for him and future generations. Knowing that it is an honor to attend a college with such a rich history and commitment to promoting Black women inspires me to take advantage of every opportunity at Spelman College, the number one  HBCU. I keep this pride with me daily and use it as motivation to push myself through stressful or difficult times. Making educated choices is as important as putting forth much effort when taking action. I work hard to maintain good grades to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse practitioner, and I'm always looking for scholarships to lessen the financial burden on my family. I also seek out mentorships, shadowing, and internships to expand my experience and network in the medical field. I know I'm not simply pursuing a degree; I'm also trying to end cycles of disparities and give back to my community, which is why these actions are so important to me. Addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect Black people is something I'm passionate about as someone very involved in my community. Serving underprivileged groups and promoting readily available, culturally sensitive treatment are two things that becoming a nurse practitioner will allow me to do. In order to demonstrate to others that we can overcome hardship and bring about changes through action, I would use myself as a resource and an example. Every challenge I encounter, whether it be financial difficulties or curricular requirements, is a chance to show that I am dedicated to completing duties. I'm developing my abilities and laying the foundations at Spelman to accomplish my goals and influence others in the process. I live up to the "Get it done!" mentality by acting confidently and purposefully each and every day. "Strive for servant leadership" is the attribute I think I need to work on the most. Even though I have an insatiable need to serve others and take leadership positions, I frequently struggle with confidence concerns that prevent me from completely embracing this trait. Throughout my childhood, I was constantly compared to other people, which caused me to doubt my skills and sense that my voice was unimportant. I sometimes feel like no one is genuinely interested in or listening to what I have to say, discouraging me from taking action or setting an example. Being in charge isn't the only thing servant leadership means, however, it involves encouraging others while staying true to oneself and your abilities. I'm constantly trying to boost my self-esteem and develop the capabilities necessary to lead with compassion and purpose to improve in this area. Self-reflection is one method I'm bettering myself by figuring out my skills and how to apply them best to help others. I constantly remind myself that my points of view are special and valuable, and I'm growing in confidence in my skills. In order to feel comfortable expressing my opinions, even when nervous, I also work on speaking up in front of groups, whether in meetings or during class discussions. I'm also looking for mentorship from those that are servant leaders. Seeing how they lead with purpose and dignity teaches me how to balance empathy and strength. I'm also making the most of Spelman's opportunities to get involved in groups or projects that help the community and help me develop my ability to lead. Last but not least, I'm concentrating on self-care and positive affirmations to calm down the inner anxieties caused by comparison. I reassure myself that I am on my own path and can be a successful leader without living up to anyone else's expectations. Developing improvement in this area will help me promote and encourage others, strengthen my capacity for leadership, and ensure that my actions reflect my commitment to serve. My daily goal is to live up to the spirit of servant leadership by keeping up my efforts to boost my self-esteem and find my voice.

I value mental health as a student since it directly affects all facets of my academic career and personal development. Managing the demands of college life has proven difficult, particularly for first-year students. Since my dad is the only one who works and we only have one paycheck, I feel extremely motivated to succeed well in school so that I can support my family in the future. This responsibility puts a lot of pressure on me and strengthens my determination. It can be emotionally draining when I find myself putting other people's needs and academic success ahead of mine. My upbringing taught me the value of prioritizing others, but I also saw firsthand the negative effects of neglecting one's needs. Sometimes, as a student, this mentality causes me to neglect my mental health in order to support my family or friends during difficult times. But at times, I feel like I have no one to turn to for support, which makes me feel lonely. I now understand that caring for oneself is not selfish; instead, it is essential. Maintaining my mental health is crucial if I want to prosper and provide for my loved ones. It has been quite stressful for me to start college. Being away from my family, adjusting to a new environment, and managing academic expectations have all put my adaptability to the ultimate test. On days when I feel stressed out, I remind myself that my mental health is the foundation for every one of my other goals. I can't succeed academically or get ready for the future I want for my family and myself if I'm not mentally strong. In an effort to promote mental health in my neighborhood, I work to establish secure areas where people can freely share their difficulties. I encourage my school peers to seek help from trustworthy mentors or counseling programs. My goal is to reduce the stigma of these discussions by being honest about my personal experiences with stress and mental health issues. Normalizing vulnerability can encourage others to put their health first. I encourage my family members to learn ways to deal with and discuss the value of mental health with them at home. I remind my dad, who puts in a lot of effort to provide for us that it's okay to take breaks and relax. I want to create a healthier environment for my loved ones by sharing information regarding mental health and demonstrating an example of self-care. One of my long-term goals as a nurse practitioner is to advocate for mental health. I aim to ensure that people, particularly those from disadvantaged communities like mine, can get the assistance and attention they deserve. I'm now learning how to prioritize self-care, set limits, and ask for help. Academically and emotionally, college is a learning experience, and I'm determined to grow in ways that will strengthen my soul and mind. I can eventually take better care of the people I love if I take care of myself first.

Heart disease has had a significant impact on my family, which has influenced my perspective on life, health, and the value of leaving a legacy. My dad's side grandparents both had heart problems, and their deaths have affected me for a long time. I've only been able to fill in the blanks in my family's history by using the recollections of others because my grandmother died before I was even born. But until he passed away on February 14, 2020, my grandfather played a significant role in my life. I was devastated by his passing and experienced a severe depression that required time and introspection to recover from. The lessons he taught me prior to his death still serve as a guide for me as an adult, despite the heartache. My grandfather was a gentle, knowledgeable guy who valued family, honesty, and tenacity. He taught me the significance of having empathy for other people and persevering through difficulties. My best childhood memories were sitting next to him and hearing his stories and advice, which I now apply as an adult even though I didn't completely comprehend it at the time. His passing felt like a physical reminder of how heart disease affects my family, which made losing him much more sad given how much I loved him. I experienced a severe depressive episode following the death of my grandfather. I still think about him and listen to the voicemails he left me. It was difficult for me to remain upbeat because of the burden of his absence and the fact that heart disease runs in my family. As I considered how much my father had given up for me, the thought of him passing away from the same illness became a near-constant worry. Gratitude for my father's persistent support—which includes depleting his retirement fund to pay for my tuition at Spelman College—is intensified by my worries about his health. I don't want my father to suffer from the same disease that killed my grandparents. Time, self-awareness, and depending on my community of support were necessary to overcome the sense of loss that followed my grandfather's passing. His teachings on self-care, resiliency, and cherishing loved ones gave me direction in life. I started turning my sadness into inspiration to preserve his legacy. This experience has strengthened my resolve to put my family's health first and promote open conversations about lifestyle modifications and preventative care to lower our risks. My family's experience with heart disease has also had a significant impact on my career aspirations. As an aspiring healthcare professional, I'm committed to promoting heart health education and prevention strategies, particularly in marginalized communities. Through my experiences, I want to encourage others to put their health first and address health inequalities that disproportionately influence communities like mine. Although I still worry about heart disease, it additionally acts as a reminder of the value of relationships, courage, and preventative health care. Because of my grandparents' experiences, I've learned to cherish each day, work toward my goals with purpose, and hope that others won't have to go through the same suffering that my family has.

Resilience, introspection, and the guts to ask for help are necessary for overcoming mental health obstacles. One of the biggest obstacles I have encountered is juggling the demands of school with the sacrifices made by my family. I grew up in a one-income home, so I've always understood the emotional and monetary commitment my family has made to my future. My father was so confident in my abilities that he even took money out of his retirement account to make sure I could go to Spelman College. This makes me feel grateful, but it also puts a lot of pressure on me to do well and not let down people who have sacrificed so much for me to be here. The pressure has frequently felt too much to handle, especially when combined with the demanding requirements of Spelman's academic setting. I've battled self-doubt and remorse, fearing that any academic failure would disappoint my family. Because I thought it was the only way to make up for my family's sacrifices, I pushed myself to be perfect. However, this way of thinking resulted in unhealthy stress levels, restless nights, and times when I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted. I realized that in order for me to genuinely thrive, I needed to take care of my mental health. To overcome my challenges, I had to first acknowledge them. I started looking for strategies to improve my stress management after realizing that I couldn't handle these expectations on my own. Time management became a vital skill; I began breaking down my commitments and responsibilities into smaller, easier-to-manage chores, which lessened my feeling of overwhelm. I also contacted Spelman’s counseling services, where I gained knowledge about how to create boundaries, manage stress, and cultivate self-compassion. I learned through therapy that my value is determined by the work I put into achieving my goals and the principles I uphold along the way, not just by my academic accomplishments. In the future, I'm determined to help others and spread knowledge about mental health issues, especially in areas like mine where societal stigma and financial strains frequently prohibit candid discussions about mental health. As I have done, I want to inspire my friends to embrace vulnerability and ask for assistance when necessary. Producing workshops and peer-led talks that mainstream mental health topics and offer stress-reduction tools is one method I intend to use. At Spelman, the sisterhood has also been a stronghold. I've been reminded that I'm not traveling this path alone by connecting with peers who have gone through similar things. I have learned to ask for help when I need it and to provide the same support to others who might be having difficulties by relying on this community. In my eventual profession as a nurse practitioner, I hope to incorporate mental health advocacy. My mission is to establish an environment where patients, particularly those from underrepresented areas, may talk about their mental health without worrying about being judged. I want to encourage individuals to put their general well-being foremost by highlighting the link between mental and physical health. It has been a life-changing experience for me to learn how to manage stress and prioritize mental health. I've discovered that accepting and dealing with difficulties makes me stronger rather than weaker. I respect my family's sacrifices and make sure I can accomplish my goals with resilience and clarity by looking after my mental health. I'm determined to use this experience to encourage others to follow suit and to help create a more widespread mental health awareness and support culture.

Serving, empowering, and educating others is what motivates me as a future nurse practitioner. In addition to offering compassionate care, I want to use my job to reach those who are frequently disregarded by healthcare systems. Making an important contribution to my community as a nurse practitioner will be my main goal, especially for underrepresented populations like Black women who bear a disproportionate amount of the burden of health inequalities. My goal is to enable people to take charge of their health by providing them with high-quality care and health education, all the while fighting for these communities to have fair access to resources and healthcare. The opportunity to broaden my influence beyond of my neighborhood and adopt a global viewpoint in my work excites me. Early on, I want to visit underdeveloped nations that have inadequate access to healthcare and provide vital medical assistance to individuals in need. In these places, there is a great need for caring medical professionals, and even the most basic care can make a big difference. I eagerly anticipate the chance to immerse myself in different cultures and gain a deeper understanding of these communities' unique challenges. I aim to learn how to deliver care that is respectful and aligned with their traditions and needs. This global experience will not only enrich my journey as a nurse but also enhance my understanding of the broader health issues affecting people around the world. I am dedicated to advocating for global health equity and am determined to make a meaningful contribution towards reducing health disparities wherever my path leads. After dedicating my early years to hands-on care in various communities, I am eager to transition into teaching nursing, particularly to students from underserved backgrounds and those attending schools with limited educational resources. Education is a powerful tool, and I want to shape the next generation of nurses, ensuring that students who may not have access to the best resources are still equipped to excel in the medical field. I am passionate about creating opportunities for students with the desire and potential but lack the necessary support. My goal is to inspire them by providing the skills, resilience, and empathy needed to make a difference, helping them realize that they, too, can become leaders and advocates in healthcare. By teaching, I can expand my impact beyond my own work and create a ripple effect that reaches more communities. These future nurses will bring their knowledge back to their neighborhoods and families, empowering more people to lead healthier lives and gradually breaking down barriers to healthcare access. My ultimate vision is to establish a legacy of service and education that uplifts individuals and communities, with a strong emphasis on health equity and compassion at every level. In conclusion, I am committed to giving back as a nurse practitioner, whether that be by providing direct medical care, visiting underprivileged areas, or training the next generation of nurses. By tackling local and global health inequities and inspiring others to follow suit, I hope to make a lasting impression. I work to uphold the ideals of empathy, resilience, and empowerment at every stage of my journey because I know that every act of advocacy, caring, and education may have a big impact.

I attend Spelman, the number one HBCU because I wanted to be part of a community that celebrates the brilliance, resilience, and potential of Black women. Spelman’s legacy of empowering women to become leaders across all fields drew me in, especially as someone with a calling to become a nurse serving underserved communities. Health disparities impact so many people, and I’m committed to using my career to make a difference, especially for Black women and those in marginalized communities. Attending Spelman means joining a sisterhood that motivates and challenges me. It’s a space where I feel supported and inspired every day, helping me become the compassionate nurse I aspire to be. My favorite memory at Spelman is the parting ceremony during New Student Orientation when our parents and loved ones “gave us away” to become Spelmanites. I shared emotional goodbyes with my family while standing with my new sisters. It was a deep experience. As I hugged my parents, I felt a strong sense of purpose and the support of sisterhood as I transitioned into adulthood. Watching other students share similar moments with their families reminded me that we’re all here not just for ourselves but for the communities we come from and those we hope to serve. This memory continues to push me forward, especially in moments of doubt, reminding me that I’m part of something larger than myself and that my journey here is preparing me to bring healing and hope to communities in need.