Over the past year, I have grown exponentially in a way that surprises even me. For so long I have always taken the comfortable route, scared to move because I have many relying on me. Today I understand what it means to know my worth and strive each day. The position I had at work before was easy and unchallenging, but it was steady and reliable. I have always had the itch to do more so I went back to school and got my Master's in Engineering. Working all day, attending school all evening, then completing assignments to wake up and do it all over again was the ultimate struggle. After graduation, my employer wanted to utilize my skills without pay or title. I knew that wasn’t right so I prayed about the situation while orchestrating a plan to bring my dream to fruition. A feeling came over me telling me that I needed to remove myself from an environment that did not value me and what I could bring to the table. Within a few months, an opportunity came along that was heaven sent allowing me to utilize my skill. Although I was scared, I leaped and never looked back. Ever since I have had a renewed sense of self-worth that makes me feel fierce inside. Seeing the path that I have laid for my daughters comes with a feeling of relief and joy for the accomplishment. The way my kids see me makes me melt inside because they know that I have shown them that never giving up and continuous pushing will lead to greater opportunities. I truly believe I am a manifestation of my prayers. Additionally, recognizing that those opportunities are the dream but the true goal is growth was my biggest epiphany. My journey in life has taught me to look at every circumstance from a different angle. Bad situations didn’t hurt me, they taught me something new. Today I stand stronger than before; more confident in myself and my abilities while wishing I had trusted myself sooner. Smiling every day has never changed and will always be my foundation for staying positive throughout life. My smile will keep my mind grounded, my behavior in check, my values aligned, and my destiny within reach. I love who I have become and can’t wait to meet who I will be. Realizing that being complacent won’t allow me to be my true authentic self has been the biggest eye-opener. Setting fear aside and striving for what I want has been at my forefront ever since. I refuse to stop taking control of my thoughts and actions because they have granted me the aspirations that were once just ideas.

My name is Rhadonna Smith. I have many years of experience in the science field specializing in chemistry and biocompatibility. What inspires me is the ability to see the changes I have made in people’s lives through the work I do. Currently I hold a Master’s in Engineering with my undergrad being in Chemistry and Business Management. In order to enter into the field that I dreamed of, I had to obtain degrees and experience. Being the first in my family to graduate college, I didn’t quite realize the impact that taking out student loans would have. Once I was standing in a sea of debt I figured I could make the payments and it would be over soon. Unfortunately, life events happened that caused deferments and income contingent plans that allowed interest only payments. If I were to have my Nelnet student loans paid off, I would be able to focus on my Navient student loans and see an end to the tunnel. Of course all of it being paid off is better, but I don’t mind having some skin in the game. I don’t need 100% relief, but I would like some of the pressure released. My plans for the money I save will involve staying focused on my path of paying off my student loans. The scholarship won’t pay off my debt, but it would get me that much closer to my goals. Working in a field that brings joy to patients and for a company that restores one of the 5 senses is a game changer for me. I love what I do! To see the face of a child that hears for the first time is priceless. That smile is the reason why I fill food and library boxes around my community. Helping people obtain food that may help get them through the week or provide a book that someone may not be able to purchase brings me joy. This love of helping others has been passed on to my daughters who themselves went into the Nursing field. Knowing that I participate in making the world a better place and that I have raised my 2 children to do the same has been by greatest achievements. In life all I have ever wanted was to ensure that I have been a great role model to my children and an engaged mentor to anyone that needed my help. I believe that I have done that and so much more in my time here on earth. I am confident that there is more that I can do and when those opportunities arise, that is when I go to work.