My academic and professional goals are deeply rooted in my desire to serve others and be a source of healing in communities that have often been overlooked. I am currently pursuing a degree in nursing with a minor in finance, a combination that reflects both my compassion for people and my understanding of the need for sustainable, accessible healthcare. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner or trauma surgeon someone who can not only provide urgent care in critical situations but also advocate for long-term improvements in healthcare access and equity. Growing up in Haiti and later being adopted into a new family at the age of seven, I experienced what it was like to live without access to quality healthcare and education. These experiences shaped my desire to help those in similar situations. I know firsthand the fear and uncertainty that come when medical care is unavailable or unaffordable, and I’m determined to be part of the solution. Through nursing, I want to bridge the gap between patients and the care they need, especially in underserved and low-income communities. My passion for service has already led me to give back in several ways. I’ve volunteered at school events, mentored younger students, and helped organize donation drives. I’ve also spent time tutoring peers in subjects like math and English, helping them build their confidence and improve academically. At my job, I strive to be someone others can rely on, whether that’s by training new employees, offering a helping hand during busy shifts, or simply showing kindness to coworkers and customers. What inspires me the most is seeing how small acts of service can create a ripple effect. When I support someone whether it’s helping them understand a concept, lending emotional support, or simply being present I see how it empowers them to do the same for others. That impact fuels my passion for making a larger difference through my future career in healthcare. I want to be more than just a nurse with medical knowledge; I want to be a leader, an advocate, and a change-maker who uses my experiences and education to challenge inequalities and uplift those who feel unseen. Giving back to my community has taught me that true success is not measured by titles or income, but by the lives we touch and the legacy we leave behind. That’s the kind of life I want to lead one filled with purpose, service, and compassion.

I am worth the dreams I aspire to achieve because every step of my journey has been built on strength, sacrifice, and the desire to rise above my circumstances not just for myself, but for my family and my community. I was born in Haiti, where resources were scarce, and opportunities even scarcer. My early life was filled with instability, uncertainty, and emotional hardship. But those difficult beginnings taught me two very important things: how to survive, and more importantly, how to never give up on something better. At the age of seven, I was legally adopted, which changed my environment but didn’t erase the weight of everything I had already experienced. Transitioning into a new life came with its own set of challenges new expectations, cultural differences, and learning how to navigate a completely different world. Through it all, I remained focused on one thing: building a future where I could take care of myself, support the ones I love, and make a difference in the lives of others who, like me, grew up feeling overlooked or forgotten. Despite all I’ve been through, I’ve never allowed my past to limit my potential. I finished high school early, graduating with 36 college credits and a 3.7/GPA. I’ve balanced school, work, and family responsibilities while still striving to become the best version of myself. I’ve worked hard for every opportunity I have, and I continue to hold myself accountable to the vision I’ve created for my life one filled with purpose, passion, and service. My dream is to become a nurse and minor in finance so I can serve underserved communities through both care and advocacy. I’ve chosen nursing because it’s more than a career it’s a calling. I know what it feels like to grow up with limited access to quality healthcare. I know the stress that comes from not having answers when someone you love is in pain. I want to be the person who provides not just treatment, but compassion and hope. And by understanding the financial side of healthcare, I want to help families navigate the systems that too often leave them behind. I want to contribute to solutions that make healthcare more affordable and accessible, especially for communities that have been historically neglected. I am worth my dreams because I’ve already proven to myself that I’m capable of overcoming obstacles that were meant to hold me back. I am not afraid of hard work, and I’ve never expected anything to be handed to me. What sets me apart is not just my ambition, but my heart. I genuinely want to help others. I want to lift up those around me and show them that no matter where you start in life, it’s where you’re headed that counts. Every late night studying, every shift I’ve worked, every personal challenge I’ve faced has only fueled my fire to succeed. I carry my heritage, my family’s sacrifices, and my own determination with me in everything I do. I am a reflection of the people who have poured into me my mother, my mentors, my community and I honor them by striving to be someone they can be proud of. My dreams are not just mine they’re rooted in my desire to change lives, starting with my own. I believe that with education, compassion, and determination, I can be a force for good in this world. That belief, combined with my lived experience and unwavering resilience, makes me more than worthy of the dreams I aspire to achieve.

I am someone driven by resilience, compassion, and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Growing up in Haiti, I experienced firsthand the challenges of limited access to healthcare, education, and other basic resources. These early struggles shaped my perspective and fueled a deep desire to pursue higher education and build a career that allows me to serve others and uplift communities like the one I came from. At the age of seven, I was legally adopted, which brought a major shift in my life. Although this transition came with new challenges, it also provided me with opportunities for stability, growth, and education. My adoptive family instilled in me the importance of hard work, education, and using my experiences to help others. These lessons became the foundation for my academic and career ambitions. I am currently pursuing a degree in nursing with a minor in finance two areas that, when combined, will allow me to create real, lasting change. Nursing has always stood out to me because of its human-centered nature. Throughout my life, I have taken on caregiving roles for family members, which helped me develop a strong sense of empathy and responsibility. I’ve seen the impact that quality healthcare or the lack of it can have on individuals and families, especially those in underserved communities. These experiences confirmed that nursing is not just a career choice but a calling for me. I want to be the kind of nurse who brings not only medical care, but also emotional support and hope to patients during difficult times. My minor in finance supports my broader goal of improving healthcare systems. I want to understand the financial structures that affect healthcare access and use that knowledge to advocate for more equitable and sustainable healthcare models. Many families, especially in immigrant and low-income communities, struggle to afford basic care. I want to help change that by contributing to healthcare solutions that prioritize both care and cost-effectiveness. In addition to my academic goals, I’ve always found ways to give back to my community through tutoring, volunteering, or participating in local events. I believe true success is measured not just by what you achieve, but by how you lift others as you rise. In the future, I plan to work in underserved areas, support global health initiatives, and start mentorship programs for youth navigating challenges similar to mine. My experiences have molded me into someone who sees challenges as opportunities to grow and give. Through nursing, I will continue to advocate, serve, and inspire change, one life at a time.

Balancing work and caregiving has been a pivotal experience in shaping both my personal life and career goals. Growing up in a single-parent household, my mother was my primary caregiver, and I was often called upon to assist with household responsibilities and support her. Over the years, these experiences have had a profound impact on my academic pursuits, career aspirations, and how I view the importance of empathy and service in healthcare. The challenges of balancing work and caregiving were evident from an early age. My mother worked multiple jobs to provide for our family, which meant that I had to take on a more significant role in managing household chores, looking after my younger siblings, and sometimes even stepping in as a primary caregiver when my mother was unavailable due to her work schedule. This created a sense of responsibility in me from a young age. While it was difficult to balance school, chores, and caregiving, I learned time management and how to prioritize tasks effectively. These skills helped me develop a strong sense of discipline, resilience, and adaptability traits that are essential in both academic and professional settings. As I grew older, I realized the significant impact caregiving had on my personal growth. Being a caretaker for my family allowed me to develop empathy, patience, and emotional intelligence. These qualities have become central to my career goals. I discovered that I wanted a career that would allow me to care for others while using my experiences to help those in similar situations. The challenges of caregiving also made me acutely aware of the barriers that many families face, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Healthcare, in particular, seemed like a field where I could make a tangible difference, providing care not only to individuals but also supporting their families in times of need. Through my experiences, I also recognized the importance of advocating for families who juggle caregiving with work, especially in a healthcare setting. Often, these families are underserved, and their voices go unheard. I am driven to create solutions that provide better access to healthcare for individuals who are balancing work and caregiving, ensuring they receive the support they deserve. My passion for nursing stems from these personal experiences, where I witnessed the strain caregivers face when trying to manage their work, health, and family responsibilities. The impact of balancing work and caregiving also influenced my decision to pursue a nursing career. Nursing is a profession that requires both technical knowledge and deep empathy, making it a perfect fit for my skill set. I want to become a nurse who not only cares for patients but also supports their families, understanding the emotional and physical toll caregiving can take on individuals. In the future, I hope to work in environments where I can advocate for caregiver-friendly policies and healthcare solutions that make it easier for families to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. Balancing work and caregiving has shaped my career goals by instilling in me a commitment to service, empathy, and support. My experiences have made me determined to use my education and future career to help those who find themselves in situations similar to mine. I want to create positive change by helping families navigate the challenges of caregiving and providing the support they need to thrive. These lessons from my own life will continue to guide me as I pursue my nursing career and work toward improving the lives of others.

Growing up with Haitian heritage has played an essential role in shaping who I am today. My background has instilled in me a deep sense of resilience, perseverance, and the importance of community. Haiti’s history of overcoming adversity, coupled with my family’s values of hard work and mutual support, has influenced my drive to pursue higher education and a career focused on helping others. As a Haitian, I was raised to value education and self-improvement. My parents, who both faced their own challenges growing up, emphasized the importance of education as a way to break cycles of hardship. This belief has been the foundation of my academic journey, driving me to achieve a high level of academic success and to pursue a career that can help others in similar situations. The lessons learned from my heritage push me to strive for excellence, not just for myself, but also to set an example for my community, showing that success is attainable through perseverance and determination. In addition to academic excellence, my Haitian culture has instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility toward helping others. I’ve always been taught that success is not just about individual achievements but also about giving back to the community. As a result, I’ve sought ways to contribute to those around me, whether through volunteering at local community events, mentoring younger students, or helping with charity work. These experiences have shown me how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on people’s lives. Moving forward, I plan to continue giving back by using my education to advocate for underserved communities, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. As I pursue my nursing career, I want to make healthcare more accessible and equitable, ensuring that individuals from all backgrounds receive the care they deserve. I also hope to create mentorship programs that support young people, particularly those from immigrant or low-income backgrounds, in their pursuit of education and career goals. Ultimately, my Haitian heritage has taught me to value resilience, education, and community. It has shaped my academic and career goals, guiding me toward a path where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As I continue my journey, I remain committed to honoring my roots by giving back to those who need it most, fostering positive change in my community and beyond. My heritage will continue to guide my efforts, ensuring that I remain focused on helping others and creating opportunities for those who need it most.

My further education will play a pivotal role in equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to create a positive impact in the world and the communities around me. As a nursing major with a minor in finance, I aim to combine my passion for healthcare with a solid understanding of the financial systems that shape access to care. This interdisciplinary approach will allow me to advocate for equitable healthcare solutions and empower underserved communities with the resources they need to lead healthier lives. By gaining a deeper understanding of nursing, I will be prepared to provide compassionate care to those who need it most especially individuals in low-income and single-parent households, like the one I grew up in. I have seen firsthand how disparities in healthcare can limit opportunities for individuals, especially those who face financial hardship or lack access to essential services. Through my education, I aim to contribute to eliminating these barriers, whether by working directly in healthcare or through policy advocacy that addresses the root causes of health inequities. Moreover, my background in finance will allow me to understand the economic factors that affect healthcare delivery. By applying my knowledge of financial systems, I plan to help create more sustainable healthcare models that prioritize access and affordability. This unique combination of skills will empower me to not only care for patients but also to work on initiatives that promote systemic change, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of background or socioeconomic status. In addition to my healthcare aspirations, I also plan to give back to my community through volunteer work, mentorship programs, and by supporting organizations that advocate for marginalized populations. Whether it’s through offering free healthcare services, creating educational programs about financial literacy, or helping others navigate the complexities of healthcare systems, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need support. I also plan to mentor and guide others, especially those from single-parent households or disadvantaged backgrounds. By sharing my experiences and helping others navigate their own journeys, I hope to inspire resilience and determination. Through these actions, I aim to build stronger, healthier communities and promote a future where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Ultimately, my further education will be the foundation upon which I build a life dedicated to service, advocacy, and creating lasting change. It will equip me to be a leader who not only provides care but also works tirelessly to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.

Throughout my educational journey, the person who has supported me the most is my mother. As a single parent, she has been the backbone of my life, always putting my needs above her own and ensuring I had the opportunities I needed to succeed. Growing up, I witnessed her endless sacrifices working multiple jobs, managing a household, and facing life’s challenges with unwavering strength. She taught me that no matter the obstacles, perseverance and hard work could pave the way for a brighter future. My mother’s support has shaped me into someone who values education deeply. She instilled in me the belief that education is not just a means to a career, but a way to change the trajectory of our lives. Even when times were tough, she never let me feel that my dreams were unattainable. She would encourage me to push through difficult times and always reminded me that we were in control of our future. Her belief in me fueled my determination to pursue higher education and to do so with excellence. In honoring her, I strive to make her proud by excelling in my studies and working toward a career in nursing. I carry her lessons of resilience and hope with me every day. I’m determined not just to succeed for myself but to build a life that reflects her sacrifices one that honors the opportunities she worked so hard to provide for me. Her support has been instrumental to me as a child from a single-parent household. I’ve seen firsthand how hard my mother worked to give me the best possible life, and it’s her drive that motivates me to keep going, even when challenges arise. Being raised by a single mother, I often faced moments where financial struggles and uncertainty loomed, but my mother always ensured that education remained a priority. She taught me that, despite everything, I could rise above and achieve my goals. That belief has become my guiding force. As I continue my journey toward a nursing career, I will build on the foundation she has given me. I plan to give back to my community, just as she gave so selflessly to me. Whether through healthcare initiatives, mentorship, or supporting other single-parent families, I hope to be a beacon of hope for others, just as my mother has been for me. Her support has shaped who I am today, and I will continue to honor her by striving for success and helping others along the way.

My name is Soraya and I was raised by a single mother who has been my greatest inspiration. Watching her sacrifice her own needs to support our family taught me the values of resilience, hard work, and determination. Despite limited resources and constant challenges, she never gave up on us. Her strength in the face of adversity is what drives me to pursue higher education and create a better future for myself and those around me. Growing up in a single-parent household came with its fair share of struggles. There were times when we didn’t know how we would make it through the week, but my mother always found a way. Her perseverance showed me that while our circumstances may shape us, they do not define us. She pushed me to take school seriously and reminded me that education would be the key to changing my life and it has been. Now, as a college student majoring in nursing, I carry her lessons with me every day. My goal is to become a nurse who not only provides care but also advocates for those who often go unheard especially families like mine, who may lack access to quality healthcare. I want to be the type of healthcare professional who understands the realities of financial hardship, single parenting, and emotional resilience because I’ve lived it. Beyond my career, I also plan to give back through mentorship and outreach. I want to work with organizations that support youth from low-income and single-parent households, offering guidance, scholarships, and encouragement. I hope to one day establish a scholarship fund in my mother’s name to support students like me determined, hardworking, and often overlooked. My mother’s journey is the reason I fight so hard to succeed. Her strength fuels mine, and everything I accomplish is a reflection of her sacrifices. Higher education is not just a goal it’s a promise I made to myself and to her. I will use it to not only change my own life, but to impact others who deserve the same opportunity to rise. I believe that real change starts at the community level. I want to host health fairs, offer free screenings, and create educational workshops that promote wellness and preventative care. By combining my passion for nursing with my drive to serve, I hope to be a source of healing, hope, and inspiration for others just like my mother has been for me.

My immigrant experience began in Haiti, where I was born into a life filled with hardship but also deep-rooted culture and strength. At the age of seven, I was legally adopted and moved to the United States. This transition was both a relief and a challenge. I left behind the familiarity of my homeland and family to step into a completely new environment filled with opportunity but also uncertainty. I had to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture, and face the pressures of being a young immigrant in a society that often misunderstood my background. As I adjusted to life in the U.S., I carried the weight of my past and the hopes of my future. I didn’t grow up with access to the best resources, but I never let that define me. Instead, I became resilient and motivated to build a better life for myself and my siblings. Education became my way out and my way forward. Today, I am a nursing major with a minor in finance at Kennesaw State University. I aspire to become a nurse practitioner or possibly a trauma surgeon. I want to be a source of healing and comfort for people in their most vulnerable moments just like the healthcare workers who helped me during my early transition to the U.S. My immigrant journey taught me empathy, patience, and strength, all of which are essential qualities in the medical field. Being a Haitian immigrant has shaped not just my identity, but also my purpose. I come from a culture that values community, hard work, and faith. These values guide my approach to both life and my future career. I don’t just want to be successful for myself I want to uplift others. Whether it’s by mentoring fellow first-generation students or returning to Haiti one day to provide medical care to underserved communities, I plan to give back in every way I can. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s given me a powerful story, a strong voice, and a clear vision for my future. As an immigrant, I’ve learned how to adapt, persevere, and lead with compassionntraits that will make me not only a skilled healthcare provider but also a role model for those who come after me. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s given me a powerful story, a strong voice, and a clear vision for my future. As an immigrant, I’ve learned how to adapt, persevere, and lead with compassion traits that will make me not only a skilled healthcare provider but also a role model for those who come after me. Receiving this scholarship would not only lighten my financial burden but also serve as a reminder that my story, heritage, and dreams matter and that with the right support, I can continue breaking barriers and building a legacy of impact.

As a first-generation Haitian immigrant, my cultural background has played a significant role in shaping my values, goals, and educational journey. I was adopted from Haiti at the age of seven, leaving behind a life filled with hardship and uncertainty. My transition to the United States wasn’t easy, but it gave me the chance to dream bigger and to build a future rooted in service, excellence, and purpose. One of the most impactful ways I’ve contributed to my community is through mentorship and outreach. I’ve volunteered at local schools to help younger students, especially those from immigrant backgrounds, with reading, math, and adjusting to life in a new culture. I’ve also participated in school-led community clean-up initiatives and health awareness events that promote wellness in underserved neighborhoods. Through each project, I’ve aimed to be a positive representation of my community someone who uplifts others, just as others have uplifted me. My Haitian culture taught me the value of perseverance, humility, and faith in times of adversity. Education is deeply respected in my family and community, often seen as the key to breaking cycles of poverty. That mindset is what drives me to push myself academically and to pursue a career in STEM. I am currently majoring in nursing and minoring in finance at Kennesaw State University with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I hope to one day work in underserved communities particularly immigrant and minority populations where cultural sensitivity and quality healthcare are often lacking. Receiving the Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy Scholarship would have a profound impact on my education and future in STEM. It would ease the financial burden that often comes with being a first-generation college student and allow me to focus more on my studies and community involvement. More importantly, it would serve as a reminder that my journey, my culture, and my goals are valued and that I am not alone in my pursuit to give back and create lasting change. This scholarship wouldn’t just support my education it would invest in a future healthcare provider who is committed to uplifting her community, breaking barriers, and honoring her roots every step of the way. This scholarship wouldn’t just support my education—it would invest in a future healthcare provider who is committed to uplifting her community, breaking barriers, and honoring her roots every step of the way. With this opportunity, I will continue to transform challenges into purpose, represent my Haitian heritage with pride, and pave the way for others like me to believe in the power of resilience, education, and service.

My identity as a Haitian immigrant has deeply shaped the way I see the world and my place within it. Growing up in Haiti, I experienced the harsh realities of poverty and instability. Being adopted at the age of seven and moving to the U.S. gave me a second chance one I’ve never taken for granted. Though I’ve adjusted to a new culture, I carry my heritage with pride and let it fuel my motivation every day. Living between two worlds taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and empathy. I’ve had to navigate language barriers, cultural differences, and the weight of representing my family and community in spaces where we’re not always seen. But these challenges have become my strengths. I approach life with a mindset of growth and purpose. Tennis has been a major outlet for me a place where I’ve built discipline, confidence, and leadership. On the court, I’ve learned to push through adversity, much like I’ve had to in life. My goal is to become a nurse practitioner and serve underserved communities, especially immigrants like myself. I want to give people the kind of care and support that I longed for during my transition. My identity is more than my background it’s the lens through which I see the world, and it’s the reason I strive to create change in it.

My name is Soraya , and I am a proud Haitian immigrant who now calls the United States home. My life’s journey began in Haiti, a country known for its strength, resilience, and culture qualities that have deeply shaped who I am today. I was born into a reality where opportunities were scarce and resources limited. Life was not easy, but it instilled in me the value of perseverance. At the age of seven, I was legally adopted and brought to the United States, which opened the door to a completely different world one filled with both challenges and promise. As an immigrant and foreign student, adapting to a new country was not as simple as just relocating. I faced language barriers, cultural differences, and the pressure of starting from scratch in a place that didn’t initially feel like home. I often felt caught between two worlds my Haitian roots and my American surroundings. But over time, I found strength in that dual identity. I embraced my accent, my culture, my story and I let them become the foundation for who I’m becoming. Living in the U.S. has taught me more than any classroom ever could. I’ve learned how to work hard for what I want, how to speak up even when I feel unheard, and how to lead with empathy. I’ve also grown to appreciate the sacrifices my biological and adoptive families made so I could have a better life. My Haitian heritage taught me resilience; my American experience taught me opportunity. Together, they’ve shaped my mindset, values, and dreams. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned about myself is that I am capable of breaking barriers. Growing up, I didn’t have access to tennis courts or sports programs but once I was introduced to tennis in the U.S., I discovered a new passion. Tennis has not only kept me physically active but also mentally disciplined. The sport has taught me patience, focus, and how to keep pushing even when I’m behind in the game. It mirrors the life I’ve lived: you fall, but you fight your way back. My journey has also inspired my career path. Experiencing hardship early in life and seeing the inequalities in healthcare has led me to pursue nursing. I want to become a nurse practitioner who serves with compassion and cultural understanding, especially for underserved communities. I want to be a face that people from diverse backgrounds can trust someone who understands what it means to come from nothing and still dream big. This journey from Haiti to the United States has not been easy, but it has made me who I am strong, determined, and hopeful. I carry my past with pride, and I walk toward my future with purpose. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my educational goals but also help me continue building a life where I can serve, uplift, and inspire others who share similar stories.

Growing up in Haiti, life wasn’t always easy. I come from a background where resources were limited, opportunities were scarce, and dreams often had to wait in line behind survival. At the age of seven, I was legally adopted and brought to the United States. This life-changing transition introduced me to a world of possibilities, but it also came with its own challenges new language, new culture, and the pressure to adapt quickly. I had to grow up fast, and I learned early on that resilience wasn’t just something you develop it’s something you live. Education quickly became my anchor. I realized that knowledge could be the bridge between where I was and where I wanted to be. I became deeply focused on my academics, determined not only to succeed for myself but to change the course of life for my siblings and to be a source of pride for my adoptive family who believed in me. Through it all, tennis became more than a sport for me it became therapy. On the court, I found peace, strength, and focus. Tennis taught me discipline, patience, and how to push through even when things got tough. It wasn’t just about winning matches; it was about building character. Now, as a college student majoring in nursing with a minor in finance, I see my future with a clearer vision. I want to become a nurse practitioner someone who can stand at the intersection of compassion and science. I’ve always felt a pull toward helping others, and nursing is a profession where I can do just that every single day. With a background that exposed me to both hardship and healing, I believe I bring a unique perspective to healthcare. I understand pain, perseverance, and the importance of being seen and heard. Outside the classroom, I’ve participated in community service projects, helped organize events for incoming students, and continued to work part-time at Chick-fil-A to support myself financially. I’ve learned how to manage my time, prioritize responsibilities, and stay committed to my goals. My upbringing didn’t make things easy, but it made me resourceful, grateful, and strong. This scholarship would not just support my education it would help fuel a dream born from struggle and strengthened by purpose. I carry my past with pride, but I’m not defined by it. I’m defined by the way I choose to rise above it, every day, with a tennis racket in one hand and a stethoscope waiting in the other.