Honoring My Roots While Building the Future Being a first-generation student as a Jamaican immigrant means carrying generations of sacrifice on my shoulders. It means walking into classrooms with no roadmap, no safety net, and the quiet pressure to succeed not just for myself, but for everyone who came before me. I was raised in a Caribbean culture where resilience is learned through hardship, where strength is silent, and where faith carries you when resources are scarce. My family came to the United States searching for opportunity, but survival often came before stability. Growing up, I watched my community endure loss in the aftermath of hurricane, homes destroyed, jobs lost, and access to healthcare suddenly gone. I saw how quickly people were forgotten once the headlines faded. I watched elders ration medications, families wait days for care, and entire neighborhoods rely on one another when systems failed. Those moments shaped me. They taught me that healthcare is not just about skill, but about presence, advocacy, and refusing to look away from suffering. As a first-generation student, every step of my education required sacrifice. I worked while studying, carried financial responsibilities, and faced personal hardships that tested my mental and emotional strength. There were nights when exhaustion felt unbearable and fear whispered that maybe this dream was too big. But my Jamaican upbringing taught me endurance, to keep going even when no one sees the struggle, to rise even when help is not offered. Each obstacle deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to serve those who feel unseen. Becoming a registered nurse was more than a career milestone, it was proof that perseverance can break cycles. On the front lines of healthcare, I now care for patients whose stories mirror my own: immigrants, underserved families, and individuals navigating fear and uncertainty. I see firsthand how inequities shape outcomes, and it fuels my determination to pursue advanced nursing education and become a leader who advocates for equity, mentors future nurses, and strengthens communities from within. The Bick First Generation Scholarship would be transformative. It would ease the constant financial strain that shadows first-generation students and allow me to fully invest in my education and growth. More than financial support, it would be recognition that my journey matters, that resilience, culture, and perseverance have value. My dream is bigger than personal success. It is to honor my roots, break generational barriers, and stand as proof that adversity does not define limits. Being Jamaican and Caribbean taught me how to endure with courage and lead with heart. The Bick First Generation Scholarship would help me continue this journey with purpose, determination, and unwavering hope.

Why I Am a Fan of Wicked I am a fan of Wicked because it speaks to the parts of me that have felt misunderstood, silenced, or judged before being known. It is more than a musical; it is an emotional experience that feels personal every time I hear the first note or see Elphaba step into the light. Wicked tells a story about what happens when the world decides who you are before you have the chance to define yourself. Elphaba’s journey breaks my heart and heals it at the same time. She is born different, marked before she ever speaks, and taught early that being herself will cost her love, belonging, and safety. Watching her try so desperately to do the right thing, only to be punished for it feels painfully real. Her story reminds me that goodness is not always celebrated and that courage is often mistaken for rebellion. When she refuses to stay quiet in the face of injustice, even when it isolates her, I see a reflection of anyone who has ever chosen integrity over acceptance. What makes Wicked especially emotional for me is its portrayal of friendship. Elphaba and Glinda’s relationship is raw, imperfect, and deeply human. They love each other, yet they hurt each other. They grow together, then grow apart. Their bond shows that sometimes people come into our lives not to stay forever, but to shape who we become. “For Good” always leaves me in tears because it captures the grief of loving someone while knowing your paths cannot align. It honors the bittersweet truth that not all love stories end in togetherness but they still matter. The music of Wicked feels like an emotional release. “Defying Gravity” is not just powerful, it feels like survival. It is the moment when Elphaba chooses herself after being told repeatedly that she is too much, too different, too dangerous. That moment reminds me how hard it is to stand up for yourself when the world is against you, and how brave it is to rise anyway. The song carries pain, rage, hope, and freedom all at once. What truly devastates me, though, is how Wicked exposes the cruelty of misinformation and fear. Watching Elphaba be turned into a villain through lies and propaganda is terrifying because it feels so real. The story shows how easily society can destroy someone simply for challenging power. It reminds me how often truth is sacrificed for comfort, and how quickly people choose a lie when it protects their privilege. I am a fan of Wicked because it tells me that being labeled “wicked” does not mean you are wrong. Sometimes it means you are brave enough to stand alone, strong enough to stay true, and compassionate enough to care when others look away. Wicked doesn’t just move me, it stays with me, reminding me that even in isolation, choosing what is right still matters.

Scholarship Essay: Motivation for Advanced Education and Impact of This Award My motivation for pursuing advanced education in nursing is rooted in my belief that healthcare must address the whole person; body, mind, and lived experience. Growing up in the Caribbean, I witnessed how gaps in education and access to care affected every aspect of health, from chronic illness to maternal outcomes. I saw women navigate pregnancy, illness, and recovery with strength, yet without the guidance or resources they deserved. Those experiences shaped my understanding that true care extends beyond treating symptoms; it requires education, advocacy, and a deep respect for the individual. As a registered nurse, I now witness those same realities within the U.S. healthcare system. At the bedside, I care for patients during moments when fear, pain, and uncertainty collide. I have learned that healing often begins when patients feel seen, heard, and educated about their bodies and conditions. Whether managing complex medical needs or providing reassurance during vulnerable moments, I am reminded daily that nurses play a vital role in connecting clinical knowledge with compassionate, comprehensive care. These experiences have strengthened my desire to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing so I can expand my role in patient education, prevention, and leadership. Advanced education will allow me to practice and lead in a way that reflects the values of holistic, patient-centered care championed by the Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts Scholarship for Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, and Registered Nurse Students. My long-term goal is to become a Director of Nursing at a Level I or Level II trauma hospital, where I can influence policies that support comprehensive care, safe staffing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond hospital leadership, I aspire to establish a nonprofit nursing education program for underprivileged mothers, focusing on health literacy, maternal wellness, and preventive care in areas that directly impact long-term family and community health. This scholarship aligns deeply with my professional mission. Its focus on educating clinicians who care for the whole person mirrors the nurse I strive to become. As a working nurse pursuing graduate education, the financial demands of tuition, books, and living expenses are significant. The support provided by this scholarship would reduce financial strain and allow me to dedicate my energy fully to academic excellence and clinical growth. More importantly, it would enable me to remain focused on learning how to deliver and lead care that addresses every system, every concern, and every patient with dignity. Receiving the Skin, Bones, Hearts & Private Parts Scholarship would be both a practical and meaningful investment in my future. It would affirm my commitment to advanced education and reinforce my responsibility to give back through service, leadership, and patient education. I carry the lessons of my upbringing, my patients, and my profession into every goal I pursue. With advanced training and the support of this scholarship, I am prepared to lead with compassion, integrity, and a dedication to improving health outcomes, one whole person at a time.

Living My Dream as a Nurse Educator Living my dream as a nurse educator is the fulfillment of a calling shaped by my Jamaican and Caribbean upbringing, where community, resilience, and care for others were not optional but essential for survival. From an early age, I learned that when one person rises, they carry the responsibility to reach back and lift others. That belief has guided my journey into nursing and ultimately into founding a nonprofit nursing education institution for underprivileged mothers. As a nurse, I have witnessed how systemic barriers limit access to education and quality healthcare for women and children. I have cared for mothers whose dreams were deferred by poverty, lack of childcare, or unsupported educational pathways. These women were not lacking ability or motivation; they were lacking opportunity. Those moments solidified my purpose to become a nurse educator who creates access rather than waiting for permission. My nonprofit institution was built for mothers balancing textbooks with exhaustion, ambition with sacrifice, and dreams with responsibility. In my classroom, their lived experiences are recognized as strengths, not setbacks. I teach nursing through compassion, cultural humility, and accountability, emphasizing patient advocacy, maternal health, and community empowerment. Education here extends beyond exams; it includes mentorship, flexible learning, emotional support, and belief in each student’s potential. My Caribbean heritage shapes my leadership style and teaching philosophy. I understand the power of collective care, especially during crisis. Like communities rebuilding after hurricanes, my students learn resilience through shared struggle and mutual support. I remind them that strength is not the absence of hardship, but the courage to persist through it. The most powerful expression of my dream occurs at graduation. Watching underprivileged mothers cross the stage as nurses transforms my vision into reality. I see children witnessing possibility, families gaining stability, and communities gaining culturally competent caregivers. Each graduate represents generational change, improved health outcomes, and restored dignity. Living my dream as a nurse educator means transforming pain into purpose and service into legacy. Through my nonprofit institution, I am not just teaching nursing, I am creating pathways for mothers to rise, lead, and reshape healthcare. This dream is personal, cultural, and deeply rooted in who I am, and it continues to change lives, including my own. I envision this institution expanding into underserved communities, partnering with hospitals, clinics, and public health programs to address maternal disparities. My goal is not only to educate nurses, but to influence policy, leadership, and systems of care. As a nurse educator, I model lifelong learning, ethical practice, and culturally responsive care. By investing in mothers, we invest in families, neighborhoods, and future generations. This work honors my ancestors, my culture, and the patients who trusted me with their stories. It is the dream I live daily, grounded in compassion, equity, and unwavering hope. I will continue building this vision until access to nursing education is not a privilege, but a promise kept for every mother willing to rise and serve her community with skill, heart, and purpose. Always. Together. Forward. With love.

Nursing is known to be one of the most needed professions not only in the United States of America but across the globe. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey from 2011 in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to ignore all the negativities to become a Certified Midwife. In the African American and black communities, CDC has reported a higher mortality rate at a two to three times higher than that of white women. One reason for that is the lack of knowledge at a higher level in the labor and Delivery unit. In my home country, most labor and delivery nurses have either an Associate in Enrolled Nursing Degree or A Bachelor of Science in Degree in Nursing. Just a small percentage have had the chance to further their education to obtain additional knowledge in the field. With the technology and skills taught in the first world country as the US in comparison to a third world country, these skills, with the ability to compromise in the situation, can assist with the high death rate. Having being a young black woman attaining a Master in Science in Nursing, will encourage other black women to do so as in my country it seems impossible because of the idea that a Bachelor is the ultimate stop. As an international student in the US, the tuition fee is higher than a student of either residency or citizenship. My aunt and her husband are my main sponsors to completing my education. Her husband however, passed away due to the years of ailment a year before my process was completed. As such, my aunt is my only sponsor. She has done an excellent job for my first semester, and I am grateful. If awarded the grant, she will have less strain as my sponsor and my worst fear, not being able to pay tuition and would eventually be unable to complete my studies, would be further away or even demolished. As a Liberal Arts major accepted to the pre-Clinicals and hopefully the Clinical program for Nursing at Kingsborough Community College, other expenses may arise such as books, uniforms, and equipment. This grant will also help with attaining these necessary items to complete my studies. My plan of action to cover these expenses in the future would be to seek employment during my breaks at school and with the help of my sponsor. Also, with maintain my GPA above 3.8, I intend to apply for all grants that may be applicable to me. I also intend to sign up for the Honors Program at Kingsborough Community College with the hope of attaining a scholarship from the many institutions listed with a RN-BSN program to finance my Education to fully complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. After completion of the BSN, I intend to get the necessary experience and certifications to be considered to a Master’s program.

Being a mom has been the most rewarding and amazing thing to ever happen to me. My daughter, Zhane' is my inspiration to do better and be better. It is because of her, I had made the ultimate sacrifice to chase our dreams to complete my undergrad education to become a registered nurse. I am currently an international student at the CUNY Kingsborough Community College in New York. I decided leaving my home country, Jamaica, to get a better education in a First world country withan advanced medical facilities. Leaving home was the hardest and most gruesome thing I have ever done. Her father is out of the picture, as finding out I was pregnant at the time, was not in his plans. Leaving my daughter with my parents to grow for three years without having me daily by her side. I get to see her everyday via video call but it will not the same as I am not ableto hold my sweet girl in my arms. I can visit home, however the cost is too much as I still have to pay tuition plus books and other supplies. Growing up I had the vision of going to college to be as easy as they make it in the movies, you get accepted, go to classes and graduate. As a female from the small island of Jamaica, it wasn’t as easy as it seemed. I had applied to college in Jamaica in the year 2011 to attain a BS in Nursing degree journey to become a Certified Midwife. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back my knowledge to my home country and hopefully become a Nurse Educator alongside my Midwifery dreams. I am currently a Liberal Arts major accepted to the pre-Clinicals and soon the Clinical program for Nursing at Kingsborough Community College. I also intend to sign up for the Honors Program at Kingsborough Community College with the hope of attaining a scholarship from the many institutions listed with a RN-BSN program to finance my Education to fully complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree at Hunter College, Lehman College or Medgar Evers College. After completion of the BSN, I intend to get the necessary experience and certifications to be considered for a Master of Nursing program at an accredited Institution to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specializing in Midwifery.

Friends are person, either family or stranger who we look out for in many ways. This includes but may not be limited to their social, financial, personal and educational wellfare. In regards to educational wellfare, they may be many reasons why a friend or peer is not interested into going to college. Some may say it s because they have no interest, some may be because they have no idea of what profession best suits them and one of the biggest would be they are not financial stable to attend college. Finacing college can be very hard, as we are currently in a pandemic and the financial status of alot of person has been deteriorated because of the year of being lockdown. To convince a peer I would first need to know their specific reasons and find specific resolutions. If they have no interest, let them know of the pros of having some teritary education. If they rebut and state they dont have time to be a full time student, educate them about being a parttime student which allows them to work if necessary and get the educated in a field they might have interest in. Finding a career path that suites the person may either be rough or an eas touchand go process. Find out their strengths and weaknesses, which field they may excel in such as medical, business or culinary. Research and educate the peer on the job opportunities with each field with pro's and cons for all. Financial concerns can be solved in many ways, as there are many options. One would be to attend a community college which will cost less than a 4-year college and attain a Associate's Degree. This will help as attaining a degree can open up many job opportunities. They may also be able to attain their Bachelor's Degree once completing their associates and attending a 4-year college, preferably public as these institutions have subsidized tuition. Applying for grants and scholarships that they are eligible for may also be a way to finance their education. Getting involved with the school community as a means to have knowledge of the grants and scholarships that are available to them. Goingto college can be rough, and discouraging at times, but the right motivational and goals they can get educated, abtain a degree and that will help with providing a better life for them and their family.

Nursing is known to be one of the most needed professions not only in the United States of America but across the globe. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey from 2011 in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practioner with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Pediatric Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, brain drain, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to thrive through these hard times as education does not come at a low cost to become a Pediatric Nurse Practioner. In the African American and black communities and countries, children's health care in at a higher risk as there is a lack in Pediatrics during clinical. In my home country, we have only one pediatric hospital serving the entire country. I believe there should be additional training in regards applying pediatric care. My intention after completing my studies as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specializing in Pediatrics once employed to the Bustamante Children's Hospital is to dialog with the nursing adminstrative team to host seminars specifically for Pediatric care. My intention is to have a small team of nurses who are dedicated to saving and caring for children to travel and host the seminar. With the technology and skills taught in the first world country as the US in comparison to a third world country, these skills, with the ability to compromise in the situation, can improve the care of children. Being a young black woman attaining a master’s of science in Nursing, will encourage other black women to do so as in my country it seems impossible because of the idea that a Bachelor is the ultimate stop. I am currently a Liberal Arts major accepted to the pre-Clinicals and hopefully the Clinical program for Nursing at Kingsborough Community College. I also intend to sign up for the Honors Program at Kingsborough Community College with the hope of attaining a scholarship from the many institutions listed with a RN-BSN program to finance my Education to fully complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree at Hunter College, Lehman College or Medgar Evers College. After completion of the BSN, I intend to get the necessary experience and certifications to be considered for a Master of Nursing program at an accredited Institution to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse specializing in Pediatrics.

Growing up I had the vision of going to college to be as easy as they make it in the movies, you get accepted, go to classes and graduate. As a female from the small island of Jamaica, it wasnt as easy as it seemed. I had applied to college in Jamaica in the year 2011 to attain a BS in Nursing degree journey to become a Certified Midwife. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back my knowledge to my home country and hopefully become a Nurse Educator alongside my Midwifery dreams. My family was not financially stable to finance my education so I opted to take a student loan. Being excited to start college, little did I know the road was going to be a long and unfriendly one. After my first year, I completed it with a 3.0 GPA. Not bad for a girl with no access to a laptop or any electronic device, just my ID to enter the library and study throughtout the nights with my blanket. Second year, I faced some additional trouble such as not enough money to attend classes and having to ask my classmates for notes because during that time books and pens were used to take notes and not ipads and laptops. It was also our first year on the wards as I was a nursing major student. GPA had a little drop to 2.8. Then the most unthinkable tragedy happen. My mother had a stroke and was hospitalized for three months, not being able to go to work to provide, I was unable to go to school, leaving me to make the saddest decision as a happy third year student. I had to take a leave of absense, which became a complete drop out. Fast forward to 2020, my friend had asked if I am considering finishing my education, I answered yes without even questioning. We spoke about the International students program where a sponsor can assist with my tuition and the first persons who came to mind was my aunt and her husband. She always had my education at her best interest, but at the time of my leave of absense, she had spent her hard earnings to purcahse a house. I approached her and she didn't give it a second thought. I started to look for college to attain my Associate in Nursing Degree as that was the most financially smart way to get my BSN. Before it could become a reality, COVID-19 struck. After the two waves of the pandemic, I decided I wasn’t going to wait, I applied for fall semester 2021 and was accepted. Documentation was done and I visa was granted. I succesfully completed my first semester at KIngsborough Community College with a 3.692 GPA.

Nursing is known to be one of the most needed professions not only in the United States of America but across the globe. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey from 2011 in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to ignore all the negativities to become a Certified Midwife. In the African American and black communities, CDC has reported a higher mortality rate at a two to three times higher than that of white women. One reason for that is the lack of knowledge at a higher level in the labor and Delivery unit. In my home country, most labor and delivery nurses have either an Associate in Enrolled Nursing Degree or A Bachelor of Science in Degree in Nursing. Just a small percentage have had the chance to further their education to obtain additional knowledge in the field. With the technology and skills taught in the first world country as the US in comparison to a third world country, these skills, with the ability to compromise in the situation, can assist with the high death rate. Having being a young black woman attaining a Master in Science in Nursing, will encourage other black women to do so as in my country it seems impossible because of the idea that a Bachelor is the ultimate stop.

Nursing is known to be one of the most needed professions not only in the United States of America but across the globe. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey from 2011 in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to ignore all the negativities to become a Certified Midwife. In the African American and black communities, CDC has reported a higher mortality rate at a two to three times higher than that of white women. One reason for that is the lack of knowledge at a higher level in the labor and Delivery unit. In my home country, most labor and delivery nurses have either an Associate in Enrolled Nursing Degree or A Bachelor of Science in Degree in Nursing. Just a small percentage have had the chance to further their education to obtain additional knowledge in the field. With the technology and skills taught in the first world country as the US in comparison to a third world country, these skills, with the ability to compromise in the situation, can assist with the high death rate. Having being a young black woman attaining a Master in Science in Nursing, will encourage other black women to do so as in my country it seems impossible because of the idea that a Bachelor is the ultimate stop.

Nursing is known to be one of the most needed professions not only in the United States of America but across the globe. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey from 2011 in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to ignore all the negativities to become a Certified Midwife. In the African American and black communities, CDC has reported a higher mortality rate at a two to three times higher than that of white women. One reason for that is the lack of knowledge at a higher level in the labor and Delivery unit. In my home country, most labor and delivery nurses have either an Associate in Enrolled Nursing Degree or A Bachelor of Science in Degree in Nursing. Just a small percentage have had the chance to further their education to obtain additional knowledge in the field. With the technology and skills taught in the first world country as the US in comparison to a third world country, these skills, with the ability to compromise in the situation, can assist with the high death rate. Having being a young black woman attaining a Master in Science in Nursing, will encourage other black women to do so as in my country it seems impossible because of the idea that a Bachelor is the ultimate stop.

Nursing is known to be one of the most needed professions not only in the United States of America but across the globe. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey from 2011 in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we lost many of our heroes to burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to ignore all the negativities to become a Certified Midwife. I would get involved with the education system and to become a career counsellor to students interested in the field. In the African American and black communities, CDC has reported a higher mortality rate at a two to three times higher than that of white women. One reason for that is the lack of knowledge at a higher level in the labor and Delivery unit. In my home country, most labor and delivery nurses have either an Associate in Enrolled Nursing Degree or A Bachelor of Science in Degree in Nursing. Just a small percentage have had the chance to further their education to obtain additional knowledge in the field. With the technology and skills taught in the first world country as the US in comparison to a third world country, these skills, with the ability to compromise in the situation, can assist with the high death rate.

'Out of Many One People', that is the motto of my beautiful island paradise, Jamaica, that I call home. The Caribbean is a melting pot of different ethic groups that come from all angles of the world, stretching as far as China or even Russia. Growing up Caribbean has impacted my life in so many ways, I never understood them when I was younger as I group up in a very authoritarian household. My siblings and I were always told to share with each other, even if it was one item, we would be have to break it into 6 pieces so each can have a bite. We were always told to respect our elders and greeting them appropriately, no matter the time of the day as we were always told "it takes a village to raise a child". My family was heavily invested in education, play time was always the last on the schedule. Home Work, Chores and maybe an hour, if we were lucky to play. The education system in the Caribbean focuses on making scholars out of every student. The Education Ministry in Jamaica's motto was " Every Child Can Learn, Every Child MUST Learn". It wasn't only words spoken but the education system tries it best with every child. At very young ages, we were all told to clean up after our selves and learnt that "Cleanliness is next to Godliness". At even a tender age, our parents would ask the toddler to hand them garbage and not to dispose of it on the ground. As we get older we are taught other responsibilities such as cleaning our rooms, doing basic chores such as minor dish washing and the daily sweeping. These life skills come in very handy as a adult either living alone or with a companion. Caribbean people are known to be very patriotic of ones' country and ourselves. We expect to do our very best in every situation we face, and also to excel beyond expectations. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to ignore all the negativities to become a Certified Midwife. My aim is to become a nurse educator alongside my dream profession of Midwifery.

Nursing is known to be one of the most needed professions not only in the United States of America but across the globe. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey from 2011 in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back hope to some fellow students who have lost their spark to become a nurse by showing them my perseverance and ability to ignore all the negativities to become a Certified Midwife. In the African American and black communities, CDC has reported a higher mortality rate at a two to three times higher than that of white women. One reason for that is the lack of knowledge at a higher level in the labor and Delivery unit. In my home country, most labor and delivery nurses have either an Associate in Enrolled Nursing Degree or A Bachelor of Science in Degree in Nursing. Just a small percentage have had the chance to further their education to obtain additional knowledge in the field. With the technology and skills taught in the first world country as the US in comparison to a third world country, these skills, with the ability to compromise in the situation, can assist with the high death rate. Having being a young black woman attaining a Master in Science in Nursing, will encourage other black women to do so as in my country it seems impossible because of the idea that a Bachelor is the ultimate stop. As an international student in the US, the tuition fee is higher than a student of either residency or citizenship. My aunt and her husband are my main sponsors to completing my education. Her husband however, passed away due to the years of ailment a year before my process was completed. As such, my aunt is my only sponsor. She has done an excellent job for my first semester, and I am grateful. If awarded the grant, she will have less strain as my sponsor and my worst fear, not being able to pay tuition and would eventually be unable to complete my studies, would be further away or even demolished. As a Liberal Arts major accepted to the pre-Clinicals and hopefully the Clinical program for Nursing at Kingsborough Community College, other expenses may arise such as books, uniforms, and equipment. This grant will also help with attaining these necessary items to complete my studies. My plan of action to cover these expenses in the future would be to seek employment during my breaks at school and with the help of my sponsor. Also, with maintain my GPA above 3.6, I intend to apply for all grants that may be applicable to me. I also intend to sign up for the Honors Program at Kingsborough Community College with the hope of attaining a scholarship from the many institutions listed with a RN-BSN program to finance my Education to fully complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. After completion of the BSN, I intend to get the necessary experience and certifications to be considered to a Master’s program.

Growing up I had the vision of going to college to be as easy as they make it in the movies, you get accepted, go to classes and graduate. As a female from the small island of Jamaica, it wasnt as easy as it seemed. I had applied to college in Jamaica in the year 2011 to attain a BS in Nursing degree journey to become a Certified Midwife. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back my knowledge to my home country and hopefully become a Nurse Educator alongside my Midwifery dreams. My family was not financially stable to finance my education so I opted to take a student loan. Being excited to start college, little did I know the road was gonna be a long and unfriendly one. After my first year, I completed it with a 3.0 GPA. Not bad for a girl with no access to a laptop or any electronic device, just my ID to enter the library and study throughtout the nights with my blanket. Second year, I faced some additional trouble such as not enough money to attend classes and having to ask my classmates for notes because during that time books and pens were used to take notes and not ipads and laptops. It was also our first year on the wards as I was a nursing major student. GPA had a little drop to 2.8. Then the most unthinkable tragedy happen. My mother had a stroke and was hospitalized for three months, not being able to go to work to provide, I was unable to go to school, leaving me to make the saddest decision as a happy third year student. I had to take a leave of absense, which became a complete drop out. Fast forward to 2020, my friend had asked if I am considering finishing my education, I answered yes without even questioning. We spoke about the International students program where a sponsor can assist with my tuition and the first persons who came to mind was my aunt and her husband. She always had my education at her best interest, but at the time of my leave of absense, she had spent her hard earnings to purcahse a house. I approached her and she didn't give it a second thought. I started to look for college to attain my Associate in Nursing Degree as that was the most financially smart way to get my BSN. Before it could become a reality, COVID-19 struck. After the two waves of the pandemic, I decided I wasnt gonna wait, I applied for fall semester 2021 and was accepted. Documentation was done and I visa was granted. I succesfully completed my first semester at KIngsborough Community College with a 3.692 GPA.

Growing up I had the vision of going to college to be as easy as they make it in the movies, you get accepted, go to classes and graduate. As a female from the small island of Jamaica, it wasnt as easy as it seemed. I had applied to college in Jamaica in the year 2011 to attain a BS in Nursing degree journey to become a Certified Midwife. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back my knowledge to my home country and hopefully become a Nurse Educator alongside my Midwifery dreams. My family was not financially stable to finance my education so I opted to take a student loan. Being excited to start college, little did I know the road was gonna be a long and unfriendly one. After my first year, I completed it with a 3.0 GPA. Not bad for a girl with no access to a laptop or any electronic device, just my ID to enter the library and study throughtout the nights with my blanket. Second year, I faced some additional trouble such as not enough money to attend classes and having to ask my classmates for notes because during that time books and pens were used to take notes and not ipads and laptops. It was also our first year on the wards as I was a nursing major student. GPA had a little drop to 2.8. Then the most unthinkable tragedy happen. My mother had a stroke and was hospitalized for three months, not being able to go to work to provide, I was unable to go to school, leaving me to make the saddest decision as a happy third year student. I had to take a leave of absense, which became a complete drop out. Fast forward to 2020, my friend had asked if I am considering finishing my education, I answered yes without even questioning. We spoke about the International students program where a sponsor can assist with my tuition and the first persons who came to mind was my aunt and her husband. She always had my education at her best interest, but at the time of my leave of absense, she had spent her hard earnings to purcahse a house. I approached her and she didn't give it a second thought. I started to look for college to attain my Associate in Nursing Degree as that was the most financially smart way to get my BSN. Before it could become a reality, COVID-19 struck. After the two waves of the pandemic, I decided I wasnt gonna wait, I applied for fall semester 2021 and was accepted. Documentation was done and I visa was granted. I succesfully completed my first semester at KIngsborough Community College with a 3.692 GPA.

Growing up I had the vision of going to college to be as easy as they make it in the movies, you get accepted, go to classes and graduate. As a female from the small island of Jamaica, it wasnt as easy as it seemed. I had applied to college in Jamaica in the year 2011 to attain a BS in Nursing degree journey to become a Certified Midwife. I have been intrigued to become a nurse from a tender age as I had already started the journey in my home country, Jamaica, but because of financial difficulties I had to stop. My reason for choosing nursing is because of the wide variety of different professions. My goal is to become a Certified Midwife with Master of Science in Nursing as I have an interest in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Due to the pandemic, we have lost many of our heroes to either burn out, unfair treatment and sadly death. My intention is to bring back my knowledge to my home country and hopefully become a Nurse Educator alongside my Midwifery dreams. My family was not financially stable to finance my education so I opted to take a student loan. Being excited to start college, little did I know the road was gonna be a long and unfriendly one. After my first year, I completed it with a 3.0 GPA. Not bad for a girl with no access to a laptop or any electronic device, just my ID to enter the library and study throughtout the nights with my blanket. Second year, I faced some additional trouble such as not enough money to attend classes and having to ask my classmates for notes because during that time books and pens were used to take notes and not ipads and laptops. It was also our first year on the wards as I was a nursing major student. GPA had a little drop to 2.8. Then the most unthinkable tragedy happen. My mother had a stroke and was hospitalized for three months, not being able to go to work to provide, I was unable to go to school, leaving me to make the saddest decision as a happy third year student. I had to take a leave of absense, which became a complete drop out. Fast forward to 2020, my friend had asked if I am considering finishing my education, I answered yes without even questioning. We spoke about the International students program where a sponsor can assist with my tuition and the first persons who came to mind was my aunt and her husband. She always had my education at her best interest, but at the time of my leave of absense, she had spent her hard earnings to purcahse a house. I approached her and she didn't give it a second thought. I started to look for college to attain my Associate in Nursing Degree as that was the most financially smart way to get my BSN. Before it could become a reality, COVID-19 struck. After the two waves of the pandemic, I decided I wasnt gonna wait, I applied for fall semester 2021 and was accepted. Documentation was done and I visa was granted. I succesfully completed my first semester at KIngsborough Community College with a 3.692 GPA.

"Righteous Savior, I come humbly before you today to confess the sins that my forefathers and I have committed you. We have not obeyed your word, and as a result, we have opened up doors for the devil to reinforce generational curses into our family. Lord, forgive us of all of these sins." This has been one of my mantras growing up since its discovery in early 2014. I do not believe in curses but what I believe in are Bad habits. Bad habits have been passed from generation to generation without even being noticed. We become comfortable with our familiars and believe bad habits are the norm. Being a first generation student who has the determination of a two year old, has taught me many things. Have little to no support can put a damper on the journey, but being resilient is imbedded in the DNA of anyone who is from the Motherland. I have faced days with no money and food as my mother, who was the only parent believed in my dreams and aspirations, was not on the financial stable side was unable to provide for all our needs. It was at the point as a third year college student, almost to the finish line, I had to make the hard decision. I had paused my future so that my siblings could have one. In having to help my family financially, I placed my education on pause and started to work. From small gigs as a brand ambassador to an assistant to a very unpleasant employer. from my monthly pay, I placed aside small amounts, even though it wasn't much, it was still a start as I was still hell bent on finishing my tertiary education. Even though my dream where placed on delay, it was never cancelled. Still reading, still learning as technology has improved, my love for the medical field never once dimmed. After six (6) years of working to make ends meet, my dream was still to become the first nurse in my family. After allowing my siblings to complete high school education, it only seemed right for me to achieve my dream. I had done research over the years to find the most suitable option as I am determined to get the best education to complete my education and attained my degree. This however, required a tremendous sacrifice. I would have to leave my homeland, Jamaica and travel to the US to study. With my savings and some financial help and support I am on my way. I will be the one to break the bad habit and complete my degree and will be the beginning of new habits.