My name is Tyana Creekmore, and I am a Senior at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a degree in Nursing. I am also a proud member of the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, which I joined in 2023 to develop my leadership and networking skills within a strong sisterhood rooted in morals and values. In addition to my sorority involvement, I work as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. This role has provided me with valuable hands-on experience and educational opportunities, preparing me to be a nurse. By working with both children and adults, I have gained confidence and expertise in delivering safe and effective care across diverse age groups. Beyond school and work, I am deeply committed to volunteering within my local community to support those in need. My future aspirations include earning a Master’s in Nursing and becoming a Nurse Practitioner specializing in family medicine, with a focus on serving underserved communities. Throughout my college career, I have embraced opportunities to grow as a well-rounded student by participating in various activities, volunteer initiatives, and leadership roles. One of my most significant experiences was serving as a student panelist at the 2023 Board of Visitors meeting at VCU, where I advocated for stronger collegiate resources and addressed student concerns in front of influential university leaders, including the president of VCU. In 2024, I attended two transformative conferences, including a leadership event hosted by my sorority, which offered workshops on life skills, leadership development, educational growth, and networking. My leadership journey also includes active participation in the Transform Living and Learning program at VCU, where I held a Social Engagement leadership position, and membership in the LEAD Explorers program. From my freshman to junior years, I have accumulated over 70 hours of community service, taken on diverse leadership roles, and contributed meaningfully to the Richmond community through these programs. Receiving this scholarship would be more than financial assistance; it would be a lifeline to keep my dreams alive despite the challenges I face. My financial situation has become increasingly difficult following my parents’ recent divorce, as my father, who was my primary financial supporter, is no longer contributing to my education. This unexpected hardship has forced me to take on extra work shifts to cover off-campus living expenses, tuition, and rent, all while striving to maintain my academic and professional commitments. This scholarship would provide critical relief, enabling me to focus fully on my education and continue pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse without the constant worry of financial instability. Like Sloane, I am also hoping to make a difference within my community. Specifically, I hope to address the impediments that result in equitable access to care in disenfranchised populations. Your support empowers students like me to overcome obstacles and pursue brighter futures. Thank you for believing in our potential and investing in our success.

From early on, I knew that I wanted to be in a career that allowed me to play an influential part in changing people’s lives for the better. Nursing became my calling after I witnessed firsthand my aunt’s passion and excitement for patient care. Growing up, I remember asking her various questions about what it took to be a nurse, her wild experiences on the job, and how she maneuvered throughout such a busy career. During her responses, I enjoyed seeing her light up when she spoke and elaborated on how nursing was such a rewarding career for her. She didn’t just view nursing as a job, but she saw it to be her calling, a way for her to bring dignity and uplift the voices of those who are often forgotten. From her unwavering dedication, I too sought out this calling, as I also wanted to be a part of the change. Over the past couple of years, I have worked as a Patient Care Technician. Working on the front lines of patient care has truly opened my eyes to the many impediments that exist within the healthcare system. Additionally, I have witnessed firsthand how the delivery of equitable and holistic care is diminished. Patient’s voices have also gone unheard when trying to seek explanations or provide suggestions towards their delivery of care. Notably, rooms often go unkempt due to issues of understaffed healthcare personnel on the floors. All in all, these issues should not be accepted as the norm of healthcare delivery. However, just like Ms. Rose Browne, I am to put my best foot forward in making a difference within the Nursing field. These experiences have all strengthened my commitment to becoming an emergency department nurse, where I can directly impact the lives of patients in critical need. Like Ms. Browne, I would also like to progress in my career by obtaining my Master's Degree in Nursing and taking on a leadership role. Doing so would enable me to advocate for patient-centered strategies. Also, it would help to enable me to incorporate other reforms that prioritize good communication, dignity, and equitable access to care. Additionally, I want to be an advocate for patients residing in underserved communities where even more barriers to equitable healthcare services exist. Despite my dedication and passion towards nursing, financial barriers have made it difficult to fully focus on my studies. However, I know that my commitment to pursue this path is unwavering. I ask that I be considered for this scholarship, as this support would help to relieve my financial burden and fund my academic journey while attending Virginia Commonwealth University. With this assistance, I can fully be devoted to my studies and leadership development to bring me one step closer to impactful changes in patient care.

Since the beginning of my college journey, I have made a personal commitment to be actively involved within my campus community, looking to serve others and give back. Since my freshman year, my community service hours have totaled over 100 hours in community service projects. From these experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of the daily challenges people face within the community, which has further fueled both my compassion and commitment to helping others. Whether being involved in tutoring young kids, donating to local drives, or organizing outreach events, I believe that all it takes is a small act of kindness to have a positive impact on one’s life. Beyond my service involvement, I demonstrate the same sense of purpose within my work life. Currently, I work as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, where I interact with a wide range of patients. Going to work each shift, I push to demonstrate at least one meaningful act of kindness during my patient encounters. This may include offering them a listening ear, ensuring their patient environment is comfortable, or properly addressing their preferences and concerns. It is important to note that healthcare is more than just treating your patients, but also encompasses care that is led by empathy, advocacy, and a strong patient-healthcare professional connection that enables trust. Leading by compassion and integrity, I have had the honor of receiving three Tulip Awards in recognition of my dedication to delivering exceptional care to my patients. From receiving these awards, I have further gained confidence in striving to lead by example. To add, they continue to push me and inspire me to uphold the highest standard of care and to advocate for equitable, patient-centered treatment. Currently in the nursing program at Virginia Commonwealth University, my goal is not only to become a registered nurse but to become a leader in the healthcare field that pushes to advocate for their patients. During in-hospital experiences, I have witnessed first-hand the barriers to healthcare that deprive, mainly minority populations, of equitable resources. In turn, I hope to utilize and further my knowledge to work towards establishing meaningful changes that will better the culture of healthcare. It is important to note that nursing offers many opportunities to be on the frontline of change. This is why I am taking those first steps towards reformative change to further address healthcare disparities. In addition to my work experience and community service, I am a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Being part of this organization has truly shaped me to be a better leader in my community. Founded on the principles of being “of Service to All Mankind,” leadership and service are the elements embedded within each of our initiatives. Moreover, our five initiatives are as follows: Empower our families, Build our economic wealth, Enhance our environment, Advocate for social justice, and Uplift our local communities. Some of the campus community events our chapter has done include monthly environmental clean-up sessions at the James River, voter advocacy events, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Charities, and much more! While being a part of my organization, I hope to empower others by networking, sharing my knowledge, and fostering a sense of unity and strength within my community. I have enjoyed this experience so far, as I have not only developed more as a leader but have also gained professional development skills. Like Kalia D. Davis, I am also looking to excel in my academic journey. Hoping to honor her legacy, I am applying to this scholarship to do just that!

My name is Tyana Creekmore, and I am a dedicated nursing student who is passionate about serving others and making a meaningful impact in my community. From an early age, I knew I wanted to find a career that supported my values and was deeply rooted in compassion, purpose, and service. Nursing was the one profession that I knew was the perfect match, being that it met all three values! I knew that choosing this path would enable me to be a source of comfort, healing, and advocacy for those in need. When graduating with my nursing degree this upcoming May, I am hoping to pursue a career in emergency nursing. I am interested in this specialty, as I find myself liking the fast paced environment along with the adrenaline rush it gives. More importantly, this specialty enables me to care for patients from all walks of life, allowing me to be a source of support in patients' lives at their most critical and vulnerable moments. My primary goal is to work in a hospital that serves underserved communities, where I hope to bridge the gaps in access to quality care. To prepare for my career, I am currently working as a Patient Care Technician at the VCU Medical Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. From working in this position, I have been able to gain valuable hands-on experience working with various types of patients, including but not limited to, assisting with patient care, documentation on EPIC, handling medical equipment, and time-management skills. All in all, these skills have strengthened my confidence and sharpened my critical thinking skills to prepare me for the nursing role. From my role, I have been honored to receive four Tulip Awards, which recognize team members who go above and beyond in patient care, by showing compassion, excellence, and dedication to their role. Receiving these awards truly have been meaningful in supporting where I want to go with my career. Additionally, they have further strengthened my passion for healthcare and reassurance that I am in the right place. Outside of work, I have also been involved in over 100 hours of community service. Dedicating my involvement since freshman year of college, these experiences have helped me to grow on empathy, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. Each of these which are notably important to the nursing profession. Receiving this scholarship would not only bring me closer to achieving my academic goals, but would help to alleviate the financial burdens that come with funding for nursing school. Moreover, this scholarship would help me to wholeheartedly focus on my education, clinical practices, and more to better prepare for the meaningful contributions I hope to instill within my role as a nurse.

With hopes of making a meaningful impact in others' lives and a deep desire to provide for the community, I felt that nursing was the best career choice for me. While in my nursing program, I have seen firsthand how rewarding this profession truly is. Through the daily tasks of providing healing, comfort, and compassion, nurses can make a meaningful impact on their patients. As a result, this has further drawn me to this profession because of its dynamic nature and opportunity to support others during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. My ultimate goal is to become an emergency department nurse. I am interested in this specialty, as it would allow me to care for a group of diverse patients from all walks of life. Moreover, I hope to work in a hospital that caters to underserved populations where equitable access to healthcare is limited. After obtaining a few years of experience, I plan to further my education and get my Master's degree, to expand my ability to serve patients. Currently, I am working as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center. One of my greatest accomplishments so far has been receiving four Tulip awards for my patient care. The Tulip Award is a prestigious recognition and is awarded to acknowledge healthcare individuals who demonstrate compassion, commitment, and excellence in the delivery of patient care. Being honored with this award multiple times has been both rewarding and motivating. Truthfully, it has reaffirmed my belief that providing genuine care can make a lasting impact on someone's life. Additionally, this recognition has fueled my desire and dedication to achieve even more as a future nurse, where I will have an even bigger responsibility to advocate, heal, and lead. In addition to my clinical experience, I have remained dedicated to serving through community service. Overall, my contribution to over 100 hours of service since my freshman year of college, has helped strengthen my communication, empathy, and teamwork skills; skills that are considered core values in nursing practice. I have also participated in patient wellness initiatives through volunteer efforts and community outreach programs, which have highlighted the many healthcare disparities affecting vulnerable populations. That is why with my degree, I am hoping to be known as the nurse who has made a meaningful impact not just in the hospital, but within her community and beyond. All of these experiences, especially during my time as a patient care technician, have shaped my vision and commitment to wanting to be a nurse who advocates for change. I am dedicated to delivering exceptional and impactful care to my patients, hoping to do all that I can to be the best I can be. Receiving this scholarship would further enable me to do just that without the financial burdens being underway. This scholarship would be used to cover the costs of my clinical supplies, books, and other academic expenses that are required to complete my nursing degree. Approaching the home stretch of my senior year, your support can help me stay on track toward graduation and confidently maneuver throughout the nursing profession without financial worries.

From early on, I knew that I wanted to be in a career that allowed me to play an influential part in changing people’s lives for the better. Nursing became my calling after I witnessed firsthand my aunt’s passion and excitement for patient care. Growing up, I remember asking her various questions about what it took to be a nurse, her wild experiences on the job, and how she maneuvered throughout such a busy career. During her responses, I enjoyed seeing her light up when she spoke and elaborated on how nursing was such a rewarding career for her. She didn’t just view nursing as a job, but she saw it to be her calling, a way for her to bring dignity and uplift the voices of those who are often forgotten. From her unwavering dedication, I too sought out this calling, as I also wanted to be a part of the change. Over the past couple of years, I have worked as a Patient Care Technician. Working on the front lines of patient care has truly opened my eyes to the many impediments that exist within the healthcare system. Within my two years of working as a care technician, I have been honored to receive a total of four hospital Tulip awards that acknowledge my accomplishments in patient care. Additionally, I have witnessed firsthand how the delivery of equitable and holistic care is diminished. Patient’s voices have also gone unheard when trying to seek explanations or provide suggestions for their delivery of care. Notably, rooms often go unkempt due to issues of understaffed healthcare personnel on the floors. All in all, these issues should not be accepted as the norm of healthcare delivery. These experiences have all strengthened my commitment to wanting to become an emergency department nurse, where I can directly impact the lives of patients in critical need. Not stopping there, I would also like to progress in my career and take on a leadership role in nursing as well. Doing so would enable me to advocate for patient centered strategies. Moreover, this would also help me to incorporate other reforms that prioritize good communication, dignity, and equitable access to care. Additionally, I want to be an advocate for patients residing in underserved communities where even more barriers to equitable healthcare services exist. Despite my dedication and passion towards nursing, financial barriers have made it difficult to fully focus on my studies. However, I know that my commitment to pursue this path is unwavering. I ask that I be considered for this scholarship, as this support would help to relieve my financial burden and fund my academic journey. After finding this scholarship on the bold.org website, I knew that this scholarship would be beneficial in helping to support my goals in nursing. With this assistance, I can fully be devoted to my studies and leadership development to bring me one step closer to impactful changes in patient care. I would like to thank the donors involved in this opportunity to help support students with a dream like mine.

My name is Tyana Creekmore, a current junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a degree in Nursing. I am also a proud member of the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2023, I joined this sorority with the hopes of expanding on both my leadership and networking skills within a strong sisterhood embedded based on good morals and values. In addition to my sorority, I work as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. This job has provided me with wonderful experience and educational opportunities, preparing me to become a well-rounded nurse. By working with both children and adults, I have gained confidence in my learning to deliver safe and effective care across various age groups. Outside of school and work, I am profoundly committed to community service and volunteering within my local community. My passion for becoming a nurse stemmed from my deep desire to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals through leadership and community building. After witnessing the impact nurses had on my grandmother who recently passed. Although this is a sensitive topic for me, I will never forget the nurses who were taking care of my grandma. They were so kind and reassuring to me and my family even up to her last day with us. Regarding my focus, I believe nursing offers a great platform to help strengthen and mentor the younger generation. Working as a patient care technician in Richmond, I have seen how a lack of education and healthcare literacy can negatively affect the results of recovery. It is important to educate our younger patients and their parents about healthcare resources and more, to lessen the risks of ongoing hospitalizations. When receiving my degree in nursing, I hope to specialize in the pediatric field. I have always enjoyed helping the younger generation through service and leadership throughout my high school and college years. In the future, I aspire to receive my Master’s in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner in family medicine. Primarily, I hope to focus on working in areas with a high prevalence of underserved communities. Residing in Richmond for the past 4 years, I have witnessed firsthand how limited access to healthcare disproportionately affects disenfranchised communities. These disparities fuel my passion to become a nurse, as I hope to aid in outsourcing equitable resources for healthcare, which is often not allocated. Improving access to quality resources and care, coupled with healthcare educational opportunity programs, will make a great difference. Through these means of intervention, I know that I can make a true difference in the lives of the underserved children of Richmond. In the future, I would like to expand beyond the city limits as well. In turn, I hope to utilize both my talents and leadership abilities to put this plan into action in hopes of breaking these barriers. My vision regarding goals of expansion includes partnering with local organizations to create educational opportunities and mentoring programs that help underserved children obtain information about nutrition, sexual health, hygiene, and mental health. As schools may only cover these topics to a certain extent, I would like to ensure that these opportunities will be effective in providing the most updated information. I also envision the use of leveraging outreach programs and social media platforms to expand further healthcare networks. Doing so will help to cultivate and amplify this initiative on a greater scale. A little about me, I have grown into a very well-rounded student by participating in various activities, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles. One I am most proud of was serving as a student panelist at the 2023 Board of Visitors meeting at VCU. Here I was able to advocate for stronger collegiate resources and support, while also addressing student concerns in front of influential university leaders, including the president of VCU. In 2024, I attended two impactful conferences, one of which included a leadership event hosted by my sorority, which provided workshops on life skills, leadership development, networking, and educational advancement opportunities. My leadership involvement also included being an active member of the Transform Living and Learning program at VCU, where I held a Social Engagement leadership position, and served as a member of the LEAD Explorers program. Throughout my involvement from Freshman to Junior year, I have accumulated over 70 hours worth of community service, taken on various leadership roles, and contributed meaningfully to the Richmond community with the help of these programs. In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would serve more than just financial help, but would be an opportunity to help me achieve my dreams of empowering the futures of younger people. Moreover, it would be monumental to be able to positively serve on behalf of the lives of others, as the nurses served while caring for my grandmother. In honor of Ms. Nancy B. Shirley for her dedication to nursing and service to our country. I would like to also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the donors and everyone involved in providing this opportunity. Your support helps to strengthen the hope of students like me with a dream to pursue a brighter future and influence the generations beyond.

As a young African American woman, I aspire to become a labor and delivery nurse to lead and further address the health disparities that disproportionately impact minority women. From common knowledge, the maternal mortality rate for minority women is far greater than that of women from other races, a statistic that is both alarming and hard to fathom. As a result, this reality fuels my inner passion to make a difference in maternal healthcare, by striving to advocate for better outcomes and support women in society. While working in the healthcare industry as a patient care technician for the past year, I have witnessed the challenges faced by minority groups hoping to receive equitable healthcare services. A story that resonates with me includes what my fellow aunt shared with me during the time she was about to give birth to her first child the same day as her best friend. She had shared that her best friend, a 30-year-old African American woman with no history of medical complications, had passed away during her maternal experience of delivering her child, due to nurses not responding to her complaints of severe pain. Both this example and my healthcare experience have instilled in me a profound understanding of the need for cultural competence in nursing. Additionally, pushing for nurses who can relate to and thoroughly understand their patients’ cultural backgrounds could lead to exponential growth in the delivery of care. As a labor and delivery nurse, I would strive to create both a safe and supportive environment for expectant mothers, where they feel respected, valued, and heard. Overall, the role of the labor and delivery nurse holds a crucial part in shaping the childbirth experience. Being in this position would allow me to be an advocate for my patients, providing not only medical care but also emotional support. From the standpoint of minority women, I would like to ensure that these women receive equitable services that are led by compassion, competency in knowledge, and empowerment of healthcare decision-making. Instilling these reforms would help to surface better healthcare outcomes and empower patients from the minority population to serve as active participants in their healthcare decisions. As I stand by the saying “knowledge is power,” I believe that further educating women can help them navigate the healthcare system more effectively. I am determined to educate women about their reproductive health, prenatal care, and the importance of health management. As common challenges of obtaining equitable healthcare services are due to various social determinants of health, it is important to also advocate for policy changes that address systemic barriers, as well. In the future, I envision creating community workshops and outreach programs focused on maternal health. Hoping to collaborate with various organizations focusing on health equity, these events will be aimed to further emphasize healthcare disparities prevalent amongst minorities and address common misconceptions. By fostering awareness and understanding, I hope to contribute to a culture of proactive healthcare among minority women. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able to reach the goal of serving as an advocate for minority women in underserved communities. As I am currently facing financial constraints, this scholarship would be very beneficial in relieving my financial stressors with trying to afford college tuition and off-campus housing expenses. In turn, I would like to honor Ms. Beverly J. Patterson and thank the other donors involved in this opportunity.

As a person determined to serve and help others, I found my calling in nursing during my senior year of high school. Before being accepted at Virginia Commonwealth University, I participated in a prestigious nursing program in Prince William County. Being a part of this program further strengthened my interest in nursing, as I found the material easily understandable and enjoyable! Working hard to be a part of the nursing program at VCU and a patient care technician with the VCU health system, I have acquired better hands-on experience in doing what I love. As a patient care technician, I always look forward to learning something new with every chance I am provided with. With the help of supplemental staffing (unit floater), I have had the opportunity to explore various types of units to determine which floor specialties I would like to pursue after graduation. While a part of VCU's healthcare system, I always strive to give my best when I report to work every shift. I currently work as a patient care technician and I believe in presenting myself responsibly as an employee. I ensure that I respond respectfully to others, arrive on time, perform my duties efficiently, and dress appropriately. In the past year, I have been honored with the Tulip Nomination Award for my hard work. This award recognizes workers who show dedication and commitment to their work. I am honored and grateful for this recognition, as it gives me hope and motivation to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse someday. In my role, I always strive to learn and improve my skills on the job. I am not afraid to ask questions or seek help from my fellow nursing staff and doctors. Through this, I have gained valuable networking opportunities and practical experiences that will help me as I continue to pursue my career goals. To note, I push to ensure that all of my patients cared for are heard and well treated with my time with them. I enjoy brightening my patients' day by asking about their well-being and recovery progress. As I am sure the hospital stay is not too enjoyable, I strive to make an effort to alleviate at least one of my patient's days each time I work. As our society becomes more challenging for people mentally, I aim to spread kindness at every chance. While pursuing a dream can be challenging with concerns of financial constraints as a college student, applying to scholarships such as this one, can help to alleviate these stressors. I am applying for this scholarship to fulfill my dream of becoming a nurse. Due to this reason, I ask that my application be considered for financial assistance, as this will help me combat my current financial barriers, and better help me focus on my studies. Lastly, I would like to thank Ms. Pangeta McGrowther Ferguson and Ivory Riley, for providing this opportunity for students looking to achieve their nursing journey.

I am Tyana Creekmore, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a degree in Nursing. I am also a proud member of the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2023, I joined this sorority, hoping to expand on my leadership and networking skills within a strong sisterhood based on good morals and values. In addition to my sorority, I work as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. This job has provided me with wonderful experience and educational opportunities, preparing me to become a well-rounded nurse. By working with children and adults, I have gained confidence in learning mechanisms for delivering safe and effective care across various age groups. Outside of school and work, I am profoundly committed to community service and volunteering within my local community. In the future, I aspire to receive my Master’s in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner in family medicine. Primarily, I hope to focus on working in areas with a high prevalence of underserved communities. As a young African American woman, I aspire to become a labor and delivery nurse to lead and further address the health disparities that disproportionately impact minority women. From common knowledge, the maternal mortality rate for minority women is far greater than that of white women, a statistic that is both alarming and hard to fathom. As a result, this reality fuels my inner passion to make a difference in maternal healthcare, by striving to advocate for better outcomes and support women in society. While working in the healthcare industry as a patient care technician for the past year, I have witnessed the challenges faced by minority groups hoping to receive equitable healthcare. A story that resonates with me includes what my fellow aunt shared with me during the time she was about to give birth to her first child the same day as her best friend. She had shared that her best friend, a 30-year-old African American woman with no history of medical complications, had passed away during her experience of delivering her child, due to nurses not responding to her complaints of severe pain. This example and my healthcare experience have instilled in me, a profound understanding of the need for cultural competence in nursing. As a labor and delivery nurse, I would strive to create both a safe and supportive environment for expectant mothers, where they feel respected, valued, and heard. As I stand by the saying “knowledge is power,” I am determined to educate women about their reproductive health, prenatal care, and the importance of health management. As common challenges of obtaining equitable healthcare services are due to various social determinants of health, it is also important to advocate for policy changes that address systemic barriers. In the future, I envision creating community workshops and outreach programs focused on maternal health. Hoping to collaborate with various organizations focusing on health equity, these events will be aimed at emphasizing healthcare disparities prevalent amongst minorities and addressing common misconceptions. By fostering awareness and understanding, I hope to contribute to a culture of proactive healthcare among minority women. This scholarship would help alleviate any financial stressors associated with trying to obtain higher education. As I plan to further my education and obtain my Master's in Nursing, receiving this scholarship will help lessen the additional financial stressors I could face. In advance, I would like to thank the donors involved in this scholarship opportunity, and for allowing students to remain hopeful in having a chance of achieving their dreams.

I am Tyana Creekmore, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a degree in Nursing. I am also a proud member of the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2023, I joined this sorority, hoping to expand on my leadership and networking skills within a strong sisterhood based on good morals and values. In addition to my sorority, I work as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. This job has provided me with wonderful experience and educational opportunities, preparing me to become a well-rounded nurse. By working with both children and adults, I have gained confidence in my learning about ways to deliver safe and effective care across various age groups. Outside of school and work, I am profoundly committed to community service and volunteering within my local community. In the future, I aspire to receive my Master’s in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner in family medicine. Primarily, I hope to focus on working in areas with a high prevalence of underserved communities. As a young African American woman, I aspire to become a labor and delivery nurse to lead and further address the health disparities that disproportionately impact minority women. From common knowledge, the maternal mortality rate for minority women is far greater than that of white women, a statistic that is both alarming and hard to fathom. As a result, this reality fuels my inner passion to make a difference in maternal healthcare, by striving to advocate for better outcomes and support women in society. While working in the healthcare industry as a patient care technician for the past year, I have witnessed the challenges faced by minority groups hoping to receive equitable healthcare. A story that resonates with me includes what my fellow aunt shared with me during the time she was about to give birth to her first child the same day as her best friend. She had shared that her best friend, a 30-year-old African American woman with no history of medical complications, had passed away during her experience of delivering her child, due to nurses not responding to her complaints of severe pain. This example and my healthcare experience have instilled in me, a profound understanding of the need for cultural competence in nursing. As a labor and delivery nurse, I would strive to create both a safe and supportive environment for expectant mothers, where they feel respected, valued, and heard. As I stand by the saying “knowledge is power,” I am determined to educate women about their reproductive health, prenatal care, and the importance of health management. As common challenges of obtaining equitable healthcare services are due to various social determinants of health, it is also important to advocate for policy changes that address systemic barriers. In the future, I envision creating community workshops and outreach programs focused on maternal health. Hoping to collaborate with various organizations focusing on health equity, these events will be aimed at emphasizing healthcare disparities prevalent amongst minorities and addressing common misconceptions. By fostering awareness and understanding, I hope to contribute to a culture of proactive healthcare among minority women. With the help of this scholarship, I will be financially equipped to serve and advocate for minority women in underserved communities. As I am currently facing financial constraints, this scholarship would be very beneficial in relieving my financial stressors of trying to afford college tuition and off-campus housing expenses. In advance, I would also like to honor Ms. Michele L. Durant and thank the other donors involved in this opportunity.

My name is Tyana Creekmore, a current junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, pursuing a degree in Nursing. I am also a proud member of the Theta Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In 2023, I joined this sorority with the hopes of expanding on both my leadership and networking skills within a strong sisterhood based on good morals and values. In addition to my sorority, I work as a patient care technician at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. This job has provided me with a wonderful amount of experience and educational opportunities, preparing me to become a well-rounded nurse. By working with both children and adults, I have gained confidence in my learning about ways to deliver safe and effective care across various age groups. Outside of school and work, I am profoundly committed to community service and volunteering within my local community. In the future, I aspire to receive my Master’s in Nursing to become a Nurse Practitioner in family medicine. Primarily, I hope to focus on working in areas with a high prevalence of underserved communities. While both residing and working within the Richmond community, I am geared towards helping underserved populations as I have noticed the many disparities that result in minority populations looking to seek affordable and equitable healthcare. In turn, I hope to utilize both my talents and leadership abilities to formulate a plan to break these barriers. Throughout my college career, I have grown into a very well-rounded student by participating in various activities, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles. One I am most proud of was serving as a student panelist at the 2023 Board of Visitors meeting at VCU. Here I was able to advocate for stronger collegiate resources and support, while also addressing student concerns in front of influential university leaders, including the president of VCU. In 2024, I attended two impactful conferences, one of which included a leadership event hosted by my sorority, which provided workshops on life skills, leadership development, networking, and educational advancement opportunities. My leadership involvement also included being an active member of the Transform Living and Learning program at VCU, where I held a Social Engagement leadership position, and a member of the LEAD Explorers program. Throughout my involvement from Freshman to Junior year, I have accumulated over 70 hours worth of community service, taken on various leadership roles, and contributed meaningfully to the Richmond community with the help of these programs. In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would serve more than just financial help, as it would be an opportunity to help me keep my dreams alive. Currently, my financial situation has become increasingly hard since my parent’s divorce, as my father, who was my primary financial supporter, is no longer willing to contribute to my studies. This misfortune has forced me to have to work extra hours at work, all while trying to manage school, tuition expenses, and off-campus living expenses. Trying my best to maintain my academic and professional responsibilities, I am looking for any support to help prevent me from succumbing to the stressors and constant worrying about financial instability. In turn, this scholarship would help to provide me with relief from all of my current financial stressors. In honor of Ms. Christina Taylese Singh, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the donors and everyone involved in providing this opportunity. Your support helps to strengthen the hope of students like me with a dream to pursue a brighter future, despite any obstacles they face.

My name is Tyana Creekmore, a student at Virginia Commonwealth University who is pursuing a degree in nursing. In my personal life, I experienced a turbulent childhood having to deal with the struggles associated with my parents' separation, which soon led to divorce. As their issues emerged during my late high school years, I found myself undergoing a deep depression while trying to cope with it all. Furthermore, I noticed negative impacts on my weight, eating habits, mood, and grades in school. These unhealthy tendencies, along with a few others, were the brut of my emotional downfall. Hearing my parents argue and witnessing their physical fights deeply affected me, as I prayed that my younger brother would not have to experience what I did. My parents also trying to involve me in their conflicts deepened the hole and emotional detachment. As an older sister, I knew it was crucial to remain strong and determine the best way to persevere through this tough time. As a result, I chose to seek professional counseling services and used this as an opportunity to reconnect with my faith. Through counseling, I realized that I had allowed these challenges to hold a negative impact, however, I was determined to overcome them. Regarding my desired career choice, I aspire to become a pediatric nurse. My desire to help others succeed in our society fuels this aspiration, as I believe that offering help to others is always important. I understand the importance of helping young people who have experienced toxic home environments during their upbringing. From my personal experience, I understand how difficult it can be not knowing who to turn to or which mental health services to connect with. That's why I believe it's crucial to expand youth support services and provide early care, giving young people better opportunities to overcome their situations and thrive. To note, several factors in our society negatively impact the mental health of young people. As a result, I hope to develop improved in-hospital mental health support initiatives for young people, while still pursuing my passion for bedside nursing. In formulating these initiatives, my vision encompasses providing emotional and behavioral support for effective communication during challenging circumstances, managing anger, controlling responses, and identifying social cues. Additional initiatives will reflect health promotion such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and spending time with nature, among others. Though this draft represents a preliminary version of my potential implementation, I firmly feel that the sowing of a single seed could yield a field of something beautiful. Starting with these initiatives on a small scale could help bring about significant change within our society, specifically aimed at empowering our youth and improving their mental health.

Being an African American woman in our current society, unfortunately, brings many impediments that may affect our everyday lives. Racial and social injustice has skyrocketed in its numbers as we battle with Black Lives Matter protests, police brutality, workplace mistreatment, and many other issues. A prime example of social injustice commonly spoken about throughout society includes Black women presenting themselves on the job. For instance, our society has created a stigma where Black women need to reach a certain standard in order to maintain a professional character. To elaborate, wearing and expressing our natural hairstyles while obtaining a professional job causes much of a controversial discussion when really it shouldn’t be. Shouldn’t it be our right to freely express ourselves throughout our community? Why should hair dictate our intellectual being? Growing up, I have had some occurrences with people who tried to test my knowledge and abilities. For example, years back while working at McDonald's, I took the order of an older White man who was demonstrating a very impatient and agitated demeanor towards me. Knowingly, of course, I made sure to keep my composure because of the color of my skin, and also because I didn’t want to cause any unnecessary commotion. To continue, after taking his order and reading back the total of his transaction, he unexpectedly started yelling at me and telling me that I did not put his order in right. Occasionally, I try my best to read back the orders to the customers, which I did before telling him his order. Moving forward, the customer tried to create a big scene in front of other people inside the building by saying I was uneducated, stupid, I did not know how to properly do my job. After that he wanted me to get the manager so he could speak to her. When the manager proceeded to help the man with his order, I was told that what I typed into the system was exactly the whole time. Me keeping my composure and professionalism throughout the whole situation helped me to feel much better in the end. I believe that although my situation may deem as small unto others, it has a big hidden message that many may not understand. Due to me being a college Sophomore, I strive to enhance my knowledge on maneuvering throughout society while being a Black individual. I feel that with my desired profession of Nursing, it is important for me to excel in professional workshops that help me build my character, experience and relate to situations through the lives of others, and progress in society proudly knowing that I am a Black woman. I am hoping to join this club where African American individuals are joined together to uplift and encourage each other. In this program, I hope to influence the need for our people to find their voices and fight for our better good in a peaceful manner.

Currently attending Virginia Commonwealth University as a freshman, I have set my goals high in trying to achieve my all-time goal of becoming a Nurse. Throughout my high school years, I gained interest in Nursing from volunteering opportunities. Specifically, I was a part of a peer mentoring program ran through my school. Also, I took part in a volunteering opportunity at a local childcare facility, Minnieland Academy. During my senior year in college, I was given an opportunity to apply to an LPN program in Prince William County through my school. Eventually after the long process of the application, I received notice of my acceptance into the program! Influenced by one of my former instructors, Mrs.Sowalla, I gained more confidence in accepting that Nursing was the job that I wanted to pursue in my near future. Overall, I plan to continue on the pre-nursing track to excel while being a part of Virginia Commonwealth University's Nursing program. Currently, I have been in the process of modifying my application to apply for the upcoming Fall 2021 semester. While Spring semester approaches, my goal is to continue to flourish in my studies, continue to showcase my leadership abilities, and work hard towards my goal; I would like to influence others by the words I speak, the creative abilities I own, and experiences I have in order to aid in helping others in my field.

I intend to apply for this scholarship to become closer to the success of funding for my education. Currently, I am determined to reach my goals while attending Virginia Commonwealth University on a Pre-Nursing track. Overall, I aspire to become a Registered Nurse to provide care and endless help to others. In my opinion, giving back to the community is very important in a world full of division and hate. Over the past three years, I have demonstrated my volunteerism through mentoring young kids, helping at a local children's daycare, and assisting in the Habitat for Humanity organization. During my senior year of high school, I took part in a debutante cotillion for an AKA organization located in Fredericksburg. With the help of this life-changing experience, I raised $2,500 in college funding aid. To help fulfill my goals, finding the proper amount of financial support will relieve financial stress. With this scholarship, I can afford the necessary textbooks, school supplies, and online school resource requirements. When I gain closer to reaching my degree, I hope to cast change within my community through my dedicated service. Personally, as an African American woman, I need to take every opportunity possible to prepare myself for success. I plan to continue to stay steadfast in my word and determined in my studies to do so. To conclude, I am ready to start my journey to becoming a Registered Nurse!