Something I want to build is a future that I can be proud of. Right now, I am working toward that by going to college and getting closer to my goal of becoming a diagnostic medical sonographer. I am a freshman at the University of South Alabama studying Radiologic Sciences, and I know I still have a lot to learn before I reach my career goal. Starting college has taught me that building a future takes more than just having a goal. I have to actually put in the work to get there. College has been a big change for me because I have had to become more independent and learn how to manage my time. Some of my classes can be challenging, especially my science classes, but I am learning how to stay on top of my work and keep going even when things get difficult. I want to build a career where I can help people and make them feel comfortable while they are receiving healthcare. I know that going to a doctor or getting a medical exam can make people nervous, so I want to be someone who treats patients with patience and kindness. I want my patients to feel like they are being cared for and not just like they are another person being seen that day. My education is also helping me build a better future for myself and my family. Being a first-generation college student has made me realize how important it is for me to finish what I started. My mom also motivates me because she graduated from nursing school and was preparing to start working as a nurse before she passed away. Her hard work toward her own career is something that continues to motivate me. I hope the future I build will not only help me but also allow me to help other people. I want to use what I learn in college to build a career in healthcare and make a positive difference in the lives of my patients and my community.

My name is Versiah Wynn, and I am an incoming freshman at the University of South Alabama pursuing a degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. My goal is to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology because I want to provide compassionate care to women and families during some of the most meaningful and emotional moments of their lives. To me, healthcare is more than treating patients—it is about making people feel seen, heard, and supported when they need it most. My passion for helping others comes from my own life experiences. My mother graduated from nursing school before she passed away when I was very young. Although I never had the chance to watch her begin her career, knowing how much she cared about helping people has inspired me to continue the legacy she never had the opportunity to fulfill. I have carried that motivation with me throughout high school and into my college journey. Growing up without my mother meant I had to become independent at a young age. I learned many life lessons on my own, from managing responsibilities to preparing for adulthood. While those experiences were not always easy, they taught me resilience, determination, and empathy. They also helped me understand how important it is to have someone who genuinely cares. Those lessons have shaped the kind of healthcare professional I hope to become. Throughout high school, I stayed involved in activities such as color guard while also balancing part-time jobs. Working while preparing for college taught me responsibility, time management, and the value of hard work. As a first-generation college student, I understand that earning a degree will require sacrifice and perseverance, but I am determined to make the most of every opportunity I receive. As a future sonographer, I hope to make a positive impact by providing high-quality care and creating a welcoming environment for every patient I meet. I want women to feel comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and trusting that they are receiving compassionate care. I also hope to encourage young people in my community to pursue careers in healthcare by showing them that difficult circumstances do not have to define their future. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of college but would also allow me to focus more on my education and clinical training. My dream is to build a career that honors my mother’s passion for helping others while creating a lasting impact in my own community. I believe that even the smallest acts of kindness and compassion can change someone’s life, and I hope to spend my career doing exactly that.

Honestly, I’ve always had a weird relationship with how I look. Like, from elementary school all the way through 9th grade, I was pretty chubby. I hated it. I would compare myself to everyone — friends, kids at school, and especially people I saw online. Everyone looked better than me. Even now, I still have a little stomach, and sometimes I catch myself just… staring in the mirror, wondering if something’s wrong with me. Sometimes, before I get in the shower, I just stop and look at my body. It’s like I’m trying to find what I did wrong. But the truth is, I didn’t do anything wrong. This is just the way I am. It took me a while to get that. I’ve been learning to accept that this is how God made me. It’s not easy, but I’m trying. Social media definitely made it harder. You go on TikTok or Instagram and all you see are people with perfect skin, flat stomachs, clear faces, crazy outfits… and you’re just sitting there like, “Why don’t I look like that?” It messes with your head. You know deep down that a lot of it’s fake or filtered or posed, but still — it makes you feel like you’re not enough. I’m not the only one. A lot of my friends have said the same stuff. Some won’t even post pictures anymore unless they use a filter or FaceTune or whatever. And if a post doesn’t get enough likes? Delete. It’s like everything we do online has to be approved by other people. But I also think social media isn’t all bad. Sometimes it can help people open up, share what they’re going through, or just feel less alone. I think the problem is how much we let it affect how we see ourselves. Like, we care more about what strangers online think than how we actually feel. So, what can we do? First, schools should talk more about this. Not just “don’t use your phone,” but real conversations about mental health and social media. We need to know it’s okay to not be perfect. I also think apps could help by hiding likes, or at least letting people know when a photo’s been edited. Me? I’ve started taking breaks from social media. I try not to check it first thing in the morning, and when I do go on, I remind myself that not everything I see is real. I still struggle sometimes, I won’t lie. But I’m starting to feel a little better about myself. Day by day. I may not be perfect, but I’m learning that I don’t have to be.

My Journey Toward Becoming an Ultrasound Technician and Promoting Diversity in Healthcare When I was in middle school, I went with my aunt to one of her prenatal checkups. The room was dim, and the only light came from the screen showing her ultrasound. The technician pointed out the baby’s heartbeat, and I stared in awe. I had never seen anything like that before. More than the image itself, I remember how kind and gentle the technician was. She explained everything so clearly, and my aunt left feeling comforted. That moment stayed with me, and it’s what first made me want to work in healthcare. One of my biggest goals is to become an ultrasound technician. I want to work with patients who might be nervous or worried and help them feel calm and cared for. This role matters because ultrasound can give people answers without the need for surgery. It helps doctors detect problems early, but more importantly, it gives patients peace of mind. Being part of that process would mean a lot to me. Another major goal of mine is to help improve the way healthcare serves people of all backgrounds. I strongly believe that we need more racial diversity in the medical field. Many patients don’t feel fully seen or heard when they don’t share anything in common with their providers. As a result, they may not open up or ask questions, which affects their care. For example, someone from a different cultural background might feel uncomfortable with certain procedures unless the provider takes time to explain them in a respectful and understanding way. If the provider shares that background or just shows cultural awareness, the patient is more likely to trust them. That trust leads to better care, better communication, and healthier outcomes. Adding more diverse voices to healthcare doesn’t just help individual patients—it helps whole communities. People who understand the traditions, languages, or concerns of a group can help that group feel less alone in the medical system. I want to be one of those people. I want patients to know they’re not just being treated—they’re being understood. Looking ahead, I hope to work in a hospital or clinic that serves people from all walks of life. Whether I’m showing a mother her baby for the first time or helping someone figure out what’s causing their pain, I want to be known for my kindness, skill, and care. I also hope to inspire others from my community to follow similar paths. If younger kids can see me working in healthcare and think, “I can do that too,” then I’ve already made a difference. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to reaching these goals. It would help me focus on my education, build the skills I need, and take my place in a field that truly needs more representation.