On February 12, 2025, I lost my eldest sister Latisha Flowers- Lee to suicide after her long and painful battle with mental health and substance abuse. Her death was not just a personal tragedy; it was a devastating reflection of how deeply broken our systems are when it comes to supporting those who suffer in silence. She was my role model, my protector, and my closest friend. Losing her shattered me. I am still grieving, still healing, and still asking for prayers. But I am also choosing to transform my pain into purpose. My sister struggled for years. Her brilliance and warmth were often overshadowed by the chaos of untreated mental illness and addiction. I tried to be there for her sometimes as a caregiver, sometimes as a confidant but I often felt helpless. The stigma surrounding her condition made it harder for her to seek help, and the lack of culturally competent care in our community left her isolated. Watching her suffer taught me how deeply mental health is misunderstood, especially in marginalized communities where silence and shame often replace support and compassion. Her death forced me to confront my own mental health. I spiraled into grief, guilt, and depression. For months, I felt numb and disconnected. But slowly, through therapy, support groups, and faith, I began to rebuild. I learned that recovery is not a destination, it’s a daily commitment to healing, growth, and grace. I also realized that my sister’s story could not end with her death. It had to become a catalyst for change. That realization led me to pursue a doctoral degree focused on mental health advocacy and social justice. My academic goal is to research and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness in marginalized communities, particularly among all populations. I want to develop culturally responsive interventions, advocate for equitable access to care, and train future clinicians to approach mental health with empathy and intersectional awareness. Education, for me, is not just a personal achievement it’s a tool for systemic transformation. In addition to my studies, I volunteer with organizations that support families affected by suicide and addiction. I speak openly about my sister’s story to raise awareness and reduce shame. I’ve also begun mentoring young people who are navigating their own mental health challenges, offering them the compassion and guidance I wish my sister had received. These experiences have deepened my commitment to advocacy and reminded me that even in grief, there is room for hope. Managing my own recovery is an ongoing journey. I continue to attend therapy, practice mindfulness, and lean on my support network. I’ve learned to honor my sister’s memory without letting it consume me. I write to her, light candles in her name, and carry her spirit with me in everything I do. Some days are harder than others, but I remain committed to healing not just for myself, but for the countless others who feel unseen and unheard. I still miss her every day. I still cry. I still ask for prayers. But I also believe that her life, though marked by struggle, was filled with love and that love continues to guide me. Through my grief, I’ve found purpose. Through my pain, I’ve found strength. And through my education, I’m building a future where no one has to suffer alone. Thank you.

On February 12, 2025, I lost my eldest sister Latisha Flowers- Lee to suicide after her long and painful battle with mental health and substance abuse. Her death was not just a personal tragedy; it was a devastating reflection of how deeply broken our systems are when it comes to supporting those who suffer in silence. She was my role model, my protector, and my closest friend. Losing her shattered me. I am still grieving, still healing, and still asking for prayers. But I am also choosing to transform my pain into purpose. My sister struggled for years. Her brilliance and warmth were often overshadowed by the chaos of untreated mental illness and addiction. I tried to be there for her sometimes as a caregiver, sometimes as a confidant but I often felt helpless. The stigma surrounding her condition made it harder for her to seek help, and the lack of culturally competent care in our community left her isolated. Watching her suffer taught me how deeply mental health is misunderstood, especially in marginalized communities where silence and shame often replace support and compassion. Her death forced me to confront my own mental health. I spiraled into grief, guilt, and depression. For months, I felt numb and disconnected. But slowly, through therapy, support groups, and faith, I began to rebuild. I learned that recovery is not a destination, it’s a daily commitment to healing, growth, and grace. I also realized that my sister’s story could not end with her death. It had to become a catalyst for change. That realization led me to pursue a doctoral degree focused on mental health advocacy and social justice. My academic goal is to research and dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness in marginalized communities, particularly among all populations. I want to develop culturally responsive interventions, advocate for equitable access to care, and train future clinicians to approach mental health with empathy and intersectional awareness. Education, for me, is not just a personal achievement it’s a tool for systemic transformation. In addition to my studies, I volunteer with organizations that support families affected by suicide and addiction. I speak openly about my sister’s story to raise awareness and reduce shame. I’ve also begun mentoring young people who are navigating their own mental health challenges, offering them the compassion and guidance I wish my sister had received. These experiences have deepened my commitment to advocacy and reminded me that even in grief, there is room for hope. Managing my own recovery is an ongoing journey. I continue to attend therapy, practice mindfulness, and lean on my support network. I’ve learned to honor my sister’s memory without letting it consume me. I write to her, light candles in her name, and carry her spirit with me in everything I do. Some days are harder than others, but I remain committed to healing not just for myself, but for the countless others who feel unseen and unheard. I still miss her every day. I still cry. I still ask for prayers. But I also believe that her life, though marked by struggle, was filled with love and that love continues to guide me. Through my grief, I’ve found purpose. Through my pain, I’ve found strength. And through my education, I’m building a future where no one has to suffer alone. Thank you.

My name is Zaneta R. Flowers, MPH, M.Ed., and I am a public health professional currently pursuing a Doctor of Health Science in Infectious Disease and Global Health. I have dedicated my career to advancing health equity through research, emergency response, and community-based interventions. However, in March of 2023, my professional mission collided with personal tragedy when I moved back to Ohio to support my sister, who had been diagnosed with sepsis and had just lost her first child. She went into a coma for 3 months but survived. I quit my dream job at CDC in Atlanta, to take care of her. As a research epidemiologist, I did everything I could to help her recover by coordinating care, interpreting clinical data, and advocating for timely interventions. Despite our efforts, we lost her. The experience was devastating and deeply personal. Sepsis, a condition I had studied and understood from a clinical perspective, suddenly became a painful reality. Watching my sister suffer and ultimately succumb to this life-threatening condition exposed the gaps in awareness, urgency, and systemic response that still surround sepsis in our healthcare system. This loss reshaped my purpose. I returned to my doctoral studies with renewed determination not just to advance in my field, but to ensure that no family suffers in silence or without support. I now focus my research and advocacy on marginalized communities, where delayed diagnoses and limited access to care often turn treatable conditions into fatal outcomes. Sepsis is one of those conditions underrecognized, underfunded, and often misunderstood until it is too late. Through my work with federal agencies, including the CDC, FEMA, and the U.S. Air Force, I have seen how data-driven strategies can save lives. But I have also seen how those strategies must be paired with compassion, education, and community engagement to truly make a difference. My goal is to develop scalable public health models that prioritize early detection, culturally competent care, and survivor support especially in underserved populations. My sister child’s passing left a permanent mark on my life, but it also ignited a deeper sense of responsibility. I now speak openly about the realities of sepsis, especially in communities where health literacy and access to care are limited. I’ve begun collaborating with local health organizations to raise awareness and advocate for improved protocols in emergency departments and primary care settings. I also mentor students and young professionals in public health, encouraging them to pursue careers that center equity and empathy. If selected for the Begin Again Scholarship, I will use this opportunity to honor my sister’s memory and continue building systems that recognize the urgency of sepsis and the humanity of those it affects. Her story and the stories of countless others deserve to be heard, studied, and transformed into action. This scholarship would not only support my academic journey but also amplify my ability to create meaningful change in the lives of others.

As an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and Health Scientist, my decision to pursue an advanced degree in healthcare is rooted in both a profound sense of duty and a strategic vision for systemic transformation. My academic and professional journey spanning molecular diagnostics, public health education, clinical research, and emergency response has consistently revealed the urgent need for scientifically grounded, ethically driven leadership in healthcare. The Doctor of Health Science program, with its emphasis on global health and infectious disease, represents a natural progression of my commitment to evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and equitable health outcomes. Throughout my career, I have engaged with diverse populations and institutions from federal agencies such as FEMA and the CDC to CLIA-certified laboratories and local health departments where I have led initiatives in injury surveillance, opioid crisis response, and pandemic diagnostics. These experiences have sharpened my capacity to design and evaluate public health programs, manage complex data ecosystems, and navigate regulatory frameworks with precision. My technical proficiencies in molecular techniques, statistical software, and data visualization tools have enabled me to translate raw data into actionable insights that inform policy and improve clinical outcomes. As a woman in healthcare, I recognize the dual imperative of representation and impact. I intend to leverage my expertise to dismantle structural barriers that impede access to care, particularly for marginalized communities. By mentoring emerging professionals, advocating for inclusive research practices, and contributing to the development of culturally responsive health education, I aim to amplify the voices of women and underrepresented groups within the scientific community. My leadership style grounded in bioethics, stakeholder engagement, and continuous process improvement reflects a commitment not only to scientific excellence but also to social accountability. In sum, my pursuit of a doctoral degree is not merely an academic endeavor; it is a strategic investment in the future of healthcare. I aspire to be a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and equity advancing public health through rigorous inquiry, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to the communities we serve. I aspire to be a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and equity advancing public health through rigorous inquiry, compassionate leadership, and unwavering dedication to the communities we serve. Receiving this scholarship would not only alleviate financial barriers but would also affirm the value of my mission and the work I have committed my life to. It would mean everything to me empowering me to continue making meaningful contributions to the field and to those whose lives depend on it.

I’m a fan of Sabrina Carpenter because her artistry is a radiant blend of vulnerability, wit, and fearless self-expression. She’s not just a pop star she’s a storyteller who invites listeners into her world with honesty and charm. From her early days on Girl Meets World to her evolution into a critically acclaimed musician, Sabrina has consistently defied expectations and carved out a space that is uniquely hers. Her music doesn’t just entertain it resonates. It speaks to the messy, beautiful process of growing up, finding your voice, and learning to stand tall in the face of adversity. Her career has impacted me in ways that go far beyond admiration. During one of the most difficult periods of my academic journey, I found myself overwhelmed, exhausted, and on the verge of giving up. The pressure felt unbearable, and I questioned whether I had the strength to keep going. It was in those moments late nights filled with self-doubt and quiet tears that I turned to Sabrina’s music. Listening to her songs felt like having a friend who understood exactly what I was going through. Tracks like “Skin,” “Because I Liked a Boy,” and “Emails I Can’t Send” didn’t just reflect heartbreak or confusion they offered a kind of emotional clarity that helped me feel seen. Her lyrics reminded me that pain doesn’t have to be hidden or shameful. It can be transformed into something powerful, something beautiful. Sabrina’s ability to channel her own experiences into music gave me permission to embrace my own struggles and keep moving forward. Her confidence, her humor, and her refusal to be boxed in by others’ expectations inspired me to reclaim my own narrative not just as a student, but as a person learning to navigate life with courage and authenticity. What I admire most is how she balances vulnerability with strength. She’s not afraid to be playful, sarcastic, or even messy, and that honesty makes her music feel like a safe space. Sabrina Carpenter taught me that growth isn’t linear, and success doesn’t require perfection. It requires persistence, self-belief, and the willingness to show up even when it’s hard. Her career continues to be a source of inspiration for me to work harder. Whether I’m celebrating a win or pushing through a setback, her music is a reminder that I’m not alone. Sabrina helped me find light in the dark, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Essay: Strengthening Communities Through Science and Service By Zaneta R. Flowers, MPH, M.Ed. Public service is more than a career path it is a commitment to protecting, uplifting, and empowering communities. As an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and Health Scientist, I have dedicated my life to advancing public health through research, emergency response, and federal service. My journey has been shaped by a deep belief that science, when paired with compassion and discipline, can transform lives and strengthen the fabric of our nation. Over the past decade, I’ve served in diverse roles that reflect my passion for public service. From conducting high-complexity molecular diagnostics in CLIA-certified laboratories to leading disaster recovery efforts with FEMA, I’ve worked at the front lines of health crises and national emergencies. My current role as a Jr. Analyst for the U.S. Air Force involves managing secure data pipelines and supporting health surveillance systems that directly impact military readiness and well-being. I’ve also supported the CDC’s National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System, contributed to opioid epidemic response initiatives in Kentucky, and advised on harm reduction strategies for state health departments. Each experience has reinforced my commitment to using science as a tool for justice, equity, and resilience. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Health Science in Infectious Disease and Global Health at Purdue Global, with the goal of becoming a senior federal health scientist and policy advisor. My vision is to help shape national preparedness strategies, improve interagency collaboration, and ensure that scientific innovation translates into real-world impact—especially for underserved populations. This scholarship would be a vital resource in helping me complete my doctoral studies while continuing to serve in federal roles. It would allow me to invest in advanced training, attend national conferences, and expand my research on emerging infectious diseases and disaster response. More importantly, it would affirm the value of public service and support the next generation of leaders who are committed to making the world safer and more just. I bring ambition through my academic pursuits, drive through my hands-on leadership in crisis response, and impact through my contributions to federal health initiatives. Whether I’m analyzing injury surveillance data, coordinating emergency operations, or mentoring future public health professionals, I strive to embody the values of discipline, integrity, and service. Public servants are the backbone of a functioning democracy. They work tirelessly often behind the scenes to ensure that our systems remain strong, our communities resilient, and our people protected. I am proud to be among them, and with your support, I will continue building a career defined by innovation, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the public good. Thank you for considering my application.

Building credit early is essential to me because it represents a foundational step toward financial independence, professional credibility, and long-term stability. As a graduate student pursuing a career in infectious disease epidemiology, I understand that financial literacy is not merely a personal skill it is a strategic asset. In my field, where public health intersects with policy, economics, and community engagement, the ability to manage financial resources responsibly is critical. Establishing strong credit early enables access to lower-interest loans, housing opportunities, and financial tools that support both academic and professional advancement. My journey toward financial empowerment has been shaped by both intentional decisions and difficult lessons. One of the most impactful financial moves I made was opening a secured credit card during my undergraduate studies. I used it exclusively for small, recurring expenses such as textbooks and transportation and paid it off in full each month. This disciplined approach allowed me to build a positive credit history while reinforcing habits of budgeting, prioritization, and financial restraint. It also taught me the importance of consistency and long-term planning. Conversely, I learned a hard financial lesson when unexpected medical expenses forced me to rely on high-interest credit options. The resulting strain was a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of maintaining an emergency fund and proactively preparing for financial disruptions. Since then, I have committed to building savings, diversifying income through part-time research and consulting work, and seeking out scholarships and grants to support my education. Currently, I am working toward becoming the first doctor in my family. My academic focus is on health disparities in marginalized communities, and I am driven by a desire to use data and research to inform equitable public health interventions. As an epidemiologist, I aim to design programs that address systemic barriers to care, particularly in underserved populations. What motivates me is the opportunity to translate evidence into action to empower communities through education, advocacy, and access. Taking control of my financial future is integral to this mission. It means continuing to make informed decisions, seeking mentorship, and leveraging resources that support both personal and professional growth. Just as epidemiology demands precision, ethical stewardship, and resilience, so too does financial planning. By mastering both disciplines, I hope to uplift others especially those who, like me, are navigating complex systems with limited resources. This scholarship would not only ease my financial burden but also affirm my commitment to using education as a tool for transformation.

Among Taylor Swift’s extensive repertoire of live performances, the most moving in the context of her twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, is her 2025 concert debut of the album itself a performance that not only encapsulates her artistic evolution but also serves as a poignant reflection on the duality of fame and femininity. This particular show, staged with maximalist flair and emotional precision, stands out as a masterclass in narrative performance, blending theatrical spectacle with intimate storytelling. Swift’s embodiment of the “showgirl” archetype during this concert was not merely aesthetic; it was deeply symbolic. Adorned in rhinestone-studded ensembles reminiscent of Las Vegas revue traditions, she reimagined the showgirl not as a passive object of entertainment, but as a resilient figure navigating the complexities of public scrutiny, personal sacrifice, and artistic autonomy. The performance was choreographed to highlight this tension—between glittering surface and emotional depth through carefully curated set pieces, lighting design, and costume transitions that mirrored the thematic arc of the album. What rendered this performance especially moving was Swift’s delivery of the track “Behind the Curtain,” a ballad that explores the psychological toll of constant visibility. Her vocal restraint, paired with minimalist staging a single spotlight and stripped-down instrumentation created a moment of vulnerability that contrasted sharply with the grandeur of the surrounding production. In that moment, Swift invited the audience to witness not the icon, but the individual behind the persona. It was a rare glimpse into the emotional labor of performance, and a powerful commentary on the cost of being perpetually consumed by the public eye. Moreover, the concert’s structure itself was a narrative device. Swift interwove spoken interludes between songs, reflecting on her journey from country ingénue to global pop phenomenon. These reflections were not self-congratulatory; rather, they were meditations on identity, resilience, and the reclamation of agency. Her acknowledgment of past controversies, media misrepresentations, and personal growth added layers of authenticity to the performance, making it not just a musical event, but a cultural statement. I love Taylor Swift.

Although I am not a first-generation college student, I am striving to become the first doctor in my family, a milestone that carries profound personal and communal significance. My academic journey is rooted in a deep commitment to public health, and my aspiration is to become an infectious disease epidemiologist focused on addressing health disparities within marginalized communities. This calling is not merely professional; it is a moral imperative shaped by lived experience, systemic inequities, and a desire to serve populations that are too often overlooked. Navigating higher education has not been without its challenges. As a federal employee, I have faced significant financial instability due to recent administrative funding cuts that began in January, which have directly impacted scholarship availability and support for public sector workers like me. These reductions have placed considerable strain on my ability to continue my education uninterrupted. Despite these setbacks, I remain steadfast in my pursuit of a doctoral degree, with an anticipated graduation date of August 2026. However, to reach this goal, I am actively seeking additional financial support to complete my studies and transition into meaningful work within my field. My academic focus centers on the intersection of epidemiology and social justice. I am particularly driven to investigate and mitigate the disproportionate burden of infectious diseases in underserved populations; communities where access to care, education, and preventive resources is often limited. I believe that data-driven public health interventions, coupled with culturally competent outreach, can transform outcomes and empower individuals to take control of their health. My long-term vision includes developing community-based programs that educate and equip individuals, especially those from first-generation backgrounds, with the tools to thrive academically and professionally. This scholarship would be instrumental in helping me bridge the financial gap that threatens to derail my progress. More than just monetary support, it represents an affirmation of my purpose and a recognition of the broader impact I hope to make. With this assistance, I will be able to continue my research, complete my coursework, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable healthcare landscape. I am committed to using my education not only to advance my career but to uplift others particularly students who, like many in my community, lack the resources and guidance to navigate higher education. What drives me is the belief that education is a transformative force. It is a vehicle for change, a tool for empowerment, and a pathway to justice. I carry this conviction with me every day, and I hope to honor it by becoming a leader in public health who listens, learns, and leads with compassion and integrity.