I am originally from New Jersey, but my family moved numerous times while I was a child. I attended high school in Raleigh. I am the youngest of four girls. I have wanted to be a doctor since I was three years old. Through determination and hard work, I maintained an “A” average. I also played basketball at my school and became a student athletic trainer. I became a parent at the age of 16. My parents kicked me out of the house a few months later. My determination allowed me to finish high school with an “A/B” average. I finished high school a semester early. After high school, my boyfriend and I were married. We have three beautiful children. I attended some college, but did not finish.

In June of 2002, my husband died. I was left to raise three children with no income and no career. My husband’s terminal illness had depleted all our assets. I decided that I needed a career and a stable source of income. Realizing that there would never be a “good time” to go back to school, I decided to enroll and pray that it would work out well. Since beginning classes in the fall of 2005, I have met so many wonderful people. I have met others like me who are trying to make a better life for themselves. The instructors have been helpful and understanding. My advisor has helped me obtain scholarships to ease the burden of tuition. My fellow nursing students are like family. We laugh together, cry together, and encourage each other to keep pressing forward to our goal. The Nursing Department Faculty continues to challenge me to think critically and compassionately. Attending school at NCCU has helped me achieve my goal, while making life-long friendships and professional relationships.

This scholarship has been instrumental in my education. I am raising three children without any family support. I have been able to obtain money for my tuition and books, without taking money away from my household. This scholarship has also helped me decrease the number of hours I would have to work each semester. This allows me to have more time to focus on my studies, and it also gives me time to spend with my children. I have been able to attend their football games, school concerts, plays, and other events.

I am grateful for this scholarship. It is a great honor to have been selected. No words can truly express my gratitude. Thank you.