Byron and Michelle Johnson Scholarship

I have exhibited commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice through work, service, and other extra-curricular activities by staying involved in my city. Being engaged and involved with things taking place in my community allows me to challenge myself and explore new entities. Growing up in the city of East Orange, New Jersey allows you to see many things no matter how old or young you are. You witness many people strive hard to make something out of themselves, but then you see others sit back and watch the days go by. I have had many friends in high school battle addiction while we were only teenagers. I became enraged and frustrated because I was the only one who seemed to care. Those were no longer my friends because they believed that addiction was more important than our friendship. My perspective has changed based on my background because it has been an eye opener and has hurt my heart seeing my peers get trapped into what society wants them to be. My background has made me stronger and more self-aware which allows me to set my goals and work towards them, and it has made me a better decision maker. My education will help me continue this commitment during college and beyond because it would have a positive impact on different individuals who may struggle with achieving their goals and working towards bettering themselves. I seek to encourage others no matter how old or young they are in hopes for it to become easier for our world to flourish. The major I intend to study is Nursing because of how effectively I help and work with children. I always find myself making it my main priority to keep them safe in the best way that I can, especially with the children I recently worked with at a summer camp. The pandemic that transpired in 2020 is what influenced my decision to help others when they are in need. Turning on my television and witnessing nurses being on the front line at any given moment, sparked a sense of bravery and willingness for me. It helped me realize that in our world, we need as much help as we can get. More nurses are needed to keep our world safe and prosperous. Also, gaining an education in Health Sciences will be preparation for students like myself who are looking to pursue careers in the healthcare industry. I hope to use my education to support achieving my passions and goals by building and intensifying comprehensive knowledge and skills. It will also expose me to different areas that are needed in life to create a stable foundation for myself in the future. I seek to encourage understanding and acceptance through positive representation, involvement, and education. I strive to meet new people and when coming across people within these communities, I make it my duty to educate myself, be willing to learn, support, allow them to express themselves, and make connections. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to keep in mind that the hard work and dedication for a brighter future and community does not end here. There will always be work that has to be done considering that things change everyday, positive or negative. The service that I have contributed to my community is enough to assure that I have the ability to detect a problem and solve it in order for our community to continue taking steps in the right direction.