Charity has always been a core value in my life, instilled in me by my grandfather, who taught me that we were put on this earth to serve, not be served. His words have shaped my belief that giving back is not just an act of kindness but a responsibility. For me, charity is not solely about monetary contributions but about dedicating my time and knowledge to uplift others. The joy I feel from helping others is unmatched, and as I pursue a career in nursing, I am committed to making service a central part of my journey. As a future labor and delivery nurse, I plan to give back by addressing the Black maternal mortality crisis. This issue disproportionately affects Black women due to systemic healthcare disparities. After graduating, I intend to host informational sessions for teens and adults, educating them on the factors contributing to this crisis and ways to advocate for better maternal health outcomes. By raising awareness and promoting self-advocacy, I hope to empower my community and help improve maternal health. I believe that giving my time, energy, and knowledge is just as valuable as giving monetary rewards. Through my future work as a labor and delivery nurse and my commitment to community education, I aim to be a source of support and change. This scholarship would help me continue my education and, in turn, allow me to give back to those who need it most.

I would say what truly cemented my decision to become a labor and delivery nurse was a startling statistic I came across while researching the field. I learned that Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. This fact deeply troubled me, and I knew I couldn’t just ignore it—I wanted to be part of the solution. As a future nurse, I am committed to studying this issue in depth, understanding the root causes, and working to improve maternal healthcare outcomes for Black women. Pursuing a career in nursing is not just about having a job; for me, it’s about making a difference. I want to advocate for mothers who may feel unheard, educate women on their health, and provide compassionate care that ensures safer births and healthier babies. Nursing combines my love for knowledge, my passion for caring for others, and my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. With this career, I know I will not only be fulfilling my purpose but also honoring the women who came before me and fought for better healthcare. I would love to also just be a part of the movement to get things moving in the right direction. I also feel as if we have this problem then that shows we still have major disparities in our healthcare system. I know that it would be a lot of work to change this but i don't care what it takes for us to be better altogether this has to change "As a future labor and delivery nurse, my commitment to reducing the Black maternal mortality rate is not just a professional goal but a vital contribution to my community. The disparities in maternal healthcare disproportionately affect Black women, leading to preventable complications and deaths. By advocating for equitable care, improving patient education, and fostering trust between healthcare providers and Black mothers, I can help bridge the gap in maternal health outcomes. My role will not only impact individual families but also strengthen the overall well-being of my community, ensuring that every mother receives the quality care she deserves." This scholarship would help me continue my journey toward becoming a labor and delivery nurse, giving me the opportunity to turn my passion into action. I am determined to use my education to contribute to meaningful change, ensuring that every mother—regardless of race—receives the care, respect, and support she deserves.

Nursing wasn’t always my first career choice. Initially, I wanted to become a lawyer, but everything changed when I was placed in a Health Theory class in high school. Learning about the human body fascinated me, and I quickly realized that I had a deep interest in health, wellness, and how lifestyle choices impact overall well-being. My curiosity only grew as I gained more knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and how maintaining an ideal weight contributes to optimal health. I want to become a labor and delivery nurse because of a startling statistic I came across while researching the field. I learned that Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. This fact deeply troubled me, and I knew I couldn’t just ignore it—I wanted to be part of the solution. As a future nurse, I am committed to studying this issue in depth, understanding the root causes, and working to improve maternal healthcare outcomes for Black women. Pursuing a career in nursing is not just about having a job; for me, it’s about making a difference. I want to advocate for mothers who may feel unheard, educate women on their health, and provide compassionate care that ensures safer births and healthier babies. Nursing combines my love for knowledge, my passion for caring for others, and my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. With this career, I know I will not only be fulfilling my purpose but also honoring the women who came before me and fought for better healthcare."As a future labor and delivery nurse, my commitment to reducing the Black maternal mortality rate is not just a professional goal but a vital contribution to my community. "As a future labor and delivery nurse, my commitment to reducing the Black maternal mortality rate is not just a professional goal but a vital contribution to my community. The disparities in maternal healthcare disproportionately affect Black women, leading to preventable complications and deaths. By advocating for equitable care, improving patient education, and fostering trust between healthcare providers and Black mothers, I can help bridge the gap in maternal health outcomes. My role will not only impact individual families but also strengthen the overall well-being of my community, ensuring that every mother receives the quality care she deserves." This scholarship would help me continue my journey toward becoming a labor and delivery nurse, giving me the opportunity to turn my passion into action. I am determined to use my education to contribute to meaningful change, ensuring that every mother—regardless of race—receives the care, respect, and support she deserves.

Nursing wasn’t always my first career choice. Initially, I wanted to become a lawyer, but everything changed when I was placed in a Health Theory class in high school. Learning about the human body fascinated me, and I quickly realized that I had a deep interest in health, wellness, and how lifestyle choices impact overall well-being. My curiosity only grew as I gained more knowledge about nutrition, exercise, and how maintaining an ideal weight contributes to optimal health. One defining moment that steered me toward nursing happened while I was working at Sonic. A coworker brought her baby to work, and when she let me hold her child—who couldn’t have been more than seven months old—I felt a joy I had never experienced before. That simple moment planted a seed in my heart, making me realize how much I loved caring for others, especially newborns and mothers. Later, while earning my certification as a Patient Care Technician, I had an instructor who often spoke about a former male student who had a deep passion for working with women in labor and delivery. His dedication to being by their side through one of the most vulnerable yet beautiful moments of their lives resonated with me. It made me reflect on my own growing interest in maternal and infant health, solidifying my desire to specialize in labor and delivery nursing. However, what truly cemented my decision to become a labor and delivery nurse was a startling statistic I came across while researching the field. I learned that Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. This fact deeply troubled me, and I knew I couldn’t just ignore it—I wanted to be part of the solution. As a future nurse, I am committed to studying this issue in depth, understanding the root causes, and working to improve maternal healthcare outcomes for Black women. Pursuing a career in nursing is not just about having a job; for me, it’s about making a difference. I want to advocate for mothers who may feel unheard, educate women on their health, and provide compassionate care that ensures safer births and healthier babies. Nursing combines my love for knowledge, my passion for caring for others, and my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. With this career, I know I will not only be fulfilling my purpose but also honoring the women who came before me and fought for better healthcare. This scholarship would help me continue my journey toward becoming a labor and delivery nurse, giving me the opportunity to turn my passion into action. I am determined to use my education to contribute to meaningful change, ensuring that every mother—regardless of race—receives the care, respect, and support she deserves.

rGrowing up in a single-parent household with two brothers—one older and one younger—taught me the true meaning of resilience, hard work, and ambition. My mother was, and still is, my superhero. No matter how tough things got, she always found a way to provide for us. Every night, no matter how exhausted she was, she made sure we had a home-cooked meal on the table. Watching her navigate life’s challenges with unwavering strength shaped the values, goals, and ambitions I hold today. My mother’s resilience was evident in her daily routine. She would wake up early, walk me to school, then rush back to take my younger brother to Head Start before heading to work. Despite the long hours and stress, she never let it show. She carried her burdens quietly, never allowing us to feel the weight of her struggles. Seeing her work tirelessly, often in jobs that others might look down upon—like when she worked at a gas station—taught me a valuable lesson: no job is beneath anyone. I saw how customers could be rude, how people would make assumptions about her based on her job, and how dangerous it could be with the risk of robberies. Despite this, she always held her head high, never letting the judgment of others define her. Because of her, I have learned to treat every person with dignity and respect, no matter their occupation or circumstances. Her sacrifices shaped my goals. I knew from a young age that I wanted to finish high school and attend college—something my mother had always dreamed of but never got the chance to complete. She started college, but after having my older brother at a young age, she had to put her education on hold to support our family. Growing up, I could see the regret in her eyes when she spoke about school, but she never let it become a source of bitterness. Instead, she turned it into a lesson for us—pushing us to pursue higher education and break the cycle. Watching my mother put her dreams aside for us propelled me to want more for myself. I didn’t just want to finish school—I wanted to excel, to make a name for myself, and to prove that my mother’s sacrifices were not in vain. She always told me, "You are the perfect size for greatness," and that phrase stuck with me. As an athlete, those words fueled me on the field, giving me confidence in my abilities. Now, as a nursing student, they push me through long nights of studying, tough clinical rotations, and moments of doubt. They remind me why I started this journey—to create a better future, not only for myself but for my family. My mother’s strength and determination are the foundation of who I am today. She showed me that no matter the circumstances, perseverance and ambition can turn obstacles into stepping stones. This scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also allow me to honor her sacrifices by achieving the dreams she once had for herself. I refuse to let anything stand in my way—I am determined to finish what she started.

Success is often defined by wealth, titles, or status, but to me, success is about fulfillment, perseverance, and impact. It is about being proud of the journey, knowing that every challenge, every late night, and every sacrifice was worth it. True success is having no regrets—knowing that I gave my all to reach my goals and that I am in a position to help others do the same. As a firm believer in the principle of “reach one, teach one,” I see success not only as personal achievement but also as the ability to uplift those who come after me. I want to be in a position where I can mentor, guide, and inspire others who are working toward their own goals. This idea of passing down knowledge and creating opportunities for others has deep historical roots, originating during slavery when enslaved individuals secretly taught each other to read and write. That same principle still resonates with me today—I want to achieve success so that I can turn around and help others climb the same ladder. I would also say a part of success would be giving back to others like when i get to do community service because this adds a fulfillment to my life that nothing else can. Receiving the Redefining Victory Scholarship would have a profound impact on my journey. As a nursing student at Prairie View A&M University’s College of Nursing, I am committed to excelling in my studies, but the financial burden of tuition and living expenses often adds significant stress. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my education, rather than juggling multiple responsibilities just to stay afloat. Having more financial freedom would give me the time and energy to dedicate to my coursework, ultimately leading to higher grades and a stronger academic standing. It would also position me for future scholarships, reducing my dependence on student loans that could take years—if not decades—to pay off. My ultimate goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse, a career that embodies the meaning of success for me. Bringing new life into the world and providing compassionate care to mothers and newborns is a deeply meaningful path. However, getting to that point requires rigorous training, clinical experiences, and countless hours of studying. With the support of this scholarship, I would be better equipped to succeed in my nursing program, graduate with less financial strain, and start my career with a clear focus on patient care rather than financial worry. Success, to me, is not a straight path. It is built through long nights of studying, early mornings preparing for clinical rotations, and moments of self-doubt that must be overcome.It requires resilience, sacrifice, and the willingness to keep going despite obstacles. This scholarship would not only lighten my financial load but also fuel my motivation to keep pushing forward. With this opportunity, I would be able to fully invest in my education and, ultimately, my dream of becoming a nurse who redefines victory by uplifting others.

Firstly, being black means being comfortable in skin that makes so many people uncomfortable and being creative and leading with our character so people will see that and define me from that and not my skin. I also feel as it's embracing all parts of yourself and living in the confidence of knowing being different means your doing something correct. I know for a fact being black means having the ability to switch to the type of person i would be based on my surroundings. "Being Black, to me, also means being a conqueror in the aspect of knowing what our ancestors had to do for us to walk the path we can now, and knowing that we can beat any obstacle that stands in front of us. I want to be the first male nurse in my family and I would like specialize in Labor delivery. I would love to dive into this speciality because research shows that black women have a higher maternal mortality rate at about three times the chance compared to other races. I hope to help figure out what and really combat that problem once i attain my degree. Lastly I hope to make a lasting impact on women's health

Chess, a strategic game requiring deep thought and foresight, imparts several valuable lessons that extend beyond the board. The game teaches patience, as each move necessitates careful consideration of immediate and long-term consequences. It fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, requiring players to anticipate their opponent’s strategies and plan several moves ahead. Additionally, chess enhances decision-making abilities, as players often must make quick yet calculated choices under pressure. Moreover, the game emphasizes the importance of adaptability; players need to adjust their strategies based on their opponent’s actions and the evolving state of the game. Finally, chess instills a sense of discipline and concentration, as maintaining focus is essential to success. The skills and lessons learned from chess are highly transferable to the nursing profession. Patience, for instance, is crucial in nursing, where complex cases and patient care often require careful observation and thoughtful intervention over extended periods. The critical thinking and problem-solving abilities honed in chess are directly applicable to nursing. Nurses must assess patient conditions, anticipate potential complications, and devise effective care plans, often needing to adjust these plans based on patient responses and changing conditions. Decision-making is another vital skill shared between chess and nursing. In healthcare, quick yet informed decisions can significantly impact patient outcomes. For example, nurses often encounter emergency situations where they must rapidly assess the situation and decide on the best course of action, similar to making a strategic move in chess under time constraints. Adaptability is also key in nursing, as each patient is unique and may respond differently to treatments. Just as a chess player must adjust their strategy based on the opponent’s moves, nurses must be flexible and modify care plans in response to patient needs and unforeseen challenges. Lastly, the discipline and concentration required in chess are invaluable in nursing. The profession demands a high level of focus and attention to detail, as even minor oversights can have significant repercussions for patient health. The discipline to follow protocols meticulously and the concentration to monitor patients closely are directly aligned with the mental rigor cultivated through chess. In summary, the strategic thinking, patience, adaptability, and decision-making skills developed in chess are directly applicable to nursing, making it a valuable preparatory activity for those in or entering the healthcare field. These competencies contribute to providing high-quality patient care and navigating the complexities of the nursing profession effectively. That's why i think this scholarship would be a great suit for me.

When I first heard of mental health, I thought it was an actual joke, especially the idea of being depressed. I believed it was just a consequence of your actions or a feeling you brought on yourself. Little did I know that I had family and friends who had suffered from depression. This realization profoundly changed my perspective and affected my relationships in various ways. For example, I had a friend who wasn’t treated well by their parents, and that manifested in how they saw themselves. With that friend, I tried to be encouraging because I knew they didn’t receive much support in their life. I could also see what it does to a person because of how she acted; I could see she needed more attention in certain areas. Furthermore, my mother had been through episodes dealing with the weight of having children at a younger age, which significantly altered the trajectory of her life. Witnessing her struggles made me more empathetic and aware of how mental health issues can impact someone's life. I have learned my fair share of how detrimental mental health issues can be, especially after experiencing how tough my first semester in nursing school was. My concept of self was challenged because I truly tried hard, but I felt my work ethic did not match my grades. I felt like I should have done better given how hard I was working. This really played with my mind, and seeing the same results despite putting in so much work was really tough. It was then that I could understand how people become depressed, as there were long nights and tough times during my first semester. These experiences have significantly influenced my beliefs. I now understand that mental health issues are real and can be as debilitating as physical illnesses. Additionally, I know that in my belief, some people think you can pray away certain mental health problems. However, I believe people need to actually see someone, like a licensed therapist, or talk to someone because mental health is something that we have to address. It won’t just disappear unless we put in the work ourselves. This understanding has also influenced my career aspirations. As a future nurse, I am committed to advocating for mental health awareness and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that includes mental health support. This holistic approach is essential for true healing and well-being, and I hope to contribute to a healthcare environment where mental health is given the attention it deserves. I would also say from my life experiences i can now understand what mental health truly embodies and why we need it. I also know now not to neglect my own mental health and find ways to manage the stress of everyday life. I also advocate for people to seek help because it is essential to reach out and talk to someone about your problem. I feel as a people were making small strives to where we want to be in life.

My decision to pursue a career in nursing stems from a profound desire to positively impact people's lives and deliver the highest standard of care. Primarily, I am driven by the aspiration to support individuals during their most challenging mental and physical moments, serving as a beacon of encouragement and resilience in their healthcare journey.I also want to be an inspiration for others and show them that they can do whatever they truly put their mind too. Specializing in labor and delivery nursing holds a particular allure for me, as it presents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to maternal health and address the alarming rates of maternal mortality. Did you know that the maternal mortality rate is three times higher for African American women as opposed to other races. My overarching goal is to ensure that more mothers witness the joy of watching their children grow and thrive. This aspiration is deeply rooted in personal experience, as I draw inspiration from my grandmother, whose dedication to nursing spans years of bedside service. Witnessing her unwavering determination to pursue nursing education while raising a family has left an indelible impression on me. In striving to emulate her perseverance and commitment, I aim to make significant strides in enhancing the well-being of others. By advocating for maternal health and delivering compassionate care, I endeavor to honor her legacy and contribute to the broader healthcare landscape positively.I'm so excited to be put in challenging situations that will shape me for the rest of my life. I also can't wait to make fast paced decisions on the scenario placed in front of me. I'm also knowing that those decisions will help me be the equipped for any thing that could happen. The prospect of becoming a nurse case manager, akin to my grandmother's current role, also resonates with me. It represents an opportunity to assume a leadership position in healthcare delivery, utilizing both clinical expertise and administrative acumen to enact systemic change and improve patient outcomes. In essence, my journey into nursing is driven by a deep-seated passion for making a tangible difference in people's lives. Through continuous learning, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to the nursing profession, I aspire to leave a lasting impact on the individuals and communities I serve. I plan to venture out in different ways Explore different ways you plan to continue learning and growing as a nurse throughout your career.

A pivotal moment in my life was receiving my associate's degree because I overcame what has been laid in front of me. I was the first of my mother's children to graduate with my associate's degree. This is where I showed myself every long night, every day spent in the math tutorial and reading tutorial center paid off. I showed myself I could finish something I started even when I believed sometimes I wasn't going to make it through and I wanted to throw in the towel. My involvement with the greater community has been helping with my former community college, Tarrant County College, and my church. While being at Tarrant County College, I had the wonderful experience of giving back at Trinity Habitat for Humanity. I was part of the Intercultural Network, and we broke down and cut wood up so that we could hammer it into certain parts of the house. This was an immersive experience because I was literally helping build what someone would need to have just to make it by. I also had the chance to give back during the time of Thanksgiving at the Fort Worth Hope Shelter where we gave back frozen turkeys, cornbread mix, canned collard greens, canned cranberry sauce, snacks, and many other things. This was a great experience helping pick food out to give to someone who maybe wouldn't be able to have Thanksgiving without the help from the shelter. I also had the chance to give back with my church, Baker Chapel AME Church, where on Saturdays, I would drive up there about 8 and first, I would help bring down chairs and tables so that we could set up the food and have places for people to sit. Then I helped carry miscellaneous foods to people's cars, which really helped put a smile on their face. That, in turn, put a smile on my face giving people food who truly need it and packs of lemonade. I would like to become a family nurse practitioner, but as of right now, I'm on my way to get my Bachelor's in Science of Nursing. By doing this, I can show my community that a black man can become a nurse. I seldomly see black male nurses, and we only make up 1% of the nursing world. By becoming a family nurse practitioner, I can be a role model for all kids from single mother households who want to make a difference. Lastly, I would be able to start my own initiative to give back to people in lower socioeconomic places

Embarking on the journey of becoming a labor and delivery nurse is a profound calling for me. It's not just about delivering babies; it's about being a part of one of life's most significant moments and making a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and their newborns. The prospect of contributing to combatting the rising maternal mortality rate is both daunting and deeply motivating. Through my role as a labor and delivery nurse, I see an opportunity to address this pressing issue directly. The joy of witnessing a mother cradle her newborn for the first time is something that resonates deeply within me. It's a moment filled with hope, love, and the promise of a new beginning. Knowing that I can play a part in facilitating this moment, while also providing the emotional support and medical care that mothers need during childbirth, is profoundly fulfilling. I believe in the power of empathy and compassion, especially during such critical moments in a person's life. Being there for someone during their journey into motherhood is a responsibility I eagerly embrace. Moreover, the fast-paced environment of labor and delivery appeals to my desire for constant growth and learning. Each birth is a unique experience, presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities. I am eager to immerse myself in this dynamic field, knowing that every day will bring new lessons and insights. As I navigate through these experiences, I hope to hone my skills and expertise, becoming a proficient advocate for maternal health. One of my primary aspirations as a labor and delivery nurse is to ensure that all pregnant individuals have access to comprehensive prenatal care. I am deeply committed to addressing disparities in healthcare access, particularly among marginalized communities. Through education and outreach initiatives, I aim to empower at-risk patient populations with knowledge about the importance of prenatal care and healthy lifestyle choices. By advocating for policies and programs aimed at improving access to quality maternal healthcare services, I hope to contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality rates. In essence, my journey towards becoming a labor and delivery nurse is driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that each step brings me closer to realizing my goal of being a compassionate and competent advocate for maternal health.