
Martivia Brooks
745
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Martivia Brooks
745
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I want to become a Nurse, build a stable life, travel, and eventually settle down, get married, and have a family. I’m passionate about helping kids and people in general, especially after seeing the impact of care during my own physical therapy. I also care deeply about mental health. I’m empathetic, observant, and dedicated. I pay attention to the small details and genuinely care about others.
Education
Lyons Township High School North Campus
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Hester Richardson Powell Memorial Service Scholarship
Starting at a new school is already overwhelming, but doing it while recovering from a traumatic experience made it even harder. Moving back to my hometown, transferring schools, and not being able to walk properly all made things more difficult. I had to navigate crowded hallways, carry heavy loads from class to class while on crutches, and deal with the physical and emotional toll of recovery. Some days, I felt like I was falling behind, not just academically but socially too. It was hard to put myself out there when I was still trying to adjust to everything at once. But instead of letting it hold me back, I pushed through. I learned to adapt, stay focused, and keep going even when things felt uncomfortable. Over time, I became more confident in myself and realized that challenges do not have to stop me from moving forward.
For almost a year, I was in physical therapy, learning how to move without pain and finding strength I did not know I had. It was not just about rebuilding my ability to walk, it was about rebuilding my mindset too. I had moments of frustration, times when progress felt slow, and days when I wanted to give up. But I kept reminding myself why I started and focused on the small victories, like walking longer distances or standing without discomfort. I remember watching my doctors and physical therapists, seeing how much they genuinely cared, and that was when I really started to realize I wanted to be that person for someone else. I wanted to help people push through their struggles just like I did. That is why I am working toward becoming a nurse. My experience taught me that resilience is not just about surviving, it is about using what you have been through to help lift others up.
Throughout high school, I have also learned to push past challenges in other ways. Whether it was stepping out of my comfort zone to speak up more, balancing school with personal responsibilities, or staying motivated even when things felt overwhelming, I never let obstacles hold me back. Instead, I used them as opportunities to grow. I started opening up more, connecting with people who shared similar experiences, and realizing that my story could inspire others. I know that others around me, like friends, classmates, or even younger students, notice when someone keeps pushing forward despite struggles. Sometimes, seeing someone else push through is exactly what they need to remind them that they can do the same. If my determination can remind even one person that they are capable of overcoming their own challenges, then I have made a difference.
Through it all, I have learned that resilience is not about never breaking down. It is about standing back up no matter how many times life knocks you down. It is about believing in yourself even when things seem impossible. And if my story can help just one person keep going, then every struggle was worth it.