Growing up, the idea of giving to others was always something that felt second nature to me and something that I felt fulfilled the yearning that I had to provide for others who are unable to provide for themselves. I decided to pursue nursing, where I am fully able to make a direct impact on the lives of patients and their families. In my eyes, I felt that it was not only important but also necessary to give to others and walk with them every step of the way in their healthcare journey. Throughout my time at the University of Texas at Austin, I've been able to further unveil my passion for nursing and many opportunities to discover my own path in nursing field.

Through the Nursing Program and the support of the Forty Acres Scholars I've been given many opportunities to exemplify my love for nursing and my other interests. Having a big interest in public health, I've had many opportunities to research and understand the intersectionality of social determinants of health and overall population health. Additionally, I've been able to practice advocacy through my time as the School of Nursing Student Government Representative. Lastly, I've been able to take many classes under African and African Diaspora Studies to further enhance my own understanding of the intersectionality between race, gender, sexuality, and class within our society.

Upon graduating in May 2023, I will be working as a Registered Nurse at the Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas. From my time in nursing school, I've come to adore the connections between newborns and their families during such a pivotal time in their lives and the critical care aspect that accompanies being in the ICU setting. I am forever grateful for each and every opportunity that the Forty Acres Scholars Program and their vast network of donors and alumni for their support over the past four years. I am so excited to see what lies next in the future!

Major 
Nursing

Other Academic Interests
African American Diaspora Studies, Public Health

Extracurricular Activities
Student Government Nursing School Representative, SG Representative of The University of Texas Nursing Students' Association, Vice President of the African American Nursing Students' Association

What drew you to the Forty Acres Scholars Program (FASP)?
Besides the promise of being part of a thoroughly cultivated group of students who share vivid passions and interests and an extensive network of alumni with global connections, the Forty Acres Scholars Program intrigued me by guaranteeing an actual interest in my academic and personal well-being. Being able to have such a strong supportive backing by people who may not necessarily know everything about your upbringing and are primarily concerned about your own genuine welfare was very important for me. Being that I never really got the chance to travel while growing up, being able to have the opportunity to not only travel, but pursue your education and parts of your career and acquire a global perspective was very important to me. By being apart of the Forty Acres Scholars Program, I have been given the potential and the resources necessary to carry out my academic career while broadening my horizon of the world and all that it encompasses

What makes your scholar cohort unique?
As we are graduating in 2023, we are one of the only cohorts to have really experienced the COVID-19 pandemic during our first year at UT. Although a lot of things were still unknown during that time and constantly changing, we are such a resilient group of people who were continuously able to make strides in our academic and professional lives despite the ongoing pandemic.

Favorite FASP Memory
My favorite FASP memory was our senior retreat to Mexico City where we were able to take in all of the culture and tradition that was present within one city. Not only was I able to further connect with my fellow cohort even after our four years together, but I was also able to gain a better global perspective of different cultures and ways of life.

What do you want prospective students to know about The University of Texas?
Even after your time at The University of Texas, it will continue to be a major part of your life - whether that be through events, networking, getting jobs, or even meeting strangers at the store who shares a connection to UT. The vast network of alumni within UT is unmatched and will continue to benefit you even when your days on campus are long gone. Members of the community here at UT truly want to see you succeed and are always looking out for their fellow Longhorns.