Dr. Dumas A. Harshaw & Sharon Harshaw Legacy Scholarship

From a very young age I have always been highly interested in science but throughout the years I have narrowed my focus to studying global pharmaceutical research and development. Many current global health issues, such as COVID-19, have piqued my interest in this area. I am intrigued by how viruses evolve and spread, along with how vaccines and medicines have been developed to help battle and eradicate them. I want to pursue a major in Public Health or Global Health Studies as an undergraduate major in college. By attending a Historically Black College or University, I hope to be afforded opportunities to explore more about my selected career from the professors and research opportunities. At an HBCU, I want to experience research through real-world laboratory trials to deepen my understanding of how research ultimately impacts the presence and existence of viruses and other diseases. An HBCU can offer me practicum and research opportunities that will help elevate my scientific knowledge. Having this background knowledge would strengthen my potential to be successful at the next level as I ultimately wish to pursue a Doctorate in Global Health Studies. My plans to obtain a doctorate in Global Health are driven by my desire to eventually serve in the field of Biomedical Sciences as an Epidemiologist or Global Health Researcher, through attending an HBCU this can be fulfilled. The part of Health Sciences that intrigues me the most and that I’m most passionate about is serving underrepresented populations through improved healthcare service and delivery. This continues to be one of the greatest challenges in the healthcare field and is constantly documented as a focus for many medical professionals. Throughout my career, I plan to be a voice for the concerns and well-being of marginalized populations to promote and increase better healthcare options for all. By attending an HBCU, I plan to gain the knowledge and resources required to address the healthcare concerns embedded within many of these communities. HBCUs provide a multitude of opportunities where I can participate in conversations, which can help strengthen partnerships to educate about the need for better health care and equitable services. While pursuing my degree at an Historically Black College or University I hope to be a part of the next generation of diverse, progressive scientists who are the voice of change for better health care regardless of circumstances, location, or socio-economic status. By attending an HBCU, I know that I will receive the best education from the BEST researchers in the field of Health Sciences while also maintaining my diverse perspective.

Hello, I am Kiara Blake, a hardworking, driven, and detail-oriented high school student with artistic ability. I am a current senior at Apex Friendship High School in Apex, North Carolina. Here I am a part of the Academy of Engineering, a four-year career academy, and Key Club International. At heart, I've always had an artistic eye with a creative mindset. Growing up, everyone always told me I had artistic talent, whether it was my neat handwriting, drawing freehand, or being extremely organized. Art puts me in another trance and is something that flows naturally. My dream is to find a successful career that aligns with my passion for art & design. In the midst of the busy whirlwind of high school, I made it a personal priority to serve others put in the position. I have exemplified service in diversified forms, directly, or indirectly, big or small through my involvement in clubs and global organizations. I am a Sr. Ambassador in Young Black Leadership Alliance, a non-profit based in Charlotte, NC, focusing on service, leadership, and education. In July of 2022, I experienced this firsthand through our international mission trip to Montego Bay, Jamacia. I glimpsed life in struggling communities for just 6 days but returned with a different mindset and purpose for service. YBLA has transformed us as Sr. Ambassadors to take the initiative, accept challenges, and speak confidently, all to advocate for ourselves and others in the world. Wherever I end up, I hope to continue to incorporate service into what I do. I am looking to major in Business Administration and one day aspire to have my own business related to architecture and interior design in the future. I want to attend an HBCU because earning a college degree would make me a first-generation college student in my family. I am looking forward to the opportunity to connect with high-achieving, like-minded black students on campus. After becoming a part of the Young Black Leadership Alliance, I saw tremendous improvement in myself. This resulted from having other students in the program with work ethics and mindsets similar to my own, which brought out a new level of commitment and competitiveness in me. I aspire to attend an HBCU in the fall of 2023 because it can give me an experience like no other. HBCUs have such a sense of home and community on campus, an atmosphere that I for sure want to be a part of come Fall 2023.

I plan to pursue a career in computer network engineering. I have been preparing for this since I started high school as my school has an Academy of IT and Cybersecurity. Being in this academy has been very influential in helping me decide my career path. After being exposed to the many aspects of computer networking and cybersecurity I am excited to pursue this as my major in college to sharpen my skills and be prepared for my career. I also took classes at a community college to earn a certificate in IT and I also took a few CCP classes to get a few college transfer classes completed before starting college as well. I am looking forward to learning even more as I move to my next level of education at a four-year university. My desire to be in the top of my class and to excel has been the driving force of my life. I always keep myself busy with sports, clubs, and volunteering. I've played basketball since I was little at various levels. I've played recreational, AAU, middle and high school. Last school year I joined the golf team and it was pretty fun, I plan to play again this year. I also decided to be a volleyball manager this year and found that I am naturally good at it and may want to play some level of it in college. I am very active in clubs such as the National Honor Society, Student Government, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I have held some officer positions and participated in the various activities of each organization. I also am part of Young Black Leaders of America, TRIO, and Aiming High. These organizations have helped me prepare for selecting a college, exposed me to testing tips for SAT and ACT tests, shown me various STEM activities in the local area, and allowed me afterschool tutoring and study time. One of my greatest accomplishments was being selected as a 2022 Bank of America Scholar and with that program, I was exposed to many avenues of community volunteering. In the future, I plan to become a Computer Network Architect. I also want to be able to use what I learned from my Bank of America Student Leader internship to use my knowledge and experiences to be able to create change in my communities. I have been exposed to HBCUs my entire life as my mom went to one and brought me to various events like homecoming and other activities on campus. I also attended a STEM camp during middle school and got to live on an HBCU campus. Many of my other family members also attended HBCUs and I have been able to see the impact it has had on their lives. It gave them many networking opportunities while also allowing them to grow culturally and academically. Whenever I step into an HBCU I always feel more accepted and more valued, and know that I belong.

My name is Jaida Avery, I attend Enloe GT Magnet High School. I have been accepted into North Carolina A&T, the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Winston-Salem State University. Throughout high school, I worked at Blaze Pizza, while there, I received employee of the month, because of my hard work and leadership. I worked there for almost two years and began working at Zaxby's. Even though I work 4-5 days a week, I maintained good grades throughout the year and I am on the National Society of High School Scholars due to my achievements! I volunteered at my church supervising and entertaining three-year-olds. Extracurriculars I have participated in include chorus, soccer, cheerleading, dance, and violin. I love music; it calms me when I'm feeling down, excites me, and entertains me when I'm bored. I’m grateful and excited to commit to Winston Salem State University in the Fall of 2023. I am attending an HBCU because many of my family members have attended them. I love my culture and want to surround myself with people who look like me and it gives me a sense of comfort. In my opinion, college is more than just an education. This is where I will live and make lifelong friends and relationships. I love the community feel of the school, it’s not so big and not so small. I’m happy I joined the family! I plan to major in nursing, as my interest in the medical field has grown over time. I feel this is the perfect career choice for me since I have compassion and a nurturing spirit. I have always viewed myself as my sister’s protector as a child. I could never imagine not being a pillar in her time of need. It’s difficult for me to see my loved ones struggle. I am a natural giver, even if that may be taken for granted. My pastor at church always says, “We don’t give because we have to, we give because we get to”, which really resonates with me and who I am. I studied Anatomy/Physiology, Biology, and multiple health science classes in high school. These classes gave me a greater interest in nursing and informed me about various diseases/conditions I may encounter in the workplace. I’ve always found myself drawn to medical shows like Chicago Med and Grey’s Anatomy, which allowed me to witness the different types of roles in the medical field, and cases I may come across in the future. While on tour at North Carolina A&T, the nursing instructors placed a stethoscope around my neck, so I could hear the heartbeat of a mannequin infant. From that moment forward, I knew nursing was the career I wanted to pursue, as it just felt right! I want to become an ER RN because I have always loved being in a fast-paced work environment and helping people. Once I graduate college with my nursing degree, I would also like to get my Real Estate License, as it is a second passion that I have always loved. I see myself becoming a realtor or flipping houses. I moved a lot as a child so I was able to view firsthand the duties and responsibilities of a realtor. I remember when touring apartments/houses, I’d pretend to be the realtor the moment they left the room, which made me love it even more. I appreciate this opportunity to further assist me in reaching my academic, and professional goals. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, and my passions!

When my name is heard by others, their initial response is often to comment on its uniqueness. They are curious about the background of my name, but little do they know its true meaning. To those unfamiliar with Igbo culture, my middle name, Onyiyechi, may sound like a random combination of nine letters. However, for those who understand Igbo, they would know that Onyiyechi means "God's gift". As a Nigerian, born and raised in America, growing up was challenging as I often felt torn between being too Americanized to be considered truly Nigerian, and too African to fully fit in as an American. Nevertheless, I am grateful for the opportunity to embrace both my Nigerian culture and my identity as a Black American, and I have learned to fully accept and love myself as a Nigerian-American. Recently, I was invited to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University for their scholarship finalist weekend, and I want to share the life-changing experience I had there. During the opening speech by the Chancellor, all the scholarship finalists were asked to stand up, and as I looked around, I became emotional. It was the first time I truly felt at home. I know that many of my fellow scholars may have had similar experiences, being ridiculed by other people of color for being articulate, achieving good grades, or being patronized for being black and smart, and feeling the need to constantly prove themselves in academic settings due to their appearance. It is clear that while all schools strive for excellence, the standard at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) is higher, as they promote black excellence. When I was searching for colleges, I knew I wanted to be in a place where I would be fully supported, and I believe that attending an HBCU will not only provide that support, but also uplift me as a whole person, recognizing my worth beyond just academic statistics. Surrounded by black intellectuals who share the same goals, I know that attending an HBCU is the first step towards building my future. Speaking of the future, my plans after completing my bachelor's degree include continuing my education to become a physician's assistant. I am particularly interested in working in pediatrics or becoming a psychiatric PA, as I have always had a passion for serving the community. Ultimately, I aspire to establish a nonprofit organization that makes healthcare services more accessible to underrepresented communities, including my own. That being said, let me formally introduce myself: My name is Janet Onyiyechi Imoh, and I hope to make a change.