My name is Jornaysia Gowins. I originally grew up in Bellport, New York and attended Bellport High School up until my senior year. I was an honors student , I had all honors and AP classes and maintained an average above 90. Moving to North Carolina didn’t stop me , during my senior year I continued to persevere and maintain good grades in these advanced courses through pandemic conflict and personal conflicts. I have been accepted into Howard University as an undergraduate to extend my educational career. This is a huge blessing for me because I know that Howard University has all the tools I need to be the best I can be. In order to take on this amazing opportunity, I need help to close the financial gap that remains after scholarships and financial aid that I received. In 2017, my mother was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation in addition to epileptic episodes. In June of 2017 , she had brain surgery and was taken out of work by doctors. This was a very difficult time for us , not only financially but mentally. My mother has worked all my life , provided for my brothers and I , as a single mother. 3 years later and she still cannot work because of the epileptic episodes and is on disability. Since 2017 , we have just been trying to make ends meet and taking things one day at a time. I am the first in my family to attend a major college strictly for education, meaning I do not play sports. With this financial help , I can continue my studies at Howard where I will major in Nursing. I will not only be given all that I need to be a successful African American Nurse , but will also experience all there is to experience in a historically black university. My ultimate goal is to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner , and I will not stop until I achieve this goal. My aspirations not only branch from my love for babies and children , but from the fact that I was born at 28 weeks , weighed 1 pound 15 ounces , and had a 50/50 chance of survival. Doctors said I would have educational and developmental delays , however with the exception of asthma , I continue to exceed all expectations. I want to be the individual that contributes to the wellbeing of these little babies. The thought of parents trusting me and putting their child’s life into my hands excites me because it is my passion, and I will put my heart & soul into my patients , so that their parents can see them grow and become something extraordinary. Any contribution to the $10,000 that I need after scholarships and financial aid is tremendously appreciated and a blessing. I am grateful for any amount given.