Support Alayla's College Journey in Healthcare and Advocacy

This is all about my daughter Alayla and her journey.

In Alayla's own words:

My name is Alayla, and I am currently a sophomore at Jacksonville University, pursuing a degree in Nursing. My interests are Pediatric Nursing, Pediatric Nurse Anesthetist (Certified Registered Pediatric Anesthetist who specializes in administering anesthesia to children), and eventually opening a professional Doula Medical Center. Choosing a healthcare career was not a decision I made lightly. It is a path that combines my passion for helping others with my interest in science and medicine. Growing up, I often found myself inspired by the nurses and doctors who provided care and comfort to me.

At the age of three months old, my mother discovered while changing me that my right knee would pop out of place when holding my legs up. I was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital to see a pediatric doctor who informed my mother that I had Discoid Meniscus in both of my knees and that I was not old enough to have surgery. I would have to wait until I was about seven years old. I was a happy baby, and I was in no pain at that time. My mom was told to monitor me to observe if I seemed to be in discomfort or pain. At the age of about seven years old, I started to complain to my mom about having knee pain. I was then taken back to the doctor at Johns Hopkins University in the pediatric department who discovered my condition, and she decided to do surgery on my knee to remove the overgrowth of meniscus that was causing my knee to pop out of place. That was the first surgery out of four. The doctors, nurses, and other staff's dedication and compassion left an impression on me, and I knew early on that I wanted to be part of a profession that makes such a significant difference in people's lives. I believe that every child deserves the best care possible, and I want to be a part of a healthcare team that prioritizes the well-being of young patients.

One of the main reasons I chose to pursue a degree in healthcare is my desire to be there for children and parents during their most vulnerable times. As a pediatric nurse, I will have the opportunity to provide not only medical care but also emotional support to patients and their families. Healthcare is not just about treating illnesses; it is about caring for the whole person. I want to be the kind of pediatric nurse who listens to her patients, understands their needs, and advocates for their well-being.

Being a Black woman in healthcare is particularly important to me. Representation matters, and I hope to be a role model for young girls who look like me and aspire to enter the field. There is a need for more diversity in healthcare, and I want to contribute to that change. By being a part of this field, I aim to bring awareness to the unique health challenges faced by Black communities and work towards reducing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

I also hope to make a positive impact by promoting cultural competence and empathy in healthcare settings. Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of patients is crucial in providing effective care. I plan to use my education and experiences to help bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. By fostering an environment of inclusiveness and understanding, I believe we can improve patient outcomes and build trust within our communities.

In addition to direct patient care, I am interested in health education and advocacy. Educating patients about their health and empowering them to make informed decisions is a vital part of nursing. I want to help patients understand their conditions and treatment options, so they feel confident in managing their health. Furthermore, I hope to advocate for policies that improve healthcare access and quality for underserved populations.

In conclusion, I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because I am enthusiastic about making a difference in people's lives. As a woman in this field, I hope to inspire others, promote diversity, and advocate for equitable healthcare. I am committed to providing compassionate and culturally competent care, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute positively to the healthcare community.

Note from her mom:

Alayla holds a GPA of 3.5 and has made the Dean's List each semester. She was awarded an academic scholarship for four years but that does not include housing, or meal plans which I help her pay and she also works in a work-study program as a Communities Trustee.

Alayla received her official letter a few weeks ago that she made it into the Nursing Program and there are additional fees that Alayla needs to pay before the Spring semester, and she is requested to pay her housing balance in full in order to register for her spring class.

We are also grateful if you would like to donate directly to Alayla Michael's school at Jacksonville University at 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, FL 32211. Please call the Financial Services Office to donate directly to her account [phone redacted]