CeraVe Skincare Scholarships for Diversity and Equity

My interest in nursing took root when I worked as a Program Coordinator with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) – an opportunity that gave me the privilege to be one of the team members that managed the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, also called PEPFAR or the Emergency Plan. A five-year bilateral commitment by the United States Government to support HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs in developing countries. Nigeria where I lived and worked at that time, was one of the countries designated to receive majority of the funding due to its high HIV/AIDS prevalence rates then. PEPFAR programs helped save lives, prevented HIV infections, and accelerated progress in achieving HIV/AIDS epidemic control in Nigeria. Implementing this program gave me the opportunity to be face-to-face with patients afflicted with HIV/AIDS and dying of AIDS and other comorbidities.

The funding from this program was used to build community clinics and train doctors and nurses who passionately worked to save lives. My passion to save lives and become a nurse came alive while implementing the PEPFAR program and I became determined to pursue a career in nursing.

In 2011, upon migrating to Canada, I enthusiastically used the occasion to have a career change. Starting from the position of a Health Care Attendant I went back to school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse and soon will be a Registered Nurse. The decision to pursue a career in nursing was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and my aspiration is to be the best nurse I can possibly be.

Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.