The future and past- Elen Antwi scholarship response by Elen

The future and past- Elen Antwi scholarship response by Elen - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

There are many reasons to pursue a nursing program, such as a desire to support a community or improve people's lives. While these are among my motivations, my primary reason for pursuing a nursing degree is my aspiration to become a midwife. I’ve been interested in this career path since the eighth grade, a passion sparked by a career test and discussions with my English teacher.
Attending college will be a significant step toward fulfilling my career goals. My parents are not American and did not receive an American education, so I want to make them proud by achieving what they could not. I remember a trip to Ghana with my mother and brother when I was around 9 or 10 years old. During the visit, my uncle, who worked in a school, asked me what I wanted to be. Although I wasn’t entirely sure, I answered "doctor." He expressed his hope to see "Dr. Elen Antwi" on a billboard in Ghana, helping people. My family has always encouraged me to pursue the education they could not attain. My mother dreams of building a school in Ghana, and we joke that I will one day build a clinic next to her school. I am determined to make that vision a reality, and pursuing nursing is a crucial step toward achieving it.
My motivations for pursuing midwifery have evolved throughout high school, mirroring my own personal growth. As I transition from high school to college and embark on my career, I aim to build on my success and continue my journey. My goal is to become a midwife in a clinical setting, where I can offer women a more respectful and supportive environment than what is often found in hospitals. I am committed to improving maternal care, particularly for minority groups, where access and respect can be lacking.
A career as a midwife is about more than delivering babies; it involves supporting women during one of their most vulnerable times. While one person alone may not change the world, helping individuals can collectively make a significant impact on society. By promoting maternal and infant health, midwives play a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes and ensuring dignity in childbirth worldwide.
As I look forward to the future, I am deeply committed to bridging the gap between traditional medical practices and holistic, patient-centered care. My vision for midwifery extends beyond the delivery room; I aim to advocate for comprehensive maternal health education and support systems that empower women throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. By integrating both evidence-based practices and compassionate care, I aspire to create a model of midwifery that not only addresses medical needs but also honors cultural and individual preferences. This holistic approach will enable me to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system, where every woman receives the respect and care she deserves.