Gene Denton Essay 2

One of the most urgent needs within my community is the inequitable treatment of Black women in healthcare, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. Across the United States, Black women are significantly more likely to experience complications and maternal mortality than women of other racial groups. These outcomes are not the result of biological differences, but systemic inequities, implicit bias, and a lack of advocacy within healthcare settings. This issue is not distant from me; it affects families, mothers, and children in communities like mine.

Too often, Black women report that their pain is dismissed, their concerns are minimized, and their voices go unheard. In moments when they are most vulnerable, they are forced to advocate for themselves in systems that should be protecting them. The consequences can be life-threatening. This reality has inspired my decision to pursue a career in nursing and ultimately become a certified nurse-midwife.

I plan to major in nursing in college to gain the clinical knowledge, technical skills, and patient-centered training necessary to provide safe and compassionate care. Nursing will provide me with a strong medical foundation, but more importantly, it will teach me how to advocate effectively within healthcare systems. As a future midwife, I want to specialize in maternal health and provide culturally competent care that centers listening, respect, and informed decision-making.

My commitment to serving others is reflected in my current leadership experiences. Through after school tutoring, I work with younger students who need academic support and encouragement. I have learned that building trust is the foundation of growth. When students feel heard and supported, they are more confident in their abilities. Similarly, in healthcare, patients must feel safe enough to express concerns without fear of dismissal.

Additionally, my teaching internship has strengthened my communication skills and reinforced the importance of patience and adaptability. Every individual learns differently, just as every patient’s needs are unique. These experiences have prepared me to approach nursing not just as a science, but as a human-centered profession grounded in empathy.

My involvement in Youth Lead KC since ninth grade has further shaped my understanding of community responsibility. Leadership, I have learned, is not about authority it is about service. It is about identifying problems and taking initiative to address them. The maternal health crisis affecting Black women is a problem that demands intentional, educated, and compassionate leaders within the medical field.

Through my future education, I plan to impact this need in several ways. First, I will provide direct patient care that prioritizes listening and informed consent. I want every woman I serve to feel respected and empowered during one of the most important experiences of her life. Second, I aim to advocate within healthcare institutions for better bias training and policies that promote equity. Finally, I hope to mentor young women in my community who are interested in healthcare careers, increasing representation within the field.

Representation matters. When patients see providers who understand their experiences and cultural backgrounds, trust increases. By becoming a nurse-midwife, I will not only provide medical care but also contribute to rebuilding trust between Black communities and healthcare systems.

Addressing disparities in maternal healthcare will not happen overnight. However, meaningful change begins with individuals who are willing to pursue education with purpose and return that knowledge to their communities. My goal is not simply to earn a degree, but to use that degree as a tool for advocacy and reform.

The need within my community is clear. Black women deserve to feel safe, heard, and protected during childbirth. Through nursing, leadership, and lifelong commitment to equity, I intend to be part of the solution.