Gene Denton Essay 33

In my community, healthcare is supposed to be a place of safety, yet for many Black women, it is a place of fear, dismissal, and unequal treatment. I have listened to stories from neighbors, family friends, and community members who felt unheard during pregnancy, whose pain was minimized, or whose concerns were ignored. Pregnancy should be a time of hope, but discrimination, implicit bias, and lack of culturally competent care turn it into a time of uncertainty. This need for respectful, equitable maternal care is one of the most urgent issues I see around me. It affects not only individual mothers, but families, children, and the overall strength of our community.

One of the most painful realities is that many Black women feel they must fight to be believed. When symptoms are dismissed or questions are brushed aside, the consequences can be devastating. This is not simply a medical issue; it is a trust issue. When people lose trust in healthcare systems, they avoid seeking care, which increases risks and worsens outcomes. My community needs advocates who will listen, respect patients, and provide compassionate care. We need professionals who understand both the science of medicine and the human experience of being a patient.

After high school, I plan to study nursing while also completing the prerequisites for pre-med. Nursing will give me hands-on experience caring for patients, understanding their needs, and learning how to respond in critical situations. It will teach me how to advocate for patients, communicate effectively, and build trust. At the same time, pursuing pre-med will prepare me for medical school so I can become an obstetrician-gynecologist or a certified midwife. Both paths focus on supporting women through pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, which is where I feel called to serve.

My future education will allow me to directly address the discrimination and inequities that exist in maternal healthcare. As a nurse and eventually as an OB-GYN or midwife, I will ensure that my patients feel seen, heard, and respected. I will take their concerns seriously, explain procedures clearly, and involve them in decisions about their own bodies. Education will give me the medical knowledge to recognize warning signs early and the confidence to act quickly. Just as importantly, it will give me the credibility to advocate for systemic changes that improve care for everyone.

I also hope to educate and empower women in my community. Many people are not aware of their rights as patients or what healthy care should look like. By sharing knowledge, encouraging questions, and creating a welcoming environment, I can help women feel more confident and in control of their healthcare journeys. Representation also matters. When patients see providers who understand their experiences and backgrounds, it can reduce fear and build trust. I want to be someone who not only provides care, but also restores confidence in the healthcare system.

Addressing this need is not just about my career; it is about justice, dignity, and community. Every mother deserves to feel safe, valued, and protected during one of the most important moments of her life. Through nursing and medical education, I will gain the skills, compassion, and leadership needed to make a difference. My goal is to return to my community and provide care that affirms, protects, and uplifts Black women. By doing so, I hope to contribute to a future where equitable maternal care is no longer a need, but a reality. I am committed to lifelong learning, advocacy, and service, because real change requires persistence, courage, and empathy. This path will allow me to transform both individual lives and the health of my community forward.