Khadijah is currently pursuing her associate degree in nursing at Wake Technical Community College and has one more semester to go.

Growing up, Khadijah lacked the resources she needed. Both parents were in the street life dealing drugs and therefore, her young life was very unstable. She lived in multiple hotels and homes and witnessed how drugs ruined her family dynamics. Eventually, she was placed into foster care at the age of 8, for 10 years, moving from one home to another again. Her father was murdered, and her mother was sent to Federal prison for 10 years. She left the system at the age of 18 and went back to what was left of her father’s biological family. However, she was left to take care of her youngest little brother.

Khadijah chose to become a nurse because of her grandmother. While she was taking care of her leg sores, her grandmother said she had healing hands. That comment sparked something in her heart, it just made perfectly good sense to heal others. She loved seeing her grandmother healthy and happy! When she felt good, it melted her heart to know that she played an essential role in her healing.

After graduating from Wake Tech, she will enroll in an RN to BSN program at UNC Wilmington, while working full time at the hospital. Her lifelong dream is to become a Midwife and own her own birthing facility. However, she knows too well that getting there will take a lot of determination, focus, grit and money.

She wants her brother to graduate from a 4-year university on a full ride scholarship and be a student rather than a miniature adult that must work to help pay bills. Her dream life includes giving back as well. She will be the change in her family and the change her under-served community needs and this award would help her become that essential influence.

“I would like to one day have my own scholarship opportunity for women who are caregivers have experienced homelessness, rape, or domestic abuse. There are no limitations in my life, and I no longer doubt my abilities or potential. I will continue to strive for excellence and do what is best for me and the people surrounding me.”

“Opportunities such as the Live Your Dream Award will bring me one step closer to my goal of being safe at home and earning a living wage.”