Yvette’s journey has been shaped by hardship, resilience, and an unwavering determination to build a better future. Losing her father to cancer as a child was a heartbreaking experience that left a lasting impact. On top of that, her mother’s incarceration forced her to grow up quickly, taking on responsibilities far beyond her years. As the legal guardian and sole provider for her younger sister, she has learned firsthand what it means to sacrifice, persist, and push forward even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Despite her strength, financial struggles have made it difficult to fully focus on her education.
Through it all, her passion for nursing has remained a guiding light. She dreams of becoming a skilled and compassionate oncology/hematology nurse, providing care and comfort to patients facing some of life’s toughest battles. For the past two years, she has worked as a nurse assistant at an oncology clinic, gaining invaluable experience and learning from dedicated nurses. This hands-on exposure to patient care, treatment administration, and emotional support has only strengthened her commitment to the field.
Determined to turn her dreams into reality, she graduated from NC A&T in Greensboro and is now working toward her Bachelor’s in Nursing at Duke University, expecting to graduate by late 2025. Receiving this award would relieve some of the financial pressure, allowing her to focus on her studies, gain essential experience, and create a stable future for both herself and her sister. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity and hopeful that with the right support, she can make a lasting impact in oncology nursing.