"I made it through."

Those were the words that sustained me as a 17-year-old navigating the hardest season of my life. At the time, I couldn't have imagined the strength and resilience I would uncover over the next two years.

COVID-19 wasn't just a global crisis. It was an unwelcome revelation, a trial by fire, a bitter pill to swallow, and a situation most dire. A lesson learned through tears burned, and once the turmoil had passed, a forever tattoo earned.

"I made it through."

That phrase echoed through my mind as I sat in a doctor's office, listening to the devastating words: "Your daughter has cancer." A mix of disbelief and despair overwhelmed me. But in the midst of the chaos, I found solace in a Physician Assistant student who held my gaze and reassured me with unshakable confidence. Listening with my eyes and trusting with my soul, she told me, "You will be okay, you will make it through."

And I did. After a whirlwind of second opinions, the cancer diagnosis was ruled out, though I faced an arduous journey ahead. Severe anemia, fluid in my lungs, a hemoglobin level of 5, and multiple treatments later, I stood strong. My mother's Nigerian faith carried us through, and her voice sang praises on the hospital floor: "Ki le o le se, Olorun Mi? Ki le o le se?"-"Is there anything You cannot do, my God?" And if I could've, I would've joined my Nigerian and unapologetically religious mother on the hospital floor.

That experience wasn't just a health crisis but a turning point. It redefined my priorities, reshaped my outlook, and inspired me to live life differently. Today, I live a healthy lifestyle not just by focusing on my physical well-being but also by embracing mental resilience, emotional fulfillment, and the strength of community.

Living a healthy lifestyle begins with the values instilled in me by my Nigerian culture and my family of ten. Growing up in a New York household with eight siblings taught me the true meaning of community. In our home, everything was shared-food, responsibilities, laughter, and even struggles. My siblings weren't just my family; they were my first support system.

From helping a younger sibling with homework to simply sitting together during hard times, those shared moments cultivated my understanding of resilience, patience, and unconditional love. My Nigerian heritage, which places immense importance on family and communal care, reinforced these lessons. The saying "it takes a village" is more than just a phrase; it's a way of life that I carry with me every day.

Faith played an equally pivotal role in shaping my approach to life. My mother's unwavering belief in God during my health challenges showed me the power of hope and gratitude. Faith became my anchor, reminding me to embrace every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and every victory as a reason to give back.

After my battle with an autoimmune disorder, I knew I couldn't take my health for granted. Living with a chronic condition has taught me the importance of balance-nurturing both my body and mind. Physically, I stay active to honor the body that carried me through those difficult times. Whether it's dancing, walking, or simply moving with purpose, I prioritize activity as a way to stay energized and grounded.

My time as captain of Howard University's Omoge Dance Ensemble taught me that movement is not only a way to stay fit but also a powerful tool for emotional release and connection. Dance became my therapy, a space where I could express myself freely and find joy, even on the hardest days.

Nutrition is another cornerstone of my healthy lifestyle. Recovering from severe anemia and weight loss during my illness taught me to value the fuel I put into my body. I've learned to approach food with mindfulness, choosing meals that nourish me while still allowing space for the occasional treat.

With mental wellness just as critical, my health journey taught me that healing isn't just physical; it's emotional, too. Journaling, meditation, and gratitude practices have become integral parts of my routine, helping me process emotions and maintain clarity.

For me, community is at the heart of a healthy lifestyle. It's about leaning on others, giving back, and creating spaces where people feel seen and supported. My experiences at Howard University reflect this deeply held value.

As Miss Howard Plaza Towers, I advocated for residents in my dorm, ensuring their concerns were addressed by university administration. Whether organizing community-building events or helping someone resolve an issue with their living situation, I found fulfillment in being a source of support.

As captain of Omoge Dance Ensemble, I worked to foster a sense of family among my teammates. We weren't just a dance team; we were a community. That environment of mutual care reminded me of the love and support I grew up with at home.

Beyond leadership roles, my work as a Student Health Ambassador and mentor with the TRiO Upward Bound program gave me opportunities to extend that sense of community even further. Whether educating peers on health issues or guiding younger students through their academic journeys, I learned the value of pouring into others.

Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Brooklyn, I witnessed firsthand the disparities in access to healthcare and education. These experiences shaped my passion for serving underserved communities.

Through volunteer work at my church, teaching children songs, leading dance practices, and participating in food drives, I found ways to contribute to those in need. But my commitment doesn't stop there. I'm determined to use my future career as a Physician Assistant to address health disparities and provide compassionate, patient-centered care.

Living a healthy lifestyle isn't just about individual well-being; it's about lifting others up. By educating patients, advocating for their needs, and empowering them to take control of their health, I hope to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the exam room.

My journey has taught me to embrace life fully-the triumphs, the challenges, and everything in between. Living a healthy life means staying active, eating mindfully, and maintaining mental resilience. But it also means leaning on community, finding joy in service, and approaching every day with gratitude.

The obstacles I've overcome, from battling an autoimmune disorder to navigating life as the middle child in a family of ten, have shaped me into someone who values growth and perseverance. They've fueled my drive to succeed, not just for myself but for those who look up to me and rely on me.

As I prepare for a career as a Physician Assistant, I know that the lessons I've learned will guide me. I want to be a provider who goes above and beyond for my patients-someone they can trust and rely on.

My ultimate goal is to give back to the communities that shaped me, using my experiences to inspire others to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

In the words of an African proverb: "I am because we are." My health, my success, and my happiness are all rooted in the strength of the communities I've been a part of. By living a healthy lifestyle and pouring into those around me, I hope to create a lasting impact-one that inspires others to "make it through" their own challenges, just as I have.