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1. Why did you want to become a midwife? 

Working in healthcare has been my dream since I was a child. I always found it fascinating when my mom used to tell us about her birth experiences, which were all attended by traditional midwives. Fortunately, I began my healthcare career as a lab technician on the labor and delivery floor at the main hospital in Gambia. This allowed me the opportunity to witness several births and support women in their most vulnerable times, providing them with small comforts such as holding their hands, rubbing their backs, or providing emotional support by simply being present. Many of those women did not have loved ones or family members with them during birth. I have seen the exceptional care some of them received from the midwives, who play a crucial role in the birthing process in the Gambia. On the contrary, I have also seen women being shamed or called weak for expressing their pain, which, unfortunately, is a cultural norm.

 A few years later, I got the opportunity to travel to the US after graduating from nursing school; I was seven months pregnant at the time. From my experience in the labor and delivery unit and as a nurse, I have also seen some of the complications women experience from having Female Genital Mutilation. I was scared and feared that my delivery was going to be a difficult one, being that it was my first pregnancy. Thankfully, my birth was exceptional, with an incredibly supportive midwife named Aicha and wonderful caring nurses who assisted me throughout my labor. Aicha's advocacy was crucial in preventing me from getting a cesarean section. Subsequently, due to this positive experience, I chose to have all four of my children delivered by midwives.

 These two contrasting experiences are what led me to midwifery. I wanted to provide every woman the care, support, and compassion I received from midwives who cared for me. Equally, I also wanted to strongly advocate for my fellow women, particularly Black and immigrant women. I strive to provide individualized, compassionate, culturally congruent care and to create a safe and supportive environment for my patients. I believe in empowering women to make informed decisions about their care, and I will support them in expressing how they feel during labor.

 2. What has being a midwifery student been like? 

Being a midwife student has been both a challenge and a joy. My passion for this profession fuels my enjoyment of the learning process. The opportunity to take a continuity of care course last semester was a privilege, allowing me to observe pregnant women who opt for a home birth from their first trimester visit to the end of their postpartum care. Each new lesson I learn fills me with the anticipation of becoming a better midwife for my future patients.

This semester, we are mandated to meet in person, which is extra challenging. However, having an incredibly supportive family has allowed me to juggle work, care for my kids, and concentrate on schoolwork. I have also learned to manage my time by prioritizing and not leaving anything I can do today for tomorrow. 

 3. Do you have any advice for others who are thinking of going to midwifery school?

 If you are considering a career in midwifery, I encourage you to pursue it. The midwifery profession is growing, and we need more representation from diverse backgrounds. People of color and ethnic minority groups are particularly underrepresented. By joining the profession, you can help change this. The more diverse our midwifery workforce, the more people will receive care from midwives who understand their needs and can provide culturally sensitive care.

To those actively considering which program to join, the good news is that the downstate midwifery program has just revised its curriculum and reduced the midwifery program from three to two years. So, if you are considering becoming a midwife, now is a good time; you have a shorter period to complete your midwifery program. Also, I did not know this before joining the school, but the midwifery program not only accepts nurses, but non-nurses who have a degree in other fields can join the program and become certified midwives. Your unique perspective and experiences can make a significant difference in the lives of the women you care for. 

4. How has the scholarship helped you in your journey? 

 As a mother of four boys, it has been difficult financially to care for my family and pay the school bills without accumulating debt. The Eddie Rose Excelente Fund for black Birthwotker scholarship has been a lifeline, helping me relieve the financial burden of taking on more student loans or working double jobs to make ends meet. This support has allowed me to concentrate on my schoolwork, care for my family simultaneously, and not worry financially. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. This scholarship has made my dreams a reality and made me believe it is possible to complete this program and become a midwife. It is a reminder of the significant impact that financial support can have on someone's journey to achieving their dreams. 

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 

Five years from now, I see myself enhancing my skills and becoming an exceptional midwife dedicated to providing outstanding care to all women. I am particularly interested in specializing in the care of women who have experienced Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). I also hope to establish my own home birth practice, where I can provide care to women in the comfort of their homes, respecting their autonomy. I am eager to educate these women about the benefits of the midwifery care model and advocate for the profession. My ultimate goal is to see the midwifery care model integrated more widely within the hospital system, ensuring women's autonomy is continually respected. These are not just goals but reflect my passion and dedication to midwifery. 

6. What do you like to do for fun?

In my free time, I enjoy watching documentaries based on true stories or listening to inspirational books on Audible. I also love going for walks. These help me relax and rejuvenate, allowing me to be my best self. My favorite documentary is about the Brazilian footballer Edson Arantes do Nascimento, commonly known as Pelé. I find him an exceptional human being and an incredibly talented footballer.

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