By: Kamoria Reese
I am a sophomore majoring in Biology on the Pre-Med track, and I want to share my journey working with the Empowerment Grant this spring semester. This opportunity not only gave me professional experience, but also personal growth that I truly value.
While working on this grant, I’ve gained a lot of valuable skills. I learned how to manage my time more effectively, take constructive criticism with an open mind and, most importantly, I learned not to be afraid to speak up. Looking back on this experience, I can see that while I’ve always done well with technical tasks, communication has never been my strongest suit. As a student, I struggled to express my concerns, especially because I cared too much about what others thought of me. This fear often held me back from voicing my opinions or asking questions.
Dr. Tia Tyree, who served as a mentor throughout this entire process, played a significant role in helping me overcome those fears. She guided me not just in professional settings, but also gave advice that served as life lessons. She created a space where I felt safe to share my thoughts without fear of judgment. The way she taught and critiqued my work was thoughtful and encouraging. Her feedback didn’t tear me down; it pushed me to improve. Because of her, I now find myself communicating more confidently both inside and outside of work.
The experience with this grant didn’t just shape me professionally; it made me more socially aware. Through the research I conducted, I learned more about the systemic and health-related struggles Black women face, particularly around HIV awareness and prevention. This project opened my eyes to the disproportionate ways in which HIV impacts our community. Learning that Black women make up a significant portion of new HIV cases through heterosexual transmission was heartbreaking, but also motivating. It made me want to do more, say more, and spread more awareness, not just as a student, but as someone who cares deeply about the well-being of her community.
Working in an environment full of caring and strong Black women was such a blessing. Everyone was so supportive, and the environment felt like a sisterhood. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. One of the most rewarding parts of the job was conducting interviews with other Black women on campus. These interviews weren’t just data-gathering sessions; they were real conversations that built connections, trust and awareness. I got to hear stories, learn from different perspectives and bond with women who are just as ambitious, intelligent, and deserving as anyone else. It felt powerful to create a space for them to speak and be heard. I truly appreciated this opportunity. Hopefully, I can continue these blog interviews and community work in the future. They’ve become a meaningful part of my journey.
Since I plan to become a healthcare worker, this experience has helped me understand how to approach people with empathy and compassion. Sometimes, Black women just need someone who will listen without judgment, a shoulder to lean on. I hope to bring that same understanding, patience, and care into my future practice. The lessons I’ve learned here will stay with me, not just in my career, but throughout my life.
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