Nyisha and Brynne's Journey to Study Abroad!!

Hi everyone,

My name is Brynne Darden, and I am a third-year Biology major with a concentration in Cellular and Molecular studies and a Business Management minor from Dallas, TX. I currently attend the illustrious HBCU, Hampton University, located in Hampton, VA. I am involved in the Supplement Instruction Leaders Program, where I assist students in their academic studies. I am a part of the Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement (URISE), where I am preparing to start research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer Probes. I am also a Minority Association for Pre-Health Students (MAPS) member. My career goal is to become an internal medicine physician-scientist. I plan to focus my research on health disparities, genetics, and epigenetics. Moreover, I will strive to open an integrated wellness center that emphasizes providing culturally competent care to under-resourced communities.

I would also like to introduce myself. I am Nyisha Hasan, a third-year Kinesiology major from Cleveland, Ohio. During my matriculation at Hampton University, the real HU, I serve as the Historian for Peer Health Educators. My duties entail record keeping of all club activities, such as meetings, volunteer programs, and attendees, while managing our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). As a team player, I assist with other organizational responsibilities. Additional organizations that I am involved in at my school are The Kinesiology Club and Minority Association for Pre-Health Students. After I graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree, I will continue to pursue my academic journey by attending professional school to obtain my Doctorates in Physical Therapy. My ultimate career aspiration is to own a wellness center that focuses on the physical and mental. The center will provide various services and treatments to help clients of all ages, physical stature and levels of healthcare. I want my center to be a safe place that incorporates therapy, rehab, nutrition, lifestyle coaching, and classes for physical and mental strength (yoga, basic gym mechanics, static stretching, strength training, water aerobics, and many more).

The MAPS program has blessed us by introducing us to a life-changing opportunity to study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico. This trip will be happening during our spring break in March 2023.

We want to study abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico, to experience an international opportunity to gain hands-on medical/physical therapy training and lab experience. This will position us to be more competitive applicants for professional schools. Black and African American students represent 5.4% of undergraduate study abroad participants. Adding this experience to our resume will help us stand out and contribute to the continuance of our education. We are thrilled to expand our social and professional network, learn about the mestizo culture and share what we learn with the community. Due to the pandemic, we lost the opportunity to have an authentic experience to enhance our professional skills related to our career aspirations.

Your donation will be used for educational costs (activities and medical training), airfare, housing, and meals.

We plan to work hard to accomplish our goal and take advantage of this opportunity that has been presented to us. We are incredibly appreciative and grateful for any assistance you can provide. Our initiative doesn’t just stop at donations; we ask that you take a few more minutes to share our GoFundMe page. Our goal is to showcase our hard work, share our values, and participate in a life-changing experience while making ourselves competitive for our futures. Thank you for taking the time to read and hopefully be a part of our journey. We appreciate all your support, love, and prayers.