When it comes to her future, Makiya has big goals in mind — and an even bigger desire to help others through her professional career. For that reason, 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient plans to focus on the medical field when she attends Missouri State University this fall; it’s a field where she can work with people of all ages and possibly even channel her entrepreneurial tendencies into owning her own business.

She’s already gotten a head start on impacting others. As a cheerleader in high school, she’s participated in clinics with children that help instill youth leadership skills. But, her path hasn’t been without its challenges — and she has plenty of inspiration to offer as a result.

What is your professional dream?

My professional dream is to help others by being in the medical field and maybe even owning my own business — like a doctor’s office.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I will use the scholarship to help me pay my tuition for schooling, so that I am one step closer to reaching my dream of helping others.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream? 

This scholarship helps me get closer to my dream of working in the medical field and helping others because I can use the money to help pay off some of the debt that I will have from school.

What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

My advice is to simply go out and do it. Life is short; do what makes you happy; and don’t think about what other people will say. Live your life to the fullest and make every second count.

Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

Throughout my life, I’ve had many challenges — but, my biggest one would be my dad passing away. Although this was a huge setback not only for me, but also for my family, I pushed through the pain because, at the end of the day, life is always moving on. With the support of my family and friends along with the determination I had in my heart, I was able to push through each day and think about my future to make my father proud.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

My next goal is to graduate college and make my mom proud. I want to do what I love: working with people and helping others. And, I want to be able to take care of my mother just like she has taken care of me over the years.