Merseana is already on the fast track to her future, where she wants to become a nurse so she can help others in the times they need it the most. She’s graduating from Washington D.C.’s Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Academy in December 2019 and is focused on two of her dream schools: Howard University and Georgetown University. But, she’ll visit as many as she can to ensure she makes the right choice.

What is something you are most proud of?

I am proud of both my family and my determination.

Have you gone through any tough or challenging times? If yes, how did you deal with those challenges?

Yes, I have, but I stayed focused on how to change my situation and also talked with family and my mentor.

What does it mean to you to be selected as a Girl on the Rise?

It means that I have been given an incredible opportunity and that I need to respect it and stay focused on my goals, be respectful, and push towards what I want.

What inspired you to want to be involved with Girls on the Rise?

I want to help others — and to help myself succeed and achieve my dream.

How will funding from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals? In other words: Why is the opportunity to visit your prospective colleges important to your journey?

It will give me the funds and a reason to travel to multiple campuses and take entrance exams to help me get into college. I want to better myself while I keep pushing forward.

What schools will you use the funding to visit, and why?

A few that I’m considering include: Howard University, Dominion Academy, Strayer College, Georgetown University, University of the District of Columbia, and The University of Maryland. These are all good nursing schools in the DMV (District, Maryland, Virginia) area and I would like to see them and decide if I want to attend them.