Hi, my name is Jayla Summers, and I am a student at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I will be a sophomore during the 2026–2027 school year, and I am pursuing a degree in Social Work because I love helping others.
My path in life has not been easy, but I have remained committed to my goals.
I was born with sickle cell disease, a condition that affects the shape of red blood cells and can cause pain crises. Growing up with sickle cell meant learning how to care for my body, manage my health, and keep going even when my journey looked different from others.
As a child, I experienced several pain episodes that required hospitalizations. At just five years old, I had my spleen removed because of complications from sickle cell disease. After that surgery, recovering from colds and germs became harder for me, so I learned the importance of staying healthy, washing my hands often, walking, eating well, taking my medication every day, and drinking plenty of water.
Sickle cell disease has challenged me, but it has also helped shape me into the person I am today.
📚 Working Hard Through Academic Challenges
While I was in high school, I missed a lot of school because of illness. That meant I had to work extra hard to catch up on assignments and stay on track.
There were times when school felt difficult, but I kept pushing. With encouragement from teachers who believed in me and pushed me beyond my comfort zone, I overcame academic challenges and grew in confidence. I was proud to receive Most Improved Student Awards in English II, Creative Writing, and Art II.
English and Creative Writing became especially meaningful to me because they gave me a way to express myself and share my thoughts. Those classes helped me find my voice.
🤝 Giving Back Through Service
My experiences have also helped me understand the importance of community and support.
This past summer, I volunteered as a camp counselor with Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency’s Summer Camp — the same camp I attended for ten years as a camper. Being able to return as a counselor was meaningful because I got to connect with children who are living with experiences similar to mine.
I enjoyed seeing the campers’ smiling faces, mentoring them, and sharing parts of my own journey. That experience reminded me why I want to become a social worker. I want to uplift, empower, and support people who need encouragement and resources.
In addition to volunteering at summer camp, I have volunteered with the agency’s food pantry for the past seven years. I have helped prepare food bags, organize food, and assist with food distribution. This opened my eyes to the struggles many families face with food insecurity and strengthened my desire to serve others throughout the year.
🎓 What This Scholarship Means to Me
Receiving the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship means so much because it supports my education and my dream of becoming a social worker.
This scholarship helps me continue my studies at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and reminds me that my goals are possible. I am committed to creating a bright future for myself and for others.
I have sickle cell disease, but sickle cell does not have me. I will not let this condition stop me from earning my degree, serving my community, and becoming the person I am meant to be.
🌟 Help More Warrior Scholars Rise
When you support the Warrior on the Rise Scholarship Fund, you are investing in students like me — scholars impacted by sickle cell disease who are pursuing education, service, leadership, and purpose.
Your donation helps provide encouragement, financial support, and hope to young people who are determined to rise above obstacles and use their experiences to help others.
Thank you for believing in me and in the future of Warrior Scholars everywhere.
— Jayla
