Concrete Rose Scholarship Award

I was the only twelve-year-old in my middle school with a job. While most of my classmates spent their weekends playing video games or going shopping at the mall, I spent mine behind the counter at my parents' restaurant, taking phone calls, cleaning tables, and packing orders. After school, in the kitchen of my home, I translated school letters, bills, and government documents for my mom, bridging the gap between her and a society that didn't speak Fuzhounese or even Mandarin. I hadn't realized it at the time, but these early responsibilities shaped my personality, work ethic, and the way I perceive life. Our family's financial situation has greatly shaped my educational journey. As a first-generation American and first in my family to attend college, I carry both the weight of expectation and a deep sense of purpose. I am an undergraduate student at Boston University, studying Biology with a concentration in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics. I am particularly drawn to laboratory research focusing on pathogens and the effects of environmental toxins on human health. What primarily sparked my interest in this field was the COVID-19 pandemic. I witnessed firsthand how the restaurant struggled through the major closures and operational restraints, where even handling takeout bags raised fears of infection and anxiety. During the lockdown, I became immersed in scientific articles on how the virus has evolved and taken over society. What captivated my attention the most was that researchers were behind the scenes, racing against the clock to save as many lives as possible. Their dedication and meticulous work reflected on the future impact that I decided I wanted to make. My goal is to become a biomedical researcher with a focus on infectious diseases. I aspire to contribute to ongoing research on evolving bacteria and viruses, learning how to develop both treatment and preventive strategies to combat diseases that disproportionately affect certain demographics, especially vulnerable, low-income, and immigrant communities that often lack access to proper healthcare. Improving a society that promotes equality, acts as a sanctuary for those in need, and strives for science to benefit the less fortunate drives my passion to continue providing for my community. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve years of financial stress, but more importantly, it would recognize my journey and the sacrifices my parents had to make. I am deeply committed to the values of dreaming big, working hard, and one day contributing to the science that changes lives for the better.