Darryl Davis "Follow Your Heart" Scholarship

My professional goal is to have a career in the medical field. Ever since I can remember, I have had the desire to be in the medical field and have a profession meant for helping people. My mother and father both originally majored in medicine, but eventually changed to a different major still within the medical field. My parents are such role models in my life, and I want to follow their example. After much research, I have decided to pursue a degree as a Physician Assistant. My college undergraduate major is Pre-Physician Assistant. I want to obtain my bachelor’s degree with a competitive resume and then continue my education in a Physician Assistant Master’s program. This degree is high in demand and continues to grow every year. As a Physician Assistant, I will seek employment at community clinic where I will be able to make a difference in people’s lives and truly love what I do. The fact that a PA is in high demand, has good job security and great pay is just a bonus. I have taken many steps academically and personally to achieve my goals. I have completed a challenging academic high school career, including all honors science and math courses. Pursuant to a medical degree, I am currently taking Honors Anatomy and Physiology. During my junior and senior year, I also took additional math and science courses. In addition to honors courses, I also completed dual credit and AP courses to earn college credit and prepare me for a college curriculum. At Saint Louis University, I have applied to the Physician Assistant Honors program. This program has a specialized curriculum that ensures enrolled students receive all necessary courses and work experience in preparation for their Master's program. Students in this program are guaranteed acceptance into Saint Louis' PA Master's program. Outside of academics, I have volunteered at many places in my community, including the Veteran's Hospital and Lake Shore Retirement Center, to familiarize myself with patient care. I felt a real connection to the veterans and the geriatric population; I enjoyed being a part of their recovery. During my academic career, I ascertained many essential skills vital to achieving my career goals. Being an officer of my high school dance team over the last three years developed many of those skills. Dance has taught me leadership, independence, discipline, teamwork, dedication, focus, communication and self-discipline, which all have provided me with the necessary tools to be successful in college, a career and life. Unfortunately, not all learning experiences are through a positive experience, like dance. My learning disability, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), necessitated many other compensatory skills, like hard work and organization. I have always known that I would have to work harder and study more than most, but I was not going to let that stop me. If anything, these struggles have made me stronger and more determined. I have no doubt that I will succeed in all my future endeavors.