Jerzee Foundation Scholarship

For as long as I can remember, I have always questioned any and everything around me. From asking why birds can fly while pigs cannot to pondering the nature of water’s wetness, the state of the world has forever intrigued me. And to my humble enlightenment, in my early years, my family was often able to provide answers to my questions. However, as I have matured, I have come to recognize that the complexity of my questions now extends beyond their expertise. For me, pursuing higher education represents an invaluable opportunity to not only find the answers to these new questions but potentially address the challenges faced by those whose livelihoods are affected by neurological conditions. My aspiration to attend medical school stems from my deep-seated desire to delve deeper into the field of neurology, with a particular focus on diseases of the brain and nervous system. Through this endeavor, I hope to answer any questions that my patients have most comprehensively and compassionately possible. In doing so, I believe that my patients will come to learn that no matter how complicated their condition may be, fully knowing the issue is half the battle. And yet, despite how big my goals may seem and how brightly the light at the end of the tunnel may shine, I remain acutely aware of the obstacles that lie ahead. One significant question my family is no longer able to answer is how we’ll face the financial burden of medical education. However, receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in alleviating this financial strain, thereby bringing me closer to contributing meaningfully to a field where many, particularly within the African American community, remain underrepresented. With the help of these funds, I will be one step closer to having the capacity to use the knowledge and experience gained through my education to serve my community and address the healthcare disparities that persist. By advancing my education, I aspire to become a role model and advocate for those who face obstacles due to a lack of awareness and access to medical care. In conclusion, this scholarship represents more than just financial support; it is a vital step toward achieving my dream of becoming a neurologist who is dedicated to improving the lives of those in my community. By investing in my education, you are supporting a future where I can make a meaningful contribution to the field of medicine and help inspire an uplifting and unified culture for African Americans in this country.

When I was six years old, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. I enthusiastically replied that I wanted to be a baker who would feed all the homeless people. I have always found joy in helping others, and I am committed to continuing to do so as I further my education and begin my career. This scholarship will enable me to attend my dream university and engage with various organizations in my college community that focus on assisting others. My primary career goal is to become a marketing analyst specializing in supporting smaller businesses and to establish a non-profit dedicated to making higher education and essential resources accessible to low-income families and students. As a first-generation student, I had to often look for information regarding my future on my own. I didn’t have access to all the latest information, and I ultimately felt stuck and confined in four walls filled with despair, failure, and shame. My upbringing has influenced my career path heavily. In my early teens, I decided that I wanted to be able to provide for low-income families and underrepresented businesses, This scholarship will help alleviate some of my financial struggle which allows me to focus on my volunteer work. While volunteering I will connect with many families in need and provide them with assistance outside of just providing food, for instance, securing job applications, advocating for workplace opportunities, and dangerous and unethical living situations. I will also be able to collaborate with different marketing departments, schools, and communities. Receiving this scholarship will bring me closer to the future I have always envisioned. By participating in these volunteer programs, I will learn various procedures and strategies within the marketing community, as I work toward becoming a marketing analyst and starting my non-profit. This scholarship will push me even harder to strive day in and day out to flourish in my career. I will be able to aid students as they further their education and assist families as they access safe livable housing and other necessities. Through continuous hard work, research, and networking I will be able to expand my non-profit and marketing analyst career. I will be able to reach more people in need of my services and overall make a bigger impact within our community. As I succeed in my career, the success within my profession will contribute to the success of many families, businesses, and students.