John Walker and Christine Horton Education Scholarship

Over time, a relatively negative stigma has been established about those who have a career in healthcare; from statements like "I have never met someone in healthcare who has genuinely cared about me" to claims as targeted as "they're only in it for the money", it's clear that much of the public today has developed a strong distaste for those whose entire purpose is to help others through health advisory. Although I can understand why people may think so negatively given the overtly capitalistic society we live in, I cannot understand why there is a lack of action being taken to derail such thoughts. By pursuing an educational career oriented around health, I plan to be the fork in the road that halts the widespread, pessimistic view of healthcare providers. After graduating high school, I plan to continue my education, garnering as much information about health along the way. With copious amounts of information absorbed, I plan to get involved directly with my community by being the health professional that doesn't just listen and advise, but also makes an effort to understand any concerns no matter how seemingly minuscule. By becoming the much-needed shoulder to lean on, I aspire to show the world that despite the repugnant connotation, there are still healthcare providers that exist for the sole purpose of benefiting the people. While I know that I can't change the opinions of the nation entirely as it is impossible for me to interact with every person, I hold strong to the idea that small ripples can create big waves, guaranteeing that even so, my relatively small contribution will shake at least a few people's world. As an undeniably-introverted person, I had initially doubted my ability to carry out such an aspiration. Holding conversations with my peers was hard enough, so what makes me think that I have what it takes to impact the world of healthcare by interacting with others? Harboring this self-doubt for long enough, I decided that I'd finally had enough and challenged myself to get involved with the community through volunteer work with the YWCA to prepare for my larger ambition. Acting as front desk support, I am the friendly face that greets every person entering the facility, ensuring that a warm environment is created from the very first moment of interaction. Considering that the YWCA is heavily centered around providing childcare, I interact with young children between the ages of 2-5 weekly, and although our conversations may be short, I can say with certainty that some of the best conversations I’ve had recently have been with these children. I am confident in the fact that these innocent interactions have not only bettered me as a person but have also given the children a positive, early experience of how just a little kindness can go a long way in building healthy relationships.