Morgan Stem Diversity in STEM Scholarship

My life took a catastrophic turn on February 21st, 2016. That day, my brother Koby was brutally taken from us, reshaping my perspective on life. We were moving to a new home and had run out of formula for his son Harlem. Koby made a quick trip to the nearby grocery store. Moments later, gunshots rang out, followed by an eerie silence. My brother had been shot multiple times, a chilling reminder of the harsh reality faced by many African Americans in neighborhoods plagued by gun violence. At 11, my grief made me realize the significance of life but caused me to distance myself from people I cared about because I didn't want to go through sadness again. Days later, when we gathered to say our final farewells, reality hit me: I'd never see him again. Overwhelmed with sadness, tears flowed freely; he had been my closest brother, and his death left an irreparable vacuum. As I looked at his lifeless body in the casket, I couldn't help but think that it might have been me. His death was a sharp reminder that life is short and unexpected. Growing up mostly in a single-parent household, financial hardship was a constant struggle. My mother did her best to provide for us, but we often went days without food or drinks because we couldn't afford them. Moving almost every year added to the instability, making it difficult to feel secure. These experiences taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. They also fueled my determination to pursue a better future through education and a stable career. My brother's death changed my life, but the prospect of losing my twin sister deepened my understanding of resilience and empathy. His death drew us closer, cementing our unbreakable bond. However, my sister's struggle with Sickle Cell Anemia exposed me to a new level of courage and vulnerability. Her illness, characterized by malformed red blood cells, causes excruciating pain and regular hospital visits. This journey has deepened my compassion and spurred my drive to comprehend the human experience better. It serves as a continual reminder of life's fragility. I've always wanted to become a doctor but didn't have the resources. My sister's tenacity in the face of tragedies encouraged me to seek a profession in healthcare. Joining the Merit Health Leadership Academy was pivotal. Merit exposed me to healthcare professionals, system issues, and the opportunity to shadow physicians and observe surgeries. On July 19, 2022, I observed a liver transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital under Dr. Philosophe's guidance. Witnessing the intricate procedure and the teamwork in the operating room stirred my sense of purpose and belonging. This experience solidified my commitment to a medical career. Facing death young helped me discover and improve myself. It allowed me to persevere and meet individuals who want to be physicians and make a difference. It clarified what I needed to do to make a difference, so I will pursue the rigorous education required to become a doctor. I will be the second person in my family to attend college. I want to be a role model for my nephew Harlem, make myself proud, and fill the void left by my brother's death. I aim to help those in need and give back to my community by volunteering my time and educating people on health disparities and prevention.