She Rose in Health Scholarship

I gravitated toward science, and medicine has been an area of study even as young as ten. However, when deciding which career I wanted, I knew I wanted a healthy work-life balance and an environment that fosters lifetime learning. I also wanted to impact my community and advocate for the overlooked and underrepresented. So I set my sights on a career as a physician assistant. I chose this career because it affords me the freedom and flexibility needed to help my community in any medical specialty I choose. My goal is to help and protect minorities who face roadblocks when seeking health care due to the systemic racism in our healthcare system. I plan to specialize in primary care to help improve minority access to care, increase patient satisfaction and provide quality care to those in need. For example, as a physician assistant, I can help reduce the black maternal mortality rate in the United States by advocating for black mothers during labor, lessening the chance their life-threatening symptoms go unaddressed. For example, knowing that my mother had to have an emergency c-section while giving birth to me because she was experiencing signs of preeclampsia during l; labor. She was fortunate to have a black physician who didn't ignore her concerns and possibly saved her life. I hope to be that kind of provider for other women like my mother. I will also have an opportunity to create a safe space for LGBT+ patients who seek treatment and preventative care for sexually transmitted infections without fear of judgment or rejection by their providers. As a member of the LGBT+ community, I know how much discrimination many faces when seeking adequate health care services. I witnessed this through my experiences and also that of my family and friends. I want to be an exception to the norms. I believe everyone deserves healthcare and should receive nothing but respect and kindness during their visits. Due to being in such a rigorous program, my only chances to work are often limited to one to two-week breaks between semesters, spending 40-50 hours a week grinding for the money to purchase supplies for the upcoming semester. This scholarship will help to lower the financial burden I experience trying to pay for books, medical equipment, and study tools out of pocket, thus giving me more time to rest, recuperate, and prepare for the next semester of courses.