Throughout my life, I have faced numerous challenges, but one particular obstacle stands out for its profound impact on my personal growth and my determination to pursue a career in pharmacy. This challenge was navigating the complex and emotionally taxing journey of my father's battle with liver cancer. This experience, while deeply harrowing, has been instrumental in shaping my resilience, empathy, and focus on a healthcare career. Witnessing my father's struggle with cancer was a life-altering experience. The daily uncertainties, the complexities of treatment options, and the emotional toll on my family were immense. However, it was during this period that I found an unexpected source of strength and purpose. I became deeply involved in understanding his treatment regimen, the mechanisms of his medications, and the role of pharmacists in patient care. This experience sparked a keen interest in the pharmaceutical field, as I began to appreciate the critical role pharmacists play in patient health and recovery. The challenge of my father's illness also taught me the value of resilience. I learned to navigate adversity with a balanced approach, managing emotional stress while focusing on practical solutions and support. This resilience has been a cornerstone in my pursuit of a career in pharmacy. It has taught me that challenges are not just obstacles but opportunities for growth and learning. Moreover, this experience has profoundly impacted my personal growth. It has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a desire to help others facing health crises. My firsthand experience with the complexities of medication management and the importance of compassionate care have become the driving forces behind my career choice. I am committed to becoming a pharmacist who not only dispenses medication but also provides empathetic support and guidance to patients and their families. In addition, this journey has reinforced my determination to succeed academically and professionally. It has motivated me to excel in my studies, understanding that each step brings me closer to my goal of being a part of the healthcare system. I have become more focused, disciplined, and dedicated to my educational pursuits, knowing that my future role as a pharmacist has the potential to make a significant difference in people's lives. In conclusion, the challenge of my father's cancer battle, while one of the toughest experiences of my life, has been transformational. It has catalyzed my personal growth, resilience, and unwavering determination to succeed in the field of pharmacy. This experience has not only shaped my career aspirations but has also instilled in me the qualities essential for a compassionate and competent healthcare professional.

As a current undergraduate Psychology major at the University of Texas at Dallas, my academic and personal journey exemplifies the harmonious blend of arts and sciences. This unique intersection is the driving force behind my long-term ambition to earn a PhD in Psychology and hopefully attend medical school. My passion lies not just in the theoretical aspects of these fields but in their practical, community-focused applications as well. A key example of this is the contribution of my artwork to Baylor Scott & White Hospital, a gesture that symbolizes the union of artistic expression and healing environments. The donation of my artwork to a healthcare setting like Baylor Scott & White Hospital is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to the profound connection between art and health. In this setting, my artwork transcends being mere decoration; it becomes an integral part of the healing process, offering solace, inspiration, and a calming presence to patients, families, and healthcare staff. This experience has solidified my belief in the therapeutic power of art, especially in medical and clinical environments. Beyond this, my academic journey in psychology has exposed me to the intricacies of human behavior, mental health, and the neurological underpinnings of our emotions and actions. This knowledge base has provided a solid foundation for my interest in the more nuanced aspects of patient care, where psychological well-being is just as crucial as physical health. Looking ahead, I aim to integrate my understanding of psychology with medical knowledge to explore innovative approaches to patient care. One specific area of interest is the potential of art therapy in medical settings. Art therapy, an often underutilized tool in medicine, has shown remarkable efficacy in improving mental health, aiding in emotional release, and providing a non-verbal medium for communication and expression. In underrepresented communities, where mental health issues are often stigmatized or overlooked, such interventions can be life-changing. My commitment extends beyond individual patient care. I am passionate about advocating for the integration of arts into the healthcare curriculum, promoting holistic and empathetic approaches to medicine. The arts offer a unique lens through which complex psychological concepts can be understood and explored, enriching the medical field with creativity and empathy. The financial support provided by this scholarship would be instrumental in furthering my education and research endeavors. It would enable me to delve deeper into interdisciplinary studies, combining psychology, medicine, and the arts, and would support my goal of bringing a more holistic, integrative approach to healthcare. In conclusion, I envision a future where the arts and sciences are not just parallel entities but are interwoven in the fabric of healthcare. I aspire to be at the forefront of this movement, using my education and experiences to bring about tangible changes in how we approach health and wellness, especially in underrepresented communities. Receiving this scholarship would significantly aid in realizing these aspirations, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to my community and pave the way for innovative, compassionate care.

A year ago, the idea of starting my own small business was a realm completely unknown to me. I’ve always loved supporting small business and the sense of intimacy and hominess between the shopper and the customer. Small business products have this aura of authenticity that I can’t often find anywhere else. Behind each item is a story of the seller’s dreams and aspirations, and I especially appreciate the consideration that they pour into every single detail of the process. As a 16-year-old, high school student, I was inspired by the idea of owning a business, but I never knew when to start. However, as the year progresses, I began to realize the detrimental effects that the fashion business has on our environment, and I wanted to put an end to it. I’ve always been interested in fashion since it was my method of expression. I often make my own clothes and upcycle items from the thrift store, but this time, I wanted to use my hobby to contribute to my community. During my Junior year, I founded Eco Threads. The name “Eco” was taken from the ecosystem, and the “Threads” was inspired by the threads I used to make the clothes. I would spend hours at the thrift store, sifting through racks and racks to find the most unique items that I could find. Then, I would spend days re-designing and hand-sewing each item to upload to my shop. Each item held the purpose of inspiring others to express themselves without letting the judgment of others pull them down. It was a tedious process, but I loved it nonetheless. I was proud of my teeny, tiny shop, and to my surprise, it grew faster than I ever could have imagined. Day after day, I found myself connecting with new customers from all around the nation: Heather from Oregon, Shaelie from California, Sophie from New Jersey, and so many more. It was an overwhelming feeling to receive such support from strangers, and over the span of four months, my shop went from having 30 sales to over 480 sales. I’d received thousands of dollars in profit, but I didn’t have any intention of keeping them to myself. I had a hard time finding a way to share my profit until one day when I witnessed the toll that Covid-19 had on the homeless community in my city. I decided to use half of my profit and commit to providing care packages for everyone in need around the Dallas area. This opportunity gave me the chance to learn and connect with the people surrounding the areas, and it warms my heart to see the glowing smiles on their faces. The other half of my profit was used to donate to non-profit causes that inspired me, such as the Coronavirus and the Yemen Crisis Relief Fund. I’m so incredibly grateful to have such a successful business, and I can’t wait to expand Eco Threads to further contribute to my community.

My leadership team and I went on a weekend bonding trip, and one of the challenges was to climb up this crazy long pole, grab onto the swing, and hang there for 1 minute. I was deadly afraid of height, but I still attempted it. I only hung on for 30 seconds, but definitely, this was one of my boldest moments. I felt like I was Peter Pan, and it was exhilarating! The scariest thing was that the rope keeping me afloat was controlled by my teammates.