Some people find their passion by accident. For me, it was a journey shaped by resilience, responsibility, and an early commitment to serving others. My story is not just about where I come from it is about where I am going and the impact I hope to make along the way. I come from a family that showed me the importance of perseverance. My mother, a single parent for much of my life, modeled strength by pursuing her college degree while raising me. Watching her balance so much with so little instilled in me the drive to never give up on my goals, no matter how big they may seem. Over time, I discovered my love for healthcare and my dream of becoming a dermatologist. I am fascinated by the connection between medicine and confidence how treating visible conditions such as eczema, acne, or scarring can transform not just someone’s skin, but also their self-esteem and overall well-being. This passion grew stronger during a summer internship at an optometrist’s office. There, I learned how even specialized areas of healthcare can profoundly improve a person’s daily life. That experience reinforced my desire to pursue a medical career, one that combines scientific knowledge with compassion. My commitment to service was further strengthened through my work as the Community Engagement Manager at The Collective Space in my town. In this role, I helped organize wellness crawls that connected local businesses, community members, and health-focused organizations. These events encouraged people to explore resources for physical, mental, and emotional well-being while also supporting small businesses. Planning and leading these initiatives taught me how to collaborate with diverse groups, communicate effectively, and create programs that truly make a difference. Beyond academics and community involvement, I embraced leadership and discipline as a member of the varsity girls’ basketball team. Playing sports challenged me to push myself physically and mentally, while balancing practices, games, and schoolwork taught me valuable lessons about time management and perseverance. At the same time, I worked relentlessly outside of school as a manager at a fast-food restaurant. Taking on that responsibility while maintaining strong academics was demanding, but it shaped my work ethic and showed me the importance of accountability. Managing a team in a fast-paced environment required problem-solving, patience, and resilience all qualities that I will carry with me into medicine. As I look ahead, I am preparing to take the next step by attending Howard University, where I will pursue my undergraduate degree before medical school. My vision is not only to become a physician but also to be a mentor and advocate for others especially for young people who may not always see themselves represented in medicine. I carry with me a strong sense of identity, a love of learning, and an unshakable belief that challenges are opportunities for growth. My story is still being written, but I know one thing for certain: every experience I have had so far is preparing me to build a future where I can heal, inspire, and lead with purpose.

As I prepare to begin my undergraduate journey at Howard University, I feel both honored and excited to take the next step toward my dream of becoming a healthcare professional. Attending Howard—an institution with a strong legacy of producing culturally competent and community-centered leaders—aligns perfectly with my mission to advance health equity, promote wellness, and serve others through medicine. My educational goal is to pursue a degree in health sciences with a pre-medical concentration, which will serve as the foundation for my ultimate career goal: becoming a board-certified dermatologist who not only provides clinical care but also leads community-based wellness initiatives. Dermatology appeals to me because it’s a specialty that allows me to help others feel confident in their skin while addressing deeper public health issues that often go unnoticed. Many people are unaware of how external environments—pollution, allergens, poor access to healthy food, or even stress—can directly affect their skin health. I want to serve as a trusted provider who educates patients about these connections and helps prevent and manage conditions like eczema, acne, and hyperpigmentation, especially in communities of color that are often overlooked in both skincare marketing and research. Beyond medicine, I’m deeply committed to civic service and grassroots wellness work. I currently serve as a Community Manager at The Collective Space, a wellness-focused venue in my hometown. In this role, I help organize free events that bring therapists, medical professionals, and wellness educators into the community. These events offer accessible services like blood pressure checks, mental health workshops, and skincare education—all within a space that feels familiar and safe. My role involves coordinating outreach, facilitating setup, and engaging with local residents to ensure these events are meaningful and inclusive. These experiences have taught me how to meet people where they are and to view health as a holistic, community-wide goal. In addition to my work at The Collective Space, I also served as a summer intern with the Windsor Youth Services Bureau, where I participated in various civic engagement projects. One of our major efforts included community clean-up initiatives that helped restore and maintain local parks and public spaces. These projects may seem small, but they make a real difference. Cleaner, safer environments contribute to better mental health, encourage outdoor activity, and promote pride in one’s community. It’s in these moments—picking up litter or repainting playgrounds—that I saw how public service and wellness go hand in hand. At Howard University, I plan to continue this dual focus on medicine and service. I hope to join health-focused student organizations, volunteer in local clinics, and eventually launch a campus initiative that promotes skin health and wellness education in nearby communities. My future dermatology practice will include community partnerships, mobile clinics, and free skincare events—creating a model that redefines what it means to serve. Through my education, I will gain the tools to heal. Through my service, I will help build stronger, healthier communities. And through my career, I will advocate for a more inclusive and sustainable vision of wellness—starting with the skin, and reaching far beyond it.

Promoting Wellness for People and the Planet: My Vision for Environmental Impact Through Health Health and wellness are deeply connected to the environments in which we live, eat, and grow. Over the next five years, I am committed to creating a positive environmental impact by advancing wellness initiatives that prioritize both personal health and the health of our planet. My goal is to bridge the gap between sustainable living and accessible wellness education, particularly in underserved communities that are often left behind in the conversation about environmental health. A key part of my journey begins in my own community. When I return home from college breaks, I serve as a Community Manager at The Collective Space, a local wellness-centered venue where I help plan and facilitate events that bring health and medical professionals directly to our neighborhood. These events connect residents with critical resources—such as free health screenings, mental health workshops, and educational panels—creating access where it often doesn’t exist. By continuing this work, I aim to expand these efforts into sustainable wellness initiatives that include nutrition classes, skincare education, stress-relief practices, and environmental awareness. Wellness, to me, is not just about treating illness—it’s about prevention, education, and empowerment. That’s why my long-term goal is to become a dermatologist with a focus on community health. Skin is often an overlooked part of wellness, yet it is deeply impacted by our environment—whether through sun exposure, pollution, allergens, or even diet. I want to specialize in addressing skin conditions that disproportionately affect communities of color, while also educating people on how environmental factors influence skin health. My career in dermatology will not only allow me to provide care, but to advocate for cleaner, safer living environments and promote lifestyle changes rooted in sustainable wellness. Locally, I also plan to launch wellness programs in partnership with schools, churches, and youth organizations. These will focus on teaching plant-based eating, reducing food waste, and using everyday items like herbs and natural oils to support both internal health and skincare. These habits promote not only individual health but a cleaner, greener planet. For example, educating families about reducing single-use plastics in personal care products or growing their own herbs for cooking and skincare are simple but impactful changes that contribute to environmental wellness. Globally, I plan to develop a digital platform that extends these lessons across communities. By sharing wellness resources, sustainable health routines, and culturally inclusive skincare education online, I hope to make wellness more accessible to people worldwide. This will allow me to reach youth, families, and aspiring healthcare professionals with simple tools that promote both personal well-being and environmental responsibility. To strengthen my impact, I will pursue a degree in health sciences with a pre-medical focus and additional certifications in holistic nutrition and environmental health. These experiences will deepen my understanding of the connection between health and environment, while preparing me to lead initiatives that prioritize equity, sustainability, and education. In the next five years, I will dedicate my efforts to building healthier communities from the inside out—starting with the skin we’re in and expanding to the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the spaces we share. Wellness is not a luxury; it’s a right—and I am committed to making it accessible, sustainable, and transformative for all.

My name is A’aliyah Grimes, and I am a passionate, driven young woman committed to using my education and experiences to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. Being raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to earn her college degree while raising me taught me about resilience, sacrifice, and the transformative power of education. Her dedication shaped my values and helped me understand the importance of pushing through adversity to create a better future—not only for myself but for my family and community. I plan to major in Health Sciences at Howard University, a historically Black institution that embodies the principles of excellence, leadership, and cultural pride. My ultimate career goal is to become a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin of color and serving underserved populations. My passion for dermatology comes from both personal and emotional experiences. Two of my younger siblings suffer from severe eczema, and I’ve witnessed how the condition affects their daily lives—from physical discomfort to disrupted sleep and social anxiety. It’s heartbreaking to see them suffer from something that could be more manageable with greater access to specialized care and knowledge. This experience has shown me how deeply skin conditions can impact not only physical health but also emotional well-being and self-esteem. Through my studies, I hope to gain the tools necessary to enter medical school and eventually open a dermatology practice that emphasizes both treatment and education. I want to provide families—especially Black and Brown families—with care that is respectful, culturally competent, and accessible. I also dream of starting outreach programs that focus on skincare education in schools, local clinics, and community centers. By educating families about conditions like eczema, acne, and skin cancer, I believe we can promote healthier lifestyles and earlier interventions, ultimately improving quality of life. To begin preparing for this journey, I’ve already taken meaningful steps. Most recently, I completed a summer internship and shadowing experience at Dr. Cai Eyecare Center in East Hartford, CT. During this time, I learned how essential it is for healthcare professionals to build trust and communicate clearly with patients. I saw firsthand how a patient’s experience could be transformed through empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of their unique needs. This experience, combined with my personal motivation, has only strengthened my commitment to the field. I believe health care should not be one-size-fits-all, and I want to be part of a generation of medical professionals who reflect the communities we serve. My vision is rooted in advocacy, representation, and compassion. Through hard work, perseverance, and purpose, I intend to be a change-maker in the healthcare field. I want to be the kind of physician who not only provides care but also gives people the tools and knowledge to care for themselves and their loved ones. I believe that through my studies in Health Sciences and my future in dermatology, I can make a real and lasting difference in the lives of others.

Growing up as an African-American of Jamaican descent young woman, my culture has always been both a source of strength and a guiding compass. I was raised with the understanding that my existence is part of a legacy—one built on resilience, creativity, and the unwavering pursuit of progress, even in the face of adversity. That legacy has shaped my beliefs, my college goals, and my career aspirations in deeply personal ways. My mother, a single parent, attended college while raising me and eventually earned her bachelor’s degree. Watching her work toward her goals while overcoming significant challenges showed me the true meaning of perseverance. Her journey has inspired me to continue that legacy—not as a first-generation college student, but as the next generation determined to go even further. Attending Howard University, a historically Black institution that has cultivated some of the most powerful voices in medicine, activism, and culture, represents more than just a dream school—it symbolizes my commitment to becoming part of a larger movement of change and representation. My dream is to become a dermatologist—not just to practice medicine, but to address the racial disparities in skincare and health outcomes. Growing up, I witnessed how conditions that disproportionately affect people of color are often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. I want to change that. My goal is to create a safe, inclusive space for patients who have felt unseen or dismissed in clinical settings. By combining medical expertise with cultural understanding, I aim to educate, advocate, and treat with compassion and equity. One of the greatest challenges I’ve faced was being raised by a teenage mother who had to balance school, work, and parenting. While she provided love and structure, our journey was not without hardship. I’ve learned how to be independent, responsible, and resourceful from a young age—balancing school, part-time jobs, and caregiving responsibilities while staying focused on my goals. These experiences have made me more driven and have taught me how to thrive under pressure. What keeps me going is the belief that my education and career will not only change my life, but ripple out to help others in my community. I want to be a role model for young girls who look like me—especially those who don’t often see themselves represented in science or medicine. My culture has given me purpose, and I carry the responsibility of that purpose with pride. I know that becoming a dermatologist is not just a personal goal—it is a way for me to serve, uplift, and represent. With the right support and continued determination, I plan to make meaningful contributions to both the field of dermatology and to the broader African-American community.