My current goals stem from a passion I’ve carried since I first became mesmerized by pictures of the brain. Strange interest I know, but there is something endlessly fascinating about our hidden wonder. What began as a simple curiosity has grown into a lifelong commitment to understanding its complexities and applying that knowledge to the field of sports medicine. Academically, I plan to pursue neuroscience with a focus on sports neurology, specifically studying conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the long-term effects of athletic competition. After completing my undergraduate degree in neuroscience, I hope to earn a master’s in movement science at the University of Michigan before continuing on to medical school. My ultimate goal is to specialize in sports neurology, where I can translate cutting-edge research into medical practice that protects and improves the lives of athletes. Beyond working directly with athletes, I want to contribute to advancing our understanding of brain injuries through research and advocacy. My long-term vision is to be part of groundbreaking studies that improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for sports-related neurological conditions. I hope to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, making sure that the science being uncovered in laboratories translates into real-world solutions for athletes, both amateur and professional. Eventually, I would like to work with sports organizations and medical teams to implement safer practices, promote education about brain health, and advocate for policies that prioritize athlete well-being. On a personal level, my ambitions are deeply tied to my family. As a first-generation student and the daughter of immigrant parents, I carry their sacrifices with me in everything I do. Success, for me, is not only defined by career achievements but also by honoring the perseverance and resilience that brought my family here. Each milestone represents both my own growth and the fulfillment of their dreams. Receiving this scholarship would make a tremendous difference in my academic journey. The cost of higher education is significant, and as someone living away from my family in another state, I face not only tuition but also the daily expenses of housing, food, and other living necessities. This scholarship would help me manage these challenges while allowing me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of financial strain. It would also reduce the burden of student debt, enabling me to pursue advanced degrees with greater freedom and less hesitation. Most importantly, it would provide the stability I need to dedicate myself fully to my education, research, and future career in medicine. If selected, I would embody the values of perseverance by pushing forward in my academic and professional journey, while also uplifting others along the way. As a first-generation student, I know how important representation and support can be, and I would use this opportunity to inspire other students to believe that with hard work and determination, their goals are within reach.

If I could have anything in life, I would simply ask for time. Just one more morning, one more conversation, one more chance to coexist with my father. March 27 is the day everything changed. My father, the strongest man I knew, woke up unusually early and weakly asked me to call the paramedics. As they arrived, I hugged him tightly before they escorted him out of our apartment, completely unaware it would be the last time I’d see him walk through our front door. My father was more than a parent he was my best friend, a man who radiated perseverance and purpose. Watching him lie in a hospital bed for five silent months, unable to visit or even hold his hand, crushed me. Then one night in August, I lost him to COVID-19. No words can describe the stillness that followed, the silence of a voice I would never hear again, the empty space in a home once full of laughter. His loss shattered me, but it also ignited something deep within me. It made me see healthcare not just as a system, but as the difference between presence and absence, hope and heartbreak. I saw firsthand how vital empathy and care are, not just to patients but to families navigating the unknown. Seeking to turn grief into action, I have immersed myself in seeking opportunities to serve others through healthcare. This year, I had the profound opportunity to participate in a week-long volunteer medical clinic serving underserved communities in Morogoro, Tanzania. Working alongside a dedicated local doctor, I helped scribe patient notes during visits and assisted in the lab with basic testing such as blood glucose checks. The experience was both humbling and eye-opening. In Morogoro, I witnessed the challenges faced by communities with limited access to healthcare, shortages of supplies, long waits, and the immense resilience of patients and providers alike. Yet, despite these obstacles, the clinic’s team delivered care with compassion and determination. Being part of that small but impactful effort reaffirmed for me how every act of care, no matter how small, can change a life. It was a vivid reminder that medicine is not just about science, but about service, empathy, and honoring the dignity of each person. Every patient’s story I encountered during that week echoed my own experience with my father, a reminder that behind every illness is a human being deserving of kindness and respect. This connection deepened my commitment to becoming a physician who listens deeply, cares relentlessly, and treats every patient like someone’s whole world, because I know what it means to lose yours. Today, I carry both the pain of loss and the purpose it gave me. My father taught me perseverance in the face of adversity, and his absence instilled in me a profound empathy that fuels my passion for medicine. I aspire to honor his memory by dedicating my life to healing others, knowing firsthand the power that compassionate care holds in moments of vulnerability.