It was just another normal day during my first year in high school – Mrs. Jones, my biology teacher, spoke with conviction about her life experiences working with different scientific research labs around the United States. She was very proud of her work and spent that class period talking to me and my classmates about all the wonderful research opportunities and career fields in STEM. I have always loved science, but this particular day was different – on this normal day in Mrs. Jones’s biology class, I decided to become a Biomedical Engineer. It was on this day I learned about regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, biomaterials, and the multitude of ways a young girl like me could apply engineering principles toward a medical solution. What if I could identify a way to regenerate human tissue that has been ravaged by cancerous cells and help prolong a patient’s quality of life? What if I could create a new machine that provides support to a patient’s failing organs? What if I could save a young woman’s life by creating a first-of-its-kind patent for specialized equipment that can detect cancer at a much earlier stage? These are all great hypothetical questions, but what if they aren’t hypothetical – what if they are real-life situations for people in your Family? It is a hard truth to bear – many of the men and women in my family will suffer from or pass away due to some form of cancer. I can’t prove whether there is some genetic strain in our DNA that makes my family more susceptible to all forms of cancer - but, in due time I can go to college, educate myself on the problem, and find new, innovative ways to alleviate their pain and suffering. My parents have spent the last 17 years exemplifying perseverance, positivity, and entrepreneurship. These are the exact traits that I hope to exemplify as I continue my journey toward becoming the first Biomedical Engineer in my family. As I close out my essay, I would also like to thank Mrs. Jones for coming to class that day and choosing to spend the class period detailing all the ways a young girl like me can positively impact future scientific breakthroughs. Maybe after I become a Biomedical Engineer and have a fruitful career making positive change, I will repay Mrs. Jones and Ms. Monk's kindness and do the same – “Each One, Teach One.”

I could begin this essay by telling you all about me - Ailee Johnson - and how I am a motivated high school junior who is passionate about academics and community service. I could even tell you how from an early age, I have wanted to attend college and major in biomedical engineering. But even armed with all this information, you still would not have a good sense of who I am as a young woman who cares about the wellbeing of others, so instead I'm going to tell you a story... At the early age of 11, my Mom took me to a homeless shelter during one of the coldest months of the year in DC. We passed out hot chocolate, hot meals, played games, and gave away free coats to anyone in need. It was at this shelter, that I saw a girl who went to school with me and that I was friends with. I walked over to her and asked if she was there to volunteer as well and she put her head down and said, "No, my mom brought us here because we don't have enough food to eat at home." She needed help, so I asked if there was anything I could give to make her life better and she said, "My Mom needs help finding a job, maybe then we won't have to get our meals from here." As soon as my Mom and I left the shelter, I asked if she could help my friend's mom find a job and she did! My friend told me some months later that they were doing much better -- her Mom and my Mom still keep in touch till this day. One of my favorite pastimes is tutoring young students in grades K-5 in Math, Spanish, and Reading. I volunteer multiple hours at two different elementary schools in D.C. Due to many behavioral problems, it has taken some time to build positive relationships with the students. The most important thing I have learned is to first build trust by always showing up with a good attitude. The students need to know there is someone who cares about their wellbeing. I also serve as a Youth Mental Health Advocate, creating "online safe spaces" where female students can discuss mental health issues. I am committed to helping others and recognize that no one is going to do it until you show them it can be done. I recently founded a nonprofit called "Confidence Couture," which provides underprivileged students with business and formal attire through clothing and monetary donations. Now that I'm getting older, I want to find a new way to help others and that is my next journey - Biomedical Engineering. Winning this scholarship would not only help toward paying for my education, but it will also allow me to create new, innovative technology that will support others in need. With my strong work ethic, leadership skills, and dedication to making a positive impact, I am ready to embrace the next chapter of my journey.

God has a funny way of always knowing when and how you need to receive a message. I have a very close family - my mom and dad remind me of that couple from the TV show 'Blackish.' Coincidentally, our last name is Johnson, too! I am blessed to have both sets of grandparents in my life, and, oh boy, are they ever different from one another! Aunts/Uncles/Cousins - let's just say I have tons to spare. Every Sunday, my family and I would wake up early, get dressed for the 8 o'clock service, and spend the next few hours praising the Lord. Every Sunday, as I walked down that same pew toward my Grandparents, Great Aunts, and second cousins, the sound of the church choir would drown out all the "Hey, Ailee" or "Hi, Stinka" or "Come sit next to me" greetings. It was hard to avoid the 5-7 kisses or hugs on the way to your designated seat on the pew. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the attention - especially from my Grandmother. She would dote on me every chance she got and tell the Church sisters how accomplished I was in my studies - she was very proud of her first and only Granddaughter. On one particular Sunday, as I made my way down the pew and to my seat, I noticed that my Grandmother didn't have her arms stretched out, ready to give me a big hug. Instead, she had her head tilted down, a handkerchief dabbing her forehead, and she looked pale. I asked if she was ok, and her reply was, "I'm fine, baby. Just pray for Grandma today, I'm feeling under the weather." As the service went on, my dad kept looking over at his Mom - a look of worry on his face. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know what. When service was over, we tried to walk Grandma to her car, but she almost passed out. So, we immediately drove her to the emergency room. My Grandma has always been kind of stubborn, but on this day she listened with intent as the doctor relayed that she had early stages of colon cancer. My whole family was devastated, especially me and my Dad - not this strong, willful woman who never missed a Sunday service; who volunteered for all the church ministries; and, who prayed for my mom every time she went on a business trip. I walked back to where my Mom was sitting in the waiting room and I heard her humming a song they also sing at Church – I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. Why was she humming at a time like this? But then she started to sing the words, ‘Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand, but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.’ This was the moment that I truly understood what the Church was for – it serves as our constant reminder to always keep your faith in God’s word and His ability to make miracles happen. As I watched a waiting room full of family members pray for my Grandmother, it felt like we were right back at church. Through Christ and prayer all things are possible – and on that day, I had a praying family. It would be a year before my Grandmother’s cancer went into remission, Thank God. But I thank Him for making sure I knew exactly how powerful faith and prayer really is.