My journey into STEM and medical sciences has always been about more than academics—it’s about honoring my family’s legacy, challenging inequities, and ensuring that everyone has access to compassionate care. Growing up as an African-American descendent of sharecroppers, I was raised with values of resilience, hard work, and a belief in education as the key to a better future. My grandparents endured significant hardships, yet they ensured that all 11 of their children attended college, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a foundation of hope and progress for future generations. This legacy has been both an inspiration and a call to action. My grandfather passed away from complications of diabetes—a condition that could have been manageable with proper care and education. But like so many in under-resourced communities, he lacked access to affordable healthcare and culturally relevant information about his condition. His passing was more than a personal loss; it was a stark reminder of the systemic inequities that disproportionately affect minority communities. Others in my family have faced similar challenges—delaying care or misunderstanding treatments—because the healthcare system often feels inaccessible or untrustworthy. These experiences have shown me how health disparities create cycles of poor outcomes, perpetuating inequities that impact entire generations. Currently, I work in public health, where I witness these disparities every day. My role has given me the opportunity to see firsthand how systemic barriers, such as a lack of culturally competent care, prevent individuals and families from receiving the support they need. This work has deepened my resolve to return to school and pursue a career in medical sciences, where I hope to address these inequities on both individual and systemic levels. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned, both personally and professionally, is that mental and physical health are deeply interconnected. They don’t exist in silos—each profoundly impacts the other. I’ve seen how untreated mental health challenges can worsen chronic physical conditions, just as physical illness can take a toll on emotional well-being. Yet, our healthcare system often treats them as separate issues. This insight has shaped my belief that true healing happens when we treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to bring this integrated, compassionate approach to the care I provide. Representation in healthcare is another critical part of this mission. It’s not just about fairness; it’s about survival. When patients see someone who looks like them and understands their cultural background, trust is built. That trust can mean the difference between seeking care or suffering in silence. For families like mine, representation could have changed everything—providing access to providers who truly listened, explained, and empowered. As an African American woman pursuing a career in medical sciences, I am determined to be that face of trust and understanding for others. My own experiences with mental health have also profoundly influenced my beliefs and career aspirations. I’ve learned that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, and that empathy is one of the most powerful tools we have in healing. These lessons have shaped the way I approach relationships and the kind of care I hope to provide—care that is deeply connected, compassionate, and holistic. Change doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in systems, communities, and through individuals willing to challenge the status quo. My goal is to work on both individual and systemic levels—whether through advocacy, research, or public health initiatives—to dismantle the barriers that perpetuate health inequities. I also hope to inspire others from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM and healthcare, creating a future where representation is no longer the exception but the norm.

I chose to pursue a degree in STEM, with a focus on the medical sciences, because I have always believed in science's transformative power to heal, improve lives, and foster a more equitable world. Growing up, I witnessed the deep disparities in healthcare, particularly how marginalized communities often lacked access to the same quality of care as others. It wasn’t just the absence of resources; it was also the absence of representation, understanding, and advocacy. These gaps made it clear to me that healthcare systems needed change. This realization fueled my passion for medical sciences and ignited my drive to transform how care is delivered, especially to those historically underserved by the healthcare system. As a person of color, I’ve encountered the challenges of being underrepresented in spaces like STEM and healthcare. These experiences, whether struggling to find doctors who truly understand my needs or observing the lack of diversity in medical research, have had a profound impact on me. I've come to understand how crucial it is for healthcare professionals to reflect the communities they serve. My personal connection to these issues has solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in medical sciences while advocating for equity in healthcare. I am dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the same level of care and consideration. The disparities I’ve witnessed in healthcare have fueled my desire to be a catalyst for change. I aim to leverage my voice and expertise to dismantle the barriers that prevent underrepresented communities from thriving in STEM and healthcare. I want to be part of a movement that ensures healthcare innovations and medical solutions not only reflect the needs of all populations but are also specifically designed to address the gaps faced by marginalized groups. This goes beyond improving treatments—it’s about creating a system in which all people, regardless of their background, feel seen, heard, and respected. In addition to advocating for change in healthcare access and delivery, I am committed to fostering inclusivity within the medical field itself. Through research, advocacy, and mentorship, I strive to work toward a truly equitable healthcare system that addresses disparities head-on. My advocacy will involve not only raising awareness about these disparities but also pushing for policy changes, structural reforms, and increased funding for underserved communities. I want to empower people of color and other marginalized groups to seek care without fear, knowing that their health matters just as much as anyone else's. Mentorship is a core component of my vision for a more equitable future. By mentoring young people from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in medical sciences, I hope to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. It’s essential that these young people see themselves as part of the solution, that they know they belong in this field, and that their contributions are vital. When we invest in the futures of those who have historically been excluded from these spaces, we lay the groundwork for lasting, systemic change. Ultimately, my journey in medical sciences is about more than just earning a degree. It’s about leaving a legacy of equity, one where all individuals can access the care they deserve. By advocating for change and using my position to raise awareness, I hope to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and just healthcare system. This is a long-term commitment. I want to ensure that the next wave of medical professionals is as diverse and passionate as the communities they serve, and that the healthcare system truly reflects the needs of every person, regardless of race, background, or identity.

During my time in college, I went through an experience that changed me in ways I never expected. I was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia, and it hit me harder than anyone anticipated. The doctors were so concerned about how severe my symptoms were that they initially thought it could be lung cancer. I remember the shock and fear when they said that word, "cancer." It felt surreal to even hear it, especially when I was just trying to push through school like any other student. What followed was weeks of uncertainty and pain. My body was weak, and every day was a struggle. I honestly couldn’t imagine being able to finish my coursework or even return to college in the same way. The pneumonia was so intense that it robbed me of everything: my strength, my focus, and even my sense of normalcy. I thought I might never be the same again, and at times, I felt like I might not make it through. The thought of dying crossed my mind, and I had moments where I just wanted to give up. I even tried to let go of my breath one night, thinking it might be the end. But then something incredible happened: despite everything, I kept breathing. It felt like God was holding me up, even when I couldn’t hold myself up anymore. During those moments of desperation, I found myself clinging to my faith. I prayed not just for healing, but for peace. I wasn’t sure if I would recover fully, but I knew I had to trust that there was a bigger plan, even if I couldn’t see it. Slowly, with time and a lot of patience, I started to recover. It wasn’t fast or easy, but I began to feel stronger. However, the aftermath wasn’t just physical. I had to face the reality that some friendships didn’t survive this period. Some didn't understand my long recovery and mental fatigue. It was painful, and for a while, I didn’t understand why it had to be that way. But with time, I realized that those who walked away weren’t meant to be part of my journey anymore. God was removing distractions from my life, making space for growth and healing. The ones that remained advocated my health and progress. There was a specific moment when I truly saw the power of my faith. As I was lying there, exhausted and uncertain, I realized that my faith was all I had left. It was the thing that kept me going when my body couldn’t. I started to pray more, not just asking for healing but also for guidance, for understanding of this painful process. And little by little, I saw answers—not in dramatic ways, but in the small moments: the quiet strength I felt when I thought I couldn’t continue, the peace that came after intense moments of fear. My faith became a lifeline, and through it, I found the resilience I needed to keep pushing forward. Looking back, I can see how this experience changed me. It wasn’t just about surviving a sickness; it was about learning to trust in God’s timing and plan. It was about seeing that sometimes, when everything seems lost, faith can bring you through in ways you never expect. The journey wasn’t easy, and it left scars, but it also gave me a deeper understanding of myself and my relationship with God. I learned that when you’re at your lowest, that’s when you find the strength you never knew you had—strength that, for me, came from faith.

For as long as I can remember, the women in my family have suffered in silence, battling mysterious pain and constant bleeding that no one could explain. My great-grandmother, grandmother, aunts, and mother all faced the same symptoms, and for years, they believed it was just part of their lives. It wasn’t until my mother finally sought medical care that we learned the truth—many of our ancestors had likely suffered from uterine fibroids. This condition had gone undiagnosed for generations. My family hails from rural America, where generations of farmers and sharecroppers worked with modest means and had limited access to healthcare. In such a setting, medical care wasn’t readily available, and the idea of seeking help for women’s health issues was not something openly discussed. The women in my family bore their pain quietly, believing it was something they simply had to endure. My mother’s story was no different—her symptoms had mirrored those of her mother and grandmother. Still, it wasn’t until she saw a doctor that we finally understood the cause of her suffering. When she was diagnosed with fibroids, it was a turning point. It was the first time we truly understood what had been happening in our family for generations. It was heartbreaking to realize that the women in our family had suffered needlessly for so long without proper diagnosis or treatment. My mother’s pain and the pain of so many women before her could have been alleviated if they had the knowledge and resources to address it. Instead, they lived with their symptoms, unable to name or understand the condition that was affecting them. As I delved into the research about uterine fibroids, I learned how common they are, especially among African American women. I discovered that fibroids are the most frequent reason for hysterectomies. Yet, many women still don’t receive the care they need. The more I learned, the more I realized how deeply this issue resonated with my own family’s history. One of the things that has stayed with me is the research linking the use of hair relaxers to an increased risk of developing fibroids. Many women in my family, including my mother, used relaxers for years, as they were a staple in our community. The chemicals in relaxers are now being studied for their potential role in fibroid development, and knowing that my family might have been affected by something as simple and routine as hair care products makes the issue even more pressing. These experiences, coupled with the lack of medical care in my family’s history, are what drives my passion for studying uterine fibroids. I want to help ensure that woman do not have to endure this pain and uncertainty. I am committed to understanding the environmental and genetic factors contributing to fibroids to develop better prevention strategies and more effective treatments. I also want to raise awareness in underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited and educate women about the importance of seeking help and knowing the signs of fibroids. By advancing research in this area, we can make a difference for women suffering in silence, as my family did. My goal is to contribute to the medical field in a way that helps others avoid the long history of suffering my family faced. I am determined to be part of the change that will bring answers, resources, and hope to women affected by uterine fibroids. I will continue to fight for a future where no woman has to endure the pain and isolation.

Living the life of my dreams means contributing to a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system. As a physician, I want to lead clinics in underserved communities, where the focus is on providing high-quality care while building trust, addressing cultural differences, and fostering relationships with patients. I believe healthcare should be personal, where patients feel seen, understood, and supported—not just treated. It's not just about addressing symptoms but about recognizing people as whole individuals with unique needs, backgrounds, and experiences. Part of my dream is to help guide others, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. I have seen how the lack of representation and the systemic barriers made it harder for people to follow their dreams—especially in fields like medicine. I want to encourage, mentor, and support young people, especially those from minority communities, to pursue medicine. I want them to know that they belong in this field despite the challenges. I'm here to help them navigate those hurdles through mentorship, scholarships, or creating opportunities for hands-on experience. So many structural barriers have kept underrepresented populations from entering healthcare professions, and I want to work on changing that. I know firsthand how financial limitations, lack of access to quality education, and the absence of mentors can prevent talented individuals from pursuing careers in medicine. I want to help remove those barriers. That might mean advocating for policy changes that create pathways into healthcare careers or ensuring students from underserved communities have the financial and educational resources they need. The goal is to ensure that anyone pursuing medicine can do so, regardless of background. I also want to contribute to efforts that tackle health disparities on a larger scale. Healthcare access is a significant issue in many minority communities, and I've seen how it affects people's lives. These disparities must be addressed, whether it's a lack of affordable care, mistrust of the system, or simply not having the resources to get the care they need. I see myself contributing to community outreach, public health initiatives, and research that work to improve healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations. In my dream life, I wouldn't just be treating patients—I'd be working on the larger systems that shape healthcare. I want to be involved in outreach programs that educate underserved communities on preventative care, wellness, and disease management. I want to help empower people to take control of their health and reduce the barriers that keep them from living healthy lives. By empowering communities, we can create a future where everyone has the resources and support they need to thrive. For me, my goals are not just about professional success. It's also about finding personal fulfillment. I envision spending quality time with loved ones, staying active, and taking care of myself so I can continue to help others. Giving back to my community and mentoring future generations of medical professionals is a big part of this balance. I want to be the kind of mentor I wish I had growing up—someone who can offer support and guidance and who shows that with persistence and passion, anything is possible. At the end of the day, the life of my dreams is about more than just achieving personal success. It's about positively impacting society and doing my part so others can feel seen, heard, and cared for. It's about breaking down barriers, encouraging others to follow their dreams, and building a future where all communities—especially those historically overlooked—have the resources and support they need to thrive. I hope that I can help to contribute to and inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.

If I could sit down with my younger self, I’d share a story about failure—one that profoundly shaped my perspective on perseverance, humility, and self-belief. When I first dreamed of becoming a doctor, I pictured a straightforward path marked by good grades and predictable milestones. But life, as I learned, rarely follows a straight line. The most challenging moment on this journey came during my sophomore year of college. I juggled a heavy course load, worked part-time, and volunteered at a local clinic, striving to excel at everything. Pushing myself to the brink, I hit a wall. Organic chemistry, notoriously difficult, became my undoing. My first attempt at the course was a failure that left me questioning my abilities, my resilience, and even my dream of becoming a doctor. If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: failure is not the end—it’s a teacher. That experience, as painful as it was, became one of my greatest lessons in resilience. I learned the importance of asking for help, a skill that took humility to master. I joined study groups, attended office hours, and sought advice from upperclassmen who had struggled and overcome similar challenges. Their support taught me the power of community and collaboration, lessons that have guided me throughout my medical journey. I’d also remind my younger self to embrace balance. Back then, I believed success demanded relentless effort, neglecting my mental and physical well-being in the process. Unsurprisingly, I burned out, doubting whether I could endure the demands of medicine. I’d tell myself that rest and self-care aren’t indulgences—they’re necessities. Taking time to recharge through exercise, hobbies, or connecting with loved ones is as critical to success as hard work. My grandmother often said, “It’s not about when you learn something but that you learn it and carry it forward.” At the time, I dismissed her words as a cliché. Now, I understand their wisdom. Life isn’t a race; it’s a personal journey shaped by our struggles and passions. Success isn’t about sprinting but about finding balance and joy along the way. Through this balance, I’d reassure my younger self that the path to becoming a doctor is more than academics and achievements. Medicine is about understanding the human experience—building trust, bridging divides, and amplifying unheard voices. I’d say: the obstacles you face, whether academic or emotional, will deepen your empathy and make you a better doctor. They will help you connect with others in ways no textbook ever could. Lastly, I’d urge my younger self to celebrate small wins. The path to medical school is demanding, and it’s easy to become consumed by the next goal. But each step forward—mastering a tough subject, securing a meaningful shadowing opportunity, or simply making it through a challenging week—deserves recognition. These moments of gratitude will sustain your spirit and remind you how far you’ve come. If I could leave my younger self with one final thought, it would be this: trust the process. The challenges you face aren’t barriers; they’re stepping stones. Each one shapes you into a more resilient, compassionate, and capable physician. Keep going, and never forget why you started this journey in the first place.