The world as I knew it fractured when I was five years old. My father’s departure left a void not just in our home, but in our sense of stability. In the wake of his absence, I watched my mother, a school teacher, become the unwavering center of our universe. She was our sole provider, a magician who could stretch a teacher’s salary to cover the needs of three children. We learned the art of resourcefulness not as a lesson, but as a way of life. There were no restaurant meals or pre-made dinners; instead, there was the warmth of our kitchen, where my mom taught us that love and effort were the most vital ingredients. She worked tirelessly, volunteering in snack bars to cover our sports fees, all while shielding us from the immense stress she carried. Her resilience taught me my first and most important lesson: caring for others is the most profound work one can do. As the youngest, my instinct was always to nurture. While my mom cared for our family, I wanted to care for her, my siblings, and everyone around me. This innate desire found a natural home in the world of medicine. Trips to the doctor weren't scary; they were fascinating glimpses into a profession built on helping people. I knew, with a certainty that has never wavered, that I would dedicate my life to the healthcare field. My path within that field was clarified by the challenges that rippled through our home. My older sister struggled deeply with the emotional fallout of our father leaving, and keeping peace became a delicate, daily dance. Witnessing her pain ignited a passion for mental health, showing me that wellness is not confined to the physical body. Simultaneously, as I grew, I found myself craving a deeper understanding of my own body and the changes I was experiencing. The education my mom could provide was a start, but I wanted more comprehensive knowledge. This gap in my own understanding fueled a desire to work in women’s health, ensuring other young women would feel empowered by, not confused by, their own bodies. My aspiration is to become a physician who sees the whole person. My life has taught me that a person’s health is a complex tapestry woven from their physical, emotional, and social realities. I want to be a doctor who doesn’t just prescribe medication but also listens with empathy, educates with clarity, and advocates for a holistic approach to wellness. My background is not a story of disadvantage; it is the story of how I found my purpose. It is the foundation upon which I will build a career of compassionate, human-centered care. This scholarship would be an invaluable step in turning that lifelong purpose into a reality.

My passion for human health is deeply rooted in my personal and professional experiences. Growing up, I felt a significant gap in my own education regarding the changes in my female body, which ignited a desire to pursue a career in women’s health. I believe that providing accessible education is a crucial form of care, empowering females of all ages to understand and advocate for their own wellness. This conviction is strengthened by my work in a memory care facility. Witnessing the profound impact of cognitive decline on residents and their families has instilled in me a deep sense of compassion and reinforced my belief in proactive, lifelong health management. It’s highlighted the importance of caring for our whole selves—mind and body—from a young age. My goal is to dedicate my career to compassionate, education-first healthcare, helping others navigate their wellness journeys with knowledge and dignity, whether they are just beginning or facing the challenges of later life. To me, empathy is the ability to not only understand but also share the feelings of another person. It transcends sympathy, moving beyond feeling sorry for someone to feeling with them. It is the practice of setting aside my own perspective to see the world through their eyes, acknowledging their reality without judgment. Empathy is the quiet, profound connection that validates a person’s experience, letting them know they are seen and heard. It is the foundation of compassionate care, transforming a clinical interaction into a human one. In women’s health, a field I am passionate about pursuing, empathy is not just a valuable quality; it is essential. This area of medicine deals with some of the most personal, vulnerable, and often misunderstood aspects of a person's life. From the confusion of puberty to the anxieties of pregnancy or the frustrations of menopause, patients are often navigating experiences that can feel isolating. An empathetic healthcare provider can create a safe space where a patient feels comfortable sharing crucial information, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments. Trust, built through genuine empathy, empowers patients to ask questions and become active participants in their own care. Without it, patients can feel dismissed or unheard, a historical issue in women's healthcare that I am determined to help change. Ensuring my work is done through a human-centered lens will be the guiding principle of my career. The first step is practicing active listening. This means giving patients my undivided attention, asking open-ended questions, and allowing them the space to tell their story in their own words. I will treat them as the foremost expert on their own body. Second, I will champion shared decision-making. My role is to provide clear, accessible information about all available options, including risks and benefits, so that my patients are empowered to make choices that align with their personal values and circumstances. Healthcare should be a partnership, not a dictatorship. Finally, I am committed to continuous learning and education—both for myself and my patients. I will stay current on medical advancements while also seeking to understand the diverse social and cultural factors that impact health. By providing patients with reliable educational resources, I can help demystify their health and wellness, allowing them to advocate for themselves with confidence. Through these practices, I will ensure that every patient feels respected, understood, and cared for as a whole person.

A Journey Forged in Resilience: My Path to Global Health and Medicine From a young age, my life has been a testament to resilience, shaped by experiences that have ignited an unwavering passion for service and healing. As a senior at UC Davis, pursuing a degree in Global Health Biology, I am not just studying medicine; I am preparing to answer a profound calling to help others, both at home and across the globe. My journey began in a household led by a single mother, a dedicated school teacher who instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance. Alongside my two siblings, I witnessed firsthand the profound challenges that life can present, particularly through my sister's struggle with mental illness. While my father's absence and fleeting, often detrimental, presence added layers of complexity, these experiences did not deter me. Instead, they fueled a deep empathy and a fierce determination to create a positive impact on the lives of others, especially those navigating vulnerability and hardship. Putting myself through college has been a significant undertaking, but every hour spent working and studying reinforces my commitment to this path. My dedication to healthcare is not merely academic; it is deeply rooted in practical experience. Earning my Certified Medical Assistant certification provided me with foundational clinical skills and a direct understanding of patient care. This was further solidified through invaluable volunteering opportunities. At a hospital in Sacramento, I witnessed the intricate workings of a medical facility and the critical role of compassionate care. My time volunteering at an optometry doctor's office offered a different perspective, highlighting the importance of specialized care and patient education. Currently, my work in a memory care facility has been particularly impactful, teaching me patience, empathy, and the profound human connection required when caring for individuals with complex needs. These diverse experiences have not only equipped me with practical knowledge but have also deepened my resolve to pursue a medical career, affirming that my greatest joy comes from alleviating suffering and improving well-being. My aspiration extends beyond becoming a doctor; it is about becoming an agent of change. My goal is to attend medical school and then dedicate my life to providing care where it is most needed. The vision of contributing to organizations like the Peace Corps or Doctors Without Borders is a powerful motivator, driving my academic pursuits and professional development. I believe that true healing transcends borders and that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, deserves access to quality healthcare. I am a firm believer in the power of giving back and the transformative impact of hard work. The challenges I have faced have not defined me by my struggles, but by my response to them – with determination, compassion, and an unyielding desire to serve. This scholarship would be more than just financial assistance; it would be an investment in a future dedicated to healing, a future where I can leverage my skills and passion to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals, both in my community and around the world.

Deciding to pursue a career in the medical field has been a journey shaped by personal experiences, family influences, and a growing passion for helping others. From a young age, I understood that health is more than just the absence of illness—it’s a foundation for a full and meaningful life. This understanding became clearer through the challenges my family faced and the inspiration I found in the medical professionals who made a real difference in our lives. Growing up in a single-parent household, my mother worked tirelessly as an elementary school teacher to provide for me and my siblings. At the same time, I watched my older sister struggle with mental health challenges, which brought a lot of emotional complexity into our family dynamic. The journey wasn’t easy—there were times when navigating the healthcare system felt overwhelming and frustrating. Yet, throughout it all, I was inspired by the doctors and nurses who showed compassion and took the time to listen and care. Their kindness and dedication planted a seed in me to one day become someone who could provide that same support to others. In college, my interest in science and human biology grew stronger, confirming that medicine was the right path for me. I have loved learning about the human body and how various systems interact to keep us healthy. More importantly, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of treating patients as whole people, not just symptoms. This perspective drives my passion for medicine—it’s not enough to just diagnose and treat; I want to understand my patients’ stories and the social and emotional factors that affect their health. My future goal is to become a physician specializing in women’s health. I am deeply motivated to address the disparities and challenges women face in healthcare—issues that often go unnoticed or are under-researched. Conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and hormone-related mental health disorders are frequently misunderstood or dismissed. I want to be an advocate for women’s health, working to improve diagnosis, treatment, and education around these conditions. I also hope to contribute to research and innovation, perhaps through involvement in the growing FemTech field, which offers exciting opportunities to develop tools and technologies that empower women to better understand and manage their health. Making a difference through my career means more than just practicing medicine—it means being a leader, a listener, and a lifelong learner. I plan to work in underserved communities where access to quality healthcare is limited, whether that’s through military medicine, community clinics, or global health initiatives. I believe every person deserves respectful, personalized care, and I want to use my skills to make that a reality. Throughout my college years, I’ve sought out leadership roles and volunteer opportunities that have strengthened my communication skills, resilience, and empathy. Serving as president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team has taught me the importance of teamwork and support, qualities I believe are essential in medicine. I am committed to continuing to grow both personally and professionally so that I can provide the best care possible to my future patients. In summary, my inspiration to pursue medicine comes from personal experience and a genuine desire to help others live healthier, fuller lives. Through compassion, advocacy, and dedication, I hope to make a meaningful difference in women’s healthcare and beyond. This scholarship would help me continue on this path by supporting my education and allowing me to focus fully on becoming the doctor I aspire to be.

Deciding to pursue education in healthcare was not something I took lightly—it came from a combination of personal experience, a desire to make a difference, and a growing passion for science and human connection. Growing up, I saw how important access to good healthcare is, especially for those facing financial or emotional challenges. My family wasn’t perfect; my father left when I was young, and my single mother worked hard as a teacher to support me and my siblings. Watching her struggle to balance everything, I realized how vital it is to have compassionate healthcare providers who understand patients’ stories and treat them with kindness. One of the most powerful motivators for me has been my older sister’s ongoing battle with mental health issues. Her struggles made me aware of how much healthcare can impact a person’s entire life—not just their physical wellbeing, but their emotional and mental health too. It was frustrating to see how many doctors didn’t fully understand or address the unique challenges women face, especially when mental health and hormonal factors are involved. That frustration turned into determination. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution—someone who listens carefully, advocates strongly, and works to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone. When I started college, I chose to study health sciences because it offered a perfect mix of biology, anatomy, and social sciences—all essential to understanding health in a holistic way. I’ve loved learning about how the human body works, how diseases develop, and how treatments can be tailored to individuals. More importantly, I’ve enjoyed the real-world applications of this knowledge through volunteering and internships, where I’ve had the chance to interact with patients and healthcare professionals. These experiences confirmed my passion and strengthened my resolve to become a healthcare provider. My future career goal is to become a physician, with a focus on women’s health. I am especially interested in helping underserved populations, whether that means working in military medicine, community clinics, or international humanitarian efforts like Doctors Without Borders. Women’s health has been underserved for far too long, and I want to be part of a new generation of doctors who change that. I want to improve care for women experiencing conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and mental health disorders related to hormonal changes—areas that have often been overlooked or misdiagnosed. Beyond direct patient care, I hope to contribute to research and innovation in women’s health, particularly through emerging technologies and FemTech. I’m excited about how digital health tools, wearable devices, and telemedicine can empower women to better understand their bodies and take control of their health. By combining clinical work with research and advocacy, I want to help close the gaps in knowledge and access that too many women still face. Education is the foundation for all of this. It’s what will give me the skills, knowledge, and credibility to make a real difference. That’s why scholarships like this are so important to me—they help remove financial barriers and allow me to focus fully on my studies and goals. In the end, my decision to pursue healthcare education is deeply personal but also driven by a broader commitment to service. I want to be a compassionate, skilled physician who listens to patients, understands their unique challenges, and fights for better care and equity in health. I’m excited about the road ahead and grateful for opportunities that bring me closer to that dream every day.

My passion for women’s health comes from both personal experience and a strong desire to fix the gaps I’ve seen in healthcare for women. Growing up, I watched my older sister struggle with mental health issues, and I noticed how little understanding there was about how hormonal changes affect not just physical but mental wellbeing. Too often, women’s health problems get overlooked or misunderstood because most research has historically focused on men. That reality really motivates me to pursue a career focused on women’s health, where I can help make care better and more personalized for women like my sister and so many others. I want to become a doctor who specializes in women’s health—not just treating symptoms, but truly understanding the unique biological and emotional challenges women face throughout their lives. Things like PCOS, endometriosis, and mental health linked to hormone changes are often underdiagnosed or dismissed, and I want to change that. It’s important to me that women have access to healthcare that listens to their stories and treats them with empathy and respect. Beyond clinical care, I’m really excited about the potential of FemTech—technology created to address women’s health needs. I’ve been learning about how apps, wearable devices, and telemedicine can help women track their cycles, predict symptoms, and get better care even when it’s hard to get to a doctor. I hope to contribute to this field by working on innovations that empower women to understand and manage their health on their own terms. Right now, I’m building skills that will help me reach these goals. As president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team, I’ve learned leadership and communication skills that I know will be important when working with patients and healthcare teams. I’m also taking classes related to women’s health and getting involved in volunteer work where I can see the real challenges women face. Although I don’t have published research yet, I’m excited to get involved in studies around women’s mental health and hormone-related conditions as I move forward. My dream is to combine clinical work, research, and tech innovation to make healthcare more inclusive and effective for women everywhere. This scholarship would help me take important steps toward that future—giving me the resources to focus on my education and my passion for advancing women’s health. I want to be part of the next generation of doctors and innovators who finally close the gaps in care and create solutions that truly improve women’s lives.

Growing up in San Diego, I have always felt a strong connection to my community and a deep appreciation for the people who dedicate themselves to helping others. This connection has been shaped not only by the vibrant culture of the city but also by the profound influence of my grandparents. Their kindness, resilience, and commitment to family and community have inspired me and fueled my interest in pursuing a career in medicine. My grandparents taught me the value of compassion and service from an early age. Like Frederick Beretta, whose life was devoted to healing and caring for others, my grandfather was a steady source of support and wisdom in our family. Although not a physician, he embodied the same spirit of selflessness and dedication, always willing to help neighbors, share advice, and offer comfort in times of need. Watching him care for my grandmother during her long illness showed me firsthand what it means to love and serve unconditionally. Their example of kindness and perseverance has become a guiding light for me as I navigate my own path. San Diego’s diverse community has also shown me how important it is to ensure equitable access to healthcare. I have witnessed how disparities in resources can affect health outcomes, and I am passionate about becoming a physician who addresses these challenges. Inspired by stories like that of Frederick Beretta, who went beyond traditional care by making house calls and checking on his patients regularly, I want to provide personalized, compassionate care that considers the whole person. In addition to my interest in medicine, I am passionate about leadership and community involvement. As president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team, I strive to create an environment of teamwork, resilience, and mutual support—values that remind me of my grandmother Bernice’s nurturing role in our family and neighborhood. Her kindness and dedication to those around her, even after facing her own health struggles, taught me the power of community and the importance of uplifting others. Medicine, for me, represents a way to combine my passion for science with my commitment to service and leadership. Growing up in San Diego, guided by the examples of my grandparents, I am motivated to build a future where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities. This scholarship would support me on that journey, enabling me to continue learning and growing so I can honor the legacy of care and compassion exemplified by Frederick and Bernice Beretta.

The belief that every experience shapes who we become resonates deeply with me, especially as I reflect on my personal journey and how it has influenced my decision to pursue a career in medicine. My path has been shaped by significant challenges—my father’s absence, my mother’s financial struggles as a single parent, and the emotional trauma caused by my older sister’s mental health challenges. These experiences have not only motivated me to become a physician but have also prepared me to make a meaningful and compassionate impact in healthcare. Growing up without a father present was a profound loss, one that created emotional and financial strain on my family. My mother, an elementary school teacher, worked tirelessly to support me and my siblings, often making sacrifices to provide stability. Witnessing her strength and resilience taught me the value of perseverance, responsibility, and hard work. However, I also saw how financial limitations affected our access to resources and opportunities, including healthcare. These realities sparked an early awareness of the disparities many families face, fueling my passion for equitable healthcare access. Compounding these challenges was the trauma of living with an older sister who struggled with mental health issues. Her experiences exposed me to the complexities of emotional and psychological health—how stigma, lack of resources, and misunderstandings can create barriers to healing. Watching her navigate these obstacles instilled in me a deep empathy and a commitment to holistic care, which recognizes that health is more than physical symptoms; it encompasses emotional and social well-being as well. These personal hardships have fueled my determination to pursue medicine, not only as a career but as a mission to serve others facing similar struggles. I understand firsthand how critical it is to have healthcare providers who listen, advocate, and treat patients with compassion and respect. My goal is to become a military physician and later work with global humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders, where I can provide care to underserved populations and address systemic healthcare inequities. My experiences have also strengthened essential qualities such as resilience, leadership, and empathy. Supporting myself through college while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule and serving as president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team—especially while recovering from ACL surgery—has taught me how to balance competing demands with determination and grace. These skills will help me navigate the challenges of medical training and practice. Ultimately, the challenges I have faced have shaped me into a compassionate, resilient, and dedicated individual prepared to make a positive impact in healthcare. I am committed to being a physician who not only treats illness but also understands and addresses the broader context of patients’ lives. By combining clinical excellence with advocacy and empathy, I hope to build healthier communities and help create a more equitable healthcare system. The RELEVANCE Scholarship’s core belief—that our experiences define us—speaks to my journey and fuels my commitment to transforming personal challenges into a source of strength and service. I am ready to carry these lessons forward as I pursue medicine and strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

My journey toward a career in healthcare has been deeply influenced by the challenges I faced growing up and the resilience I developed as a result. Raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly as an elementary school teacher, I witnessed firsthand the realities of financial hardship and the strength required to persevere. My father left early in my life and has had no involvement since, leaving my mother to raise me and my siblings alone. Adding to the complexity of my upbringing, my older sister has struggled with significant mental health challenges, which brought emotional trauma and stress to our family dynamic. These experiences, though difficult, have shaped my perspective and fueled my passion for healthcare. From a young age, I realized the importance of compassion, support, and understanding—qualities I hope to embody as a physician. I understand that health extends beyond physical symptoms and includes emotional and social well-being. My sister’s struggles made me acutely aware of the gaps in mental health care and the need for empathetic providers who see patients as whole individuals. Despite the obstacles, I have remained focused on my goal of becoming a medical doctor. Supporting myself financially while attending college full-time has required discipline, determination, and resilience. During a particularly challenging period, I suffered an ACL injury that sidelined me from playing rugby for a year. Rather than stepping away, I took on the role of president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team, continuing to lead and support my teammates from the sidelines. This experience taught me that leadership is not just about personal achievement but about serving and uplifting others even when faced with adversity. These challenges have not only prepared me for the rigorous demands of medical training but have also deepened my empathy and commitment to service. I want to become a military physician and eventually serve with humanitarian organizations such as Doctors Without Borders or the Peace Corps. My goal is to provide healthcare to underserved populations, with a particular focus on women’s health, and to advocate for equitable access to quality care. I believe that my personal experiences with hardship will make me a more compassionate and effective physician. I understand the struggles patients face outside of the clinic—the financial burdens, emotional distress, and systemic barriers that impact health outcomes. I am committed to addressing these challenges holistically, ensuring that every patient receives care that respects their unique circumstances. Ultimately, I hope to impact the world through healthcare by combining clinical excellence with advocacy and leadership. I want to build healthier communities by providing compassionate care and inspiring others to lead with empathy and resilience. My journey has been marked by perseverance and a steadfast commitment to service, and I am dedicated to using these strengths to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and communities around the globe.

When I think about what I want to build, it’s not just a physical product or a career—it’s a life rooted in service, leadership, and compassion. I want to build a future where I am a dedicated medical doctor, someone who brings healing and hope to underserved communities both at home and around the world. This future is built on the foundation of resilience, hard work, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. My goal is to build a career as a military physician and eventually extend my service through organizations like Doctors Without Borders or the Peace Corps. Through this path, I will build bridges between quality healthcare and populations that face significant barriers to access. I want to be part of a global effort to improve women’s health, addressing disparities and ensuring that care is not a privilege, but a basic human right. Building this future means more than just acquiring medical knowledge; it requires developing leadership skills, cultural awareness, and empathy. My experience as president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team has already helped me build important leadership qualities like communication, teamwork, and resilience. Leading my team through challenges—especially while recovering from an ACL injury—taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability, skills that I will carry into my medical career. By building myself as a compassionate leader and skilled physician, I hope to create a ripple effect of positive change. On a personal level, this journey will challenge me to grow continuously and stay committed to my values of service and empathy. For my community, it means having a healthcare advocate who understands their struggles, who listens, and who works tirelessly to improve access and outcomes. Ultimately, building my future as a physician is about more than individual success—it’s about building healthier, stronger communities and inspiring others to pursue service and leadership. It’s a commitment to giving back and to shaping a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

In my everyday routine, I make a conscious effort to embody the five traits of strong leadership and communication skills, resilience, unselfishness, focus and determination, and a strong work ethic—qualities that have been essential in shaping who I am and guiding me toward my future goals. Strong leadership and communication skills are integral parts of my daily life. As president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team, I lead by example both on and off the field. I prioritize clear, open communication with my teammates and coaches to build trust and foster a positive team culture. I actively listen to others’ concerns and ideas, which helps me make informed decisions and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. Resilience has been tested frequently throughout my journey. Balancing a full academic load with a part-time job to support myself financially requires constant perseverance and adaptability. When I faced a major setback—an ACL injury that forced me to step away from playing rugby for a year—I didn’t let that stop me from fulfilling my leadership duties. Instead, I found ways to contribute from the sidelines and keep the team united, demonstrating that resilience is not just about physical strength but mental toughness and determination. Being unselfish means putting others before myself. I mentor younger students and support my teammates by dedicating time and energy to their growth and well-being. I understand the importance of community and the impact we can have when we work together. This unselfishness extends beyond sports to volunteering and helping my family, recognizing that true leadership is grounded in service. My focus and determination drive me to keep my eyes on my long-term goals. I have set my sights on becoming a military physician and eventually working with humanitarian organizations such as Doctors Without Borders or the Peace Corps. Every day, I dedicate myself to excelling academically and personally because I know the path to this goal requires unwavering commitment. Finally, a strong work ethic is the foundation of all I do. Whether it’s studying late to grasp complex medical concepts, working to cover my expenses, or leading my team through challenges, I consistently put forth my best effort. I believe that success is earned through hard work, persistence, and integrity. I am pursuing my degree in medicine because I want to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, especially women and underserved populations. Medicine combines my passion for science with my desire to serve. I want to be a doctor who not only treats illness but also advocates for equitable healthcare access. To me, leadership means inspiring others through example, listening with empathy, and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive. It is about courage, responsibility, and service—qualities I strive to live by every day as I prepare to become a compassionate and effective physician.

From a young age, I have been drawn to medicine because of my deep desire to help others and make a meaningful difference in their lives. Becoming a medical doctor offers me the unique opportunity to combine science, compassion, and service to improve healthcare access and quality, especially for underserved populations. My long-term goal is to serve as a military physician and later contribute globally through organizations like Doctors Without Borders or the Peace Corps. I am especially passionate about women’s health and addressing healthcare disparities worldwide. My path toward this goal has been shaped by significant personal challenges that have strengthened my resilience and deepened my empathy. My father left early in my life and has had no involvement since, leaving my mother to raise me and my siblings alone. As a single mother working as an elementary school teacher, she struggled financially to provide for us, often making sacrifices to ensure we had what we needed. Growing up in this environment taught me the value of hard work, determination, and perseverance. Additionally, my older sister faced serious mental health challenges throughout our childhood, which caused considerable trauma and stress within our family. Witnessing her struggles firsthand has given me a profound understanding of the emotional and psychological obstacles many individuals face, often silently, while navigating daily life. These experiences have fueled my passion for holistic healthcare—care that recognizes mental and emotional wellbeing as just as critical as physical health. Despite these obstacles, I have worked diligently to pursue my education and career goals. I support myself financially while attending college full-time and have taken on leadership roles such as serving as president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team. Even when I was sidelined for a year due to ACL surgery, I continued to lead, learning valuable lessons about resilience, leadership, and perseverance. Balancing academics, work, and leadership has required immense discipline and focus, and these experiences have prepared me for the demanding nature of medical training. Having faced financial hardship and emotional trauma has made me more compassionate and understanding of the challenges many patients endure. I know how difficult it can be to seek care while managing life’s burdens, and I am committed to providing empathetic, patient-centered care that addresses the whole person. I also hope to be an advocate for patients facing systemic barriers to healthcare access. Ultimately, these personal challenges have shaped me into a determined, compassionate individual ready to embrace the responsibilities of a physician. They have given me a unique perspective and motivation to contribute to healthcare with empathy and strength. I am confident that my experiences will help me become a doctor who not only treats illness but also understands and supports the complex lives of my patients.

Statement 1: My career goal is to become a military physician and eventually serve with global organizations such as Doctors Without Borders or the Peace Corps. I’m passionate about improving access to healthcare, particularly for underserved populations and in the field of women’s health. This award would reduce the financial stress of balancing full-time studies and work, allowing me to focus more fully on my education, leadership roles, and service experiences that align with my long-term goals. A key accomplishment that reflects my commitment and resilience is my role as president of my university’s Women’s Rugby Team. I continued leading the team even during a year-long recovery from ACL surgery, which prevented me from playing. Through this experience, I learned how to lead from the sidelines, build team unity, and mentor newer players while managing logistics and fostering a supportive culture. In addition to my leadership in athletics, I support myself financially by working while attending college full-time. This has taught me time management, discipline, and perseverance. I’m deeply committed to service and have sought out opportunities to help others whenever possible—on campus and in my community. These experiences have shaped me into a focused, hardworking, and compassionate individual, prepared to take on the challenges of medical training and a life dedicated to helping others. This award would not only support my education but also bring me one step closer to becoming the physician and leader I aspire to be. Statement 2: My career goal is to become a military physician and, later, serve with global humanitarian organizations such as Doctors Without Borders or the Peace Corps. I am deeply committed to providing compassionate, equitable care—particularly in underserved communities and in the field of women’s health. These goals strongly align with ACHE of SoCal’s mission to advance healthcare leadership and improve the delivery of care across diverse populations. Like ACHE of SoCal, I believe that effective leadership and service are essential to transforming healthcare systems and addressing disparities in care. Through my experiences—working to support myself through school, leading my university’s Women’s Rugby Team during and after ACL surgery recovery, and pursuing a rigorous academic path—I have learned the value of resilience, integrity, and a team-based approach to solving challenges. These qualities mirror ACHE’s commitment to developing leaders who are not only skilled, but also compassionate and community-focused. ACHE of SoCal also emphasizes mentorship and service—values that are foundational to my journey. I strive to mentor others through my leadership role in athletics and seek to serve my community through medicine. I see healthcare as more than a career; it’s a lifelong mission to lead by example, support others, and improve lives. This opportunity would help me grow into a future healthcare leader who embodies ACHE’s vision: advancing excellence, equity, and access for all.

My name is Allison Ciarmoli, and I am currently a college student at UC Davis working toward a career in medicine. My long-term goal is to become a doctor who serves in the military and, later on, to continue that mission of service through global organizations like the Peace Corps or Doctors Without Borders. My greatest passion lies in helping others, especially those who are underserved, and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations. I am particularly drawn to women’s health and making meaningful contributions toward more equitable, compassionate care for women across the world. I’ve always believed in living a life of purpose and service. I’ve worked hard to align my academics, work, and extracurriculars with that mission. In addition to being a full-time student, I also work to support myself financially. Balancing work and school has taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of staying focused on my long-term goals even when life gets difficult. One of the most important aspects of my college experience has been my involvement with the Women’s Rugby Team, where I currently serve as president. This leadership role has pushed me to grow in countless ways—from managing team logistics and communicating with school officials to mentoring newer players and creating a strong, inclusive team culture. Even during a difficult year when I was recovering from ACL surgery and unable to play, I stayed committed to the team and continued to lead from the sidelines. That experience not only tested my resilience but reminded me of the strength that comes from community, perseverance, and leading with heart. Physical and mental health are deeply important to me, not only in my personal life but as foundational elements of the kind of physician I want to become. I believe that healthcare should be holistic, compassionate, and accessible—and that belief drives everything I do, both inside and outside the classroom. Receiving this scholarship would make a significant difference in my life. It would relieve some of the financial pressure of supporting myself while pursuing an academically demanding path. More importantly, it would allow me to continue investing in my leadership, academic, and service commitments without being held back by financial stress. With your support, I can continue building a future where I can give back even more—to my country, to communities in need, and to the people whose lives I hope to improve through medicine and compassion.

I am currently working as a Certified Medical Assistant in a memory care facility, where I provide daily care and emotional support to residents living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. This role has given me a deeper understanding of the importance of patience, compassion, and consistency in healthcare. In addition to my current position, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer and intern in a pediatrician’s office, an optometry clinic, and now a hospital. These diverse experiences have helped me see healthcare from many angles, allowing me to develop a well-rounded perspective on how to provide the best possible care for patients across different settings and stages of life. My motivation to pursue a career in healthcare is rooted in my personal life. I was raised by a single mother alongside my twin brother and older sister, who lives with mental health challenges. From an early age, I was aware that my sister needed more attention and care, and I often found myself stepping into a supportive role within our family. Even as a child, I understood the value of empathy, patience, and being present for those who need help the most. These early experiences helped shape my desire to care for others and contributed to my decision to pursue a future in medicine. Another major influence in my life was my relationship with my grandparents, especially my grandmother. I spent a great deal of time with her growing up, and we were extremely close. As she grew older, she developed multiple chronic illnesses, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and eventually lung cancer, which was caused by a long history of smoking. Watching her health decline was incredibly difficult. I felt helpless, yet deeply motivated to find ways to make her feel better, even if only in small ways. I vividly remember telling her that I wanted to become a doctor so I could help people like her. She always believed in me and would tell me that, with my heart, determination, intelligence, and compassion, I would become an amazing doctor one day. Now, I am working hard to make that dream a reality—not just for myself, but for her. My goal is to provide care that truly makes a difference, not only by treating illness but by offering comfort, respect, and advocacy for patients who may feel overlooked. I hope to become the kind of healthcare provider who listens deeply, acts with purpose, and helps prevent the suffering that I’ve seen affect those I love.