Growing up, I’ve been surrounded by doctors. Most of my family members have jobs in the medical field or have acquired medical degrees. Despite having many role models, my main inspiration for pursuing a job in the area of study is my dad. My father has been a chiropractor for over 15 years and continues to expand his practice. He regularly contributes to non-profits, established a coaching organization for young doctors, is a partner in two practices, and founded a program for black college students to be introduced to chiropractic. Similar to my father’s efforts in growing the medical community, I hope to do the same. Throughout my childhood, I've been exposed to many different types of physicians and their careers. Although I've been surrounded by various fascinating occupations, I'm most interested in one. After a trip to my naturopathic doctor in an attempt to find a remedy for my skin condition, I realized how passionate I was about the natural side of medicine. The lack of black representation within the medical field is already unreasonably low. The statistics for naturopathic doctors are 3.5%. Appreciating my black female naturopathic doctor has inspired me as well as helped me realize my admiration for holistic medicine. Likewise, motivating other minorities is a beautiful property that I hope to someday possess. At Howard University, I intend to major in biology and enter the pre-med program in my sophomore year. I chose to attend an HBCU because it allows me to be surrounded by students who have similar goals and experiences. The opportunity to study biology and pursue a career in the medical field around other independent strong black women will not only allow me to grow and learn but also to flourish.

Last summer I volunteered 100 community service hours at a Veterans Advantage Urgent Care. The VAUC is a sub-specialty Urgent Care solely for underserved Veterans throughout Missouri. I felt compelled to volunteer at this particular clinic because it is one of the first of its kind in the nation that has a special focus on PTSD, pain management, and wound and lung care through a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. At the VAUC, I participated in community outreach programs for the organization, assisted both patients and staff with paperwork, contributed ideas for the social media website, guided patients throughout the clinical area, and helped with keeping the waiting room clean and other basic maintenance tasks. Dedicating my time to help the veterans made me feel fulfilled and confirmed my commitment to being an integral part of the healthcare system as well as my desire to help communities that have historically had unfair access to care. There is a low population of African American doctors and attaining a medical degree will also allow me to be a role model for other young minorities. By pursuing a degree in the medical field I not only have the opportunity to make a direct difference to provide my services in underprivileged neighborhoods and reach those most in need, but I will also use the platform to encourage other young minorities to pursue their dreams and realize their potential in the healthcare industry.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure, I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I learned that filling my own cup first was a non-negotiable and healthy habit. This experience confirmed and prepared me to pursue my dream to become a doctor. I can empathize and understand deeply how a health issue can affect an individual beyond the physical aspect. Health issues take an emotional and mental toll that can delay the healing process. After learning to support my own well-being despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless dedication to help others shorten their path to recovery by stressing the importance of self-acceptance and self-care.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. Since the seventh grade, this chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores. I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure, I visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. A year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life and intentionally find ways to best support my nutritional and mental health. Under the supervision of a nutritionist, I took various supplements that I was deficient in and completed a 90-day detoxification diet which included eliminating all processed sugars, gluten, and dairy and eating a purely vegan diet. As I made changes to my lifestyle, I started a sweet journey of self-discovery and I gradually learned to comfort myself through journaling, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking walks, meditating each morning before school, and going to the gym three to four times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and started seeing a therapist. Even after the detoxification was over I continued to support my nutritional health by maintaining a vegetarian diet, drinking adequate amounts of water throughout my day, and being mindful of my gluten, dairy, and sugar intake. As I continued to prioritize my healthy eating habits, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself I never realized could exist. As I gradually transformed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches beginning to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my diet, stress levels, and mental health. I learned that loving myself the most and filling my own cup first are non-negotiable and healthy habits. These changes in my eating habits have helped me develop pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I set for myself seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. After learning to support my own nutritional health despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless commitment to encourage others to shorten their path to recovery from health issues by stressing the importance of taking care of their body as a whole.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. Since the seventh grade, this chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores. I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure, I visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. A year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life and intentionally find ways to best support my nutritional and mental health. Under the supervision of a nutritionist, I took various supplements that I was deficient in and completed a 90-day detoxification diet which included eliminating all processed sugars, gluten, and dairy and eating a purely vegan diet. As I made changes to my lifestyle, I started a sweet journey of self-discovery and I gradually learned to comfort myself through journaling, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking walks, meditating each morning before school, and going to the gym three to four times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and started seeing a therapist. Even after the detoxification was over I continued to support my nutritional health by maintaining a vegetarian diet, drinking adequate amounts of water throughout my day, and being mindful of my gluten, dairy, and sugar intake. As I continued to prioritize my mental, physical, and emotional well-being, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually transformed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches beginning to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my diet, stress levels, and mental health. I learned that loving myself the most and filling my own cup first are non-negotiable and healthy habits. These changes in my lifestyle have helped me develop pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I set for myself seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. After learning to support my own mental, physical, and nutritional health despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless commitment to encourage others to shorten their path to recovery from health issues by stressing the importance of taking care of their body as a whole.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression and anxiety. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. I also started seeing a therapist once every two weeks to support my mental health. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I began to see we live in a world where choosing self-care can be seen as selfish, but in reality, filling your cup first is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The changes in me did not go unnoticed. I attracted more friends and became someone others could feel safe with and open up to about their own mental and emotional struggles. I began having honest conversations about mental health and wellness with my friends and my parents. I realized how powerful I am and what a difference I can make when I am being intentional about loving myself by taking the measures to maintain a positive mental state. This experience confirmed and prepared me to pursue my dream to become a doctor. I can empathize and understand deeply how a health issue can affect an individual beyond the physical aspect. Health issues take an emotional and mental toll that can delay the healing process. After learning to support my well-being despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless dedication to help others shorten their path to recovery by stressing the importance of self-care and mental health.

My father is the biggest inspiration for me to get involved in my community. He opened his primary chiropractic office almost 20 years ago, and I saw it grow from five patients a week to now over 1000 patients a week. He takes the greatest care for his patients, creates job opportunities by constantly growing his practice, and uses his platform and wisdom to serve his community. My father regularly contributes to non-profits, established a coaching organization for young doctors, opened two additional practices, founded a program for students in underserved communities to be introduced to chiropractic, and has a podcast focused on educating African Americans about common health issues. In addition, he organizes a yearly conference for minority students and doctors to help ensure their future success and provide a source of support. It is his dedication to helping minorities in underprivileged neighborhoods and educating them about optimum health and being a role model for other African Americans to pursue a future in chiropractic that motivates me to follow in his footsteps. His persistence to grow a community of African American doctors has encouraged me to not only be a part of that statistic but to serve my community in the way he has. Last summer I volunteered 100 community service hours at a Veterans Advantage Urgent Care. The VAUC is a sub-specialty Urgent Care solely for underserved Veterans throughout Missouri. I felt compelled to volunteer at this particular clinic because it is one of the first of its kind in the nation that has a special focus on PTSD, pain management, and wound and lung care through a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. At the VAUC, I participated in community outreach programs for the organization, assisted both patients and staff with paperwork, contributed ideas for the social media website, guided patients throughout the clinical area, and helped with keeping the waiting room clean and other basic maintenance tasks. Dedicating my time to help the veterans made me feel fulfilled and confirmed my commitment to being an integral part of the healthcare system as well as my desire to help communities that have historically had unfair access to care. It is a known fact that the African American community, despite being a minority population, is the unhealthiest race in America. One contributing factor to this statistic is inequality and unfair access to health care. By pursuing a degree in the medical field I can have the opportunity to make a direct difference to provide my services in underprivileged neighborhoods and reach those most in need. There is a low population of African American doctors and African American naturopaths are a significantly smaller percentage of that number. I want to attain a medical degree and practice naturopathy so I can have a career in a field I feel connected to and have a great passion for, and also to be a role model for other young minorities. I want to use the knowledge I learned from watching my dad to help others in my community know their potential and encourage them to achieve their aspirations as he has influenced me.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression and anxiety. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. I also started seeing a therapist once every two weeks to support my mental health. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I began to see we live in a world where choosing self-care can be seen as selfish, but in reality, filling your cup first is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The changes in me did not go unnoticed. I attracted more friends and became someone others could feel safe with and open up to about their own mental and emotional struggles. I began having honest conversations about mental health and wellness with my friends and my parents. I realized how powerful I am and what a difference I can make when I am being intentional about loving myself by taking the measures to maintain a positive mental state. This experience confirmed and prepared me to pursue my dream to become a doctor. I can empathize and understand deeply how a health issue can affect an individual beyond the physical aspect. Health issues take an emotional and mental toll that can delay the healing process. After learning to support my well-being despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless dedication to help others shorten their path to recovery by stressing the importance of self-care and mental health.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. Since the seventh grade, this chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores. I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure, I visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. A year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life and intentionally find ways to best support my nutritional health. Under the supervision of a nutritionist, I took various supplements that I was deficient in and completed a 90-day detoxification diet which included eliminating all processed sugars, gluten, and dairy and eating a purely vegan diet. Maintaining a healthy diet and persistently choosing to make peace with something I could not change gave me the determination to focus on my physical and mental health. I started a sweet journey of self-discovery and I gradually learned to comfort myself through journaling, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking walks, meditating each morning before school, and going to the gym three to four times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors. Even after the detoxification was over I continued to support my nutritional health by maintaining a vegetarian diet, drinking adequate amounts of water throughout my day, and being mindful of my gluten, dairy, and sugar intake. As I prioritized my nutritional, mental, and physical well-being, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself and my once intensely frosted discolored patches began to blend into my complexion. As I gradually transformed from the inside out through healthy choices, my five-year battle with a skin disorder came to an end. I learned that loving myself the most and filling my own cup first are non-negotiable and healthy habits. I aspire to become a naturopath one day so I can help others that are suffering from a health condition. My upbringing with two chiropractic parents was focused on eating well, preventative care, and a holistic approach to health. My personal experience with seborrheic dermatitis helps me empathize and understand deeply how it can affect individuals and after learning to support my own well-being despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless dedication to helping others shorten their path to recovery by stressing the importance of eating a healthy diet and taking care of your body as a whole.

My goal in the health field is to become a naturopath with a medical degree. My father is my biggest source of inspiration because I have seen him support and grow racial diversity in healthcare. He opened his primary chiropractic office almost 20 years ago, and I saw it grow from five patients a week to now over 1000 patients a week. He takes the greatest care for his patients, creates job opportunities by constantly growing his practice, and uses his platform and wisdom to serve his community. My father regularly contributes to non-profits, established a coaching organization for young doctors, opened two additional practices, founded a program for students in underserved communities to be introduced to chiropractic, and has a podcast focused on educating African Americans about common health issues. In addition, he organizes a yearly conference for minority students and doctors to help ensure their future success and provide a source of support. It is his dedication to helping minorities in underprivileged neighborhoods and educating them about optimum health and being a role model for other African Americans to pursue a future in chiropractic that motivates me to follow in his footsteps. His persistence to grow a community of African American doctors has encouraged me to not only be a part of that statistic but to serve my community in the way he has. Last summer I volunteered 100 community service hours at a Veterans Advantage Urgent Care. The VAUC is a sub-specialty Urgent Care solely for underserved Veterans throughout Missouri. I felt compelled to volunteer at this particular clinic because it is one of the first of its kind in the nation that has a special focus on PTSD, pain management, and wound and lung care through a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. At the VAUC, I participated in community outreach programs for the organization, assisted both patients and staff with paperwork, contributed ideas for the social media website, guided patients throughout the clinical area, and helped with keeping the waiting room clean and other basic maintenance tasks. Dedicating my time to help the veterans made me feel fulfilled and confirmed my commitment to being an integral part of the healthcare system as well as my desire to help communities that have historically had unfair access to care. It is a known fact that the African American community, despite being a minority population, is the unhealthiest race in America. One contributing factor to this statistic is inequality and unfair access to health care. By pursuing a degree in the medical field I can have the opportunity to make a direct difference to provide my services in underprivileged neighborhoods and reach those most in need. There is a low population of African American doctors and African American naturopaths are a significantly smaller percentage of that number. I want to attain a medical degree and practice naturopathy so I can have a career in a field I feel connected to and have a great passion for, and also to be a role model for other young minorities. I want to use the knowledge I learned from watching my dad to help others in my community know their potential and encourage them to achieve their aspirations as he has influenced me.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression and anxiety. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. I also started seeing a therapist once every two weeks to support my mental health. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I began to see we live in a world where choosing self-care can be seen as selfish, but in reality, filling your cup first is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The changes in me did not go unnoticed. I started having healthier relationships and became someone others could feel safe with and open up to about their own mental and emotional struggles. I began having honest conversations about mental health and wellness with my friends and my parents. I realized how powerful I am and what a difference I can make when I am being intentional about loving myself by taking the measures to maintain a positive mental state. By being resilient and learning from my experience I now inspire those around me to be diligent and intentional about their own mental and emotional health. I also try to be an example of how you can encounter hardships in life and allow them to teach you to be a better version of yourself.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression and anxiety. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. I also started seeing a therapist once every two weeks to support my mental health. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I began to see we live in a world where choosing self-care can be seen as selfish, but in reality, filling your cup first is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The quality I value most about myself is that I prioritize my mental and emotional health so that I can be a better version of myself for those around me. Through my struggle with a health issue, I learned how to be more empathetic and understanding to others that were going through hardship in their own life. I realized as I healed myself, I began to have healthier relationships with others. I became someone others could feel safe with and open up to about their own mental and emotional struggles. I began having honest conversations about mental health and wellness with my friends and my parents. I realized what a difference I can make when I am being intentional about loving myself by taking the measures to maintain a positive mental state and how this characteristic will continue to help me in my life journey.

My goal in the health field is to become a naturopath with a medical degree. My father is my biggest source of inspiration because I have seen him support and grow racial diversity in healthcare. He opened his primary chiropractic office almost 20 years ago, and I saw it grow from five patients a week to now over 1000 patients a week. He takes the greatest care for his patients, creates job opportunities by constantly growing his practice, and uses his platform and wisdom to serve his community. My father regularly contributes to non-profits, established a coaching organization for young doctors, opened two additional practices, founded a program for students in underserved communities to be introduced to chiropractic, and has a podcast focused on educating African Americans about common health issues. In addition, he organizes a yearly conference for minority students and doctors to help ensure their future success and provide a source of support. It is his dedication to helping minorities in underprivileged neighborhoods and educating them about optimum health and being a role model for other African Americans to pursue a future in chiropractic that motivates me to follow in his footsteps. His persistence to grow a community of African American doctors has encouraged me to not only be a part of that statistic but to serve my community in the way he has. Last summer I volunteered 100 community service hours at a Veterans Advantage Urgent Care. The VAUC is a sub-specialty Urgent Care solely for underserved Veterans throughout Missouri. I felt compelled to volunteer at this particular clinic because it is one of the first of its kind in the nation that has a special focus on PTSD, pain management, and wound and lung care through a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. At the VAUC, I participated in community outreach programs for the organization, assisted both patients and staff with paperwork, contributed ideas for the social media website, guided patients throughout the clinical area, and helped with keeping the waiting room clean and other basic maintenance tasks. Dedicating my time to help the veterans made me feel fulfilled and confirmed my commitment to being an integral part of the healthcare system as well as my desire to help communities that have historically had unfair access to care. It is a known fact that the African American community, despite being a minority population, is the unhealthiest race in America. One contributing factor to this statistic is inequality and unfair access to health care. By pursuing a degree in the medical field I can have the opportunity to make a direct difference to provide my services in underprivileged neighborhoods and reach those most in need. There is a low population of African American doctors and African American naturopaths are a significantly smaller percentage of that number. I want to attain a medical degree and practice naturopathy so I can have a career in a field I feel connected to and have a great passion for, and also to be a role model for other young minorities. I want to use the knowledge I learned from watching my dad to help others in my community know their potential and encourage them to achieve their aspirations as he has influenced me.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression and anxiety. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. I also started seeing a therapist once every two weeks to support my mental health. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I began to see we live in a world where choosing self-care can be seen as selfish, but in reality, filling your cup first is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The changes in me did not go unnoticed. I attracted more friends and became someone others could feel safe with and open up to about their own mental and emotional struggles. I began having honest conversations about mental health and wellness with my friends and my parents. I realized how powerful I am and what a difference I can make when I am being intentional about loving myself by taking the measures to maintain a positive mental state. This experience confirmed and prepared me to pursue my dream to become a doctor. I can empathize and understand deeply how a health issue can affect an individual beyond the physical aspect. Health issues take an emotional and mental toll that can delay the healing process. After learning to support my well-being despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless dedication to help others shorten their path to recovery by stressing the importance of self-care and mental health.

My father was an example of how collaboration and diversity are important in advancing the healthcare and medical field. My father opened his primary chiropractic office almost 20 years ago, and I saw it grow from five patients a week to now over 1000 patients a week. He takes the greatest care for his patients, creates job opportunities by constantly growing his practice, and uses his platform and wisdom to serve his community. My father regularly contributes to non-profits, partners with other chiropractors to establish a coaching organization for young doctors, opened two additional practices, founded a program for students in underserved communities to be introduced to chiropractic, and has a podcast focused on educating African Americans about common health issues. In addition, he organizes a yearly conference for minority students and doctors to help ensure their future success and provide a source of support. It is his dedication to helping minorities in underprivileged neighborhoods and educating them about optimum health and being a role model for other African Americans to pursue a future in chiropractic that motivates me to follow in his footsteps. His persistence to grow a community of African American doctors has encouraged me to not only be a part of that statistic but to serve my community in the way he has. Last summer I volunteered 100 community service hours at a Veterans Advantage Urgent Care. The VAUC is a sub-specialty Urgent Care solely for underserved Veterans throughout Missouri. I felt compelled to volunteer at this particular clinic because it is one of the first of its kind in the nation that has a special focus on PTSD, pain management, and wound and lung care through a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. At the VAUC, I participated in community outreach programs for the organization, assisted both patients and staff with paperwork, contributed ideas for the social media website, guided patients throughout the clinical area, and helped with keeping the waiting room clean and other basic maintenance tasks. Dedicating my time to help the veterans made me feel fulfilled and confirmed my commitment to being an integral part of the healthcare system as well as my desire to help communities that have historically had unfair access to care. It is a known fact that the African American community, despite being a minority population, is the unhealthiest race in America. One contributing factor to this statistic is inequality and unfair access to health care. By pursuing a degree in the medical field I can have the opportunity to make a direct difference to provide my services in underprivileged neighborhoods and reach those most in need. There is a low population of African American doctors and African American naturopaths are a significantly smaller percentage of that number. I want to attain a medical degree and practice naturopathy so I can have a career in a field I feel connected to and have a great passion for, and also to be a role model for other young minorities. I want to use the knowledge I learned from watching my dad to help others in my community know their potential and encourage them to achieve their aspirations as he has influenced me.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. I also started seeing a therapist once every two weeks to support my mental health. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I began to see we live in a world where choosing self-care can be seen as selfish, but in reality, filling your own cup first is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The changes in me did not go unnoticed. I attracted more friends and became someone others could feel safe with and open up to about their own mental and emotional struggles. I began having honest conversations about mental health and wellness with my friends and my parents. I realized how powerful I am and what a difference I can make when I am being intentional about loving myself by taking the measures to maintain a positive mental state. This experience confirmed and prepared me to pursue my dream to become a doctor. I can empathize and understand deeply how a health issue can affect an individual beyond the physical aspect. Health issues take an emotional and mental toll that can delay the healing process. After learning to support my own well-being despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless dedication to help others shorten their path to recovery by stressing the importance of self-care and mental health.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times that would result in painful bloody sores and I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before I went to school, and lifting weights at the gym three times a week. I also started seeing a therapist once every two weeks to support my mental health. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of self-love and self-acceptance I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches begin to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care. I began to see we live in a world where choosing self-care can be seen as selfish, but in reality, filling your own cup first is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The changes in me did not go unnoticed. I attracted more friends and became someone others could feel safe with and open up to about their own mental and emotional struggles. I began having honest conversations about mental health and wellness with my friends and my parents. I realized how powerful I am and what a difference I can make when I am being intentional about loving myself by taking the measures to maintain a positive mental state. This experience confirmed and prepared me to pursue my dream to become a doctor. I can empathize and understand deeply how a health issue can affect an individual beyond the physical aspect. Health issues take an emotional and mental toll that can delay the healing process. After learning to support my own well-being despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless dedication to help others shorten their path to recovery by stressing the importance of self-care and mental health.

I plan on succeeding in college by being diligent, consistent, and organized. I will ensure I maintain my healthy habits regarding eating, fitness, and getting adequate sleep. I plan to attend my classes, be on time, take notes, and ask for help when needed. I am pretty self-motivated and have a lot of self-discipline and I believe those characteristics set me up to succeed in college and attain a college degree. After college, I plan on attending medical school. Getting my college degree will prepare me to be able to succeed in my future education and medical career. It is the stepping stone to everything that I will pursue moving forward. My ultimate goal is to become a naturopath with a medical degree. It is a known fact that the African American community, despite being a minority population, is the unhealthiest race in America. One contributing factor to this statistic is inequality and unfair access to health care. By pursuing a degree in the medical field I can have the opportunity to make a direct difference to provide my services in underprivileged neighborhoods and reach those most in need. There is a low population of African American doctors and African American naturopaths are a significantly smaller percentage of that number. I want to attain a medical degree and practice naturopathy so I can have a career in a field I feel connected to and have a great passion for, and also to be a role model for other young minorities. I want to use the knowledge I learned from watching my dad to help others in my community know their potential and encourage them to achieve their aspirations as he has influenced me. Succeeding in college and receiving my college degree are detrimental to the life path and goals I have set for my future. Serving my community and being a role model to young African Americans are my motivation to do everything in my power to make sure I achieve the goals I have set for myself.

There is a low population of African American doctors and African American naturopaths are a significantly smaller percentage of that number. I want to attain a medical degree and practice naturopathy so I can have a career in a field I feel connected to and have a great passion for, and also to be a role model for other young minorities. I want to use the knowledge I learned from watching my dad and follow in his footsteps to help others in my community know their potential and encourage them to achieve their aspirations as he has influenced me.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This autoimmune disease altered what would otherwise be healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. At its worst, the itch associated was so unbearable at times and resulted in painful bloody sores and I can recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In a desperate attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before school, and lifting weights 3-4 times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and talked to my therapist once a month. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually transformed and healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches beginning to blend into my complexion. I discovered that the severity of my autoimmune disease was directly correlated to my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the best outcome possible for my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care and self-love. I have learned that loving myself the most and filling my cup are non-negotiable and healthy habits. The energy that once was applied in conflict with my insecurities is now used productively to uplift and encourage myself. I’ve developed pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I’ve established seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. I realized I can take a situation I can't control and turn it into a strength by empowering myself with what I can control. This journey of personal growth has helped manage my seborrheic dermatitis and provided me with better overall health, but it has also taught me what truly loving myself looks like.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores and I recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In a desperate attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before school, and lifting weights 3-4 times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and talked to my therapist once a month. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually transformed and healed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches beginning to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care and self-love. This journey of finding myself allowed me to literally became more comfortable in my own skin. I realized how many outside pressures such as peer pressure, parental approval, society, and culture changed the way I showed up, but at the end of the day, I have always been the same person on the inside. The process of self-discovery only helped me remove layers that I believed protected me and today I live a life that is more aligned with my true self. I have learned that loving myself the most and filling my cup are non-negotiable and healthy habits. The energy that once was applied in conflict with my insecurities is now used productively to uplift and encourage myself. I’ve developed pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I’ve established seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. This path to personal growth has not only kept my seborrheic dermatitis away and provided me with better overall health, but it has also taught me what truly loving myself looks like.

With all the unknowns in this world and trying to make sense of life and the curveballs along the way, since the seventh grade, I have contemplated why seborrheic dermatitis chose me. As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores and I recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In a desperate attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. Finally, a year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself by journaling my emotions, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking long walks, meditating each morning before school, and lifting weights 3-4 times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and talked to my therapist once a month. As I continued to prioritize my well-being, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually transformed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches beginning to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-care and supporting my mental health first and foremost. I learned that loving myself the most and filling my cup are non-negotiable and healthy habits. The energy that once was applied in conflict with my insecurities is now used productively to uplift and encourage myself. I’ve developed pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I’ve established seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. Supporting my mental health has not only kept my seborrheic dermatitis away and provided me with better overall health, but it has also taught me what truly loving myself looks like. With all the unknowns in this world and trying to make sense of life and the curveballs along the way, I now feel empowered with the tools to support my mental wellness.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. Since the seventh grade, this chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores. I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure, I visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. A year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life and intentionally find ways to best support my nutritional health. Under the supervision of a nutritionist, I took various supplements that I was deficient in and started a clean living diet which included eliminating processed sugars and refined grains, and eating a purely vegan diet. I also ate whole foods without artificial ingredients, removing processed foods, trans fats, and heavily saturated fats from my diet. Along with a clean living diet, I wanted to start using clean living products because I understood how the products that I can come in contact with can also affect my health. I asked my mom to only purchase natural cleaning products that are free from harmful toxins and chemicals. It made sense to me that what I breathe in and the products that come in contact with my skin could contribute to my ongoing struggle with chronic eczema and hinder my recovery. As I prioritized my clean living diet and using only clean living products, I began noticing my once intensely frosted discolored patches began to blend into my complexion. As I gradually transformed from the inside out through healthy choices, my five-year battle with a skin disorder came to an end. I learned that living a clean lifestyle is a non-negotiable and healthy habit. The energy that once was applied in conflict with my insecurities is now used productively to uplift and encourage myself. I have developed pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I set for myself seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. Living a clean lifestyle has transformed my self-esteem and I now feel empowered and fulfilled. After learning to support my own nutritional, mental, and physical health despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless commitment to encourage others to shorten their path to recovery from health issues by stressing the importance of a clean living diet and using clean living products.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores. I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In a desperate attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. A year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life and intentionally find the ways to best support my mental, physical and nutritional health. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself through journaling, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I took long walks, meditated each morning before school, and went to the gym three to four times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and talked to my therapist once a month. To support my nutritional health I maintained a vegetarian diet, drank adequate amounts of water throughout my day, and tried to be mindful of my gluten, dairy, and sugar intake. As I prioritized my mental, physical and nutritional well-being, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually transformed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches beginning to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-love and self-care. I learned that loving myself the most and filling my own cup first are non-negotiable and healthy habits. The energy that once was applied in conflict with my insecurities is now used productively to uplift and encourage myself. I’ve developed pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I set for myself seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. After learning to support my own mental, physical and nutritional health despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless commitment to encourage others to shorten their path to recovery from health issues by stressing the importance of all three aspects of their well-being.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face, and body. Since the seventh grade, this chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores. I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In an attempt to find a cure, I visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists, and even a Chinese medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and overanalyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. A year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life and intentionally find ways to best support my nutritional health. Under the supervision of a nutritionist, I took various supplements that I was deficient in and completed a 90-day detoxification diet which included eliminating all processed sugars, gluten, and dairy and eating a purely vegan diet. Maintaining a healthy diet and persistently choosing to make peace with something I could not change gave me the determination to focus on my physical and mental health. I started a sweet journey of self-discovery and I gradually learned to comfort myself through journaling, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I started taking walks, meditating each morning before school, and going to the gym three to four times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and talked to my therapist once a month. Even after the detoxification was over I continued to support my nutritional health by maintaining a vegetarian diet, drinking adequate amounts of water throughout my day, and being mindful of my gluten, dairy, and sugar intake. As I prioritized my nutritional, mental, and physical well-being, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself and my once intensely frosted discolored patches began to blend into my complexion. As I gradually transformed from the inside out through healthy choices, my five-year battle with a skin disorder came to an end. I learned that loving myself the most and filling my own cup first are non-negotiable and healthy habits. The energy that once was applied in conflict with my insecurities is now used productively to uplift and encourage myself. I’ve developed pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. The goals I set for myself seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. After learning to support my own nutritional, mental, and physical health despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless commitment to encourage others to shorten their path to recovery from health issues by stressing the importance of all three aspects of their wellbeing.

As I sat on the edge of yet another doctor’s treatment table with furrowed brows and burdensome thoughts, I pondered the reason seborrheic dermatitis covered my scalp, face and body. This chronic eczema altered what used to be a healthy uniform brown pigmentation and colonized it with unpredictable, discolored patches. The itch associated with it was so unbearable at times and would result in painful bloody sores and I clearly recall the embarrassment I felt as flakes visibly flew onto my clothing and anything in my vicinity as I desperately tried to find an end to the irritation. In a desperate attempt to find a cure I took various supplements, drank some of the most unpalatable concoctions, and completed several grueling detoxifications and elimination diets. I also visited countless doctors including naturopaths, acupuncturists, dermatologists and even a Chinese Medicine specialist who prescribed herbs that caused a yearlong battle with severe acne that only intensified the effects of my existing skin disease. It became impossible to look at myself and not judge and over analyze every inch of my physical appearance. My search for a way to beautify the girl in the mirror was long and allured me into a deep depression full of insomnia and anguish. A year ago, I made a conscious decision to accept the one thing that was negatively consuming every aspect of my life and intentionally find the ways to best support my mental, physical and nutritional health. As I persistently chose to make peace with something I could not change I started a sweet journey of self-discovery. It was a series of baby steps as I learned to comfort myself through journaling, practicing yoga, and placing post-it cards all over my room with positive affirmations. I took long walks, meditated each morning before school and went to the gym three to four times a week. I made sure I got adjusted regularly by my parents who are both chiropractors and talked to my therapist once a month. To support my nutritional health I maintaing a vegatarian diet, drank adequate amounts of water throughout my day, and tried to be mindful of my gluten, dairy and sugar intake. As I continued to prioritize my mental, physical and nutritional wellbeing, I began embodying a sense of love and acceptance for myself I never realized could exist. Although these minor changes seemed trivial and insignificant, I became happier and more fulfilled. As I gradually transformed from the inside out, I noticed my once intensely frosted discolored patches beginning to blend into my complexion. I discovered that dermatitis was a direct consequence of my stress levels and mental health. To my surprise, the solution to my five-year battle with a skin disorder was self-love and self-care. I learned that loving myself the most and filling my own cup first are non-negotiable and healthy habits. The energy that once was applied in conflict with my insecurities is now used productively to uplift and encourage myself. I’ve developed a pride in my identity, appearance, and disposition. Goals I set for myself seem more attainable and I am more present and grateful in my daily life. After learning to support my own mental, physical and nutritional health despite a condition I was repeatedly told has no cure, I have a relentless commitment to encourage others to shorten their path to recovery from health issues by stressing the importance of self-acceptance and self-care.

I started playing golf when I was in 3rd grade. It was the primary way I connected with my dad. He taught me a how to play, but in doing so he challenged me in every way. He would have to help me through a vast range of emotions and didn't let me quit or give up on myself. Through my journey I learned to manage my feelings, give myself permission to feel frustrated and learned to focus on the game despite the negative thoughts and feelings that I was struggling with. This practice helped me a lot in my life to understand my triggers and navigate hard things, but not react to them. I am better able able to be reasonable and make logical decisions despite the turbulence that I may notice inside. Golf is a life skill. I plan on playing and improving my game for the rest of my life. The fresh air and the smell of fresh cut grass is therapeutic. I feel full of contentment when I witness the improvement in my game considering the time and energy I sacrifice and invest in practicing . My passion for golf gave me something to identify with throughout the years I was trying to find myself in my early teens and gave me a healthy outlet to pour myself into. Being varsity from sophomore to senior year and making it to state my senior year helped me grow more confident and secure in who I was. I will always hold dear the memories of me and my dad on the range and it continues to be a way to enjoy his friendship and wisdom. I hope to play golf in college and find success in it as much as I did in high school. Golf has by far been the most transformational part of my life and I am full of gratitude for my golf journey.