In the cluttered break room, hidden in the corner of the third-level patient floor, I highlight key terms and Google their definitions, trying to make sense of the dense scientific articles in preparation for my upcoming courses. That summer, while volunteering at the hospital— making rounds to check in on patients, transporting them from oncology to the cafeteria or to coagulation— I immersed myself in the idea that I didn't just want to be around science, but instead, become part of it. After spending over a hundred hours walking up and down the hallways, pushing wheelchairs, organizing files, and stocking the supply rooms, I realized that patient care wasn't the path I hoped to pursue in life. My father has always pressured me to become a doctor, and while I admired the idea of physician-patient care, I was truly fascinated by the diagnosis— why one treatment worked instead of another. Rather than what was seen at face value when you walk into the hospital, I desired to know what was happening behind the scenes in the labs. My time at the hospital was a valuable experience for me, allowing me to realize that my position in life wasn't bedside next to a patient, but at the bench of a lab conducting experiments and unfolding mysteries of society's future in science. Choosing this career path came with its own obstacles, aside from looking through a microscope and analyzing streak plates. The cost of required course materials and proper lab attire adds up, especially for a first-generation student raised in an immigrant household, like myself. While many of my classmates make these purchases without a second thought, I always try to find cheaper alternatives from the internet. Despite that, not everything is accessible to someone on a budget. I have learned to weigh every decision I make, finding ways to lower the cost of my academic career. Every dollar has mattered to my family, especially my parents, who run a small restaurant to earn anything for their kids. Growing up, my life has always been inside the restaurant, whether it was bussing tables, making drinks at the bar, or managing the front of house. The cost of my academic career wasn't just numbers I neglected while at check out, but the extra hours I had to work in order to cover the fees. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve the financial stress and allow me to focus, but would also widen the opportunity that I have to further my academic journey. My research, preparation for graduate school, and many others would be positively impacted. Rather than worrying about how many shifts I need to work to cover the additional fees, I can spend my time focusing on what is in front of me, devoting my energy to strengthening my scientific foundation. Looking forward, I hope to gain higher education, working to earn my MS in biology with a long-term goal of contributing to advancements in treatment and prevention of diseases. I want to make the scientific community more accessible for first-generation students like me, low-income families, and other undervalued groups who may hesitate to chase their dreams in science due to financial hardships. Science has the power to heal, but representation and support do as well. With the investment of financially supporting students, like me, I am determined to push the boundaries of research, making science a more accessible place to make a difference in STEM.

The lessons that shaped me weren't taught within the four walls of a classroom; they were learned through every meal my parents served. I grew up around soy sauce bottles and sizzling woks in the back of my family's restaurant in Plymouth, Massachusetts. By seventh grade, I was bussing tables, translating letters for my parents, and trying to grasp the last of my childhood before it was too late. As a first-generation Chinese American, I came to understand the importance of sacrifice, hard work, and the deep-rooted value of family, all of which continue to shape who I am today. Growing up in a predominantly white environment, I often felt like an outsider. My lunch looked different, my native tongue was unfamiliar, and my appearance stood out. Even after-school activities deviated from those of my friends. While they were playing sports or gaming on their Xbox, I was at the restaurant finishing homework assignments before starting my shift. Despite those long hours, I remained focused and grounded on my goals. In high school, the opportunity to volunteer at my local hospital caught my attention. Throughout the entire Summer of junior year, I transported patients in and out of rooms, providing comfort and care. I witnessed firsthand how overwhelming and complex the healthcare system can be, particularly for non-English speaking families like mine. I realized then that science isn't just about microscopes and needles, but about the people who hope to get better. Science is about opening our horizons and broadening our knowledge. It's about applying that information to save lives and ensuring that all communities have equal access to quality care, regardless of their background and income. Pursuing a degree in Biology at Boston University was driven by the hope of improving and reforming our healthcare system for underrepresented communities, especially immigrants and low-income families who are often neglected. I strive to academically succeed and get involved in laboratory research to achieve those goals. I've witnessed my family experience the struggles of navigating through the system, which has only made me more committed to initiating change in these healthcare shortcomings. I aim to analyze our healthcare environment through laboratory research to combat current disparities that make health services less accessible and affordable for our socially and economically disadvantaged families. Asian Americans make up roughly 13-15% of biology majors in the United States, yet we remain disproportionately underrepresented in higher-level research, public health leadership, and science communication. As a woman of color in STEM and the first in my family to attend college, I feel compelled to challenge this issue and advocate for change. I plan to make an impact by continuing to serve as a mentor, a volunteer, and a key player who will lead efforts to amplify the voices of underrepresented individuals in the field of biology. Oftentimes, Asian Americans shy away from STEM due to the intense cultural pressure from their parents or as a result of the lack of representation within the field. I want to become the role model I never had – someone who proves that these goals and dreams are achievable. In the restaurant, I learned how to listen, communicate, and serve my community. In the lab, I intend to do the same and make a positive difference. With every pipette I handle, I carry my upbringing and values with me. With this degree, I aspire to not only deliver data and new findings but also create a more accessible and inclusive healthcare system.

I was the only twelve-year-old in my middle school with a job. While most of my classmates spent their weekends playing video games or going shopping at the mall, I spent mine behind the counter at my parents' restaurant, taking phone calls, cleaning tables, and packing orders. After school, in the kitchen of my home, I translated school letters, bills, and government documents for my mom, bridging the gap between her and a society that didn't speak Fuzhounese or even Mandarin. I hadn't realized it at the time, but these early responsibilities shaped my personality, work ethic, and the way I perceive life. Our family's financial situation has greatly shaped my educational journey. As a first-generation American and first in my family to attend college, I carry both the weight of expectation and a deep sense of purpose. I am an undergraduate student at Boston University, studying Biology with a concentration in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics. I am particularly drawn to laboratory research focusing on pathogens and the effects of environmental toxins on human health. What primarily sparked my interest in this field was the COVID-19 pandemic. I witnessed firsthand how the restaurant struggled through the major closures and operational restraints, where even handling takeout bags raised fears of infection and anxiety. During the lockdown, I became immersed in scientific articles on how the virus has evolved and taken over society. What captivated my attention the most was that researchers were behind the scenes, racing against the clock to save as many lives as possible. Their dedication and meticulous work reflected on the future impact that I decided I wanted to make. My goal is to become a biomedical researcher with a focus on infectious diseases. I aspire to contribute to ongoing research on evolving bacteria and viruses, learning how to develop both treatment and preventive strategies to combat diseases that disproportionately affect certain demographics, especially vulnerable, low-income, and immigrant communities that often lack access to proper healthcare. Improving a society that promotes equality, acts as a sanctuary for those in need, and strives for science to benefit the less fortunate drives my passion to continue providing for my community. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve years of financial stress, but more importantly, it would recognize my journey and the sacrifices my parents had to make. I am deeply committed to the values of dreaming big, working hard, and one day contributing to the science that changes lives for the better.

I grew up as a foreigner in my own neighborhood. As a first-generation Chinese American, strangers often asked ignorant questions regarding my ethnicity– where I was really from, and when I was returning home. Constant assumptions about my identity frequently made me question where I truly belonged. Growing up in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where less than 1% identified as Asian, only a few truly understood these obstacles. As I navigated through my youth, I realized just how little representation and cultural awareness existed in my community. Instead of trying to blend in, I chose to stand out and embrace this opportunity to make myself and my voice heard. During my sophomore year of high school, I applied for a position at Dear Asian Youth (DAY), an online advocacy organization where I spent over two years producing media content to amplify our underrepresented voices. As I became more involved, it became alarming how much our identities and voices were being overlooked. Driven by my accomplishments and goals, I took the initiative to establish Plymouth's chapter of DAY. In company with other like-minded students in my school, we worked together to raise awareness and educate the people around us. Along the way, I became increasingly confident in my abilities, bridging the gap between our diverse representation and impact. Through my experiences in a predominantly white community, I am committed to continuing my passion for advocacy, promoting a foundation for those who wish to do the same.

Growing up working in a family-run restaurant taught me several lessons, some of which were obvious and came quickly, while others took several years to appreciate fully. As the youngest of four in an immigrant household, I assumed significant responsibilities early on. My parents immigrated to the U.S from China before finishing high school, determined to build a strong foundation and a brighter future for our family. In 2006, my parents opened a small restaurant, driven by hope and a willingness to sacrifice everything to provide for our family, especially my twin sister and me, who were born just months earlier. It wasn't until my teenage years that I slowly began to understand the true weight of that sacrifice. It was rare for a seventh grader to have a part-time job, yet I was the textbook image of an average Chinese kid: student by day, employee by night. Throughout middle school, I would hope for quiet days at the restaurant. A slow night meant going home early and finishing my homework in peace, rather than at a noisy dining table. I didn't quite understand it then, but it wasn't until I matured that I began to realize what was at stake behind the restaurant doors. I gradually discovered that a quiet day meant fewer sales and more financial stress for my parents. They were already carrying the heavy burden of debt from my older siblings' student loans, and with my twin sister and I also planning to attend college, the strain would only increase. My perspective shifted drastically as I no longer saw work as a chore, but as a lifeline for my parents. I took on more responsibility, helping out whenever I was needed, even on days I dreaded going. In addition to placing carry-out orders and bussing tables, I learned how to bartend and serve customers on busy nights. I became eager to handle more tasks, including translating challenging conversations between customers and our staff. Many of our employees spoke limited English, which often led to confusion and frustration; therefore, it became my job to bridge that gap. Over time, I naturally took on a leadership role, not because it was an assigned task, but because I saw how much my parents needed it. My parents encouraged me to oversee restaurant operations on busy nights, alleviating the underlying stress they often kept to themselves. Despite the exhaustion, I never resented the work. A noticeable difference was seen in my parents as I watched them become more at ease. A good shift meant a more peaceful evening at home. Fewer arguments, fewer sleepless nights, and stronger relationships. These experiences taught me resilience, responsibility, empathy, and many more skills that now serve me well in a classroom setting. Our family's financial situation has greatly shaped my educational journey. As a first-generation American and first in my family to attend college, I carry both the weight of expectation and a deep sense of purpose. I am an undergraduate student at Boston University, studying Biology with a concentration in Cellular Biology, Molecular Biology, and Genetics. I am particularly drawn to laboratory research focusing on pathogens and the effects of environmental toxins on human health. What primarily sparked my interest in this field was the COVID-19 pandemic. I witnessed firsthand how the restaurant struggled through the major closures and operational restraints, where even handling takeout bags raised fears of infection and anxiety. During the lockdown, I became immersed in scientific articles on how the virus has evolved and taken over society. What captivated my attention the most was that researchers were behind the scenes, racing against the clock to save as many lives as possible. Their dedication and meticulous work reflected on the future impact that I decided I wanted to make. My goal is to become a biomedical researcher with a focus on infectious diseases. I aspire to contribute to ongoing research on evolving bacteria and viruses, learning how to develop both treatment and preventive strategies to combat diseases that disproportionately affect certain demographics, especially vulnerable, low-income, and immigrant communities that often lack access to proper healthcare. Paying for college has been an ongoing challenge ever since my older brother left for school. Due to my family's financial situation, paired with the high cost of living and education in Boston, we've had to become extremely resourceful. That meant applying to every scholarship, sticking to a budget, and coming home on the weekends to help out at the restaurant. While all of these actions support me, they ease the financial burden my parents continue to carry. My life hasn't been easy, but the hardships I faced have shaped me into someone who is driven, compassionate, and focused on long-term goals. I carry my parents' sacrifice with me in everything I do. Whether it's how I approach my lab assignments or how I engage with my community, I remain grounded in my values and continue to strive for the best life possible. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve years of financial stress, but more importantly, it would recognize my journey and the sacrifices my parents had to make. I am deeply committed to the values of dreaming big, working hard, and one day contributing to the science that changes lives for the better.

My name is Amy Cheung, and I am a rising Freshman at Boston University, majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. I aspire to work in a laboratory to study how chemicals and toxins affect the human body. My goal is to introduce new perspectives, ideas, and knowledge to the public health community. As an Asian woman who grew up in a predominantly Caucasian community, I am aware of the challenges and stereotypes that can come with my identity. However, I see these challenges as opportunities to prove myself and break barriers. I believe that diversity in science is crucial because it brings different perspectives and ideas to the table. I hope to contribute to this diversity and inspire other young women of color to pursue careers in STEM. My interest in science is not just academic; it is also personal. Growing up, I realized that my parents moved to the United States without completing their education. My mother did not finish high school, and my father never completed college. This taught me that not everyone has the chance to experience the life of academia. Fortunately, my parents have always been supportive of me and my three siblings, who all aspire to pursue our passion for science. My oldest brother, Michael, is now a clinical coordinator at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston. My sister, Queenie, is a Research Laboratory Technician at a lab in Boston. My twin sister and I will be attending university this fall to pursue our passions in science. None of this could have happened without the structural support from our parents. College is an exciting but also challenging time, and financial support is crucial for me to focus on my studies and achieve my goals. My family has always supported me, but we are not without financial constraints. My parents have worked hard to provide for me and my siblings, and I want to alleviate some of the financial burden on them by securing scholarships. As of right now, even after applying numerous times for financial reconsideration from our respective universities, both my sister and I have received no aid. Due to this, we expect to pay almost $700,000 in tuition for the two of us. Because of this excruciating burden of little financial assistance from Boston University and Northeastern University, scholarships in any amount will surely assist us no matter what. This scholarship will help me focus on my studies and achieve my goals without the constant worry of financial constraints. It will allow me to fully immerse myself in my education and research, contributing to the field of public health. Additionally, it will help me inspire other young women of color to pursue careers in STEM, showing them that it is possible to overcome challenges and succeed. Thank you for considering my application. This scholarship will make a significant difference in my education and future career.