Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. The shared experience of Black people helps us understand each other better. Since other groups of people may exhibit anti-blackness, even in medicine, it pushes the need for more Black doctors. Have you ever seen an image of a Black fetus? Neither did I until late 2021, when viral medical illustrations by a Black medical student surfaced on my social media page. I almost cried when I saw a Black person in my Anatomy textbook drawn as an example for the endocrine and respiratory systems. Representation is so important that it made me almost tear up when I finally saw some diversity in medicine. Seeing ourselves portrayed in medicine humanizes us. If I consistently see white men as human anatomy, how would I see other people of color? Especially when I become a doctor treating different patients. In dermatology, darker skin tones have different visual presentations of illnesses. The skin does not always appear pink like those with lighter skin tones; therefore, it is essential to recognize darker skin tones in medicine so that patients are not misdiagnosed and go home without receiving the proper care that could save their lives. Unfortunately, it is our burden as Black people to advocate for our humanity and representation because there is a massive risk that other groups of people will not think of solutions for us. As I continue my journey in medicine, I am determined to continue studying imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. I could tackle this issue, ensuring that generations of women receive adequate care and feel safe. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family. Getting this scholarship enables me to pursue medicine. I would have less anxiety applying to medical schools with my undergraduate studies paid. This opportunity would lift financial burdens off my shoulders, and I would worry less about finances and more about fulfilling my dreams.

Movies like Harry Potter do not entirely convey the boarding school experience. The protagonists lived comfortably with a plethora of food provided by Hogwarts, and their only challenge was to avoid dangerous areas of the school. As a young student at a boarding school in Nigeria, I faced numerous challenges. My school emphasized discipline and regulations, which shaped my character during the 18 months I spent there. Nevertheless, I was a brave ten-year-old in an unfamiliar, college-like environment that surprised and molded me. Due to the adversity I faced, I learned to become more self-assured and developed strong academic skills. Though most days at the boarding school were challenging, one day, in particular, tested my resolve unexpectedly. Since my school was full of restrictions that would be considered extreme here in the U.S., young students were forced to attend classes until late at night when they should have been asleep. That evening, when I arrived at my classroom for the mandatory study hall, my day grew worse. During this night session, I happily chatted amongst my peers while respecting other students' study time. A senior supervising my study hall was frustrated with our enthusiasm and decided to report our behavior to a teacher in charge of guarding the hallways, ensuring students did not escape their prison. When he arrived, I pleaded with him to absolve me of my crimes, but he refused. He obtained a T-square and commanded me to kneel in front of the entire class. I looked at my peers that were watching me like fans ready for their favorite artist to perform. It was essential to remain calm at this moment. If I even decided to shed a tear, I would be considered weaker than I already looked. I chose to stall by making conversation with the teacher, smiling, and cracking jokes. It still did not seem to phase him. "Bring out your hand," he said ominously. I reluctantly exposed my left palm, getting ready for an excruciatingly painful experience. He raised his hand with all the force he could gather and gave me five strikes on my palm. Frail as I was, the teacher did not show signs of sympathy as he punished me. His demeanor remained calm, but his strength was that of ten men. I looked at my hand; it was a reddish color I had not seen before. I wanted to cry. At that moment, I missed my parents. Far away from home while surrounded by wolves, ten-year-old me was miserable. Later on in the dormitory, I announced to my peers in a threatening tone, "If anyone touches me, I am gonna use the same hand that suffered this beating to slap you." I did not allow myself to cry that night. I felt the teacher was not worth my tears. My boarding school experience on that day shaped my perception of life. I realized how hard it was going to be in that school. Although I would experience adversity again at my boarding school, I cultivated a strong work ethic and became determined to express myself even more; eventually, I gained respect from my peers and teachers. My self-expression and grit have always been essential parts of my life and nobody - not even that cruel teacher - kept me from thriving at that school. I continued to work hard and persevere through boarding school while maintaining my outgoing personality, so much that this has become my approach to life. Recently, my French teacher told me that I have an abnormally strong work ethic, which I attribute to my boarding school experience

Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. The shared experience of Black people helps us understand each other better. Since other groups of people may exhibit anti-blackness, even in medicine, it pushes the need for more Black doctors. Have you ever seen an image of a Black fetus? Neither did I until late 2021, when viral medical illustrations by a Black medical student surfaced on my social media page. I almost cried when I saw a Black person in my Anatomy textbook drawn as an example for the endocrine and respiratory systems. Representation is so important that it made me almost tear up when I finally saw some diversity in medicine. Seeing ourselves portrayed in medicine humanizes us. If I consistently see white men as human anatomy, how would I see other people of color? Especially when I become a doctor treating different patients. In dermatology, darker skin tones have different visual presentations of illnesses. The skin does not always appear pink like those with lighter skin tones; therefore, it is essential to recognize darker skin tones in medicine so that patients are not misdiagnosed and go home without receiving the proper care that could save their lives. Unfortunately, it is our burden as Black people to advocate for our humanity and representation because there is a massive risk that other groups of people will not think of solutions for us. As I continue my journey in medicine, I am determined to continue studying imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. I could tackle this issue, ensuring that generations of women receive adequate care and feel safe. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family. Getting this scholarship enables me to pursue medicine. I would have less anxiety applying to medical schools with my undergraduate studies paid. This opportunity would lift financial burdens off my shoulders, and I would worry less about finances and more about fulfilling my dreams

Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. The shared experience of Black people helps us understand each other better. Since other groups of people may exhibit forms of anti-blackness, even in medicine, it pushes the need for more Black doctors. Have you ever seen an illustration of a Black fetus? Neither did I until late 2021 when viral medical illustrations by a Black medical student surfaced on my social media page. I almost cried when I saw a Black person in my Anatomy textbook drawn as an example for the endocrine and respiratory systems. Representation is so important that it made me almost tear up when I finally saw some diversity in medicine. Seeing ourselves portrayed in medicine humanizes us. If I consistently see white men as humans with anatomy and physiology, how would I see other people of color? Especially when I become a doctor treating different patients. In dermatology, darker skin tones have different visual presentations of illnesses. The skin does not always appear pink like those with lighter skin tones, therefore, it is important to recognize darker skin tones in medicine so that patients are not misdiagnosed and go home without receiving the proper care that could save their lives. Unfortunately, it is our burden as Black people to advocate for our humanity and representation because there is a huge risk that other groups of people will not think of solutions for us. As I continue my journey in medicine, I am determined to continue studying imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. I could tackle this issue, ensuring that generations of women receive adequate care and feel safe. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family.

While engaged in my Internship program, I discovered that a medical degree could be used in various ways. In college, I aim to study courses that dive deeply into the molecular structures that create and sustain life, as well as human drives and psychoanalysis. I want to understand how illnesses affect organisms and their homeostatic levels and examine biological research, specifically with stem cells. I would work with my professors to see how stem cells can be used to treat diseases and deficiencies. I also want to practice clinical medicine while being a part-time professor at a school of medicine or an undergraduate program. Additionally, I plan to work in health administration, submitting proposals to execute harsher anti-discrimination laws to protect people of color and low-income individuals from malpractice. Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. I am determined to continue studying imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family.

While engaged in my Internship program, I discovered that a medical degree could be used in various ways. In college, I aim to study courses that dive deeply into the molecular structures that create and sustain life, as well as human drives and psychoanalysis. I want to understand how illnesses affect organisms and their homeostatic levels and examine biological research, specifically with stem cells. I would work with my professors to see how stem cells can be used to treat diseases and deficiencies. I also want to practice clinical medicine while being a part-time professor at a school of medicine or an undergraduate program. Additionally, I plan to work in health administration, submitting proposals to execute harsher anti-discrimination laws to protect people of color and low-income individuals from malpractice. Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. I am determined to continue studying imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family.

While engaged in my Internship program, I discovered that a medical degree could be used in various ways. In college, I aim to study courses that dive deeply into the molecular structures that create and sustain life, as well as human drives and psychoanalysis. I want to understand how illnesses affect organisms and their homeostatic levels and examine biological research, specifically with stem cells. I would work with my professors to see how stem cells can be used to treat diseases and deficiencies. I also want to practice clinical medicine while being a part-time professor at a school of medicine or an undergraduate program. Additionally, I plan to work in health administration, submitting proposals to execute harsher anti-discrimination laws to protect people of color and low-income individuals from malpractice. Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. I am determined to continue studying imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family.

Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices.

Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices.

For a project in the internship program, my partner and I were assigned to create an efficient Emergency Department. These departments could be better; there are shortages of staff and too much waiting time. Looking at these problems, we decided to build an Emergency Department that caters to the needs of our patients and employees. First, I researched the most popular reasons people visit the ED and discovered four main categories: Trauma, Mental health, Respiratory/Cardiovascular, and Pediatrics. So, our ED had separate departments dedicated to the particular emergency. We designed a spacious ED, from the hallways to individual rooms, and increased the amount of ER-certified nurses and testing labs. This project expanded my knowledge of healthcare inequalities and inspired me to create biomedical innovations. To acknowledge the diversity of the community surrounding our Emergency Department, I came up with the multi-cultural tablet. The touch screen multi-cultural tablets will have a title screen that gives language options. Our IT technicians will code 200 languages used in the U.S and internationally to help patients who don't speak fluent English. In addition, our tablets allow for easy access to patients' profiles. Doctors and nurses will be able to pull up these profiles on screens placed in patients' rooms. Patients will also have access to both standing and sitting tablets for patient use. This innovation allows for time efficiency, mainly for the patient. Finally, instead of patients having to wait on a nurse, they are essentially being triaged as soon as they enter information in the tablet. This is idea has been acknowledged to be part of my innovations and will be copyrighted.

“Infantilization And The Body Hair Debate” by Shanspeare; “Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Colonizer” by Khadijah Mbowe. Every week, I watch think-piece videos about the disturbing beauty standards created by society, expanding my consciousness and noting the personal impact those issues have on me. These pieces stimulate my curiosity, awareness, and knowledge. My favorite piece so far is by Shanspeare, who addresses how the male gaze influences the unwritten rule of women consistently shaving their bodies to look appealing. While watching the video, I squealed in excitement, agreeing with her argument because I related to the pressure of shaving every week to look presentable. Furthermore, she expounds on the infantilization of the female body which coerces adult women into seeking child-like qualities. She gives examples of men preferring petite, docile women and fetishized images of 17-year-old Britney Spears. There were even countdown timers created by grown men to await her 18th birthday when she would be “legal.” This shows the how the male gaze introduces a predatory lens on women’s bodies; therefore, when men infantilize women, they hyper sexualize younger girls. Things also take a turn for older women affected by these beauty standards. As Spears aged, she was expected to adhere to such standards despite being an adult woman with mature autonomy and physicality. I recognized that the older women get, the more they are expected to look younger, and that wealthy women have the privilege to sustain high maintenance routines to conform to modern aesthetic norms. I feel like Neo in “The Matrix,” getting my weekly dose of the red pill and learning about weird beauty standards. I am glad to gain such insights from these think-pieces, and though I may still participate in some of these norms, I can choose to indulge willfully and not let these standards define my beauty.

“Infantilization And The Body Hair Debate” by Shanspeare; “Beauty Is In The Eyes Of The Colonizer” by Khadijah Mbowe. Every week, I watch think-piece videos about the disturbing beauty standards created by society, expanding my consciousness and noting the personal impact those issues have on me. These pieces stimulate my curiosity, awareness, and knowledge. My favorite piece so far is by Shanspeare, who addresses how the male gaze influences the unwritten rule of women consistently shaving their bodies to look appealing. While watching the video, I squealed in excitement, agreeing with her argument because I related to the pressure of shaving every week to look presentable. Furthermore, she expounds on the infantilization of the female body which coerces adult women into seeking child-like qualities. She gives examples of men preferring petite, docile women and fetishized images of 17-year-old Britney Spears. As Spears aged, she was expected to adhere to such standards despite being an adult. I recognized that the older women get, the more they are expected to look younger, and that wealthy women have the privilege to sustain high maintenance routines to conform to modern aesthetic norms. I feel like Neo in “The Matrix,” getting my weekly dose of the red pill and learning about weird beauty standards. I am glad to gain such insights from these think-pieces, and though I may still participate in some of these norms, I can choose to indulge willfully and not let these standards define my beauty.

Movies like Harry Potter do not entirely convey the boarding school experience. The protagonists lived comfortably with a plethora of food provided by Hogwarts, and their only challenge was to avoid dangerous areas of the school. As a young student at a boarding school in Nigeria, I faced numerous challenges. My school emphasized discipline and regulations, which shaped my character during the 18 months I spent there. Due to the adversity I faced, I learned to become more self-assured and developed strong academic skills. Though most days at the boarding school were challenging, one day, in particular, tested my resolve unexpectedly. That evening, when I arrived at my classroom for the mandatory study hall, my day grew worse. During this night session, I happily chatted amongst my peers while respecting other students' study time. A senior supervising my study hall was frustrated with our enthusiasm and decided to report our behavior to a teacher in charge of guarding the hallways, ensuring students did not escape their prison. When he arrived, I pleaded with him to absolve me of my crimes, but he refused. He obtained a T-square and commanded me to kneel in front of the entire class. I looked at my peers, watching me like fans ready for their favorite artist to perform. It was essential to remain calm at this moment. If I even decided to shed a tear, I would be considered weaker than I already looked. I chose to stall by making conversation with the teacher, smiling, and cracking jokes. It still did not seem to phase him. "Bring out your hand," he said ominously. I reluctantly exposed my left palm, getting ready for an excruciatingly painful experience. He raised his hand with all the force he could gather and gave me five strikes on my palm. Frail as I was, the teacher did not show signs of sympathy as he punished me. His demeanor remained calm, but his strength was that of ten men. I looked at my hand; it was a reddish color I had not seen before. I wanted to cry. At that moment, I missed my parents. Far away from home while surrounded by wolves, ten-year-old me was miserable. Later on in the dormitory, I announced to my peers in a threatening tone, "If anyone touches me, I am gonna use the same hand that suffered this beating to slap you." I did not allow myself to cry that night. I felt the teacher was not worth my tears. My boarding school experience on that day shaped my perception of life. I realized how hard it was going to be in that school. Although I would experience adversity again at my school, I cultivated a strong work ethic and became determined to express myself even more; eventually, I gained respect from my peers and teachers. My self-expression and grit have always been essential parts of my life and nobody - not even that cruel teacher - kept me from thriving at that school. I continued to work hard and persevere through boarding school while maintaining my outgoing personality, so much that this has become my approach to life. With my experiences, I aim to be a better educator with my pursuit of becoming a part-time Professor at a school of medicine. I will treat my students with respect and guide them to become the nation's best doctors, so they would not go through the abuse I faced as child. Students should be cared for and respected as well.

Movies like Harry Potter do not entirely convey the boarding school experience. The protagonists lived comfortably with a plethora of food provided by Hogwarts, and their only challenge was to avoid dangerous areas of the school. As a young student at a boarding school in Nigeria, I faced numerous challenges. My school emphasized discipline and regulations, which shaped my character during the 18 months I spent there. Due to the adversity I faced, I learned to become more self-assured and developed strong academic skills. Though most days at the boarding school were challenging, one day, in particular, tested my resolve unexpectedly. That evening, when I arrived at my classroom for the mandatory study hall, my day grew worse. During this night session, I happily chatted amongst my peers while respecting other students' study time. A senior supervising my study hall was frustrated with our enthusiasm and decided to report our behavior to a teacher in charge of guarding the hallways, ensuring students did not escape their prison. He obtained a T-square and commanded me to kneel in front of the entire class. I looked at my peers that were watching me like fans ready for their favorite artist to perform. If I even decided to shed a tear, I would be considered weaker than I already looked. I chose to stall by making conversation with the teacher, smiling, and cracking jokes. It still did not seem to phase him. "Bring out your hand," he said ominously. I reluctantly exposed my left palm, getting ready for an excruciatingly painful experience. He raised his hand with all the force he could gather and gave me five strikes on my palm. Frail as I was, the teacher did not show signs of sympathy as he punished me. His demeanor remained calm, but his strength was that of ten men. I looked at my hand; it was a reddish color I had not seen before. I wanted to cry. Far away from home while surrounded by wolves, ten-year-old me was miserable. Later on in the dormitory, I announced to my peers in a threatening tone, "If anyone touches me, I am gonna use the same hand that suffered this beating to slap you." I did not allow myself to cry that night. I felt the teacher was not worth my tears. My boarding school experience on that day shaped my perception of life. I realized how hard it was going to be in that school. Although I would experience adversity again at my boarding school, I cultivated a strong work ethic and became determined to express myself even more; eventually, I gained respect from my peers and teachers. My self-expression and grit have always been essential parts of my life and nobody - not even that cruel teacher - kept me from thriving at that school. I continued to work hard and persevere through boarding school while maintaining my outgoing personality, so much that this has become my approach to life.

While I attended a graduation party, the trailer to The Good Doctor caught my eye as it played on the screen. A smile swept across my face as I watched the precise procedure Dr. Shaun performed as he attempted to stabilize a patient at an airport. My goal to practice medicine grew even more. I started watching The Resident and The Mindy Project - presumably unrealistic shows - and admired the exaggerated scenes, subtle comic relief, and fulfilling endings. However, I could not comprehend the scientific language used in these shows and lacked an understanding of the most intense scenes. I value my curiosity to learn because it pushed me to pursue my interests and begin my desire to comprehend medical terminology. Since I am finally getting a chance to embody my passion during my Medicine and Bioscience internship this year, I appreciate how the program emphasizes knowing and understanding medical terminology. The instructor noted that such knowledge would be necessary when navigating Barnes Jewish Hospital. So, every week we are assigned ten medical prefixes, told to create 20 combination words from them, and write ten sentences with medical scenarios. For example, I could turn gastro, oma, and itis into gastromitis, which means a tumor in the stomach with an infection. The instructor also gave us packets of information about hospital regulations and codes for emergencies. For instance, I learned that code blue means cardiopulmonary arrest, code pink indicates the abduction of a child, and code red refers to a fire in the hospital. It has been fascinating to gain all this knowledge after only a few weeks. Imagine how much medical terminology I would learn by the end of the year! In the second semester, I will have the opportunity to shadow Washington University Physicians and observe their patient interaction. I can also implement what I have learned by talking to patients and analyzing their records if given permission. The physicians will further educate me about how hospitals function daily. In addition, I intend to learn more medical terminology from my radiology, physical therapy, and pathology rotations. My internship has helped fulfill my dreams of having access to the language of medicine. Finally, I can add medical terms to the several languages I speak and become a self-proclaimed polyglot. When learning various subjects, especially medicine, my enthusiasm helps me understand topics better, and I even become motivated to conduct my research. For example, I am researching healthcare inequalities and how racial bias affects Black women's access to quality maternal care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. As I continue researching, my curiosity to learn more about healthcare inequalities enables me to study and create solutions or consequences, tackling these issues. I want to embark on a journey towards studying the history of racial disparities in healthcare, from the lack of anesthesia white men used when nonconsensually experimenting on pregnant Black women to the 2016 study that showed 50% of medical students not believing that Black people felt pain. How do these facts correlate? How does this information affect the relationship between Black people and the medical care they receive? I plan to answer these questions further and dedicate my life to researching and understanding healthcare inequalities affecting my community and ensuring that people of color receive adequate and effective care. Moreover, my quest for knowledge allows me to try and make a positive impact in my community.

Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. In college, interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning will expand my knowledge beyond the classroom. So, I look forward to furthering my research on healthcare inequalities. I am sure that I will be comfortable on the campus and given the space to continue my research on racial bias in medicine. In addition, the support from the college I attend will encourage me to have closer relationships with my Professors, who I hope to work alongside. I will also continue to inquire from my Professors about imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. Hopefully, the college will provide me with infinite resources, supporting me to attain an exceptional college education. With the knowledge gained from college, I would be confident in my pre-med education and pursue a career in health administration after acquiring an M.D. Furthermore, as part of a targeted demographic, I have to be aware of the inequalities associated with maternal healthcare. Therefore researching methods to decrease the mortality rates of minority women became a priority. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family without complications.

Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. In college, interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning will expand my knowledge beyond the classroom. So, I look forward to furthering my research on healthcare inequalities. I am sure that I will be comfortable on the campus and given the space to continue my research on racial bias in medicine. In addition, the support from the college I attend will encourage me to have closer relationships with my Professors, who I hope to work alongside. I will also continue to inquire from my Professors about imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. Hopefully, the college will provide me with infinite resources, supporting me to attain an exceptional college education. With the knowledge gained from college, I would be confident in my pre-med education and pursue a career in health administration after acquiring an M.D. Furthermore, as part of a targeted demographic, I have to be aware of the inequalities associated with maternal healthcare. Therefore researching methods to decrease the mortality rates of minority women became a priority. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family without complications.

Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. In college, interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning will expand my knowledge beyond the classroom. So, I look forward to furthering my research on healthcare inequalities. I am sure that I will be comfortable on the campus and given the space to continue my research on racial bias in medicine. In addition, the support from the college I attend will encourage me to have closer relationships with my Professors, who I hope to work alongside. I will also continue to inquire from my Professors about imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. Hopefully, the college will provide me with infinite resources, supporting me to attain an exceptional college education. With the knowledge gained from college, I would be confident in my pre-med education and pursue a career in health administration after acquiring an M.D. Furthermore, as part of a targeted demographic, I have to be aware of the inequalities associated with maternal healthcare. Therefore researching methods to decrease the mortality rates of minority women became a priority. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family without complications.

Amidst protests in 2020, America's widespread systemic inequalities came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. For example, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). As a young black woman that plans to have children in the future, I was concerned that I would receive racist and insensitive treatment from hospital staff. Even Serena Williams, a renowned black tennis player, almost died because of biased medical care. Realizing the impact systematic inequalities have on pregnant women led me on a path to devising innovations that could decrease the mortality rates. So, I researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, racial bias, and lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling that heavily affect their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. In addition, hospitals that primarily serve black people provide lower-quality maternal care. There seemed to be so many obstacles that black women would face to receive good maternal healthcare. My research suggested that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) should implement healthcare policies that expand access to care and coverage to improve these inefficiencies. But, I do not yet have the power to establish such procedures. So, instead, when I become a medical professional, I plan to submit proposals to health administration that detail the execution of harsher anti-discrimination regulations. These regulations will hold providers and the hospital system accountable for failing to provide unbiased, high-quality care to pregnant minority patients. In addition, the strict policies would tackle maternal medical malpractices. In college, the interdisciplinary education and hands-on learning will expand my knowledge beyond the classroom. So, I look forward to furthering my research on healthcare inequalities. I am sure that I will be comfortable on the campus and given the space to continue my research on racial bias in medicine. In addition, the support from the college I attend will encourage me to have closer relationships with my Professors, who I hope to work alongside. I will also continue to inquire from my Professors about imbalances that affect black women and their access to proper healthcare. Hopefully, the college will provide me with infinite resources, supporting me to attain an exceptional college education. With the knowledge gained from college, I would be confident in my pre-med education and pursue a career in health administration after acquiring an M.D. Furthermore, as part of a targeted demographic, I have to be aware of the inequalities associated with maternal healthcare. Therefore researching methods to decrease the mortality rates of minority women became a priority. So, when I walk through the OBGYN department to deliver my future baby, I will experience unbiased maternal care and go home to my family without complications.

In my AP Psychology class, I failed a test and cried. I got burnt out from watching college acceptance videos rather than focusing on my present responsibilities. After this unfortunate event, I pulled myself together and looked up ways to study better on YouTube and came across this channel that gave med school advice. I watched their videos on how to study and started incorporating practice questions into my routine. I averaged almost 100 practice questions per unit after that moment and 200-300 during finals. I would also review notes about every other day and study at work. I started a google doc, implementing all the resources I found because I felt it would be selfish to have access to all of this information and not share my discoveries. I wanted my peers to excel as well. Some of them were struggling because the class was heavily content-based. That failure I experienced on the 3rd unit test was a blessing in disguise and changed my studying methods, positively impacting my life. So in order to elevate my mindset, I learn from failure and tackle the problem.

On the bus ride to my internship program, I engaged in a conversation about race relations. Despite being of African descent, most of these students seemed to be indifferent about social justice issues. When I excitedly relayed a seminar on healthcare discrimination, which we just heard in the internship program, they seemed to make me feel like I was taking such interests too seriously. "It's not that deep," one of them stated. I became utterly disappointed by the lack of education they seemed to have in issues that directly affected them. Instead of quarreling, I chose to expound on my perspective. I explained that Social justice issues relating to the black experience became an interest of mine after widespread movements. So I started watching think pieces on the exclusivity of specific racial groups in the media, gaining knowledge of America's institutionalized and systematic racism. I told them that after gaining such knowledge, I began to see racism and colorism everywhere in the media. They cheered in agreement and started articulating their experiences. With their engagement, I realized that I had broken the fourth wall. We laughed about the lack of representation of black people in action films and how there is usually "that one bodyguard." Unfortunately, social upbringings and environmental factors consequently leave us all vulnerable to a lack of thorough education on social justice issues; however, I am grateful for expanding my perspective through my peers.

Black and Native American women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. And as their age increases, the mortality rate increases. Since Black and Native people only make up 13.4 % and 1.3% of the U.S population, the mortality rates of these women are alarming. These deaths are preventable, yet the mortality rates have been consistent for years (as far back as 1999). For my internship program, I have researched the reasons why such tragedies occur. I discovered that minority women face health disparities such as income inequality, medical racial bias, and the lack of access to quality contraceptive care and counseling, which heavily affects their mortality rate during and after pregnancy. Research suggests that healthcare policies should expand access to coverage so that pregnant women who are uninsured or have poor health insurance will have the resources needed for their pre and post-natal care. Hospitals should also be more strict when upholding anti-discrimination policies and hold providers and hospital systems accountable for biased, low-quality care. And, thorough training should be provided for hospital employees in regards to medical biases and cultural sensitivity. As someone interested in medicine, I have to be aware of the inequalities associated with the field. Therefore devising methods to increase the efficiency of medical practices has become a priority. When I become a doctor, I will make sure to implement policies with the approval of Hospital Directors, so that my patients receive quality healthcare regardless of race or gender.

Amidst protests in 2020, the widespread racism of America came to light in different aspects of life, including medicine. Covid-19 devastated the communities of people of color due to social and economic factors such as environmental health risks and limited access to reliable healthcare. And, studies of the maternal mortality rate of black women compared to their white counterparts became prevalent. These circumstances are a product of an oppressive system and the racial bias of questionable medical professionals who refuse to listen to their minority patients’ cries for help. The dedication of Washington University to medical research made it one of the largest beneficiaries of NIH funding. It has won awards for its research in diabetes, neuroscience, cancer, and much more, establishing itself as a reliable university to pursue medical training. With a degree in molecular biology and biochemistry among the health field options provided by Wash U, I will have enough resources to become a specialist. I want to explore stem cell research, clinical medicine, and the systematic inequalities of health care towards minority groups. The qualification will help me prevent the mistreatment of patients based on race and investigate how discrimination affects underprivileged people and their access to medical aid.

As the years have passed by, the grading system has evolved. Schools are getting highly competitive and there is more pressure on 16-year-olds to achieve a lifetime's worth of accomplishments. I could easily breeze through school as an "okay" student but that is not an option due to the principles that guide my academic career. I perform my best based on my abilities and even try to better myself while achieving more than what already exists. I am not progressing through all these troublesome endeavors to be accepted by Harvard. I am building my resume to achieve the highest grades possible and other accomplishments to feel relief knowing that I have done my best, therefore, when a college sees the hard work they will appreciate me for it. There is so much more to this world than what your scores are, but here we are. I do things in my power, so if I haven't done the maximum amount a volunteer work is leadership activities that one may expect out of me as I'm applying to these schools and these scholarships, this is because I don't have the resources or information. What I can place my energy into are my attendance, academic workload, and pursuits. Since I have so much control over my grades, I put a lot of effort into making sure that I do my best. Although this may be verbalized stereotypically, my most exceptional accomplishment is my school grades. So far I have had an adequate amount of achievements in high school. Before my freshman year of high school, my Principal held an orientation for the class of 2022 and narrated to us that our freshman year was extremely important, and would also be the foundation of our academic career. I took this information earnestly and I got A’s in all my classes. I also took an additional science course called Principles of Biomedical science. During my sophomore year, I took one AP course because it happened to be the only one I knew was offered. In this AP World History class, by the grace of God, I got a 99 in my first semester and 101 in my second semester (extra credit). Due to 2020’s wild year, I took the AP exam online and got a 3 – which I recently discovered is not valued because of the competitive society that surrounds college admissions. I also got A's in all my sophomore classes. As a Junior so far, I have taken 7 honors classes and 4 AP classes (three this year). However, researching schools brought me to the realization that I need to do more to even be recognized. I am proud of these achievements because I know it's not easy, although some may make it seem that way. I am considered an overachiever – though I contradict that statement – who puts a lot of pressure on herself. Growing up I was expected to perform remarkably in scholastic involvements: I have had the support of my parents since I was little but the pressure remains a product of my environment. These exceedingly high demands from myself is a blessing in complex forms. Because of these requirements, I can achieve a proficient academic profile. This mindset, along with my academic goals also taught me a generous amount of things about myself; these achievements have taught me that I can handle rigorous work to a certain degree, and when to relax. When stressed out in the past, I would tell myself “ one day at a time”; this is how I took life when it mentally struck me hard and made me cry. My application of pressure in terms of my studies also expanded my horizon of knowledge. In the future, I hope to become a medical professional though I am scared of my endeavors in the complex world of medical knowledge. I want to become a Medical Doctor (not surprising), then the Director of the hospital, and possibly the CEO. My passion is unknown, so I hope I can succeed in a career I will be satisfied with. I intend to change lives with my ambitions and I am doing so today. With the knowledge I have gained over the past few years, I am able to educate my peers on either issues or academic solutions. My intuitive personality has given me the chance to learn more about other cultures and spread that knowledge or share it with those who are interested in these cultural topics. I will continue to educate my peers and adults for better understanding of society in a nutshell.

As the years have passed by, the grading system has evolved. Schools are getting highly competitive and there is more pressure on 16-year-olds to achieve a lifetime's worth of accomplishments. I could easily breeze through school as an "okay" student but that is not an option due to the principles that guide my academic career. I perform my best based on my abilities and even try to better myself while achieving more than what already exists. I am not progressing through all these troublesome endeavors to be accepted by Harvard. I am building my resume to achieve the highest grades possible and other accomplishments to feel relief knowing that I have done my best, therefore, when a college sees the hard work they will appreciate me for it. There is so much more to this world than what your scores are, but here we are. I do things in my power, so if I haven't done the maximum amount a volunteer work is leadership activities that one may expect out of me as I'm applying to these schools and these scholarships, this is because I don't have the resources or information. What I can place my energy into are my attendance, academic workload, and pursuits. Since I have so much control over my grades, I put a lot of effort into making sure that I do my best. Although this may be verbalized stereotypically, my most exceptional accomplishment is my school grades. So far I have had an adequate amount of achievements in high school. Before my freshman year of high school, my Principal held an orientation for the class of 2022 and narrated to us that our freshman year was extremely important, and would also be the foundation of our academic career. I took this information earnestly and I got A’s in all my classes. I also took an additional science course called Principles of Biomedical science. During my sophomore year, I took one AP course because it happened to be the only one I knew was offered. In this AP World History class, by the grace of God, I got a 99 in my first semester and 101 in my second semester (extra credit). Due to 2020’s wild year, I took the AP exam online and got a 3 – which I recently discovered is not valued because of the competitive society that surrounds college admissions. I also got A's in all my sophomore classes. As a Junior so far, I have taken 7 honors classes and 4 AP classes (three this year). However, researching schools brought me to the realization that I need to do more to even be recognized. I am proud of these achievements because I know it's not easy, although some may make it seem that way. I am considered an overachiever – though I contradict that statement – who puts a lot of pressure on herself. Growing up I was expected to perform remarkably in scholastic involvements: I have had the support of my parents since I was little but the pressure remains a product of my environment. These exceedingly high demands from myself is a blessing in complex forms. Because of these requirements, I can achieve a proficient academic profile. This mindset, along with my academic goals also taught me a generous amount of things about myself; these achievements have taught me that I can handle rigorous work to a certain degree, and when to relax. When stressed out in the past, I would tell myself “ one day at a time”; this is how I took life when it mentally struck me hard and made me cry. My application of pressure in terms of my studies also expanded my horizon of knowledge. In the future, I hope to become a medical professional though I am scared of my endeavors in the complex world of medical knowledge. I want to become a Medical Doctor (not surprising), then the Director of the hospital, and possibly the CEO. My passion is unknown, so I hope I can succeed in a career I will be satisfied with.