My journey into the world of genetics began in eighth grade when I discovered how human genes influence our health. I dreamed of becoming a doctor who could assist with genetic diseases. However, my initial fascination with genetics evolved into a deeper commitment when my grandmother was diagnosed with stage-four endometrial cancer. Despite months of surgeries, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the cancer relentlessly progressed. I watched her face grow pale, and before she drew her last breath, she stated, “I knew I was sick, but I didn’t know I was this sick.” Her words echoed in my mind for months, leading me to recognize the stark disparities in cancer care. Like my grandmother, many African American women battle cancer yearly, yet they are unaware of the signs, symptoms, diagnostic methods, or treatments associated with the disease. Thus, the lack of information, among other factors, contributes to systemic imbalances in cancer research and medicine. To combat these disparities, I am dedicating my scholarly and research efforts to understanding and addressing gynecologic cancers, such as cervical and ovarian cancer, which disproportionately affect African American women in the United States. By doing so, I hope to improve the survival rate of African American women by gaining a deeper understanding of gynecologic cancers and improving cancer screenings and treatments. As a dedicated researcher and pre-medical student pursuing a Master of Biomedical Science at William Carey University, I am driven by a profound commitment to advocating for health equity. To date, I have published two epidemiological studies focusing on cancer incidence and mortality rates among Mississippians. I am also currently enhancing my technical skills in epidemiological research by learning R and SAS. Additionally, I am preparing to apply for medical school. With these efforts and growth in knowledge, I am equipping myself with the necessary skills to lead as a gynecologic oncologist and conduct robust epidemiological research. My commitment to advancing healthcare equity drives my mission to empower women in rural Mississippi through education and improved access to cancer care. Drawing upon my educational background, I am committed to empowering others through knowledge—a fundamental driver of progress in medicine. To address critical gaps in healthcare access and literacy, I will establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving cancer care and education for women in rural Mississippi. Specifically, my focus will be on East Central Mississippi and the Mississippi Delta, where hospitals, clinics, gynecologists, and oncologists are currently scarce. Through this initiative, I will work to foster a healthier future for women in these underserved regions, ensuring they receive the care and education they deserve. While my career aspirations are deeply rooted in both clinical care and research within the United States, I also have a strong commitment to global health. My commitment to global health is driven by the parallels I see between the social determinants of health in Mississippi and those in countries with high cervical and ovarian cancer rates, such as those in Africa and Central America. Studying these cancers in these African and South American countries, along with data from Mississippi, offers the opportunity to address issues in multiple locations through clinical care and epidemiological research. By integrating local and global perspectives, I will strive to create a comprehensive approach to cancer care that transcends borders and brings hope to underserved communities worldwide. In conclusion, my journey from a young genetics enthusiast to a dedicated advocate for healthcare equity has shaped my resolve to combat cancer disparities. As a future gynecologic oncologist, I am committed to fostering a future where equitable, compassionate cancer care transforms lives and communities.

Fascinated by genetics at an early age, I aspired to become a physician to improve survival rates for those affected by genetic diseases. However, as I matured, my curiosity for science expanded beyond those borders when I noticed a lack of equity within the healthcare system. In 2017, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage-four endometrial cancer. Despite months of surgeries, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, the cancer relentlessly progressed. I watched my grandmother’s face grow pale, and before she drew her last breath, she stated, “I knew I was sick, but I didn’t know I was this sick.” Those words echoed in my mind for months, and over time, I realized the educational disparities in health. For years, I witnessed friends and community members succumb to gynecologic cancers. Yet, communal resources were scarce, failing to raise awareness about signs, symptoms, diagnosis methods, and available treatments. This stark reality fueled my determination to pursue a career as a gynecologic oncologist. In this role, I intend to channel my scholarly energies toward dismantling cancer disparities and optimizing precision medicine. I also plan to carry my grandmother’s memory with me, vowing to be present for my patients so that no one faces such hardships alone. With this commitment in mind, I aspire to contribute to a future of medicine and research that will heal millions of individuals affected by gynecologic cancers. While my passion for medicine continues to drive me, I have encountered persistent challenges along my journey. As the first in my family to pursue a science and medical degree, I face new academic obstacles with each class, yet I succeed. However, coming from a low-income background, I have yet to truly overcome the barrier of financing my education. Throughout my undergraduate years, I worked relentlessly to support myself financially as a childcare teacher, while assuming leadership roles at my university. Now, as I begin my Master of Biomedical Science at William Carey University—a Baptist institution with a rich legacy of faith and learning—I must once again tackle financial challenges. The prospect of taking on an additional $23,500 in loans for tuition and testing fees looms large as I prepare for medical school. Nevertheless, I remain steadfast in my pursuit. Considering all this, the Eitel Scholarship would be transformative. With it, I can allocate resources to my tuition and testing fees for my upcoming medical application cycle. More importantly, it would grant me some peace of mind, allowing me to focus more on my studies and contribute meaningfully to my field.