My struggles, leadership experiences, and commitment to service have molded my path thus far. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, as a young child, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the world. However, with the loss of my mother to cancer at the tender age of twelve, I fell into a profound, spiritual, and emotional crisis. Well, she fell sick and eventually left this world, and I felt destroyed, but as time wore on, I started to believe in faith and how such an experience led me to help people in pain and tears. This experience has driven me to vow to comfort the people around me, especially those experiencing loss or hardship, knowing how relieving it feels to know that people understand their condition and support them. Currently, a junior at Oakwood University studying Management Information Systems, I am developing the skills and experience that will enable me to make a far more significant contribution to my work. I have learned from my studies the value of data, technology, and teamwork in solving problems and taken up leadership roles to refine these skills. I have had the privilege of interning with the clinical analytics team at AdventHealth, where I saw technology's role in improving patient care and making life easier within a hospital. Working alongside health professionals who used data to improve outcomes gave me a new vision of how my skills could make a tangible difference. Besides my internship, I hold other positions that have further honed my leadership abilities. I organize events and practices as the Vice President of the Oakwood Men's Volleyball Team, where I learn much about teamwork, resilience, and discipline. I have also worked as an assistant in the Diversity and Inclusion Department, helping to provide an inclusive environment for all students. These experiences have taught me the importance of inclusivity, perseverance, and empathy, which I hope to bring to my future career. My long-term goal is to work in healthcare technology, devising innovations that improve patient outcomes while introducing efficiency. Eventually, I want to assume a leadership position where I can effect meaningful changes by integrating technology into my commitment to bettering lives. I am most interested in positions that dare me to assist others in times of need, as my past is deeply rooted in my commitment to helping others find hope and resiliency in their struggles. This scholarship would greatly benefit my journey, taking much of the financial weight off my shoulders as I work toward my degree. Being an internationally dependent student, the economic burdens weigh heavily upon me. Receiving this scholarship would provide me with the security of covering school finances and offer me a vast opportunity to put more effort into studying, interning, and leadership roles instead of always stressing over possible financial burdens. In turn, this would help me become fully engaged in excelling in my field and building a career that will be substantial in helping others. Reflecting on my journey and some of the real difficulties I have experienced makes me feel motivated to press on with purpose like never before. I am ready to step into my career and, with the skills and dedication I had, take on those challenges that came my way, every step closer to achieving my goals of helping others through my work. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that vision: making a difference, not just in my life but for the communities I hope to serve.

My career goals include developing my leadership and technological skills to bring positive changes to the world. As a junior student majoring in Management Information Systems, I have had experiences about how influential technology has been in bringing efficiency to organizations and changing people's lives. While working at AdventHealth this summer in the clinical analytics side, I saw how data-driven solutions can drive better patient care, thus making hospitals more efficient. This indeed emboldens me in my quest for a career at which technology and healthcare merge, using data and IT to support critical missions. In the long term, I envision myself at an executive level in a healthcare or technology-oriented organization, spearheading an initiative in the development and implementation of progressive solutions to highly complex issues. I am particularly passionate about the design of systems that improve user experience and operational effectiveness. I will be further developing my expertise through continuous internships and project work, extending my interests to mentorship of others with similar dedication. My ultimate aspiration is to be able to participate in meaningful projects that target health and wellness for many, making a difference by applying acquired skill and experiences.

My childhood wasn't a melody of perfect harmonies; it was a symphony of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering love conducted by my single mother. There was a constant undercurrent of struggle, a hum of "what ifs" and "maybe laters," but the melody that resonated most powerfully was the unwavering strength of my mother. Our home was a testament to resourcefulness. Mismatched furniture, hand-me-down clothes, and dinners meticulously planned to stretch every penny – these were the hallmarks of our reality. Yet, my mother never let these limitations dim the light within our small haven. She transformed our cramped apartment into a world of possibilities. A worn card table became our stage for elaborate plays, and the library, our portal to endless adventures. The absence of a father figure left a void, a lingering note that couldn't be fully replaced. There were times when I yearned for the stereotypical image of a complete family, a twinge of envy at friends who had fathers to play catch with or fix their bikes. However, my mother filled this space with a fierce, all-encompassing love. She shouldered the burdens of parenthood with grace, her nights often burning the midnight oil as she juggled work and single-handedly managing our household. This relentless effort instilled in me a profound respect for her strength and a deep appreciation for the sacrifices she made for my well-being. Growing up in a single-parent household fostered a fierce independence in me. From a young age, I learned to navigate responsibilities beyond my years. I helped with chores, cooked simple meals, and learned to budget our limited resources. These experiences nurtured a sense of self-reliance and resourcefulness that has become a cornerstone of my personality. I learned to find solutions, to improvise, and to make the most of what I had. Most importantly, my upbringing nurtured a deep sense of empathy and compassion. Witnessing my mother's struggles firsthand made me acutely aware of the challenges faced by others. It ignited a desire to understand, to help, and to use my own experiences to advocate for those in need. My childhood wasn't a fairy tale, but it was a powerful melody that shaped me into who I am today. It instilled in me resilience, resourcefulness, and a unwavering commitment to hard work. The absence of a father figure may have left a note missing, but the symphony of my mother's love, strength, and sacrifice provided the foundation for my growth and the drive to pursue my dreams. This experience has fueled my desire to earn more certifications in my field of study, a field where I can contribute to a more just and equitable society. The challenges I faced growing up have only strengthened my resolve to advocate for those in need and to build a future where opportunities are not dictated by circumstance. Just like my mother, I too, strive to create my own symphony of success, a melody woven with the threads of resilience, empathy, and the unwavering belief in the power of hard work.

For generations, the Black community has carried the weight of a brutal past and the burdens of an unequal present. Systemic racism, violence, and social disparities create a unique set of challenges that profoundly impact mental well-being. However, within this struggle lies immense strength and a deep-rooted desire for healing. By dismantling the stigma surrounding mental health and increasing access to culturally competent care, we can empower Black communities to not only survive, but thrive. The first step lies in a decisive shift in narrative. Mental health needs to be reframed as a sign of strength, not weakness. Black celebrities, athletes, and community leaders hold immense influence. By sharing their own experiences of seeking help, they can normalize the conversation and encourage others to prioritize their mental well-being. Imagine the impact if a revered rapper spoke openly about therapy, or a star athlete discussed the importance of mental health training. These acts of vulnerability can break down walls of silence and inspire others to prioritize their emotional well-being. However, access to care goes beyond just talking about it. Culturally competent therapists are crucial for creating a safe space for healing. Many Black individuals may feel hesitant to open up to someone who doesn't understand the nuances of their lived experiences. This is where increasing the number of Black mental health professionals becomes essential. Training programs and mentorship initiatives can create a pipeline for talented Black individuals to enter the field. Seeing a therapist who "gets it," who shares similar cultural references and understands the weight of societal pressures, can foster trust and open communication. The solution isn't limited to clinical settings. Community-based support systems are vital in reaching those who may not traditionally seek professional help. Faith-based organizations, barbershops, and community centers already hold a trusted place in many Black neighborhoods. These institutions can be transformed into hubs for mental health resources. Workshops on managing stress or recognizing signs of depression, facilitated by trained professionals, can provide easily accessible education. Support groups led by Black mental health professionals can offer a safe space for peer-to-peer connection and shared experiences. Educational materials, flyers, and posters displayed in these familiar spaces can raise awareness and encourage help-seeking behavior. By working collaboratively—celebrities, mental health professionals, and community leaders alike—we can build bridges of trust and understanding. Imagine barbershops offering mental health screenings alongside haircuts or churches hosting support groups for young Black men. These efforts can normalize conversations about mental health, foster early intervention, and create a culture of support within the Black community itself. The journey towards dismantling stigma and increasing access to care won't be easy. However, the potential for positive change is immense. By empowering Black communities to prioritize mental health, we can cultivate a future where seeking help is not a source of shame, but a badge of courage – a testament to the resilience and strength that has always defined the Black experience.