I have always been driven by a deep-seated desire to make a difference in the world, particularly in the realm of healthcare. Growing up as a Jamaican-American in Queens, New York, I witnessed firsthand the disparities that exist within our healthcare system. My grandfather’s struggle with accessing adequate medical care before his passing left an indelible mark on me. It was heartbreaking to see someone I loved face barriers that should not exist in a society that prides itself on equality and opportunity. This experience ignited a passion within me to advocate for those who are often overlooked and marginalized, particularly in communities of color that have historically been denied access to essential healthcare services. As I navigated my educational journey, I chose to pursue a degree in public health on a pre-medical track. This decision was not merely academic; it was deeply personal and rooted in my experiences. My education has provided me with a solid foundation in understanding the social determinants of health, epidemiology, and health policy. I have learned how factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and geographic location can significantly impact an individual’s access to healthcare and overall well-being. Armed with this knowledge, I am committed to equipping myself with the skills necessary to effect change. My long-term goal is to open medical practices in underserved communities where access to quality healthcare is limited or non-existent. By establishing these practices, I aim not only to provide medical services but also to create an environment where community members feel empowered and informed about their health choices. I envision these practices as holistic centers that address not just physical ailments but also mental health and wellness, nutrition education, and preventive care strategies. In doing so, I hope to foster a culture of health awareness and proactive engagement among community members. Moreover, through outreach programs and partnerships with local organizations, I plan to build trust within these communities. Many individuals may be hesitant to seek medical help due to past negative experiences or systemic distrust towards healthcare providers. By actively engaging with community leaders and residents, I aim to break down these barriers and encourage individuals to seek preventive care rather than waiting until they are critically ill. Additionally, I aspire to mentor young people from similar backgrounds who may feel disillusioned by the system; by sharing my journey and experiences, I hope to inspire them to pursue careers in medicine or public health as well. Representation matters immensely in healthcare; seeing someone who shares your background succeed can ignite hope and ambition in others. In summary, my personal experiences have shaped my aspirations and fueled my commitment to making a positive impact through my career in medicine. By focusing on underserved communities and advocating for equitable access to healthcare, I aim not only to honor my grandfather’s memory but also to contribute meaningfully toward building a healthier future for all individuals regardless of their background or circumstances.

The narrative of my grandmother serves as a poignant illustration of the obstacles faced due to cardiac disease, particularly when compounded by distrust in healthcare systems. Her life was marked by a series of cardiovascular issues that she chose to confront without professional medical assistance, leading to significant challenges for both her and our family. One of the primary obstacles my grandmother faced was her deep-seated distrust in healthcare providers. This skepticism stemmed from various factors, including past experiences with medical professionals who did not take her concerns seriously or provided inadequate care. She often recounted stories of friends and family members who had negative experiences with doctors, which reinforced her belief that seeking help would be futile or even harmful. This distrust led her to avoid regular check-ups and necessary treatments for her cardiovascular issues. As her cardiovascular health deteriorated, my grandmother began experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. However, instead of seeking medical attention, she attributed these symptoms to aging or stress. This denial not only delayed diagnosis but also exacerbated her condition over time. The lack of intervention meant that what could have been manageable health issues escalated into more severe problems. Her refusal to seek help created significant emotional strain within our family. We often found ourselves in difficult conversations where we urged her to see a doctor, but she remained steadfast in her beliefs. This situation fostered feelings of helplessness among family members who were concerned about her well-being but felt powerless against her convictions. The emotional toll was compounded by the fear that we might lose her due to preventable complications from untreated cardiac disease. Eventually, my grandmother’s health reached a critical point where emergency medical intervention became unavoidable. After suffering a heart attack at home—a situation that could have been mitigated with earlier medical attention—she was rushed to the hospital. This crisis highlighted the dangers associated with neglecting cardiovascular health and underscored the importance of timely medical care. Following this event, while she did receive treatment and made some lifestyle changes under medical supervision, the experience left lasting scars on both my grandmother and our family dynamics. She continued to grapple with trust issues regarding healthcare providers even after receiving care; this ongoing skepticism limited her willingness to engage fully in preventive measures or follow-up appointments. The journey through my grandmother’s experience with cardiac disease illustrates several critical obstacles: deep-rooted distrust in healthcare systems, denial of symptoms leading to delayed treatment, emotional strain on family relationships, and ultimately facing a health crisis that could have been avoided with proactive care. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing both physical health needs and psychological barriers when it comes to managing chronic diseases like cardiovascular conditions.

I grew up in a home where financial conversations were not just background noise but a constant presence, shaping how I viewed the world. My family, like many others in communities of color, lived under the weight of socioeconomic adversity. We never had the luxury of ignoring the price of things, especially healthcare. But what many might see as a limitation, I’ve come to view as a foundation. My experience with financial insecurity became the lens through which I see the world and the fuel that drives my desire to create change. Socioeconomic adversity has influenced my beliefs in ways that go beyond the surface of simply wanting to make a difference. I don’t just want to change the system; I want to rebuild it from the ground up. I firmly believe that access to healthcare should never be a luxury. Watching family members avoid going to the doctor due to fear of medical bills or seeing neighbors travel far for basic services left a mark on me. It was never just about having money, but about the structural barriers that made financial hardship feel inescapable. This has driven me to pursue a career as a physician with a long-term goal of opening healthcare practices in underserved communities of color, where financial adversity is a part of everyday life. However, I’ve come to realize that addressing socioeconomic adversity goes beyond just providing access to care. It’s about creating trust, building relationships, and empowering communities to take charge of their health. One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned is that adversity shapes relationships in unexpected ways. It fosters a sense of solidarity, but it also builds walls between those who feel powerless and the systems meant to serve them. Through my experiences as the President of the University at Buffalo Brigades Chapter in Panama, and as the President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS), I’ve seen how distrust in the healthcare system can be a barrier in itself. People of color, especially those facing financial hardship, often feel disconnected from institutions that historically have not served them. My goal is to not only break down the financial barriers but to create healthcare environments where patients feel seen, heard, and understood. In terms of making a positive impact in my community, I plan to take a two-fold approach: advocacy and action. Advocacy begins with raising awareness about the financial burdens that medical care places on marginalized communities. I plan to engage in dialogues within my school and local organizations, pushing for more conversations about the intersection of healthcare and socioeconomic status. Action, on the other hand, comes from the ground up—through programs, partnerships, and eventually, the opening of accessible clinics. I envision creating healthcare spaces where patients are not just treated for their ailments but also educated on how to navigate the healthcare system without falling into medical debt. Financial literacy, when combined with accessible care, can be transformative. Socioeconomic adversity has taught me that change is not just about creating access to services; it’s about addressing the root causes of inequality and empowering people to reclaim their right to live healthy lives. My goal is to be a part of that change—building healthcare systems that work with communities rather than for them, ensuring that adversity is not the defining factor of someone’s health outcomes, but rather the reason we push for something better.

Yes, my mom is a nurse, and I could go on for hours talking about how she inspired me to pursue medicine, but my father is the real inspiration behind my ambition and drive. He didn’t go to college, didn’t earn a degree, and worked tirelessly in construction for as long as I can remember. Growing up, my father never made his lack of formal education a limitation. Instead, he used his work ethic, resilience, and love for his family as lessons that shaped the person I am today. Raised in a single-parent household, my dad often worked long hours, sacrificing his comfort so that I would never go without. I saw him come home exhausted after grueling days on construction sites, yet he always had time to ask me about my day, help with my schoolwork, or encourage me to aim higher than my circumstances. Though we didn’t have the same privileges as some of my peers, I never felt like I was missing out on anything because of the strength, love, and dedication my father gave me. Seeing his hands blistered from hours of hard labor, I realized early on that success isn’t solely measured by degrees or job titles. It’s about character, perseverance, and the impact you have on others. My father built homes for others, but in his own way, he was building a future for me—brick by brick. His work ethic and resilience taught me that no dream is too big and that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. He showed me the importance of working hard and using every opportunity to create a better life, not just for myself, but for others. This experience shaped my ambition to become a healthcare professional. Medicine, for me, isn’t just about science; it’s about service. Watching my father quietly persevere instilled in me the desire to serve communities often overlooked or forgotten—just as my dad was sometimes overlooked in his line of work. In the future, I plan to use my talents not only to treat patients but to uplift underserved communities, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve. Just as my father provided for me, I want to provide for those who don’t always have access to quality healthcare. Though I am pursuing a career in medicine, I am not yet certain about the specific path I’ll take. But whether I become a physician, public health advocate, or a specialist in community health, my goal remains the same: to improve lives. I know that whatever I do, I’ll carry the lessons I learned from my father with me. His resilience taught me that helping others doesn’t always require grand gestures—sometimes, it’s the small, consistent acts of kindness and care that make the biggest impact. I want to be a part of building a future where health equity is prioritized and everyone, regardless of background, has access to the care they need. In this way, I hope to use my talents to do good, to give back to the community, and to make my father proud—not by earning titles or degrees but by building something that truly matters, just as he did for me.

As someone who has always valued justice and compassion, I strive to be an “up-stander,” particularly through a leadership role. Leading a clinical trip to Panama to serve underserved communities was transformative, solidifying my dedication to using my voice to advocate for those who are often unheard of. When I founded the University at Buffalo (UB) Chapter of Global Brigades, my goal was to empower students to engage in global health advocacy while approaching service with cultural humility. I aimed to address the significant health disparities in rural Panama, where access to medical care is limited. During our trip, we partnered with local healthcare professionals and community leaders to set up temporary clinics, providing medical, dental, and public health services. However, I quickly learned that standing up for what’s right wasn’t just about delivering healthcare—it was about listening to the community and ensuring they had a platform to express their needs. As the leader of this initiative, I prioritized collaboration over a top-down approach. It wasn’t about arriving at predetermined solutions but about working with the community to identify their most pressing challenges and how we could offer sustainable help. I advocated for culturally sensitive approaches, ensuring we respected the values and customs of the people we served. This experience taught me that being an up-stander involves amplifying the voices of those who are often ignored and ensuring they are part of the conversation. One moment that stands out from the trip was when a local mother brought her child to our clinic. He had been suffering from a preventable infection, and while we were able to treat him, it became clear that the community’s lack of consistent access to healthcare left them vulnerable. I spoke with her about the barriers they faced, and she shared stories of others in the village with similar struggles. Her words pushed me to do more than just provide temporary aid; they reinforced the importance of creating sustainable healthcare models that empower communities long after volunteers leave. After returning from Panama, I became an even more vocal advocate for health equity. I gave presentations at my university on the social determinants of health and the structural inequalities that perpetuate disparities, both abroad and in the U.S. As President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, I worked with my peers to build initiatives that address local health inequities and create long-term impacts in underserved communities. I continue to use my voice to speak out against the systemic issues that lead to these disparities, from advocating for better healthcare policies to organizing educational workshops aimed at empowering future healthcare leaders. Looking ahead, I plan to use my voice to build a community centered on empathy, health equity, and action. My ultimate goal is to open healthcare practices in underserved communities of color, particularly where systemic racism has limited access to care. I understand that standing up for what is right involves not only addressing injustices but also creating solutions that bridge gaps in access and opportunity. In these communities, small acts like providing health education and advocating for preventive care can make a significant impact. In the spirit of Mohamed Magdi Taha, I will continue advocating for change by using my voice as a tool not only for calling out inequities but for bringing people together. I want to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, guided by compassion and justice. Through small acts of kindness and larger systemic efforts, I will always stand up for what is right and work toward a more equitable future for all.

The values of love, service, and education have profoundly influenced my journey and ambitions. I am inspired by those who dedicate their lives to uplifting others and advancing educational opportunities, and I strive to embody these principles in every aspect of my life. Growing up as a Black woman in a community with limited resources has fueled my commitment to supporting and empowering those around me. My grandfather’s struggle with severe Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, compounded by the distance to the nearest hospital in Jamaica, underscored the importance of accessible healthcare and compassionate support. This experience has shaped my desire to address systemic health disparities through my studies and future career in public health. Education is central to my mission. I view it as a powerful tool for change, not just for personal advancement but for uplifting others. During my time as President and Founder of the UB Chapter of Global Brigades, I organized a clinical trip to Panama where we provided healthcare services to underserved communities. This experience was a testament to my dedication to service and education, as it allowed me to directly impact the lives of those in need while gaining invaluable insights into global health challenges. Additionally, my role as President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) involved mentoring fellow students and organizing events to promote health careers among underrepresented groups. I also served as a team advisor for the National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University, where I worked with high school students interested in medicine. These roles enabled me to guide and inspire others, fostering a supportive environment that emphasizes the importance of education and community involvement. Virtue and purpose are at the heart of my approach to life and learning. In my academic work, I strive to conduct myself with integrity and dedication. For instance, while working as a Patient Service Representative at Windsong Radiology, I encountered patients from diverse backgrounds, including those who traveled from Canada to Buffalo for medical services. This experience highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in patient care, further reinforcing my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. My involvement in various community initiatives also reflects my commitment to making a positive impact. As a CSTEP Campus Health Educator, I engaged in service learning by educating peers on organ donation and encouraging them to sign donor cards. This role allowed me to advocate for a critical issue while promoting awareness and education within my community. In conclusion, my journey is characterized by a deep commitment to love, service, and education. Through my academic and leadership roles, I have demonstrated a dedication to supporting others and addressing systemic challenges. My experiences, from organizing health outreach programs to mentoring peers, reflect my passion for making a meaningful difference and contributing to the betterment of my community. The values I hold are a testament to the principles of nurturing and empowerment, and I am eager to continue embodying these values in my future endeavors.

As a Black woman navigating the world of academia and professional development, my journey has been marked by a strong dedication to overcoming adversity and achieving success in both my academic and personal life. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles faced by my family, particularly my grandfather’s battle with severe Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This experience highlighted the critical need for accessible healthcare and inspired me to pursue a career in public health. The financial strain and emotional toll of his illness underscored the importance of resilience and accountability in achieving one’s goals. Maintaining accountability has been a cornerstone of my approach to education and personal development. As a student in my senior year studying public health, I have consistently set high standards for myself and taken proactive steps to meet them. I balance rigorous academic coursework with hands-on experience, including roles as a Medical Intern and a Patient Service Representative. These positions have provided me with practical skills and a deeper understanding of healthcare systems, reinforcing my commitment to addressing health disparities. In addition to my academic and professional responsibilities, I have taken on leadership roles that emphasize accountability and support for others. As the President and Founder of the UB Chapter of Global Brigades, I led a clinical trip to Panama to assist underserved communities, demonstrating my commitment to both service and leadership. Similarly, my tenure as President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) and as a team advisor for the National Student Leadership Conference at Yale University allowed me to mentor and guide others, fostering an environment of mutual support and empowerment. Success, for me, is not solely about personal achievement but also about lifting others as I climb. I am dedicated to supporting the success of other women and contributing to their empowerment. My involvement in various organizations and my commitment to mentoring reflect my belief in the collective advancement of women. By sharing my experiences and offering support, I aim to inspire and assist others in reaching their full potential. Looking ahead, my goal is to continue leveraging my experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field of public health. I aspire to develop programs and policies that address healthcare disparities and promote equitable access to care. I am committed to creating opportunities for women, particularly those from marginalized communities, to succeed and thrive. This scholarship represents a vital opportunity to further my academic and professional ambitions while staying true to my values of accountability and support for others. This scholarship would provide invaluable support as I continue my journey, enabling me to focus on my goals and contribute to the advancement of women in my community and beyond.

Overcoming adversity has been a central theme in my life, shaping my personal growth and career aspirations. One of the most profound challenges I have faced involved my grandfather's struggle with severe Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Living in Jamaica, the nearest hospital was three hours away, making access to timely and adequate medical care an almost insurmountable barrier. This situation not only impacted my grandfather's quality of life but also placed an immense financial strain on my family. The costs associated with his care drained our resources and presented significant obstacles for me in pursuing my educational goals. Navigating this adversity required resilience and adaptability. I learned to balance my academic responsibilities with the emotional and financial burdens placed upon us. My commitment to overcoming these challenges was fueled by a deep-seated desire to address the disparities that my grandfather’s situation highlighted. I focused on maintaining my academic performance while also contributing to my family’s support. This period of my life reinforced my belief in the importance of accessible and equitable healthcare and strengthened my resolve to make a difference in this field. In overcoming these personal and financial obstacles, I also sought support and guidance from mentors and peers. I took on roles that would enhance my skills and broaden my perspectives, such as working as a Patient Service Representative and an Academic Coach. These experiences allowed me to develop a more profound understanding of healthcare systems and the barriers faced by underserved communities. They also provided me with the skills and confidence needed to tackle future challenges. Looking ahead, my primary goal is to address health disparities and improve healthcare access, especially in communities that face similar challenges to those my family experienced. I am committed to pursuing a career in public health with a focus on creating sustainable solutions to address systemic inequalities. My experiences have instilled in me a passion for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location, have access to quality healthcare. I plan to achieve this by working in community health initiatives that focus on bridging gaps in healthcare access and education. I envision developing programs that provide preventive care and health education to underserved populations. These programs will be designed to address both immediate healthcare needs and long-term health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and ongoing support. Additionally, I aim to advocate for policy changes that promote health equity and support underserved communities. By collaborating with policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, I hope to drive systemic changes that address the root causes of health disparities and improve access to care for those who need it most. In conclusion, overcoming adversity has equipped me with the resilience, empathy, and determination necessary to pursue a career in public health. My experiences have solidified my commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting underserved communities. With the support of opportunities like the Henry Bynum, Jr. Memorial Scholarship, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful impact and contribute to creating a more equitable healthcare system for all.

Throughout my life, I have been deeply committed to making a difference in my community and addressing the disparities that many underserved populations face. One significant experience that exemplifies my dedication to community service was my role as the President and Founder of the UB Chapter of Global Brigades. In this capacity, I led clinical missions to underserved communities in Panama, where I witnessed firsthand the impact of inadequate healthcare and the transformative power of providing support to those in need. During these missions, my team and I worked tirelessly to offer medical care and health education to communities that lacked access to basic healthcare services. This experience was both humbling and inspiring, reinforcing my passion for service and my commitment to addressing health disparities. The opportunity to work closely with these communities and see the positive changes we could bring about was a powerful reminder of the difference that dedicated individuals can make. My commitment to community service extends beyond international work. Inspired by my grandfather’s struggles with accessing healthcare during his illness, I have set a lifelong goal of opening healthcare practices in communities of color. These communities are often neglected and face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare. By establishing practices in these areas, I aim to address these disparities and provide essential medical services to those who need them most. My goal is not only to offer medical care but also to empower these communities through education and resources that can improve overall well-being. In the future, I plan to continue contributing to my community through various initiatives. I am determined to pursue higher education in public health and medicine, which will equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to make a more significant impact. I envision creating programs that focus on preventive care, health education, and outreach to underserved populations. By working closely with community leaders and stakeholders, I hope to build partnerships that will enhance healthcare access and support long-term health improvements. In summary, my experience with Global Brigades and my personal connection to healthcare disparities have fueled my commitment to community service and my lifelong goal of improving healthcare access in neglected communities. I am dedicated to continuing this work and contributing to positive change, driven by a deep belief in the power of education and the importance of addressing inequities in healthcare. This scholarship would greatly support my efforts to achieve these goals and make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

My journey towards developing my skills and nurturing a passion for helping others has been profoundly influenced by my experiences with Global Brigades and a deeply personal connection to healthcare disparities through my grandfather’s story. As the President and Founder of the UB Chapter of Global Brigades, I was entrusted with leading clinical missions to underserved communities in Panama, an experience that shaped my approach to service and advocacy. The inspiration for my dedication to this cause stems from a deeply personal experience. My grandfather, who suffered from severe Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, lived in Jamaica where the nearest hospital was a daunting three hours away. His struggles with accessing timely and adequate healthcare during his illness profoundly impacted me and fueled my determination to address healthcare disparities. Witnessing his difficulties underscored the critical need for equitable healthcare access and ignited my passion for helping those in similar situations. Founding and leading the UB Chapter of Global Brigades provided me with an opportunity to channel this passion into tangible actions. This role demanded a range of skills and commitment, shaping my approach to helping others and making it my purpose. Leading a diverse team of volunteers required me to cultivate strong leadership skills. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and strategic planning were essential to guiding our team towards our mission. Inspiring and motivating team members, leveraging their strengths, and ensuring cohesive teamwork were critical aspects of my leadership role. This experience taught me the importance of fostering collaboration and creating an environment where each team member could thrive. Working in the culturally rich context of Panama involved developing a profound sense of empathy and cultural sensitivity. Immersing ourselves in these communities, I learned to appreciate their unique challenges and to respect their cultural practices. Building trust and delivering effective healthcare interventions required a deep understanding of their needs and practices. This experience highlighted the significance of approaching each individual with respect and understanding, insights that have informed my ongoing commitment to equitable healthcare. The dynamic nature of our missions required me to be adaptable and resourceful. Whether addressing logistical issues or responding to unexpected medical needs, I learned to navigate challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset. The ability to think on my feet and remain flexible was invaluable in ensuring that we could effectively support and uplift those in need. The profound impact of our work in Panama reinforced my commitment to service and advocacy. Seeing the positive changes we brought to individuals and communities reaffirmed my dedication to addressing health disparities. Inspired by my grandfather’s struggles, I am more determined than ever to advocate for equitable access to healthcare and to continue supporting those in need. In summary, my role with Global Brigades has been instrumental in developing my skills and passion for helping others. It has taught me leadership, cultural sensitivity, problem-solving, and advocacy, all of which are grounded in my personal connection to healthcare disparities. This experience has become the foundation of my purpose, guiding me in my efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

Three hours. One hundred and eighty minutes. Ten thousand eight hundred seconds. That’s the amount of time it would take for my grandfather to find the closest hospital in Jamaica. The clock hands seemed to slow as I watched my grandfather navigate his memories, each passing day stealing a piece of his essence. It started with confusing my name. Next was forgetting his birthday. As days turned to weeks, my grandfather’s memory continued to fade. Every time I visited him, he was reliving a distant memory. His battle with severe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's wasn't just personal; it became a testament to the barriers that deny so many the care they deserve. In my time with him, I wondered if his fate would have been different had he been treated in the United States. As I sat beside him, his hand in mine, I felt a calling to dismantle these barriers brick by brick. However, pursuing this path has not been without its challenges. The financial strain of my grandfather's medical treatments and subsequent passing imposed a significant burden on my family. To fund my education and pursue my dream of becoming a physician, I had to take out loans, knowing that the financial obstacles were a necessary sacrifice to achieve my goals. Experiencing these financial difficulties firsthand has reinforced my resilience and determination. It has instilled in me a deep empathy for patients and families facing similar challenges—those navigating complex healthcare systems while grappling with financial constraints. I am committed to approaching medicine with a heightened awareness of these issues, striving to provide compassionate care that considers the holistic well-being of my patients, not just their medical conditions. In my future practice as a physician, my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities extends beyond individual patient care to encompass advocacy and systemic change. I am driven by a vision of healthcare that is not only proficient in diagnosing and treating illnesses but also empathetic to the socioeconomic factors influencing health outcomes. I envision myself as a proactive advocate within healthcare settings, leveraging my understanding of financial barriers to champion policies that promote equity and accessibility. This advocacy includes collaborating with healthcare administrators, policymakers, and community leaders to implement programs that mitigate disparities and improve healthcare delivery for marginalized populations. Ultimately, my journey through financial challenges has strengthened my resolve to pursue medicine with a commitment to social justice and patient advocacy. I am determined to use my experiences to positively impact the lives of others, striving to create a healthcare environment where access to quality care is a fundamental right rather than a privilege. My experiences have shown that impactful paths often arise from formidable challenges, and I welcome these obstacles as opportunities to make a profound difference. This journey, seeded by the healthcare disparities witnessed by my grandfather, has blossomed into a commitment to ensure this cycle will change for future generations to come.

My name is Ariana Small, and I am deeply passionate about contributing to the field of healthcare, particularly in improving access and equity for underserved communities. Currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Public Health at the University at Buffalo on a pre-medical track, I am committed to preparing myself to become a physician dedicated to patient-centered care and advocacy. From a young age, I have been inspired by personal experiences, especially witnessing the challenges my grandfather faced with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in Jamaica, where healthcare access was limited. His journey sparked my interest in healthcare disparities and fueled my determination to pursue a career that addresses these inequities head-on. My future goals are centered around becoming a compassionate and skilled physician who not only diagnoses and treats medical conditions but also advocates for health equity and social justice. I am particularly interested in serving marginalized communities, where I aim to contribute to advancements in treatment protocols and patient outcomes. Throughout my academic journey, I have been actively involved in initiatives that promote community health and wellness. Establishing a Global Brigades Chapter at my university allowed me to lead medical missions and advocate for healthcare reforms, further solidifying my commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare. Through Global Brigades, I have had the privilege to lead and collaborate with fellow students on impactful initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes in underserved communities in Panama. We organized and participated in medical missions, providing essential healthcare services such as vaccinations, dental care, and general medical consultations to populations with limited access to healthcare. Looking ahead, I aspire to continue my education through medical school and residency, gaining the necessary expertise to address complex healthcare challenges effectively. I am eager to integrate clinical experience with research and policy advocacy, striving to influence systemic changes that improve healthcare access and quality for marginalized populations. Having a long-term goal of establishing my future practices in minority communities, I aspire to not only provide access to healthcare and resources but to foster education empowerment, and community engagement in matters of health and well-being. Firmly believing that healthcare should transcend boundaries of race, gender, and economic status, I am positive about leveraging my role to ensure meaningful change. My experiences have shown that impactful paths often arise from formidable challenges, and I welcome these obstacles as opportunities to make a profound difference. This journey, seeded by the healthcare disparities witnessed by my grandfather, has blossomed into a commitment to ensure this cycle will change for future generations to come.

I am Ariana Small, a dedicated individual driven by a deep-seated passion for healthcare equity and patient advocacy. My journey into the field of medicine was profoundly influenced by personal experiences, particularly witnessing the impact of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's on my grandfather in Jamaica. His struggle against these debilitating illnesses, exacerbated by limited healthcare access, ignited within me a determination to pursue a career focused on improving healthcare outcomes and addressing systemic disparities. From a young age, I observed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals in underserved communities, where access to quality healthcare is often hindered by geographic, economic, and social barriers. These experiences instilled in me a commitment to advocate for equitable healthcare access and compassionate patient care. My decision to pursue [your field of study], with a focus on [specific area if applicable], stems from a desire to contribute meaningfully to the field and make a tangible difference in the lives of patients. Throughout my academic journey at the University at Buffalo, where I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's degree in Public Health on a pre-medical track, I have actively engaged in initiatives that promote health equity and community well-being. Establishing the Global Brigades Chapter on campus was a pivotal step in this direction, allowing me to lead efforts in organizing medical missions and advocating for healthcare reforms that prioritize underserved populations. My career aspirations are rooted in a vision of becoming a physician who not only diagnoses and treats medical conditions but also serves as an empathetic advocate for patients' rights and holistic well-being. I am inspired by healthcare professionals who demonstrate unwavering compassion and dedication to their patients, striving to emulate their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care. Looking forward, I am eager to continue my education and training, gaining the necessary skills and knowledge to address healthcare challenges effectively. Whether through clinical practice, research, or policy advocacy, I aim to contribute to advancements in healthcare delivery and promote policies that foster health equity and social justice. In summary, my journey towards a career in medicine is driven by a profound sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact in healthcare. My experiences, particularly those with my grandfather, have shaped my aspirations and fueled my determination to pursue a path where I can advocate for those who face barriers to healthcare access and ensure that every individual receives the care and support they deserve.

Three hours. One hundred and eighty minutes. Ten thousand eight hundred seconds. That’s the amount of time it would take for my grandfather to find the closest hospital in Jamaica. The clock hands seemed to slow as I watched my grandfather navigate his memories, each passing day stealing a piece of his essence. It started with confusing my name. Next was forgetting his birthday. As days turned to weeks, my grandfather’s memory continued to fade. Every time I visited him, he was reliving a distant memory. His battle with severe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's wasn't just personal; it became a testament to the barriers that deny so many the care they deserve. In my time with him, I wondered if his fate would have been different had he been treated in the United States. As I sat beside him, his hand in mine, I felt a calling to dismantle these barriers brick by brick. Even though my grandfather unfortunately passed away, in honor of his legacy, I took decisive action to ensure his passing wasn't without purpose. This led me to establish a Global Brigades Chapter at my university, a platform through which I not only guided myself but also empowered fellow students to join me in advocating for change. During my mission trip to Panama, I experienced an impactful interaction with a young boy named Miguel that fundamentally shaped my perspective on serving communities. As Miguel initially arrived nervously, unsure of what to expect, my approach prioritized not just his physical symptoms but also his emotional state. Through active listening and genuine empathy, I sought to understand his concerns and fears, establishing a foundation of trust. This empathetic connection paved the way for effective communication, which permitted me to conduct his vitals. Beyond the clinical aspect, our interactions extended to moments of genuine human connection. Whether through a reassuring touch, a shared joke, or lending an empathetic ear, I strived to create a space where Miguel felt valued and understood as more than just a patient, but as a fellow human being facing challenges. These moments of connection fostered a sense of mutual respect and trust, enabling Miguel to open up about his concerns and actively engage in his treatment journey. As Miguel's confidence grew and his demeanor shifted from apprehension to ease, it became evident that the healing process extended far beyond the physical realm. The transformation wasn't solely about alleviating symptoms but about restoring dignity, confidence, and hope. Having a long-term goal of establishing my future practices in minority communities, I aspire to not only provide access to healthcare and resources but to foster education empowerment, and community engagement in matters of health and well-being. My experiences have shown that impactful paths often arise from formidable challenges, and I welcome these obstacles as opportunities to make a profound difference. This journey, seeded by the healthcare disparities witnessed by my grandfather, has blossomed into a commitment to ensure this cycle will change for future generations to come.

Three hours. One hundred and eighty minutes. Ten thousand eight hundred seconds. That’s the amount of time it would take for my grandfather to find the closest hospital in Jamaica. The clock hands seemed to slow as I watched my grandfather navigate his memories, each passing day stealing a piece of his essence. It started with confusing my name. Next was forgetting his birthday. As days turned to weeks, my grandfather’s memory continued to fade. Every time I visited him, he was reliving a distant memory. His battle with severe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's wasn't just personal; it became a testament to the barriers that deny so many the care they deserve. In my time with him, I wondered if his fate would have been different had he been treated in the United States. As I sat beside him, his hand in mine, I felt a calling to dismantle these barriers brick by brick. In Jamaica, where healthcare resources are scarce and unevenly distributed, the journey to receive medical attention often becomes a daunting odyssey. For my grandfather, each visit to a healthcare facility meant navigating long distances and bureaucratic hurdles, exacerbating the already overwhelming burden of his cognitive and physical decline. The coexistence of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's made his situation even more complex, requiring specialized care that was often out of reach. Reflecting on this experience has deepened my understanding of the intersection between healthcare disparities and chronic illnesses like Alzheimer's. It has fueled my determination to advocate for equitable access to healthcare services, regardless of geographical location or socioeconomic status. Establishing initiatives like the Global Brigades Chapter at my university was a pivotal step toward addressing these disparities. Through medical missions and community outreach, we aimed to bridge gaps in healthcare access, providing essential services and raising awareness about preventive care. Beyond advocacy and outreach, my academic pursuits in Public Health have equipped me with insights into the systemic challenges underlying healthcare disparities. I have engaged in research examining the impact of socioeconomic factors on health outcomes and contributed to discussions on policy reforms to enhance healthcare equity. Each endeavor has reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in medicine where I can advocate for patient-centered care and advocate for systemic change. In conclusion, Alzheimer's disease has not only touched my family profoundly but has also shaped my personal and professional aspirations. My grandfather's journey illuminated the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare reform and inspired me to dedicate my life to dismantling barriers that deny individuals like him the care they deserve. As I continue on this path, I am driven by a sense of purpose to create a healthcare system that is inclusive, compassionate, and accessible to all.

Three hours. One hundred and eighty minutes. Ten thousand eight hundred seconds. That’s the amount of time it would take for my grandfather to find the closest hospital in Jamaica. The clock hands seemed to slow as I watched my grandfather navigate his memories, each passing day stealing a piece of his essence. It started with confusing my name. Next was forgetting his birthday. As days turned to weeks, my grandfather’s memory continued to fade. Every time I visited him, he was reliving a distant memory. His battle with severe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's wasn't just personal; it became a testament to the barriers that deny so many the care they deserve. In my time with him, I wondered if his fate would have been different had he been treated in the United States. As I sat beside him, his hand in mine, I felt a calling to dismantle these barriers brick by brick. Even though my grandfather unfortunately passed away, in honor of his legacy, I took decisive action to ensure his passing wasn't without purpose. This led me to establish the Global Brigades Chapter at my university, a platform through which I not only guided myself but also empowered fellow students to join me in advocating for change. Inspired by my grandfather's struggle, I channeled my grief into action, determined to address healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. At the heart of my journey is a resilience forged through adversity. Growing up in a community where access to healthcare was a constant challenge, I learned early on the power of determination in overcoming barriers. My grandfather's illness taught me that healthcare should be a universal right, not a privilege reserved for those with means. This realization ignited a passion within me to pursue a career in medicine, driven by a commitment to provide equitable healthcare for all. Establishing the Global Brigades Chapter was just the beginning. Through our initiatives, we organized medical missions to underserved regions, delivering essential healthcare services and raising awareness about preventive care. I coordinated teams of volunteers, collaborated with local healthcare professionals, and engaged community leaders to address systemic issues affecting health outcomes. In addition to my extracurricular endeavors, my academic pursuits in Public Health have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to tackle healthcare challenges from multiple angles. I've conducted research on disparities in access to mental health services and contributed to initiatives aimed at improving healthcare delivery in marginalized communities. Each experience has strengthened my resolve to advocate for systemic change and foster a healthcare system that prioritizes equity and inclusivity. Looking forward, I am committed to leveraging my education and future career in medicine to dismantle barriers like the ones my grandfather faced. Whether through direct patient care, policy advocacy, or community outreach, I will continue to champion those who are underserved and marginalized. My goal is not only to treat medical conditions but also to address the root causes of health disparities, ensuring that everyone has access to the quality care they deserve. In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by resilience, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of justice in healthcare. Inspired by my grandfather's legacy, I am driven to create a lasting impact and empower communities to advocate for their health and well-being. As I continue on this path, I am grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of advocating for mental health within my own family. My little brother exhibited clear signs of ADHD—fidgeting, rocking, and short attention spans—but my parents hesitated to seek a diagnosis, fearing the stigma and implications it might bring. Despite their reluctance, I knew early intervention was crucial. Even without an official diagnosis, I took it upon myself to support him, ensuring he received the attention and patience he needed to thrive. Over the years, I became his advocate within our family, continually urging my parents to reconsider. Eventually, they agreed to pursue testing, and my brother was diagnosed with ADHD. This experience reinforced my belief in the importance of early recognition and support for mental health issues. It also ignited a passion within me to help others facing similar challenges. As a student, I have actively engaged in initiatives to support mental health awareness and advocacy. At school, I've organized workshops and discussions to educate peers and destigmatize conversations around mental illness. I've volunteered with local organizations that provide support to families navigating the complexities of ADHD and other mental health conditions. Through these experiences, I've seen firsthand the transformative impact of education and support in empowering individuals and families to seek help and access resources. Looking forward, I am committed to using my studies and future career to support further and emotionally uplift those around me. Pursuing a degree in Public Health, I aim to deepen my understanding of mental health and its intersection with human behavior. I plan to directly contribute to diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, particularly in underserved communities. As a future physician, I envision myself creating safe spaces for open dialogue and providing personalized care that respects each individual's unique needs. Whether through patient advocacy, community outreach, or research, I will advocate for policies that improve access to mental health services and promote early intervention. My goal is to empower individuals and families to seek support without fear of judgment or stigma, ensuring everyone receives the compassionate care they deserve. In conclusion, my personal journey with my brother has fueled my dedication to mental health advocacy. I am determined to use my education and future career to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, promoting mental well-being and fostering a society where everyone feels supported and valued.

My passion for mental health advocacy is deeply rooted in a personal experience with my beloved grandfather, who faced the daunting challenges of severe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. I vividly recall accompanying him to healthcare appointments where his cognitive and physical impairments often left him misunderstood and overlooked by healthcare providers. His symptoms were frequently dismissed as mere consequences of his conditions, rather than being approached with the empathy and urgency they warranted. Witnessing my grandfather navigate the healthcare system underlined the stark disparities in mental health care, particularly for individuals with complex needs. It was a profoundly emotional journey for me, filled with frustration and sadness over the inadequate support and understanding he received. Despite his condition, he deserved to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. From this poignant experience, I drew a resolute commitment to advocate for those whose voices are marginalized within healthcare settings. I realized the critical need for comprehensive mental health care that respects the individuality and dignity of each patient. My grandfather's journey inspired me to transform my empathy into action, ensuring that others facing similar challenges receive the compassionate support they deserve. As a student, mental health holds profound significance for me both academically and personally. It is not just about recognizing the impact of mental health on academic performance, but about fostering empathy and understanding within my school community and beyond. I have organized workshops and discussions to promote mental health awareness, dismantle stigmas surrounding mental illness, and empower students to seek support when needed. At home, I have become a staunch advocate for my family, particularly in navigating healthcare systems and advocating for personalized mental health care. I engage in discussions with healthcare providers to ensure they understand the unique needs of individuals with cognitive impairments, advocating for holistic care plans that prioritize their mental well-being. Beyond my immediate community, I am committed to addressing the rampant mental health disparities in the Black community. Mental health issues are often considered taboo within Black culture, leading to underreporting, misdiagnosis, and inadequate treatment. Through social media campaigns, writing articles, and participating in advocacy groups, I raise awareness and promote culturally competent mental health services. I advocate for policies that improve access to mental health resources, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations who face systemic barriers to care. My journey as a student and advocate for mental health is driven by a belief in the transformative power of compassion and education. I am dedicated to being a voice for those who are marginalized or overlooked within our healthcare systems, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to receive the mental health support they need and deserve. By continuing to advocate, educate, and empower, I am committed to building a future where mental health is prioritized, understood, and supported in every community.

As a black woman navigating the path to medicine at a predominantly white institution (PWI), I have encountered moments that have profoundly shaped my perspective on the importance of diversity in healthcare. One such moment occurred during a class discussion where the topic of cultural competency in patient care was raised. I shared an experience from my community where mistrust of healthcare providers due to historical injustices still lingers. It was met with silence, revealing a stark gap in understanding and empathy—a moment that underscored the critical need for diversity not just in the student body but in the curriculum and faculty as well. My journey toward medicine is deeply rooted in my experiences witnessing health disparities through the lens of my grandfather in Jamaica. The closest hospital to him was three hours away, and his journey to receive basic medical care often involved long, arduous trips. These experiences ignited my passion to become a physician who not only treats medical conditions but also advocates for health equity and social justice. Increasing racial diversity in healthcare is not merely about representation—it is about improving patient outcomes and fostering trust between healthcare providers and underserved communities. Studies consistently show that patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and seek preventive care when they see healthcare professionals who look like them and understand their cultural backgrounds. Diversity in healthcare teams leads to more informed decision-making, better communication, and ultimately, higher quality care for all patients. Moreover, diverse healthcare teams bring a variety of perspectives and experiences that enhance innovation and problem-solving. In a field as complex and multifaceted as medicine, diverse viewpoints are essential for addressing the diverse needs of our increasingly diverse society. From developing culturally competent care plans to conducting research that reflects the full spectrum of human diversity, healthcare that embraces diversity is more effective, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all patients. As a black woman pursuing medicine, I am committed to breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of healthcare professionals who reflect the rich diversity of our communities. I believe in the transformative power of representation and the profound impact it can have on both healthcare outcomes and social justice. By advocating for and promoting diversity in healthcare, I strive to contribute to a future where every patient receives equitable and compassionate care, regardless of their background or circumstances. In conclusion, my goals for my medical career are deeply intertwined with the urgent need to increase racial diversity in healthcare. It is not just a professional ambition but a moral imperative—a commitment to healing, equity, and the belief that diversity is our greatest strength in achieving health for all. Thank you for considering my journey and aspirations in medicine, and for your support in realizing a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system for everyone.

Three hours. One hundred and eighty minutes. Ten thousand eight hundred seconds. That’s the amount of time it would take for my grandfather to find the closest hospital in Jamaica. The clock hands seemed to slow as I watched my grandfather navigate his memories, each passing day stealing a piece of his essence. It started with confusing my name. Next was forgetting his birthday. As days turned to weeks, my grandfather’s memory continued to fade. Every time I visited him, he was reliving a distant memory. His battle with severe Alzheimer's and Parkinson's wasn't just personal; it became a testament to the barriers that deny so many the care they deserve. In my time with him, I wondered if his fate would have been different had he been treated in the United States. As I sat beside him, his hand in mine, I felt a calling to dismantle these barriers brick by brick. Ignited from this experience, I am driven by a passionate commitment to innovate and improve healthcare access for underserved populations. The American healthcare system, while advanced in many ways, often fails to reach those who need it most. This scholarship represents an opportunity to advocate for meaningful change—change that centers around the concept of community health hubs. Community health hubs would serve as transformative centers of care, integrating medical services with social, educational, and legal support under one roof. These hubs would be strategically located in underserved neighborhoods, ensuring proximity and accessibility for all community members. Imagine a place where families can receive primary healthcare services, participate in nutrition workshops, access job training programs, and even receive legal advice on issues impacting their health—all within a supportive and empowering environment. By addressing the broader determinants of health—such as access to education, employment opportunities, and legal advocacy—community health hubs have the potential to break down barriers that prevent individuals from achieving optimal health outcomes. For instance, a single mother struggling to manage a chronic condition could receive comprehensive care that includes both medical treatment and assistance in navigating social services or securing stable housing. This holistic approach not only improves individual health but also strengthens community resilience and well-being. Furthermore, community health hubs would foster collaboration among healthcare providers, social workers, educators, and community leaders. By working together, these multidisciplinary teams can tailor services to meet the unique needs of each community, promoting cultural competency and equitable healthcare delivery. This model not only enhances patient satisfaction but also reduces healthcare costs by preventing unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations through proactive, preventive care strategies. As I envision the impact of community health hubs, I am reminded of my grandfather's journey and the countless individuals who continue to face similar challenges today. Their stories fuel my determination to advocate for change and to build a healthcare system that prioritizes compassion, inclusivity, and dignity for all. With the support of this scholarship, I am eager to turn my vision into reality. I am committed to working alongside healthcare professionals, community leaders, and policymakers to advocate for the establishment of community health hubs across the country. Together, we can create a future where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the comprehensive, compassionate care they deserve. In conclusion, community health hubs represent more than just a solution—they embody a transformative approach to healthcare that empowers communities and fosters a healthier, more equitable society. I am honored to be part of this movement and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a brighter future for healthcare in America.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need them. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor.

I simply hope to change their lives for the better. As a mentor, it is my responsibility to touch the lives of the children I guide and make sure that they are heading on the right path in terms of their academics, social, and personal lives, which is not an easy task. Sometimes their lives go downhill, especially with the personal aspect of their lives, but I literally do everything in my power to make sure they are uplifted and supported which touches me deeply. I even go to the extent of building relationships with their families so they can trust me to be there for them when they need it the most. For example, some days we laugh, other days cry, and other days just frustrated. When these days come about, I ask them questions to build their emotional intelligence so when they go out into the real world, they can have a better grasp on how to control their emotions and express themselves, especially for my male mentees. Society has, unfortunately, put men in a place where they look "weak" if they express their emotions. Although I have a small number of students, we need to start breaking these generational stereotypes/barriers from now. My mentees won't realize something as deep as this right now, but when they start to have their own experiences when they're older, I'll be glad I had this significant impact on them. The relationship I build with my mentees are something that I will never forget, and something I will forever cherish. The mentorship of others simultaneously lifts my spirit which is also beautiful to me, and something I will continue to do, because not only does it have a positive impact on me, but most importantly, on the children I mentor.

My community experience was very meaningful and will always be special to me. During this time, I was working at my old elementary school, P.S. 176 (The Cambria Heights School) as a summer camp counselor. It was not only my responsibility to supervise the students during their day-to-day activities, I, in particular, assisted the Music Club in teaching participating students music theory and how to play the keyboard for an upcoming performance they would take part in. Being my first job, I was initially extremely doubtful that I would have an impact on the students since I was new to teaching younger kids. I am very grateful I was wrong. When I first started, it was a very slow process. I had to teach these students the foundation of music theory, which involved a lot of sight-reading, note identifications, and basic counting skills. Even though we spent approximately two weeks revising music theory, they seemed very disinterested. This was expected-- all they wanted to do was play the keyboard--but I had to teach them that playing the keyboard is pointless without the proper knowledge behind it. Moving on to the third week, they began practicing the C-Major Scale, and they were astonished by how quickly they were able to learn it. At this moment, they all realized that having the foundation of music theory was essential in learning this instrument. Moving into the final weeks of the program, along with the Program Manager, we taught the younger kids the song “Going Home” by Antonin Dvorak, while we taught middle school students a more advanced jazz piece called “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery. We decided to make things even more interesting for the two groups of students; Instead of all the students playing the same melody on the keyboard, we wanted to see how skillful they could be with these two songs. Therefore, we made each student have their own individual section. One of the students played the bass, while another played the strings, another was responsible for the melody, and the last student carried it through with the harmony. It was my responsibility on the day of the concert to conduct the younger children in the song “Going Home”, and I was nervous since I never conducted them in front of a live audience before. But while conducting the children when they played, I felt extremely proud of them. Even though it took a lot of discipline, practicing, theory, and rehearsals, every second I spent with the children was worth it because they displayed an excellent performance on the day of their concert. This opportunity was also serendipity because practicing with the children also inspired me to continue one of my passions of playing the piano, no matter how busy I may be. That same year I got a keyboard for my personal use, so now every day I have a constant reminder and motivation to play my favorite instrument because of the children I taught. The inspiration was mutual, which is very beautiful to me. Overall, this opportunity to give back to my community, to make a connection with the students that I will be making in the near future while taking the time to gain a love for my passion all over again was a very heart-warming experience. I was so grateful to work with them officially because I always wanted the chance to help spread creativity to the children and to give back to my school and community. I am glad that I was a part of that process. This is why this community service is very meaningful to me and it will definitely be an experience I will never forget, no matter how far I go in life. Although music and musical education are one of my passions, medicine is my main passion. The experiences that I had learning and teaching children will translate to what I will do in the medical field as well. The main thing I learned while working there was that some things take time and patience for them to blossom into success. Having this value will be a very great trait to have while working in medicine. Becoming a physician is an extensive process, and having the ability to have the proper patience to achieve this goal may be challenging, but I know that each day I put into my studies will be worth it because, in the end, I will have the skill to show all the hard work and effort I put in for this accomplishment. One of the reasons why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. There were incidents such as my father suffering from kidney stones, and I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. I am very grateful that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need them. In addition, for the past three years, I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor.

Being aware of cultural diversity as a musician and pianist is paramount. America is a very diverse country, so being able to work with people outside of one’s own culture is essential to progress in any position while practicing music. As I progress through life, there are ways that I reached outside of my own horizon and explored multiple cultures. One unforgettable experience that I have explored outside of my own culture was my trip to Beijing, China in the summer of 2018 through the Americans Promoting Study Abroad (APSA) Program. This program gave American high school students the opportunity to travel abroad to China to explore the Mandarin language, business corporations, culture, famous landmarks, and the people. I decided to participate in this program because at the time I had been learning Mandarin and Chinese culture at my high school for four years, so having the opportunity to go to China and explore the authentic culture and language was breathtaking and a once in a lifetime experience I couldn’t give up. This was the most exciting experience I have had in my entire life. I am very glad my brother (who also participated in the same program) and parents pushed me to do this program because it sparked so many areas of growth, interests, and connections that will always be a part of me to this day. Being able to communicate and make those bonds with people I came into contact with will be a trip that I will never forget. During the morning, we would have four hours of intermediate instruction of Mandarin, then throughout the afternoon, we would work together in different groups to put together a project on the importance of global citizenship and why it is significant for students like us to be global citizens. In addition, we made multiple business trips to famous companies, corporations, and organizations such as the World Health Organization and Hanergy. In addition, on the weekends we planned different excursions to visit the different landmarks of Beijing such as the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China. We also had different challenges where we had to communicate to the locals in China in Mandarin. For example, during the first full day of exploring China, the group I was with had to try our best to speak with the locals on campus in Mandarin so they could guide us on where to go for the different places we were assigned. Although I was nervous speaking to them, I was willing to step outside my comfort zone and try my best to communicate with them. Practicing with different people eventually made me get the hang of it, even though it took multiple attempts. Doing these different activities made me realize how important exploring different cultures are and how effective being able to communicate with others is. Being familiar with people outside of your own culture is a fascinating thing to witness and be a part of. Having this experience will take me very far into my life as a musician because it will permit me to express the cultural competence I have with others outside of my culture. Being able to speak Mandarin, and being aware of Chinese values and traditions will enhance my understanding of people's different musical backgrounds. Being able to effectively communicate with people that have cultural differences from me also solidified my reasoning for having music in my life. In my opinion, music is not just about doing it. It is about genuinely embracing other musical backgrounds you come into contact with which I can learn from, and having this experience shaped me into the person I am today, by stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring different cultures. I definitely plan to study abroad as many times as possible because experiencing this shaped my life for the better, and I can definitely have an impact on myself but also for others.

It was my 10th birthday, and I remember wanting to go roller-skating with my friends. I was so excited and I told my mom what I wanted to do to celebrate, but then she frowned and told me that I couldn't go. I kept asking her why, and she just kept telling me, "We just can't." As a 10-year-old girl, I was devasted. I had to call all of my friends to cancel the event, while I spent my birthday at home with a small slice of cake. I never understood why I couldn't go out and have fun for my birthday until I got older. My parents are the most hardworking people I know, but they just never had enough money. At the time, she was too embarrassed to tell me that they didn't have enough money because they wanted me to be proud of her, and look up to her as my role model. As Jamaican immigrants, it was a very rough life coming into America. Watching my parents work tirelessly and not being compensated the way they should be was infuriating and sad to watch them go through. My mother is a nurse, while my father is a construction worker, two of the many jobs in the country that do not get paid enough. When I turned 16 years old, I decided that I was old enough to step up and help out my parents by getting a summer job to help them financially. Even though I worked every day to help my parents, sometimes it just wasn't enough. Then COVID-19 hit us. My parents were both in jeopardy of losing their jobs. Thankfully they still have their jobs now, but since both of their employers are still in the process of laying people off, they are just waiting for the day that they receive the phone call telling them that they can no longer work anymore. What will we do when that happens? My parents won't have the support to pay for the house meaning we cannot live there anymore. We would worry about where our next meal comes from every day, and we would not be financially stable overall. But although this is a long challenge, and the journey is long from over, I try to help my parents the best I can each day at a time. This impacted my life heavily because this obstacle showed me that everyone has to start from somewhere, even when we hit rock bottom. This experience also taught me that I am a person who is willing to do anything to support the people I love, through thick and thin. In the long run, my passion and my resilience will push me to do the best I can in my future endeavors. Despite dealing with our financial issues, my parents always hoped for a bright future for their children. They were so pleased when I told them that I want to be a physician in the future. They would love to help me get there, but they cannot go through this journey alone. This is why receiving this scholarship is so important to us. I would use it to help for my undergraduate studies in a pred-med institution, so I can graduate and go into medical school so I can accomplish my dream goal. It is also my dream to have a financially stable position in the medical field so I can not only give back to my community but also give back to my parents because they worked so hard to get to where I am today. Therefore, receiving this scholarship would truly be a blessing, and I would be eternally grateful to be chosen for this opportunity.

Being aware of cultural diversity in the medical field is paramount. America is a very diverse country, so being able to work with people outside of one’s own culture is essential to progress in any position while practicing medicine. As I progress through life, there are ways that I reached outside of my own horizon and explored multiple cultures. One unforgettable experience that I have explored outside of my own culture was my trip to Beijing, China in the summer of 2018 through the Americans Promoting Study Abroad (APSA) Program. This program allowed American high school students to travel abroad to China to explore the Mandarin language, business corporations, culture, famous landmarks, and the people. I decided to participate in this program because at the time I had been learning Mandarin and Chinese culture at my high school for four years, so having the opportunity to go to China and explore the authentic culture and language was breathtaking and a once in a lifetime experience I couldn’t give up. This was the most exciting experience I have had in my entire life. I am very glad my brother (who also participated in the same program) and parents pushed me to do this program because it sparked so many areas of growth, interests, and connections that will always be a part of me to this day. Being able to communicate and make those bonds with people I came into contact with will be a trip that I will never forget. During the morning, we would have four hours of intermediate instruction of Mandarin, then throughout the afternoon, we would work together in different groups to put together a project on the importance of global citizenship and why it is significant for students like us to be global citizens. Also, we made multiple business trips to famous companies, corporations, and organizations such as the World Health Organization and Hanergy. Also, on the weekends we planned different excursions to visit the different landmarks of Beijing such as the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China. We also had different challenges where we had to communicate to the locals in China in Mandarin. For example, during the first full day of exploring China, the group I was with had to try our best to speak with the locals on campus in Mandarin so they could guide us on where to go for the different places we were assigned. Although I was nervous speaking to them, I was willing to step outside my comfort zone and try my best to communicate with them. Practicing with different people eventually made me get the hang of it, even though it took multiple attempts. Doing these different activities made me realize how important exploring different cultures are and how effective being able to communicate with others is. Being familiar with people outside of your own culture is a fascinating thing to witness and be a part of. Having this experience will take me very far into the medical field because it will permit me to express the cultural competence I have with others outside of my culture. Being able to speak Mandarin, and being aware of Chinese values and traditions will enhance my understanding of the people I will take care of while practicing medicine. Being able to effectively communicate with people that have cultural differences from me also solidified my decision into becoming a physician. In my opinion, becoming a physician is not just about getting the job done. It is about genuinely caring about the people you come into contact with, and having this experience shaped me into the person I am today, by stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring different cultures.

My suggested hashtags are #school #2020 #covid

Mental illness is a very serious topic of discussion. Not many people in my family, who are immigrants thought it was serious because it is deeply integrated into the Afro-Caribbean community that mental illness is nothing fatal, or that it's something fake. I, however always knew that it is real because people do suffer from mental illnesses that they may not have control over. My family's mind shifted in perspective when we all learned that my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. I was heartbroken because I knew the serious effects of dementia, and I didn't want my grandfather to pass away. He couldn't remember things or something that someone said five minutes ago. He could barely speak since he was stuttering all the time, which made him depressed. As a pastor, he could no longer even address his own church because his speech was so bad. He would have a series of seizures and trembles in his arms and legs. There was even a time where his trembling causes him to slip and fall in the shower and hit his head which caused him to be unconscious This was a wake-up call to my family and decided to take action by bringing him to the hospital which put a burden on my father because he had to pay for so many medical bills which were hard for him to keep up with. I want to use this experience as a moment of growth and to educate. African-Americans or Afro-Caribbeans are always shunned out the reality and world of mental illness, although it is something significant. They are never taught the true importance of mental health and how it can be a detriment to someone's life. I believe that it's important for them to have awareness. As a prospective medical student, and future physician, I would like to teach my family the importance of mental illnesses and why they are important to recognize. If they are able to take this is in a serious manner, then not only would they be more educated on the topic, they can all learn about something that affects people worldwide every single day. After learning more about it, people can have an open mindset on mental health instead of perceiving it as something that is false or fake. They will also know how to take action immediately with not only my grandfather, but anyone else they come into contact with.

One unforgettable experience where I have explored outside of my own culture was my trip to Beijing, China through the Americans Promoting Study Abroad Program. This program gave American high school students the opportunity to travel abroad to China to explore the Chinese language, business corporations, culture, landmarks, exotic food, and the people. I decided to participate in this program because at the time I had been learning Mandarin at my school for six years, so having the opportunity to go to China and explore the authentic culture and language was breathtaking and an experience I couldn’t give up.

When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives daily. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field, which also inspired and interested me. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. Also, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. This is why when I plan to become a physician, I want to give back to the communities of New York that are underrepresented and have low-income residents because I want to ensure that my entire community is served, and making a strong move like this will be one step towards closing the health disparity that is occurring today.

Growing up, people would always tell me, “You can be whatever you want to be,” or “Do what your heart desires.” Although these phrases are supposed to be motivational and inspiring, I get very frustrated hearing them now that I’m older. You may be wondering why, so let me explain. Ever since I was in middle school, I had my mindset on becoming a doctor when I grew up. This dream still applies today. I hope to become a cardiologist shortly when I dive into the medical field. So whenever someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would explain that I wanted to become a cardiologist, and they would immediately become impressed and interested in my future. They would start praising and boasting my goals to the people they know. But not many people know that I’m also a pianist at heart. So what if I changed my answer and told my family, teachers, and friends that I wanted to become a musician? I know for a fact that the same energy for me becoming a cardiologist would not be reciprocated for me becoming a musician. Why? Because it is integrated within the Caribbean community of parents that the only “successful” jobs out there in the world for their children are the ones that roll in money, such as doctors, lawyers, businessmen, etc. This is not right at all. Little do they realize that being successful is not equivalent to the money you make, success is equal to your happiness. But unfortunately, the majority of them have the mindset that musicians and artists don’t make a lot of money, therefore they will not have a successful life. This is really frustrating to think about because how can anyone else dare to determine my success besides me? If I’m content and happy with what I do for a living, how can someone else have the right to say if I’m successful or not? If you are not convinced either, think about it this way: Would it be worth it if I took a career that made a lot of money but I was miserable about going to work every day, or if I became an artist, didn't make too much money, but I was happy with myself and my job? To answer this question, like I always say, your job shouldn’t feel like a job. It should be something that you want to do every single day as soon as you wake up. When this topic comes to mind, I always discuss it with my friends and family to see their point of view since it can be very controversial. Some think the way I do, while others have a very conservative mindset as well. It’s still my lifelong dream to become a doctor because I love biology and I have a passion for helping out others in need, and I’m sticking to that route. However, there are moments when I wish I would switch my career choice just to prove my point since I would be happy as a doctor or musician (or both).

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives daily. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. Also, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society. While being a part of NHS, I have participated in walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks. These traits show why I want to be a physician,

My community experience in the summer of 2019 was very meaningful and will always be special to me. During this time, I was working at my old elementary school, P.S. 176 (also known as The Cambria Heights School) as a summer camp counselor. It was not only my responsibility to supervise the students during their day-to-day activities, I, in particular, assisted the Music Club in teaching participating students music theory and how to play the keyboard for an upcoming performance they would take part in. Being my first job, I was initially extremely doubtful that I would have an impact on the students since I was new to teaching younger kids. I am very grateful I was wrong. When I first started, it was a very slow process. I had to teach these students the foundation and basics of music theory, which involved a lot of sight-reading, note identifications, and basic counting skills. Even though we spent approximately two weeks revising music theory, they seemed very disinterested. This was expected-- all they wanted to do was play the keyboard--but I had to teach them that playing the keyboard is pointless without the proper knowledge behind it. Moving on to the third week, they began practicing the C-Major Scale, and they were astonished by how quickly they were able to learn it. At this moment, they all realized that having the foundation of music theory was essential in learning this instrument. Moving into the final weeks of the program, along with the Program Manager, we taught the younger kids the song “Going Home” by Antonin Dvorak, while we taught middle school students a more advanced jazz piece called “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery. we decided to make things even more interesting for the two groups of students; Instead of all the students playing the same melody on the keyboard, we wanted to see how skillful they could be with these two songs. Therefore, we made each student have their own individual section. One of the students played the bass, while another played the strings, another was responsible for the melody, and the last student carried it through with the harmony. It was my responsibility on the day of the concert to conduct the younger children in the song “Going Home”, and I was nervous since I never conducted them in front of a live audience before. But while conducting the children when they played, I felt extremely proud of them. Even though it took a lot of work, discipline, practice, theory, and rehearsals, every second I spent with the children was worth it because they displayed an excellent performance on the day of their concert. This opportunity was also a serendipity because practicing with the children also inspired me to continue one of my passions of playing the piano, no matter how busy I may be. That same year I made the change, by saving up for a keyboard for my personal use, so now every day I have a constant reminder and motivation to play my favorite instrument because of the children I taught. The inspiration was mutual, which is very beautiful to me. Overall, this opportunity to give back to my community, to make a connection with the students that I will be making in the near future while taking the time to gain a love for my passion all over again was a very great experience. I was so grateful to work with them officially because I always wanted the chance to help spread creativity to the children and to give back to my school and community. .

Mental illness is a very serious topic of discussion. Not many people in my family thought it was serious because it is deeply integrated into the African-American community that mental illness is nothing serious, or that it's something fake. I, however always knew that it is real because people do suffer from mental illnesses that they may not have control over. My family's mind shifted in perspective when we all learned that my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia in 2020. I was heartbroken because I knew the serious effects of dementia, and I didn't want my grandfather to pass away. He couldn't remember things or something that someone said that happened five minutes ago. He could barely speak since he was stuttering all the time, which made him depressed. As a pastor, he could no longer even address his own church because his speech was so bad. He would have a series of seizures and trembles in his arms and legs. This was a wake-up call to my family and decided to take action by bringing him to the hospital which put a burden on my father because he had to pay for so many medical bills which were hard for him to keep up with. I want to use this experience as a moment of growth and to educate. African-Americans or Afro-Caribbeans are always shunned out the reality and world of mental illness, although it is something significant. I would like to teach my family the importance of mental illnesses and why they are important to recognize. If they are able to take this is in a serious manner, then not only would they be more educated on the topic, they can all learn about something that affects people worldwide every single day. They will also know how to take action immediately with people such as my grandfather.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives daily. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve inspirational goals. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. I look forward to the day I help someone else's fainted mother.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need them. In addition, for the past three years, I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor. With this being said, receiving an education would be very beneficial for me because there are certain programs that give students the opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. The diversity is motivating to see as a Jamaican American because the opportunity to connect with different cultures is paramount within the medical field. Becoming a physician is my main career goal, and these programswould be an excellent window of opportunity for my dream to come to fruition. I know that being in a seven-year medical program will present its challenges and setbacks, but I am extremely determined and ambitious to always put my best foot forward and do my best every single day to accomplish my dream goal. I look forward to the day where I know exactly how to help someone else’s fainted, mother.

My community experience in the summer of 2019 was very meaningful and will always be special to me. During this time, I was working at my old elementary school, P.S. 176 (also known as The Cambria Heights School) as a summer camp counselor. It was not only my responsibility to supervise the students during their day-to-day activities, I, in particular, assisted the Music Club in teaching participating students music theory and how to play the keyboard for an upcoming performance they would take part in. Being my first job, I was initially extremely doubtful that I would have an impact on the students since I was new to teaching younger kids. I am very grateful I was wrong. When I first started, it was a very slow process. I had to teach these students the foundation and basics of music theory, which involved a lot of sight-reading, note identifications, and basic counting skills. Even though we spent approximately two weeks revising music theory, they seemed very disinterested. This was expected-- all they wanted to do was play the keyboard--but I had to teach them that playing the keyboard is pointless without the proper knowledge behind it. Moving on to the third week, they began practicing the C-Major Scale, and they were astonished by how quickly they were able to learn it. At this moment, they all realized that having the foundation of music theory was essential in learning this instrument. Moving into the final weeks of the program, along with the Program Manager, we taught the younger kids the song “Going Home” by Antonin Dvorak, while we taught middle school students a more advanced jazz piece called “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery. we decided to make things even more interesting for the two groups of students; Instead of all the students playing the same melody on the keyboard, we wanted to see how skillful they could be with these two songs. Therefore, we made each student have their own individual section. One of the students played the bass, while another played the strings, another was responsible for the melody, and the last student carried it through with the harmony. It was my responsibility on the day of the concert to conduct the younger children in the song “Going Home”, and I was nervous since I never conducted them in front of a live audience before. But while conducting the children when they played, I felt extremely proud of them. Even though it took a lot of work, discipline, practice, theory, and rehearsals, every second I spent with the children was worth it because they displayed an excellent performance on the day of their concert. This opportunity was also serendipity because practicing with the children also inspired me to continue one of my passions of playing the piano, no matter how busy I may be. That same year I made a huge investment in purchasing a keyboard for my personal use, so now every day I have a constant reminder and motivation to play my favorite instrument because of the children I taught. The inspiration was mutual, which is very beautiful to me. Overall, this opportunity to give back to my community, to make a connection with the students that I will be making in the near future while taking the time to gain a love for my passion all over again was a very great experience. I was so grateful to work with them officially because I always wanted the chance to help spread creativity to the children and to give back to my school and community. I am glad that I was able to be a part of that process last summer. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic that is occurring, I was not able to work with younger and middle school students during the summer of 2020, and I had a lot of ideas in store for them. I hope that I will be able to reconnect with my children to help them grow next summer in 2021. I always want to give back and help them strive to the best they can be, not only in music but in the other aspects of their life as well. In conclusion, this is why this community service is very meaningful to me and it will definitely be an experience I will never forget, no matter how far I go in life. Although music and musical education are one of my passions, medicine is my main passion. The experiences that I had learning and teaching children will translate to what I will do in the medical field as well. The main thing I learned while working there was that some things take time and patience for it to blossom into success. Having this value will be a very great trait to have while working in medicine. Becoming a physician is an extensive process, and having the ability to have the proper patience to achieve this goal may be challenging, but I know that each day I put into my studies will be worth it because in the end, I will have the skill to show all the hard work and effort I put in for this accomplishment.

Being aware of cultural diversity in the medical field is paramount. America is a very diverse country, so being able to work with people outside of one’s own culture is essential to progress in any position while practicing medicine. As I progress through life, there are ways that I reached outside of my own horizon and explored multiple cultures. One unforgettable experience that I have explored outside of my own culture was my trip to Beijing, China in the summer of 2018 through the Americans Promoting Study Abroad (APSA) Program. This program gave American high school students the opportunity to travel abroad to China to explore the Mandarin language, business corporations, culture, famous landmarks, and the people. I decided to participate in this program because at the time I had been learning Mandarin and Chinese culture at my high school for four years, so having the opportunity to go to China and explore the authentic culture and language was breathtaking and a once in a lifetime experience I couldn’t give up. This was the most exciting experience I have had in my entire life. I am very glad my brother (who also participated in the same program) and parents pushed me to do this program because it sparked so many areas of growth, interests, and connections that will always be a part of me to this day. Being able to communicate and make those bonds with people I came into contact with will be a trip that I will never forget. During the morning, we would have four hours of intermediate instruction of Mandarin, then throughout the afternoon, we would work together in different groups to put together a project on the importance of global citizenship and why it is significant for students like us to be global citizens. In addition, we made multiple business trips to famous companies, corporations, and organizations such as the World Health Organization and Hanergy. In addition, on the weekends we planned different excursions to visit the different landmarks of Beijing such as the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Great Wall of China. We also had different challenges where we had to communicate to the locals in China in Mandarin. For example, during the first full day of exploring China, the group I was with had to try our best to speak with the locals on campus in Mandarin so they could guide us on where to go for the different places we were assigned. Although I was nervous speaking to them, I was willing to step outside my comfort zone and try my best to communicate with them. Practicing with different people eventually made me get the hang of it, even though it took multiple attempts. Doing these different activities made me realize how important exploring different cultures are and how effective being able to communicate with others are. Being familiar with people outside of your own culture is a fascinating thing to witness and be a part of. Having this experience will take me very far into the medical field because it will permit me to express the cultural competence I have with others outside of my culture. Being able to speak Mandarin, and being aware of Chinese values and traditions will enhance my understanding of the people I will take care of while practicing medicine. Being able to effectively communicate with people that have cultural differences from me also solidified my decision into becoming a physician. In my opinion, becoming a physician is not just about getting the job done. It is about genuinely caring about the people you come into contact with, and having this experience shaped me into the person I am today, by stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring different cultures.

I have been playing the piano for 10 years, so music has always been a huge portion of my life. However, since my school was strictly academic, I never had the chance to express my creative side through music. But fortunately. when I Had the opportunity to give back to my elementary school, I was able to not only express myself but teach other students along the way. My community experience in the summer of 2019 was very meaningful and will always be special to me. During this time, I was working at my old elementary school, P.S. 176 (also known as The Cambria Heights School) as a summer camp counselor. It was not only my responsibility to supervise the students during their day-to-day activities, I, in particular, assisted the Music Club in teaching participating students music theory and how to play the keyboard for an upcoming performance they would take part in. Being my first job, I was initially extremely doubtful that I would have an impact on the students since I was new to teaching younger kids. I am very grateful I was wrong. When I first started, it was a very slow process. I had to teach these students the foundation and basics of music theory, which involved a lot of sight-reading, note identifications, and basic counting skills. Even though we spent approximately two weeks revising music theory, they seemed very disinterested. This was expected-- all they wanted to do was play the keyboard--but I had to teach them that playing the keyboard is pointless without the proper knowledge behind it. Moving on to the third week, they began practicing the C-Major Scale, and they were astonished by how quickly they were able to learn it. At this moment, they all realized that having the foundation of music theory was essential in learning this instrument. Moving into the final weeks of the program, along with the Program Manager, we taught the younger kids the song “Going Home” by Antonin Dvorak, while we taught middle school students a more advanced jazz piece called “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery. we decided to make things even more interesting for the two groups of students; Instead of all the students playing the same melody on the keyboard, we wanted to see how skillful they could be with these two songs. Therefore, we made each student have their own individual section. One of the students played the bass, while another played the strings, another was responsible for the melody, and the last student carried it through with the harmony. It was my responsibility on the day of the concert to conduct the younger children in the song “Going Home”, and I was nervous since I never conducted them in front of a live audience before. But while conducting the children when they played, I felt extremely proud of them. Even though it took a lot of work, discipline, practice, theory, and rehearsals, every second I spent with the children was worth it because they displayed an excellent performance on the day of their concert. This opportunity was also a serendipity because practicing with the children also inspired me to continue one of my passions of playing the piano, no matter how busy I may be. That same year I made a huge investment in purchasing a keyboard for my personal use, so now every day I have a constant reminder and motivation to play my favorite instrument because of the children I taught. The inspiration was mutual, which is very beautiful to me. Overall, this opportunity to give back to my community, to make a connection with the students that I will be making in the near future while taking the time to gain a love for my passion all over again was a very great experience. I was so grateful to work with them officially because I always wanted the chance to help spread creativity to the children and to give back to my school and community. I am glad that I was able to be a part of that process last summer. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic that is occurring, I was not able to work with younger and middle school students during the summer of 2020, and I had a lot of ideas in store for them. I hope that I will be able to reconnect with my children to help them grow next summer in 2021. I always want to give back and help them strive to the best they can be, not only in music but in the other aspects of their life as well. In conclusion, this is why this community service is very meaningful to me and it will definitely be an experience I will never forget, no matter how far I go in life. Although music is one of my passions, medicine is also my other passion. The experiences that I had learning and teaching children will translate to what I will do in the medical field as well. The main thing I learned while working there was that some things take time and patience for it to blossom into success. Having this value will be a very great trait to have while working in medicine. Becoming a physician is an extensive process, and having the ability to have the proper patience to achieve this goal may be challenging, but I know that each day I put into my studies will be worth it, because, in the end, I will have the skill to show all the hard work and effort I put in for this accomplishment. This scholarship would be highly beneficial to me because along with my medical studies, I would love to also study business so I can open my own music business for people of all ages one day, so I can forever relive my community experience with the children I taught. This scholarship would truly be a blessing in disguise for me so I can experience both passions.

It is essential for people to serve in their community. In my opinion, I think it is always good to give back the place that helped you get to where you want to be today. The feeling of giving back is truly amazing, and I'm glad I was able to do so throughout my highschool experience. My community experience in the summer of 2019 was very meaningful and will always be special to me. During this time, I was working at my old elementary school, P.S. 176 (also known as The Cambria Heights School) as a summer camp counselor. It was not only my responsibility to supervise the students during their day-to-day activities, I, in particular, assisted the Music Club in teaching participating students music theory and how to play the keyboard for an upcoming performance they would take part in. Being my first job, I was initially extremely doubtful that I would have an impact on the students since I was new to teaching younger kids. I am very grateful I was wrong. When I first started, it was a very slow process. I had to teach these students the foundation and basics of music theory, which involved a lot of sight reading, note identifications, and basic counting skills. Even though we spent approximately two weeks revising music theory, they seemed very disinterested. This was expected-- all they wanted to do was play the keyboard--but I had to teach them that playing the keyboard is pointless without the proper knowledge behind it. Moving on to the third week, they began practicing the C-Major Scale, and they were astonished by how quickly they were able to learn it. At this moment, they all realized that having the foundation of music theory was essential in learning this instrument. Moving into the final weeks of the program, along with the Program Manager, we taught the younger kids the song “Going Home” by Antonin Dvorak, while we taught middle school students a more advanced jazz piece called “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery. we decided to make things even more interesting for the two groups of students; Instead of all the students playing the same melody on the keyboard, we wanted to see how skillful they could be with these two songs. Therefore, we made each student have their own individual section. One of the students played the bass, while another played the strings, another was responsible for the melody, and the last student carried it through with the harmony. It was my responsibility on the day of the concert to conduct the younger children in the song “Going Home”, and I was nervous since I never conducted them in front of a live audience before. But while conducting the children when they played, I felt extremely proud of them. Even though it took a lot of work, discipline, practice, theory, and rehearsals, every second I spent with the children was worth it because they displayed an excellent performance on the day of their concert. This opportunity was also serendipity because practicing with the children also inspired me to continue one of my passions of playing the piano, no matter how busy I may be. That same year I made a huge investment in purchasing a keyboard for my personal use, so now every day I have a constant reminder and motivation to play my favorite instrument because of the children I taught. The inspiration was mutual, which is very beautiful to me. Overall, this opportunity to give back to my community, to make a connection with the students that I will be making in the near future while taking the time to gain a love for my passion all over again was a very great experience. I was so grateful to work with them officially because I always wanted the chance to help spread creativity to the children and to give back to my school and community. I am glad that I was able to be a part of that process last summer. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic that is occurring, I was not able to work with younger and middle school students during the summer of 2020, and I had a lot of ideas in store for them. I hope that I will be able to reconnect with my children to help them grow next summer in 2021. I always want to give back and help them strive to the best they can be, not only in music but in the other aspects of their life as well. In conclusion, this is why this community service is very meaningful to me and it will definitely be an experience I will never forget, no matter how far I go in life. Although music and musical education are one of my passions, medicine is my main passion. The experiences that I had learning and teaching children will translate to what I will do in the medical field as well. The main thing I learned while working there was that some things take time and patience for it to blossom into success. Having this value will be a very great trait to have while working in medicine. Becoming a physician is an extensive process, and having the ability to have the proper patience to achieve this goal may be challenging, but I know that each day I put into my studies will be worth it because, in the end, I will have the skill to show all the hard work and effort I put in for this accomplishment.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives daily. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelors and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Going to college and experiencing the diversity is motivating to see as a Jamaican American because the opportunity to connect with different cultures is paramount within the medical field. Becoming a physician is my main career goal, and having my education would be an excellent window of opportunity for my dream to come to fruition. I know that being in a seven-year medical program will present its challenges and setbacks, but I am extremely determined and ambitious to always put my best foot forward and do my best every single day to accomplish my dream goal.

I have been playing and practicing the piano for ten years, so music has always been a huge portion of my life. But throughout my middle and high school experience, since my school is highly academic, I never had the opportunity to express my creative and musical talents or share my knowledge and love for music with others, until my junior year. My community experience in the summer of 2019 was very meaningful and will always be special to me. During this time, I was working at my old elementary school, P.S. 176 (also known as The Cambria Heights School) as a summer camp counselor. It was not only my responsibility to supervise the students during their day-to-day activities, I, in particular, assisted the Music Club in teaching participating students music theory and how to play the keyboard for an upcoming performance they would take part in. Being my first job, I was initially extremely doubtful that I would have an impact on the students since I was new to teaching younger kids. I am very grateful I was wrong. When I first started, it was a very slow process. I had to teach these students the foundation and basics of music theory, which involved a lot of sight-reading, note identifications, and basic counting skills. Even though we spent approximately two weeks revising music theory, they seemed very disinterested. This was expected-- all they wanted to do was play the keyboard--but I had to teach them that playing the keyboard is pointless without the proper knowledge behind it. Moving on to the third week, they began practicing the C-Major Scale, and they were astonished by how quickly they were able to learn it. At this moment, they all realized that having the foundation of music theory was essential in learning this instrument. Moving into the final weeks of the program, along with the Program Manager, we taught the younger kids the song “Going Home” by Antonin Dvorak, while we taught middle school students a more advanced jazz piece called “Road Song” by Wes Montgomery. we decided to make things even more interesting for the two groups of students; Instead of all the students playing the same melody on the keyboard, we wanted to see how skillful they could be with these two songs. Therefore, we made each student have their own individual section. One of the students played the bass, while another played the strings, another was responsible for the melody, and the last student carried it through with the harmony. It was my responsibility on the day of the concert to conduct the younger children in the song “Going Home”, and I was nervous since I never conducted them in front of a live audience before. But while conducting the children when they played, I felt extremely proud of them. Even though it took a lot of work, discipline, practice, theory, and rehearsals, every second I spent with the children was worth it because they displayed an excellent performance on the day of their concert. This opportunity was also serendipity because practicing with the children also inspired me to continue one of my passions of playing the piano, no matter how busy I may be. That same year I made a huge investment in purchasing a keyboard for my personal use, so now every day I have a constant reminder and motivation to play my favorite instrument because of the children I taught. The inspiration was mutual, which is very beautiful to me. Overall, this opportunity to give back to my community, to make a connection with the students that I will be making in the near future while taking the time to gain a love for my passion all over again was a very great experience. I was so grateful to work with them officially because I always wanted the chance to help spread creativity to the children and to give back to my school and community. I am glad that I was able to be a part of that process last summer. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic that is occurring, I was not able to work with younger and middle school students during the summer of 2020, and I had a lot of ideas in store for them. I hope that I will be able to reconnect with my children to help them grow next summer in 2021. I always want to give back and help them strive to the best they can be, not only in music but in the other aspects of their life as well. In conclusion, this is why this community service is very meaningful to me and it will definitely be an experience I will never forget, no matter how far I go in life. Although music and musical education are one of my passions, the medical field is my other passion. The experiences that I had learning and teaching children will translate to what I will do in the medical field as well. The main thing I learned while working there was that some things take time and patience for it to blossom into success. Having this value will be a very great trait to have while working in medicine. Becoming a physician is an extensive process, and having the ability to have the proper patience to achieve this goal may be challenging, but I know that each day I put into my studies will be worth it because, in the end, I will have the skill to show all the hard work and effort I put in for this accomplishment.

There are many changes that have occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been instructed by the government for New York residents to follow certain instructions such as wearing face masks while in public areas and to stay six feet apart to maintain safety and social distancing. Studies show that the relationship between the wearing of face masks and age shows that people generally just wear masks to protect their well being, since wearing masks was common, especially around those who were at a higher risk. But is that really enough to save New York City? Although this is understandable for the essential workers, this may lead to a huge risk and failure in public health messaging. Cloth masks have been worn by them but proven not to be effective, which was also worn by physicians who take care of patients. There have been major spikes of the coronavirus in areas such as the Bronx and Brooklyn regardless of these instructions, so we may need the assistance of technology to create a temporary resolution to these issues they are facing. But first, we need to dive deeper into the serious social changes that have occurred since the pandemic. For a long period of time, New York City has been on lockdown, and residents were instructed to stay home by Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio. This means that there was a minimum social interaction between the people we know and love. Behind locked doors and trapped in houses, this is the pivotal point in communication, since at this stage everyone relied on technology to communicate. However, one of the main platforms that rises during this downfall was the application, Zoom. Zoom allowed people from all over the city to communicate efficiently whether it was business-related, school-related, or just for leisure. Ever since the pandemic occurred, schools around New York City have been closed which therefore heavily relied on the use of remote learning. Millions of students in the city had to use platforms such as Zoom through their technological devices such as computers, laptops, and tablets, to continue their education. Also, many businesses and organizations had to use the Zoom platforms for professional occasions to keep in contact with their employees to make sure that despite the pandemic, their business was flowing smoothly. According to CNBC News, Zoom actively has 12.92 million members which therefore increased by 21 percent. With the increase in online interactions, there have many other enhancements to technology that make it easier to bring our society back to normal. Maintaining social distancing for the essential workers for people in New York City can be extremely difficult especially for occupations such as physicians or construction workers. Therefore, the use of social distancing technology was used to help prevent these issues from occurring. The wearable technologies are supervising and monitoring different areas and locations of where coworkers are gathering, and whether or not these places contain too many people. In addition, they can also alert workers if they are too close to other people that may be surrounding them at a given moment. This innovation is significant because the outside world has not familiarized itself with the practice of social distancing, and the use of these technological devices will be huge assistance in maintaining this. During these unpredictable times, where the lives of New Yorkers gradually return to normal, these social distancing solutions make it very possible not only for employees to return to their jobs, but to also remain safe while doing so. One innovation, in particular, that will help New York City while they make this transition is called Estimotes. They are used in public areas (especially essential workers), where people wear them around their necks. The estimated device will alert people and let them know if they are at a safe distance from people. It also registers direct contact exposure. However, one limitation of this innovation is that it may be too expensive for people to purchase. To purchase one, it may cost $100 and not everyone would be financially stable to make a huge purchase like this, given the current circumstance of the pandemic. In my opinion, I believe that this technological innovation would be beneficial to New York residents since it is safe and adds another precaution to social distancing, so I do support people purchasing this only if they can afford it. Innovations such as these will make a huge difference in the social life of New York City.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need them. In addition, for the past three years, I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor.

This is a representation of the pollution and harmful chemicals that the Earth faces on daily basis. I decided to construct this painting because I wanted to remind everyone in the world that if we don't take care of our planet, it will suffer and have numerous consequences. We should make sure that our Earth is clean every day, which will continue the conservation of life.

My community experience in the summer of 2019 was very meaningful and will always be special to me. During this time, I was working at my old elementary school, P.S. 176 (also known as The Cambria Heights School) as a summer camp counselor. It was not only my responsibility to supervise the students during their day-to-day activities, I, in particular, assisted the Music Club in teaching participating students music theory and how to play the keyboard for an upcoming performance they would take part in. This opportunity was also a serendipity because practicing with the children also inspired me to continue one of my passions of playing the piano, no matter how busy I may be. That same year I purchased a keyboard for my personal use, so now every day I have a constant reminder and motivation to play my favorite instrument because of the children I taught. The inspiration was mutual, which is very beautiful to me. Overall, this opportunity to give back to my community, to make a connection with the students that I will be making in the near future while taking the time to gain a love for my passion all over again was a very great experience. I was so grateful to work with them officially because I always wanted the chance to help spread creativity to the children and to give back to my school and community. I am glad that I was able to be a part of that process last summer. My mom and dak work very hard to try their best to provide for their three children. Sometimes, there are times where I feel impotent because I want to help provide for them for all the hard work they do. My family and I aren't poor but we're not rich either. But it seems like every day, they go through so much and don't receive what they actually deserve. This is why this scholarship can help my family. The last thing I would want for my parents is for them to go into debt just by putting me through college. They don't deserve that for all the hard work they do, which is why this scholarship would be very beneficial. After I graduate from a B.S./M.D program, I will want to go into residency so I can build up my years of experience as a physician. Hopefully, with my residency, I can go back to school and get my Ph.D. in cardiology and become a full-time cardiologist.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need it. In addition, for the past three years, I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off to school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this everyday had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. My ambition made her proud of who I am becoming. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support. In addition, for the past three years, I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor. STEM would be very beneficial for me because it gives students the opportunity to achieve their goals. Their diversity is motivating to see as a Jamaican American because the opportunity to connect with the different cultures is paramount within the medical field. STEM would be an excellent window of opportunity for my dream to come to fruition. I look forward to the day where I know exactly how to help someone else’s fainted, mother.

I remember the exact day I wanted to start my own business as a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off at school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face because all I could think at the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelor's and master's degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelor's and master's while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this every day had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and how I can grow my own successful business while pursuing my passion for medicine. She always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field and starting my cardiology business was that I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered from his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. In addition, my own business will permit me to have a sense of leadership along with my passion for medicine. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need it. In addition, for the past three years, I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor. With this being said, programs such as the Sophie Davis Program would be very beneficial for me because this program gives students the opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. After reviewing the history and success of this institution, I cannot stress enough how much I want to become a part of this program. In addition, I know one of the students who currently attend Sophie Davis, because she graduated from my high school at Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, and knowing how successful and well she is doing also inspired me, even more, to apply for this particular opportunity. Moving into business and cardiology is motivating to see as a Jamaican American because the opportunity to connect with the different cultures is paramount within the medical and business fields. Becoming a physician and businesswoman are my main career goals, and doing this would be an excellent window of opportunity for my dream to come to fruition. I know that being in a seven-year medical program will present its challenges and setbacks, but I am extremely determined and ambitious to always put my best foot forward and do my best every single day to accomplish my dream goal. I look forward to the day where I know exactly how to help someone else’s fainted, mother.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off to school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face, because all I could think in the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelors and masters degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelors and masters while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this everyday had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was because I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered with his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need it. In addition, for the past three years I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor. With this being said, the Sophie Davis Program would be very beneficial for me because this program gives students the opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. After reviewing the history and success of this institution, I cannot stress enough how much I want to become a part of this program. In addition, I know one of the students who currently attends Sophie Davis, because she graduated from my high school at Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, and knowing how successful and well she is doing also inspired me even more to apply for this particular opportunity. The program's diversity is motivating to see as an Jamaican American because the opportunity to connect with the different cultures is paramount within the medical field. Becoming a physician is my main career goal, and the Sophie Davis Program would be an excellent window of opportunity for my dream to come to fruition. I know that being in a seven year medical program will present its challenges and setbacks, but I am extremely determined and ambitious to always put my best foot forward and do my best every single day to accomplish my dream goal. I look forward to the day where I know exactly how to help someone else’s fainted mother.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off to school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face, because all I could think in the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelors and masters degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelors and masters while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this everyday had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was because I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered with his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need it. In addition, for the past three years I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor. With this being said, I plan to achieve my goal through the Sophie Davis Program since it would be very beneficial for me because this program gives students the opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. After reviewing the history and success of this institution, I cannot stress enough how much I want to become a part of this program. In addition, I know one of the students who currently attends Sophie Davis, because she graduated from my high school at Medgar Evers College Preparatory School, and knowing how successful and well she is doing also inspired me even more to apply for this particular opportunity. The program's diversity is motivating to see as an Jamaican American because the opportunity to connect with the different cultures is paramount within the medical field. Becoming a physician is my main career goal, and the Sophie Davis Program would be an excellent window of opportunity for my dream to come to fruition. I know that being in a seven year medical program will present its challenges and setbacks, but I am extremely determined and ambitious to always put my best foot forward and do my best every single day to accomplish my dream goal. I look forward to the day where I know exactly how to help someone else’s fainted mother.

I remember the exact day I wanted to become a doctor. One of these influences came from my mother. When I was very young in the 5th grade, my mother was usually the person to drop me off to school in the morning. One day when she woke up to get ready for work, she fainted and collapsed on the bathroom floor. As I rushed over to her and called the ambulance, I felt helpless because all I could do was scream her name, shake her, and hope she woke up. Seeing this scared me to death as the tears ran down my face, because all I could think in the moment was that I wasn’t going to have a mother anymore. After this incident, I would reflect and wish I was a doctor so I could have used a procedure that would have helped my mother better in that situation instead of being helpless. By pursuing a degree in medicine, I would actually have the knowledge, skill, and ability to save lives on a daily basis. This is where it all started. As I got older, my mother became a much stronger influence on me when I started to understand what she had to go through to get her bachelors and masters degrees to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Coming to the United States as a young Jamaican immigrant, she had to go to school to get her bachelors and masters while working daily and raising her three children. I know that her going through this everyday had to be one of the hardest things for her to do and manage, though she did it successfully. Growing up and seeing her persevere through this inspired me to want to become a physician. When I told her I wanted to become a doctor, she could not have been any happier because she knew that I would stick to it and accomplish goals that are following in her footsteps. We always had long discussions about my future as a physician, and she always told me about her experiences of being in the medical field. I always remember telling her about the extra research that I did on my own to understand the biomedical sciences even more, and we talked about it for hours. In the end, it has always been her dream to see her children achieve higher goals than her. Another reason why I chose to dive into the medical field was because I love the idea of helping others with their situations. My mother’s incident was only one of the incidents that pushed me to be a doctor. There were other moments, such as watching my dad in pain as he suffered with his kidney stones, when my older brother fainted, and when my mom was about to give birth to my younger brother. I couldn’t do anything because I was impotent. Even though I’m not a doctor now, I am very grateful and fortunate that my family is alive and well today, which motivates me to help the people that surround me with their physical, mental, and emotional needs. Being able to assist others is second nature to me, and I always do the best I can in any situation I put myself in. In addition, I always help and give back to my school and community because the notion of lending a helping hand when necessary is very important to me. I accomplish this through the National Honor Society, where it is our responsibility and duty to give back to our school and community. While being a part of this organization, I have participated in numerous walks such as the Alzheimer’s and Breast Cancer Walks to help fight these diseases and show support for the people who need it. In addition, for the past three years I have been tutoring middle school students in Mandarin. I also help raise money for our school with bake sales and donate to canned food drives. In my opinion, being helpful is a powerful characteristic to have while being in the medical field, a trait essential to becoming a great doctor. With this being said, programs such as the Sophie Davis Program would be very beneficial for me because this program gives students the opportunity to achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. The program's diversity is motivating to see as an Jamaican American because the opportunity to connect with the different cultures is paramount within the medical field. Becoming a physician is my main career goal, and becoming a physician would be an excellent window of opportunity for my dream to come to fruition. I know that being in a seven year medical program will present its challenges and setbacks, but I am extremely determined and ambitious to always put my best foot forward and do my best every single day to accomplish my dream goal. I look forward to the day where I know exactly how to help someone else’s fainted mother.