Throughout my four years of high school, I faced housing insecurity. There were nights when my mom and I had no idea where we’d sleep, and days when we had to stretch a dollar just to eat. I worked relentlessly to keep food on the table, our phones on, and to pay for the occasional hotel stay. My life wasn’t easy, but I refused to let our circumstances define my future. After my sophomore year, I was accepted into a summer study abroad program in Japan, an opportunity that felt like a distant dream. I made it a reality by saving every paycheck from my part-time job, with added help from my extended family and generous teachers who believed in me. That trip changed me. Immersed in a new culture, I felt a rare sense of peace and freedom, and for the first time in a while, I began to hope. Not just for survival, but for growth. During my junior and senior years, I made the difficult decision to quit track and basketball, sports I genuinely loved, to take on two jobs. I worked at Papa John’s and Publix, juggling shifts after school and on weekends. The exhaustion was constant, but the purpose behind it gave me strength. What truly kept me going, though, wasn’t just my determination. It was the kindness I received from my community. My managers accommodated my schedule when they knew I was struggling. Coworkers offered me rides home after late shifts. Teachers checked in on me and helped with college applications. Even customers, who didn’t know the full story, showed small acts of kindness that added up, like a smile or an extra tip. These weren’t just gestures; they were reminders that I wasn’t alone. Giving back became second nature. At work, I trained new hires and covered shifts for coworkers when I could. I offered food to classmates who didn’t have lunch and helped peers understand tough math problems. I wasn’t just receiving support. I was building a web of connection by showing up for others the way people showed up for me. Being part of this community taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through hardship; it’s about allowing yourself to be supported, and turning that support into something bigger than yourself. Hope, for me, doesn’t come from a perfect life or a clear path. It comes from knowing that, even when life is hard, kindness is contagious and strength multiplies when it’s shared.

Growing up in a low-income household, I’ve experienced firsthand the barriers that underserved communities face when trying to access quality healthcare. Whether it's long wait times, lack of insurance, or simply not knowing where to go for help, I’ve seen how these obstacles can prevent people from getting the care they need. These experiences have fueled my passion for medicine and my desire to create change. I believe that with the right education and opportunities, I can become the kind of doctor who doesn’t just treat symptoms, but helps build healthier, stronger communities from the ground up. At the University of Southern California, I plan to major in biomedical engineering or a related pre-medical field. My goal is to go to medical school after college and become a physician, possibly a radiation oncologist or a psychiatrist. I’m also open to psychiatry or therapy because I know from personal experience how powerful mental health care can be. My therapist has been one of the most supportive people on my medical journey, and it would be incredibly meaningful to offer that same support to others someday. Education is more than just a stepping stone to a career, it’s a tool for transformation. I plan to take full advantage of every opportunity available to me in college to prepare for a life of service. One way I hope to do that is by joining the Mobile Clinic at USC. This student-run organization provides free healthcare and hygiene services to people experiencing homelessness and financial insecurity in the Los Angeles area. Volunteering through the Mobile Clinic will give me hands-on experience working with vulnerable populations while reinforcing the value of compassion, communication, and community-focused care. Outside of academics, I’m also deeply committed to giving back in any way I can. In high school, I volunteered at a local trauma hospital, where I supported nurses and staff in their daily duties. I also helped out at local food drives and served as a youth leader at a faith-based program called Kid’s Club. These experiences taught me that making a positive impact doesn’t always require a degree, it starts with showing up, listening, and being present for others. With a college education, I’ll have the knowledge, network, and credibility to expand that impact even further. I want to be a doctor who sees the whole person, not just their illness. I want to help families like mine feel seen, heard, and supported in the healthcare system. My ultimate goal is to return to communities like the one I grew up in and offer care that is affordable, compassionate, and culturally aware. Whether that’s through opening a clinic, advocating for better policies, or simply being someone patients can trust, I know that my education will be the foundation that allows me to make it all possible.

I’ve always believed in giving back to my community, especially because I know what it’s like to grow up without many resources. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve contributed is by volunteering at my local Level 1 trauma hospital. There, I supported healthcare professionals by running errands, assisting with patients, and learning how a fast-paced hospital environment operates. It deepened my passion for medicine and helped me understand how teamwork and compassion save lives. Outside the hospital, I’ve also served my community in other ways. For two years in a row, I volunteered at a local food drive on Thanksgiving, helping pack and distribute meals to families in need. These moments reminded me how important it is to take care of our neighbors, especially during the holidays. I also volunteered as a youth leader at “Kid’s Club,” a local program for children in an underprivileged area. We taught kids about the Christian faith through games, crafts, and music. It was beautiful to see how much joy and confidence the program gave them. In the future, I hope to continue this kind of service through health education and free clinic outreach. I want to empower families in underserved communities by making healthcare and information more accessible, helping build a stronger, healthier future for the next generation.

As a low-income student, I face significant financial challenges in pursuing my college education. Between housing fees, and basic living expenses, it’s been difficult wrapping my head around how this would work. On top of that, paying for transportation to and from school, as well as other essential supplies, has added another layer of stress. These financial burdens often make it harder for me to focus on my studies and fully immerse myself in my college experience. If selected for this scholarship, the funds would alleviate much of the financial strain I currently face. They would help cover essential college fees, and ensure that I have the necessary supplies for my courses. Additionally, the funds would make transportation more affordable, allowing me to commute to school without worrying about how I will pay for it. This financial relief would give me the freedom to focus more on my academic goals and less on the stress of the situation. Ultimately, this scholarship would help make my journey to medical school more attainable and less stressful. It would provide me with the support I need to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a healthcare professional and making a positive impact in my community.

After college, I plan to make a meaningful difference in my community and the world by pursuing a career in healthcare, specifically in radiation oncology. My passion for helping others has been shaped by the challenges I’ve faced in my own life, from experiencing homelessness to supporting my family through difficult times. These experiences have given me a deep sense of empathy and a drive to create positive change, especially for people who are struggling. In particular, I want to work with underserved communities who often lack access to quality healthcare. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed the barriers that exist for many people in obtaining the care they need, whether it’s due to financial challenges, lack of information, or a shortage of medical professionals in certain areas. I plan to address these issues by offering compassionate care, advocating for patients’ needs, and ensuring that those who might otherwise be overlooked receive the attention and support they deserve. While I’m still in school, I am already actively working to make my community a better place. I volunteer at local food banks and a local hospital, always looking for ways to give back to the neighborhood that has supported me. I also have tutored younger students, helping them with their studies and providing guidance whenever possible. I want to be a role model for them, showing that it’s possible to overcome hardship and achieve your dreams. These volunteer opportunities not only help others but also provide me with a deeper understanding of the issues that impact my community. In college, I plan to further my commitment to service by joining a club called the "Mobile Clinic at USC." This initiative provides free healthcare to underserved communities, and I believe it will be a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience while making a direct impact. I’m excited to join the team and contribute my time and energy to helping people who may not have access to medical care otherwise. The Mobile Clinic is an ideal way for me to combine my passion for medicine with my dedication to serving those who need it the most. Looking ahead, I plan to continue my volunteer work after college by offering my medical expertise to underserved populations. I am particularly interested in working with cancer patients, not only to provide treatment but also to offer emotional support and guidance during difficult times. Having seen how healthcare professionals can truly make a difference in someone’s life, I want to be that kind of doctor, someone who goes beyond the diagnosis and is there for the whole person. In addition to my work in medicine, I am passionate about advocating for mental health. My own experiences with therapy have shown me the profound impact that mental health care can have, and I plan to integrate mental health support into my work as a healthcare provider. Whether it’s helping patients cope with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis or advocating for better mental health resources in underserved communities, I want to make mental well-being a priority in the care I provide. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education, skills, and experiences to uplift those around me, both in my community and beyond. By pursuing a career in healthcare and continuing my commitment to volunteer work, I hope to inspire others to follow their passions and work toward a better, more equitable world.

I am an incoming student at the University of Southern California, where I will be studying Biomedical Engineering . Growing up, I faced significant challenges, experiencing homelessness, living with family struggles, and seeing firsthand the impact of addiction. However, these obstacles did not deter me; instead, they fueled my determination to pursue a career that would allow me to help others in meaningful ways. Mark Anthony Green’s story of resilience and determination resonates deeply with me. Like Mark, I have faced hardships, but I believe that education is the key to overcoming adversity. It was through hard work, support from others, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education that I found hope for a better future. In high school, I balanced part-time jobs at Papa John’s and Publix while maintaining strong academic performance, knowing that education was the only way to break the cycle of poverty and hardship. What sets me apart as a candidate for this scholarship is my unwavering commitment to improving my circumstances and those of others. I have been actively involved in volunteer work and community service, striving to give back to my community that has given so much to me. Whether it’s tutoring younger students, working a food drive or volunteering at a local hospital. These experiences have helped me develop empathy and leadership skills, both of which will be crucial in my future career as a doctor. My long-term goal is to become a radiation oncologist, specializing in cancer research and treatment. I want to make a difference by not only providing medical care but also by offering emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times. I have seen the impact that healthcare professionals can have, not just on a patient’s physical well-being but also on their mental and emotional health. The doctors and therapists who supported me and my family through some of the most challenging moments of our lives inspired me to pursue this path. Furthermore, my story is not just about me. My family has faced struggles that continue to affect my siblings. After graduating, one of my greatest aspirations is to rescue them from their difficult living situation, even if it means sacrificing my own career goals temporarily. I believe it’s my responsibility to ensure they have the opportunity for a better life, one where they can thrive, feel safe, and pursue their own dreams. In closing, I am applying for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship because, like Mark, I am determined to overcome obstacles and use my education to make a meaningful impact on my community and the world. I believe this scholarship would not only help me achieve my educational goals but also help me uplift others as I work toward a brighter future for all those I care about.

My name is Ariana, and I’m a first-generation college student who is proud to say that I will be attending the University of Southern California (USC) this fall. I’ve faced a lot of challenges growing up, including housing instability and family struggles with addiction, but those experiences have shaped me into someone who is hardworking, compassionate, and determined. Supporting my family by working two jobs, Papa Johns and Publix, has taught me the value of responsibility and sacrifice, and now I’m excited to take the next big step in my life, earning a college degree. At USC, I plan to major in Biomedical Engineering, with a minor in Spanish. I’ve always been interested in science, especially how the human body works and how we can develop new ways to heal it. My dream is to become a radiation oncologist, someone who treats cancer using advanced technologies and personalized care. While my main goal is to go into oncology, I’m also open to exploring other specialties, including psychiatry or therapy. My own therapist has been an important part of my support system, and I’ve seen how mental health care can make a huge difference in someone’s life. That’s why I’m considering how I might combine medical and mental health work in the future, whether through research, patient care, or both. After college, I plan to apply to medical school. I know the path will be difficult, but I’m ready for the challenge. I want to give back to my community and to people who are facing situations like the ones I’ve lived through. My goal is to become a doctor who listens, who cares deeply, and who uses both science and empathy to help others heal. And, after graduating, one of my deepest hopes is to rescue my siblings from the difficult environment they’re in. If it comes down to choosing between medical school and giving them a stable home, I’m willing to pause my dreams, because their safety and future matter just as much as mine. Being at USC is not just about earning a degree. It’s about growing into the person I’ve always hoped to become. I’m excited to meet people from different backgrounds, to learn from experienced professors, and to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. I want to keep pushing forward, not just for me, but for my family and for every patient I will one day serve.

My desire to become a doctor stems from the fact that I’ve seen what it means to really care for others, especially during hard times. Growing up, I've had my fair share of hardship. My family went through periods of homelessness and struggled with things like drug addiction. I’ve worked multiple jobs to help support my family and make sure we had what we needed. These experiences showed me how important it is to have people in your life who care, a support system; and for me, some of those people were doctors and nurses. When someone in my family was ill, the medical staff didn’t just focus on the illness, they made sure we felt seen and understood. That kindness stayed with me. I realized that being a doctor isn’t just about science. It’s about being there for people during their hardest moments. That’s what I want to do. I’ve always loved learning about the human body. Science; especially biology and chemistry; has been one of my favorite things to study. I enjoy watching educational videos and reading about how the body works. But even more than the science, I love the idea of helping people. I want to use what I learn to help real people in real situations. I’m especially interested in cancer care and research, which is why I want to become a radiation oncologist. While I know no one who has suffered from cancer personally, I can only imagine the effects it has on families. And through internships and shadowing experience, I've seen the strengths of patients and how much hope a good doctor can give. I want to be that kind of doctor. Someone who brings comfort, knowledge, and better treatments to patients and their families. That said, I’m also open to other specialties. I’ve been especially inspired by my own therapist, who is a big part of the medical team that has helped me heal and grow. The idea of becoming a psychiatrist or therapist is also something I think about. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and I’ve seen how powerful it can be to have someone truly listen and support you through emotional pain. All things considered, I want to become a doctor because I know what it’s like to struggle, and I want to make life easier for others. Medicine gives me the chance to combine my love for science with my desire to care for people. I’m ready to keep learning, keep working, and hopefully one day make a difference in people’s lives the way others have made a difference in mine.