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Ariyah Monk

1,315

Bold Points

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Finalist

Bio

I am a great candidate because I'm dedicated to providing service in my community, and pursuing my goals. I wish to become a doctor in the future, and provide adequate healthcare too individuals cannot afford.

Education

Spelman College

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Biology, General
  • Minors:
    • Second Language Learning

Alexander Hamilton Senior High

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
    • Biology, General
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Physician

      Sports

      Volleyball

      Club
      2018 – 20213 years

      Public services

      • Volunteering

        Top Teens of America — I've been able provide to my community in ways like feeding the homeless, building rose parade floats, hosting conferences, and fundraising.
        2018 – Present
      • Volunteering

        Dignity Health - California Hospital Medical Center — I assist medical professionals with any help they may need, I check visitors in at the front desk, and make sure clothing is accessible to patients.
        2022 – Present

      Future Interests

      Volunteering

      Entrepreneurship

      AROC AI/ML Scholarship
      During my summers at an organization known as Black Girls Code, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in coding, app development, and website design, which shaped my interest in the tech field. This organization strove to progress the presence of Black women and girls in the tech and coding world. In fact, one of my most memorable projects when working with my peers was creating an app that featured various games, including crosswords, tic-tac-toe, and a stacking blocks game. This project gave me practical experience in programming and problem-solving, as I had to work through how the games would function, how the user would interact with the app, and how to make the overall experience enjoyable. I also worked on designing a simple, user-friendly interface, ensuring that it was both intuitive and aesthetically appealing. In addition to the app, I also built a website that was designed as a personal blog. I used the platform to upload pictures of my family and our vacations, and I also advertised hair products that I was making and selling at the time. The website helped me explore front-end development, including basic HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript, and it gave me a sense of how digital tools can be used for personal and entrepreneurial purposes. These experiences helped me develop a foundational understanding of coding and sparked my interest in the tech world. Although my primary academic focus is on healthcare, my time at Black Girls Code opened my eyes to the potential for technology, specifically AI and machine learning, to revolutionize the medical field. I foresee myself integrating AI into my future practice as a physician, particularly to address the healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, such as BIPOC women. AI has the capability to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy, streamline medical processes, and provide personalized treatment plans based on patterns in data that might be missed by human physicians. In this way, AI can help ensure that all patients, regardless of their background, receive the best care possible. For example, by using AI-powered tools, we can help address the disparities in maternal mortality rates among Black women. AI can be used to monitor vital signs more accurately and provide early warnings for conditions such as preeclampsia, which often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Additionally, AI can assist in eliminating some of the biases that exist within the healthcare system, providing more objective assessments and treatments. In the future, I see myself not only using AI in my practice but also contributing to the development of AI-driven healthcare tools that specifically serve underrepresented communities, helping to create a more equitable healthcare system.
      Rosa A. Wilson Scholarship
      Leveraging my degree as a physician, I envision a future where I not only provide essential healthcare to BIPOC women but also actively advocate for systemic changes that address long-standing disparities. From a young age, my passion has been rooted in a desire to make a difference, inspired by my mother’s work as a nurse practitioner and my own early exposure to healthcare through volunteering. These experiences have shown me firsthand the inequities faced by marginalized communities, especially in terms of access to affordable healthcare. Through my own medical experience, I plan to create a space specifically designed for underrepresented groups, particularly BIPOC women, who often face systemic barriers in receiving adequate care. By offering services to those without insurance or little financial means to seek medical attention, I will work to dismantle the cycles of neglect that so many in these disenfranchised communities face. My practice will not only focus on treatment but also serve as a hub for education, empowerment, and advocacy, addressing healthcare inequities from both a clinical and policy perspective. I recognize that the healthcare system's inherent biases and structural racism have led to disproportionately high mortality rates for Black women, and I am committed to addressing these issues. As a Black woman who’s working towards becoming a physician, I will bring cultural competency, empathy, and lived experience into my work, offering the kind of care that recognizes and fights against the racist ideologies embedded in the system. Whether through policy reform, medical research, or hands-on patient care, I will challenge and change the status quo to ensure that BIPOC women receive the respectful, compassionate, and equitable care they deserve. Through active engagement with communities, both as a practitioner and an advocate, I will amplify the voices of those who have been historically marginalized. I plan to partner with organizations that fight for social justice and equity, using my platform to advocate for legislative changes that address the root causes of healthcare disparities. Additionally, I will foster a sense of agency within these communities by providing educational resources and tools to empower them to advocate for their own health. In all of this, my overarching goal is to champion the well-being of BIPOC women and to ensure that they not only survive but thrive in a medical system that has historically failed them, as well as be a safe and reliable resource for individuals who come from low income communities and are unable to afford healthcare that could save their life.
      Andrea M Taylor Future Doctors Scholarship
      A long-term goal of mine, that I've aspired for since the age of seven years old, has been to become a doctor. Not only because of the life-saving stories I've heard from my mothers' experience, who's a pediatric nurse, though from what I've read articles and seen on shows as I've gotten older. In fact, I began taking the steps starting in middle school, by joining a community service organization known as Top Teens of America. Though within the past year, to engage in an activity that's more so related to my passion, I also joined a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center. Where I assist medical professionals with any help they may need, I check visitors in at the front desk, make sure clothing is accessible to patients, and create pamphlets for patients about their healthcare options. Overall, a long-term goal of mine is to become one of the best physicians in the country, and with the completion of a degree, I will be able to continue into my residence, and truly begin my dream. Going to medical school is the most important step with become a doctor, because if there's no degree, then there's no medical school, and with a medical degree there's no doctor title. Therefore, I must do well in the next ten years of schooling to acquire my degrees and pursue my passion. I believe there's been a combination of aspects in my life that has led me to pursue a career in medicine. One of those is my mom, whom I've seen become a single mother and continue to push in her career. Especially as a pediatric nurse, witnessing the late nights, but noticing her love for being a part of the front of nurses who save the lives of babies. Another reason I believe is an aspect of why I've chosen to become a doctor is, my volunteer service. I'm a part of two organizations, one of which I've been a part of since eighth grade known as Top Teens of America. During this act of service, our members come together to give back to our community. I've created and distributed bags filled with necessities for people who are homeless, given holiday meals to families in need on Thanksgiving and Christmas, hosted black history booths during the Martin Luther King Jr. parade, prepared and distributed toiletry bags to women veterans, and assisted in creating rose floats for the rose parade. I was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field through this organization because I witness, and learned a lot about giving back to individuals who aren't as fortunate as I am. There's also a warm feeling you get when you're able to bring a smile to one's face, and change the mood of their day. The other organization I'm a part of is a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Medical Center Hospital. Where I've gotten real-life experience of what it's like to work in the hospital, by providing clothes to patients who have none due to their accident, working the front desk, acquiring supplies for the ER, and creating pamphlets for the patients about their options for health care.
      Chris Ford Scholarship
      A long-term goal of mine, that I've aspired for since the age of seven years old, has been to become a doctor. Not only because of the life-saving stories I've heard from my mothers' experience, who's a pediatric nurse, though from what I've read articles and seen on shows as I've gotten older. In fact, I began taking the steps starting in middle school, by joining a community service organization known as Top Teens of America. Though within the past year, to engage in an activity that's more so related to my passion, I also joined a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center. Where I assist medical professionals with any help they may need, I check visitors in at the front desk, make sure clothing is accessible to patients, and create pamphlets for patients about their healthcare options. Overall, a long-term goal of mine is to become one of the best physicians in the country, and with the completion of a degree, I will be able to continue into my residence, and truly begin my dream. Going to medical school is the most important step with become a doctor, because if there's no degree, then there's no medical school, and with a medical degree there's no doctor title. Therefore, I must do well in the next ten years of schooling to acquire my degrees and pursue my passion. I believe there's been a combination of aspects in my life that has led me to pursue a career in medicine. One of those is my mom, whom I've seen become a single mother and continue to push in her career. Especially as a pediatric nurse, witnessing the late nights, but noticing her love for being a part of the front of nurses who save the lives of babies. Another reason I believe is an aspect of why I've chosen to become a doctor is, my volunteer service. I'm a part of two organizations, one of which I've been a part of since eighth grade known as Top Teens of America. During this act of service, our members come together to give back to our community. I've created and distributed bags filled with necessities for people who are homeless, given holiday meals to families in need on Thanksgiving and Christmas, hosted black history booths during the Martin Luther King Jr. parade, prepared and distributed toiletry bags to women veterans, and assisted in creating rose floats for the rose parade. I was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field through this organization because I witness, and learned a lot about giving back to individuals who aren't as fortunate as I am. There's also a warm feeling you get when you're able to bring a smile to one's face, and change the mood of their day. The other organization I'm a part of is a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Medical Center Hospital. Where I've gotten real-life experience of what it's like to work in the hospital, by providing clothes to patients who have none due to their accident, working the front desk, acquiring supplies for the ER, and creating pamphlets for the patients about their options for health care.
      Net Impact Berkeley Social Impact Scholarship
      While Alexander Hamilton High School is known to be quite diverse, there are separate magnet schools inside. I’m a part of the Humanities magnet, where the student population is predominantly white, and there are few students of color. So, my peer and I, created a club, Empowerment for Hamilton, where students of color could share their experience of being in a white-dominated space. When we first created the club, it was difficult gathering a large attendance to show up to our meetings. Most students would’ve rather gone to clubs that didn’t sound like they would be lectured during their lunch. So to fix this, I proposed that we make social media accounts to acquire new members. Through our social media account, I posted our meetings, and created specified days when our members could choose the topic, or have free days. As our presence on social media grew, we discovered that reaching out to the students through there was the primary reason as to why an increase in our attendance continued. During my junior year, one of the major issues students had was that our administration would lock bathrooms through the majority of the morning, and leave a few open throughout the day. This caused much disturbance among the students because there were constant lines to use the restrooms, and we, as the student body, felt as though we were being punished for something we took no part in. This occurrence was a major topic during our meetings, and because all of our members felt so strongly about it, we were able to come together and present our problems and solutions to the principal. I prepared a speech to present to the administration so they could be our voices in admin conferences, I created posters to hang around the school, I emailed the principal personally about our concerns, and I also spearheaded the idea of getting students to sign petitions, with a turnout of over 100 signatures. Slowly but surely, we did see change with an influx in available restrooms throughout the day, and we took this as a major accomplishment. The greater significance of this entire process was not only opening more restrooms on our campus, though it was how big of an impact our voices have in making change. Especially my own. I had originally believed that we weren't going to be able to sway the view of our administration, though still pushing forward, I insisted.
      Jake Thomas Williams Memorial Scholarship
      Since I was seven years old I’ve always had to battle between two homes, my mom and my dads. Throughout the majority of my life, even now, I’ve had to be their messenger because they couldn’t get through a single conversation without arguing. At the beginning of my junior year, I missed many days of school to testify in court, because of my parent's unwillingness to be cordial. Because of court appearances, I would have to stay up late to complete assignments, contact my peers for notes that I missed, and email teachers regarding additional information I might’ve missed. While this was helpful, when I went back to school it still felt as though I had missed so many things. During this time I had stopped living with my dad, and had also lost the relationship I used to have with him. Which affected all aspects of my life, my beliefs, my relationships with people, and my school life. I found it difficult to pay attention in certain classes, challenging to turn assignments in on time, and even more strenuous to show up to school. I made it my obligation to try to not think about what was going on between my parents and I, but to instead focus on myself. I would say that my biggest accomplishment during this time in my life would be maintaining my grades, through all the late-night study sessions and last-minute cram-ins. Managing when I would have therapy sessions when I would have projects or assignments due, and when I would schedule a time to talk to my dad when I hadn’t in weeks. Therapy taught me many skills, especially during this time, such as relationship and communication skills. Learning that I shouldn’t expect and practice the relationship both my parents have. In some ways utilizing these skills has shaped me into the student, and person I am today. And throughout all of this, I've come to see that my true passion is to become a childrens therapist. I want to help kids going through any trauma they've experienced because I can understand o a deeper level what the impact of such a thing could be. I don't want children to battle with the effects of their trauma, instead talk them through it, and be utilized it as an outlet for them. Having someone who's there, even if it isn't a therapist, can be a major asset in mental health. Especially when you are balling up your feelings and trying to shove them down, in which becoming a therapist, I feel I could make a change. I will become an outlet for them, and work to decrease the number of suicides children as little as 10 commit. Because everyone deserves to be listened to, no matter what the feeling or situation might be.
      Dema Dimbaya Humanitarianism and Disaster Relief Scholarship
      I’m the second Vice President of our Inglewood chapter of Top Teens of America, where I provide service to my community. Over the last five years, I’ve fed the homeless numerous times, including holidays such as Thanksgiving, I’ve assisted in making the flower floats for the Pasadena Rose Parade, I’ve collected and distributed toiletries to give to women veterans in shelters and on the streets, and led discussions amongst teens in seminars about what we could do to better Top Teens. The organization hosts these seminars every few months to bring together every chapter, and I’ve assisted in helping the members socialize with the presentation and lead my chapter in group activities. While these conferences were over Zoom, I was able to bring people together with fun activities such as, raffles and trivia games, with prizes at the end that would be delivered to their homes. These conferences were very engaging, considering they were over Zoom, and brought many new fresh ideas to each chapter present. I’d encourage other chapters to meet more often to establish relationships, exchange phone numbers or social medias, and to conduct collaborative service projects such as making bags of necessities for the homeless. Then, months after we’d met, we would come together once again to discuss any progress our chapters made. They’d discovered that due to their lack of activity, which is supposed to take place monthly, was the reason for the lack of participation in their chapter. Though, because of the advice I had offered, they were able to triumph and notice a positive change in their chapter. Teens told me about how the number of their inductees had increased due to the advice I gave, and how much networking helped them in gathering new members. During those times, it gave me the chance to share my experience with the Inglewood chapter of Top Teens to others, about the exciting service activities we’d accomplished and how it brought us closer together. As an active member in this organization, I took much pride while serving my community. With this experience, not only was I able to bring joy to another person's day, though I was given the opportunity to give back to my community in a positive way. I was attracted to the idea of giving back to my community because every day in my neighborhood I see what less fortunate people than I am, and I want to help. Especially when we live in a country that forces us to be put in dangerous situations, and spits us out when we're no longer needed. And yet it's when we need help the most. I contribute in these community service organizations with the intention of showing there are people who still care, and truly want to help.
      Richard Neumann Scholarship
      While Alexander Hamilton High School is known to be quite diverse, there are separate magnet schools inside. I’m a part of the Humanities magnet, where the student population is predominantly white, and there are few students of color. So, my peer and I, created a club, Empowerment for Hamilton, where students of color could share their experience of being in a white-dominated space. When we first created the club, it was difficult gathering a large attendance to show up to our meetings. Most students would’ve rather gone to clubs that didn’t sound like they would be lectured during their lunch. So to fix this, I proposed that we make social media accounts to acquire new members. Through our social media account, I posted our meetings, created specified days when our members could choose the topic, or have free days. As our presence on social media grew, we discovered that reaching out to the students through there was the primary reason as to why an increase in our attendance continued. During my junior year, one of the major issues students had was that our administration would lock bathrooms through the majority of the morning, and leave a few open throughout the day. This caused much disturbance among the students because there were constant lines to use the restrooms, and we, as the student body, felt as though we were being punished for something we took no part in. This occurrence was a major topic during our meetings, and because all of our members felt so strongly about it, we were able to come together and present our problems and solutions to the principal. I prepared a speech to present to the administration so they could be our voices in admin conferences, I created posters to hang around the school, I emailed the principal personally about our concerns, and I also spearheaded the idea of getting students to sign petitions, with a turnout of over 100 signatures. Slowly but surely, we did see change with an influx in available restrooms throughout the day, and we took this as a major accomplishment. This entire event left a long last impression on me, not only because we were simply opening up more restrooms, though because it taught me the power of my voice. So, if there was anything I could solve in our world currently, with the findings of my own experience, it would be homelessness. As someone who's grown up in the depths of Los Angeles, I've gotten the chance to witness the raw and intense amounts of homelessness. Especially in the streets of skid row, where there are large communities of homeless people living in tents on the streets. I feel as though a strategy that could be conducted to solve this problem, little by little, would be to create a business where there's a three-step problem to recovering from homelessness. You would begin with gathering homeless people to volunteer for the program, and follow up with placing them in our apartment buildings where they could stay and be protected. There would be a curfew instated and mandatory drug tests because, while going through this first step, they'd be getting clean and working through our company to acquire a job. The second step would be towards, going to college, trade school, or community college, where they could broaden their opportunities with a degree, and we'd assist them with aid and scholarships. The final step of our program would be releasing the individuals from our care, though with the appropriate resources such as a therapist, a mentor, and any other transitional care provider.
      STAR Scholarship - Students Taking Alternative Routes
      A long-term goal of mine, that I've aspired for since the age of seven years old, has been to become a doctor. Not only because of the life-saving stories I've heard from my mothers' experience, who's a pediatric nurse, though from what I've read articles and seen on shows as I've gotten older. In fact, I began taking the steps starting in middle school, by joining a community service organization known as Top Teens of America. Though within the past year, to engage in an activity that's more so related to my passion, I also joined a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center. Where I assist medical professionals with any help they may need, I check visitors in at the front desk, make sure clothing is accessible to patients, and create pamphlets for patients about their healthcare options. Overall, a long-term goal of mine is to become one of the best physicians in the country, and with the completion of a degree, I will be able to continue into my residence, and truly begin my dream. Going to medical school is the most important step with become a doctor, because if there's no degree, then there's no medical school, and with a medical degree there's no doctor title. Therefore, I must do well in the next ten years of schooling to acquire my degrees and pursue my passion. I believe there's been a combination of aspects in my life that has led me to pursue a career in medicine. One of those is my mom, whom I've seen become a single mother and continue to push in her career. Especially as a pediatric nurse, witnessing the late nights, but noticing her love for being a part of the front of nurses who save the lives of babies. Another reason I believe is an aspect of why I've chosen to become a doctor is, my volunteer service. I'm a part of two organizations, one of which I've been a part of since eighth grade known as Top Teens of America. During this act of service, our members come together to give back to our community. I've created and distributed bags filled with necessities for people who are homeless, given holiday meals to families in need on Thanksgiving and Christmas, hosted black history booths during the Martin Luther King Jr. parade, prepared and distributed toiletry bags to women veterans, and assisted in creating rose floats for the rose parade. I was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field through this organization because I witness, and learned a lot about giving back to individuals who aren't as fortunate as I am. There's also a warm feeling you get when you're able to bring a smile to one's face, and change the mood of their day. The other organization I'm a part of is a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Medical Center Hospital. Where I've gotten real-life experience of what it's like to work in the hospital, by providing clothes to patients who have none due to their accident, working the front desk, acquiring supplies for the ER, and creating pamphlets for the patients about their options for health care. I see this career changing my life trajectory through many avenues, especially financially and mentally. Because medicine has been an aspiration of mine since I was young, there would be a tremendous feeling of accomplishment and gratefulness for my family who's been a part of that journey in supporting me to get becoming a doctor.
      Holt Scholarship
      A long-term goal of mine, that I've aspired for since the age of seven years old, has been to become a doctor. Not only because of the life-saving stories I've heard from my mothers' experience, who's a pediatric nurse, though from what I've read articles and seen on shows as I've gotten older. In fact, I began taking the steps starting in middle school, by joining a community service organization known as Top Teens of America. Though within the past year, to engage in an activity that's more so related to my passion, I also joined a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center. Where I assist medical professionals with any help they may need, I check visitors in at the front desk, make sure clothing is accessible to patients, and create pamphlets for patients about their healthcare options. Overall, a long-term goal of mine is to become one of the best physicians in the country, and with the completion of a degree, I will be able to continue into my residence, and truly begin my dream. Going to medical school is the most important step with become a doctor, because if there's no degree, then there's no medical school, and with a medical degree there's no doctor title. Therefore, I must do well in the next ten years of schooling to acquire my degrees and pursue my passion. I believe there's been a combination of aspects in my life that has led me to pursue a career in medicine. One of those is my mom, whom I've seen become a single mother and continue to push in her career. Especially as a pediatric nurse, witnessing the late nights, but noticing her love for being a part of the front of nurses who save the lives of babies. Another reason I believe is an aspect of why I've chosen to become a doctor is, my volunteer service. I'm a part of two organizations, one of which I've been a part of since eighth grade known as Top Teens of America. During this act of service, our members come together to give back to our community. I've created and distributed bags filled with necessities for people who are homeless, given holiday meals to families in need on Thanksgiving and Christmas, hosted black history booths during the Martin Luther King Jr. parade, prepared and distributed toiletry bags to women veterans, and assisted in creating rose floats for the rose parade. I was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field through this organization because I witness, and learned a lot about giving back to individuals who aren't as fortunate as I am. There's also a warm feeling you get when you're able to bring a smile to one's face, and change the mood of their day. The other organization I'm a part of is a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Medical Center Hospital. Where I've gotten real-life experience of what it's like to work in the hospital, by providing clothes to patients who have none due to their accident, working the front desk, acquiring supplies for the ER, and creating pamphlets for the patients about their options for health care.
      Kiaan Patel Scholarship
      I’m the second Vice President of our Inglewood chapter of Top Teens of America, where I provide service to my community. Over the last five years, I’ve fed the homeless numerous times, including holidays such as Thanksgiving, I’ve assisted in making the flower floats for the Pasadena Rose Parade, I’ve collected and distributed toiletries to give to women veterans in shelters and on the streets, and led discussions amongst teens in seminars about what we could do to better Top Teens. The organization hosts these seminars every few months to bring together every chapter, and I’ve assisted in helping the members socialize with the presentation and leading my chapter in group activities. While these conferences were over Zoom, I was able to bring people together with fun activities such as raffles and trivia games, with prizes at the end that would be delivered to their homes. These conferences were very engaging, considering they were over Zoom, and brought many new fresh ideas to each chapter present. I’d encourage other chapters to meet more often to establish relationships, exchange phone numbers or social medias, and conduct collaborative service projects such as making bags of necessities for the homeless. Then, months after we’d met, we would come together once again to discuss any progress our chapters made. They’d discovered that due to their lack of activity, which is supposed to take place monthly, was the reason for the lack of participation in their chapter. Though, because of the advice I had offered, they were able to triumph and notice a positive change in their chapter. Teens told me about how the number of their inductees had increased due to the advice I gave, and how much networking helped them in gathering new members. During those times, it gave me the chance to share my experience with the Inglewood chapter of Top Teens with others, about the exciting service activities we’d accomplished and how it brought us closer together. As an active member of this organization, I took much pride while serving my community. With this experience, not only was I able to bring joy to another person's day, though I was given the opportunity to give back to my community in a positive way. Though I plan to continue to give back in the future, in the hopes of becoming a doctor. A dream I've had since I was young, and being a part of the organization only further inspired me. I learned so much about helping others, and not only the way it made me feel giving back, though how the individuals felt. On my journey of becoming a doctor, I plan to provide healthcare to the large homeless population in the Los Angeles area once I've received my degree. As a Los Angeles native, I've seen physically, in the community service uniform and out, the impact of homeless people unable to afford health care. Which is something I want to provide to them, once I've gained the experience to open my own practice.
      Students Impacted by Incarceration Scholarship
      While I've never experienced incarceration, personally, though I have been impacted by the system through my stepfather. Since the end of my eighth-grade year in middle school, about five years ago, our only way the communication has altered in many ways. Through a tapped telephone, a thick glass wall, and once again through a recorded phone line. And through all of those lows, I've worked hard to maintain the relationship we had built, before he was taken away from our family. He's been in my life since I was eleven years old and has been there to pick up the slack my own father has left. And yes, my father is still present in my life, he's also lacked the ability to be there for me financially and emotionally, for his own benefit. And through those moments, whether it was communicating through a phone or not, my step-father has been there. Through my stepfather, I've learned to surround myself with people who have greater aspirations and will not hold me back. I don't want to feel held back from my peers, I want to be able to grow with one another and for us to excel past greatness and excellence. And with my step-father being incarcerated, I've been able to hear the stories of their treatment from authority. Whether those individuals are guards, wardens, medical care personnel, or dangerous inmates. Which has been another reason why I'd like to pursue my chosen career, a Doctor. Because inmates are seen as less than human, whether they've committed the crime or not, their medical needs aren't sufficiently taken care of. I'd like to fix that. I aspire to help individuals in any circumstance, once I've become a fully qualified physician in the future. To help individuals with the best care, even if they cannot seem to afford it.
      Sunshine Legall Scholarship
      A long-term goal of mine, that I've aspired for since the age of seven years old, has been to become a doctor. Not only because of the life-saving stories I've heard from my mothers" experience, who's a pediatric nurse, though from what I've read articles and seen on shows as I've gotten older. In fact, I began taking the steps starting in middle school, by joining a community service organization known as Top Teens of America. Though within the past year, to engage in an activity that's more so related to my passion, I also joined a volunteer organization at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center. Where I assist medical professionals with any help they may need, I check visitors in at the front desk, make sure clothing is accessible to patients, and create pamphlets for patients about their healthcare options. Overall, a long-term goal of mine is to become one of the best physicians in the country, and with the completion of a degree, I will be able to continue into my residence, and truly begin my dream. Going to medical school is the most important step with become a doctor, because if there's no degree, then there's no medical school, and with a medical degree there's no doctor title. Therefore, I must do well in the next ten years of schooling to acquire my degrees and pursue my passion. Not only am I working to make a difference currently, through my service at the hospital in Downtown Los Angeles and within my own community in Inglewood, though I strive to make a difference within the healthcare field in total. I plan to continue to give back in the future, in the hopes of becoming a doctor. A dream I've had since I was young, and being a part of these organizations only further inspired me. I learned so much about helping others, and not only the way it made me feel giving back, though how the individuals felt. On my journey of becoming a doctor, I plan to provide healthcare to the large homeless population in the Los Angeles area once I've received my degree. As a Los Angeles native, I've seen physically, in the community service uniform and out, the impact of homeless people unable to afford health care. Which is something I want to provide to them, once I've gained the experience, and I am able to open my own practice.