It’s always been difficult for me to fit into any of society’s claustrophobia-inducing and grossly conforming “boxes.” From the outside looking in, people have often labeled me as “the smart one,” but I’ve never limited myself to that sole characterization. My heart’s desires have allowed me to become a multi-faceted individual and granted me many great experiences. Throughout the course of my middle and high school years, I’ve participated in tech fairs, art shows, and concerts, and led community service initiatives with various non-profits. Art and creativity are at the core of my many interests and have helped shape my principles and views of the world. Undeniably, singing, acting, and playing in an ensemble have taught me what it means to persevere through personal and team-related struggles, and ultimately use our individual talents and strengths to impact communities. I’ve carried many of the soft and hard skills I’ve learned from my artistic endeavors into many aspects of my academic and personal life, including tenacity, attention to detail, dexterity, and patience. When deciding on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I looked to find a career path that would fulfill my creative desires, and allow me to produce something that would bring smiles and joy to others, without having to disregard my potential as a dedicated and passionate scholar. After some divine intervention combined with virtual shadowing, reflection, and social media, I found what I’d sought out in dentistry – a beautiful blend of science, service, and art. The variety in specialties, ability to use my creative touch, patient/doctor relationships, commitment to lifelong learning and innovation, and the opportunity to provide adequate health care to communities in need are a few of the main aspects of dentistry I resonate with the most. Growing up where certain educational and economic opportunities are scarce, I’ve often felt trapped - like I’ll never be able to reach my full potential. There aren’t any black/POC dentists near me, so it’s difficult at times to find the motivation to become what my community lacks. That being said, my ultimate goal is to practice in underserved areas to increase access to affordable and adequate oral care, while inspiring future generations of young men and women to become future healthcare providers and impact others. I’ve witnessed how lack of access and equity can determine whether or not someone can get the resources they need to achieve their goals, let alone the healthcare they desperately need. My mom has been dealing with fibroids since April of 2022, and she hasn’t been able to get a consultation with a gynecologist because of the doctor’s limited availability at our nearest hospital. My mom has an insanely strong immune system and seeing her have to miss work because of how much pain she’s in really bothers me. But instances like my mother’s are common where I’m from. I don’t want to just improve and enhance my patients’ smiles, I want to impact their lives. I want to build a connection with them so that they trust me to be their intellectually and culturally competent healthcare provider, support, and inspiration. I plan to give communities access to preventative health education in collaboration with other medical professionals so that we can all lead healthier lives. I hope to even influence public health policy, to ensure that access to healthcare is accessible to everyone and not a luxury dependent upon status, geographic location, or finance. Even as a student in dental school, I hope to mentor and continue volunteering with organizations that aim to educate and serve the underserved.

It’s always been difficult for me to fit into any of society’s claustrophobia-inducing and grossly conforming “boxes.” From the outside looking in, people have often labeled me as “the smart one,” but I’ve never limited myself to that sole characterization. My heart’s desires have allowed me to become a multi-faceted individual and granted me many great experiences. Throughout the course of my middle and high school years, I’ve participated in tech fairs, art shows, and concerts, and led community service initiatives with various non-profits. Art and creativity are at the core of my many interests and have helped shape my principles and views of the world. Undeniably, singing, acting, and playing in an ensemble have taught me what it means to persevere through personal and team-related struggles, and ultimately use our individual talents and strengths to impact communities. I’ve carried many of the soft and hard skills I’ve learned from my artistic endeavors into many aspects of my academic and personal life, including tenacity, attention to detail, dexterity, and patience. When deciding on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I looked to find a career path that would fulfill my creative desires, and allow me to produce something that would bring smiles and joy to others, without having to disregard my potential as a dedicated and passionate scholar. After some divine intervention combined with virtual shadowing, reflection, and social media, I found what I’d sought out in dentistry – a beautiful blend of science, service, and art. The variety in specialties, ability to use my creative touch, patient/doctor relationships, commitment to lifelong learning and innovation, and the opportunity to provide adequate health care to communities in need are a few of the main aspects of dentistry I resonate with the most. Growing up where certain educational and economic opportunities are scarce, I’ve often felt trapped - like I’ll never be able to reach my full potential. There aren’t any black/POC dentists near me, so it’s difficult at times to find the motivation to become what my community lacks. That being said, my ultimate goal is to practice in underserved areas to increase access to affordable and adequate oral care, while inspiring future generations of young men and women to become future healthcare providers and impact others. I’ve witnessed how lack of access and equity can determine whether or not someone can get the resources they need to achieve their goals, let alone the healthcare they desperately need. My mom has been dealing with fibroids since April of 2022, and she hasn’t been able to get a consultation with a gynecologist because of the doctor’s limited availability at our nearest hospital. My mom has an insanely strong immune system and seeing her have to miss work because of how much pain she’s in really bothers me. But instances like my mother’s are common where I’m from. I don’t want to just improve and enhance my patients’ smiles, I want to impact their lives. I want to build a connection with them so that they trust me to be their intellectually and culturally competent healthcare provider, support, and inspiration. I plan to give communities access to preventative health education in collaboration with other medical professionals so that we can all lead healthier lives. I hope to even influence public health policy, to ensure that access to healthcare is accessible to everyone and not a luxury dependent upon status, geographic location, or finance. Even as a student in dental school, I hope to mentor and continue volunteering with organizations that aim to educate and serve the underserved.

In Kevin Durant's powerful and emotion-driven 2014 NBA MVP speech, he credits his mother for being the "real MVP." He details how his mother would encourage him in his younger years, and how she sacrificed her well-being at times to ensure he and his siblings were well taken care of. Like Durant, I've had many MVPs in my life to uplift, guide, and support me through my educational and personal journey, and I've learned to always show gratitude for the ones who have always been in my corner. In seventh grade, I was recruited by Denise Chatman, a community leader and mentor, to be a part of her service-based community organization for young adolescents called Optimism Preventive Services. Throughout my membership with OPS, I was fortunate enough to facilitate anti-bullying parades and educational workshops, create goodie bags for local police officers, and plan men and women-led empowerment programs. Joining this organization and taking part in countless initiatives that empowered our community ignited my passion and commitment to a life of selfless service. Since then, my volunteering journey has only grown and multiplied. In high school, I continued to lead as President of OPS under the guidance of Mrs. Chatman, and she gave me access to other local organizations like the Frances P. Bunnelle Youth Board. With the Youth Board, I gained a great deal of knowledge about organized philanthropy and expanded my service to communities surrounding my own. My team and I established "Blessing Boxes" around the community where citizens could donate hygiene items for anyone in need and take items as necessary. The director of the Youth Board then increased my access to an opportunity to work with an organization called AmeriCorps, where I served as an English tutor/teacher assistant for K-2 students during the summer of my junior year. I was able to work with some amazing individuals, and the students were truly an inspiration - teaching me something new every day. At the end of my high school career, I vowed to continue being a volunteer and leader and serve in communities unlike my own to learn from others and grow as an individual. And now, as a first-generation college student, I am endlessly working towards that goal. In May 2023 I embarked on my first overseas medical brigade to Honduras with a national organization called Global Medical Brigades. In the course of 7 days, I, along with my other pre-health peers provided education, treatment, and public health development to the underserved communities of Los Izotes, Talanga, and La Concepción, San Matías. I was able to provide women's health education to birthing-aged women, informing them about ways to prevent STDs, how to keep track of their menstrual cycles, and more. I educated children about the proper way to brush their teeth and ensure they didn't get cavities and even got to take the vitals of over one hundred patients. I even got to build an eco stove in a community member's home that would decrease the risk of lung cancer through the reduction of particle emissions and proper air filtration. This volunteer experience was humbling, inspiring, and overwhelming. Just as the communities showed gratitude for our aid, I showed gratitude to the communities for trusting us to serve them. Only later did I realize the mutualistic benefit we shared as being each other's MVPs. Learning about the Honduran culture and the pitfalls of their healthcare system allowed me to understand the impact I want to make throughout my undergraduate and professional careers. As a future dentist, I want to impact my patients' lives beyond improving and caring for their smiles. My experiences with youth-based service have allowed me to understand how important it is for adolescents to receive encouragement and access to opportunities that will help them maximize their potential. Youth development is crucial to the progression of our communities, and their circumstances should never be a limiting factor in their growth. I don't want to solely be my patients' dentist…I aspire to be their motivator, supporter, and guidance. I've been inspired by my mentors over the years to ultimately follow in their footsteps in my own unique way. I plan to work in several underserved areas in my primary years as a dentist, connecting and learning from communities other than my own. Once I expand my knowledge of others, only then will I be able to become a culturally and intellectually competent healthcare provider. I hope to inspire other young men and women of color to pursue careers in healthcare and STEM and become what their community lacks. It is my goal to influence the narratives for future generations of MVPs to come.

2017 was a rough year for South Carolinians. Rain, flooding, downed power lines, damaged homes, and complete devastation was the product of a natural disaster birthed directly from Mother Nature herself: a hurricane. Hurricane Irma came into our homes and destroyed what we all worked so hard to rebuild from Hurricane Matthew’s tirade that occurred only a year prior. Natural disaster? Nothing seemed to be quite natural about the turmoil that ensued, and disaster was only an understatement. The untimeliness of Hurricane Irma was a direct blow, but the outreach of our communities, programs, and initiatives spoke louder than any noise Irma made. Government assistance may have dragged its feet in the efforts to assist our citizens, but not our non-profit organizations. When our communities are hurting, our nonprofits are the first responders ready to be at the people’s beck and call. In 2017, I began my first year as a member of Optimism Preventive Services, Inc. I was in the seventh grade. Just getting my feet wet in the program, our organization set out to do what our mission has always been: to serve our community. On a normal Saturday morning, a young thirteen-year-old could have been watching TV, going to the mall, or doing “normal” teenage girl things. But, as it would behoove you to know, I was not, and am still not, a normal teenage girl. On a Saturday morning, in the midst of an upset in my hometown, a normal Saturday for me consisted of preparing plates of food for the hundreds of National Guard soldiers that came to assist in the efforts to help put the pieces of Georgetown County back together again. Preparing plates of food may seem like a trivial task to some, but to me, it felt like I was giving these soldiers a giant hug on behalf of my community. They came in looking tired and disheveled, and I could only imagine how they were feeling. Time that could’ve been given to their affected families was being given to complete strangers. That day, I was inspired. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be like those soldiers and give selfless service. Since then, I've participated in and facilitated numerous community service initiatives with various organizations that aim to serve those in need. My passion for service has led me to pursue a career in dentistry, where my ultimate goal is to open dental practices in underserved communities around the nation. Creating job opportunities, and space for affordable and adequate health care is something I feel is greatly needed in our communities. To reach this goal, I've dedicated myself to becoming intellectually and culturally competent through rigorous coursework and experiences like Global Medical Brigades, so that my approach to service can be more holistic. Moreover, I plan to dedicate my services to the National Health Service Corps, where I will be able to provide care to patients regardless of their economic, geographic, or educational backgrounds. Through my efforts to increase health equity and inspire future leaders, changemakers, and problem-solvers, I hope to change lives one smile at a time.

It’s always been difficult for me to fit into any of society’s claustrophobia-inducing and grossly conforming “boxes.” From the outside looking in, people have often labeled me as “the smart one,” but I’ve never limited myself to that sole characterization. My heart’s desires have allowed me to become a multi-faceted individual and granted me many great experiences. Throughout the course of my middle and high school years, I’ve participated in tech fairs, art shows, and concerts, and led community service initiatives with various non-profits. Art and creativity are at the core of my many interests and have helped shape my principles and views of the world. Singing, acting, and playing in an ensemble have taught me what it means to persevere through personal and team-related struggles, and ultimately use our individual talents and strengths to impact the world. I’ve carried many of the soft and hard skills I’ve learned from my artistic endeavors into many aspects of my academic and personal life, including tenacity, attention to detail, dexterity, and patience. When deciding on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I looked to find a career path that would fulfill my creative desires, and allow me to produce something that would bring smiles and joy to others, without having to disregard my potential as a dedicated and passionate scholar. After some divine intervention combined with virtual shadowing, reflection, and Google, I found what I’d sought out in dentistry – a beautiful blend of science, service, and art. The variety in specialties, ability to use my creative touch, patient/doctor relationships, commitment to lifelong learning and innovation, and the opportunity to provide adequate health care to communities in need are a few of the main aspects of dentistry I resonate with the most. My hometown has some boxlike qualities, to say the least; as there are no opportunities for young students to grow. There aren’t any black/POC dentists near me, so it’s difficult at times to find the motivation to become what my community lacks. That being said, my ultimate goal is to open dental practices in underserved areas to increase access to affordable and adequate oral care, while inspiring future generations of young men and women to become future healthcare providers and impact others. Growing up in a small town surrounded by rural communities, I’ve witnessed how lack of access and equity can determine whether or not someone can get the resources they need to achieve their goals, let alone the healthcare they desperately need. My mom has been dealing with fibroids since April of 2022, and she hasn’t been able to get a consultation with a gynecologist because of the doctor’s limited availability at our nearest hospital. My mom has an insanely strong immune system and seeing her have to miss work because of how much pain she’s in really bothers me. But instances like my mother’s are common where I’m from. With this being said, my continuous involvement in non-profit and extracurricular activities that aim to increase access and equity throughout various communities is important to me. I hope to continue this push for change as a dentist and have decided to dedicate my life to giving back to those in need. It is my hope, that by serving the underserved, I will change lives one smile at a time.

It’s always been difficult for me to fit into any of society’s claustrophobia-inducing and grossly conforming “boxes.” From the outside looking in, people have often labeled me as “the smart one,” but I’ve never limited myself to that sole characterization. My heart’s desires have allowed me to become a multi-faceted individual and granted me many great experiences. Throughout the course of my middle and high school years, I’ve participated in tech fairs, art shows, and concerts, and led community service initiatives with various non-profits. Art and creativity are at the core of my many interests and have helped shape my principles and views of the world. Singing, acting, and playing in an ensemble have taught me what it means to persevere through personal and team-related struggles, and ultimately use our individual talents and strengths to impact the world. I’ve carried many of the soft and hard skills I’ve learned from my artistic endeavors into many aspects of my academic and personal life, including tenacity, attention to detail, dexterity, and patience. When deciding on what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I looked to find a career path that would fulfill my creative desires, and allow me to produce something that would bring smiles and joy to others, without having to disregard my potential as a dedicated and passionate scholar. After some divine intervention combined with virtual shadowing, reflection, and Google, I found what I’d sought out in dentistry – a beautiful blend of science, service, and art. The variety in specialties, ability to use my creative touch, patient/doctor relationships, commitment to lifelong learning and innovation, and the opportunity to provide adequate health care to communities in need are a few of the main aspects of dentistry I resonate with the most. My hometown has some boxlike qualities, to say the least; as there are no opportunities for young students to grow. There aren’t any black/POC dentists near me, so it’s difficult at times to find the motivation to become what my community lacks. That being said, my ultimate goal is to open dental practices in underserved areas to increase access to affordable and adequate oral care, while inspiring future generations of young men and women to become future healthcare providers and impact others. Growing up in a small town surrounded by rural communities, I’ve witnessed how lack of access and equity can determine whether or not someone can get the resources they need to achieve their goals, let alone the healthcare they desperately need. My mom has been dealing with fibroids since April of 2022, and she hasn’t been able to get a consultation with a gynecologist because of the doctor’s limited availability at our nearest hospital. My mom has an insanely strong immune system and seeing her have to miss work because of how much pain she’s in really bothers me. But instances like my mother’s are common where I’m from. This scholarship will help support my education by allowing me to further myself as a scholar and eventually serve the underserved. Lowering the financial burden associated with college is vital in focusing on my studies and extracurricular involvement to ultimately strengthen my chances of getting accepted to dental school. This investment in my future is an indirect investment in adequate and culturally competent oral care for families who truly need it most and will allow me to inspire the next generation of POC changemakers, innovators, and problem-solvers.

2017 was a rough year for South Carolinians. Rain, flooding, downed power lines, damaged homes, and complete devastation was the product of a natural disaster birthed directly from Mother Nature herself: a hurricane. Hurricane Irma came into our homes and destroyed what we all worked so hard to rebuild from Hurricane Matthew’s tirade that occurred only a year prior. Natural disaster? Nothing seemed to be quite natural about the turmoil that ensued, and disaster was only an understatement. The untimeliness of Hurricane Irma was a direct blow, but the outreach of our communities, programs, and initiatives spoke louder than any noise Irma made. Government assistance may have dragged its feet in the efforts to assist our citizens, but not our non-profit organizations. When our communities are hurting, our nonprofits are the first-responders ready to be at the peoples’ beck and call. In 2017, I began my first year as a member of Optimism Preventive Services, Inc. I was in the seventh grade. Just getting my feet wet in the program, our organization set out to do what our mission has always been: to serve our community. On a normal Saturday morning, a young thirteen-year-old could have been watching TV, going to the mall, or doing “normal” teenage girl things. But, as it would behoove you to know, I was not and am still not, a normal teenage girl. On a Saturday morning, in the midst of an upset in my hometown, a normal Saturday for me consisted of preparing plates of food for the hundreds of National Guard soldiers that came to assist in the efforts to help put the pieces of Georgetown County back together again. Preparing plates of food may seem like a trivial task to some, but to me, it felt like I was giving these soldiers a giant hug on behalf of my community. They came in looking tired and disheveled, and I could only imagine how they were feeling. Time that could’ve been given to their affected families was being given to complete strangers. That day, I was inspired. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be like those soldiers and give selfless service. So, at the start of my freshman year in high school, I joined our school’s NJROTC program and student council, embarking on my journey as a young philanthropist. Since becoming a part of the various organizations I’ve dedicated my time to, I’ve been blessed with countless opportunities to serve. I sacrifice my own time like those National Guard soldiers did, to pour love and inspiration into my community with outreach projects, volunteering, educational workshops, and the like. I’m hoping that the impact I was able to make in Georgetown County can be multiplied in counties across the state and around the world as I embark on my college journey. I plan on joining various campus clubs and organizations that will help to impact surrounding areas. As I begin my career as a dentist, I want to open a practice in an underserved community and inspire other young women of color to pursue STEM and healthcare-related fields, in an effort to completely diversify fields currently dominated by white men. There’s power in unity, and there’s power in service. I'm hoping to encourage generations of changemakers, leaders, and philanthropists.

2017 was a rough year for South Carolinians. Rain, flooding, downed power lines, damaged homes, and complete devastation was the product of a natural disaster birthed directly from Mother Nature herself: a hurricane. Hurricane Irma came into our homes and destroyed what we all worked so hard to rebuild from Hurricane Matthew’s tirade that occurred only a year prior. Natural disaster? Nothing seemed to be quite natural about the turmoil that ensued, and disaster was only an understatement. The untimeliness of Hurricane Irma was a direct blow, but the outreach of our communities, programs, and initiatives spoke louder than any noise Irma made. When I saw how much my community was hurting, I knew that I had to try and assist in any way I could. So with the help of members from the local non-profit organization I’m a part of, Optimism Preventive Services, we came together and gave food to National Guard soldiers and citizens who were displaced from their homes. Giving back in this way helped my personal development and growth throughout this trying time. I was able to help others and make a difference, and find strength in service. Since 2017, I've been inspired to give back to the community in various ways. From canned food and animal shelter drives to anti-bullying forums and gun violence awareness marches, I have dedicated my time to giving selfless service. As I matriculate into college life, I'm hoping to continue to make an impact in neighborhoods around the world. One small act of service can make a huge difference in someone's life. As a first-generation college student, I have always known the importance of education. To afford college, and take the financial strain off of my parents, I've been staying ahead of my classes throughout my high school career to ensure that I'm able to attend any college I want. As a biology major on a pre-medical track, I will be exposed to rigorous coursework that will prepare me for dental school and beyond. Investing in my education now is an investment in my future as a healthcare provider for citizens who have been neglected because of their race, financial status, or location. My education will enable me to go farther in life than my parents, who never had the chance to go to college. To maximize my potential as a leader, philanthropist, and student, I will continue to prioritize and focus on my school work, so that all of the aspirations I have for myself come to fruition.