July 1, 2016, is a day I will never forget. That was the day that I moved from Jamaica to the United States. Although this was an exciting moment, fear consumed me. Jamaica was the only home I knew for the first twelve years of my life. The move to the US was gradual. For years, my mom participated in a work program in the US for nine months out of the year. During this time she contemplated permanently living in the US and eventually made that thought a reality. Through this, she encouraged me to make the same move. Once I made the decision, I was immediately faced with new challenges. I remember my very first day of school in America. Visions of me continuously crying and eating lunch in the counselor's office roam my mind as I write this essay. Overwhelmed only describes a fraction of what I was feeling. Words like color were spelled without a “u”, no one understood Patois, and people were stunned when I would bring curry chicken for lunch. I had to learn how to adjust to a new learning environment. Although I had my moments of struggle, I never let that influence my education. In Jamaica, my family encouraged me to work hard on my academics since knowledge was the one thing that could not be taken from me. My grandma would always say “Work fi what you want, and you wi get it”. This phrase has carried me to college and has allowed me to stay on track to achieve my dreams. Being Jamaican and a first-generation student has undoubtedly influenced my academic image.

Many people find their long-term best friend in people they met in kindergarten or the first grade, however, I met mine the day I was born. There are so many words that I can use to describe my mother but I think the term “mom” covers it all. When people hear the word “mother” they think of an individual who cares deeply for their children, my mother is an example. Up until age twelve, I only saw my mom for roughly three to four months out of the year. She worked multiple jobs in the United States while I stayed in Jamaica, which prevented us from seeing each other every day. As a child, I did not fully understand why she needed to do this. I would watch everyone else get picked up from school by their mom and wonder why I could not experience this. My mom made sure to call me whenever she could but for me, it was not the same as talking to her physically. As I grew older I realized that she worked long hours in unfortunate circumstances just to provide for me. She always made sure my hair was done, that I had all my school materials, and that I was eating three meals every day. Though we lived in different countries, she put in the extra effort to make sure her daughter was happy. Now that we live in the same country, she still does the same. My mother goes above and beyond to support me in everything I do. We may not always agree on the same things but she allows me to make my own choices with her input for guidance. Whenever I have news, whether good or bad she is the first person that I turn to. I have watched my mother go through illnesses, accidents, and other unfortunate events. She has told me disadvantageous stories from her childhood that caused her to make generational changes in the way she raised me. Witnessing how my mom has handled everything she has been through changed my outlook on life. My mother is notorious for saying “It’s in God’s hands”. No matter the circumstance, my mother holds on to her faith which has led me to do the same. Without my mom, I would not be in the position that I am today. Her influence continues to lead me down the path of achieving my dreams. I often think about what my children will be like someday and I hope to be as good of a parent as my mom is. She is not only my mother but a mother to all. Our house is always open to any friend in need no matter the circumstance. Whenever a friend is around my mom, they will not be hungry or thirsty. Even though I am an only child, I consider my friends my siblings because I know my mom will take care of them too. I am a first-generation student aspiring to become a pediatric physician associate. Even though my mom has never been to college, she takes it upon herself to research any questions I might have. She is learning just as much as I am in college. My mother is intelligent, resilient, and caring. She may not understand modern phrases or approaches to life but she is open to learning. Most importantly my mom is a mom. She is a selfless, compassionate individual that would do anything for me and I am extremely grateful for her love.

Ever since I was a little girl science has been my favorite subject. My favorite shows revolved around science and health. An example of this is Doc McStuffins. Watching a little black girl play the role of a doctor to her talking toys brought me great joy. As I grew up in school I realized that I favored science subjects like biology and health science. After taking a health science class during my junior year of high school I knew I wanted to major in it. Being a health science major allows me to enjoy learning new concepts. It includes the science classes like Biology and Anatomy but it also has unique classes like Maternal Health and World Religions for Healthcare Professionals. As a health science major, I have concentrations in both Biological Science and Social and Behavioral Health. So while I’m learning about the body and how it operates I’m also learning about the social aspects of health. Through learning about the various aspects of health, I am able to apply concepts to the real world. This allows me to prepare for graduate school. I would like to become a pediatric physician assistant and being able to apply concepts to real life would help me during clinical rotations and such. I am fortunate to be seeking a degree that will help me in the future while also enjoying learning new things. Once I achieve my Bachelor’s in Health Science and Masters in Physician Assistant Studies I will be able to make my mark in the healthcare field. Over the years, especially during Covid, I have noticed the strong disconnect between minorities and healthcare workers. This negatively affects all people of color, especially children of color. Parents are hesitant to visit their physician because of unfortunate experiences. I aspire to make my practice inviting to all patients, especially minorities. Children deserve to have the proper healthcare and parents deserve to feel confident and comfortable that their children will be in good hands. With this scholarship, I will be able to carry on in my college career comfortably. I am a first-generation student who mainly depends on scholarships to achieve my degree. Neither my parents nor I can afford college, however, that will not stop me from achieving my goals. I have dreamed about being a healthcare professional for as long as I can remember. I would be doing my younger self an injustice if I did not put myself out there to at least try to make my dreams come true. Becoming a pediatric PA and mending the bridge between providers and minorities have always been my dream and I would attain both with the help of this scholarship.