If awarded this scholarship, I would dedicate myself to educating and empowering patients and their families with practical, science-based nutrition strategies that support the prevention, management, and even regression of major health conditions. My focus would be on reducing the need for invasive procedures, like surgery, and minimizing the use of potentially addictive narcotics by promoting food as a powerful tool for healing and long-term wellness. My approach would be proactive and integrative, rooted in compassion and accessibility, and guided by the latest evidence. The ultimate goal is to help patients live longer, healthier lives through informed nutritional choices. I would implement this mission through five key strategies: 1. Delivering Evidence-Based Education I would lead tailored nutrition workshops and offer individualized counseling, especially before and after surgical procedures. These sessions—whether in group or one-on-one formats—would cover how dietary habits impact conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. I would highlight key peer-reviewed research and dispel common myths about “fad” diets, helping patients understand what the science truly supports. For those preparing for surgery, I’d provide nutrition plans aimed at reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system to improve outcomes. Post-surgery, I'd emphasize anti-inflammatory foods that help control pain, speed healing, and reduce dependence on opioids. 2. Integrating Nutrition into Care Plans I would work closely with a team of providers—including physicians, pain specialists, physical therapists, and behavioral health professionals—to build personalized care plans that include nutrition as a core component. Together, we’d educate patients on foods that naturally reduce inflammation and pain, such as omega-3-rich foods, turmeric, and leafy greens. By monitoring patients’ progress, we could track improvements in pain levels and reductions in medication use, making a strong case for the role of nutrition in long-term recovery and wellness. 3. Focusing on Prevention and Regression Using clinical data such as lab results, BMI, A1C, and cholesterol levels, I would help identify at-risk individuals and intervene early with personalized nutrition plans. By teaching patients how their food choices can prevent disease or even reverse its progression, we shift the model from reactive care to proactive prevention. I’d also incorporate lifestyle medicine principles—drawing from proven models like those of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine—that integrate nutrition with stress management, movement, and sleep for a more complete approach to healing. 4. Empowering Through Resources and Tools I believe education must be practical to be effective. That’s why I’d develop culturally relevant resources—recipes, meal plans, grocery lists, and cooking demos—that reflect patients’ backgrounds and preferences. I’d also use digital tools like apps and online platforms to provide ongoing support and track patients’ progress in areas like pain management, quality of life, and medication use. Consistent engagement builds trust and keeps patients motivated. 5. Advocating for Policy and Access Finally, I would support broader advocacy efforts to make nutritional support more accessible. This includes pushing for food-as-medicine initiatives, such as having medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling covered by insurance or subsidized for patients in need. Nutrition should be treated as a fundamental part of healthcare, not an afterthought. By focusing on prevention, recovery, and empowerment, I aim to help patients and their families see nutrition not just as a dietary choice, but as a transformative form of medicine—one that can reduce suffering, restore health, and improve lives.

As the middle child of six, I’ve always had to navigate the space between being responsible and being overlooked. Growing up in a large family meant that money was always tight, and when it came time to plan for college, I knew I’d be on my own. Despite all the challenges, I’ve stayed determined to create a better future, not just for myself, but as a way to lift my family with me. One of the biggest setbacks in my life came from a car accident that changed everything. A police officer ran into my car and totaled it, with me inside. The accident left me with injured discs in my neck and lower back, and pain I still deal with to this day. It not only affected me physically but also caused me to fall behind in school and strained me financially. Recovery was slow, and while other students were planning their futures, I was relearning how to manage basic routines and fighting to catch up academically. At the same time, the financial situation at home worsened. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my father accessed and used a loan repayment account that was supposed to help me pay for college. While I understand the pressure our family was under during that time, it left me without any support when I needed it most. Since then, I’ve been completely on my own—paying for everything from tuition and textbooks to rent, transportation, and medical care. To make ends meet, I’ve worked both part-time and full-time jobs. I started working even before graduating from high school and haven’t stopped since. There have been many days where I’ve had to choose between sleep and study, or work and school—but I keep pushing forward because I believe in what I’m working toward. Every dollar I earn goes directly into supporting my education and my dream. That dream is to become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. After everything I’ve been through—especially dealing with my spinal injury—I’ve developed a deep passion for medicine and helping others heal. I want to work with children to treat their injuries and give them hope, strength, and support when they need it most. My medical journey has given me a firsthand understanding of what it feels like to be vulnerable, and I want to be the kind of doctor who makes a lasting difference. Despite all the pain, obstacles, and financial hardship, I have never let go of my goals. I’ve turned every setback into motivation and every challenge into a lesson. Education is my path forward, and I am committed to seeing it through, no matter how difficult the road may be. With support, I know I can reach my potential and help others along the way.

Community Service means going above and beyond to make a difference, no matter how big or small, in someone's life. It's all about how you can give back. More importantly, making a special moment, memory, bond, or impact on someone's life. That impact can make a change for the better and leave a lasting impression that will hopefully get passed on later. It was through community service, through a group for those that are hurting, that my family got help. We could not always afford to get the groceries that we needed. There was this local group that ran a food bank where we would go. The people were always so nice to us. My family got to eat and my parents felt better knowing their kids were fed. Community service is the difference I felt when my parents were given a chance to get back on their feet with just a little outside help. I don't tell most people about this; I don't want to be looked at differently. However, experiences like this made me who I am today. It made me want to do all the charity work and community work I do personally, through school, and through my job. Through my intended career, being a culinary nutritionist for athletes, I want to give back starting with the heart of all communities. I want to reach the children. Most importantly, I want to reach the children who think they can not play sports due to some genetic issue, or other health issues that may be stopping them. Unfortunately, so many kids are given meds and told they will never be able to play the sports or activities they wish to. I want to change that idea and image. Through my intended career, I want to make friends and allies of semi-pro and professional athletes. I would like to work with athletes who both have and dont have genetic issues. I would like the athletes who prove the doctors wrong, and all the people who say they cant play wrong. I want to create a program where these athletes help me to teach the younger generations they can do anything if they take care of themselves. With this program, there would be communoty outreach. Helping to cut donw on childhoos obesity due to genetic and nutrtional issues. If the athletes can help to not only get the kids to trust me, but get them to move; we can teaxh the kids to take care of themseves. Eat better, move more, and be overall better off. Showing kids they can do whatever they want when they get older. If they set their minds to it, and eat right, they can be unstoppable. They could be the next athletes name that another kid wears on their jersey to watch games. Then, they can help the next generation. Hopefully helping to limit the amount of childhood obesity. Branching society's thoughs on what is possible and what is actually possible for those with a harder time.