I chose medicine because it is the purest expression of my desire to serve and heal. Growing up, I witnessed how inequities in healthcare could shape and limit lives, especially for women of color in my community. These experiences lit a fire in me, a drive to not only alleviate suffering but to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate it. Medicine is my way of fighting for a future where health is not a privilege but a right, where every individual can live with dignity and hope. This scholarship’s mission to empower high-achieving students aligns perfectly with my goals. My ultimate aim is to serve as a beacon of care for those often overlooked by the healthcare system. Women of color, particularly, face unique challenges that demand an advocate who not only understands their struggles but is committed to addressing them with empathy and precision. With this scholarship’s support, I aspire to open clinics in underserved areas that provide holistic care, focusing on preventive medicine and education. Beyond individual patient care, I hope to contribute to policy changes that address the root causes of health disparities, ensuring that my impact extends far beyond the walls of a clinic. My journey to this point has been shaped by resilience and a deep-seated belief in the power of compassion. As a child, I often saw my mother work tirelessly to provide for us despite limited resources. Her strength and sacrifices taught me the value of perseverance and the transformative power of small acts of care. These lessons have fueled my academic and personal pursuits, guiding me through challenges and inspiring me to push forward even when the path seemed uncertain. The scholarship’s emphasis on professional impact deeply resonates with my vision of medicine. I am driven by the belief that healthcare is not just about treating disease but about restoring wholeness. Being a physician means creating spaces where patients feel seen, heard, and valued, where care is as much about listening as it is about treating. This holistic approach is central to my philosophy and will guide me as I work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance, it's an investment in my ability to serve. With its support, I can continue to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be the kind of physician my community needs. It will empower me to turn my aspirations into action, to bring hope and healing to those who need it most, and to advocate for lasting change in the healthcare system. I am pursuing medicine because it is my calling, my purpose, and my way of leaving the world better than I found it. I am committed to making a difference, to being a force for equity, compassion, and change. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to fulfilling that dream and building a future where every person has the chance to thrive.

When I was 6, I watched my mother, the midwife, perform the Igbo ritual of omugwo for a new mother in our community. It is a celebration, healing, and nurturing all at once. My mother, with practiced hands, massaged the woman’s body with warm shea butter, her fingers working to restore strength and soothe the pains of childbirth. She prepared steaming pots of pepper soup, rich with spices said to cleanse and invigorate. I watched as the woman leaned into the care she was given, her body and spirit renewed with every gesture of compassion. “This is what it means to give life,” my mother said to me later, “not just to bring children into the world, but to care for the women who carry them.” This is when I learned it truly takes a village. That memory has stayed with me, shaping my vision of what it means to heal. In Igbo culture, omugwo is more than a postpartum tradition, it's a communal acknowledgment of the mother’s strength and a celebration of her efforts. I chose medicine because I want to carry that spirit into spaces I occupy as an OB/GYN. For me, this field is about more than diagnosing conditions or delivering babies, it is about honoring the strength and spirit of women. As I pursue my degree in medicine, I bear the knowledge that the maternal health crisis disproportionately impacts women of color. Black women in the United States are 3-4x more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. This disparity is a reflection of systemic failures in healthcare, from biases in treatment to limited access to quality care. These inequities are the tears I hope to mend, much like my mother mended the spirit of the women she cared for. My goal is to create a healthcare environment where women, especially those from marginalized communities, feel safe, respected, and valued. In my career, I envision opening a community-based women’s health center designed to address the holistic needs of patients. Inspired by the values of omugwo, the center would offer culturally sensitive care, including prenatal and postpartum support, family planning, and mental health services. It would also provide programs that integrate family and community members into the healing process, mirroring the communal approach to care I witnessed. Beyond clinical practice, I aim to tackle systemic issues through advocacy. I want to work with policymakers to expand Medicaid coverage for pregnant women, secure funding for maternal health research, and mandate bias training for healthcare providers. These initiatives would help ensure that women of color receive equitable and high-quality care. By bridging the gap between patient care and policy, I hope to create lasting change in the structures that perpetuate healthcare inequities. Mentorship will also play a central role in my career. As a first-generation medical student, I know the challenges of navigating higher education without guidance. I want to mentor aspiring physicians from underrepresented backgrounds, offering them the support and encouragement they need to succeed. By fostering diversity in medicine, I hope to build a healthcare workforce that reflects the communities it serves. Medicine is not just a career, it is my way of weaving omugwo into modern healthcare. Every patient I treat, every life I touch, and every system I help change will be a thread in the tapestry of transformation I hope to create. Just as my mother’s care gave new life to the women she nurtured, I want my work to be a source of healing, strength, and renewal for generations to come.

My journey is a river, winding and steady, shaped by the terrain of sacrifice and resilience. Born into the confluence of Nigerian roots and American dreams, I have flowed through currents of challenge and purpose. Each bend has carried me closer to the ocean of my calling, a life devoted to healing, advocacy, and transformation. As a child, I watched my parents build bridges over turbulent waters. When my father lost his job, my mother became the steady current, working tirelessly to sustain our family of seven. To ease her burden, I became a tributary, taking on two jobs as a high school sophomore while balancing the demands of school and family. These moments deepened my resolve and taught me the power of collective effort. Even the smallest streams, I learned, can join to carve great canyons. Now, as a second-year medical student, I see my path as a continuation of that river’s journey. I am pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology, driven by the urgent need to address maternal health disparities. Black women in the United States are three to four times more likely to die in childbirth than their white counterparts. My dream is to advocate for systemic change and be present for women in their most vulnerable moments. Their lowest points and darkest times and celebrate their greatest joys, including the miracle of childbirth. In this vision, I am a personal advocate, standing alongside women as they navigate both the stormy waters and tranquil stretches of their lives. I want to be the steady hand, the calming presence, and the voice that ensures they are heard and valued. In this vision, the river runs clear, free from the debris of bias and inequity. But my river does not stop at the clinic door. It flows into classrooms and community halls, carrying mentorship and empowerment to others. I envision guiding young Black women aspiring to careers in medicine, showing them that their dreams are both possible and necessary. Like Michele L. Durant, I believe in the transformative power of education. Her legacy inspires me to carry the torch, lighting the way for others to cross bridges built through my journey. My impact will ripple beyond individual lives. I will advocate for policies that address the social determinants of health and reduce financial barriers for Black women in higher education. By creating scholarships and support systems, I hope to free others from the anchor of debt, enabling them to rise with the tide of their potential. These efforts will contribute to a world where opportunities flow freely, unimpeded by systemic barriers. Michele L. Durant’s legacy reverberates with me as a lifelong learner, forever seeking new currents of knowledge and growth. Her story reminds me that rivers, no matter how turbulent, carve paths that endure. In her honor, I will continue to flow steadily, purposefully, and with an unwavering commitment to shaping a world where equity and hope flourish. The life I envision is not without challenges, but it is rich with meaning. It is a life where every bend in the river and obstacle overcome contributes to a broader impact. As a physician, advocate, and mentor, I will create ripples extending far beyond my reach, shaping landscapes of opportunity and justice for future generations. This is the river I follow, the river I build, and the river I will one day leave behind, carrying forward the dreams of all who flow after me.

I still remember the nights when I came home from my second job, exhausted but determined. As a sophomore in high school, I had no choice but to work two jobs to help my mother support our family of seven. My father had been laid off from work for years, and the weight of providing fell squarely on my mother’s shoulders. I watched her work tirelessly, and I knew I had to step up. Between my jobs, school, and taking care of my younger siblings, my days often blurred together. Those years taught me resilience, the value of sacrifice, and the transformative power of education. The life of my dreams is built on those lessons. In this dream, I am no longer just surviving, I am thriving. I am a physician, an OB/GYN who not only brings life into the world but also creates spaces where women, particularly women of color, feel seen and valued. My work is more than a career; it is a calling rooted in advocacy and empowerment. Each patient reminds me why I chose this path: to ensure that no woman feels invisible or unsupported, no matter her circumstances. My mornings in this dream life are intentional. I rise early, finding peace in quiet moments before the world stirs. Whether it is a sunrise run that clears my mind or journaling with a warm cup of tea, I take time to center myself. These rituals ground me, helping me show up fully for my family and my work. At home, I am a mother and a partner, deeply present in the lives of my children, teaching them through words and actions the importance of resilience, compassion, and education. At work, I am delivering care and driving change. I envision a healthcare system where disparities are dismantled, where Black women no longer face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates, and where every woman has access to comprehensive, culturally competent care. Beyond the clinic, I lead initiatives to reform policies and mentor young women aspiring to careers in medicine. These efforts honor the sacrifices my family made and pay forward the opportunities I have been given. Education remains a cornerstone of this dream life. I attend conferences, devour books, and engage in conversations that allow me to connect with others and broaden my perspective. This commitment to learning keeps my work innovative and ensures I am always growing as a physician and a person. Travel is another integral part of my dream. I journey not for escape but to connect, to sit with women across the world, both in the States and abroad as a part of Medecins Sans Frontieres. Learning their stories and carrying their lessons back to my community. These experiences enrich my understanding of humanity and deepen my ability to provide care that is as personal as it is global. My dream life is one of balance and fulfillment. It is a life where ambition coexists with joy and where success is measured not by titles or accolades but by the lives I touch. My faith anchors me, reminding me of the greater purpose behind my work and my journey. Ultimately, the life of my dreams is about service, growth, and legacy. It is a life that honors the sacrifices my parents made and creates new opportunities for those who come after me. The bridges I build, through medicine, mentorship, and advocacy, enable others to cross into lives of hope and possibility. This is the life I am working toward, shaped by the lessons of my past and driven by the promise of a better future.

The year we moved to the United States, my father’s spirit fractured under the weight of change. He had been a respected OB/GYN in Nigeria, a man whose hands brought life into the world and whose presence commanded respect in our community. But in America, his credentials became paper relics of a life left behind, and he found himself laboring in menial jobs. The weight of this loss bore down on him, stripping away his identity and self-worth. Depression crept in, turning my once-proud father into a shadow of himself, withdrawn, angry, and drowning in despair. In my culture, a man’s value is measured by his ability to provide and lead. For my father, failing to fulfill this role was a source of profound humiliation. His anguish seeped into the fabric of our family life. The man who had once been my protector became my first bully. His depression manifested in anger, and his anger became the language of our home. In those moments of pain and confusion, I felt invisible and small. But as I grew, I found strength in those cracks. I began to see my father’s actions not just as cruelty but as the byproduct of a man grappling with a loss so profound it unraveled him. It was this understanding that planted the seeds of empathy in me, a quality that has shaped my path and my purpose. My father’s struggle illuminated the systemic barriers that amplify the suffering of immigrant families. The labyrinthine process of re-certifying medical credentials in a foreign country, the lack of culturally competent mental health care, and the stigma surrounding mental illness within our community all compounded his despair. In the Black community, mental illness is so often neglected or ridiculed. Depression becomes a silent force that erodes lives and relationships. My father went undiagnosed his entire life, but it was clear what he was suffering from. The effects of his untreated depression rippled outward, enveloping our family. Living in the shadow of his despair, we too began to grapple with depression. A silent, unspoken inheritance. Growing up, I did not have the words or tools to recognize what my father was going through. In all honesty, neither did he. Depression was a foreign language in our home, its presence unmistakable but unspoken. This silence, born of stigma and misunderstanding, is a barrier I am determined to break. It is vital to recognize, talk about, and normalize depression in the Black community. We must learn how to show up for people in the throes of it, to extend compassion and understanding instead of judgment and ridicule. My father’s depression left scars on my heart, but those scars have become the foundation of my resilience. These experiences gave me a lens through which to view the world. A lens that sharpens my focus on the intersections of mental health, equity, and advocacy. They remind me of the urgent need for systemic change and the importance of compassion in medicine. I envision a future where mental health care is as accessible and routine as physical health care, where culturally competent providers bridge the gap for families and immigrants. As a physician, I will work to integrate mental health screenings into routine care, ensure patients have access to supportive resources, and advocate for policy changes that address the stigma and systemic barriers surrounding mental illness. For every patient and every family, I will strive to create spaces where healing is possible, where mental illness is met with understanding, and where no one feels alone in their struggle.

Early April 2022. Indianapolis. I was 22, recently graduated, studying for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and beginning the process of applying to medical school following years of self-improvement. For the past 5 weeks, everything had been feeling more difficult. My basal body temperature and resting heart rate increased, my energy was constantly depleted, and exercising felt more difficult. My stomach became bottomless and I had sudden cravings for foods I never enjoyed before: watermelon and feta cheese, Chick-Fil-A sauce and avocados, pistachio-strawberry-peanut butter Blizzards. A thought popped into my head one morning, “My period was 10 days late.” It had been irregular before, late even, but never this late. An inkling of a thought began forming in my mind, a reality I didn’t want to confront. “Could I be pregnant? No, not me. This wouldn’t happen to me.” I told my then-boyfriend about the changes happening in my body, my late period, and the possibility we could be expecting. I took a pregnancy test which confirmed our fears and as young and untested we were, we could not afford a baby financially, emotionally, and mentally. Having been raised in a faithfully Pentecostal household, the decision to not move forward with the pregnancy was tortuous and difficult. I wanted to follow my faith and honor my God, but I could not reconcile bringing a child into a life where they had no chance. We knew what we had to do but Indiana made obtaining an abortion a near-impossible task and at this time, Dobbs v. Jackson was being argued in the Supreme Court. The morning of the 1st appointment, I was met with protestors and hecklers forming a gauntlet leading to the entrance of Planned-Parenthood. During the consultation, the doctor explained the instructions for the pill and the legal requirements. I thought of all the women who had been in my shoes and those who would come after and felt a deep connection to this lineage of strength and struggle and it strengthened my resolve to become an Ob/Gyn. Moving to the United States from Nigeria, my family was plagued by poverty, constantly walking the paycheck-to-paycheck tightrope. My father, a doctor in the motherland, was reduced to working menial jobs and because of his wounded pride could not keep a job. This forced me to become a breadwinner alongside my mother at 15. Additionally, growing up a little Black girl in rural Indiana, I felt the sting of isolation and the burden of unworthiness. Beauty, according to society, seemed to escape me, and I often grappled with constant feelings of ugliness and loneliness. Internally, I discovered an inner strength and a resolve to redefine my worth on my terms. Resilience has been the cornerstone of my character and has shaped me into a compassionate, determined individual, unwavering in my pursuit of a career in medicine. My journey has taught me that adversity is also a catalyst for transformation. In the quiet moments of reflection, I see my past not as a series of insurmountable obstacles but as the crucible that forged my strength. My experiences have instilled in me an unyielding belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back. In medicine, I see the opportunity to blend my resilience with my compassion, to serve with empathy and dedication, and to be a beacon of hope for those who, like me, are striving to overcome their own challenges. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, and it is this spirit that will guide me as I endeavor to heal, uplift, and inspire.

My mother used to dress my little sister and me in matching outfits when we were younger. White tulle-ballerina-puff dresses, ruffled socks, white mary-janes with a kitten heel, decorative headbands, the whole nine yards. Like dolls. Everyone at church would eat it up, gushing and cooing. We weren’t twins but she liked to think we were and at only 1 year apart and looking similar at that age, it wasn’t a stretch of the imagination. The clothes were hand-me-downs from other families in the church but they loved seeing us dressed up on Sunday mornings. We left the equatorial humidity of Port Harcourt to join the temperate chill of Mishawaka, Indiana. In April those spring temperatures felt frigid, one can only imagine how much harder winter was. Those first few years were fraught with challenges but the church that sponsored us, rallied and uplifted us. The love of God was made manifest in the way they treated us. As our first community, they showed us a selflessness and hospitality we never expected but never forgot. At many points in my life, for the last 18 years that I’ve been in the States, I’ve been supported and encouraged by people around me. At my schools, I am given space to flourish and grow as a student, leader, and individual. My family and I are indebted to the people here. When we migrated here and had no community, no support system, they took us in, offered themselves up to us, and became our community. My journey in medicine and community service is not just a career path but a calling, a symphony of compassion, dedication, and a vision for a brighter future. Throughout my career and endeavors, I strive to positively impact others and impart positive change. As the president of the American Medical Women's Association (AMWA), I endeavor to uplift and support women in need. Our flagship initiative is collaborating with a local women's domestic violence shelter. Here, I organize fundraisers through bake and pin sales, and host supply drives, rallying my peers to contribute their time and talents. These efforts provide much-needed financial support to the shelter and raise awareness about domestic violence. I also coordinate volunteer opportunities for students at the shelter and with local women’s care centers, fostering empathy and action within our student body. In addition to my work with the shelter, I volunteer at a local pregnancy care center. This experience has deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by expectant mothers and frightened women in the industrial backdrop of Middletown, New York. Providing support and care to these women has been a humbling and enriching experience, reinforcing my commitment to women's health and advocacy. Looking to the future, my vision for impact is both expansive and deeply personal. As a future OB/GYN, I am committed to addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for equitable access to quality care for women of color. I plan to establish a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) practice in underserved communities, ensuring that every woman receives the compassionate and comprehensive care she deserves. Education will be a cornerstone of my practice, empowering women with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their health and well-being. People deserve the opportunity to thrive, money and lack of care should not be a barrier to success. Beyond clinical practice, I aspire to influence healthcare policy, advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of health inequities. I envision a world where healthcare is a fundamental right, where every individual has access to the care they need to thrive.

My ideal bookshelf, inspired by the vibrant #BookTok community, is a sanctuary of stories that illuminate the human experience, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. Among the myriad of titles that grace this collection, three stand out as must-haves: "Circe" by Madeline Miller, "All About Love" by bell hooks, and "The Shadow of Perseus." These books have not only captivated readers but have also sparked meaningful conversations and fostered a sense of community within BookTok. "Circe" by Madeline Miller is a masterful reimagining of the life of the enchantress from Greek mythology. This novel is more than just a retelling; it is an exploration of identity, power, and transformation. Circe, often depicted as a mere footnote in the tales of male heroes, is given her own voice and narrative. Miller’s lyrical prose and profound insights into the human condition have resonated deeply with BookTok readers for its feminist themes and its emphasis on the strength and agency of women. Circe’s journey from exile to empowerment mirrors the struggles and triumphs many face in their own lives, making her story both timeless and deeply personal. "All About Love" by bell hooks is a seminal work that delves into the nature of love in its many forms—romantic, familial, spiritual, and communal. Hooks’ incisive analysis and heartfelt reflections challenge conventional understandings of love and urge readers to embrace a more holistic and radical vision of this fundamental human experience. Within the BookTok community, "All About Love" has become a touchstone for discussions on self-care, relationships, and social justice. Hooks’ call for a love that transcends boundaries and fosters connection and healing has inspired countless readers to reexamine their own lives and to strive for a more compassionate and equitable world. "The Shadow of Perseus" takes readers on a journey through ancient myth, reimagining the story of Perseus from a fresh perspective. This novel challenges the traditional hero narrative, offering a more nuanced and humanized portrayal of its characters. By shedding light on the untold stories and voices often overlooked in mythological retellings, "The Shadow of Perseus" invites readers to question the narratives they have been taught and to seek out the hidden truths within history and mythology. The book’s impact on BookTok has been profound, with readers praising its innovative approach and its ability to breathe new life into ancient tales. Each of these books has left an indelible mark on the BookTok community, fostering a space where readers can explore complex themes, share their insights, and connect with others who share their passions. They have inspired readers to embrace their own stories, to challenge societal norms, and to find strength and beauty in the diverse tapestry of human experience. In my ideal bookshelf, these titles serve as both a reflection of my personal journey and a beacon of inspiration for the future. They remind me of the power of storytelling to heal, transform, and unite. Through the pages of these books, I am reminded that literature is not just a mirror of our world but a powerful tool for change—a means to envision and create a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society.

Adversity is a relentless sculptor, chiseling away at our raw edges to reveal the strength, resilience, and beauty hidden within. My journey has been one marked by trials that have tested my spirit, yet each challenge has forged me into a person of unwavering resolve and compassion. Torn from one life and thrust into another, I navigated the tumultuous seas of my existence, grappling with the weight of societal expectations and the harsh realities of my environment. Growing up as a woman in a patriarchal society, I was treated as chattel, my worth seemingly reduced to what I could provide rather than who I was. The paradox of high expectations juxtaposed with limited opportunities created a constant tension within me. I was expected to excel, yet my dreams were often dismissed or belittled. The struggle to assert my identity and ambitions in a world that sought to confine me was a daily battle. Poverty cast a long shadow over my childhood. At the tender age of 15, I became the breadwinner for my family, stepping into a role far beyond my years because my father could not hold down a job. The responsibility was immense, the pressure unrelenting. Each day was a testament to survival, juggling school and work, ensuring my family’s needs were met while harboring my own aspirations. As a little Black girl in rural Indiana, I often felt ugly, lonely, isolated, and small. The societal standards of beauty and worthiness seemed to exclude me, and I grappled with a profound sense of invisibility. The loneliness was palpable, the isolation a constant companion. Yet, in those quiet moments of solitude, I found a wellspring of inner strength. I learned to see myself through my own eyes, to cherish my unique beauty and inherent worth. Overcoming adversity was not a singular event but a continuous process of resilience and self-discovery. I leaned on the power of education, immersing myself in books and knowledge as a means of escape and empowerment. Education became my sanctuary, a realm where my dreams could flourish unimpeded by societal constraints. I sought solace in the stories of others who had faced similar struggles, drawing inspiration from their triumphs. This adversity shaped me into a compassionate leader, deeply attuned to the struggles of others. It instilled in me a relentless drive to advocate for those who are marginalized and to create spaces where everyone’s voice can be heard. My experiences fueled my passion for women’s health and equity, guiding my efforts within the American Medical Women’s Association and the NMF Primary Care Leadership Program. These platforms have allowed me to mentor, uplift, and inspire others, transforming my pain into a beacon of hope. To anyone facing similar circumstances, I offer this advice: Embrace your journey, for it is uniquely yours. Your struggles do not define you, but they shape your resilience and character. Seek solace in education and the stories of others who have walked a similar path. Believe in your inherent worth, regardless of societal standards. Surround yourself with a community that uplifts and supports you. And most importantly, never let go of your dreams, for they are the compass guiding you toward a brighter future. Adversity may be a formidable sculptor, but it is through its relentless chiseling that our true selves are revealed, radiant and unbreakable.

It was 5 AM in Murtala Muhammed International Airport or Lagos International, as it’s commonly called. The air was cool but lightly dull with humidity, the sky was tinted a dark orange, and I could tell the sun was trying to rise. A saucer-eyed seven-year-old wearing a fuchsia pink sequined butterfly top, well-loved velcroed Bratz sneakers, and wrinkled, pleated denim skirt held her older sister’s hand to weave through other travelers and rendezvous with their family. Being raised in a village outside of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, my family hadn’t known any other life. With divine favor, we won the Diversity Visa Lottery in 2006 and we were on our way to America. Winning was the first step, an easy step, getting to America was another matter altogether. The Perkins, a Christian couple from South Bend, Indiana, that we were led to, sponsored my family of seven to migrate to America. The tight-knit church community the Perkins established with immigrant Indian families in small-town Mishawaka, Indiana grew to include many cultures, families, and our own. The church provided my family with shelter, food, clothing, aid, and fellowship. They allowed us to stay in a home they owned, bought our groceries, and supported us until we could be independent. My family was able to prosper because of a church and community that welcomed us, gave us a home, security, and normalcy. When we migrated here and had no community, no support system, they took us in, offered themselves up to us, and became our community. I want to serve the people that served me and give back to those that gave to me. The lack of proper care of female patients, implicit bias, and medical gaslighting are concerns plaguing healthcare. As a woman having experienced inadequate care, bias, and medical gaslighting, I know the debilitating effect it has on my trust in providers and willingness to seek further care. I can make sure to give patients the patience and consideration to explain their conditions, their thoughts, as well as concerns or fears they may have. For patients who have been historically neglected, I endeavor to make a concerted effort to treat them and assess their conditions and complaints with the goal of earnest care. My background as an immigrant woman of color, with a challenging upbringing allowed me to recognize the importance of compassion and kindness in the treatment of others and the need to serve the underserved. The gaps in the care of communities of color, namely women of color, motivate me to endeavor to serve the underserved and stand in the gap for them. That is the impact I want to make on the world as a physician. So I think, why not me? If not me, then who? I understand the trepidation and wariness women feel surrounding healthcare, especially in the birthing arena. I see the medical industry leave women behind, I see the chasm of care for women, especially women of color. If I can stand in the gap for women, if I can care for women who are not intentionally cared for, why wouldn’t I? The women in my life have raised me, poured into me, and deeply impacted me. They represent the women most in need of care and are my driving force for wanting to be of service and care for other women. The improvement of life for all is what interests me about STEAM. I'm a first-generation, immigrant woman from a poor family and community rich in warmth. My purpose in life is to bring healing and care to people in need.

“Raise your hand if you still carry a quarter for those little tampon, pad lockers”, I called to my mostly Gen-Z peers over Zoom. My medical school was holding elections for student government and I was running for Vice President. My platform was access. Reducing barriers of access to higher education like finances by pledging and campaigning for scholarships for disadvantaged students, improving access to menstrual products, and improving chances of students to match into residency programs by creating more leadership opportunities. It was election night and the VP arena was crowded, with 6 people running for the position. I asked the question during my speech, got some laughs, some smiles, but almost no one affirmed their constant possession of that barely 1-inch form of currency needed to access pad lockers. I lost that race but found success in other positions such as the President of the American Medical Women’s Association for the school, the National Liaison Officer for the Student Osteopathic Medical Association, a Medical Student for Choice Chapter Leader, and part of the Education Committee for Sigma Sigma Phi, our medical school honor society. I ran the race under that campaign banner as a callback to an initiative I championed in my undergrad. As the Events Director for the Residence Hall Association, it was important to build community within the campus community. The initiative I championed was partnering with the Period Project to draft and pass legislation to provide free menstrual products for the residence halls. This was an initiative I had trialed and found success with as part of the Windsor Hall Club, an all-women’s dorm. We used club funds to supply all 5 halls with free pads, tampons, and condoms to promote safe sex practices. We felt it important to reduce yet another barrier of access we face as women. Working with the Period Project, we encouraged other dorms to budget and provide free menstrual products to their residents. This was the initiative I wanted to recreate in my medical school, to have free access to menstrual products, a way to support female students in simple but effectively. I will revitalize efforts to implement this initiative within my medical school. I want to do my part as a member of the physician workforce and society to contribute to improvements and solutions created for these issues. The lack of proper care for female patients, implicit bias, and medical gaslighting are concerns plaguing healthcare. As a woman having experienced inadequate care, bias, and medical gaslighting, I know the debilitating effect it has on my trust in providers and willingness to seek further care. I can make sure to give patients the patience and consideration to explain their conditions, their thoughts, as well as concerns or fears they may have. For patients who have been historically neglected, I endeavor to make a concerted effort to treat them and assess their conditions and complaints in earnest. So I think, why not me? If not me, then who? I understand the trepidation and wariness women feel surrounding healthcare, especially in the birthing arena. I see the medical industry leave women behind, I see the chasm of care for women, especially women of color. If I can stand in the gap for women, if I can care for women who are not intentionally cared for, why wouldn’t I? The women in my life have raised me, poured into me, and deeply impacted me. They represent the women most in need of care and are my driving force for wanting to be of service and care for other women.

Since high school, I contributed to my family finances because of the instability of my father's ability to work. Throughout college as well, the hours I worked, the money I made, it would all go toward helping my mum pay for bills, mortgage, groceries, and support my siblings. If I wasn't working at school, I'd be working during holidays and the summer. Not being able to work after the semester ended and not having a job to help my family put us in a dire situation during COVID. In that time, we demonstrated tenacity and resilience. We learned we could rely on each other, ask for help, and always return to our community. Through our misfortunes and hardship, I became a strategic planner, problem solver, resourceful and innovative. In the face of challenges, I understand there can be a way.