I think the true mark of an outstanding human being is how they treat and support other people. Studying at Howard University will provide me with inspiration, support, and rigor that will help me succeed in the STEM field and will help me learn to further express my ideas. I am choosing to attend a Historically Black College or University because I have been attending predominantly white schools all my life. Unfortunately, I have only had three black teachers within the 12 years of me being in school and one of the very few black girls in my classes. Learning that only 29% of women have STEM-related jobs and even fewer are colored women, I wanted to help increase the disproportionate lack of diversity rates even if it was just by a little. I know that I will be a minority for the rest of my life but I believe that for the next four years, I want to be around more people who look like me and have professors that look like me too. By attending Howard, I believe that I will get the full experience to be surrounded by black excellence daily. My goals and aspirations are to one day become an Orthodontist, and ultimately be the change I want to see in the world. Being selected to represent my school at The National Academy of Future Physicians boosted my confidence to continue my studies in Biology on the pre-dental track. With a hospital attached to Howard, I know I will be offered endless opportunities to study and it’ll give me the flexibility to focus on my academics and creativity which would allow me to have a greater chance of success.

Similar to many other people, Covid-19 has really taken a toll on my mental health. Having to struggle alone was hard for me. Most times I felt alone and vulnerable but I never showed it. I wanted to fill this depiction of a perfect, strong girl when in reality, I knew that wasn’t how I truly felt. Even in my repetitive cycle of school and work, there was still a void. As my senior year rolled around, I felt more concerned about my mental health due to the heavy workload given to me. I had to worry about my job and having to be “happy every day.” I was told to smile even when I didn’t want to. This affected my life, and seemingly, it affected the people around me. I tried to have the bubbly personality that everybody knew Cambria had. It wasn’t there. Having to juggle my senior year and who I’ve become has been a huge challenge for me and it seemed like everyone around me was accomplishing goals they had set for themselves, but I wasn’t. I was told that God had a plan for me and if I just waited, everything would fall into place. I tried to tell myself that I was okay and that nothing was wrong with me. People would ask me if I were okay and I would say yes, but I knew deep down that I wasn’t okay. Half the time I just wanted to ball up in a corner and cry. I always told my sister everything when it came to my life. As I saw her taking the next step in her life, I just couldn’t bring it upon myself to tell her about my mental well-being. Scrolling on my social media feed, all I see are posts about mental health and how to cope. Realizing that I wasn’t alone, forced me to confront my fears and anxiety head-on. I believe that recognizing the importance of my mental health is such a life-changing pivotal moment in my development as an adult. The cycle of constant worry and distress wasn’t helping me or my future goals. I had to take a minute to breathe to give myself more grace. I started to see things for what they actually were and started taking life one step at a time. I learned that it’s okay to not be okay and to always talk to someone about my wellbeing. Additionally, I learned how much of a necessity it was to practice self-care and encourage myself at times when I feel isolated or incapable. Mental health has made me realize that I am capable of deciding my own life, attitude and made me more sympathetic to others around me that are dealing with the same situations. While overcoming this obstacle in life, it’s important to me that my strength and character are what shows, rather than attempting to hide my mental fragility. I’m grateful for this realization because I know it’ll propel me to success not only in my college career but for the rest of my life.

Similar to many other people, Covid-19 has really taken a toll on my mental health. Having to struggle alone was hard for me. Most times I felt alone and vulnerable but I never showed it. I wanted to fill this depiction of a perfect, strong girl when in reality, I knew that wasn’t how I truly felt. Even in my repetitive cycle of school and work, there was still a void. As my senior year rolled around, I felt more concerned about my mental health due to the heavy workload given to me. I had to worry about my job and having to be “happy all the time.” I was told to smile even when I didn’t want to. This affected my life, and seemingly, it affected the people around me. I tried to have the bubbly personality that everybody knew Cambria had. It wasn’t there. Having to juggle my senior year and who I’ve become has been a huge challenge for me and it seemed like everyone around me was accomplishing goals they had set for themselves, but I wasn’t. I was told that God had a plan for me and if I just waited, everything would fall into place. I tried to tell myself that I was okay and that nothing was wrong with me. People would ask me if I were okay and I would say yes, but I knew deep down that I wasn’t okay. Half the time I just wanted to ball up in a corner and cry. I always told my sister everything when it came to my life. As I saw her taking the next step in her life, I just couldn’t bring it upon myself to tell her about my mental well-being. Scrolling on my social media feed, all I see are posts about mental health and how to cope. Realizing that I wasn’t alone, forced me to confront my fears and anxiety head-on. I believe that recognizing the importance of my mental health is such a life-changing pivotal moment in my development as an adult. The cycle of constant worry and distress wasn’t helping me or my future goals. I had to take a minute to breathe to give myself more grace. I started to see things for what they actually were and started taking life one step at a time. I learned that it’s okay to not be okay and to always talk to someone about my wellbeing. Additionally, I learned how much of a necessity it was to practice self-care and encourage myself at times when I feel isolated or incapable. Mental health has made me realize that I am capable of deciding my own life, attitude and made me more sympathetic to others around me that are dealing with the same situations. While overcoming this obstacle in life, it’s important to me that my strength and character are what shows, rather than attempting to hide my mental fragility. I’m grateful for this realization because I know it’ll propel me to success not only in my college career but for the rest of my life.

Similar to many other people, Covid-19 has really taken a toll on my mental health. Having to struggle alone was hard for me. Most times I felt alone and vulnerable but I never showed it. I wanted to fill this depiction of a perfect, strong girl when in reality, I knew that wasn’t how I truly felt. Even in my repetitive cycle of school and work, there was still a void. As my senior year rolled around, I felt more concerned about my mental health due to the heavy workload given to me. I had to worry about my job and having to be “happy all the time.” I was told to smile even when I didn’t want to. This affected my life, and seemingly, it affected the people around me. I tried to have the bubbly personality that everybody knew Cambria had. It wasn’t there. Having to juggle my senior year and who I’ve become has been a huge challenge for me and it seemed like everyone around me was accomplishing goals they had set for themselves, but I wasn’t. I was told that God had a plan for me and if I just waited, everything would fall into place. I tried to tell myself that I was okay and that nothing was wrong with me. People would ask me if I were okay and I would say yes, but I knew deep down that I wasn’t okay. Half the time I just wanted to ball up in a corner and cry. I always told my sister everything when it came to my life. As I saw her taking the next step in her life, I just couldn’t bring it upon myself to tell her about my mental well-being. Scrolling on my social media feed, all I see are posts about mental health and how to cope. Realizing that I wasn’t alone, forced me to confront my fears and anxiety head-on. I believe that recognizing the importance of my mental health is such a life-changing pivotal moment in my development as an adult. The cycle of constant worry and distress wasn’t helping me or my future goals. I had to take a minute to breathe to give myself more grace. I started to see things for what they actually were and started taking life one step at a time. I learned that it’s okay to not be okay and to always talk to someone about my wellbeing. Additionally, I learned how much of a necessity it was to practice self-care and encourage myself at times when I feel isolated or incapable. Mental health has made me realize that I am capable of deciding my own life, attitude and made me more sympathetic to others around me that are dealing with the same situations. While overcoming this obstacle in life, it’s important to me that my strength and character are what shows, rather than attempting to hide my mental fragility. I’m grateful for this realization because I know it’ll propel me to success not only in my college career but for the rest of my life.

Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. Recently, I’ve discovered that I enjoy helping people through the sciences. Specifically in dentistry, as I have a dream of becoming an orthodontist. Since that discovery, I’ve been super excited to take new science courses to learn more about life around me that can apply to that path. My goals and aspirations are to one day become an Orthodontist, and ultimately be the change I want to see in the world. It is no secret that dental work can be expensive, and due to the many challenges of life if you must decide whether to eat or get dental work performed, I think it’s safe to say that getting dental work performed would not be the selected option. I totally understand that, and wholeheartedly agree. However, the need for dental work still remains, and that’s where I intend to step up and assist my community by doing pro bono work for those who cannot afford it. A person’s smile means a lot and could change the course of their physical, and mental health. I believe that it takes someone like me to create a program to help people who wouldn’t ordinarily have dental work performed. I believe that stepping up and giving back to my community will eventually help turn things around for so many.

Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for helping people. Recently, I’ve discovered that I enjoy helping people through the sciences. Specifically in dentistry, as I have a dream of becoming an orthodontist. Since that discovery, I’ve been super excited to take new science courses to learn more about life around me that can apply to that path. However, I know that it won’t be an easy journey and will require discipline. Studying at an institution will provide me with the structure, discipline, and rigor that will help me succeed in the dental field. I know that being a part of this illustrious institution will help me learn to express my ideas verbally and on paper. The Sciences interested me the most because not only does it challenge me at times, but it also furthers my sense of curiosity. It will also provide me with the resources and support system I need to succeed in my endeavors while pushing me to think outside the box and embrace new experiences through my coursework and extracurricular activities. After high school, I am seeking to further my education at a four-year institution that can aid in the development of my current self. I am looking for a school that I hope to make a lasting endowment to be able to leave my imprint within the institution after graduation. Specifically, in dentistry, as I have a dream of becoming an orthodontist. I plan to go into college and major in pre-dental programs, while getting my degree in Biology. I hope to attend an institution that will provide me with the structure, discipline, and rigor that will help me succeed in the dental field. After college, I plan to go to dental school to get a deeper understanding of the orthodontist field. I then plan to work in dentistry for a couple of years and hopefully get the opportunity to open my own Orthodontics practice. Ultimately, this relates to my educational and long-term goals because it’s my dream to help others love themselves no matter the circumstances, even if it's starting with a simple smile.