When I was 12, when my aunt was shot three times while at a social event, which led to her death. As a child, I struggled to understand why and how such a tragedy could happen. The tears I wept were more than just drops of sorrow; they were echoes of my soul, a grief that continues to linger. This life-altering experience ignited my passion for medicine and deepened my awareness of how social issues in underserved communities impact health outcomes. Waking up, getting dressed for the day, and opening social media in the hopes of finding content that brings you happiness, only to be gutted by heartbreaking news once more is exhausting; the premonition of seeing another shooting, another senseless act of violence that has wrenched lives away, is a regrettably familiar feeling. For some, it's just another statistic. But for me, gun violence has left a permanent mark. As a 19 year old I've lost many family and friends to this crisis. The aftermath of death and injury due to gun violence leaves a mental stain on affected family members. I often felt a sense of hopelessness, wanting to make a difference but believing my efforts were never enough. Growing up in a generation where gun violence is at an all-time high, it's important to raise awareness and educate the public to help avert future incidents from occurring, saving many lives. As a trauma surgeon this is exactly what I will do. Trauma surgery is more than a profession; it is a calling that allows me to directly combat the impact of gun violence in my community. As a trauma surgeon, I would not only have the ability to save lives in critical moments but also advocate for systemic change in public health. Becoming a trauma surgeon gives me the unique opportunity to treat patients who have been affected physically by this issue while also advocating for change in public health concerns like gun violence. Advocacy on senseless gun violence is essential to the struggle for reform. One of the fundamental requirements for bringing about change in the impacted areas is the link between public health and medicine. This integration is what I am interested in the most. In addition to focusing on issues that seem to be overlooked yet have a significant impact on patients, as a doctor I want to develop and promote change on issues that I believe concern everyone. Trauma surgery is a rigorous specialty to go into due to the amount of effort required and the daunting schedule that comes with it, as well as the mental strain associated with the job. However, this is a commitment I’ll gladly take on if it means I can advocate for change and be there to assist patients during one of the most critical times of their lives. There are many ways one can help others, but this is the career I feel the most passionate about. My experiences have shaped my passion for medicine, and I intend to use my career not only to heal but to advocate, and prevent further loss.

Spending months in a hospital bed is a reality no one anticipates, yet I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the resilience of a remarkable woman who did just that. She suffered a stroke that left her in a coma for 17 days, and against all odds, she fought for her life and survived. I had the opportunity to interact with her for a few days, during which she shared inspiring stories that illuminated her strength. As her discharge date approached just before Halloween, I wanted to make the moment special. Knowing that her favorite thriller series was "Halloween," I eagerly assisted her in decorating her wheelchair in that theme. That simple act of kindness solidified my passion for medicine, reinforcing my desire to positively impact patients' lives. Individuals like her have shaped my aspirations and confirmed my dream of becoming a physician. Winning this scholarship would alleviate financial burdens, enabling me to focus on my academic journey and philanthropic endeavors. During my senior year of high school, I volunteered at my local hospital, a decision that profoundly changed my perspective on human connection and care. Many of the patients I visited had no family or friends to keep them company, and their days were often marked by solitude. Stepping into those rooms for the first time was intimidating, but as I introduced myself and initiated conversations, a sense of purpose and relief washed over me. I realized that a simple gesture of listening, engaging, and offering companionship could brighten someone's day. Spreading kindness has a powerful impact, and I saw firsthand how even the smallest act could bring comfort to those in distress. That experience reinforced my belief in the importance of patient interaction, a skill that I will carry with me throughout my career in medicine. My ultimate goal is to become a trauma surgeon, a role that demands quick thinking, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to patient care. In the operating room, situations can escalate rapidly, requiring both technical precision and the ability to instill trust in patients. Knowing that someone is there to provide the best care possible can make all the difference for a patient in crisis. Being present for individuals in their most vulnerable moments is not just a professional duty for meit is a personal mission. I want to ensure that no patient feels alone and that they receive the highest level of care and compassion. Pursuing a medical degree comes with significant financial challenges, but I am determined to overcome them. Receiving this scholarship would significantly ease the financial strain, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to my studies and clinical training. It would provide me with the opportunity to immerse myself in medical education without the looming weight of financial hardship. More importantly, it would allow me to continue engaging in volunteer work and mentorship programs that give back to the community. Medicine is more than just a career path for me; it is a lifelong commitment to serving others and making a difference in the lives of those in need. This scholarship would help me take another step toward achieving that goal, ultimately allowing me to become the trauma surgeon I aspire to be and save countless lives along the way.

I aim to help people. I want to help save lives and advocate for all, especially those who identify as members of my community. Being a human biology major may not seem all that courageous or exciting to some people; however, for me, it's one step closer to enacting the change I hope to see in the world. As a child there would be days I would sit on my porch, at peace, observing the beauty of my neighborhood. The commotion of moving people, the construction going on on the newly abandoned house across the street, and the numerous cars that would speed down my street were all things I partially considered peaceful. For many this wouldn't be portrayed as peaceful or beautiful at all, but for me it was all that I knew. As I grew older I began to realize that for many this was not their norm. As I attended a predominantly a white middle school, my understanding of many things such as how social environments and race biases affects people on the biological level. Small incidents like this one sparked my interest in biology and the ways that racial and socioeconomic notions impact the health of low-income and minority communities. I emphasize the importance for all to understand the implication of the past still has a major impact in minority communities. Ecological factors have been created in low income minority communities by decades of oppression, limiting resources in these areas. My curiosity expands a large abundance of topics that reflect around this issue. My interest in community science and health has led me on my path of wanting to become a physician. As a physician I will be able to not only advocate for patients' needs but also understand and advocate how illness may have been caused by ecological factors. As a black college student, I have witnessed firsthand how my community has often been misrepresented and portrayed negatively in various sectors of society. This includes the field of science and medicine, where I have noticed the stark underrepresentation of minorities. It is crucial that minority groups are given the opportunity to thrive in these fields, as diversity brings valuable perspectives and enriches the practice of science and healthcare. Being a doctor of color is not just about breaking barriers for myself, but also about making patients feel seen and heard. Representation matters, and it can deeply influence a patient’s sense of trust and comfort with their care. I am committed to ensuring that every patient, regardless of their background, receives the highest quality of care. I will not only focus on treating the illness but also explore the environmental, cultural, and social factors that may have contributed to their health challenges. In addition, I want to motivate the upcoming generations of Black physicians. I want to pave a more inclusive way for them to feel encouraged, and accepted by demonstrating that it is possible to flourish in these environments. In addition to my patients, I am dedicated to making research and healthcare more diverse, inclusive, and equitable for all.