When asked what I want to do in the future, I find it challenging to pull from just one section of my plans. I have had a mirage of experiences that have led me to choose the path I am on today. From being the only black child in almost every space of my childhood to watching the people in my family struggle as we all try to make our way through life. Because of these experiences, I have believed from an early age that it is my responsibility to be there for people who are going through hardships. I have always had a passion for helping others, and I find great joy in watching those I care about succeed. It is this passion that lead me to an interest in healthcare. Over the years I have been able to take my interests in volunteering, helping others, listening to people, giving advice, science, and healthcare, and use them as the guiding lights of my future plans. As I near the end of my undergraduate studies, I have solidified my aspirations and long-term goals. My plans for my future and achieving my goals are extensive, but I believe I am capable of achieving each and every one of them. My first plan is to obtain my degree in Biology from Spelman College. Second, I plan to study for the MCAT and apply to medical school. Third, I plan to attend medical school, complete my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and complete a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. From there, the plans start to grow larger. It has always been my dream to own a practice that primarily focuses on the reproductive health of underserved and minority women. As I am someone who is directly impacted by the health disparities that minority groups face, I believe it is important that I create a space that is driven by bridging the gap between race and competent healthcare. I also plan to create a nonprofit charity that focuses on supporting the mental health of brown and black women in America because in order to give, you must first give to yourself. This is just a brief summary of the goals I have for my future. However, the future starts with the present, and every choice, interaction, and conversation informs how the future will turn out. While my goals are large, it has become increasingly hard for me to envision myself accomplishing them because of some of the struggles and obstacles I have come to face recently. That is where this scholarship comes in. By alleviating the stressors of financing my education, I will be able to focus more on achieving each goal I set out for myself. Just like the name of this scholarship, I believe each of my goals signifies bright lights drawing me toward becoming a beacon for those in my community who need help. And by achieving each goal, I believe that I will have my part in making this world a better place.

My name is Cayah Miller, and I am a Biology major on the pre-med track from Nashville, Tennessee attending Spelman College in Atlanta Georgia. As a biology major at Spelman College, I am determined to make a positive impact on the world through leadership, obstetrics and gynecology, and black women health advocacy. I believe that my education, coupled with my passion for empowering and advocating for women of color, will allow me to contribute to a better world for all. My journey towards becoming a leader in obstetrics and gynecology started early in my life. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the many obstacles that women of color face when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. After my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and my grandma passed away from complications due to ovarian cancer, I saw how many black women were denied basic health services, simply because of their race and gender. Their experiences have motivated me to become a physician and a leader in my community, with the goal of improving access to healthcare and promoting positive health outcomes for black women. At Spelman College, I am gaining the skills and knowledge necessary to become a leader in obstetrics and gynecology. The biology program has given me a strong foundation in the sciences, while also encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the college's commitment to empowering women of color has given me the tools to become an effective leader, with a focus on advocating for the needs of underrepresented groups. My passion for obstetrics and gynecology stems from my desire to help women lead healthy and fulfilling lives. I believe that access to quality reproductive healthcare is essential for women's overall health and well-being. As a physician, I hope to provide compassionate care that addresses the unique needs of women of color. Additionally, I want to be an advocate for policies and initiatives that improve access to reproductive healthcare services for all women, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status. In addition to my work in obstetrics and gynecology, I am also committed to advocacy for black women's health. This includes advocating for policies that address the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect black women, such as poverty, racism, and sexism. It also means educating women about their health and empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and their healthcare. One of the ways I plan to make a positive impact on the world through leadership, obstetrics and gynecology, and black women's health advocacy is by volunteering my time and skills to organizations that serve underrepresented communities. I am currently involved in several community organizations, including a local health clinic that provides free healthcare services to low-income and uninsured individuals. Through these organizations, I am gaining valuable experience working with diverse populations and learning about the unique healthcare needs of underrepresented communities. In conclusion, my education at Spelman College has equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a leader in obstetrics and gynecology and black women's health advocacy. Through my work in these fields, I hope to improve access to healthcare and promote positive health outcomes for all women, regardless of their race or socioeconomic status. I am committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on the world, and I look forward to working with others to achieve this goal.

Hello there, I'm Cayah Miller, a Biology major on the pre-med track hailing from the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. Currently, I find myself navigating the exciting academic landscape of Spelman College in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. Being a biology major at Spelman has been a transformative journey, providing me with not just academic prowess but a deep sense of purpose and direction. The lens through which I view my future as an OB/GYN and advocate for black women's health is shaped by a pivotal moment in my childhood. At the tender age of seven, my world was shaken when my mom was diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer. Witnessing her battle and the challenges she faced in convincing medical professionals of her condition ignited a flame within me. My mom's struggle became the catalyst for my unwavering commitment to women's health. I am determined to be the advocate, the understanding face, that every woman deserves in their healthcare journey. This personal milestone is not just a chapter in my life; it's the driving force behind my decision to step into the realm of medicine and healthcare. Choosing Spelman College, the preeminent HBCU in the nation, is an intentional choice deeply rooted in my identity as a black woman. Spelman, with its illustrious history dating back to 1881, represents more than just an educational institution—it's a sanctuary that values and celebrates the richness of black culture and history. This choice is not only about academic excellence but also about fostering a sense of belonging and identity crucial for my personal and intellectual growth. The decision to attend an HBCU is an affirmation of my commitment to contribute to the legacy of institutions that have played a pivotal role in shaping black leaders. Through my journey at Spelman, I aim not only to excel academically but to actively engage with the community and contribute to the ongoing narrative of black achievement and empowerment. The sisterhood cultivated within these walls becomes not just a support system but a network of empowerment that extends far beyond graduation. My journey at Spelman is intricately connected to my advocacy for black women's health. As I delve into the realms of obstetrics and gynecology, my focus extends beyond clinical practice. I am driven to advocate for policies addressing the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect black women, addressing issues such as poverty, racism, and sexism. It's about creating a comprehensive approach to healthcare that considers not just the physical well-being but also the social and systemic factors that influence it. In my pursuit of making a positive impact on the world, I am actively involved in community organizations that align with my goals. Volunteering my time and skills to a local health clinic providing free healthcare services to low-income and uninsured individuals is not just a resume booster; it's a tangible expression of my commitment to serve underrepresented communities. These experiences enrich my understanding of diverse healthcare needs and contribute to my growth as a future healthcare professional. As I envision my future, I see Spelman not just as a stepping stone in my academic journey but as a pivotal chapter in my life's narrative. The education, experiences, and connections forged here will be the building blocks of my legacy. I am not just a student; I am a participant in a legacy that continues to redefine what it means to be a black woman pursuing knowledge, impact, and advocacy. Spelman is not just a college; it's a canvas on which I paint the picture of my future—a future where leadership, obstetrics and gynecology, and black women's health advocacy converge to create a lasting impact.

My name is Cayah Miller, and I am a Biology major on the pre-med track from Nashville, Tennessee; attending Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Attending Spelman College as a biology major has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to positively impact the world through leadership, obstetrics and gynecology, and black women’s health advocacy. As a leader, I can inspire and motivate other black young women to make a difference. My interest in obstetrics and gynecology has led me to advocate for black women’s health. This includes advocating for policies that address the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect black women, such as poverty, racism, and sexism. It also means educating women about their health and empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and healthcare. However, my goals and ambitions also have a need for future funding. I plan to use this scholarship to help further me along my journey to becoming a leader in black women’s health advocacy. As many know, putting yourself through higher education is not an easy task. There are many expenses that pile up and can cause anxiety and worry. I have worked tremendously hard to get where I am today and would hate to lose out on my dream because of financial issues. This scholarship will help me continue to make the choice to change the world through knowledge and advocacy. This scholarship will help me finish my undergraduate studies so I can move on to attend medical school without the lingering burden of student loans and financial binds. I am an ideal candidate for the Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship due to my unwavering commitment to academic excellence and my dedication to overcoming obstacles. Coming from a background where financial constraints threaten the pursuit of my educational goals, this scholarship would be a transformative force in my life. It would provide me with the stability needed to concentrate on my studies without the haunting fear of homelessness or hunger. The Hyacinth Malcolm Memorial Scholarship, with its emphasis on supporting students facing socio-economic challenges, aligns perfectly with my aspirations. With the burden of basic needs alleviated, I would not only excel academically but also gain the capacity to contribute meaningfully to my community. Empowered by this scholarship, I am eager to give back by initiating projects that address the needs of those facing even greater struggles. Whether through community outreach, mentorship programs, or volunteering efforts, I aim to be a catalyst for positive change. This scholarship is not just an investment in my education; it's an investment in a future where I can uplift others in my community who are grappling with adversity.

Our oceans are one of the most important and vulnerable natural resources on Earth, and as a biology major, I am committed to using my degree to protect them. I believe that protecting the oceans is crucial not only for the well-being of marine life, but also for the survival of humanity. In this essay, I will outline my plans to protect the oceans with my biology degree. First and foremost, I plan to use my knowledge of marine biology to study and understand the complex ecosystems that exist in our oceans. By conducting research on marine species and their habitats, I hope to identify areas that are particularly vulnerable to human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. This knowledge can then be used to inform policy decisions and conservation efforts that protect these areas and their inhabitants. In addition to research, I plan to advocate for ocean conservation through public education and outreach. As a biology major, I have learned how to communicate scientific concepts to non-scientific audiences, and I plan to use this skill to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans. By engaging with local communities, schools, and organizations, I hope to inspire people to take action to protect the oceans, whether through individual lifestyle changes or collective efforts to push for policy changes. Another way I plan to protect the oceans is by working with environmental organizations and government agencies. There are many organizations dedicated to protecting the oceans, such as the Ocean Conservancy, the Marine Conservation Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund. By volunteering with these organizations, I can gain valuable experience in ocean conservation and contribute to ongoing efforts to protect marine life. Finally, I plan to use my biology degree to pursue a career in marine conservation. This could include working for government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or for non-governmental organizations such as the Nature Conservancy or the Blue Ocean Society. Through my work, I hope to play a role in developing and implementing policies and programs that protect our oceans and ensure the sustainability of marine resources. In conclusion, as a biology major, I believe that protecting the oceans is essential to the health and well-being of our planet. Through research, education, advocacy, and a career in marine conservation, I plan to use my degree to protect the oceans and the life that depends on them. I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the oceans in the same way that we do today.

A few significant milestones make up the tapestry of who I am today. I will list them here and delve into each of them and why they have sent me on the path of life, I am on as we speak. Milestone number one: a cross-country move from Tennessee to Iowa. Milestone number two: divorced parents. Milestone number three: my mom was diagnosed with cancer. While I am a strong proponent of not letting hard times in your life change you or get in the way of your goals, these few major events have ignited significant changes in me. Milestone number one came with a long-term adjustment. I was used to seeing the same faces every day. Moving across the country is something no one can truly prepare for. It caused me to make friends with people I didn't know if I could trust. This move highlighted that I would always be different from most people. Looking different, especially as a kid in your most formative years of life, opens the gates for bullying, harassment, and other not-so-pleasant grievances. However, this move also taught me to be extremely proud of my unique characteristics. This move made me realize that there is more to life than fitting in and more to existing than letting others get away with stealing your joy. When asked about me, this move is why most people will say I am always positive and encourage those to be themselves. Milestone number two is something most people would see as a loss. A loss of the stereotypical two-parent lifestyle. To others, it was a loss to see the love my parents had for each other fade away. For me, my parents getting divorced showed the true meaning of collaboration and deep, meaningful friendship. My parents made an effort to co-parent the best they could. And because of their hard work and unwavering trust in each other, I make it a mission to provide that same shoulder to cry on, friend when you need to vent, and reliability my parents showed me was possible. Even if they were newly divorced. For me, my parent's divorce was one of the best things that ever happened to me. The final major milestone that plays into who I am today was my mom being diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer when I was seven years old. My mom had spent years trying to prove to doctors that something was wrong. She went from doctor to doctor, begging them to believe her. Until, it was it was too late. Until her right to control her own choices was ripped away from her. The reason she would never be able to give birth again. Now, it might be hard to understand how this directly impacted my trajectory in life. However, my mom's story and many women like her are why I want to dedicate my life to being an OB/GYN. My mom's struggles made me want to be the kind face that advocates for every woman who steps into my office. I want to make it so that no one I treat will have to question my passion for providing them with the best care possible. This milestone is the reason I stepped foot into the world of medicine and healthcare. All of these milestones are reasons behind why I am who I am. These milestones paint the story behind my family, me, and what I want to do in the future. These milestones gave me my why. And I hope that one day I can show people how they helped me change the world.

Our oceans are one of the most essential and vulnerable natural resources on Earth, and as a biology major, I am committed to using my degree to protect them. I believe that protecting the oceans is crucial not only for the well-being of marine life but also for the survival of humanity. In this essay, I will outline my plans to protect the oceans with my biology degree. First and foremost, I plan to use my knowledge of marine biology to study and understand the complex ecosystems in our oceans. By researching marine species and their habitats, I hope to identify areas particularly vulnerable to human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change. This knowledge can then inform policy decisions and conservation efforts that protect these areas and their inhabitants. In addition to research, I plan to advocate for ocean conservation through public education and outreach. As a biology major, I have learned how to communicate scientific concepts to non-scientific audiences. I plan to use this skill to raise awareness about protecting our oceans. By engaging with local communities, schools, and organizations, I hope to inspire people to take action to protect the oceans, whether through personal lifestyle changes or collective efforts to push for policy changes. Another way I plan to protect the oceans is by working with environmental organizations and government agencies. Many organizations, such as the Ocean Conservancy, the Marine Conservation Institute, and the World Wildlife Fund, are dedicated to protecting the oceans. By volunteering with these organizations, I can gain valuable experience in ocean conservation and contribute to ongoing efforts to protect marine life. Finally, I plan to use my biology degree to pursue a career in marine conservation. This could include working for government agencies such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or non-governmental organizations such as the Nature Conservancy or the Blue Ocean Society. Through my work, I hope to play a role in developing and implementing policies and programs that protect our oceans and ensure the sustainability of marine resources. In conclusion, as a biology major, I believe that protecting the oceans is essential to the health and well-being of our planet. Through research, education, advocacy, and a career in marine conservation, I plan to use my degree to protect the oceans and the life that depends on them. I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from the oceans as we do today.

My name is Cayah Miller, and I am a Biology major on the pre-med track from Nashville, Tennessee; attending Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, attending Spelman College as a biology major has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to positively impact the world through leadership, obstetrics, and gynecology, and black women’s health advocacy. As a leader, I can inspire and motivate other black young women to make a difference. My interest in obstetrics and gynecology has led me to advocate for black women’s health. This includes advocating for policies that address the social determinants of health that disproportionately affect black women, such as poverty, racism, and sexism. It also means educating women about their health and empowering them to make informed decisions about their bodies and healthcare. I plan to positively impact the world through leadership, obstetrics and gynecology, and black women’s health advocacy by volunteering my time and skills to organizations that serve underrepresented communities. I am involved in several community organizations, including a local health clinic providing free healthcare services to low-income and uninsured individuals. Through these organizations, I am gaining valuable experience working with diverse populations and learning about the unique healthcare needs of underrepresented communities. As a leader, I plan to be an example for other young black women from predominantly white areas who are middle class. Being raised by a single mother taught me the importance of having someone to set an example for the strides that I have decided to make in my life. I find it essential to be that leader that girls like me could be missing. By promoting the importance of self-care, mental health, and overall wellness, I can become one of my space’s most well-known and accomplished black women leaders.