I have witnessed the consequences of limited access to quality healthcare and mental health support in my country, my community, and in my own life. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in medicine to attend to the need for accessible healthcare professionals. I aspire to become a physician focused on meeting the physical and mental health needs of marginalized communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, unsure of who to turn to for support. As I began to share my struggle with my peers through service, I found that many of them shared similar silent struggles. As a young Black woman, I have witnessed the lack of care, representation, and attention to the health of underrepresented populations. These issues showed me that our community does not just lack doctors, but also lacks spaces where they feel supported, safe, and empowered to get the help they need. I have prepared myself for my future academic and professional careers through various extracurriculars. Over the past year and a half, I have worked as the co-founder and student coordinator for Y.O.U.R. (Youth Of United Resilience) Space at my school to help my peers navigate their daily stressors through peer support and healthy outlets. Our goal is to make mental health support and resources more accessible and to guide students through navigating stress and pressure. As Treasurer and Committee Lead of the Alternatives World Changers Leadership Team, I have organized community events and spoken to key youth issues at City Hall, VA General Assembly, and Capitol Hill. Within my school, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Additionally, as the captain of my soccer team, I have developed my leadership and teamwork skills by supporting my teammates on and off the field. Each of these roles has strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills which I plan to use in college and beyond. This fall, I will be studying Biology on the pre-med track at North Carolina A&T State University. Studying biology will allow me to explore the complexities of the human body while understanding how different factors influence overall health. Biology challenges me to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and make real-world connections to the concepts I am learning. My studies will help build the foundation to become a physician who advocates for equity and changes the disparities seen in our healthcare system. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, I will attend medical school and officially become a doctor specializing in pediatrics or sports medicine. I plan to open a clinic dedicated to providing holistic, accessible healthcare that provides a range of healthcare services. Through this clinic, I aim to create a model for a healthcare system that is inclusive, safe, and compassionate where people will be valued and cared for. My passion for medicine is deeply rooted in my lived experiences and desire to serve underserved communities. I plan to become a doctor that not only heals, but changes the healthcare system through leadership, service, and empathy. I am determined to build a brighter future through my career and create a lasting legacy of change.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. I am currently a Senior at Phoebus High School in Hampton, VA. I am enrolled in the A.C.E. (Academy of College Experience) program, allowing me to take dual enrollment courses at Virginia Peninsula Community College where I will graduate this spring with an associate degree. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from VPCC, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. I also serve on Alternatives World Changers Leadership Team, where I have been afforded the opportunity to speak to key issues facing youth at City Hall, VA General Assembly, and Capitol Hill. I am also President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Since I was four years old, I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor. Growing up, I was inspired to pursue this career by my childhood pediatrician, Dr. Rosa Fuste. Like me, Dr. Fuste was a woman of color. Her example proved to be an inspiration that helped to guide my path. Dr. Fuste recognized my potential and encouraged me and my parents to pursue the path to becoming a physician. Visits to her office showed me how she helped young children by comforting them through medicine and encouraging them through her ability to connect and see the best in each child. This experience sparked a desire for me to serve children and their families through medicine. As I researched the field of medicine, I found that women of color comprise a small percentage of the workforce of medical professionals. While these women only comprise a small percentage of physicians in the medical field, their presence is making a difference in the world and inspiring young women like myself. I draw strength from their example and look to continue the strong legacy of women who have gone before me. I found that women of color push boundaries in medicine and decided that I wanted to be a part of this rich legacy. Each day, I strive to pursue excellence and carve a path for other young women of color to follow. This fall, I will continue my path toward becoming a physician at North Carolina A&T State University while majoring in biology on the pre-med track. As a doctor, I want to create a health clinic that treats, educates, and empowers my community. The clinic will offer services such as family medicine, reproductive services, sports medicine, and mental healthcare. I also plan to build partnerships with local organizations, youth programs, and athletic programs to reach people where they are. By creating a thriving medical clinic, I will also create opportunities for jobs, internships, and opportunities for those who also want to make a difference. As I pursue a career in medicine, my goal is to make a positive impact on my community and to also inspire the next generation of young dreamers.

I have witnessed the consequences of limited access to quality healthcare and mental health support in my country, my community, and in my own life. These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in medicine to help attend to the need for accessible healthcare professionals. I aspire to become a physician focused on meeting the physical and mental health needs of underserved communities. After the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, unsure of where to turn for support. As I shared my struggles with my peers, I found that many of them shared similar silent struggles. I have recognized the lack of care, representation, and attention to mental health in our world. This has become the driving force behind my goal to establish something with my community in mind. My mission is to create spaces where people feel welcome and safe to receive care.  Over the past year and a half, I have worked as the co-founder and student coordinator for YOUR (Youth Of United Resilience) Space at my school to help my peers navigate their daily stressors through peer support and healthy outlets. By sharing my own story and using it as inspiration to encourage others, I have been blessed to see my peers’ emotional well-being improve. As Treasurer and Committee Lead of the Alternatives World Changers Leadership Team, I have organized community events and spoken to key youth issues at City Hall, VA General Assembly, and Capitol Hill. Within my school, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Additionally, as the captain of my soccer team, I have developed my leadership and teamwork skills by motivating and supporting my teammates on and off the field. Each of these roles has strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills which I plan to use in college and beyond. I will be majoring in Biology (pre-med) at North Carolina A&T State University this fall. I want to use my education to understand the root causes of certain populations experiencing inadequate care. I plan to become a physician who advocates for equity and changes the disparities seen in our healthcare system. I aspire to open a clinic dedicated to providing holistic, accessible healthcare that provides a range of healthcare services. Through this clinic, I aim to create a model for a healthcare system that is inclusive, safe, and compassionate where people can be valued and cared for. It will also function as a free medical center for those in need, providing accessible care regardless of a person’s financial status.  Beyond my clinical practice, I want to continue to commit myself to advocacy and healthcare changes. I want to use my platform as an educated Black physician to speak against these injustices, encourage reform, and uplift the voice of the underserved communities in our country, especially the Black women who disproportionately experience medical mistreatment.  I believe that this scholarship will aid me in pursuing my dream of helping others through medicine.  As an aspiring doctor, there are several years of undergraduate and medical school in front of me.  While my parents work hard and have saved for my education, the massive amount of money needed for college poses a challenge financially.  Getting this scholarship would help me to move towards building a lasting legacy and avoid taking on massive amounts of debt. In winning the scholarship, I will continue to strive for change rooted in purpose, equity, and impact.

I have witnessed the consequences of limited access to quality healthcare and mental health support in my country, my community, and in my own life. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career in medicine to attend to the need for accessible healthcare professionals. I aspire to become a physician focused on meeting the physical and mental health needs of marginalized communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, unsure of who to turn to for support. As I began to share my struggle with my peers through service, I found that many of them shared similar silent struggles. As a young Black woman in my community and country, I have recognized the lack of care, representation, and attention to mental health. These issues showed me that our community does not just lack doctors, but also lacks spaces where they feel supported, safe, and empowered to get the help they need. The United States is one of the only first-world countries without universal healthcare. Our healthcare system is not set up to serve underprivileged communities and citizens are often faced with choosing between financial stability and life-saving treatment. These issues have been the motivation and driving force behind my goal of establishing something with my community in mind. My mission is not only to heal others but to create spaces where people feel welcome and safe to receive care. I have prepared myself for my future academic and professional careers through various extracurriculars. Over the past year and a half, I have worked as the co-founder and student coordinator for YOUR (Youth Of United Resilience) Space at my school to help my peers navigate their daily stressors through peer support and healthy outlets. Our goal is to make mental health support and resources more accessible and to encourage more students in our school to navigate stress and pressure. As Treasurer and Committee Lead of the Alternatives World Changers Leadership Team, I have organized community events and spoken to key youth issues at City Hall, VA General Assembly, and Capitol Hill. Within my school, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Additionally, as the captain of my soccer team, I have developed my leadership and teamwork skills by supporting my teammates on and off the field. Each of these roles has strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills which I plan to use in college and beyond. In the fall, I will be attending North Carolina A&T as a biology major (pre-med). Upon graduating, I plan to attend medical school and become a physician specializing in pediatrics or sports medicine. Eventually, I plan to launch a clinic that offers holistic healthcare with mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to underrepresented groups. Through this clinic, I aim to create a model for a healthcare system that is inclusive, safe, and compassionate where people can be valued and cared for. My academic pursuits will further solidify my skills and mindset needed to create sustainable change. I plan to use my education, leadership experience, and passion for health equity to establish a clinic that serves as a healing place and outreach center. The clinic will offer jobs and inspire a new generation of change-makers. I plan to set an example for what our healthcare system should look like by creating something that lasts and serves those who need it the most. I aspire to make a difference rooted in purpose, equity, and impact.

In my community, we have a need for professionals who can provide care to everyone, no matter where they are in their journey. My own experiences have encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine to help attend to this need. I plan to build a future that gives my community the care it deserves. I have witnessed the consequences of limited access to quality healthcare and mental health support in my community and in my own life. During the isolation of COVID-19, I found myself overwhelmed with feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, unsure of who to turn to for support. As I began to share my struggle with my peers through service, I found that many of them shared similar silent struggles. These issues showed me that our community does not lack doctors, but instead lacks spaces where they feel supported, safe, and empowered to get the help they need. This has become my motivation and the driving force behind my goal to build something with my community in mind. I believe that you need to work throughout your community to make lasting, meaningful change. Through service in and out of school, I have learned to hold space for everyone’s journey. Over the past year and a half, I have worked to establish and run Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience) at my school to help my peers navigate their daily stressors through peer support and healthy outlets. By sharing my own story and using it as inspiration to encourage others, I have been blessed to see my peers' emotional well-being improve. I want to create a health clinic that treats, educates, and empowers my community. The clinic will offer services such as family medicine, reproductive services, sports medicine, and mental healthcare. I plan to create affordable and holistic care that caters to community needs. I also plan to build partnerships with local organizations, youth programs, and athletic programs to reach people where they are. By creating a thriving medical clinic, I will also create opportunities for jobs, internships, and opportunities for those who also want to make a difference. All the work I have done so far has prepared me to pursue my personal and professional goals. In pursuing my associate’s degree alongside my high school diploma, I have learned to manage my academic rigor with my responsibilities in various leadership roles. As Treasurer and Committee Lead for the Alternatives World Changers Leadership Team, I have organized events like financial literacy fairs and career expos and have been afforded the opportunity to speak to key issues facing youth at City Hall, VA General Assembly, and Capitol Hill. Within my school, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Additionally, as the captain of my soccer team, I have developed my leadership and teamwork skills by motivating and supporting my teammates on and off the field. Each of these roles has strengthened my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills which I plan to use in college and beyond. I plan to major in Biology on the Pre-Med track this fall to begin my journey of becoming a physician. Through internships, research, and coursework, I will continue to develop my skills to one day pour back into my community. I am not just looking to join a profession, I aspire to make a difference rooted in purpose, equity, and impact.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. I am currently a Senior at Phoebus High School in Hampton, VA. I am enrolled in the A.C.E. (Academy of College Experience) program, allowing me to take dual enrollment courses at Virginia Peninsula Community College where I will graduate this Fall with an associate degree. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from VPCC, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. Throughout my life, I have also experienced the power of serving others. I currently serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. I am also a Youth Ambassador with World Changers, which has allowed me to meet and advocate for youth with VA Delegate Jeion Ward and US House Representative Bobby Scott. These meetings left an impression on me that inspired me to want to continue their legacy of service. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). My community service activities have allowed me to advocate for key issues facing youth before city, state, and national leaders. These experiences have shown me the power of my voice and the impact of service. Since I was four years old, I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor. That dream has fueled my academic journey and motivated me to work hard in both the classroom and my extracurricular activities. This fall, I will continue my path toward becoming a physician at North Carolina A&T State University while majoring in biology on the pre-med track. At North Carolina A&T, I will also continue to grow academically and as an advocate for my community. I also plan to study abroad to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures. As a physician, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that underrepresented groups have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Being a doctor requires leadership, integrity, empathy, and a strong desire to serve. While the path ahead presents academic and financial challenges, I will approach them with determination and purpose. As I pursue my dream of being a physician, I will continue to use my voice and my medical training to be a change agent and to inspire the next generation of leaders who will come after me. Through service, education, and advocacy, I will continue striving to be a light for those in need and to inspire the next generation of future leaders.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. I am currently a Senior at Phoebus High School in Hampton, VA. I am enrolled in the A.C.E. (Academy of College Experience) program, which has allowed me to take dual enrollment courses at Virginia Peninsula Community College where I will graduate from this Fall with an Associates Degree. My academic and community service efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from VPCC, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. By being involved in various community organizations and school extracurriculars, I have cultivated my passion for leadership and service. Since I was four years old, I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor. That dream has fueled my academic journey and motivated me to work hard in both the classroom and my extracurricular activities. This fall, I will continue my path toward becoming a physician at North Carolina A&T State University while majoring in biology on the pre-med track. I look forward to joining the powerful HBCU legacy that has produced some of the best and brightest in our nation. At A&T, I will also continue to grow academically and as an advocate for my community. I also plan to study abroad to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures. As a physician, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that underrepresented groups have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Being a doctor requires leadership, integrity, empathy, and a strong desire to serve. While the path ahead presents academic and financial challenges, I will approach them with determination and purpose. Through service, education, and advocacy, I will continue striving to be a light for those in need and to inspire the next generation of future leaders. Throughout my life, I have also experienced the power of serving others. I currently serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. I am also a Youth Ambassador with World Changers, which has allowed me to meet and advocate for youth with VA Delegate Jeion Ward and US House Representative Bobby Scott. These meetings left an impression on me that inspired me to want to continue their legacy of service. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). My community service activities have allowed me to advocate for key issues facing youth before city, state, and national leaders. These experiences have shown me the power of my voice and the impact of service. As I pursue my dream of being a physician, I will continue to use my voice and my medical training to be a change agent and to inspire the next generation of leaders who will come after me.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. I am currently a Senior at Phoebus High School in Hampton, VA. I am enrolled in the A.C.E. (Academy of College Experience) program, which has allowed me to take dual enrollment courses at Virginia Peninsula Community College. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from VPCC, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. I am also the captain of my high school soccer team and serve at my church on the A/V team. I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Since I was four years old, I’ve dreamed of becoming a doctor. That dream has fueled my academic journey and motivated me to work hard in both the classroom and my extracurricular activities. This fall, I will continue my path toward becoming a physician at North Carolina A&T State University while majoring in biology on the pre-med track. I look forward to joining the powerful HBCU legacy that has produced some of the best and brightest in our nation. At A&T, I will also continue to grow academically and as an advocate for my community. I also plan to study abroad to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures. As a physician, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that underrepresented groups have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Being a doctor requires leadership, integrity, empathy, and a strong desire to serve. While the path ahead presents academic and financial challenges, I will approach them with determination and purpose. Through service, education, and advocacy, I will continue striving to be a light for those in need and to inspire the next generation of future leaders. I have always known that I was capable of greatness. However, I have had moments of self-doubt throughout my life. Overcoming my mental struggles pushed me to pursue my dreams without ceasing. I am passionate about fulfilling my goals because they are rooted in a desire to create meaningful change in the lives of others. As a young Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, I am driven by my own experiences and a commitment to providing the care I wish I had. Every step I take toward achieving my goals is a step toward uplifting others and breaking barriers. Achieving my dreams means becoming the representation I once needed and inspiring others to believe in the power of their potential.

I have been involved in sports since I was 4 years old. I played soccer, basketball, did karate, and even played t-ball for a year. When I got to high school, I decided to continue my athletic journey by trying out for the soccer team. I was ecstatic when I made varsity and was named a starter. I transferred schools my sophomore year and went from a winning team, to a team that won one game the previous year. My new team had no structure, no discipline, and very little direction. Over the past three years, I have worked with my teammates to rebuild our program, which I am now captain of. In my first year, I showed up for conditioning and could not help but notice the stark differences between my former school and my current school. I went from running timed miles and doing high-intensity drills, to a slow practice with only 5 other girls. When the season started, my new coach moved me from the outside mid, a mostly offensive position, to center back, in the middle of the defense. I found my personal growth as a player to be stunted. Our team had a losing attitude, and we had little confidence. I was disappointed in the results of our season, and embarrassed by our performance. I realized that I needed to be the change I wanted to see. I had to become a leader to my teammates on and off the field. I began to speak up for my teammates' concerns, using my voice on the field, and being an example for my team. By my Junior Year, I was named Captain and our team was starting to see improvement. My experience on Phoebus’ soccer team taught me the importance of dealing with losing. I learned that I had to be patient and put in the work if I wanted to see results. I also learned how to balance my athletics with academics and my leadership responsibilities. Off the field, I serve as the President of my school's National Honor Society and engage with my community. I founded a substance-free mental health space for students called Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience). I also work as the Treasurer and Committee Lead for the Alternatives World Changers where I plan community events and advocate to legislators at City Hall, the VA House of Delegates, and on Capitol Hill. Playing soccer has not only provided me with an outlet for my busy life, but helped me to develop my skills as a leader and motivator to my teammates on and off the field. I learned how to communicate, de-escalate, and articulate in collaborating with coaches and players. Just as I had to step up on the soccer field, I will have to do the same in my career as a physician. I am confident that the skills of advocacy, leadership, and determination will help me to be a better physician. I will be able to use my lessons and experiences to relate to my patients and provide them with the best, personalized care. I will have to adapt and learn to be a leader in a new environment like I did when I started playing soccer at Phoebus. Having the ability to stay resilient and determined in the face of adversity will be useful as I face my next chapter. I am forever grateful for the lessons I learned on the field because they shaped me and prepared me for what lies ahead.

A young girl walks into the clinic, looking nervous and unsure. She looks up at a doctor standing in the doorway and asks, “Am I in the right place?” The doctor walks over, her name stitched on a white coat, standing at the front desk. Inside the clinic are children playing in the waiting room, an expectant mother hearing her child’s heartbeat for the first time, and a student-athlete rehabilitating from a torn ACL. The doctor invites the young lady to her office, and they begin to discuss her situation. “I’m so unsure of myself. I feel alone. I work hard, but don’t feel like it’s enough. What am I doing wrong?” The doctor leans over, telling the young lady, “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be. I’ve been where you are and I’m here to help.” That’s where my story begins. I spent most of my formative years striving for excellence and achievement. However, I did not always feel like I was excelling amongst my peers. In my senior year of high school, as I began to receive my college acceptances, I found myself with little scholarship money, which was disappointing. I vividly remember my classmates sharing their college decisions and celebrating their scholarship awards. At that moment, I felt like I deserved it more than they did and thought my hard work had been in vain. It wasn’t until I discussed my feelings with my parents and closest friends that I realized that I was not falling behind, but simply taking a different path than my peers. I realized that I had to put in the extra work to get to where I wanted to go. With my parents’ help, I regained my confidence and was determined to apply for as many scholarships as I could and continue to strive for the goals I had set for myself. My decision to push forward required reflection on all the things I had accomplished in middle and high school. I was captain of my soccer team, learning to motivate my teammates on and off the field. I served as the president of my school’s National Honor Society chapter and practiced community engagement and selfless service. I spent over 6 years as a member of the Alternatives World Changers, organizing free community events and speaking to legislators at City Hall, the VA General Assembly, and on Capitol Hill. Having the opportunity to share my opinions with US Representative Bobby Scott and VA Delegate Jeion Ward taught me how to advocate for my beliefs and empowered me to create Y.O.U.R. Space, a mental health space for students to relieve their daily stressors. By creating a safe and accessible space for my peers as a teen, I was inspired to create a clinic that embodies that same environment and mission. I have known that I wanted to be a doctor since I was four years old. As I grew and discovered more about myself, I decided that I wanted to become a physician with a clinic that provides holistic and accessible care for all, especially Black women. I struggled with my mental health in the isolation of COVID-19, and I wish I had a trusted doctor or therapist to talk to at the time. My mental struggles have granted me empathy to provide better care as I know what it feels like to not be “ok.” In my hardship, my goal became to provide culturally competent care that meets the needs of entire communities, whatever that may require. After helping the young lady, I reflect on the work of the clinic that has been a light for both its patients and the surrounding community. My heart is full of joy and pride for the little girl who set out to make change through her career as a physician and never gave up. Taking in the place I built from the ground up, all feelings of doubt, anxiety, and low self-worth fade away as I think about my journey to this moment. At the end of the day, I reflect on the conversation with this young girl walking into the clinic, looking nervous and unsure. Her worrisome look brings me back to myself at her age: anxiety-riddled, self-conscious, and no idea of where to go for help. I realized that her question was also my question - “Am I in the right place?” The response to her and to me, and to every other young person chasing their dream is - “You’re exactly where you’re meant to be.” My journey which I once thought was delayed, now feels perfectly aligned. As we both step out of the clinic’s doors, I have faith that we are both walking into a future that embraces the beauty of growing at your own pace.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. I dream of becoming a physician and providing compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities. I value putting forth my best effort, leaving a legacy to inspire others, and serving my community. As a physician, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that underrepresented groups have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Since I was four, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. This goal has fueled my academic journey and pushed me to work hard in both the classroom and my extracurricular activities. I was raised to always give my best effort, which pushes me to strive for excellence in all I do. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my dual enrollment associate’s degree, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. I am also the captain of my high school soccer team, serve at my church on the A/V team, and sing in the youth worship team. I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. I believe that we are called to leave the world a better place than we found it. I have been inspired by others, like my childhood pediatrician, Dr. Rosa Fuste. Dr. Fuste was a woman of color whose example proved to be an inspiration that helped to guide my path. My work with World Changers as a Youth Ambassador allowed me to meet with VA Delegate Jeion Ward and US House Representative Bobby Scott. These meetings left an impression on me and inspired me to want to continue their legacy of service. These experiences have helped me to grow as a leader and fueled my ambition to serve others. Just as Dr. Fuste inspired me as a four-year-old girl and Bobby Scott inspired me as a teen, I hope to inspire young people who are pursuing their dreams. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). This program had a profound impact on me because it created a safe space for myself and others to find healing and hope through the power of community. Becoming a physician requires eight years of college education and 2-4 years of training before I can start my career. My parents both work to provide for me and my two younger siblings, who also plan to go to college. I have received no financial aid from my top three schools and face a bill of around $200,000 to attend a four-year undergraduate program. Earning this scholarship would help take the financial burden of college off of myself and my parents so that I can focus on achieving my educational and career goals.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. I dream of becoming a physician providing compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities and to leave a legacy that inspires others. As a physician, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that underrepresented groups have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Since I was four, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. This goal has fueled my academic journey and pushed me to work hard in both the classroom and my extracurricular activities. I understand this goal will require persistence and hard work as I undergo years of college and residency training. I was raised to always give my best effort, which pushes me to strive for excellence in all I do. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. While I have worked to maintain good grades, I have still faced difficulty and temptation. I was recently faced with a difficult Calculus class that reinforced the importance of integrity. Despite my best efforts, the pace of the college coursework and teaching style resulted in many students falling behind, including myself. While some students opted to cheat, I believed it best to maintain my integrity. While I got a C in the course, I felt that doing the right thing was far more important than getting an A. To me, success should never come at the cost of compromising my integrity. I have been inspired by others, like my childhood pediatrician, Dr. Rosa Fuste. Dr. Fuste was a woman of color whose example proved to be an inspiration that helped to guide my path. Additionally, my work with World Changers as a Youth Ambassador allowed me to meet with VA Delegate Jeion Ward and US House Representative Bobby Scott. These meetings left an impression on me and inspired me to want to continue their legacy of service and inspiration to others. Looking back, Dr. Fuste inspired me as a four-year-old girl and Bobby Scott inspired me as a teenager. I hope to also serve and inspire young people who are pursuing their dreams. I believe that we are called to leave the world a better place than we found it. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). I also serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. During my professional career, my goal is to make an impact on others that enhances and strengthens their lives. Through my example and experience, I will be a resource for others and a source of empowerment. By serving, mentoring, and leading by example, I hope to make my parents proud and to fulfill the call to make the world a better place than I found it.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. As I enter the next chapter of my life, I aim to combine my interests in medicine and community advocacy to create lasting change. I aspire to become a pediatrician and provide compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities. Eventually, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that people, especially underrepresented groups, have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Achieving these goals requires eight years of college education and 2-4 years of training. Pursuing a college education will provide the skills and experience needed to serve others through medicine. Currently, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Additionally, as the captain of my soccer team, I have developed leadership and teamwork skills by motivating and supporting my teammates on and off the field. I also volunteer on the A/V team at my church and sing on our youth worship team. My academic efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree (through my high school’s dual enrollment program), a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. I am also an active member of the Alternatives World Changers, an organization that amplifies underrepresented voices. Through World Changers, I was able to serve others by organizing financial literacy fairs and career expos. World Changers has also allowed me to speak to key issues facing youth at City Hall, the Virginia General Assembly, and on Capitol Hill. However, my journey has had struggles. Like many students, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on my mental and emotional health. As I returned from the isolation of the pandemic, I battled anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of loneliness. My community of family, friends, and my personal growth provided me with the strength to focus on my self-worth and stay focused on my goals. My community also inspired me to find healing through giving back. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Watching students enter feeling overwhelmed and leave with a sense of relief has emphasized my desire to be a source of light and healing for others, which I plan to achieve in my future career as a physician. Being able to serve has allowed me to assist others and also experience a sense of satisfaction through giving. As I reflect on my struggles, I found strength and healing by reaching out and connecting to others who were going through similar issues. This journey has taught me that we are better together and that even when hurting, we all have something to give. I hope that through serving and volunteering, people not only receive the help that they need but are also inspired to contribute to the greater good of others.

I have always believed that I was meant for great things. I’ve been active in my community and school for most of my life. From making the honor roll each year, to being president of youth advocacy groups, my identity has been rooted in achievement. When it came time to start applying for colleges and scholarships, I felt more than ready. However, in the middle of my senior year, I couldn’t feel more lost and left behind than ever. I vividly remember sitting in my Dual Enrollment Geology class this past February with all my classmates as they described the full scholarships they had received and the schools they planned to attend. I had received several college acceptances but found that there were no scholarship money or honors awards that came with them. I felt like my efforts for the past 17 years were meaningless. I felt like all of the schools ignored my hours of volunteer work, my leadership roles in various organizations, and the hard work I had put in. I was uncertain about how I was going to feasibly afford college and medical school, given the high cost of attendance. It felt like everyone around me was succeeding and progressing in their journey but me. It stung even more because on some level I thought I deserved it more than my classmates. I put in more effort than them, participated in more community service activities, and stepped up as a leader when others didn’t. I started to internalize my thoughts as I struggled with not getting the outcome I wanted. It wasn’t until I shared my feelings with my parents and closest friends that I realized that everyone has a different path. My mindset shifted from one of a victim to that of a fighter. I knew that if I wanted to achieve my dreams of attending a prestigious HBCU debt-free, I was going to have to work for it. I began to lean on my parents for their support and guidance in consistently applying for as many scholarships as I could. In the two months since, I realized that I needed to apply myself more, I began to utilize the lessons I learned from my various activities over the years. In my advocacy work speaking to local, state, and federal legislators as the Treasurer and Committee Lead of the Alternatives World Changers, I learned how to speak up for my beliefs and passions. The substance-free, mental health space I co-founded at my school taught me the importance of taking the time to take care of yourself and practice positive self-talk. While applying for scholarships, I also learned how to showcase all of my identity and accomplishments on paper. Having to write dozens of essays about myself, my goals, and my accomplishments has really helped me to put my future into perspective. I now have a better understanding of who I am and what I want to accomplish. It also taught me to be resilient in the face of disappointment and rejection. These valuable lessons would not have resonated with me if I had gotten some of the early awards that my peers received. I believe that I would benefit greatly from the Inspire11 mentorship program. As an aspiring doctor and woman of color, I believe that I have a lot to gain from being mentored. I place great value on continuous learning, and believe that mentoring would allow me to glean key knowledge from the experience of others.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. Ultimately, I dream of becoming a physician and providing compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities. Currently, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. I currently serve as captain of my school soccer team and volunteer on the A/V Team and sing on the Youth Praise team at my church. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree through my school’s dual enrollment program, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. While I have worked to maintain good grades, I was recently faced with a difficult Calculus class that reinforced the importance of integrity. Despite my best efforts, the pace of the college coursework and teaching style resulted in many students falling behind, including myself. While some students opted to cheat, I believed it best to maintain my integrity and commitment to my faith. While I got a C in the course, I chose to honor God by doing the right thing. I believe that this was far more important than getting an A. Like many students, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on my mental and emotional health. As I returned from the isolation of the pandemic, I battled anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of loneliness. My community of family, friends, and my personal growth provided me with the strength to focus on my self-worth and stay focused on my goals. My community also inspired me to find healing through giving back. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Watching students enter feeling overwhelmed and leave with a sense of relief has emphasized my desire to be a source of light and healing for others. Founding Y.O.U.R. Space helped me to see the value of being transparent and vulnerable. As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the experiences that have shaped me into the young woman that I am today. I aspire to utilize my medical training to become a physician and start a clinic that provides holistic healthcare to those in need. It has always been my goal to give back, and by using my education and career, I will work to serve and inspire others. Through serving, I pray that others will be encouraged and feel hope. I hope that my experiences will empower and inspire someone else to chase their dreams.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. However, my journey has had struggles. Like many students, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on my mental and emotional health. As I returned from the isolation of the pandemic, I battled anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of loneliness. My community of family, friends, and my personal growth provided me with the strength to focus on my self-worth and stay focused on my goals. My community also inspired me to find healing through giving back. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Watching students enter feeling overwhelmed and leave with a sense of relief has emphasized my desire to be a source of light and healing for others. Founding Y.O.U.R. Space helped me to see the value of being transparent and vulnerable. I currently serve as captain of my school soccer team and president of the National Honor Society. I have received numerous academic awards and have even had the privilege of presenting before City Hall, the VA House of Delegates, and the US Senate. Through Y.O.U.R. Space, I was able to open up about my challenges with anxiety and self-worth and connect with others who were going through the same things. Regardless of whether young people are studying for a test, struggling to fit in, facing issues at home, or meeting a Senator, I learned that we are all stressed and benefit from a safe space with peers. Rather than putting on a face of perfection, I learned that it is better to open up about struggles so that I can both give and receive encouragement. As I reflect on these struggles, I am grateful that they have shaped me into the young woman that I am today. I aspire to become a physician and be a source of inspiration to others. Becoming a physician requires eight years of college education, and 2-4 years of training before I can start my career. My parents both work to provide for myself and my two younger siblings who also plan to go to college. I have received no financial aid from my top three schools and face a bill of around $200,000 to attend a four-year undergraduate program. Earning this scholarship would help take the financial burden of college off of myself and my parents so that I can focus on achieving my educational and career goals.

Since I was four, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. I was inspired to pursue this career by my childhood pediatrician, Dr. Rosa Fuste. As a child, I always wanted to do something impactful that helped others. Like me, Dr. Fuste was a woman of color whose example proved to be an inspiration that helped to guide my path. Dr. Fuste recognized my potential and encouraged me and my parents to pursue the path to becoming a physician. Ultimately, as a physician, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that underrepresented groups have access to safe, reliable healthcare. This goal has fueled my academic journey and pushed me to work hard in both the classroom and my extracurricular activities. I understand this goal will require persistence and hard work as I undergo years of college and residency training. My goal of becoming a pediatrician has fueled my academic career, service, and advocacy. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. As a future doctor, I place a high value on giving back to others. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Launching the program proved to be difficult as I encountered obstacles with securing the physical space and resources. Implementing the program took over a year, requiring multiple meetings and presentations with school administrators. By being persistent, negotiating with administrators, and highlighting the needs of students, we were able to secure resources and officially open the space. Currently, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. When I become a doctor, I aim to continue this practice of impacting others. Becoming a physician requires eight years of college education, and 2-4 years of training before I can start my career. My parents both work to provide for me and my two younger siblings who also plan to go to college. I have received no financial aid from my top three schools and face a bill of around $200,000 to attend a four-year undergraduate program. Earning this scholarship would help take the financial burden of college off of myself and my parents so that I can focus on achieving the educational and career goals I set as a child.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. From a young age, I was encouraged to do everything with a spirit of excellence and integrity. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. Ultimately, I dream of becoming a physician and providing compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities. I was raised to always give my best effort, which pushes me to strive for excellence in all I do. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. While I have worked to maintain good grades, I was recently faced with a difficult Calculus class that reinforced the importance of integrity. Despite my best efforts, the pace of the college coursework and teaching style resulted in many students falling behind, including myself. While some students opted to cheat, I believed it best to maintain my integrity. While I got a C in the course, I felt that doing the right thing was far more important than getting an A. To me, operating in excellence means doing your best while operating with integrity. I also believe that we are called to leave the world a better place than we found it. I have been inspired by others, like my childhood pediatrician, Dr. Rosa Fuste. Dr. Fuste was a woman of color whose example proved to be an inspiration that helped to guide my path. Additionally, my work with World Changers as a Youth Ambassador allowed me to meet with VA Delegate Jeion Ward and US House Representative Bobby Scott. These meetings left an impression on me and inspired me to want to continue their legacy of service and inspiration to others. These experiences have helped me to grow as a leader and fueled my ambition to serve others. In terms of success, I place a high value on giving back to others. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Launching the program proved to be difficult as I encountered obstacles with securing the physical space and resources. Implementing the program took over a year, requiring multiple meetings and presentations with school administrators. By being persistent, negotiating with administrators, and highlighting the needs of students, we were able to secure resources. Currently, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Ultimately, I want to give back by making an impact on others that enhances and strengthens their lives. When I become a doctor, I aim to continue this practice of impacting others and giving back to my community. Just as Dr. Fuste inspired me as a four-year-old girl and Bobby Scott inspired me as a teen; I want to inspire young people to pursue their dreams.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. I dream of becoming a physician and providing compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities. I define success as achieving the goals that I have set, putting forth my best effort, leaving a legacy to inspire others, and giving back to others through service. Ultimately, as a physician, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that underrepresented groups have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Since I was four, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. This goal has fueled my academic journey and pushed me to work hard in both the classroom and my extracurricular activities. I understand this goal will require persistence and hard work as I undergo years of college and residency training. I was raised to always give my best effort, which pushes me to strive for excellence in all I do. Academically, my efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. While I have worked to maintain good grades, I was recently faced with a difficult Calculus class that reinforced the importance of integrity. Despite my best efforts, the pace of the college coursework and teaching style resulted in many students falling behind, including myself. While some students opted to cheat, I believed it best to maintain my integrity. While I got a C in the course, I felt that doing the right thing was far more important than getting an A. To me, success means doing your best while operating with integrity. To be a true success, I believe that we are called to leave the world a better place than we found it. I have been inspired by others, like my childhood pediatrician, Dr. Rosa Fuste. Dr. Fuste was a woman of color whose example proved to be an inspiration that helped to guide my path. Additionally, my work with World Changers as a Youth Ambassador allowed me to meet with VA Delegate Jeion Ward and US House Representative Bobby Scott. These meetings left an impression on me and inspired me to want to continue their legacy of service and inspiration to others. These experiences have helped me to grow as a leader and fueled my ambition to serve others. Just as Dr. Fuste inspired me as a four-year-old girl and Bobby Scott inspired me as a teen, I hope to inspire young people who are pursuing their dreams. In terms of success, I place a high value on giving back to others. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Launching the program proved to be difficult as I encountered obstacles with securing the physical space and resources. Implementing the program took over a year, requiring multiple meetings and presentations with school administrators. By being persistent, negotiating with administrators, and highlighting the needs of students, we were able to secure resources. Currently, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. I view success as making an impact on others that enhances and strengthens their lives. When I become a doctor, I aim to continue this practice of impacting others. Becoming a physician requires eight years of college education, and 2-4 years of training before I can start my career. My parents both work to provide for me and my two younger siblings who also plan to go to college. I have received no financial aid from my top three schools and face a bill of around $200,000 to attend a four-year undergraduate program. Earning this scholarship would help take the financial burden of college off of myself and my parents so that I can focus on achieving my educational and career goals.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition, service, and perseverance. Their lessons shape every aspect of my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. As I enter the next chapter of my life, my goal is to combine my interests in medicine and community advocacy to create lasting change. I have a desire to understand what makes us human and plan to explore this as a biology major this fall. I aspire to become a pediatrician and provide compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities. Eventually, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that people, especially underrepresented groups, have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Achieving these goals requires eight years of college education, and 2-4 years of training. Pursuing a college education will provide the skills and experience needed to serve others through medicine. Currently, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Additionally, as the captain of my soccer team, I have developed leadership and teamwork skills by motivating and supporting my teammates on and off the field. Whether in athletics, academics, and service, I strive to create an environment around me where people feel empowered to succeed. My academic efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree (through my high school’s dual enrollment program), a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. I am also an active member of the Alternatives World Changers, an organization that amplifies underrepresented voices. Through World Changers, I was able to serve others by organizing financial literacy fairs and career expos. World Changers has also afforded me the opportunity to speak to key issues facing youth at City Hall, the Virginia General Assembly, and on Capitol Hill. However, my journey has had struggles. Like many students, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on my mental and emotional health. As I returned from the isolation of the pandemic, I battled anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of loneliness. My community of family, friends, and my personal growth provided me with the strength to focus on my self-worth and stay focused on my goals. My community also inspired me to find healing through giving back. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Watching students enter feeling overwhelmed and leave with a sense of relief has emphasized my desire to be a source of light and healing for others, which I plan to achieve in my future career as a physician. Being able to serve has allowed me to assist others and also experience a sense of satisfaction through giving. As I reflect on my struggles, I found strength and healing by reaching out and connecting to others who were going through similar issues. This journey has taught me that we are better together and that even when hurting, we all have something to give. I hope that through serving and volunteering, people not only receive the help that they need but are also inspired to contribute to the greater good of others.

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of ambition and perseverance. These lessons shape my life, from my academic aspirations to my passion for community engagement. During the next chapter of my life, my goal is to combine my interests in medicine and advocacy to create lasting change. I have a desire to understand what makes us human and plan to explore this as a biology major at an HBCU this fall. Upon completing medical school, I aspire to become a pediatrician and provide compassionate, individualized care to underserved communities. Eventually, I want to start a clinic offering holistic healthcare through mental health support, reproductive services, and general medical care to ensure that people, especially underrepresented groups, have access to safe, reliable healthcare. Currently, I serve as the President of the National Honor Society, where I have organized community clean-ups, volunteered at homeless shelters, and led initiatives to support those in need. Additionally, as the captain of my soccer team, I have developed my leadership and teamwork skills by motivating and supporting my teammates on and off the field. Whether in athletics, academics, and service, I strive to create an environment around me where people feel empowered to succeed. My academic efforts have gained national recognition from the College Board, honors from the community college where I am pursuing my associate’s degree, a certificate of appreciation from the City of Hampton, and citizen of the month recognition from my school district. I am also an active member of the Alternatives World Changers, an organization that amplifies underrepresented voices. Through World Changers, I was able to serve others by organizing financial literacy fairs and career expos. World Changers has also afforded me the opportunity to speak to key issues facing youth at City Hall, the Virginia General Assembly, and on Capitol Hill. However, my journey has had struggles. Throughout my teenage years, I have battled anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of loneliness, leaving me struggling with my identity and confidence. I found myself struggling with activities I used to excel in. I leaned on my family, friends, and my personal growth for strength to stay committed to my goals. Additionally, I found healthy outlets to address these feelings through a community of my peers. Over the past year and a half, I co-founded Y.O.U.R. Space (Youth Of United Resilience), a school initiative providing a safe and relaxing space for students who struggle with stress and anxiety. Y.O.U.R. Space offers aromatherapy, creative outlets, and an after-school peer support program called YAE Days (You Are Enough). Watching students enter feeling overwhelmed and leave with a sense of relief has emphasized my desire to be a source of light and healing for others, which I plan to achieve in my future career as a physician. This year, during a Dual Enrollment Calculus course, I found myself struggling academically. The fast pace of the course and teaching style left me completely lost. I did tutoring, independent study, and everything else I could think of to get an A. Unfortunately, I earned a C while some students cheated on tests and quizzes to pass. In spite of getting a C, I felt that my integrity was worth more than getting an A. These obstacles helped to shape me and prepare me for the road ahead. A career in medicine requires perseverance, discipline, and resilience. However, I am committed to achieving my goals with purpose and integrity. Through service, a strong supporting community, education, and advocacy for others, I will continue striving to be a light for those in need.

I remember being seven years old, sitting in church, listening to my father preach. The bright stage lights, the powerful gospel songs, and the meaningful prayers filled the room, but I did not understand their significance. As I grew older, my faith wavered, leading to doubts about God and myself. Church became routine, and the once-vivid spiritual movements seemed to fade into the background. This disconnect with my faith led to a spiral of negative thoughts, which worsened with the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. I experienced severe anxiety, depression, and self-doubt; questioning my identity, value, and purpose. For almost three years, I felt lost, hopeless, and even resentful. I tried to find my spark by joining clubs, playing sports, and excelling in school, but the emptiness remained. My breaking point came during a class presentation when I found myself shaking with fear. I considered myself an experienced and talented public speaker so the nerve-wracking fear was unfamiliar. At that moment, I realized that my unresolved emotions were causing a hindrance in my life. I decided that I needed to heal and reconnect to my faith. Over the past year, I have rediscovered my faith and it has transformed my life. I have come to understand that my struggles are not meant to break me, but to build a better testimony. Through prayer, reflection, and immersing myself in Scripture, my mindset shifted toward healing and self-love. I drew strength from Psalm 46:5, “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved.” Faith became my foundation, guiding me through my darkest moments and helping me foster an environment of positivity and purpose. I now surround myself with people who love and cherish me and I trust that God has a plan for my life. Faith has also fueled my passion for service. Inspired by the struggles I experienced and God’s power to heal me, I co-founded Youth Of United Resilience (Y.O.U.R. Space) with three peers to provide students with a safe space to escape their daily stressors. Through this project, I have had the opportunity to connect with students facing similar struggles to my own and offer them support and encouragement. Using my experiences to inspire change in my school and community has affirmed my identity and the impact I am capable of making. As I pursue my dream of becoming a physician, my faith will continue to guide my path. The medical field is rigorous, and I know I will face moments of doubt, exhaustion, and overwhelming challenges. I trust that God has equipped me with the strength and perseverance to fulfill my purpose. I am committed to using my faith to uplift others as both a physician and a leader in my community. Through unwavering faith, personal reflection, and service, I have overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and adversity. My journey is a testament to resilience and God’s faithfulness, and I will continue to use my experiences to uplift and inspire others. With God leading the way, I am confident that my future is bright, and I am ready to embrace every challenge that comes my way.

I remember being 7 years old, sitting in church, listening to my father preach. I remember looking up at the big stage with the bright lights, hearing the gospel songs blasting from the speakers, and seeing people fall to their knees, crying during prayer. I also remember sitting there, hearing those powerful messages and not understanding what they meant. My oblivious approach to church continued like that well into my teenage years. My lack of knowledge and faith led me to question God and myself for a period of time. As I became unsure of my beliefs, sitting for those sermons just became a part of my regular desensitized routine. The bright lights became dull, the sound of the music drowned out by my overbearing thoughts, and seeing the spirit move through people during service became insignificant. The disconnect to my faith led to doubts which turned into negative thoughts and feelings. Over time those feelings amplified, and with the isolation of COVID, I began to experience severe anxiety, depression, and self-hate. I felt lost and questioned the validity of the religion I was raised on. For the next three years after the global pandemic started, I was hopeless, sad, angry, and even resentful. There’s always light at the end of every dark tunnel though. My lack of faith began hindering my motivation, and suddenly it clicked. God does love me. I found that everyone struggles, but it builds a better testimony. It is hard to have faith if you have never endured. My struggle was beginning to take over my life, but when I trusted and believed in Him, I was able to reclaim my life.. I now surround myself with people who love and cherish me. I foster an environment of positivity and purpose. I also found that believing in God and practicing a faithful lifestyle could only bring me a good future. The worst that could happen is that there is no heaven, but I’ve lived believing in a better future, pouring into others, and being a light to others in need. Not believing that there is a higher being or power left me with an emptiness. Not having something to look forward to after my life on earth created a hole inside me. I’m proud to say that I haven’t had any bathroom floor episodes since I began to find conviction in my faith. I am learning to love myself, value my life, and enjoy my experiences so much more than I ever have. It’s like I’ve been born anew, and I could not be more ready for whatever God has in store for my future. I plan to pursue a medical degree and become a practicing physician. This choice requires over 10 years of schooling and training. I know that I will lose motivation, struggle with being overwhelmed, and experience doubt in myself. However, with the strength I find in my relationship with God, I am empowered to persevere and stick to the path He has set out for me. I rely on my faith in times of struggle and strife, and my trials and tribulations have shown me how God is capable of moving in my life when I allow him to. I plan to use the spiritual talents I have been gifted with to be a light for others in my personal and professional life. I know that my future will be bright because I plan to live according to his will.

My parents always encourage me to dream big, be involved, be ambitious, and strive for improvement. In that, I found that a purpose rooted in helping people. I have had my own struggles with anxiety, self-hate, comparison and know what it’s like to feel isolated and like nobody is there for you. Because of my experiences, I am determined to be the light and resource I never had for those who surround me. I want to become a physician and open my own clinic in order to create and provide resources for those in need. I want to create a safe space in the medical field for adults and youth alike to have a trusted mental and physical health provider who they can rely on. I have been heavily involved in my community with the bulk of my community engagement being through the Alternative World Changers. Our mission is to put underrepresented voices in atmospheres they are normally not by speaking with our legislators and hosting community events like financial literacy fairs and career expos for local youth. Currently, I am the president of my school’s NHS chapter. We host toy drives, volunteer at homeless shelters, and more. I also have participated in YADAPP, a week-long program designed to help youth reduce alcohol and drug misuse and promote positive mental health. I have been a YADAPP participant, creating a plan alongside my team members to take back to our school. And the following year, I became a Youth Leader, encouraging participants to create plans of their own. Finally, I am an active member of my church’s volunteer program who does back-to-school drives, blessing bags for the homeless, free car washes, and other service activities. My goal is to take the financial burden off of myself and my parents so I can focus on achieving my educational and career goals. My goal of becoming a pediatrician or a sports physician requires a tedious amount of school and training. Including my undergraduate degree and 4 years of medical school, I will have to take out hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt to afford my education. My parents are willing to help, but cannot afford to pay for my education outright, which I do not expect them to. So every little bit of financial aid to life that burden off of their shoulders and mine helps. In my school, students are not equipped to navigate the stresses of high school and teenage life. My school experiences students posting embarrassing moments online, more than in-person bullying. I believe “Hurt people hurt people.” I know to stop and prevent bullying, you have to heal those in pain and provide safe spaces for those they hurt. So three of my peers and I created YOUR Space, Youth of United Resilience, to provide a healthy outlet for the various stressors we as students face daily. We designed a room with aromatherapy, coloring, drawing, painting, reading, and more for students to spend a few minutes of their day in the room to reset, relax, and refocus. In conjunction with the after school peer support program we started, I have seen my peers have a safe space to share their vulnerabilities and find support in the people around them. YOUR Space has been a light in our school and its students. I have seen students that have entered YOUR Space stressed, angry, and hurt, and leave knowing how to cope with these emotions. YOUR Space has been my way of giving back, and I can’t wait to take on more projects like this in the future.

“When I grow up, I want to be a pediatrician.” Since the age of four, these words were my answer every time someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. As I have grown older, my career aspirations have broadened, but my passion for helping people has remained my goal. I have a desire to challenge myself, learn new things, and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, and I believe a degree in the healthcare field will help me do that. My passion to pursue medicine is deeply rooted in my determination to understand what makes us human, both physically and mentally. My personal experiences have fueled my ambition as well. My own struggles with anxiety and self-worth have taught me the importance of compassionate, accessible healthcare. I want to ensure that young and old alike have access and means to the healthcare they need to live life to the fullest. My medical degree will allow me to not only provide medical care, but to open a holistic clinic that provides comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and mental health needs of my community. My clinic will offer prenatal and reproductive care, neonatal services, pediatric check-ups, family medicine, general health practices, and mental health services. I don’t want to solely focus on treating symptoms but want to understand patients on a deeper level and address their overall well-being. Unfortunately, access to quality healthcare in this country is often determined by socioeconomic status, and I refuse to accept a world where basic medical services are a privilege rather than a right. My clinic will be an environment where every patient feels safe, valued, and heard, regardless of how much money they have. The United States is one of the few first-world countries that does not offer free universal healthcare, leaving countless individuals to face excessive costs for essential medical services. This seems unjust to me and I am determined to be part of the system that changes this. I want to use my education and career to challenge the current system and advocate for healthcare reform. Through my clinic and my work as a physician, I will strive to redefine healthcare to be compassionate, equitable, and accessible for all. As I further my education, I am excited about surrounding myself with ambitious, driven individuals which will only propel me further in my journey. Being in an environment where students are determined to make a difference will push me to reach my full potential. I plan to glean as much as I can during these next few years to not only advance my career, but also to contribute to the community around me. I will leave a lasting legacy, knowing that I have played a role in making the healthcare system better for future generations. Ultimately, my passion for medicine is about more than just a career, it is about a greater purpose. I am driven by the desire to improve the physical and mental health of those in my areas of influence, advocate for the unheard and underserved and inspire others. I want to be part of the next generation of strong, educated women who are redefining the world we live in. By pursuing my degree, I am taking the first step toward fulfilling my lifelong dream of providing compassionate, comprehensive care to those who need it most and to ensure that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

I remember being 7 years old, sitting in church, listening to my father preach. I remember looking up at the big stage with the bright lights, hearing the gospel songs blasting from the speakers, and seeing people fall to their knees, crying during prayer. I also remember sitting there, hearing those powerful messages and not understanding what they meant. My oblivious approach to church continued like that well into my teenage years. My lack of knowledge and faith made me question God and myself for some time. As I became unsure of my beliefs, sitting for those sermons just became a part of my regular desensitized routine. The bright lights became dull, the sound of the music drowned out by my overbearing thoughts, and seeing the spirit move through people during service became insignificant.  The disconnect to my faith led to doubts which turned into negative thoughts and feelings. Over time those feelings amplified, and with the isolation of COVID, I began to experience severe anxiety, depression, and self-hate. I felt lost and questioned the validity of the religion I was raised on. For the next three years after the global pandemic started, I was hopeless, sad, angry, and even resentful. There’s always light at the end of every dark tunnel though. Over the past 9 months, I’ve learned that God does love me. I found that everyone struggles, but it builds a better testimony. It is hard to have faith if you have never endured. Today, I now am confident in my faith. I now surround myself with people who love and cherish me. I foster an environment of positivity and purpose. I also found that believing in God and practicing a faithful lifestyle could only bring me a good future. The worst that could happen is that there is no heaven, but I’ve lived believing in a better future, pouring into others, and being a light to others in need. Not believing that there is a higher being or power left me with an emptiness. Not having something to look forward to after my life on earth created a hole inside me. I’m proud to say that I haven’t had any bathroom floor episodes since I began to find conviction in my faith. I am learning to love myself, value my life, and enjoy my experiences so much more than I ever have. It’s like I’ve been born anew, and I could not be more ready for whatever God has in store for my future. I plan to pursue a medical degree and become a practicing physician. This choice requires over 10 years of schooling and training. I know that I will lose motivation, struggle with being overwhelmed, and experience doubt in myself. However, with the strength I find in my relationship with God, I am empowered to persevere and stick to the path He has set out for me. I rely on my faith in times of struggle and strife, and my trials and tribulations have shown me how God is capable of moving in my life when I allow him to. I plan to use the spiritual talents I have been gifted with to be a light for others in my personal and professional life. I know that my future will be bright because I plan to live according to his will.

My father has always instilled in me to give my best in everything I’ve done. I spent my childhood active in sports and extracurriculars. When I entered the vast world of high school, I continued to involve myself in activities both within and beyond my school. My involvement in these activities helped hone my leadership, communication, and personal skills. The people I met along the way, and the experiences I had, shaped me into the person I am today, determined for the growth to come in the next step of my journey. My volunteer and extracurricular work is rooted in community engagement. I have done most of my community work through Alternative World Changers. We amplify the voices of the underrepresented in atmospheres they would not usually be heard. We did this by speaking with legislators like Congressman Bobby Scott, Senator Tim Kaine, and Delegate Jeion Ward. Additionally, we hosted community events such as financial literacy fairs and community leader recognition. I was involved in planning these events and have seen personal growth through them. I learned how to delegate and be organized under pressure. Through the World Changers, alongside three others, I formed YOUR Space (Youth Of United Resilience). YOUR Space is an initiative within my school where students can come to reset and reduce stresses that might lead to substance use. I witnessed the impact of my work first-hand in my school community. My time with the World Changers led to my internship with Delegate Shelly Simmonds, where I canvassed with her team ahead of the 2024 election. During the internship, I encouraged citizens to be informed and vote. Outside the World Changers, I am president of my school’s NHS chapter. We host toy and food drives and volunteer at food banks and shelters. My volunteer work at the Men’s Homeless Shelter stood out the most. It was a pleasure to serve those in need. My experiences have shown me that I have a passion for being a light for others. My interest in medicine and biology stems from that desire to help. My goal to impact lives is present in my desire to understand what makes us human, both physically and mentally. I would like to open a clinic that cares for the human body from conception to death. I want to provide an experience that allows people to feel safe while improving their quality of life. This clinic would offer prenatal and reproductive care, neonatal services, pediatric check-ups, family medicine, mental health services, and more—all in an accessible and friendly environment. Outside of the medical field, I want to be an advocate. With the education and background my collegiate and career journey would provide, I would be better equipped to help give a voice to the underrepresented. My hands-on work with everyday people, especially black women, would allow my voice to be heard where it normally would not. My passion for advocacy is something I have fostered over the past seven years. The experiences and lessons I have learned helped me define my goals for life. While I want to be successful, I also want to be a light and resource for others. The best way I know how to do that is to achieve my dream of becoming a doctor and paving the way for those who come after me.

“When I grow up I want to be a pediatrician.” Since the age of four, these words were my answer every time someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I have always had a desire to challenge myself and learn new things. My parents encouraged me to dream big and be involved. I took their lessons to heart and set my dreams on becoming a pediatrician. As I’ve gotten older, my career interests have become a little broader, but my goals stem from a passion for helping people. I have determined that my purpose in life is to be a light and resource for those who surround me. My aspiration to impact others’ lives is present in my desire to understand what makes us human, both physically and mentally. All of this has manifested in my plan to enter the healthcare field and become a physician.  I am determined to leave an impact on this world and plan to do so by becoming a physician, opening a clinic, and continuing to advocate for change. My journey with anxiety and self-worth has left me with the goal of making it so other young girls do not have to feel the way I do. Eventually, I would like to open a clinic that cares for the human body from conception to death. I want to offer an experience with love and care that allows people to feel safe while improving their quality of life. I plan to establish a model for what our healthcare system should look like. This clinic would offer prenatal and reproductive care, neonatal service, pediatric check-ups, family medicine, general health practices, and mental health services. Patients can receive care in an accessible, safe, and friendly environment. The clinic would also be a free medical center for those in need. Using my clinic, I want to continue my work in advocacy and use my career and education to evoke change.  Too often, we experience major injustices, especially in the healthcare field. The US is one of the only first-world countries that does not offer free healthcare. To receive basic vital care, you have to pay astronomical prices or put your life in jeopardy. I want to leave this earth knowing I have positively changed this system and left a lasting legacy. I plan to start by getting an education and joining the prominent group of strong, smart, educated black women who will change the world.

I consider myself to be an ambitious, intelligent, and complex person. I value integrity and respect, and struggle with my anxiety and self-image. Everything that makes up who I am, is aligned with what I want to do. My desire to impact others’ lives is present in my desire to understand what makes us human, both physically and mentally. All of this has manifested into my goal of entering the healthcare field and becoming a physician. I am determined to leave an impact on this world and plan to do so by becoming a physician, opening a clinic, and continuing to advocate for change. I want to be a lifelong learner. After I graduate from high school with my advanced diploma and Associate of Science, I want to get my bachelor’s degree from an HBCU. Upon completion of my biology/pre-med degree, I will attend medical school. When I finish medical school, and the required training that follows, I want to practice medicine as a sports physician or pediatrician. My interest in medicine and biology stems from my desire to help others, especially children and young people. I enjoy learning and want to work in a field that is constantly evolving and hands-on. My goal to impact others’ lives is present in my desire to understand what makes us human, both physically and mentally. My journey with anxiety and self-worth has left me with the goal of making it so other young girls do not have to feel the way I do. Eventually, I would like to open a clinic that cares for the human body from conception to death. I want to offer an experience with love and care that allows people to feel safe while improving their quality of life. I plan to establish a model for what our healthcare system should look like. This clinic would offer prenatal and reproductive care, neonatal service, pediatric check-ups, family medicine, general health practices, and mental health services. Patients can receive care in an accessible, safe, and friendly environment. The clinic would also be a free medical center for those in need. Using my clinic, I want to continue my work in advocacy and use my career and education to evoke change. Too often, we experience major injustices, especially in the healthcare field. The US is one of the only first-world countries that does not offer free healthcare. To receive basic vital care, you have to pay astronomical prices or put your life in jeopardy. I want to leave this earth knowing I have positively changed this system and left a lasting legacy. I plan to start by getting an education and joining the prominent group of strong, smart, educated black women who are going to change the world.

I was four years old the first time I said I wanted to become a pediatrician. Now I am 17, and my career goals have shifted - but only slightly. I still want to be a pediatrician, but I am also considering becoming an OBGYN or a sports physician. However, regardless of what I end up doing, my career will be rooted in helping and impacting others’ lives. I consider myself to be an ambitious, intelligent, and complex person. I value integrity and respect, and struggle with my anxiety and self-image. Everything that makes up who I am, is aligned with what I want to do. My desire to impact others’ lives is present in my desire to understand what makes us human, both physically and mentally. My personal story fuels my drive to push through adversity. All of this has manifested into my goal of entering the healthcare field and becoming a physician. I am determined to leave an impact on this world and plan to do so by becoming a physician, opening a clinic, and continuing to advocate for change. My journey with anxiety and self-worth has left me with the goal of making it so other young girls do not have to feel the way I do. Eventually, I would like to open a clinic that cares for the human body from conception to death. For years I struggled with my mental health and battled depression and anxiety. I felt trapped in my own body and didn't know who to turn to. I never want anyone to feel the same way I did. This is why I want to offer an experience with love and care that allows people to feel safe while improving their quality of life. Young women, black women especially, will feel heard, respected, and valued no matter their walk of life. I plan to establish a model for what our healthcare system should look like. This clinic would offer prenatal and reproductive care, neonatal service, pediatric check-ups, family medicine, general health practices, and mental health services. Patients can receive care in an accessible, safe, and friendly environment. Using my clinic, I want to continue my work in advocacy and use my career and education to evoke change. Too often, we experience major injustices, especially in the healthcare field. The US is one of the only first-world countries that does not offer free healthcare. To receive basic vital care, you have to pay astronomical prices or put your life in jeopardy. I want to leave this earth knowing I have positively changed this system and left a lasting legacy. I plan to start by getting an education and joining the prominent group of strong, smart, educated black women who are going to change the world.