If selected for the KC MedBridge scholarship, I will use the funds to cover out-of-state college application costs. Applying to a wide range of schools will allow me to challenge myself in new environments, learn from diverse peers, and surround myself with other students who are just as passionate and ambitious to make a difference in healthcare. My interest in medicine started with the urge to help others but has grown into an active calling to save lives. Volunteering at my local Banner hospital’s main desk and touring different departments gave me a glimpse into how teams work together to support patient care. I’ve also found purpose in working with children—whether volunteering at local elementary schools or serving as a teaching assistant at my Chinese school, I’ve seen how crucial it is to mentor and support youth during development. These experiences have shaped my goal of becoming a pediatrician. During my college journey, I hope to build a toolbox of practical skills and knowledge, from researching in labs to solving complex problems, that will prepare me for independence, medical school, and my future as a pediatric physician. Additionally, I hope that the college I ultimately attend will provide countless opportunities and experiences for me to use these skills in real-world settings. This scholarship will allow me to apply to schools that align with my goals and values without being limited by financial barriers. I’m excited to explore where I’ll spend the next four years growing as a future healthcare leader.

I believe that with the right mindset, anyone can positively impact the world. Even a small, simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impression on a person's life. Since I was a toddler, I have taken great care of my stuffed animals, treating them like my friends. I would read to them, feed them, and tuck them into bed. Looking at my past photos and videos, I realized I had only learned these behaviors from my parents' care and nurture. Their actions subconsciously left a lasting impact on my character as I learned to be gentle, patient, and caring of others. In the future, I plan on making a positive impact by working in the health or medical field. The combination of pursuing my passion for science and being able to help others with my work has always been my dream. When I was little, I wanted to become a doctor or vet because I wanted to help people and animals. After exploring my interests throughout the years, my eyes were opened to the harsh reality of diseases and the countless mysteries hidden within them, yet to be solved. I also wish to make healthcare more accessible and effective because everyone should have the basic right to safety and health. However, I understand that to make a difference as early as possible, I must start building important habits. Currently, I am taking small steps to make a positive impact in my community. To start, I am a dedicated volunteer and club executive of The Wishing Crane Project, a non-profit, student-run organization that folds and donates paper cranes for hospice patients to instill positivity in hospices. The idea of paper cranes came from the Japanese legend that if a sick person folded 1,000 paper cranes, they would get well. I'm passionate about this organization because I hope the positive messages on the cranes will bring a smile to patients' faces and make them feel supported. Recently, my school's The Wishing Crane Project executives, including myself, collected, folded, and strung together 1,000 paper cranes for a donation at the Hiroshima Memorial in Japan. Although I did not go donate the cranes to the memorial myself, I'm proud that we were able to represent my school and organization amongst many other donors from around the world. I truly hope the organization can continue spreading positivity for many years to come. In addition, I am a part of UNICEF, which helps children in need get proper food and education. Next school year, I will become the secretary for my school club. With this position, I hope to spread UNICEF to more students and increase our event volunteers. For instance, I have attended several Feed My Starving Children sessions with UNICEF; volunteers get to bond with club members and pack many food packages sent to children and families across the globe. I have a passion for volunteering, and I already have over 80 hours of community service in the past two years. I believe that short sessions of work for us can make all the difference for others. However, I hope that in the future, I will be able to affect more people's lives and spread more joy and positivity to the world. Although they may seem insignificant at a glance, all positive actions add up to something greater. Eventually, even if in the slightest difference, we can make the world a better place.