“That’s an incredible feeling and not many get to feel that their work does that right after high school”. I got that message from my old mentor, Mr. Brandon, after ecstatically sharing how much I enjoyed volunteering at epilepsy alliance florida. Mr. Brandon is a beloved mentor from the YMCA who encouraged me to step out of my shell and share my skills with his students. When I started volunteering at the YMCA to teach the art of painting, I stepped into a new world. Though it wasn't my first time volunteering, it was the first time I felt I've made such a direct impact. Watching the student’s art improve with time filled me with a sense of joy I didn't yet know how to explain. Every smile and every colorful brush stroke was a testament to my love for my community and my belief that they will one day carry that light forward. That sparked my shift to a more involved approach of making a difference. I was always a shy girl, but knowing that I could directly make a difference made me feel powerful. This became even more true as I moved onto something even bigger: the Epilepsy Alliance Florida. There, I raised over 86k in value donations alone. That’s money that will go to epilepsy education and creating accessible medical care and counseling for those impacted by epilepsy in my community. It's opened doors to levels of fulfillment I could only dream of. Now I dream of even more. The Dr. Soronnadi Nnaji Legacy scholarship will help me achieve all that and more. Throughout my life, I have been supported through the help of volunteers like those in Big brother’s big sisters where I received mentorship from successful African American adult women. This win cemented even further the urge to pay it forward. I am filled with VIGOR as I work with my peers, knowing that I am making a meaningful and tangible difference. My ultimate goal is to create a team of scientists from varying fields of engineering and neuroscience to research neuro-degenerative diseases and create the technology needed to solve it. Going into STEM will prove challenging as a African American young woman. As i'm majoring in biomedical engineering, and later mastering in neuroscience. In such a collaborative field I need to set my mark and prove my credibility as both an engineer and researcher in a male dominated field. Even so, I'll use these challenges to inspire young black girls to break into these fields that seem so 'exclusive'. Being a leader in this way and pushing forward in science will in turn positively influence the outcome of research in time and also the outlooks that young black girls have when choosing science. It is ever more important that we encourage not only the continuation of education but also the courage to start. As such research becomes ever crucial in an aging population, I strive to make a splash in STEM and pave the way for other future researchers to do the same. I'm looking forward to achieving my goals and to how collaboration and leadership with my peers will direct a world where our brains are no longer subject to rapid deterioration. It wont be easy, especially as a low income student. This scholarship will help reduce my family and I's worries about how I'll afford my college education. Through this opportunity, I will be able to fully invest myself into my goals and retain a clear headed perspective moving forward into the future.

I'm not allowed to carry physical cash anymore. Well not by law or anything but my mom says for my own good we're sticking to Chase. We stopped by at the dollar store, after visiting my grandma who gave me a 50 dollar bill that day, and met up with a man who asked if we could spare him some change. I didn't have any change so I simply gave him the entire 50. I was thrilled to see him light up and my mom was less than thrilled that I gave the money away so easily. Still she understood my heart. At the time it was six of us living in a two bedroom rental with a pipe that kept leaking and AC that never worked. I wanted to directly and monetarily help the people we came across but it wasn't feasible for a family already struggling to make ends meet. So, we came up with an alternative. We created a "food drive" for homeless people on the streets and those in shelters. It was literally that: My mom would ask for contributions of extra groceries, things people had too much of, or were willing to donate. Then, we cooked big batches of food and separated them into those white foam food containers. When my mom had work or was suffering in bed from another migraine, I'd head into our kitchen alone and cook. I strongly believe that the existence of any muscle on my arms is completely due to the stirring I endured. I used our biggest pot that we typically reserved for new years cooking, filled to the brim with Haitian rice, stirring constantly despite the summer heat. In the oven, was well seasoned chicken breasts and drumsticks that filled our little house with a smell that could beckon neighbors 3 houses away. I never got to meet the people I helped. My mom called it "a bit dangerous" and she was right. She drove solo, stepping in and out of her car, passing out food to people she didn't even know. Even with the risk and the occasional person who'd become agitated seemingly out of nowhere, each time she drove back home she was smiling from ear to ear. I was too. After a while, we lost our food assistance benefits and moved to a different city so we lacked the community to help continue our food drive. Still, the most amazing thing happened. Someone paid that light forward. A lady we had helped, got back on her feet and began a food drive herself. As we became situated, we were inspired to start a new path of sending clothes items to the underprivileged in Haiti. Before that, I never met the people I helped feed. She was the first one.

I like to be in control. Not complete and absolute rule; a dictatorship, no. If ever there is a situation that calls for a capable leader, I will stand up to the challenge. So it isn't odd that like taking charge of situations, I want to take charge of solutions. I remember the first time my grandpa sat me down in front of the blue TV light. He sat on the cushioned rocking chair and I hunched over, criss-cross-apple-sauced. He laughed wildly behind me slapping his frail knees with a sound that seemed to slap existence. WWE. An odd man with even odder tastes. I should've paid more attention to his ever swelling calves under those striped compression socks. I should've made an effort to react more enthusiastically to the barbaric-ish blows of the wrestlers. Then he was gone. Alzheimer's disease took him from me. My mom was shaking when she broke the news to me and we grieved. I wondered if there was something I could've done. Now as my family speaks in hushed whispers about my uncle who was hospitalized after another violent seizure resulted in his head bashed against a counter's edge, I wonder if there is something I could do for him. Becoming a neuroscientist, is the only option. After a dozen "why's", neuroscience is the only thing that directs me to "how" and stabilizes my perspective in a way that I can take charge of a solution. Pursuing a career as a neuroscientist means that I can look at death in its cold eyes and tackle it head on. I've already started. I've learned so much in my first week volunteering at Epilepsy Alliance Florida, I submitted 33 in-kind donations and sponsorship requests towards the cause of increasing epilepsy awareness, education, and access to medical care. For me that was 33 forms, 33 long emails, and 33 threads that seem more tied to the waiting game. Sitting at my desk, it was easy to fall into a flow of repetition. Until one single email pulled me out of it. A donation request, valued at $450, was approved. I was thrilled. I realized something then. That through doing the tedious, I was creating the building blocks needed to make something big. While it was my first win, it was still one win out of 33 attempts. Through the couple of months I've volunteered here, I've developed a strong resilience that will take me forward in my path as a scientist. We're not always going to face win after win. It takes time. Sometimes it can feel more like a small candle facing the vast night sky. But it's a glimmer of hope. A testament to our efforts and our belief in our community that they will carry that light forward. Through that moment, I was reminded to celebrate the wins and look forward to new ones. Most importantly, I learned that success never comes without first failing —and I learned that well. Looking at the spreadsheets I’ve made, there are so many red bars where companies have denied donation requests. Kind of like this: scholarship applications. I put in my best efforts and cross my fingers. No failure dissuades me from continuing to try. Those small wins add up. Here at Epilepsy Alliance Florida, I've achieved my biggest win yet: over 86k raised INDIVIDUALLY to our cause. That’s not even counting the amazing achievements of the other volunteers around me. It definitely wasn't easy but it's opened doors to levels of fulfillment I could only dream of. I’m not stopping now. Throughout my life, I have been supported through the help of volunteers like those in Big brother’s big sisters where I received the mentorship I needed to succeed. This win cemented even further the urge to pay it forward. I am filled with VIGOR as I work with my peers, knowing that I am making a meaningful and tangible difference. My life's goals are rooted in that; contributing to community. I hope I can create hope in my work and drive forward positive change. Creating a culture of awareness and inclusion for people with epilepsy and Alzheimer's is my FIRST step to a life filled with research, collaboration, and ultimately being part of the SOLUTION. My ultimate goal is to create a team of scientists from varying fields of engineering and neuroscience to research neuro-degenerative diseases and create the technology needed to solve it. Going into STEM will prove challenging as a Haitian American young woman. As i'm majoring in biomedical engineering, and later mastering in neuroscience. In such a collaborative field I need to set my mark and prove my credibility as both an engineer and researcher in a male dominated field. Even so I know I am capable of anything I set my sights on. I'll use these challenges to inspire young black girls to break into these fields that seem so 'exclusive'. Being a leader in this way and pushing forward in science will in turn positively influence the outcome of research in time and also the outlooks that young girls have when choosing science. It is ever more important that we encourage not only the continuation of education but also the courage to start. As such research becomes ever crucial in an aging population, I strive to make a splash in STEM and pave the way for other future researchers to do the same. In time, I will change the lives of people like my uncle and grandpa who inspired me to push for change. I'm looking forward to achieving my goals and to how collaboration and leadership with my peers will direct a world where our brains are no longer subject to rapid deterioration. It wont be easy, especially as a low income student. This scholarship will help reduce my family and I's worries about how I'll afford my college education. Through this opportunity, I will be able to fully invest myself into my goals and retain a clear headed perspective moving forward into the future. There is so much work to be done and I can't wait to get started.

I like to be in control. Not complete and absolute rule; a dictatorship, no. If ever there is a situation that calls for a capable leader, I will stand up to the challenge. So it isn't odd that like taking charge of situations, I want to take charge of solutions. I remember the first time my grandpa sat me down in front of the blue TV light. He sat on the cushioned rocking chair and I hunched over, criss-cross-apple-sauced. He laughed wildly behind me slapping his frail knees with a sound that seemed to slap existence. WWE. An odd man with even odder tastes. I should've paid more attention to his ever swelling calves under those striped compression socks. I should've made an effort to react more enthusiastically to the barbaric-ish blows of the wrestlers. Then he was gone. Alzheimer's disease took him from me. My mom was shaking when she broke the news to me and we grieved. I wondered if there was something I could've done. Now as my family speaks in hushed whispers about my uncle who was hospitalized after another violent seizure resulted in his head bashed against a counter's edge, I wonder if there is something I could do for him. Becoming a neuroscientist, is the only option. After a dozen "why's", neuroscience is the only thing that directs me to "how" and stabilizes my perspective in a way that I can take charge of a solution. Pursuing a career as a neuroscientist means that I can look at death in its cold eyes and tackle it head on. I've already started. In the short term I intend to raise even more than the $86k I've already raised towards Epilepsy awareness, research, and medical care, and then also direct my fundraising efforts towards Alzheimer's. In the meantime I will also collaborate with other researchers in the undergraduate research program I've been accepted to at FAU. My ultimate goal is to create a team of scientists from varying fields of engineering and neuroscience to research neuro-degenerative diseases and create the technology needed to solve it. Going into STEM will prove challenging as a Haitian American young woman. As i'm majoring in biomedical engineering, and later mastering in neuroscience. In such a collaborative field I need to set my mark and prove my credibility as both an engineer and researcher in a male dominated field. Even so I know I am capable of anything I set my sights on. I'll use these challenges to inspire young black girls to break into these fields that seem so 'exclusive'. I'm looking forward to achieving my goals and to how collaboration and leadership with my peers will direct a world where our brains are no longer subject to rapid deterioration. It wont be easy, especially as a low income student. This scholarship will help reduce my family and I's worries about how I'll afford my college education. Through this opportunity, I will be able to fully invest myself into my goals and retain a clear headed perspective moving forward into the future. There is so much work to be done and I can't wait to get started.

I like to be in control. Not complete and absolute rule; a dictatorship, no. If ever there is a situation that calls for a capable leader, I will stand up to the challenge. So it isn't odd that like taking charge of situations, I want to take charge of solutions. I remember the first time my grandpa sat me down in front of the blue TV light. He sat on the cushioned rocking chair and I hunched over, criss-cross-apple-sauced. He laughed wildly behind me slapping his frail knees with a sound that seemed to slap existence. WWE. An odd man with even odder tastes. I should've paid more attention to his ever swelling calves under those striped compression socks. I should've made an effort to react more enthusiastically to the barbaric-ish blows of the wrestlers. Then he was gone. Alzheimer's disease took him from me. My mom was shaking when she broke the news to me and we grieved. I wondered if there was something I could've done. Now as my family speaks in hushed whispers about my uncle who was hospitalized after another violent seizure resulted in his head bashed against a counter's edge, I wonder if there is something I could do for him. STEM is the only option. After a dozen "why's", STEM is the only thing that directs me to "how" and stabilizes my perspective in a way that I can take charge of a solution. Pursuing a career as a neuroscientist means that I can look at death in its cold eyes and tackle it head on. The scariest thing in life isn't just a physical death, but dying before your body does. While Alzheimer's takes the bodies of its prey, it takes their essence first. Who you are is in your memory, it runs through your brain. I'm using STEM to protect that. Majoring in biomedical engineering and in the future mastering in neuroscience, I'm looking forward to how collaboration and leadership with my peers will direct a world where our brains are no longer subject to rapid deterioration. It wont be easy, especially as a low income student. But I've already gotten this far. I need to keep going. I'm still not sure why my family seems plagued with diseases like these, or if I'll someday be next. One thing's for sure, If I can protect the memory of all those we cherish, then someday no family will be robbed by the cruel grasp of Alzheimer's disease.

My first week at Epilepsy Alliance Florida, I submitted 33 in-kind donation and sponsorship requests. For me that was 33 forms, 33 long emails, and 33 threads that seem more tied to the waiting game. Sitting at my desk, it was easy to fall into a flow of repetition. Until one single email pulled me out of it. A donation request, valued at $450, was approved. I was thrilled. I realized something then. That through doing the tedious, I was creating the building blocks needed to make something BIG. While it was my first win, it was still one win out of 33 attempts. The fact of the matter is that we're not always going to face win after win. It takes time. Sometimes it can feel more like a small candle facing the vast night sky. But it's a glimmer of hope. A testament to our efforts and our belief in our community that they will carry that light forward. Through that moment, I was reminded to CELEBRATE the wins and look forward to new ones. Most importantly, I learned that success never comes without first failing —and I learned that well. Looking at the spreadsheet I’ve made, there are so many red bars where companies have denied donation requests. Kind of like this: scholarship applications. I put in my best efforts and cross my fingers. No failure dissuades me from continuing to try. Those small wins add up. Here at Epilepsy Alliance Florida, I've achieved my biggest win yet: over 86k raised INDIVIDUALLY to our cause. That’s not even counting the amazing achievements of the other volunteers around me. It definitely wasn't easy but it's opened doors to levels of fulfillment I could only dream of. I’m not stopping now. Throughout my life, I have been supported through the help of volunteers like those in Big brother’s big sisters where I received the mentorship I needed to succeed. This win cemented even further the urge to pay it forward. I am filled with VIGOR as I work with my peers, knowing that I am making a meaningful and tangible difference. Creating a culture of awareness and inclusion for people with epilepsy is my FIRST step to a life filled with research, collaboration, and ultimately being part of the SOLUTION. I can’t wait to be a neuroscientist and I can't wait to change lives while doing it. Here’s to many more wins! Carpe diem—because with leadership comes community; comes change.

Growing up I was always the annoying kid who questioned anyone and anything. ‘The sky is blue’ you’d tell me, and I’d ask “why”. I learn things the long way around. For me it's not sufficient to only know that something works. I need to know why and how it works that way to the point I can replicate it. This natural curiosity has guided me through life and especially in my aspirations. I am going to become an electrical engineer with a focus on the brain to delve into the discipline of neuro-engineering. I can’t remember a time that my beloved uncle wasn’t sick. While my family took it to heaven and asked why he had to suffer with seizures, I took the question to my brain. I knew from then that I would be part of tremendous effort to create cures and solutions for epilepsy. Further than that I want to create a splash in all brain related diseases and do so through innovation and creativity. Right now, I am taking the first major step, education. In order to discover new knowledge, I need to build on the knowledge of all those who came before me. Collaboration with other likeminded peers is also vital in achieving this goal. Attending FAU is the amazing opportunity to do these things and more. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more invested in becoming a biomedical engineer. Keeping up with medical progressions and journals, I found that the discovery of something or even the absence of it allowed for valuable progression that could save the lives of many. Inspired by this, in high school, I took a research class and performed my own study. Though my study delved into the psychological and monetary influences on welfare support, it gave me a taste for how I could research in college with far more access to technology, people, and information. As a naturally curious person, I am excited for the opportunities college will grant me to partake in more studies like this, especially in the field of biomedical engineering. As a future woman in STEM I am prepared to take initiative in my education and be part of the group that makes these impactful changes. Majoring in biomedical engineering and later specializing in neuroengineering I am excited to learn more about the brain and lead advancements in my field. In doing so I also hope to encourage other girls to pursue engineering and especially biomedical engineering. The representation that comes with more diversified groups of researchers especially in a male dominated field like biomedical engineering, will allow for broadened perspectives that may prove crucial when targeting issues that commonly affect women differently from men. Being a leader in this way and pushing forward in science will in turn positively influence the outcome of research in time and also the outlooks that young girls have when choosing science. It is ever more important that we encourage not only the continuation of education but also the courage to start. As such research becomes ever crucial in an aging population, I strive to make a splash in STEM and pave the way for other future researchers to do the same. In time, I will change the lives of people like my uncle who inspired me to push for change.

It was when I saw my uncle's convulsing body on my grandma's kitchen floor, that my love for science and inquisition became a need for it. For his sake, and for the sake of many others suffering with epilepsy, there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers. I knew then that I wanted to be part of that narrative and with time I have come to promise myself 3 things: 1.) Even if it's hard, try. 2.) Change the world 3.) To help others with similar goals along the way. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more invested in becoming a biomedical engineer. Keeping up with medical progressions and journals, I found that the discovery of something or even the absence of it allowed for valuable progression that could save the lives of many. It is because people take charge and delve into the waters of STEM that breakthroughs like StimNets are able to bring researchers closer to alleviating and treating these issues. As a black girl in STEM its not easy paving this path for myself and I am often surrounded by doubts of whether I am equipped enough to pursue this field. Thus arose my first promise. I knew the journey wouldn't be easy but I also knew that living a life without chasing my passions would be even harder. So I decided that I could do hard things. That encouraged me to take several AP and AICE courses especially in science. In the future I am encouraged to continue taking the risk to try. This will help older me branch out of her comfort zone and make discoveries she wouldn't have found otherwise. I have also promised to myself that no matter what I will change the world. I will be the splash that turns into a wave and changes the lives of both others and myself. As a future woman in STEM I am prepared to take initiative in my education and be part of the group that makes impactful changes. Majoring in biomedical engineering and later specializing in neuroengineering I am excited to learn more about the brain and lead advancements in my field. In doing so I also hope to encourage other girls to pursue engineering and especially biomedical engineering. By doing this I inspire change in STEM in its research as well as its researchers. This increased representation will also better future me as it pushes for equality in research. Finally, I've promised not to forget the people who struggle alongside me. Pursuing a career in STEM isn't easy especially as a black girl. By joining forces with people who are also facing these struggles we can help each other become the best versions of ourselves and spark discovery. This scholarship will help me stay true to all 3 promises especially as a low income student. My parents cannot afford to send me nor my other 3 siblings to college. As a first generation college student this scholarship will be life changing and help me get closer to achieving my goals with a lightened financial burden. The scholarship will allow me to be a full time student and focus on my education rather than money. In turn it will allow me to keep my promises and change not only the world but myself as I continue to grow and learn more in STEM.

It was when I saw my uncle's convulsing body on my grandma's kitchen floor, that my love for science and inquisition became a need for it. For his sake, and for the sake of many others suffering with epilepsy, there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers. I knew then that I wanted to be part of that narrative and that going to college would be my ticket into paving my path towards this goal. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more invested in becoming a biomedical engineer. Keeping up with medical progressions and journals, I found that the discovery of something or even the absence of it allowed for valuable progression that could save the lives of many. Inspired by this, in highschool, I took a research class and performed my own study. Though my study delved into the psychological and monetary influences on welfare support, it gave me a taste for how I could research in college with far more access to technology, people, and information. As a naturally curious person, I am excited for the opportunities college will grant me to partake in more studies like this, especially in the field of biomedical engineering. As a future woman in STEM I am prepared to take initiative in my education and be part of the group that makes these impactful changes. Majoring in biomedical engineering and later specializing in neuroengineering I am excited to learn more about the brain and lead advancements in my field. In doing so I also hope to encourage other girls to pursue engineering and especially biomedical engineering. The representation that comes with more diversified groups of researchers especially in a male dominated field like biomedical engineering, will allow for broadened perspectives that may prove crucial when targeting issues that commonly affect women differently from men. College will allow me to be part of the diverse group of people that take charge toward uncovering these nuanced issues that might not impact everyone in the same fashion. I find it important that testing and research be done with both women and men in mind as conditions may affect each differently. By taking charge and leading by example, the young women in my community will feel more driven to pursue these difficult jobs and also strike change in the world and themselves. Being a leader in this way and pushing forward in science will in turn positively influence the outcome of research in time and also the outlooks that young girls have when choosing science. As such research becomes ever crucial in an aging population, I strive to make a splash in STEM and pave the way for other future researchers to do the same. In time, I will change the lives of people like my uncle who inspired me to push for change.

“I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine” —Bruce Lee. I have always felt the heaviness of my parent’s expectations; their eyes stuck on me like tar on hot pavement. I moved with the fuel they had for me but I lacked vigor for myself. No longer was education the bright light of curiosity that had me wanting more. It became the sum of numbers and letters on a page. I found I lost the motivation to learn rather than memorize and my mental health declined as I became buried under the high expectations of my parents. With immigrant Caribbean parents, it wasn't easy to break away from their expectations. So, for a time I merely succumbed. But as I became more invested in biomedical engineering I realized that this charade couldn't continue for longer. To my parents, my intended career was too risky and unknown for me not to struggle like they did. As a low income black family with parents who didn't go to college, they fervently wanted better for me than they had. Still I had to push forward with my passion. My love for science and inquisition became a need for it and I knew there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers in the scientific community. I wanted to be part of that narrative. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more in love with becoming a biomedical engineer and especially neuroengineering. Driven with passion, I took several science courses. Whatever my school didn't offer I took with flvs, and whatever flvs didn't have i took with Broward college. I knew early on that if I wanted to be part of that narrative, I had to take the steps to write my name in that book. Though the extra classes and studying I've done are only an inch forward in the grand scheme of things, I'm confident that taking initiative in this way will help me take even bolder strokes to success in college. On top of courses like AP biology, Intro to computer programming, and my career certification courses for my EKG certification, I took extra math and English courses. Doing this did not only build my technical skills but also my skill of time management and well thought out planning. Tackling these courses along with clubs required great attention to deadlines and a respect to responsibility. The dedication I've built in high school will carry me and grow with me as I take on bigger challenges in college. Outside of school I have also gained a lot from organizations like Big brothers Big sisters and Junior Achievement Career Bound which have further instilled the principle in me to dream bigger, bolder, and better. Each day I am more motivated to reflect on myself and grow and rise above what I thought my potential ever was. Going to college for my bachelors in Biomedical engineering will only further my growth and I will be able to be part of the diverse group of people that take charge toward uncovering the nuanced issues in the brain through engineering. This scholarship will help me achieve this and apply the skills I've learned without worries about finances. By taking charge in my life and in my community, I will be able to strengthen the skills I've learned and spark change and inspiration among my peers.

“I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine” —Bruce Lee. I have always felt the heaviness of my parent’s expectations; their eyes stuck on me like tar on hot pavement. I moved with the fuel they had for me but I lacked vigor for myself. No longer was education the bright light of curiosity that had me wanting more. It became the sum of numbers and letters on a page. They'd expected me to become a doctor, working in a traditional hospital with a respectable title. With immigrant Caribbean parents, it wasn't easy to break away from their expectations. So, for a time I succumbed. As I became more invested in my dreams I realized that this couldn't continue for longer. To my parents, my intended career was too risky and unknown to them. As a low income black family with parents who didn't go to college, they fervently wanted better for me than they had. Still, even with realizing I should forge my own path, I’d already internalized the messages of self doubt and my own perfectionism limited how far I could go. One instance, during my 9th grade year, I found myself overcome with anxiety as my science teacher announced our grades on our recent chemistry test. Like many other times, I was tear-stucken with my heart beating out my chest. Over a simple test I felt the weight of the world coming down on me over a letter on a paper. I had gotten a B. Though this was above passing, I knew I’d be scolded for slacking off and getting distracted. Throughout my first two years of highschool, I worked robotically. I may have worked hard but I did not for once enjoy it. I found I dreaded going to school as well as back home as the pressure seemed to follow me everywhere. At the time, I developed a deep anger towards myself and I constantly berated myself, questioning if I deserved to be regarded as one of the ‘smart students’. I was in a very bad place mentally, but I refused to seek help nor shed the obsession with what others thought of me. As this charade of genius continued I became bitter towards other students whose parents would support them no matter what. I noticed how my friend’s parents uplifted them into working harder while also encouraging their current hard work. I also noticed my own parents' treatment towards my younger siblings and how they had much more leeway than I ever did growing up. With endless comparison, I spiraled into further dissatisfaction with myself and became hopeless about my success in the future. It was only after realizing that my parents’ reactions were the same regardless of how well I did, that I decided It wasn't worth it to live a life not feeling proud of myself because of expectations that didn't matter. I began to forge my own expectations and adopted a mentality to lift myself up in both my successes and failures. Now I am empowered to take an active role in my life and push forward to the success I know I can achieve. Truly, it is just within reach.

“I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine” —Bruce Lee. I have always felt the heaviness of my parent’s expectations; their eyes stuck on me like tar on hot pavement. I moved with the fuel they had for me but I lacked vigor for myself. No longer was education the bright light of curiosity that had me wanting more. It became the sum of numbers and letters on a page. I found I lost the motivation to learn rather than memorize and my mental health declined as I became buried under the high expectations of my parents. With immigrant Caribbean parents, it wasn't easy to break away from their expectations. So, for a time I merely succumbed. But as I became more invested in biomedical engineering I realized that this charade couldn't continue for longer. To my parents, my intended career was too risky and unknown for me not to struggle like they did. As a low income black family with parents who didn't go to college, they fervently wanted better for me than they had. Still I had to push forward with my passion. My love for science and inquisition became a need for it and I knew there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers in the scientific community. I wanted to be part of that narrative. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more in love with becoming a biomedical engineer and especially neuroengineering. Driven with passion, I took several science courses. Whatever my school didn't offer I took with flvs, and whatever flvs didn't have i took with Broward college. I knew early on that if I wanted to be part of that narrative, I had to take the steps to write my name in that book. Though the extra classes and studying I've done are only an inch forward in the grand scheme of things, I'm confident that taking initiative in this way will help me take even bolder strokes to success in college. On top of courses like AP biology, Intro to computer programming, and my career certification courses for my EKG certification, I took extra math and English courses. Doing this did not only build my technical skills but also my skill of time management and well thought out planning. Tackling these courses along with clubs required great attention to deadlines and a respect to responsibility. The dedication I've built in high school will carry me and grow with me as I take on bigger challenges in college. Outside of school I have also gained a lot from organizations like Big brothers Big sisters and Junior Achievement Career Bound which have further instilled the principle in me to dream bigger, bolder, and better. Each day I am more motivated to reflect on myself and grow and rise above what I thought my potential ever was. Going to college for my bachelors in Biomedical engineering will only further my growth and I will be able to be part of the diverse group of people that take charge toward uncovering the nuanced issues in the brain through engineering. This scholarship will help me achieve this and apply the skills I've learned without worries about finances. By taking charge in my life and in my community, I will be able to strengthen the skills I've learned and spark change and inspiration among my peers.

“I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine” —Bruce Lee. I have always felt the heaviness of my parent’s expectations; their eyes stuck on me like tar on hot pavement. I moved with the fuel they had for me but I lacked vigor for myself. No longer was education the bright light of curiosity that had me wanting more. It became the sum of numbers and letters on a page. I found I lost the motivation to learn rather than memorize and my mental health declined as I became buried under the high expectations of my parents. With immigrant Caribbean parents, it wasn't easy to break away from their expectations. So, for a time I merely succumbed. But as I became more invested in biomedical engineering I realized that this charade couldn't continue for longer. To my parents, my intended career was too risky and unknown for me not to struggle like they did. As a low income black family with parents who didn't go to college, they fervently wanted better for me than they had. Still I had to push forward with my passion. My love for science and inquisition became a need for it and I knew there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers in the scientific community. I wanted to be part of that narrative. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more in love with becoming a biomedical engineer and especially neuroengineering. Driven with passion, I took several science courses. Whatever my school didn't offer I took with flvs, and whatever flvs didn't have i took with Broward college. I knew early on that if I wanted to be part of that narrative, I had to take the steps to write my name in that book. Though the extra classes and studying I've done are only an inch forward in the grand scheme of things, I'm confident that taking initiative in this way will help me take even bolder strokes to success in college. On top of courses like AP biology, Intro to computer programming, and my career certification courses for my EKG certification, I took extra math and English courses. Doing this did not only build my technical skills but also my skill of time management and well thought out planning. Tackling these courses along with clubs required great attention to deadlines and a respect to responsibility. The dedication I've built in high school will carry me and grow with me as I take on bigger challenges in college. Outside of school I have also gained a lot from organizations like Big brothers Big sisters and Junior Achievement Career Bound which have further instilled the principle in me to dream bigger, bolder, and better. Each day I am more motivated to reflect on myself and grow and rise above what I thought my potential ever was. Going to college for my bachelors in Biomedical engineering will only further my growth and I will be able to be part of the diverse group of people that take charge toward uncovering the nuanced issues in the brain through engineering. This scholarship will help me achieve this and apply the skills I've learned without worries about finances. By taking charge in my life and in my community, I will be able to strengthen the skills I've learned and spark change and inspiration among my peers.

“I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine” —Bruce Lee. I have always felt the heaviness of my parent’s expectations; their eyes stuck on me like tar on hot pavement. I moved with the fuel they had for me but I lacked vigor for myself. No longer was education the bright light of curiosity that had me wanting more. It became the sum of numbers and letters on a page. I found I lost the motivation to learn rather than memorize and my mental health declined as I became buried under the high expectations of my parents. It was only after reading this quote that I considered melting away from their expectations and forging my own. Only then was I free to reclaim the joy that I once had for learning. With immigrant Caribbean parents, it wasn't easy to break away from their expectations. So, for a time I merely succumbed. But as I became more invested in biomedical engineering I realized that this charade couldn't continue for longer. To my parents, my intended career was too risky and unknown for me not to struggle like they did. As a low income black family with parents who didn't go to college, they fervently wanted better for me than they had. Still I had to push forward with my passion. My love for science and inquisition became a need for it and I knew there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers in the scientific community. I wanted to be part of that narrative. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more in love with becoming a biomedical engineer. Keeping up with medical progressions and journals, I found that the discovery of something or even the absence of it allowed for valuable progression that could save the lives of many. As a future woman in STEM I am prepared to take initiative in my education and be part of the group that makes these impactful changes. Majoring in biomedical engineering and later specializing in neuroengineering I am excited to learn more about the brain and lead advancements in my field. In doing so I also hope to encourage other girls to pursue engineering and especially biomedical engineering. The representation that comes with more diversified groups of researchers especially in a male dominated field like biomedical engineering, will allow for broadened perspectives that may prove crucial when targeting issues that commonly affect women differently from men. Being a leader in this way and pushing forward in science will in turn positively influence the outcome of research in time and also the outlooks that young girls have when choosing science. It is ever more important that we encourage not only the continuation of education but also the courage to start. As such research becomes ever crucial in an aging population, I strive to make a splash in STEM and pave the way for other future researchers to do the same. In turn, I will be the splash that turns into a wave and changes the lives of both others and myself. I've also promised myself not to forget the people who struggle alongside me. Pursuing a career in STEM isn't easy especially as a black girl. By joining forces with people who are also facing these struggles we can help each other become the best versions of ourselves and spark discovery.

“I am not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine” —Bruce Lee. I have always felt the heaviness of my parent’s expectations; their eyes stuck on me like tar on hot pavement. I moved with the fuel they had for me but I lacked vigor for myself. No longer was education the bright light of curiosity that had me wanting more. It became the sum of numbers and letters on a page. I found I lost the motivation to learn rather than memorize and my mental health declined as I became buried under the high expectations of my parents. They'd expected me to become a doctor, working in a traditional hospital with a respectable title. However, the passion that struck within me after I saw my uncle's convulsing body on my grandma's kitchen floor led me away from their goals and towards my own. With immigrant Caribbean parents, it wasn't easy to break away from their expectations. So, for a time I merely succumbed. But as I became more invested in biomedical engineering I realized that this charade couldn't continue for longer. To my parents, my intended career was too risky and unknown for me not to struggle like they did. As a low income black family with parents who didn't go to college, they fervently wanted better for me than they had. Still I had to push forward with my passion. My love for science and inquisition became a need for it and I knew there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers in the scientific community. I wanted to be part of that narrative. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more in love with becoming a biomedical engineer. Keeping up with medical progressions and journals, I found that the discovery of something or even the absence of it allowed for valuable progression that could save the lives of many. As a future woman in STEM I am prepared to take initiative in my education and be part of the group that makes these impactful changes. In doing so I also hope to encourage other girls to pursue engineering and especially biomedical engineering. The representation that comes with more diversified groups of researchers especially in a male dominated field like biomedical engineering, will allow for broadened perspectives that may prove crucial when targeting issues that commonly affect women differently from men. I find it important that testing and research be done with both women and men in mind as conditions may affect each differently. By taking charge and leading by example, the young women in my community will feel more driven to pursue these difficult jobs and also strike change in the world and themselves. Being a leader in this way and pushing forward in science will in turn positively influence the outcome of research in time and also the outlooks that young girls have when choosing science. It is ever more important that we encourage not only the continuation of education but also the courage to start. As such research becomes ever crucial in an aging population, I strive to make a splash in STEM and pave the way for other future researchers to do the same. In time, I will change the lives of people like my uncle who inspired me to push for change.

It was when I saw my uncle's convulsing body on my grandma's kitchen floor, that my love for science and inquisition became a need for it. For his sake, and for the sake of many others suffering with epilepsy, there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers. I knew then that I wanted to be part of that narrative and with time I have come to promise myself 3 things: 1.) Even if it's hard, try. 2.) Change the world 3.) To help others with similar goals along the way. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more invested in becoming a biomedical engineer. Keeping up with medical progressions and journals, I found that the discovery of something or even the absence of it allowed for valuable progression that could save the lives of many. It is because people take charge and delve into the waters of STEM that breakthroughs like StimNets are able to bring researchers closer to alleviating and treating these issues. As a black girl in STEM its not easy paving this path for myself and I am often surrounded by doubts of whether I am equipped enough to pursue this field. Thus arose my first promise. I knew the journey wouldn't be easy but I also knew that living a life without chasing my passions would be even harder. So I decided that I could do hard things. That encouraged me to take several AP and AICE courses especially in science. In the future I am encouraged to continue taking the risk to try. This will help older me branch out of her comfort zone and make discoveries she wouldn't have otherwise. I have also promised to myself that no matter what I will change the world. I will be the splash that turns into a wave and changes the lives of both others and myself. As a future woman in STEM I am prepared to take initiative in my education and be part of the group that makes impactful changes. Majoring in biomedical engineering and later specializing in neuroengineering I am excited to learn more about the brain and lead advancements in my field. In doing so I also hope to encourage other girls to pursue engineering and especially biomedical engineering. By doing this I inspire change in STEM in its research as well as its researchers. This increased representation will also better future me as it pushes for equality in research. Finally, I've promised not to forget the people who struggle alongside me. Pursuing a career in STEM isn't easy especially as a black girl. By joining forces with people who are also facing these struggles we can help each other become the best versions of ourselves and spark discovery. This scholarship will help me stay true to all 3 promises especially as a low income student. My parents cannot afford to send me nor my other 3 siblings to college. As a first generation college student this scholarship will be life changing and help me get closer to achieving my goals with a lightened financial burden. The scholarship will allow me to be a full time student and focus on my education rather than money. In turn it will allow me to keep my promises and change not only the world but myself as I continue to grow and learn more in STEM.

It was when I saw my uncle's convulsing body on my grandma's kitchen floor, that my love for science and inquisition became a need for it. For his sake, and for the sake of many others suffering with epilepsy, there needed to be more research and more drive for finding answers. I knew then that I wanted to be part of that narrative. What started as a joyful curiosity for the merging of engineering and biology, became a fervent passion to spark change in science as I became more invested in becoming a biomedical engineer. Keeping up with medical progressions and journals, I found that the discovery of something or even the absence of it allowed for valuable progression that could save the lives of many. It is because people take charge and delve into the waters of STEM that breakthroughs like StimNets are able to bring researchers closer to alleviating and treating these issues. As a future woman in STEM I am prepared to take initiative in my education and be part of the group that makes these impactful changes. Majoring in biomedical engineering and later specializing in neuroengineering I am excited to learn more about the brain and lead advancements in my field. In doing so I also hope to encourage other girls to pursue engineering and especially biomedical engineering. The representation that comes with more diversified groups of researchers especially in a male dominated field like biomedical engineering, will allow for broadened perspectives that may prove crucial when targeting issues that commonly affect women differently from men. Looking into other fields, I find it important that testing and research be done with both women and men in mind as conditions may affect each differently. By taking charge and leading by example, the young women in my community will feel more driven to pursue these difficult jobs and also strike change in the world and themselves. Being a leader in this way and pushing forward in science will in turn positively influence the outcome of research in time and also the outlooks that young girls have when choosing science. It is ever more important that we encourage not only the continuation of education but also the courage to start. As such research becomes ever crucial in an aging population, I strive to make a splash in STEM and pave the way for other future researchers to do the same. In time, I will change the lives of people like my uncle who inspired me to push for change.