Motivation is the key to my success. Without motivation, I would not be where I am today. When I was seven years old, I experienced an injury that resulted in a vision impairment in my right eye. I was diagnosed with a macular hole. This circular opening in my macula affects my sight by making me unable to see things directly in front of me with this eye. My left eye does all the work, so if something were to happen to it, I would be completely blind. This unexpected challenge profoundly impacted my life, influencing my academic journey and shaping my personal growth and aspirations for the future. When I first learned about my vision impairment, it was tough for me to cope. I struggled to understand how it would affect my life as a young child. The frequent visits to the eye doctor, receiving eye drops that stung my eyes, and wearing an eye patch for weeks made me feel uncomfortable. Additionally, I had to accept my accommodation of needing extra time to take tests. This made me feel socially insecure, as I did not like being singled out for my disability. However, rather than surrendering to the challenges created by my vision impairment, I decided to face them directly. One pivotal step to overcoming my challenges was volunteering with children with disabilities and special needs. Volunteering allowed me to contribute to my community and helped me break free from the social limitations I had imposed on myself. I volunteered at Families Of Children Under Stress (FOCUS), where I discovered a shared sense of resilience, determination, and connection with other individuals with disabilities and special needs. Volunteering with people from diverse backgrounds helped me develop strong interpersonal skills and overcome my initial social reservations by allowing me to widen my social perspective and appreciate each person's strengths. The confidence I gained from volunteering was vital to my growth journey, as it taught me that my disability did not define me but rather was a part of my identity that gave me a greater appreciation for diversity in myself and others. The benefits I gained from volunteering allowed me to excel in other areas. Despite my vision impairment, I developed strong study habits, maintained a high GPA, and sought academic support through tutoring services. Adapting to my environment by finding effective learning strategies improved my academic performance and instilled resilience within me. I also discovered dance as a way to express myself. I excelled in it by practicing constantly, which taught me the importance of perseverance and dedication to achieve my goals. Overall, I have realized that my vision impairment has become a source of inspiration rather than a limitation. It has shaped my goals and aspirations for the future by fostering a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and a commitment to breaking barriers. As a minority woman pursuing a Medical Laboratory Science degree, I am aware of the gender and racial disparity and bias in the field. However, I refuse to let these obstacles hinder my passion and determination. Instead, I will advocate to increase female representation in STEM by being a mentor to other minority females in the STEM field. My experiences have motivated me to pursue a future where I can advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Thus, my journey has taught me that challenges can be transformative and can propel us to achieve more when we have confidence and determination.

Without Ms. Alisha, I would not be where I am today. When I was seven years old, I experienced an injury that resulted in a vision impairment in one eye. I was diagnosed with a macular hole. This unexpected challenge profoundly impacted my life, influencing my academic journey and shaping my personal growth and aspirations for the future. When I first learned about my vision impairment, it was a tough time for me. I struggled to understand how it would affect my life as a young child. The frequent visits to the eye doctor, receiving eye drops that stung my eyes, and wearing an eye patch for weeks made me feel uncomfortable. Additionally, I had to accept that I needed extra time for test taking, which was my accommodation. The fear of being judged by others was a constant struggle for me. This made me feel socially insecure, as I did not like being singled out for my disability. I was fortunate to have a mentor who played a crucial role in helping me overcome my self-doubt and lack of confidence. Ms. Alisha, my babysitter, encouraged me to use my imagination. Her belief in me as her mentee gave me the strength to endure a series of daily, painful eye drop treatments that I received after a surgery I underwent. She even gave me a black patch to cover the bandages on my eye, which made me feel like a superhero. As a result, I became more confident and began openly sharing my experiences with others. Rather than surrendering to the challenges created by my vision impairment, I decided to face those head-on. One pivotal step was getting involved in dance and volunteering with children who had special needs. This experience allowed me to contribute to my community and helped me break free from the social limitations I had imposed on myself. Volunteering at Families With Children Under Stress (FOCUS), I discovered a shared sense of resilience and determination, fostering a sense of connection that transcended perceived differences. During my time volunteering, I had the opportunity to interact with people from diverse backgrounds, which helped me develop strong interpersonal skills and overcome my initial social hesitations. Meeting such interesting people allowed me to widen my perspective and appreciate each person's strengths. This new confidence was vital to my growth journey, as it taught me that my disability did not define me but rather was a part of my identity that contributed to a greater appreciation of diversity. Despite my vision impairment, I developed strong study habits, maintained a high GPA, excelled in dance, and sought academic support through tutoring services. Adapting and finding effective learning strategies improved my academic performance and instilled resilience. Reflecting on this journey, I realize that my vision impairment has become a source of inspiration rather than a limitation. It has shaped my goals and aspirations for the future by fostering a deep sense of empathy, resilience, and a commitment to breaking barriers. As a minority woman pursuing a STEM degree, I am aware of the gender and racial disparity and bias in the field. However, I refuse to let these obstacles hinder my passion and determination. Instead, I will advocate for increasing female representation in STEM by being a mentor. My experience has motivated me to pursue a future where I can advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. My journey has taught me that challenges can be transformative and can propel us to achieve more with confidence and determination.

My ambition to become a clinical laboratory scientist is driven by a desire to explore the latest techniques and innovations in the field. I am fascinated by the potential of molecular diagnostics to transform how they diagnose and treat patients, and I am eager to contribute to this exciting area of research. To achieve my academic and career goals, I have worked hard to prioritize my objectives and set achievable targets. I am confident that with hard work and dedication, I can make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare industry and achieve my dreams. I aim to complete the Medical Laboratory Science degree program at Georgia Southern University within four years. I plan to achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher and obtain certification while building contingencies for unexpected difficulties. To reach my goal, I will attend all classes, participate in discussions, submit assignments on time, and take advantage of internships and research opportunities to improve my laboratory experience. In addition, I will use weekly tutoring and professor office hours to maximize additional support. I will also join the Southern Leaders Program and TRIOS student organizations for volunteer and leadership opportunities. Lastly, I will prepare for and pass the certification exam. Once I acquire my career as a clinical laboratory scientist, I want to advance by pursuing a master’s degree in biomedical science. This will aid in obtaining a promotion to a leadership position where I can mentor junior laboratory staff to promote professional development. Furthermore, I will join The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science to attend annual professional conferences for continuing education credits. I will network with other professionals to collaborate on future projects, get support, and seek financial resources to promote health initiatives in my community. As someone who aspires to be a future clinical laboratory scientist working on the frontlines in healthcare, I am committed to positively impacting the future by making a difference through proven research and advances in diagnostic testing that will aid in better patient treatment efforts while working at the Center For Disease Control in Atlanta. I will use my platform to explore innovative techniques such as molecular diagnostics to elevate the accuracy of results by reducing margins of error that are essential in diagnosing, monitoring, and disease prevention. As a servant leader, I will donate my time to local free clinics and health fairs. I intend to promote health awareness and restore patient confidence by educating my local community about the latest advancements in healthcare testing. Furthermore, I will volunteer as a guest speaker at schools on career days or facilitate at the Atlanta Science Fair, Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta, and other community STEM events to encourage and recruit prospective students interested in a career in healthcare services as clinical laboratory scientists. I will advocate to increase female representation in STEM by being a mentor to other minority females in the STEM field. My experiences have motivated me to pursue a future where I can advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

Reading is a phenomenal way to introduce new experiences or escape a different world. “Quest For Change" is the title of the next chapter in my life, as it represents the journey I am embarking on to discover who I want to become and the growth I will experience along the way. I am thrilled to navigate my path as I take control of the decisions that will shape my future. As I prepare to leave for college in the fall, I know that finding balance and staying on course will be a significant challenge. However, I am committed to achieving my academic and professional goals on this quest. The people and experiences I will encounter over the next few years will continue to strengthen me in every way. My mission is to add value to the lives around me and make a positive impact wherever I go. I have learned that anyone can achieve their aspirations with commitment and practice. As a future clinical laboratory scientist, I am committed to making a positive impact by contributing to research and advances in diagnostic testing that will aid in better patient treatment efforts. Whether I work at Children's Hospital or the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, I will use my platform to explore innovative techniques, such as molecular diagnostics, that can elevate the accuracy of results. I believe that reducing margins of error is essential in diagnosing, monitoring, and disease prevention. As a servant leader, I plan to donate my time to local free clinics and health fairs to promote health awareness and restore patient confidence by educating my local community about the latest healthcare testing. Moreover, I will volunteer as a guest speaker at schools on career days or at the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta and other community STEM events to encourage and recruit prospective students interested in STEM careers. A higher education is a valuable opportunity to further my career as a clinical laboratory scientist. I am passionate about promoting positive changes in people's lives, no matter how small they seem.

Volunteering in my community has allowed me to contribute to something greater than myself, giving me a sense of fulfillment. Through my volunteer work, I have connected with people from all walks of life and positively impacted their lives. I have gained confidence and leadership skills that I plan to effectively use in contributing to society. I am incredibly committed to giving back to my community because I understand the importance of accessing valuable resources during challenging times. Becoming a Dekalb County Youth Commissioner and serving for three years exposed me to a diverse group of individuals, fellow youth, and county officials. I learned valuable communication skills when collaborating with others with a passion for community service. I gained insights into governance at the county level through active participation in various programs, workshops, and initiatives. The commission's dedication to advocating for youth issues is significant as it bridges youth and policymakers, ensuring their concerns are acknowledged and addressed. I have volunteered at community events, such as back-to-school giveaways, food drives, and county health fairs. One event that stands out is my participation in the Blue Table Talk. This event taught me how to engage with local law enforcement officers respectfully and appropriately. The opportunity has been significant as it has provided beneficial interactions between community members, including youth and county officials, fostering stronger relationships and inclusiveness. Being voted on the executive board as the social media manager this year was a testament to my growth and commitment as a Youth Commissioner. The trust placed in me by my fellow Youth Commission peers further bolstered my confidence and sense of responsibility. It was an opportunity to leverage my skills in a leadership role, using social media to connect with the community and share the commission's impactful work. Social media is an essential tool we use to reach out to other teens to increase awareness and promote interest in the civic activities going on in the county. Volunteering as a Youth Commissioner in my community has instilled a deep sense of fulfillment. My intention to return as a peer mentor during college reflects my understanding of the transformative power of mentorship, mirroring the positive influence of giving back to others has on me. The connections I have made and the lives I have touched have shaped me into a more compassionate and empathetic individual. Armed with newfound confidence and leadership skills, I am eager to continue making a positive impact as I transition into the next chapter of my life. As a servant leader, I am committed to positively impacting the future by contributing to advances to make a difference through proven research and advances in diagnostic testing that will aid in better patient treatment efforts. I aspire to become a clinical laboratory scientist to explore cutting-edge techniques such as molecular diagnostics. The goal will be to elevate the accuracy of results by reducing margins of error.

I dream of breaking glass ceilings in clinical laboratory research to advance medical treatments and promote fair healthcare practices that uplift communities.

August 12, 2023 Christine Brazier Will Johnson Scholarship “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr. Throughout my experience with vision impairment, I was fortunate to have a mentor who played a crucial role in helping me overcome my self-doubt and lack of confidence. The fear of being judged by others was a constant struggle for me. I overcame my obstacle by using my imagination and seeking pleasure in my ongoing treatments after my surgery. Wearing a black patch to cover my eye made me feel like a superhero, and the eye drops did not sting as much. As a result, I became more confident and began openly sharing my experiences with others. Because of my disability, I could not participate in sports activities. Over time, I found a love for dance and excelled in my performances. My disability does not define me. It inspires me to move forward and address future challenges with an open mind and heart. Obtaining my college education will be one of those tasks. A college education is important to me because it means growth. When I enter college to learn and earn my degree next fall, I am motivated to graduate in four years to serve my community as an aspiring clinical laboratory scientist. To me, growth means seeing trials and setbacks as opportunities. Earning a college education is like nurturing a growing plant. I will root myself in the learning experiences at Georgia Southern University to accomplish my future career as a medical laboratory scientist and cherish that knowledge. My interactions with college professors and internship opportunities will strengthen my skills. Continuing to stay active in volunteering and mentoring activities will cultivate nurturing connections that will assist me in sprouting my personal and professional growth. The program will be demanding, but I will seek assistance through the campus student support services and address stress through dance, as it has supported me over the years. When it is time to graduate, I will complete my clinical certifications to become certified as a clinical laboratory scientist. Exploring research that inspires innovative thinking and using evidence-based theories to solve evolving health disparities while promoting equity in practices for those being served is something I look forward to achieving in my career. As an inspiring clinical laboratory scientist, I will ensure that every patient receives accurate and effective treatment. I am passionate about creating positive changes in people's lives, no matter how insignificant they may seem. I provide emotional support to individuals with special needs and disabilities in one of my volunteer activities. Volunteering has introduced me to incredible individuals, and I hope to mentor others in my community interested in making a difference.