My reason for pursuing higher education at an HBCU has evolved significantly over the past few years. It started at Alcorn State University where my father and mother, both first generation college graduates, met, and it was under their wise guidance and influence that I selected to attend a HBCU. What has remained a constant reason in my pursuit of education is my desire to help others. To be truly helpful means to improve someone's life in one way or another, and my motivation stems from the despair I felt when I believed no one was genuinely helping my family. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the early morning 50-minute drives to the doctor every day for months on end. This routine was part of my existence as the daughter of a kidney failure patient and the sister of an autistic brother. It enraged me that despite these efforts—despite making that drive—lab results were often abnormal, illnesses diminished our quality of life, and all we could do was "wait" for the body to respond. It felt like no one cared about the people I loved the most. When my father passed away, I struggled with severe depression and considered leaving school. The pain of continuing without his support was immense. However, I remembered the resilience he taught me and chose to persevere. I am committed to becoming a research physician, motivated by the need for research in patient care and life expectancy, and inspired by my father’s enduring influence. "Be a leader, not a follower," my mom would say every day before dropping us off at school. These powerful words have been like nail-studded prongs, propelling me to choose a path in healthcare. Sickness has plagued my family for a long time, and even before the passing of my father, I decided to be a leader by striving to make a positive change in the community. Although my introduction to healthcare was challenging, my interest lies in the intersection of patient care and life expectancy. My pursuit of a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science stems from my desire to gain interdisciplinary experience and theoretical and methodological competence in comparative treatment approaches. By learning from the vantage point of laboratory work, I will be better prepared to participate in interdisciplinary research, comparing laboratory results across disciplines and collaborating with other research physicians. During my junior year, I took an array of clinical laboratory theory and methods courses, where I studied laboratory tests, their results, and how these results affect patient care and life expectancy. I also volunteered as a mentor in an afterschool program called Bison Buddies, enriching the knowledge and experience of young students ages 6 to 12. This allowed me to serve the community surrounding my university and positively impact their lives. In summary, my journey through mental health challenges, grief, and life experiences has shaped my goals, deepened my relationships, and broadened my understanding of the world. It has taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and the profound impact of helping others. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to train other students who rarely have the opportunity to learn advanced research methods and to be a great mentor to future mentees in my academic career. The Sloane Stephens Scholarship will allow me to develop my educational methodologies while learning new and invigorating ways to pay it forward to the next generation of female Black scholars. As a research physician, I aspire to lead projects that advance medical knowledge and enhance patient care, leaving a lasting positive impact on the world.

My reason for pursuing higher education at an HBCU has evolved significantly over the past few years. It started at Alcorn State University where my father and mother, both first generation college graduates, met, and it was under their wise guidance and influence that I selected to attend a HBCU. What has remained a constant reason in my pursuit of education is my desire to help others. To be truly helpful means to improve someone's life in one way or another, and my motivation stems from the despair I felt when I believed no one was genuinely helping my family. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the early morning 50-minute drives to the doctor every day for months on end. This routine was part of my existence as the daughter of a kidney failure patient and the sister of an autistic brother. It enraged me that despite these efforts—despite making that drive—lab results were often abnormal, illnesses diminished our quality of life, and all we could do was "wait" for the body to respond. It felt like no one cared about the people I loved the most. When my father passed away, I struggled with severe depression and considered leaving school. The pain of continuing without his support was immense. However, I remembered the resilience he taught me and chose to persevere. I am committed to becoming a research physician, motivated by the need for research in patient care and life expectancy, and inspired by my father’s enduring influence. "Be a leader, not a follower," my mom would say every day before dropping us off at school. These powerful words have been like nail-studded prongs, propelling me to choose a path in healthcare. Sickness has plagued my family for a long time, and even before the passing of my father, I decided to be a leader by striving to make a positive change in the community. Although my introduction to healthcare was challenging, my interest lies in the intersection of patient care and life expectancy. My pursuit of a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science stems from my desire to gain interdisciplinary experience and theoretical and methodological competence in comparative treatment approaches. By learning from the vantage point of laboratory work, I will be better prepared to participate in interdisciplinary research, comparing laboratory results across disciplines and collaborating with other research physicians. During my junior year, I took an array of clinical laboratory theory and methods courses, where I studied laboratory tests, their results, and how these results affect patient care and life expectancy. I also volunteered as a mentor in an afterschool program called Bison Buddies, enriching the knowledge and experience of young students ages 6 to 12. This allowed me to serve the community surrounding my university and positively impact their lives. In summary, my journey through mental health challenges, grief, and life experiences has shaped my goals, deepened my relationships, and broadened my understanding of the world. It has taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and the profound impact of helping others. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to train other students who rarely have the opportunity to learn advanced research methods and to be a great mentor to future mentees in my academic career. The Sloane Stephens Scholarship will allow me to develop my educational methodologies while learning new and invigorating ways to pay it forward to the next generation of Black scholars. As a research physician, I aspire to lead projects that advance medical knowledge and enhance patient care, leaving a lasting positive impact on the world.

My experience with mental health has profoundly shaped my perspective, nurturing a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others. This empathy drives my desire to pursue higher education and a career dedicated to helping others, particularly in healthcare. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, I began to withdraw from my friends and felt increasingly dissatisfied with life. Despite having everything some people dream about—a leadership position on the dance team, involvement in multiple school clubs, loving family and friends, and basic necessities—I couldn't shake the feeling of impending loss and dissatisfaction. When the pandemic forced us into isolation, I had to confront these feelings without distractions. It became clear that I was not okay and that I needed help. Initially, I was ignorant of the benefits of therapy and counseling, believing they were only for those with severe mental issues. However, I realized that everyone faces challenges, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Starting therapy in my junior year of high school four years ago has been transformative. I now have a better understanding of who I am, which has enabled me to regulate my emotions and live without the constant discontentment I once felt. My mother’s daily advice, "Be a leader, not a follower," has been a guiding force in my life, especially as I navigate my path in healthcare. The illnesses that have plagued my family, and the loss of my father, have fueled my determination to lead and make a positive impact in the healthcare community. My interest lies in the intersection of patient care and life expectancy, motivating me to pursue a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. This field offers interdisciplinary experience and competence in comparative treatment approaches, preparing me to contribute to research and improve patient outcomes. When my father passed away, I was diagnosed with severe depression and considered leaving school. The pain of continuing without his support was immense. However, I remembered the resilience he taught me and chose to persevere. I am committed to becoming a research physician, motivated by the need for research in patient care and life expectancy, and inspired by my father’s enduring influence. My goal is to pursue a career in dermatology, focusing on the unique needs of Black women and individuals with Autism. Through medical research, I aim to advance the field of medicine and improve the longevity and quality of life for patients. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to mentor other students who often lack access to advanced research opportunities. The Ethel Hayes Scholarship will support my educational journey and enable me to pay it forward to the next generation of Black scholars. In summary, my journey through mental health challenges has shaped my goals, deepened my relationships, and broadened my understanding of the world. It has taught me the importance of empathy, resilience, and the profound impact of helping others. As a research physician, I aspire to lead projects that advance medical knowledge and enhance patient care, leaving a lasting positive impact on the world.

My reason for pursuing higher education has evolved significantly over the past two years. What has remained constant is my desire to help others. To be truly helpful means to improve someone's life in one way or another, and my motivation stems from the despair I felt when I believed no one was genuinely helping my family. I am all too familiar with the early morning 50-minute drives to the doctor every day for three months. This routine was part of my existence as the daughter of a kidney failure patient and the sister of an autistic brother. It enraged me that despite these efforts—despite making that drive—lab results were often abnormal, illnesses diminished our quality of life, and all we could do was "wait" for the body to respond. It felt like no one cared about the people I loved the most. "Be a leader, not a follower," my mom would say every day before dropping us off at school. These powerful words have been like nail-studded prongs, propelling me to choose a path in healthcare. Sickness has plagued my family for a long time, and even before the passing of my father, I decided to be a leader by striving to make a positive change in the healthcare community. Although my introduction to healthcare was challenging, my interest lies in the intersection of patient care and life expectancy. My pursuit of a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science stems from my desire to gain interdisciplinary experience and theoretical and methodological competence in comparative treatment approaches. By learning from the vantage point of laboratory work, I will be better prepared to participate in interdisciplinary research, comparing laboratory results across disciplines and collaborating with other research physicians. Unfortunately, when my dad passed away, I found myself unmotivated and was diagnosed with severe depression. I took some time to reflect and I thought that it might be best for me to leave school altogether. It hurt me to think about continuing school and not having my dad in my corner. I learned while he was still here how to do hard things even when I don’t feel like it and I will continue to do the hard things to preserve and achieve my goal of becoming a research physician. I had aspirations of sharing my journey to provide healthcare with my dad watching, only to realize that it would never be a reality. I am still realizing that I will pursue a career in medicine because there are other patients who, like my dad, need the research done into patient care and life expectancy. No matter how difficult the journey to dermatology is, or the many unexpected curve balls life has to throw my way, I plan to make sure that the impact of my career will leave a shining impression as my father left on my life. My research and personal experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in medical research. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to train other students who rarely have the opportunity to learn advanced research methods and to be a great mentor to future mentees in my academic career. The Destiny McClain Scholarship will allow me to develop my educational methodologies while learning new and invigorating ways to pay it forward to the next generation of Black scholars. As a research physician, I plan to be not just a doctor but a leader who spearheads research projects that advance the field of medicine and improve the longevity and quality of life for patients.

My reason for pursuing higher education has evolved significantly over the past two years. What has remained constant is my desire to help others. To be truly helpful means to improve someone's life in one way or another, and my inspiration stems from the despair I felt when I believed no one was genuinely helping my family. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the early morning 50-minute drives to the doctor every day for three months. This routine was part of my existence as the daughter of a kidney failure patient and the sister of an autistic brother. It enraged me that despite these efforts—despite making that drive—lab results were often abnormal, illnesses diminished our quality of life, and all we could do was "wait" for the body to respond. It felt like no one cared about the people I loved the most. My journey into healthcare started with problem-solving that began during my sophomore year of high school when I became enamored with skincare. About a year later, my brother had an eczema outbreak associated with his Autism. I researched eczema and, using what I learned about skin, created a cream that soothed his hands and stopped the itching. Additionally, I developed a specialized hair oil to combat scalp issues, which I shared with others outside my family, receiving positive feedback. Now, two communities I love—Black women and people with Autism—have better skin care products because of my efforts. "Be a leader, not a follower," my mom would say every day before dropping us off at school. These powerful words have been like nail-studded prongs, propelling me to choose a path in healthcare. Sickness has plagued my family for a long time, and even before the passing of my father, I decided to be a leader by striving to make a positive change in the community. Although my introduction to healthcare was challenging, my interest lies in the intersection of patient care and life expectancy. My pursuit of a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science stems from my desire to gain interdisciplinary experience, theoretical, and methodological competence in comparative treatment approaches. By learning from the vantage point of laboratory work, I will be better prepared to participate in interdisciplinary research, comparing laboratory results across disciplines and collaborating with other research physicians. During my junior year, I took an array of clinical laboratory theory and methods courses, where I studied laboratory tests, their results, and how these results affect patient care and life expectancy. I also volunteered as a mentor in an afterschool program called Bison Buddies, enriching the knowledge and experience of young students ages 6 to 12. This allowed me to serve the community surrounding my university and positively impact their lives. My primary goal is to become a research physician. My research and personal experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in medical research. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to train other students who rarely have the opportunity to learn advanced research methods and to be a great mentor to future mentees in my academic career. The Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship will allow me to develop my educational methodologies while learning new and invigorating ways to pay it forward to the next generation of Black scholars. As a research physician, I plan to be not just a doctor but a leader who spearheads research projects that advance the field of medicine and improve the longevity and quality of life for patients.

My reasons for pursuing higher education have evolved significantly over the past two years. What has remained constant is my desire to help others. To be truly helpful means to improve someone's life in one way or another, and my motivation stems from the despair I felt when I believed no one was genuinely helping my family. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the early morning 50-minute drives to the doctor every day for three months. This routine was part of my existence as the daughter of a kidney failure patient and the sister of an autistic brother. It enraged me that despite these efforts—despite making that drive—lab results were often abnormal, illnesses diminished our quality of life, and all we could do was "wait" for the body to respond. It felt like no one cared about the people I loved the most. "Be a leader, not a follower," my mom would say every day before dropping us off at school. These powerful words have been like nail-studded prongs, propelling me to choose a path in healthcare. Sickness has plagued my family for a long time, and even before the passing of my father, I chose to be a leader by striving to make a positive change in the healthcare community. Although my introduction to healthcare was challenging, my interest lies at the intersection of patient care and life expectancy. My pursuit of a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science stems from my desire to gain interdisciplinary experience and theoretical and methodological competence in comparative treatment approaches. By learning from the vantage point of laboratory work, I will be better prepared to participate in interdisciplinary research, comparing laboratory results across disciplines and collaborating with other research physicians. During my junior year, I took an array of clinical laboratory theory and methods courses, where I studied laboratory tests, their results, and how these results affect patient care and life expectancy. I also volunteered as a mentor in an afterschool program called Bison Buddies, enriching the knowledge and experience of young students ages 6 to 12. This allowed me to serve the community surrounding my university and positively impact their lives. My primary goal is to become a research physician. My research and personal experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in medical research. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to train other students who rarely have the opportunity to learn advanced research methods and to be a great mentor to future mentees in my academic career. The Connie Konatsotis Scholarship will allow me to develop my educational methodologies while learning new and invigorating ways to pay it forward to the next generation of Black scholars. As a research physician, I plan to be not just a doctor but a leader who spearheads research projects that advance the field of medicine and improve the longevity and quality of life for patients.

My reason for pursuing higher education has evolved significantly over the past two years. What has remained constant is my desire to help others. To be truly helpful means to improve someone's life in one way or another, and my motivation stems from the despair I felt when I believed no one was genuinely helping my family. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the early morning 50-minute drives to the doctor every day for three months. This routine was part of my existence as the daughter of a kidney failure patient and the sister of an autistic brother. It enraged me that despite these efforts—despite making that drive—lab results were often abnormal, illnesses diminished our quality of life, and all we could do was "wait" for the body to respond. It felt like no one cared about the people I loved the most. "Be a leader, not a follower," my mom would say every day before dropping us off at school. These powerful words have been like nail-studded prongs, propelling me to choose a path in healthcare. Sickness has plagued my family for a long time, and even before the passing of my father, I chose to be a leader by striving to make a positive change in the healthcare community. Although my introduction to healthcare was challenging, my interest lies at the intersection of patient care and life expectancy. My pursuit of a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science stems from my desire to gain interdisciplinary experience and theoretical and methodological competence in comparative treatment approaches. By learning from the vantage point of laboratory work, I will be better prepared to participate in interdisciplinary research, comparing laboratory results across disciplines and collaborating with other research physicians. During my junior year, I took an array of clinical laboratory theory and methods courses, where I studied laboratory tests, their results, and how these results affect patient care and life expectancy. I also volunteered as a mentor in an afterschool program called Bison Buddies, enriching the knowledge and experience of young students ages 6 to 12. This allowed me to serve the community surrounding my university and positively impact their lives. My primary goal is to become a research physician. My research and personal experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in medical research. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to train other students who rarely have the opportunity to learn advanced research methods and to be a great mentor to future mentees in my academic career. The Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship will allow me to develop my educational methodologies while learning new and invigorating ways to pay it forward to the next generation of Black scholars. As a research physician, I plan to be not just a doctor but a leader who spearheads research projects that advance the field of medicine and improve the longevity and quality of life for patients.

Selflessness, to me, means recognizing a problem and being proactive to solve it rather than standing by. This drive is why I continue to pursue my dream career of practicing dermatology; I see a problem and I cannot be a bystander. I critically analyze the causes of issues and seek ways to change them. A quote that guides me is, “be the change you want to see.” During my junior year, I took an array of clinical laboratory theory and methods courses, where I studied laboratory tests, their results, and how these results affect patient care and life expectancy. This will allow me to start practicing professional patient care. My journey into selflessness and problem-solving began during my sophomore year of high school when I became enamored with skincare. About a year later, my brother had an eczema outbreak associated with his Autism. I researched eczema and, using what I learned about skin, created a cream that soothed his hands and stopped the itching. Additionally, I developed a specialized hair oil to combat scalp issues, which I shared with others outside my family, receiving positive feedback. Now, two communities I love—Black women and people with Autism—have better skin care products because of my efforts. As a leader, I helped design and coordinate service projects. My favorite project was organizing a food drive. I took responsibility for the logistics of collection and delivering the donations to a food bank. Every delivery was met with a line of families waiting to receive food, and the donations were passed out almost as fast as I could deliver them. This project was so successful that we collected over 1,000 cans within a few weeks. Reflecting on this experience, I realize how extraordinary it felt to help my community during hard times. Another significant experience was volunteering as a mentor in an afterschool program called Bison Buddies. I enriched the knowledge and experience of young students aged 6 to 12, dedicating time to serve the community surrounding my university and positively impacting their lives. These experiences have solidified my decision to become a dermatologist. I know there is work to be done in dermatology, and I am excited about all the ways I can help people as Dr. Cierra Ashley. My passion for helping others will drive me to achieve positive outcomes for my patients. The Michael Rudometkin Scholarship will enable me to pursue my dream career, further my education, and give more of myself to the community. It will allow me to research more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as a dermatologist who helps others love themselves.

My reason for pursuing higher education has evolved significantly over the past two years. What has remained constant is my desire to help others. To be truly helpful means to improve someone's life in one way or another, and my motivation stems from the despair I felt when I believed no one was genuinely helping my family. Unfortunately, I am all too familiar with the early morning 50-minute drives to the doctor every day for three months. This routine was part of my existence as the daughter of a kidney failure patient and the sister of an autistic brother. It enraged me that despite these efforts—despite making that drive—lab results were often abnormal, illnesses diminished our quality of life, and all we could do was "wait" for the body to respond. It felt like no one cared about the people I loved the most. "Be a leader, not a follower," my mom would say every day before dropping us off at school. These powerful words have been like nail-studded prongs, propelling me to choose a path in healthcare. Sickness has plagued my family for a long time, and even before the passing of my father, I chose to be a leader by striving to make a positive change in the healthcare community. Although my introduction to healthcare was challenging, my interest lies at the intersection of patient care and life expectancy. My pursuit of a degree in Clinical Laboratory Science stems from my desire to gain interdisciplinary experience and theoretical and methodological competence in comparative treatment approaches. By learning from the vantage point of laboratory work, I will be better prepared to participate in interdisciplinary research, comparing laboratory results across disciplines and collaborating with other research physicians. During my junior year, I took an array of clinical laboratory theory and methods courses, where I studied laboratory tests, their results, and how these results affect patient care and life expectancy. I also volunteered as a mentor in an afterschool program called Bison Buddies, enriching the knowledge and experience of young students ages 6 to 12. This allowed me to serve the community surrounding my university and positively impact their lives. My primary goal is to become a research physician. My research and personal experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in medical research. As a second-generation African-American student, I am eager to train other students who rarely have the opportunity to learn advanced research methods and to be a great mentor to future mentees in my academic career. The Destiny McClain Scholarship will allow me to develop my educational methodologies while learning new and invigorating ways to pay it forward to the next generation of Black scholars. As a research physician, I plan to be not just a doctor but a leader who spearheads research projects that advance the field of medicine and improve the longevity and quality of life for patients.

The division between low and high income families can be defined as the wealth gap. Addressing the wealth gap in America is a way to unify the nation because we cannot be unified if people are treated unfairly. According to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), “568,000 homeless in January 2019”, and the number has only continued to rise due to the recent strike of a global pandemic, COVID-19. With all the economic hardships and the uncertain times we are living in today, the nation can be unified and the economic gap can be closed with protocols to raise the federal minimum wage, make government assistance more accessible to families in need, and increase the funding of education. The federal minimum wage has been stagnant, but the cost of living has risen in America and the minimum wage should therefore rise to meet that cost of living. According to Brielle Bryan the federal minimum wage, “has been $7.25 for more than a decade”, and it is ludicrous of Congress not to change it when the cost of all essentials rises. I've been raising awareness in my school by starting these conversations with others about why we shouldn't accept these policies put in place. The federal minimum wage makes individuals and families more likely to depend on government assistance when the government should raise the minimum wage. This would narrow the wealth gap because families would be paid according to a federal law and not have to depend on government aid. Every state does not have the minimum wage set by the federal government, in fact twenty-six states have higher ones, this is because some states know that the cost of living cannot be accommodated with seven dollar an hour salaries. If Congress would step in and federally raise the minimum wage, there would be a change in the overall mood and thus uniting the nation to cease the wealth gap altogether. The government should assist more families in poverty with the use of money that the families should not be expected to pay back. With the current state of our country and world, the unemployment rate is at an all time high of 12 percent. It is the highest since the Great Depression. A lot more people are going to be needing government assistance due to businesses shutting down, schools remaining closed, and stay at home protocols. This is a cause for concern but the nation began to unify caring about the less fortunate. Similarly I have hosted food drives and sponsored children through Christmas Angel's Foundation to give back to these families in need through the clubs I am apart of. A bill was passed swiftly in early March of last year to help families receive a stimulus check of $1,200 and $500 for each of their children, but this doesn’t go to all families who are in need but the ones who are considered most vulnerable. This was a great act of Congress; however, with the current cost of living 1,200 is simply not enough not only that but people are going to have to pay taxes on that money this year. Money that these families don’t have because they are poor and will lead them to debt and owe back taxes. The nation was moved with a unifying cause that the less fortunate should be helped, but when these same people are being helped are crying out later this year, who will be there to hear them? It would be a great help to the less fortunate if the government gives them money and not tax it, instead of giving them money, then tax it in the future. By increasing the percent of money schools are sent by state governments and allowing the students of all incomes to have the same opportunities, inequalities between low and high income families can be eradicated. The rising costs of college tuition can be a hindering factor to the students of low income families. This rising cost of college tuition is directly related to the state governments, “decreased funding for higher education by about 20%”, (Giles). With state government funding going down the cost of college goes up to balance out the difference and this especially hurts these low income students because without the lower costs they can’t afford to go to college. Not only that but according to Eric Hanushek the, “achievement gap between upper and lower income families had not narrowed in 50 years”, this fact leads to a conclusion that the education system has problems that have not been properly addressed in over 50 years (qtd. in Price). This is systematic inopportunity because the students with more money are accessible to more opportunities that students without money simply do not have. To counter this, more money should be sent to educational institutions in general, but especially more to low-income neighborhoods. Directly I have volunteered as an ambassador to the AVID program talking to younger students and giving them information on how the AVID program focuses on getting students into college. Education can lead to more individuals from low-income neighborhoods to have good jobs that pay really well and help close that gap. “Economic disparities create other forms of inequality”, this can correlate directly to the amount of higher education on average someone who has a high income has versus a low income individual (Price). People who are low income usually don’t visit the doctor, dentist, or pediatrician as much as people who have a high income. They don’t usually have health insurance and that leads to people who are, ‘rich tend to live longer and healthier lives than the poor” (Price). With the ability of the government to change the variables that lead to a wider wealth gap, steps should be taken to prevent that from happening. Government aid given to people who need it most shouldn’t have to stress about paying it back if the government is, for the people.

I am a Seguin High School NHS (National Honors Society) officer, and every month all of the officers plan a community service opportunity for our 54 members for the following month. It was mid-November, the other officers and I were planning our community service opportunity for December. We were on a time crunch because there are only two weeks of school in December. However, we were effective in getting our community service project up by the week of Thanksgiving. Working with them was so inspiring because we got a lot accomplished in such a limited amount of time. Our club sponsor is a part of the Junior League, a national organization dedicated to giving back to the community. In collaboration with our sponsor, the other officers and I decided the NHS would decorate a Holiday Tree. All the decorations would be donated as items for the Junior League to auction off. The proceeds would help children, domestic violence, and victims of abuse in our community. Nothing quite gets high school students’ attention like a competition, so I decided to make decorating the trees a competition between Seguin organizations for a successful outcome. It was a phenomenal success to make the decorations into a competition because the other students had a competitive drive while doing good for the community. Most high school students are competitive but making that competitiveness a benefit to the community was the game changer. When Junior League auctions the Seguin theme items, NHS will also ask our community to purchase items to fund the Junior League’s various events that serve our community. I proposed the idea that instead of putting wrapped empty Christmas boxes underneath the tree, put boxes for food donations there. That meant we needed to host a food drive. It was on me to plan the food drive aspect of the Christmas Tree project. To ensure significant participation, I thought to not merely include the NHS but also other Seguin clubs in the food drive. All the proceeds went to families in need and were distributed by the Arlington Mission. This idea turned out to be an overwhelming success. I was driving the goods to the Mission Arlington; the workers there were passing out the goods. Each time, there was a line of about 50 families standing to receive food, and the goods were being passed out almost as fast as I could deliver them. My heart was repeatedly filled with joy as I witnessed the direct impact the food drive had on families in the community during each of my deliveries. I was so thankful to help those other families in need, especially during the holidays. With the encouragement from our club sponsor, Seguin's NHS was able to host two community service projects in one. One was a Junior League Tree decorating contest where the decorations were to be donated to the Junior League. The other was a canned food drive to benefit people going to receive food from the Arlington Mission. These two projects came together so perfectly that we effectively collected over 1,000 cans and had over 40 donatable Seguin theme items! The inclusion of the other clubs was necessary for the success I achieved by hosting the drive. With COVID restrictions, it was nice to host a fun competition while everyone stayed safely socially distanced. The NHS organization has a tangible community project that can be repeated every year, and all the other clubs that participated in a competition did something to benefit the community. This is an activity I can continue even while away at college.

A woman I admire is my cousin Celena who has made a significant impact in my life because through her, I developed my passion for dermatology. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career and was able to receive her Master’s in Nursing. To me, she was the living example of a minor setback for a major comeback. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about taking care of my skin by creating a skincare regimen. I had never been exposed to these types of products and was astounded at the results they had on my skin. I was so fascinated that when I got home, all I wanted to buy were things that would help improve my skin. About a year after I began getting involved with skincare, my brother had an eczema outbreak. I started researching eczema, then using what I learned about skin, I made a cream. This cream aided in soothing his hands and stopping the itching. I’ve also developed a specialized hair oil to combat dry scalp and dandruff.. This oil has helped my mom, my sister, and myself. While being at home for an extended self-discovery period (COVID), I started selling my hair oil to family and friends; they are now my customers and love my product! Through this generous scholarship, I will be able to pursue my dream career and further my education to give more of myself to my community. Unfortunately, she passed away. When I first found out about her passing, I was so shocked and heartbroken. I had this battle within myself and contemplated on whether to give up my dream or pursue dermatology because it hurt me to think about being a skin doctor and not have my cousin beside me. I was able to use grit to carry on in my studies and not give up. I had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and I am passionate about. I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to shine like the diamond I am. No matter how or where I start my journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact in my career will leave a shining impression like Celena has left on my life.

My cousin Celena has made a significant impact in my life because through her I developed my passion for dermatology. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career, which was to help others through nursing. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her masters. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about ways of taking care of my skin through the use of various products to create a skincare regimen. I was so fascinated that when I got home, all I wanted to buy were things that would help improve my skin. Thus, my passion for dermatology began to bloom. I also help my parents with my brother who has Autism and other related health conditions. One of the things I stepped up to do is find ways to make my brother feel more comfortable. My brother had an eczema outbreak about a year after I began researching and experimenting with skincare. Immediately, I started researching eczema, then using what I learned about skin, I made a cream. This cream really helped to soothe his hands and stop the itching. While there are some more things I would like to try making to heal my brother's hands completely, I'm proud of what I've done so far! That success gave me the confidence to create more skincare products. Later, I developed a specialized hair oil because I have a dry scalp and develop dandruff only a few days after washing my hair. This oil has helped my mom, my sister and me. While being at home for an extended self-discovery period (COVID), I realized others had the same scalp problem and I started selling my hair oil to family and friends. They are now my customers and love my product! Unfortunately, Celena has passed away. When I first found out about her passing, I was so shocked and heartbroken. I had this battle within myself and contemplated on whether to give up my dream or pursue dermatology because it hurt me to think about being a skin doctor and not have my cousin beside me. I turned away from those thoughts and had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and I am passionate about. I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to shine like the diamond I am. No matter how or where I start my journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact in my career will leave a shining impression as Celena has left on my life.

Through my cousin Celena, I developed my passion for dermatology. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career, which was to help others through nursing. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her master's. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about ways of taking care of my skin through the use of various products to create a skincare regimen. I was so fascinated that when I got home, all I wanted to buy were things that would help improve my skin. Unfortunately, when Celena passed away, I found myself in a dark place. I had this battle within myself and contemplated giving up my dream to pursue dermatology because it hurt me to think about being a doctor and not have my cousin with me. Eventually, I chose away from those thoughts and had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and am passionate about. I know now that following Celena’s example and pursuing what I love just like her has taught me some of the greatest lessons life has to offer. Diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to be a diamond and shine like her. No matter how or where I start my college journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact from my career will leave a shining impression as Celena’s impression has left on my life. Cierra Danielle Ashley

The story behind these photos is my final project for my English class. We were studying commercials and had to make one of our own, so I made a commercial featuring an unmade product that would make training your dogs easier, called ACER. ACER, advanced cognitive eye replacement, came about because Queen (the rottweiler) was having eye surgery so I took pictures of Ruby (the lab/boxer mix) and she acted in the video as the untrained dog. I remember being low on ideas and time so the best idea I had was to use my most willing participants, the doggies.

My primary goal is to pursue dermatology because I am intrigued by the skin and its function as an organ. Being a young woman in today’s society, I know how important it is to feel secure in the skin you have and how nerve-wracking it can be when the skin you have is not “picture perfect”. With my passion and love for helping others, I would love to help others feel confident in their skin. My interest in the healthcare industry stemmed from the insecurities I had with my skin. Whether it was hormonal acne, a rash, or a mosquito bite, it became a problem for me once it appeared on my skin. During my freshman year, I realized that skin is a health concern and not just a beauty concern. I learned about the different ways of taking care of my skin through several products that I had never heard of before. I was amazed by the results of these products that I shared with my friends. Dermatology is the branch of medicine that covers treatments for diseases of the skin and its subcutaneous layer. Dermatologists can recognize skin conditions and diseases, provide treatment for these diseases, and even provide botox procedures to boost patients’ confidence. My cousin, Celena, helped me feel more confident in my skin. As a Dermatologist, I want to help others feel confident too. A year after I began getting involved with skincare, my brother had an eczema outbreak. I started researching eczema. Using what I learned, I made a cream that helped soothe his hands and stop the itching. I also developed a specialized hair oil because I have a dry scalp and develop dandruff only a few days after washing my hair. While being stuck at home due to COVID, I started selling it to family and friends who loved my product. African Americans who were unaware of the sun’s risk have started to notice strange things happening to their skin. A common misconception by African Americans is that they cannot get skin cancer through sun exposure. We may be less likely to get melanoma, but there is still a chance. Being susceptible to melanoma alone should be a sign to be more cautious under the sun and should wear sun protection. As a dermatologist, I want to get rid of this misconception in the Black Community. It will take many years of extensive schooling, practice, and licensing exams to become a fully certified Dermatologist. Receiving this scholarship award would not be an easy feat and is something that I will not take lightly. I have a long way to go in terms of financing my education, about $516,376 for undergrad and medical school combined. This scholarship will give me access to the foundational education I need to continue making a difference in lives by developing more advanced natural skincare remedies and launching large-scale community skincare campaigns. Cierra Danielle Ashley

The division between low and high income families can be defined as the wealth gap. Addressing the wealth gap in America can be a way to unify the nation. According to the Housing and Urban Development (HUD), “568,000 homeless in January 2019”, and the number has only continued to rise due to the recent strike of a global pandemic, COVID-19. With all these economic hardships and the uncertain times we are living in today, the nation can be unified and the economic gap can be closed with protocols to raise the federal minimum wage, make government assistance more accessible to families in need, and increase the funding of education. The federal minimum wage has been stagnant, but the cost of living has risen in America and the minimum wage should therefore rise to meet that cost of living. According to Brielle Bryan the federal minimum wage, “has been $7.25 for more than a decade”, and it is lazy of the Congress not to change the wage when the cost of all essentials rises. This makes individuals and families more likely to depend on government assistance when the government should federally raise the minimum wage. I have seen first hand how much families rely on hand outs because I volunteered at the Mission; it's not like these people willingly want to rely on someone else to sustain their lives. Every state does not have the minimum wage set by the federal government, in fact twenty-six states have higher ones, this is because some states know that the cost of living cannot be accommodated with seven dollar an hour salaries. If Congress would step in and federally raise the minimum wage it would give America a much needed face lift, because the overall morale of the everyday citizen would be increased. The government should assist more families in poverty with the use of money that the families should not be expected to pay back. With the current state of our country and world, the unemployment rate is at an all time high of 12 percent. It is the highest since the Great Depression. A lot more people are going to be needing government assistance due to businesses staying closed, schools remaining closed, and stay at home protocols. This is a cause for concern but the nation began to unify caring about the less fortunate. A bill was passed swiftly in early March to help families receive a stimulus check of $1,200 and $500 for each of their children, but this doesn’t go to all families who are in need but the ones who are considered most vulnerable. This was a great act of Congress; however, with the current cost of living $1,200 is simply not enough not only that but people are going to have to pay taxes on that money this year. Money that these families don’t have because they are poor and will lead them to debt and owe back taxes. The nation was moved with a unifying cause that the less fortunate should be helped, but when these same people are being helped are crying out in April, who will be there to hear them? It would be a great help to the less fortunate if the government gives them money and not tax it, instead of giving them money, then tax it in the future. As a student who is going into college soon this process quite similarly mirrors the way students loans are, recent graduates (less fortunate) struggle to find a job (financial hardship) but have accumulated and are expected to pay back over $100,000 in debt (government assistance). By increasing the percent of money schools are sent by state governments and allowing the students of all incomes to have the same opportunities, inequalities between low and high income families can be eradicated. This rising cost of college tuition is directly related to the state governments, “decreased funding for higher education by about 20%.” With state government funding going down the cost of college goes up to balance out the difference and this especially hurts these low income students because without the lower costs they can’t afford to go to college. Not only that but according to Eric Hanushek the, “achievement gap between upper and lower income families had not narrowed in 50 years”, this fact leads to a conclusion that the education system has problems that have not been properly addressed in over 50 years. This is systematic inopportunity because the students with more money are accessible to more opportunities that students without money simply do not have. To counter this, more money should be sent to educational institutions in general, but especially more to low-income neighborhoods. Education can lead to more individuals from low-income neighborhoods to have good jobs that pay really well and help close that gap. In conclusion, this research project helped me to become aware of these economic gaps that create other forms of inequality. This can correlate to the amount of higher education on average to a high-income individual versus a low-income individual. People who are from low-income families usually do not visit the doctor, dentist, or pediatrician as much as people who have high incomes do. They do not usually have health insurance as well, which leads to the rich people living longer and healthier than them. With the ability of the government to change the variables that lead to a wider wealth gap, steps should be taken to prevent that from happening. Government aid given to people who need it most should not have to stress about paying it back if the government is “for the people”. In this way the United States of America can stay united and be a united nation under God. Knowing this I can bring awareness to those around me, especially my senior friends because when we are in college we have the opportunity to change this system for those coming up behind us. Cierra Danielle Ashley

My interest in the healthcare industry stemmed from the insecurities I had with my skin. Whether it was hormonal acne, a rash, a wart, or just a mosquito bite, it became a problem for me once it appeared on my skin. During my freshman year, I realized that skin is a health concern and not just a beauty concern. I learned about the different ways of taking care of my skin through several products that I had never heard before. I was astounded at the results of these products that I shared with my friends. That's how my love affair with dermatology began. I know there is an emotional side to practicing dermatology. Going to school as a Clinical Laboratory Science major would allow me to bridge a gap between being a doctor who does not have patient care skills and being a doctor who makes patients feel welcomed and comfortable. Some people feel nervous when coming to the doctor for consultation. I can learn to recognize patients' anxieties and try to soothe them while improving their skin to help them be more confident. I want to help people across all generations to fall in love with their skin, the way I am with mine. Baby boomers and African Americans who were unaware of the sun's risk have started to notice strange things happening to their skin. The number of skin cancer diagnoses in people over 65 and corresponding biopsies and treatment is increasing. A common misconception by African Americans is that they cannot get skin cancer through sun exposure. We may be less likely to get melanoma, but there is still a chance. Being susceptible to melanoma alone should be a sign to be more cautious under the sun and should wear sun protection. As a dermatologist, I want to get rid of this misconception in the Black Community. College and medical school offer a unique setting for me to research and develop strategies to bring more awareness to Black skincare issues. The excellent pre-med and medical programs at Howard within this college are well-suited to help me pursue a career in dermatology. I will be a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician by the end of my senior year. I hope to secure a job at the University Hospital to practice my patient care skills to underrepresented patients by improving my communication and patient care techniques. The experience I can gain from working at the hospital will allow me to be a leading Health Care Provider to provide high-quality health care better. The Clinical Laboratory Science Major would build upon the skills I have and add to my experiences of taking courses to become a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician. It will take many years of extensive schooling, practice, and licensing exams to become a fully certified Dermatologist. Receiving this scholarship award would not be an easy feat and is something that I will not take lightly. I have a long way to go in terms of financing my education, a rough estimate of about $516,376 for undergrad and medical school combined. This scholarship will give me access to the foundational education I need to continue making a difference in lives by developing more advanced natural skincare remedies and launching large-scale community skincare campaigns. Howard University is my top choice because of the values that they instill in their students, their quality of education, and their MD/Ph.D. programs. In 2019, Howard was the country's top school to produce African American graduates who pursue medicine, making them the best choice for my career aspirations. The Clinical Laboratory Science program will benefit my future because I can learn more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. I believe this college at Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as the dermatologist who wanted to help them love themselves. Cierra Danielle Ashley

My interest in the healthcare industry stemmed from the insecurities I had with my skin. Whether it was hormonal acne, a rash, a wart, or just a mosquito bite, it became a problem for me once it appeared on my skin. During my freshman year, I realized that skin is a health concern and not just a beauty concern. I learned about the different ways of taking care of my skin through several products that I had never heard before. I was astounded at the results of these products that I shared with my friends. That's how my love affair with dermatology began. I know there is an emotional side to practicing dermatology. Going to school would allow me to bridge a gap between being a doctor who does not have patient care skills and being a doctor who makes patients feel welcomed and comfortable. Some people feel nervous when coming to the doctor for consultation. I can learn to recognize patients' anxieties and try to soothe them while improving their skin to help them be more confident. I want to help people across all generations to fall in love with their skin, the way I am with mine. Baby boomers and African Americans who were unaware of the sun's risk have started to notice strange things happening to their skin. The number of skin cancer diagnoses in people over 65 and corresponding biopsies and treatment is increasing. A common misconception by African Americans is that they cannot get skin cancer through sun exposure. We may be less likely to get melanoma, but there is still a chance. Being susceptible to melanoma alone should be a sign to be more cautious under the sun and should wear sun protection. As a dermatologist, I want to get rid of this misconception in the Black Community. College and medical school offer a unique setting for me to research and develop strategies to bring more awareness to Black skincare issues. The excellent pre-med and medical programs at Howard within this college are well-suited to help me pursue a career in dermatology. I will be a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician by the end of my senior year. I hope to secure a job at the University Hospital to practice my patient care skills to underrepresented patients by improving my communication and patient care techniques. The experience I can gain from working at the hospital will allow me to be a leading Health Care Provider to provide high-quality health care better. The Clinical Laboratory Science Major would build upon the skills I have and add to my experiences of taking courses to become a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician. Howard University is my top choice because of the values that they instill in their students, their quality of education, and their MD/Ph.D. programs. In 2019, Howard was the country's top school to produce African American graduates who pursue medicine, making them the best choice for my career aspirations. The Clinical Laboratory Science program will benefit my future because I can learn more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. I believe this college at Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as the dermatologist who wanted to help them love themselves.

My cousin Celena has made a significant impact in my life because through her, I developed my passion for hair, skin, and nails. She taught me about taking care of my skin by creating a skincare regimen. I was so fascinated that now, all I want to buy are things that will help improve my skin. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career. I was inspired by her determination and drive to never give up and seeing her dreams all the way through. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her masters. My primary goal for school is to pursue dermatology because I am intrigued by the skin and it’s function as an organ. Being a young woman in today’s society I know how important it is to feel secure in the skin you have, and how nerve wrecking it can be when the skin you have is not “picture perfect”. With my passion and love for helping others, I would adore helping others feel confident in their skin. Unfortunately, for some that starts on the outside and works its way in. As a Dermatologist, I would be proud to be able to help with those kinds of problems. My favorite community service experience was when I adopted a child for Christmas through the Christmas Angel Foundation. Christmas is an exciting and wonderful time for every child because they have school off and they get a visit from Santa Claus. At first, I did not understand that parents who do not have a job mean their children do not get many gifts. Later, I realized that I do not want any children to feel disappointed, or for any parents to feel down because they cannot buy any gift for their child. This was why buying gifts for my angel was very important to me. This experience increased my love of being of service to others. I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to be a diamond and shine like her. No matter how or where I start my college journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact from my career will leave a shining impression like Celena’s impression has left on my life. Through this scholarship I will be able to pursue my dream career and further my education by giving more of myself to the community. The Future Black Leaders program will benefit my future because I can learn more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. I believe at Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as the dermatologist who wanted to help others love themselves. Cierra Danielle Ashley

My cousin Celena has made a significant impact in my life because through her, I developed my passion for hair, skin, and nails. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career. I was inspired by her determination and drive to never give up and seeing her dreams all the way through. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her master's. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about taking care of my skin by creating a skincare regimen with products like facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, facemasks, botanical essences, and even facial scrubs. I had never been exposed to these types of products and was astounded at the results they had on my skin. About a year after I began getting involved with skincare, my brother had an eczema outbreak. I started researching eczema, then using what I learned about skin, I made a cream. This cream really helped to soothe his hands and stop the itching. While there are some more things I would like to try making to heal my brother's hands completely, I'm proud of what I've done so far! I also developed a specialized hair oil because I have a dry scalp and develop dandruff only a few days after washing my hair. This oil has helped my mom, my sister, and me. While being at home for an extended self-discovery period (COVID), I started selling my hair oil to family and friends; they are now my customers and love my product! Unfortunately, when Celena passed away, I found myself in a dark place. I had aspirations of sharing my journey to becoming a dermatologist and providing healthcare beside her, only to realize that it would never be a reality. It hurt me the most to think about the future I had planned and the things we would accomplish together such as running a family clinic together, but it would never come to pass. Eventually, I chose away from those thoughts and had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and am passionate about. I know now that following Celena’s example and pursuing what I love just like her has taught me some of the greatest lessons life has to offer. Knowing these things for myself will always give me comfort. . I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to be a diamond and shine like her. No matter how or where I start my college journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact from my career will leave a shining impression as Celena’s impression has left on my life.

My interest in the healthcare industry stemmed from the insecurities I had with my skin. Whether it was hormonal acne, a rash, a wart, or just a mosquito bite, it became a problem for me once it appeared on my skin. During my freshman year, I realized that skin is a health concern and not just a beauty concern. I learned about the different ways of taking care of my skin through several products that I had never heard before. I was astounded at the results of these products that I shared with my friends. That's how my love affair with dermatology began. I know there is an emotional side to practicing dermatology. Going to school would allow me to bridge a gap between being a doctor who does not have patient care skills and being a doctor who makes patients feel welcomed and comfortable. Some people feel nervous when coming to the doctor for consultation. I can learn to recognize patients' anxieties and try to soothe them while improving their skin to help them be more confident. I want to help people across all generations to fall in love with their skin, the way I am with mine. Baby boomers and African Americans who were unaware of the sun's risk have started to notice strange things happening to their skin. The number of skin cancer diagnoses in people over 65 and corresponding biopsies and treatment is increasing. A common misconception by African Americans is that they cannot get skin cancer through sun exposure. We may be less likely to get melanoma, but there is still a chance. Being susceptible to melanoma alone should be a sign to be more cautious under the sun and should wear sun protection. As a dermatologist, I want to get rid of this misconception in the Black Community. College and medical school offer a unique setting for me to research and develop strategies to bring more awareness to Black skincare issues. The excellent pre-med and medical programs at Howard within this college are well-suited to help me pursue a career in dermatology. I will be a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician by the end of my senior year. I hope to secure a job at the University Hospital to practice my patient care skills to underrepresented patients by improving my communication and patient care techniques. The experience I can gain from working at the hospital will allow me to be a leading Health Care Provider to provide high-quality health care better. The Clinical Laboratory Science Major would build upon the skills I have and add to my experiences of taking courses to become a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician. Howard University is my top choice because of the values that they instill in their students, their quality of education, and their MD/Ph.D. programs. In 2019, Howard was the country's top school to produce graduates who pursue medicine, making them the best choice for my career aspirations. The Clinical Laboratory Science program will benefit my future because I can learn more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. I believe this college at Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as the dermatologist who wanted to help them love themselves.

My cousin Celena has made a significant impact in my life because through her, I developed my passion for hair, skin, and nails. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career. I was inspired by her determination and drive to never give up and seeing her dreams all the way through. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her masters. For me, she was the living example of a minor setback for a major comeback. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about taking care of my skin by creating a skincare regimen with products like facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, facemasks, botanical essences, and even facial scrubs. I had never been exposed to these types of products and was astounded at the results they had on my skin. I was so fascinated that when I got home, all I wanted to buy were things that would help improve my skin. About a year after I began getting involved with skincare, my brother had an eczema outbreak. I started researching eczema, then using what I learned about skin, I made a cream. This cream really helped to soothe his hands and stop the itching. While there are some more things I would like to try making to heal my brother's hands completely, I'm proud of what I've done so far! I also developed a specialized hair oil because I have a dry scalp and develop dandruff only a few days after washing my hair. This oil has helped my mom, my sister and me. While being at home for an extended self-discovery period (COVID), I started selling my hair oil to family and friends; they are now my customers and love my product! Unfortunately, when Celena passed away, I found myself in a dark place. I had this battle within myself and contemplated on whether to give up my dream or pursue dermatology because it hurt me to think about being a skin doctor and not have my cousin beside me. I had aspirations of sharing my journey to becoming a dermatologist and providing healthcare beside her, only to realize that it would never be a reality. It hurt me the most to think about the future I had planned and the things we would accomplish together such as running a family clinic together, but it would never come to pass. Eventually, I chose away from those thoughts and had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and am passionate about. I know now that following Celena’s example and pursuing what I love just like her has taught me some of the greatest lessons life has to offer. Knowing these things for myself will always give me comfort. Also, I can always be reassured in knowing that Celena inspired my career choice and was part of the beginning stages of me developing my passion. I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to be a diamond and shine like her. No matter how or where I start my college journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact from my career will leave a shining impression like Celena’s impression has left on my life.

My interest in the healthcare industry stemmed from the insecurities I had with my skin. Whether it was hormonal acne, a rash, a wart, or just a mosquito bite, it became a problem for me once it appeared on my skin. During my freshman year, I realized that skin is a health concern and not just a beauty concern. I learned about the different ways of taking care of my skin through several products that I had never heard before. I was astounded at the results of these products that I shared with my friends. That's how my love affair with dermatology began. I know there is an emotional side to practicing dermatology. Going to school would allow me to bridge a gap between being a doctor who does not have patient care skills and being a doctor who makes patients feel welcomed and comfortable. Some people feel nervous when coming to the doctor for consultation. I can learn to recognize patients' anxieties and try to soothe them while improving their skin to help them be more confident. I want to help people across all generations to fall in love with their skin, the way I am with mine. Baby boomers and African Americans who were unaware of the sun's risk have started to notice strange things happening to their skin. The number of skin cancer diagnoses in people over 65 and corresponding biopsies and treatment is increasing. A common misconception by African Americans is that they cannot get skin cancer through sun exposure. We may be less likely to get melanoma, but there is still a chance. Being susceptible to melanoma alone should be a sign to be more cautious under the sun and should wear sun protection. As a dermatologist, I want to get rid of this misconception in the Black Community. College and medical school offer a unique setting for me to research and develop strategies to bring more awareness to Black skincare issues. The excellent pre-med and medical programs at Howard within this college are well-suited to help me pursue a career in dermatology. I will be a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician by the end of my senior year. I hope to secure a job at the University Hospital to practice my patient care skills to underrepresented patients by improving my communication and patient care techniques. The experience I can gain from working at the hospital will allow me to be a leading Health Care Provider to provide high-quality health care better. The Clinical Laboratory Science Major would build upon the skills I have and add to my experiences of taking courses to become a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician. Howard University is my top choice because of the values that they instill in their students, their quality of education, and their MD/Ph.D. programs. In 2019, Howard was the country's top school to produce graduates who pursue medicine, making them the best choice for my career aspirations. The Clinical Laboratory Science program will benefit my future because I can learn more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. I believe this college at Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as the dermatologist who wanted to help them love themselves. Cierra Danielle Ashley

My cousin Celena has made a significant impact in my life because through her, I developed my passion for hair, skin, and nails. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career. I was inspired by her determination and drive to never give up and seeing her dreams all the way through. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her masters. For me, she was the living example of a minor setback for a major comeback. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about taking care of my skin by creating a skincare regimen with products like facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, facemasks, botanical essences, and even facial scrubs. I had never been exposed to these types of products and was astounded at the results they had on my skin. I was so fascinated that when I got home, all I wanted to buy were things that would help improve my skin. About a year after I began getting involved with skincare, my brother had an eczema outbreak. I started researching eczema, then using what I learned about skin, I made a cream. This cream really helped to soothe his hands and stop the itching. While there are some more things I would like to try making to heal my brother's hands completely, I'm proud of what I've done so far! I also developed a specialized hair oil because I have a dry scalp and develop dandruff only a few days after washing my hair. This oil has helped my mom, my sister and me. While being at home for an extended self-discovery period (COVID), I started selling my hair oil to family and friends; they are now my customers and love my product! Unfortunately, when Celena passed away, I found myself in a dark place. I had this battle within myself and contemplated on whether to give up my dream or pursue dermatology because it hurt me to think about being a skin doctor and not have my cousin beside me. I had aspirations of sharing my journey to becoming a dermatologist and providing healthcare beside her, only to realize that it would never be a reality. It hurt me the most to think about the future I had planned and the things we would accomplish together such as running a family clinic together, but it would never come to pass. Eventually, I chose away from those thoughts and had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and am passionate about. I know now that following Celena’s example and pursuing what I love just like her has taught me some of the greatest lessons life has to offer. Knowing these things for myself will always give me comfort. Also, I can always be reassured in knowing that Celena inspired my career choice and was part of the beginning stages of me developing my passion. I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to be a diamond and shine like her. No matter how or where I start my college journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact from my career will leave a shining impression like Celena’s impression has left on my life.

My interest in the healthcare industry stemmed from the insecurities I had with my skin. Whether it was hormonal acne, a rash, a wart, or just a mosquito bite, it became a problem for me once it appeared on my skin. During my freshman year, I realized that skin is a health concern and not just a beauty concern. I learned about the different ways of taking care of my skin through several products that I had never heard before. I was astounded at the results of these products that I shared with my friends. That's how my love affair with dermatology began. I know there is an emotional side to practicing dermatology. Going to school would allow me to bridge a gap between being a doctor who does not have patient care skills and being a doctor who makes patients feel welcomed and comfortable. Some people feel nervous when coming to the doctor for consultation. I can learn to recognize patients' anxieties and try to soothe them while improving their skin to help them be more confident. I want to help people across all generations to fall in love with their skin, the way I am with mine. Baby boomers and African Americans who were unaware of the sun's risk have started to notice strange things happening to their skin. A common misconception by African Americans is that they cannot get skin cancer through sun exposure. We may be less likely to get melanoma, but there is still a chance. As a dermatologist, I want to get rid of this misconception in the Black Community. College and medical school offer a unique setting for me to research and develop strategies to bring more awareness to Black skincare issues. I will be a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician by the end of my senior year. I hope to secure a job at the University Hospital to practice my patient care skills to underrepresented patients by improving my communication and patient care techniques. The experience I can gain from working at the hospital will allow me to be a leading Health Care Provider to provide high-quality health care better. The Clinical Laboratory Science Major would build upon the skills I have and add to my experiences of taking courses to become a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician. Howard University is my top choice because of the values that they instill in their students, their quality of education, and their MD/Ph.D. programs. In 2019, Howard was the country's top school to produce graduates who pursue medicine, making them the best choice for my career aspirations. The Clinical Laboratory Science program will benefit my future because I can learn more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. I believe this college at Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as the dermatologist who wanted to help them love themselves.

My interest in the healthcare industry stemmed from the insecurities I had with my skin. Whether it was hormonal acne, a rash, a wart, or just a mosquito bite, it became a problem for me once it appeared on my skin. During my freshman year, I realized that skin is a health concern and not just a beauty concern. I learned about the different ways of taking care of my skin through several products that I had never heard before. I was astounded at the results of these products that I shared with my friends. That's how my love affair with dermatology began. I know there is an emotional side to practicing dermatology. Going to school would allow me to bridge a gap between being a doctor who does not have patient care skills and being a doctor who makes patients feel welcomed and comfortable. Some people feel nervous when coming to the doctor for consultation. I can learn to recognize patients' anxieties and try to soothe them while improving their skin to help them be more confident. I want to help people across all generations to fall in love with their skin, the way I am with mine. A common misconception by African Americans is that they cannot get skin cancer through sun exposure. We may be less likely to get melanoma, but there is still a chance. Being susceptible to melanoma alone should be a sign to be more cautious under the sun and should wear sun protection. As a dermatologist, I want to get rid of this misconception in the Black Community. College and medical school offer a unique setting for me to research and develop strategies to bring more awareness to Black skincare issues. I will be a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician by the end of my senior year. I hope to secure a job at the University Hospital to practice my patient care skills to underrepresented patients by improving my communication and patient care techniques. The experience I can gain from working at the hospital will allow me to be a leading Health Care Provider to provide high-quality health care better. The Clinical Laboratory Science Major would build upon the skills I have and add to my experiences of taking courses to become a certified Phlebotomist and EKG Technician. Howard University is my top choice because of the values that they instill in their students, their quality of education, and their MD/Ph.D. programs. In 2019, Howard was the country's top school to produce graduates who pursue medicine, making them the best choice for my career aspirations. The Clinical Laboratory Science program will benefit my future because I can learn more about the internal body composition that affects patients' hair, skin, and nails. I believe this college at Howard University is the perfect place for me to begin building my legacy as the dermatologist who wanted to help them love themselves.

My cousin Celena has made a significant impact in my life because through her, I developed my passion for hair, skin, and nails. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career. I was inspired by her determination and drive to never give up and seeing her dreams all the way through. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her masters. For me, she was the living example of a minor setback for a major comeback. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about taking care of my skin by creating a skincare regimen with products like facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, facemasks, botanical essences, and even facial scrubs. I had never been exposed to these types of products and was astounded at the results they had on my skin. I was so fascinated that when I got home, all I wanted to buy were things that would help improve my skin. About a year after I began getting involved with skincare, my brother had an eczema outbreak. I started researching eczema, then using what I learned about skin, I made a cream. This cream really helped to soothe his hands and stop the itching. While there are some more things I would like to try making to heal my brother's hands completely, I'm proud of what I've done so far! I also developed a specialized hair oil because I have a dry scalp and develop dandruff only a few days after washing my hair. This oil has helped my mom, my sister and me. While being at home for an extended self-discovery period (COVID), I started selling my hair oil to family and friends; they are now my customers and love my product! Unfortunately, when Celena passed away, I found myself in a dark place. I had this battle within myself and contemplated on whether to give up my dream or pursue dermatology because it hurt me to think about being a skin doctor and not have my cousin beside me. I had aspirations of sharing my journey to becoming a dermatologist and providing healthcare beside her, only to realize that it would never be a reality. It hurt me the most to think about the future I had planned and the things we would accomplish together such as running a family clinic together, but it would never come to pass. Eventually, I chose away from those thoughts and had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and am passionate about. I know now that following Celena’s example and pursuing what I love just like her has taught me some of the greatest lessons life has to offer. Knowing these things for myself will always give me comfort. Also, I can always be reassured in knowing that Celena inspired my career choice and was part of the beginning stages of me developing my passion. I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to be a diamond and shine like her. No matter how or where I start my college journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact from my career will leave a shining impression like Celena’s impression has left on my life.

My cousin Celena has made a significant impact in my life because through her, I developed my passion for hair, skin, and nails. She also showed me by example that it is never too late to give up on your dreams. She stopped going to school to be a nurse for over 10 years but eventually found her way back to her dream career. I was inspired by her determination and drive to never give up and seeing her dreams all the way through. Celena went back to school, finished, and even got her masters. For me, she was the living example of a minor setback for a major comeback. The summer before my freshman year of high school, I went over to her place for a few days. She taught me about taking care of my skin by creating a skincare regimen with products like facial cleansers, moisturizers, toners, facemasks, botanical essences, and even facial scrubs. I had never been exposed to these types of products and was astounded at the results they had on my skin. I was so fascinated that when I got home, all I wanted to buy were things that would help improve my skin. About a year after I began getting involved with skincare, my brother had an eczema outbreak. I started researching eczema, then using what I learned about skin, I made a cream. This cream really helped to soothe his hands and stop the itching. While there are some more things I would like to try making to heal my brother's hands completely, I'm proud of what I've done so far! I also developed a specialized hair oil because I have a dry scalp and develop dandruff only a few days after washing my hair. This oil has helped my mom, my sister and me. While being at home for an extended self-discovery period (COVID), I started selling my hair oil to family and friends; they are now my customers and love my product! Unfortunately, when Celena passed away, I found myself in a dark place. I had this battle within myself and contemplated on whether to give up my dream or pursue dermatology because it hurt me to think about being a skin doctor and not have my cousin beside me. I had aspirations of sharing my journey to becoming a dermatologist and providing healthcare beside her, only to realize that it would never be a reality. It hurt me the most to think about the future I had planned and the things we would accomplish together such as running a family clinic together, but it would never come to pass. Eventually, I chose away from those thoughts and had an epiphany that I want to pursue a career in dermatology because it is what I love and am passionate about. I know now that following Celena’s example and pursuing what I love just like her has taught me some of the greatest lessons life has to offer. Knowing these things for myself will always give me comfort. Also, I can always be reassured in knowing that Celena inspired my career choice and was part of the beginning stages of me developing my passion. I know that diamonds are made to withstand the pressure of everyday life, and Celena taught me to be a diamond and shine like her. No matter how or where I start my college journey in dermatology, I plan to make sure that the impact from my career will leave a shining impression like Celena’s impression has left on my life.