Dear Robert & Sharon Lee Memorial Scholarship Committee, I, as a young African American woman motivated to make significant contributions to the healthcare profession, have and continue to face pain and push back because of the color of my skin. Graduating high school with an impressive 3.9 GPA, my academic journey does not end here. Armed with unwavering determination, I aspire to leverage my educational pursuits in medicine and public health to better the lives of African-Americans across the nation. Being a black woman means I can see the racial disparities that exist within healthcare. I have witnessed gender disparity in medical careers and leadership. And these imbalances have inspired my passion for healthcare, motivating me to integrate fairness and compassion in treatment, representation, and opportunity. My academic focus spans across various fields of study - from Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), to nursing, nursing assistant, public health, and medicine - all united by their congruence to the healthcare arena. I am impassioned by health and the delicate working mechanisms of the human body. But, though we seem equal, I understand the other differences in our bodies. How African Americans have different statistics and health risks that have been overlooked for centuries. There are studies on the racial and ethnic disparities in health stating that some physicians’ unconscious bias had led to recommending more aggressive treatments for chest pain for a white patient compared to one who is black. Others show how African-American adults with prostate, breast or lung cancer are much less likely to survive than white adults. The disparities run deep; there is an intricate balance between science and compassion that is severely needed in healthcare for African Americans. And it is something I am eager to tackle. In this evolving world, public health is another critical area that captivates my interest. A significant contribution to the ailments of African-Americans is that of their environment. Studies found that White Americans living in areas of high poverty rates and single-parent households are still in better circumstances than those of an average black person. As we grapple with the end results of the pandemic, the need for proficient, dedicated, and compassionate healthcare professionals for African Americans is more pivotal than ever. By majoring in public health, I intend to understand the significant role of preventive healthcare in our black society and learn how to develop strategies that would help improve the overall health of my community. As an aspiring healthcare professional, I am consciously aware of the pivotal role that education plays in accomplishing my career goals. Still, the financial implications of attending a reputed institution like the University of Missouri-Kansas can be daunting. The Robert & Sharon Lee Memorial Scholarship Fund would significantly alleviate the financial burden and enable me to concentrate fully on my academic pursuits without worrying about the monumental tuition fees. I am confident that with my passion, determination, and academic excellence, I am a strong candidate for the Robert & Sharon Lee Memorial Scholarship that supports and encourages African American students who intend to make a difference in the treatment of our skin. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to make significant contributions to the healthcare sector and uphold the legacy of Robert & Sharon Lee that encapsulates care, compassion, and commitment. Yours Truly, Cheyanne Robinson