The population of Black Physician Assistant graduates has decreased from 7% to 3.1% between 1995 and 2020, according to (healthworkforceta.org). This is a significant underrepresentation, considering that Black and Hispanic Americans are the largest minority groups in the country. My ambition to pursue a career in Medicine is because of the low percentage of Black Physician Assistants. I distinctly remember expecting to see my dermatologist at my appointment, when waiting, a Beautiful Black Physician Assistant entered the room. My jaw dropped, leaving me speechless. I couldn't believe it. At that moment my future changed. I immediately felt secure, comfortable, and understood with her. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be in her shoes. Since the percentage has dropped significantly low for Black Physicians Assistants, I often wonder if I would even be able to achieve my future career goals because of my skin color. A large factor of this low percentage is the lack of exposure to Black Physician Assistants. As many Black students, like me, grew up with less role models in the healthcare industry. Which makes it very difficult for us to envision ourselves in this profession. Another big factor is historical barriers for Black Physician Assistants. For many years, Black students like me have limited access from education to professional opportunities, due to systemic racism. Many Black students struggle with implicit biases during the process of applying to Physician Assistant programs. Which can lead to Black students not being able to be accepted. These despicable biases include assumptions, stereotypes, or preparatory resources. Many Black students experience financial barriers. Undergraduate and Masters Healthcare degrees are very expensive. For majority college students, student loan debt is a frequent issue, especially those who are pursuing a healthcare career. $116,773 is the average student loan debt for Physician Assistant Students. Sadly, many finance restrains experiences and opportunities for inspiring Black Physician Assistants, like me. In conclusion, there are plenty of factors that contribute in Black students being able to succeed in their career dreams in the healthcare industry. In order for me and other Black students to succeed in this healthcare profession, this industry needs to change. This industry needs diversity in order for Black students to benefit from perspectives and experiences. One day, I hope to make a difference in the healthcare industry to be able to inspire others and of course, add value to that 3.1% in Black Physician Assistants.

Growing up with a single Mother with low income has put a barrier on my family, mental health, and education. Watching my Mother raise my sister and I, has shown and taught me multiple lessons. Whether the lessons are about having determination or washing the dishes, they have always been valuable lessons.This essay explains how much the role model of my mother has shaped me into furthering my education. I've always struggled throughout my years of school. I constantly compare myself to my peers because I could never grasp any information that I was learning as fast as they could. I constantly needed a tutor that we simply could not afford. I distinctly remember a time when I had math homework that I was working on for many hours. As time went by, my anxiety took over and I bursted into tears. My Mother immediately comforted and helped me for the rest of the night. Math was not the only thing she taught me that night. She taught me that difficulties and obstacles are not setbacks. There are more opportunities for more self-growth and adaptation. She would often tell me that l always have an opportunity to work hard for anything that I want. My Mother being a single parent has shaped my mindset in many different ways. She is constantly teaching me responsibility and independence. I quickly learned different life skills early in my life. I learned how to make stretch foods to save money on groceries, managing household chores, and budgeting money. Learning these skills gave me a sense of intelligence, self-reliance, and confidence that I will forever use. Seeing my Mother work a 9-5, and still continues to make sure my needs are met, has given me more determination and strength. Through her actions, she's shown me that no matter the circumstances or the amount of income does not define us. We have to make our own choices and sacrifices to shape our own paths.Her dedication to her own responsibilities and her personal growth has taught me a lot. Such as the importance of strong determination, setting my own goals, and pursuing my own dreams. Although having a single parent with a low income can be challenging, it does not define my passions or dreams.Seeing my mom work hard and make sacrifices to be able to have the resources and the mindset I have now, gave me the self confidence and ambition to always take that extra step.The lessons I have learned from my Mother have equipped me to continue my future career path further.

The population of Black Physician Assistant graduates has decreased from 7% to 3.1% between 1995 and 2020, according to (healthworkforceta.org). This is a significant underrepresentation, considering that Black and Hispanic Americans are the largest minority groups in the country. My ambition to pursue a career in Medicine is because of the low percentage of Black Physician Assistants. I distinctly remember expecting to see my dermatologist at my appointment, when waiting, a Beautiful Black Physician Assistant entered the room. My jaw dropped, leaving me speechless. I couldn't believe it. At that moment my future changed. I immediately felt secure, comfortable, and understood with her. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be in her shoes. Since the percentage has dropped significantly low for Black Physicians Assistants, I often wonder if I would even be able to achieve my future career goals because of my skin color. A large factor of this low percentage is the lack of exposure to Black Physician Assistants. As many Black students, like me, grew up with less role models in the healthcare industry. Which makes it very difficult for us to envision ourselves in this profession. Another big factor is historical barriers for Black Physician Assistants. For many years, Black students like me have limited access from education to professional opportunities, due to systemic racism. Many Black students struggle with implicit biases during the process of applying to Physician Assistant programs. Which can lead to Black students not being able to be accepted. These despicable biases include assumptions, stereotypes, or preparatory resources. Many Black students experience financial barriers. Undergraduate and Masters Healthcare degrees are very expensive. For majority college students, student loan debt is a frequent issue, especially those who are pursuing a healthcare career. $116,773 is the average student loan debt for Physician Assistant Students. Sadly, many finance restrains experiences and opportunities for inspiring Black Physician Assistants, like me. In conclusion, there are plenty of factors that contribute in Black students being able to succeed in their career dreams in the healthcare industry. In order for me and other Black students to succeed in this healthcare profession, this industry needs to change. This industry needs diversity in order for Black students to benefit from perspectives and experiences. One day, I hope to make a difference in the healthcare industry to be able to inspire others and of course, add value to that 3.1% in Black Physician Assistants.

Growing up with a single Mom with low income has put a barrier on my family, confidence, and my furthering in my education. Watching my Mom raise me, has shown and taught me multiple lessons. Whether the lessons are about having determination or washing the dishes, they have always been valuable lessons. I've always struggled with school. I constantly needed a tutor that we simply could not afford. I remember a time when I was working on homework for many hours. I had an anxiety attack, my mom comforted and helped me for the rest of the night. She taught me that difficulties and obstacles aren't setbacks, there are always opportunities for self-growth and adaptation. My Mom has taught me responsibility and independence. I grasped different life skills early in my life such as stretch foods to save money on groceries, managing household chores, and budgeting money. Learning these skills impacted me, it gave me a sense of intelligence and self-reliance. My Mom works a 9-5 and still continues to make sure my needs are met. This has given me more determination and strength. Through her actions, she's shown me that no matter the circumstances or the amount of income does not define us. We have to make our own choices and sacrifices to shape our own paths. Her dedication to her own responsibilities has taught me plenty. Such as the importance of a strong tenacity, setting goals, and pursuing my dreams. Although having a single parent can be challenging, it does not define me. Seeing my mom work hard and make sacrifices for the resources and mindset I have now, gave me the self confidence and ambition to always work hard. The lessons I have learned from my Mom have equipped me to continue my future career path.