Growing up in a single-parent household with just my mom has shaped my identity in every possible way—from the way I see the world to the goals I set for myself. It wasn’t always easy. We moved frequently, faced financial hardships, and often felt like it was just the two of us against the world. But through those struggles, I gained something priceless: perspective, resilience, and an unwavering drive to build a better future. My mother has been the strongest person in my life. She worked tirelessly to provide for me, sometimes making impossible things happen with limited resources. Even when things were tough, she made sure I felt supported and never allowed me to feel like we were lacking. Watching her give everything she had to make sure I could succeed left a permanent impression on me. It taught me to never take anything for granted and to work twice as hard for the things I want. Her sacrifices and strength are a large part of why I’ve chosen to pursue a career in health care as a physician assistant. I’ve always loved meeting people, listening to their stories, and finding ways to help. The instability we experienced moving from place to place gave me the ability to quickly adapt, understand different perspectives, and connect with others on a deeper level. I want to use those skills to make a difference in people’s lives, not just through medicine, but through compassion and presence. I believe that health care is not just about treating illness—it’s about understanding people and making them feel seen, heard, and supported. Being raised by a single mother also taught me the importance of financial responsibility. I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be to stretch every dollar. Even now, my mom helps me with school expenses, and while I’m grateful, I carry a deep desire to ease that burden for her. I can’t fully work while staying committed to my classes, and I know how much it pains her to see me stressed about finances or considering student loans for the future. She’s always told me she doesn’t want me to carry the weight of debt, and I feel that pressure every day—not because she put it on me, but because I don’t want to let her down. That’s why scholarships are so important to me. They’re not just a way to pay for school—they represent relief for my mom, motivation for me, and a step closer to my long-term goals. I want to make her proud by staying focused, finishing strong, and reaching PA school without forcing her to sacrifice even more. The values I hold—perseverance, empathy, gratitude, and ambition—all stem from our journey together. When I look at my future, I don’t just see success for myself; I see an opportunity to give back to the woman who gave me everything. Growing up in a single-parent household didn’t hold me back—it gave me purpose. It taught me that even when things aren’t perfect, love, hard work, and commitment can push you through anything. Everything I’m working toward now is rooted in those lessons, and I carry them with me into every class, every goal, and every future patient I hope to one day serve.