Even as a child, sitting on the floor in front of the TV, I knew I wanted to do something important with my life, to better the life of others. I was unaware of all the issues that would later affect my financial situation, nor the struggles that would make receiving higher education seem like a far away dream. Hello, my name is Cyria Pearson and I am from Stafford, Virginia. I attend Howard University, an HBCU located in the heart of our nation's capital: DC. I plan to receive my Bachelors degree in Biology with a double minor in Swahili and Chemistry. I plan on becoming a Neurosurgeon to travel around the world with Doctors Without Borders. This decision came to me in middle school, when I read “Gifted Hands” by Ben Carson, teaching me that the best way to help others is just showing them you’re there. Ever since, I have worked extremely hard to go to college. This scholarship will play a crucial role in helping me achieve my goals by providing the financial support I need to focus on my studies and extracurricular activities. I come from a low-income family, and so far, I am the only person to go to college. With this assistance, I will be able to immerse myself in my studies instead of having my financial state weight down on me. I can dedicate more time to my courses and possibly create a neuroscience research space. Additionally, it will allow me to participate in internships that will enhance my skills and prepare me for a successful career. Throughout my life, I have been committed to giving back to my community. I have volunteered at my local hospital, became a volunteer EMT, and participated in community clean-up projects while a part of my Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp program. These experiences have taught me the importance of empathy, teamwork, and leadership. Even while away from college, I have participated in various service projects, including the student-run service learning program: Day of Service at Howard University, as well as volunteering at Howard Hospital. Service is one of the most important things a person can do, in my opinion, and just showing the community you care about means a lot, it means that they are worthy, and that has a huge effect on a person's mental state. To struggle and fail is to learn and move on. In junior year, I was given a project within ROTC. It was something to introduce future cadets to the program, and I had a panic attack. When it came, there were so many people asking me questions and I didn’t have all the answers. I felt my lungs closing in on me, and I felt like a fly on the wall. All I could think was I was a failure, and I wasn’t cut out to be a leader. This moment taught me that it’s okay to delegate something if it’s too much for one person and it’s fine to not know everything. Perfection is not the expectation. My greatest strengths lie in my perseverance, humility, critical thinking skills, and my ability to communicate. Through my experiences, I have learned how to keep going even when I start to struggle. Overall, this scholarship will not only provide me with the financial support I need to pursue my academic and career goals but also empower me to continue making a positive impact on my community. I am committed to using my education and experience to contribute to the greater good and inspire others to do the same.

Volunteering is one of the most important things I could do. Not only does it make me feel accomplished, but it also provides me with valuable experiences and lessons I can take and use for any other future plans. I volunteer for Stafford County Fire and Rescue on the EMT side because I have a deep passion for helping others and a never-ending interest in the medical field. The challenging characteristics of emergency medical medicine offer me great experience and the opportunity to work better under pressure. I love the feeling of using my abilities to help others. I knew I was capable of learning the material, and with my need to be in an environment with discipline and service due to my being in NJROTC for the last four years, I decided to volunteer. Volunteering with Stafford County Fire and Rescue for almost two years has been an incredible learning experience. It has taught me the importance of teamwork, compassion, and efficiency while communicating. I have learned various skills, including how to work under pressure, be resourceful, and problem-solve. In addition, I have gained a great understanding of the differences between communities, which is critical for my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon with the Doctors Without Borders Program. My experience as a volunteer will prepare me for my future career, as it will be the platform for working with a team, understanding patient needs, and remaining calm under pressure. This experience has been an important step for me and my future career, where I can combine my love for medicine with my dedication to helping those in need. Volunteering as an EMT not only expands my knowledge but also helps me with my ultimate career goal of making a difference by providing medical care to communities in need. In addition, my mother and sister have also been a huge inspiration for me to join and use my time and ability to volunteer. I have always wanted to be like my mother: courageous, kind, and thoughtful. Following in her footsteps and being a part of the rescue squad family has been everything to me. Ever since I started volunteering, I feel like we connect more and have gotten closer through our shared stories of what goes on in the community. Regardless of the reason I started volunteering, I continue it because I have found a whole new family. I get to serve my community and provide healthcare to those in emergencies while being surrounded by friends and family, not to mention the fact that I get to learn new things every day. There is not one day that goes by without me being thankful that the rescue squad called out to me, begging me to become a part of something big.