I didn't know it then, but I know it now. I grew up in poverty. Not the overwhelming kind at first, but the one where my family had a steady supply of food on our plates, even if we couldn’t afford much of anything else. My mom was a single mother of five children, and I was the fourth. We lived comfortably enough, knowing we could eat at school through the free and reduced breakfast and lunch program we qualified for. The only meals we had to worry about were dinner and the weekends. Although my mom was, and still is, disabled and retired due to her autoimmune condition, she was forced to go back to work because of rising living costs. Then, in 2021, she was in a severe car accident that left her unable to work again due to her injuries. That’s when things took a turn for the worse. My mom was suffering from neurological and cardiac injuries, and high school became the beginning of constantly checking prices of school activities and dues, sacrificing things we no longer had the money for, and living with uncertainty. Medical bills skyrocketed, and it felt like we were drowning. We often relied on food pantries like SERVE and support from my school’s social worker. College no longer felt like an option for me. There was no way to pay for tuition along with other expenses. Even through all these financial hardships, I made it to the number one HBCU in the nation: Howard University. My hard work and dedication to school earned me a 4.48 GPA in high school and an Advanced Studies Diploma. During high school, despite the constant financial pressure at home, I was even more committed to my education. I believed that someone, somewhere, would take a chance on me regardless of my financial situation. I stayed up late at night studying, using textbooks that I could find online for free. I was determined to push myself academically even when the resources weren't there. At the same time, I was also suffering from social anxiety and general anxiety disorder. I often found myself alone and deep into my thoughts. Balancing all of these issues took a huge toll on my mental health, and I couldn’t waste time and money trying to get help. Medical bills have been at the center of many of my family’s struggles, and through that, I realized that there are far too many people in the world who are forced to go without medical care just because they cannot afford it. My personal experiences are what have kept me motivated to work so hard to get into Howard and pursue a Biology major with double minors in Chemistry and Swahili. I am passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, specifically neuroscience, because I want to make an impact by helping those who are often denied by our healthcare system. After my mom’s car accident, I knew I wanted to make a difference instead of helplessly watching her go through her health issues. So, I became an EMT. I wanted to be someone who could show up in emergent times and offer both skills and compassion. Volunteering as an EMT, I saw the inequality of healthcare firsthand. Most patients couldn't afford to be treated in the hospital, so they would refuse to be transported. My goal is to provide quality, accessible care, especially to underserved communities, so that no one has to suffer because they cannot pay the bill. My dream is to become a neurosurgeon and work in underserved communities both in the United States and abroad, through Doctors Without Borders. With my minor in Swahili, I hope one day to practice medicine in East Africa, offering care in communities where neurological treatment is limited, but diseases are prevalent. After I graduate from Howard University, I plan to pursue my medical degree at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in California. One day, I also hope to create my own non-profit organization where I can have multiple health centers across the world. Healthcare is a human right, it is essential, and should not be limited or put a hardship on someone because of their income or background. As I continue my journey as a second-year student, I am growing both mentally and physically. I have been able to get out of my comfort zone and make so many new friends. I joined the first HBCU Ice Skating Club/Team and recently became the Vice President of the Club. I also joined the Women in Pre-Med club, where I am constantly reminded that I am exactly where I need to be. However, staying here is a constant battle due to financial pressure. I currently have an unpaid balance of $9,000 for the fall semester, and I have no way to pay for it. This past summer, I worked two jobs where I was paid minimum wage, and the money I earned has already been applied to my school expenses. Between the costs of books, meals, and club fees, I feel stuck, like all my hard work this summer went straight down the drain. My journey, so far, has taught me that empathy, determination, and belief are all I need to achieve my dreams. I never take any opportunity for granted, because I know what it costs to be here, not only financially, but in sacrifice. With your support and belief, I will not only be able to continue my education here at Howard, but I will also be one step closer to giving back to the communities that helped make me, me.

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.