To me, community service is more than an act of kindness; it is a reminder that we are never too busy to help others. Over the past year, I have grown even more committed to that belief. Whether it is through my studies, family responsibilities, or volunteer work, I have learned that serving others is often the very thing that gives me strength when life feels overwhelming. This year, I joined the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic service organization dedicated to faith and charity. Becoming part of this group has opened up new ways for me to stay active in my community. From food drives and parish events to helping those in crisis, I have been able to show up in meaningful ways, even during the busiest seasons of school and life. I have found that when I give my time to help others, I am also giving myself the gift of perspective and peace. Service helps lift the weight of my own worries by shifting my focus to what I can do for someone else. Alongside my volunteer work, balancing an intense academic plan, my role as a father, and a community member has not been easy, but it’s taught me discipline, purpose, and humility. And even now, in the middle of this demanding season, I make time to serve because I have seen how much it matters. Academically, I am working hard to finish my bachelor’s degree in one year, a timeline that normally takes two, while also completing additional science courses required for Physician Assistant (PA) school. It is a heavy load, but I am determined. I want to become a PA so I can serve communities that face barriers to care, especially underserved and Spanish-speaking populations. As a bilingual healthcare provider, I plan to make sure language and cultural differences never stand in the way of someone receiving quality care. I plan to continue learning and following the Trauma-Informed-Care guidelines as I also want to be a trusted source of education, empowering patients to manage their health before it turns into an emergency. It is something I saw far too often during my years as a firefighter and paramedic: emergencies that could have been prevented with earlier support, better access, and breaking the language barrier. I also plan to mentor other first-generation students and future paramedics, EMTs, or PAs like me. I know how hard it is to pursue higher education without a clear roadmap, and I believe sharing what I have learned can make someone else’s journey a little easier. Whether it is helping them apply for school, find scholarships, or navigate healthcare careers, I want to pay forward the support I have received. With hopes of one day being able to fund scholarships for other students, too. Community service has shaped the person I have become, and it continues to ground me every day. It reminds me that no matter how full life gets, we all have something to give. This scholarship helped me move forward last year, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to apply again. I can not truly describe how instrumental this scholarship was to my being able to continue my studies. With your continued support, I will keep building a life centered on learning, service, healing, and hope because that is how I plan to give back to the world that has given so much to me. Thank you.

To me, community service is the embodiment of compassion, selflessness, and the commitment to improving the lives of others. It is a way of showing gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given while striving to uplift those who face challenges or lack access to essential resources. Community service isn’t just about volunteering; it’s about recognizing the unique needs of the people around you and using your skills, time, and heart to address those needs. My journey has been shaped by a profound appreciation for service. As a first-generation Hispanic college student and the son of hardworking parents who emphasized perseverance and empathy, I’ve always felt a responsibility to give back to the communities that have supported me. My career in emergency medicine solidified this sense of purpose. As an EMT, firefighter, and Paramedic, I witnessed firsthand the struggles many individuals face—particularly those in underserved areas—when it comes to accessing healthcare. Whether responding to 911 calls or working in an emergency department, I saw countless opportunities to make a difference through both immediate care and long-term advocacy. As I pursue my dream of becoming a Physician Assistant (PA), my vision for giving back to my community is clear. PAs play a vital role in bridging gaps in healthcare access, and I plan to use my role to address disparities and provide care to those who need it most. One of my primary goals is to serve communities with limited access to medical resources, particularly those with a high population of Spanish speakers. As a bilingual provider, I can ensure that language is never a barrier to receiving quality care, offering patients the comfort and understanding they deserve. I also hope to contribute to my community by promoting health education and preventive care. Through my experiences in emergency medicine, I’ve seen how many medical crises could be avoided with early intervention and awareness. By working with schools, community centers, and local organizations, I aim to empower individuals with knowledge about managing chronic conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and recognizing early warning signs of illness. Mentorship is another way I plan to give back. As a first-generation student, I understand the challenges of navigating higher education and career paths without a roadmap. I want to inspire and guide other aspiring healthcare professionals, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, by sharing my experiences and encouraging them to pursue their goals. Whether through organized mentorship programs or one-on-one connections, I believe this work can help create a stronger and more diverse healthcare workforce. Community service has always been about giving my best to others, and I intend to carry this mindset into every aspect of my career. From listening to patients’ concerns with empathy to advocating for systemic changes that improve healthcare access, my ultimate goal is to leave a meaningful, lasting impact on the communities I serve. This scholarship would help me continue my journey, allowing me to focus on the education and training necessary to realize my dreams of becoming a PA. With the skills and knowledge I gain, I will be better equipped to serve, heal, and inspire those around me—fulfilling my lifelong commitment to giving back through medicine.

My name is Daniel Giner, and I am a 36-year-old first-generation Hispanic college student with a deep passion for medicine and service to others. My journey to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) has been shaped by perseverance, dedication, and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of underserved communities. I began my career in emergency medicine as an EMT, volunteering at a local fire department while working full-time in an emergency department. These experiences introduced me to the critical thinking and rapid decision-making required to care for patients in acute settings. Over time, I pursued advanced training and became a Paramedic, a role that allowed me to provide life-saving care and further strengthened my commitment to healthcare. After eight years in emergency medicine, I made the difficult decision to step away from the field to care for my two young children. During this time, I reflected on my career and educational path, realizing that my skills, experience, and passion aligned perfectly with becoming a PA. This realization inspired me to return to school and complete a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree, which will not only advance my credentials as a healthcare provider but also fulfill the prerequisites for PA school. As a PA, I aim to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes by serving underserved and marginalized communities. My experiences as a Paramedic have shown me the challenges these populations face, from limited access to preventive care to the barriers that arise from socioeconomic factors. As a bilingual provider, I will also work to bridge communication gaps for Spanish-speaking patients, ensuring they receive culturally competent and empathetic care. I firmly believe in the power of education and advocacy to create a healthier and more equitable world. As a PA, I plan to mentor aspiring healthcare professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, encouraging them to pursue careers in medicine. Additionally, I hope to collaborate with local organizations to provide health education and preventive care programs tailored to community needs. My path to becoming a PA has required resilience and resourcefulness. Juggling full-time work, academic studies, and family responsibilities has taught me the importance of time management and perseverance. I plan to start volunteering with organizations that provide healthcare services to underserved populations, further reinforcing my commitment to this mission. Through my medical career as a PA, I aspire to be a source of hope and healing for those in need. I aim to leave a legacy that demonstrates the power of hard work, compassion, and dedication to creating a positive impact on the world. This scholarship would help me continue my journey toward this goal, enabling me to focus on my education and future contributions to the healthcare field. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting underrepresented students in achieving their dreams.