My childhood experience is everything to me because it shaped me and gave me life passion.My passion for medicine and health care stems back from my experience growing up in Liberia, a third world country. I grew up in a country with only two major hospitals, and few ever had the means of transportation to get there, Growing up, I felt like I was standing still while watching the people I love die due to a failed health system. I live with an older brother diagnosed with autism, impaired speech, and disable legs. Little did I know that my early childhood experiences laid a foundation for my pursuit of medicine. When I came to the United States in 2007, the yearly doctor’s appointments, pharmacy visits, and private practices around made me realize things were now different. I realized the opportunity to improve the lives of others. I have always been curious about medicine, but I found my passion after shadowing a doctor in high school. While learning about proper patient care, suturing, injury prevention, what sealed the deal for me was a medical school lecture I attended. It was the genuine conversations I had with medical students at the lecture that motivated me. They shared with me stories about the discipline they had to apply, but more importantly also the passion they had along the way and I realized that I had that same passion. I recognize that none of that would be possible without my childhood experience. I would want to follow this path in life without it. It would be an honor to be considered for this scholarship. I intend to use this scholarship to further my education to be a physician that saves lives. Not just for the US or Liberia, but across all borders. My passion has taught me discipline and consistency; it will further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be.

On Thursday, March 27, 2018, Kenneth Clarke, my dear friend and fellow United Methodist Scholar, was struck by a car. Kenneth Clarke was a friend I met 3 years ago during my freshmen year of college. We were both apart of a Methodist volunteer group on campus. The first thing I noticed was that he smiles a lot which made me feel so welcome. I didn't have any friends when I first got on campus, then I met Kenneth. He was the smartest, coolest, and kindest person you'd meet. He was always willing to help those he came across. He volunteered beyond the group we were both a part of. He always invited me and even though I found it annoying at times, there isn't anything Kenneth wasn't willing to do to help. After his passing, I continued volunteering. Not only did it help me mourn his death, but I felt closer to him while I was helping others. I could still see his bright smile. My goal is to one day become an orthopedic surgeon and Kenneth told me once that all the volunteering I did in the world would prepare me because being a surgeon is an even bigger role in service to others. I have worked with youth in my church as a youth leader. The youth in my church consisted of kids from ages 2-17. In college, I started volunteering at an organization called Martha's Table. I volunteer as part of their Joyful Food Market program, where we deliver healthy foods to 50 elementary schools in the impoverished parts of Washington DC. I did not just deliver and handouts food to kids, but I also lead them in healthy exercises, which consisted of basketball, soccer, and yoga. Last but not least, I volunteered at another organization called KEEN Sports; A place where parents bring their children (ages 8-15) who have disabilities. They stay for the day, and my job as a KEEN sports coach was to keep them active as they played the sports they love to play. As I end my 4th year of undergrad, I know these experiences have shaped me into the man I am today, and the man Kenneth saw in me.

I am currently studying for the MCATs. This exam is a stepping stone to further my knowledge in medicine. My passion for medicine and health care stems back from my experience growing up in Liberia, a third world country. I grew up in a country with only two major hospitals, and few ever had the means of transportation to get there, Growing up, I felt like I was standing still while watching the people I love die due to a failed health system. I live with an older brother diagnosed with autism, impaired speech, and disable legs. Little did I know that my early childhood experiences laid a foundation for my pursuit of medicine. When I came to the United States in 2007, the yearly doctor’s appointments, pharmacy visits, and private practices around made me realize things were now different. I realized the opportunity to improve the lives of others. I have always been curious about medicine, but I found my passion after shadowing a doctor in high school. While learning about proper patient care, suturing, injury prevention, what sealed the deal for me was a medical school lecture I attended. It was the genuine conversations I had with medical students at the lecture that motivated me. They shared with me stories about the discipline they had to apply, but more importantly also the passion they had along the way and I realized that I had that same passion. Using this grant I will able able to attend medical school. For 4 years in medical school, I am determined to learn all I can about what it means to be the best physician I can be. This will be something new that will move me in the direction I want to be. That is to one day be an orthopedic surgeon. My passion has taught me discipline and consistency, and this grant will be an instrument to further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be.

When you are a kid living in a war-torn country like Liberia, the last thing on your mind is becoming a doctor. When you are born during a civil war that forces you and your family to flee as refugees, it's hard to have dreams and ambitions. As a child, I didn't know what a doctor was, I never saw a doctor, and no one I knew did either. The closest healthcare was a two-hour drive away, unreachable with no car, money, or ambulance service available. This is the reality I knew growing up in a third world country in West Africa. My passion for medicine and health care stems back from my experience growing up in Liberia. Growing up, I felt like I was standing still while watching the people I love die due to a failed health system. I live with an older brother diagnosed with autism, impaired speech, and disable legs. Little did I know that my early childhood experiences laid a foundation for my pursuit of medicine. When I came to the United States in 2007, the yearly doctor’s appointments, pharmacy visits, and private practices around made me realize things were now different. My brother’s seizures had stopped all thanks to prescribed medication, but his condition would have a lasting impact on my love for medicine. I realized the opportunity I had and took advantage of it. I have always been curious about medicine, but I found my passion after shadowing a doctor in high school. I fell in love with sports and family medicine that summer. While learning about proper patient care, suturing, injury prevention, what sealed the deal for me was a medical school lecture I attended. It was the genuine conversations I had with medical students at the lecture that motivated me. I felt discouraged because I knew I was worlds away from them. Then they shared with me stories about their tough journeys and the discipline they had to apply, but more importantly also the passion they had along the way for their work, and I realized that I had that same passion. That passion has taught me discipline and consistency; it will further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be. My time with Dr. Richard Levandowski, a family and sports physician, had the biggest impact. I am naturally an empathic person, but I learned how important empathy is in medicine. I always greeted the patients and ask questions like “how are you?” and “how’s your day been going”, which I learned were very important. One memory that stands is of Julie, a 12-year-old gymnast who came in for a sprained ankle. I could see she was worried and scared so I greeted her and proceeded to tell her about a time I was in a similar position when I sprained my ankle playing basketball. I made sure she knew that it would okay. she asked if I could hold her hand while several tests were done on her ankle and after the test, she asked to give me a hug and thanked me. I was happy that she felt comforted and I saw how much showing empathy can make a difference. That summer, I learned scribe work, how to take blood pressure, and human anatomy, but more than that I learned the meaning of the phrase, "patient-first." I learned that my empathetic nature and bedside manner are just as essential in patient care as the treatment. My curiosity led me to find my interest in scientific research. One of my projects involved investigating the cold tolerance of native Wolbachia symbiote to combat the spread of Aedes Albopictus mosquitos. Aedes albopictus is native to West Africa and is one of the major causes of malaria, therefore my interest peaked at the thought of conducting this research. I became very curious after seeing an opportunity to eradicate a strand that caused so much death in my country. My curiosity also led me to study cancer, another huge cause of death not only in Liberia but around the world. Because of my curiosity, I was able to extend my knowledge of research. Not only did I feel closer to home, but I began to understand that many problems in medicine are answer through research. The elements of teamwork, leadership, and communication are essential in finding those solutions and have ignited my love for problem-solving. Through my time volunteering, I have seen how these elements make a difference. Whether I am giving out free healthy produce to 50 elementary in the poor corners of DC or leading recreational activities for K-12 children with significant developmental and physical disabilities, I was successful in helping others because I worked with a team cohesively. In those teams, my communication skills became essential when facing difficulties. I love the difficulty because it forced me to think critically and helped me grow. These are also essential in medicine because A physician must work under the press and think critically to find a solution. What is saw growing up gave me a new perspective. I want to be a physician and I feel well prepared for the task. It would be an honor to be considered for this scholarship. I intend to use this scholarship to further my education to be a physician that saves lives. Not just for the US or Liberia, but across all borders. My passion has taught me discipline and consistency; it will further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be.

When you are a kid living in a war-torn country like Liberia, the last thing on your mind is becoming a doctor. When you are born during a civil war that forces you and your family to flee as refugees, it's hard to have dreams and ambitions. As a child, I didn't know what a doctor was, I never saw a doctor, and no one I knew did either. The closest healthcare was a two-hour drive away, unreachable with no car, money, or ambulance service available. This is the reality I knew growing up in a third world country in West Africa. My passion for medicine and health care stems back from my experience growing up in Liberia. Growing up, I felt like I was standing still while watching the people I love die due to a failed health system. I live with an older brother diagnosed with autism, impaired speech, and disable legs. Little did I know that my early childhood experiences laid a foundation for my pursuit of medicine. When I came to the United States in 2007, the yearly doctor’s appointments, pharmacy visits, and private practices around made me realize things were now different. My brother’s seizures had stopped all thanks to prescribed medication, but his condition would have a lasting impact on my love for medicine. I realized the opportunity I had and took advantage of it. I have always been curious about medicine, but I found my passion after shadowing a doctor in high school. I fell in love with sports and family medicine that summer. While learning about proper patient care, suturing, injury prevention, what sealed the deal for me was a medical school lecture I attended. It was the genuine conversations I had with medical students at the lecture that motivated me. I felt discouraged because I knew I was worlds away from them. Then they shared with me stories about their tough journeys and the discipline they had to apply, but more importantly also the passion they had along the way for their work, and I realized that I had that same passion. That passion has taught me discipline and consistency; it will further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be. My time with Dr. Richard Levandowski, a family and sports physician, had the biggest impact. I am naturally an empathic person, but I learned how important empathy is in medicine. I always greeted the patients and ask questions like “how are you?” and “how’s your day been going”, which I learned were very important. One memory that stands is of Julie, a 12-year-old gymnast who came in for a sprained ankle. I could see she was worried and scared so I greeted her and proceeded to tell her about a time I was in a similar position when I sprained my ankle playing basketball. I made sure she knew that it would okay. she asked if I could hold her hand while several tests were done on her ankle and after the test, she asked to give me a hug and thanked me. I was happy that she felt comforted and I saw how much showing empathy can make a difference. That summer, I learned scribe work, how to take blood pressure, and human anatomy, but more than that I learned the meaning of the phrase, "patient-first." I learned that my empathetic nature and bedside manner are just as essential in patient care as the treatment. My curiosity led me to find my interest in scientific research. One of my projects involved investigating the cold tolerance of native Wolbachia symbiote to combat the spread of Aedes Albopictus mosquitos. Aedes albopictus is native to West Africa and is one of the major causes of malaria, therefore my interest peaked at the thought of conducting this research. I became very curious after seeing an opportunity to eradicate a strand that caused so much death in my country. My curiosity also led me to study cancer, another huge cause of death not only in Liberia but around the world. Because of my curiosity, I was able to extend my knowledge of research. Not only did I feel closer to home, but I began to understand that many problems in medicine are answer through research. The elements of teamwork, leadership, and communication are essential in finding those solutions and have ignited my love for problem-solving. Through my time volunteering, I have seen how these elements make a difference. Whether I am giving out free healthy produce to 50 elementary in the poor corners of DC or leading recreational activities for K-12 children with significant developmental and physical disabilities, I was successful in helping others because I worked with a team cohesively. In those teams, my communication skills became essential when facing difficulties. I love the difficulty because it forced me to think critically and helped me grow. These are also essential in medicine because A physician must work under the press and think critically to find a solution. I want to be a physician and I feel well prepared for the task. It would be an honor to be considered for this scholarship. I intend to use this scholarship to further my education to be a physician that saves lives. Not just for the US or Liberia, but across all borders. My passion has taught me discipline and consistency; it will further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be.

When you are a kid living in a war-torn country like Liberia, the last thing on your mind is becoming a doctor. When you are born during a civil war that forces you and your family to flee as refugees, it's hard to have dreams and ambitions. As a child, I didn't know what a doctor was, I never saw a doctor, and no one I knew did either. The closest healthcare was a two-hour drive away, unreachable with no car, money, or ambulance service available. This is the reality I knew growing up in a third world country in West Africa. My passion for medicine and health care stems back from my experience growing up in Liberia. Growing up, I felt like I was standing still while watching the people I love die due to a failed health system. I live with an older brother diagnosed with autism, impaired speech, and disable legs. Little did I know that my early childhood experiences laid a foundation for my pursuit of medicine. When I came to the United States in 2007, the yearly doctor’s appointments, pharmacy visits, and private practices around made me realize things were now different. My brother’s seizures had stopped all thanks to prescribed medication, but his condition would have a lasting impact on my love for medicine. I realized the opportunity I had and took advantage of it. I have always been curious about medicine, but I found my passion after shadowing a doctor in high school. I fell in love with sports and family medicine that summer. While learning about proper patient care, suturing, injury prevention, what sealed the deal for me was a medical school lecture I attended. It was the genuine conversations I had with medical students at the lecture that motivated me. I felt discouraged because I knew I was worlds away from them. Then they shared with me stories about their tough journeys and the discipline they had to apply, but more importantly also the passion they had along the way for their work, and I realized that I had that same passion. That passion has taught me discipline and consistency; it will further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be. My time with Dr. Richard Levandowski, a family and sports physician, had the biggest impact. I am naturally an empathic person, but I learned how important empathy is in medicine. I always greeted the patients and ask questions like “how are you?” and “how’s your day been going”, which I learned were very important. One memory that stands is of Julie, a 12-year-old gymnast who came in for a sprained ankle. I could see she was worried and scared so I greeted her and proceeded to tell her about a time I was in a similar position when I sprained my ankle playing basketball. I made sure she knew that it would okay. she asked if I could hold her hand while several tests were done on her ankle and after the test, she asked to give me a hug and thanked me. I was happy that she felt comforted and I saw how much showing empathy can make a difference. That summer, I learned scribe work, how to take blood pressure, and human anatomy, but more than that I learned the meaning of the phrase, "patient-first." I learned that my empathetic nature and bedside manner are just as essential in patient care as the treatment. My curiosity led me to find my interest in scientific research. One of my projects involved investigating the cold tolerance of native Wolbachia symbiote to combat the spread of Aedes Albopictus mosquitos. Aedes albopictus is native to West Africa and is one of the major causes of malaria, therefore my interest peaked at the thought of conducting this research. I became very curious after seeing an opportunity to eradicate a strand that caused so much death in my country. My curiosity also led me to study cancer, another huge cause of death not only in Liberia but around the world. Because of my curiosity, I was able to extend my knowledge of research. Not only did I feel closer to home, but I began to understand that many problems in medicine are answer through research. The elements of teamwork, leadership, and communication are essential in finding those solutions and have ignited my love for problem-solving. Through my time volunteering, I have seen how these elements make a difference. Whether I am giving out free healthy produce to 50 elementary in the poor corners of DC or leading recreational activities for K-12 children with significant developmental and physical disabilities, I was successful in helping others because I worked with a team cohesively. In those teams, my communication skills became essential when facing difficulties. I love the difficulty because it forced me to think critically and helped me grow. These are also essential in medicine because A physician must work under the press and think critically to find a solution. I want to be a physician and I feel well prepared for the task. It would be an honor to be considered for this scholarship. I intend to use this scholarship to further my education to be a physician that saves lives. Not just for the US or Liberia, but across all borders. My passion has taught me discipline and consistency; it will further my growth in becoming the doctor I hope to be.

My first few leadership experiences were in high school. At my local church (New Covenant United Methodist Church), I served as a youth leader. I worked with the youth in my church to plan community events to build a stronger community bond and get children off the streets. I also served as student body vice president and co-president. During this time, I lead a team and planned organized events with other students in raising funds for our school and our graduating class. I was also team captain for my Junior varsity team in high school. I learned what it means to lead by example. As captain, I had to earn the trust of my team, and several times, I had to do what was needed to foster great team chemistry when we were united. In college, as I mentioned previously, I was recommended to be a Supplemental Instructor (SI), and I have been an SI for three years now. As an SI, I became a peer educator, and my job was to facilitate weekly review sessions for students taking introductory Biology. As a freshman, I taught students from first-years to fourth-years. I helped them plan and conduct experiments as well as review course material. These students found the topics strenuous and had stress coming from other places in their lives. These students needed not only an SI but also a mentor to help them navigate their biology major. In addition, I have also been asked to lead several student information panels for new incoming students to the university. I got the chance to speak to prospective students who wanted to embark on the sciences as STEM majors and premedical majors. These experiences have prepared me to step into leadership positions and lead groups confidently. I learned to be a team player, and I have learned to work with students who have aspirations just as I do. My aspiration is to go to medical school and become a physician. As a child, I didn’t know that there was a need for adequate health institutions with well-trained physicians. I only saw my friends and relatives getting sick in Liberia. I only saw problems that needed solutions. I wanted to help my family, I wanted to find those solutions. Now realize I can do that I can reach farther to positively impact the lives of more people. As a 4th year student in my last semester of undergrad, I plan to go to medical school and specialize in orthopedics. Medical school is expensive, and my parents can not afford it, so being considered for this scholarship would be a great help. This scholarship will help enable me to make a difference one day in the lives of many.