If you had asked me a decade ago what Alzheimer's or dementia meant, I could only have shrugged and said, 'It makes you forget things.' Today, my answer is far different. I see them as monstrous diseases that do not just steal memories, but slowly erase the very essence of a person. They do not kill the body, but the mind, and in many ways, that loss feels as devastating, if not more so, than death itself. So, what happened in those ten years to change my answer so drastically? The answer is painfully clear. I witnessed the devastation up close, not in myself, but through the slow fading of family members I loved. I have felt the ache of watching someone who was vibrant and present one day become a distant shadow the next, close enough to touch yet impossibly far away. The first person I ever watched slowly drift away was my grandmother. After suffering a minor stroke, she developed Alzheimer’s. It came as a huge shock to my family, not just because she was only 62, but because she was always such a strong, independent woman. To see her mind slip so suddenly felt unreal. At first, I didn’t really understand how serious it was. She lives in Jamaica, so I only talked to her briefly on the phone here and there. She sounded okay most of the time since her condition wasn’t too advanced yet. But everything changed when I visited her last Christmas. As soon as my mom and I stepped into the house, we could tell something was off. It was messy in a way we’d never seen before. But it wasn’t until we started deep cleaning that we saw how bad things really were. My cousin and I tackled the kitchen, and it was covered in ants and layers of grime, like it hadn’t been cleaned in years. And honestly, that’s probably true. My grandfather has very old-school beliefs. He thinks only women should clean, and since my grandmother could no longer take care of the house, it just stayed that way. Despite everything, the visit itself was still special. I got to spend time with my grandmother, and although she was still mostly herself, I could tell the Alzheimer’s was slowly chipping away at her. The second person I watched drift away was my Uncle Junior. But his story is very different from my grandmother’s. He also developed Alzheimer’s after suffering a stroke, except his was much more severe. It left him in a coma for days, and when he finally woke up, it was like he came back as a completely different person. The stroke didn’t just affect his memory; it changed his speech, his ability to move, and how he functioned overall. It was heartbreaking for our whole family. This was the same man who once led a foundation that hosted massive community picnics every year, drawing in thousands. The same man who lit up family gatherings with jokes and laughter. The same man who was deeply loved by everyone who knew him. And in just a moment, it was like he vanished, not physically, but mentally. Since then, he’s made some progress. That stroke happened about three years ago, and he’s improved a lot when it comes to speech and physical movement. There are even little pieces of his old self that still shine through. He always asks for a beer (which we obviously don’t give him), and he still knows how to make us laugh. But recently, things have gotten harder. He’s started getting combative with my aunt, who’s also his wife and full-time caregiver. It’s tough to watch her go through so much, but deep down, I know she wouldn’t walk away. She loves him too much. Alzheimer’s is a disease that only takes. It doesn’t just steal memories from the person who has it; it robs the people around them too. Watching family members go through this changes your whole perspective. It teaches you to be more present, to not take your time with loved ones for granted, and to hold on to every moment while you still can.

What made me want to become a dermatologist started with my own skin. I’ve struggled with skin issues for a long time, and I know how much it can affect your confidence. There were times I didn’t want to leave the house or even look in the mirror. Skin problems go beyond the surface. They can change the way you see yourself, and that’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I want to be a dermatologist who helps people feel good in their skin again. I want to help others see their beauty and feel confident in who they are. As I started thinking more seriously about dermatology as a career, I learned that only about 4 percent of dermatologists in the U.S. are Black. That number is way too low. It made me think about how many people aren’t being seen, understood, or properly treated because there’s not enough diversity in the field. I want to change that by becoming part of the 4 percent and pushing that number higher. I want to represent Black women in a space where we are rarely seen, and also make sure patients with darker skin are getting the attention, care, and respect they deserve. But it’s not just about dermatology for me. I also have a strong interest in research, especially when it comes to women’s health. I don’t like the way women are often treated in medical research. Too many studies either leave women out or include them in ways that don’t lead to anything meaningful. I’ve seen studies that do more harm than good, like ones linking attractiveness to endometriosis, which is already a poorly understood condition. That kind of research doesn’t help anyone. In fact, it makes women feel like they aren’t taken seriously. In the future, I want to be involved in research that centers women for the right reasons. I want to see more studies focused on female participants, with the goal of actually improving their health and well-being. Whether it’s research on skin conditions that mostly affect women or issues tied to reproductive health, I want to be part of work that leads to real solutions. Through dermatology and research, I plan to be someone who speaks up, shows up, and makes a difference. I want to give people the care I once needed and help build a future where more Black women are leading in medicine and research, not just participating, but shaping it.

When I immigrated from Jamaica with my mother, I didn’t fully understand the weight that came with coming to America. But I quickly learned. My mother always reminds me, “You’re not born here,” meaning I don’t have the luxury of messing up. It's stressful to know one mistake could derail everything your family sacrificed for you. My entire family has always believed reminded me that I have the potential to do great things. That support means the world to me, but it also makes failure feel like it’s not an option. Back in Jamaica, my mother wasn't so lucky. Her parents didn’t value higher education. Once you finished high school, that was it. They made no effort to pay for her schooling or support her dreams. Hearing what she went through reminds me how lucky I am to even be here, and it pushes me truly appreciate the opportunities I have. Now that I’m in college, I’m learning to navigate everything on my own. As a first-generation college student, there’s a lot my parents simply don’t know. They try their best to help and support me, but there are so many things I have to figure out by myself. There’s no blueprint for me to follow. Still, I keep pushing. I wish to be the face of success in my family and the one who proves that all the sacrifices were worth it. Being a first-generation college student means I’m carrying not just my dreams, but my family's hopes too.

My name is De'Andri Roberts, a biology major currently attending VCU. I was originally born in Jamaica and immigrated to the US when I was 8 years old. When I first immigrated from Jamaica to the United States with my mother, I didn’t fully understand the weight that came with starting over in a new country. But I quickly learned. My mother always reminds me, “You’re not born here,” meaning I don’t have the luxury of messing up. The pressure to succeed feels ten times heavier when you know one mistake could derail everything your family sacrificed for you. My entire family, both here and back in Jamaica, has always believed in me and reminded me that I have the potential to do great things. That support means the world to me, but it also makes failure feel like it’s not an option. Now that I’m in college, I’m learning to navigate everything on my own. Being first-generation college student, there’s a lot my parents simply don’t know. They try their best to help and support me, but there are so many things I have to figure out by myself—deadlines, financial aid, course planning, time management. I’m learning everything as I go, and at times it feels overwhelming. There’s no blueprint for me to follow. Still, I keep pushing. After obtaining my bachelor's degree, I plan to attend medical school to become a doctor specializing in dermatology. My goal is to eventually own my own dermatology practice, where I can work in a field I am passionate about. I am not pursuing medicine for financial gain or superficial reasons. My interest in the field arises from a deep passion and personal connection. Growing up, I struggled with persistent skin issues that significantly affected my self-confidence. This challenging experience ignited my strong interest in dermatology. My personal journey has inspired me to help others overcome their skin-related insecurities. I understand how much appearance can impact confidence and self-esteem, and I am eager to assist others in regaining that confidence as a dermatologist. Currently, only about 3% of dermatologists in the United States are Black, highlighting a critical gap in representation. By pursuing a career as a dermatologist, I aim not only to elevate this underrepresented demographic but also to inspire and empower other Black women to believe in their ability to achieve their goals in this profession. I aspire to be a role model for young Black females, demonstrating through my journey that there are no limits to what they can accomplish if they pursue their passions with determination and resilience. My ultimate hope is to create a lasting change that encourages more diversity in the field, ensuring that future generations of black women see dermatology as an attainable and rewarding career. I wish to be the face of success in my family and the one who proves that all the sacrifices were worth it. Being a first-generation college student means I’m carrying not just my dreams, but my family's hopes too. This scholarship would help take some of the financial pressure off and allow me to focus fully on reaching my goals. With your support, I’ll be one step closer to becoming a dermatologist and giving back to the people who believed in me from the start

My name is De'Andri Roberts, a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University and a first-generation college student originally from Jamaica. I am a Biology major, currently on Pre-medicine track with the intentions of ultimately pursuing my passion for dermatology. I aspire to eventually own my own dermatology practice, where I can work in the field I am passionate about. Growing up, I struggled with persistent skin issues that deeply affected my self-confidence. However, this frustrating journey ultimately sparked a strong interest in dermatology. My personal experiences have driven my passion to pursue a career where I can help others overcome their skin-related insecurities. I am aware as to how appearance can impact confidence and self-esteem, and I am keen to help others regain that confidence as a dermatologist. It is no secret that college is expensive, and as an immigrant student with parents who do not have college degrees, financial resources are limited. My mother works full-time in retail at TJMaxx, while my father drives a bus and often takes on extra shifts to earn additional income. Despite their hard work, they still struggle to make ends meet each month. Additionally, my family is currently experiencing an increased financial burden because my father recently discovered he is in debt for over $12,000, which he was previously unaware of. This situation requires him to pay $2,000 a month to resolve the debt, or he risks being taken to court. This scholarship would be a significant help, as even a small amount of financial support would contribute towards my future. My parents cannot afford to pay for my tuition out of pocket, and I am determined to do my best to secure a bright future and make them proud. The primary reason my parents decided to migrate to America with me was to secure a brighter future and access the numerous opportunities that this country can provide. My mother frequently reminds me, “Remember, you weren’t born here,” a phrase that serves as her subtle way of urging me to make the most of the chances I have and to avoid any potential pitfalls. From the very moment I descended from the plane coming from Jamaica, my parents have been unwavering in their support of my education and personal growth. They have actively encouraged me to excel academically and to pursue my dreams, pushing me to aim for greatness in everything I do. Throughout my life, they have invested countless hours of their attention, as well as money that they didn't have, in order to create a secure foundation for my future. Their sacrifices stem from a deep desire for me to enjoy opportunities that were not available to them. They hope that I will have the chance to live a life filled with possibilities that they could only dream of, and they remain committed to helping me achieve this vision. For that reason, I wish to make my parents proud so that they can see the dreams they made for their daughter become a reality. Thus, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship, as it would help address my financial needs and fulfill the dreams and hopes of both myself and my parents.

My name is De'Andri Roberts, a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University and a first-generation college student originally from Jamaica. I am a Biology major, currently on Pre-medicine track with the intentions of ultimately pursuing my passion for dermatology. I aspire to eventually own my own dermatology practice, where I can work in the field I am passionate about. Growing up, I struggled with persistent skin issues that deeply affected my self-confidence. However, this frustrating journey ultimately sparked a strong interest in dermatology. My personal experiences have driven my passion to pursue a career where I can help others overcome their skin-related insecurities. I am aware as to how appearance can impact confidence and self-esteem, and I am keen to help others regain that confidence as a dermatologist. It is no secret that college is expensive, and as an immigrant student with parents who do not have college degrees, financial resources are limited. My mother works full-time in retail at TJMaxx, while my father drives a bus and often takes on extra shifts to earn additional income. Despite their hard work, they still struggle to make ends meet each month. Additionally, my family is currently experiencing an increased financial burden because my father recently discovered he is in debt for over $12,000, which he was previously unaware of. This situation requires him to pay $2,000 a month to resolve the debt, or he risks being taken to court. This scholarship would be a significant help, as even a small amount of financial support would contribute towards my future. My parents cannot afford to pay for my tuition out of pocket, and I am determined to do my best to secure a bright future and make them proud. The primary reason my parents decided to migrate to America with me was to secure a brighter future and access the numerous opportunities that this country can provide. My mother frequently reminds me, “Remember, you weren’t born here,” a phrase that serves as her subtle way of urging me to make the most of the chances I have and to avoid any potential pitfalls. From the very moment I descended from the plane coming from Jamaica, my parents have been unwavering in their support of my education and personal growth. They have actively encouraged me to excel academically and to pursue my dreams, pushing me to aim for greatness in everything I do. Throughout my life, they have invested countless hours of their attention, as well as money that they didn't have, in order to create a secure foundation for my future. Their sacrifices stem from a deep desire for me to enjoy opportunities that were not available to them. They hope that I will have the chance to live a life filled with possibilities that they could only dream of, and they remain committed to helping me achieve this vision. For that reason, I wish to make my parents proud so that they can see the dreams they made for their daughter become a reality. Thus, I believe I would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship, as it would help address my financial needs and fulfill the dreams and hopes of both myself and my parents.