My name is Deja LaFaye Wooten, I'm a senior at Ogden International Highschool in Chicago IL. I'm currently in the International Baccalaureate Program and I'm enrolled in seven diploma programme classes, IB SL Spanish B II, IB SL Math Application and Interpretations II, IB SL Chemistry II, IB Theory Knowledge-EE II, IB HL Biology II, IB HL Psychology II, and IB HL English A: Language and Literature II. My GPA is 4.56 and my current rank is 15/154 for the 2022 senior class. On November 2, 2021, I was inducted into NHS (National Honors Society) I'm on SGA (Student Government Assoc.) Black Student Union, I'm also the Boys Varsity Basketball Manager, Girls Varsity Track and Field Captain and I play Varsity Volleyball. I was raised by a single mom, that poured so much into me, my mother also lived everything she taught my siblings and me. She lead by example and that trained me to lead, to be independent, and to think critically. Her guidance grounded me, made me more hardworking, humble and more importantly it makes me grateful. Grateful because deep down I know I would not be who I am without GOD giving me the mother I have. In 2015 my dad had a massive stroke, and blood settled on the left side of his brain, he was in a coma for almost a week. I was in the fifth grade, I will never forget the day my mom came and got me from school and we rushed to the hospital. When we entered the room all I remember is seeing him sleep and many many tubes. Right now my dad is permanently disabled and unable to work or drive. He was in the Hospital/Rehab for several months. He had to learn to eat, walk and talk again. This childhood memory will never leave me. Once I made it to high school, science began to intrigue me, brain development, neurons, the brain stem, and the operations of the lobes caught my attention. I found myself researching information outside of my actual school work. I watched documentaries, read books on the brain and I always reflected back to my dad's stroke and wondered why his brain failed him. I believe health and access to excellent medical care are some of the key components of life. Factual data is needed so that the proper decisions can be made down the road for the greater good of mankind. My plan is to study Neuroscience with a focus on pediatric development. Everything about the brain and how it functions is exciting to me. I would like to research specific illnesses such as Autism, stroke, mental health disorders, and Epilepsy. The most positive impact I plan to have is helping families with young children from all walks of life that have been impacted by these illnesses in any way shape or form. I plan to use my time wisely, study and dedicate myself to accurate and ethical research. My research will provide me and other professionals worldwide with a better understanding of what exactly to look for before any deficit with the brain is manifested. This will allow me to jump in front of Autism and many other diseases and treat patients prior, whether it's through medication, therapy, or in utero. I would also like to open an early childhood boys and girls center that will offer tutoring, counseling, and sports. My center will also offer exercises and games specifically designed to promote excellent brain health. In closing, I am thankful for the opportunity to apply to the Cliff T. Wofford Stem Scholarship

My name is Deja LaFaye Wooten, I'm a senior at Ogden International Highschool in Chicago IL. I'm currently in the International Baccalaureate Program and I'm enrolled in seven diploma programme classes, IB SL Spanish B II, IB SL Math Application and Interpretations II, IB SL Chemistry II, IB Theory Knowledge-EE II, IB HL Biology II, IB HL Psychology II, and IB HL English A: Language and Literature II. My GPA is 4.56 and my current rank is 15/154 for the 2022 senior class. On November 2, 2021, I was inducted into NHS (National Honors Society) I'm on SGA (Student Government Assoc.) Black Student Union, I'm also the Boys Varsity Basketball Manager, Girls Varsity Track and Field Captain and I play Varsity Volleyball. I was raised by a single mom, that poured so much into me, my mother also lived everything she taught my siblings and me. She lead by example and that trained me to lead, to be independent, and to think critically. Her guidance grounded me, made me more hardworking, humble and more importantly it makes me grateful. Grateful because deep down I know I would not be who I am without GOD giving me the mother I have. I value my independence and integrity, I'm the same no matter the situation, and no one has any influence over me. I've set goals for myself regarding education, health, and I also have financial goals. I have a true sense of purpose, I'm proud of myself and my future is bright. My goals will not just help me, they will also help others around me. My family, friends, and my community are important to me. My plan is to study Neuroscience with a focus on pediatric development. Everything about the brain and how it functions is exciting to me. I would like to research specific illnesses such as Autism, stroke, mental health disorders, and Epilepsy. The most positive impact I plan to have is helping families with young children from all walks of life that have been impacted by these illnesses in any way shape or form. I plan to use my time wisely, study and dedicate myself to accurate and ethical research. My research will provide me and other professionals worldwide with a better understanding of what exactly to look for before any deficit with the brain is manifested. This will allow me to jump in front of Autism and many other diseases and treat patients prior, whether it's through medication, therapy, or in utero. My foundation in hard work, integrity, and being true to myself will definitely help me in my journey. I write this essay with a humble and gracious heart and I am thankful for the opportunity to apply to the Sloan Stephens Doc and Glo Scholarship.

I'm passionate about making sure my family, friends, and my community are safe. I would like to make this world better for all of its inhabitants. I believe health and access to excellent medical care are some of the key components of life. Factual data is needed so that the proper decisions can be made down the road for the greater good of mankind. In 2015 my dad had a massive stroke, and blood settled on the left side of his brain, he was in a coma for almost a week. I was in the fifth grade, I will never forget the day my mom came and got me from school and rushed us to the hospital. When we entered the room all I remember is seeing him sleep and many many tubes. Right now my dad is permanently disabled and unable to work or drive. He was in the hospital/Rehab for several months. He had to learn to eat, walk and talk again. This childhood memory will never leave me. Once I made it to high school, science began to intrigue me, brain development, neurons, the brain stem, and the operations of the lobes caught my attention. I found myself researching information outside of my actual school work. I watched documentaries, read books on the brain and I always reflected back to my dad's stroke and wondered why his brain failed him. My plan is to study Neuroscience with a focus on pediatric development. I would like to research specific illnesses such as Autism, stroke, mental health disorders, and Epilepsy. The most positive impact I plan to have is helping families with young children from all walks of life that have been impacted by these illnesses. I plan to use my time wisely, study and dedicate myself to accurate and ethical research. Hopefully, my research will provide me and other professionals around me with a better understanding of what exactly to look for before any deficit with the brain is manifested. This will allow me to get in front of Autism etc and treat patients prior, whether it's through medication, therapy, or in utero. I also plan to open an early childhood boys and girls center that will offer tutoring, counseling, and sports. My center will also offer exercises and games specifically designed to promote excellent brain health. Later in life, I will open a private practice with my sister, she's currently in a Master's Program at LSU for Speech-Language Pathology, she will graduate in May of 2022. My name is Deja LaFaye Wooten, I'm a senior at Ogden International Highschool in Chicago IL. I'm currently in the International Baccalaureate Program and I'm enrolled in seven diploma programme classes, IB SL Spanish B II, IB SL Math Application and Interpretations II, IB SL Chemistry II, IB Theory Knowledge-EE II, IB HL Biology II, IB HL Psychology II, and IB HL English A: Language and Literature II. My GPA is 4.56 and my current rank is 15/154 for the 2022 senior class. In closing, I am thankful for the opportunity to apply to the Black Students in Stem Scholarship.

My name is Deja LaFaye Wooten, I'm a senior at Ogden International Highschool in Chicago IL. I'm currently in the International Baccalaureate Program and I'm enrolled in seven diploma programme classes, IB SL Spanish B II, IB SL Math Application and Interpretations II, IB SL Chemistry II, IB Theory Knowledge-EE II, IB HL Biology II, IB HL Psychology II, and IB HL English A: Language and Literature II. My current rank is 15/154 for the class of 2022. On November 2, 2021, I was inducted into NHS (National Honors Society) I'm on SGA (Student Government Assoc.) Black Student Union, I'm also the Boys Varsity Basketball Manager, Girls Varsity Track and Field Captain and I play Varsity Volleyball. My family, friends, and my community motivate me to be my absolute best. More specifically, my mom inspires me. My parents separated when I was younger and eventually divorced. I was raised by my mom on the west side of Chicago, she poured so much positivity into me, my mother also lived everything she taught my siblings and me. She lead by example and that trained me to lead, to be independent, and to think critically. Her guidance grounded me, made me more hardworking, humble and more importantly I'm grateful. I would like to make this world better for all of its inhabitants. I've set goals for myself regarding education and health, I also have financial goals. Every goal has shaped and molded me into the person I am today. I have a true sense of purpose, I'm proud of myself and my future is bright. Every goal I've set will not just help me, it will also help others around me. My plan is to study Neuroscience with a focus on pediatric development. Everything about the brain and how it functions is exciting to me. I would like to research specific illnesses such as Autism, stroke, mental health disorders, and Epilepsy. The most positive impact I plan to have is helping families with young children from all walks of life that have been impacted by these illnesses in any way shape or form. I plan to use my time wisely, study and dedicate myself to accurate and ethical research. My research will provide me and other professionals around me with a better understanding of what exactly to look for before any deficit with the brain is manifested. This will allow me to jump in front of Autism etc and treat patients prior, whether it's through medication, therapy, or in utero. I would also like to open an early childhood boys and girls center that will offer tutoring, counseling, and sports. My center will also offer exercises and games specifically designed to promote excellent brain health. Later in life, I will also open a private practice with my sister, she's currently in a Master's Program at LSU for Speech-Language Pathology, she will graduate in May of 2022. We plan to join forces and assist as many men women and children as we can help. In 2015 my dad had a massive stroke, and blood settled on the left side of his brain, he was in a coma for almost a week. I was in the fifth grade, I will never forget the day my mom came and got me from school and rushed us to the hospital. When we entered the room all I remember is seeing him sleep and many many tubes. I didn't stay long, I was devastated and sick for 2-3 days, with a stomach ache and vomiting. My mom mentioned something about my nerves. Right now my dad is permanently disabled and unable to work or drive. He was in the hospital/Rehab for several months. He had to learn to eat, walk and talk again. This childhood memory will never leave me. Once I made it to high school, science began to intrigue me, brain development, neurons, the brain stem, and the operations of the lobes caught my attention. I found myself researching information outside of my actual school work. I watched documentaries, read books on the brain and I always reflected back to my dad's stroke and wondered why his brain failed him. I believe health and access to excellent medical care are some of the key components of life. Factual data is needed so that the proper decisions can be made down the road for the greater good of mankind. In closing, I am thankful for the opportunity to apply to the Young Women in STEM Scholarship.

My name is Deja LaFaye Wooten, I'm a senior at Ogden International Highschool in Chicago IL. I'm currently in the International Baccalaureate Program and I'm enrolled in seven diploma programme classes, IB SL Spanish B II, IB SL Math Application and Interpretations II, IB SL Chemistry II, IB Theory Knowledge-EE II, IB HL Biology II, IB HL Psychology II, and IB HL English A: Language and Literature II. My current rank is 15/154 for the 2022 senior class. On November 2, 2021 I was inducted into NHS (National Honors Society) I'm on SGA (Student Government Assoc.) Black Student Union, I'm also the Boys Varsity Basketball Manager, Girls Varsity Track and Field Captain and I also play Varsity Volleyball. I've set goals for myself because it keeps me grounded, I'm hardworking, humble and more importantly I'm grateful. My parents separated when I was younger and eventually divorced. I was raised by my mom on the west-side of Chicago, she poured so much into me, my mother also lived everything she taught my siblings and me. She lead by example and that trained me to lead, to be independent, and to think critically. I have many goals and every goal I've set in place will not just help me, it will also help others around me. My family, friends, and my community are important to me and for this reason, my priorities are set in stone. My plan is to study Neuroscience with a focus on pediatric development. Everything about the brain and how it functions is exciting to me. I would like to research specific illnesses such as Autism,mental health disorders,and Epilepsy.The most positive impact I plan to have is helping families with young children from all walks of life that have been touched by these illnesses. I plan to use my time wisely, study and dedicate myself to accurate and ethical research. Later in life I will open a private practice with my sister,she's currently in a Masters Program at LSU for Speech Language Pathology, she will graduate May of 2022. Hopefully my research will provide me and other professionals around me a better understanding of what exactly to look for before any deficit with the brain is manifested. This will allow me to jump in front of Autism etc and treat patients prior, whether its through medication, therapy or in utero. I would also like to open an early childhood boys and girls club or center that will offer tutoring, counseling and sports. My center will also offer exercises and games specifically designed to promote excellent brain health. In closing, I am thankful for the opportunity to apply to the Ruth and Johnnie McCoy Memorial Scholarship.

My definition of independence is being in control of what I want to do, without the influence of others. I've set goals for myself regarding education and health, I also have financial goals. Every goal has shaped and molded me into the person I am today. I have a true sense of purpose, I'm proud of myself and my future is bright. Every goal I've set in place will not just help me, it will also help others around me. My family, friends, and my community are important and for this reason, my priorities are set in stone. I protect my future at all costs, I plan, I know my self-worth, no means no, and I'm the leader. I was recently inducted into NHS (National Honors Society) I'm in SGA (Student Government Assoc.) I'm also the Boys Varsity Basketball Manager, Girls Varsity Track Captain and I play Varsity Volleyball. I was raised by a single mom, that poured so much into me, my mother also lived everything she taught my siblings and me. She lead by example and that trained me to lead, to be independent, and to think critically. In closing, I am thankful for the opportunity to apply to the Bold Independence Scholarship.