An obstacle can serve as a challenge that tests our resolve, but it doesn't imply that our goals are out of reach. My journey towards pursuing a graduate degree began with the belief that further education could unlock new opportunities. In 2021, I was thrilled to be accepted into Boston University's one-year, four-semester program in Biomedical Research Technologies. As a first-generation college graduate, I recognized this would be a significant chapter in my life, especially since I had not been in school for seven years. However, on my first day, I discovered I had been withdrawn from the program without any explanation. Thankfully, my program advisor was incredibly supportive and permitted me to attend classes while the situation was resolved. I had been managing depression effectively through medication for a long time, a challenge rooted in a chronic condition diagnosed when I was just six. My experience as a cancer survivor, coupled with the long-term side effects, made me acutely aware of my mental health. Before the Fall 2022 semester, I decided to taper off my medication, feeling optimistic about my progress. In hindsight, this decision taught me an important lesson about balancing wellness and academic pressure. As academic stress mounted, I began experiencing signs of depression again, compounded by limited emotional support at home. Recognizing that discontinuing my medication may have contributed to my declining mental health prompted me to share my challenges with my advisor. Together, we created a supportive plan to ensure I could navigate the semester successfully before the winter break. Maintaining my health while seeking fulfilling employment has been a journey of resilience. I prioritized routine medical appointments and took on a role with AmeriCorps as a COVID relief tutor to support myself. By the time I rejoined the Fall 2023 semester, I found myself in a better mental state and adapting to the school environment once again, despite encountering new challenges. At home, I faced difficulties with an unsupportive family member, creating a strain on my well-being. Acknowledging this person's influence on my emotional state was difficult, but it galvanized my desire to create a positive atmosphere for myself. To counteract the negativity, I increased my presence on campus, spending time in the library on weekends to focus on my studies. While my second semester proved more manageable, I eventually chose to take a leave of absence to explore new living arrangements that would better support my mental health. Upon returning to school in spring 2025, I continued to encounter unexpected challenges. However, I used those challenges as motivation to overcome them. I am optimistic about completing my graduate program in December 2025 and achieving my dream of earning a master's degree. My passion for conducting research in a laboratory setting drives my pursuit of a Master's in Biomedical Research Technologies, with a keen interest in engaging in cancer-related research. Ultimately, I aspire to build a career as a medical researcher, focusing on coordinating resources for individuals with chronic illnesses who are dealing with long-term side effects of their treatments. I would like to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors like myself. The Khai Perry All-Star Memorial Scholarship is an incredible opportunity that will empower me to tackle challenges faced by medical professionals today and gain the clinical expertise necessary to collaborate effectively with and support individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and historically underserved populations.

I enjoy helping others through acts of kindness or volunteering and strongly believe that any act of kindness has the potential to make a positive impact on the life of another person.. More importantly, spreading love can better the entire community. I have been volunteering for about fifteen years and consider it my most cherished hobby. One of the many clubs I joined in high school was the Community Service Club. Together, members would go and help our community where it was needed. This included gardening at the community garden and spreading awareness on causes that were affecting the community. Later, as a senior, I signed up to volunteer for the Science Club for Girls. In this role, I worked with elementary school aged girls to explore the multitude of careers in the STEM field. The girls inspired me with their excitement and curiosity in scientific experimentation! Perhaps their excitement helped to influence my own career in the sciences! To this day, I continue volunteering with the children in this program. During my college years I continued in various volunteer roles. I had a passion for helping animals so I volunteered at the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as an assistant in their animal shelter. The work could be challenging but it was very fulfilling. Around the same time period I began a routine volunteer role at Mass Audubon where I would provide direct care for rescued wildlife. I went through extensive training and before I knew it- I was trained to handle owls and other birds of prey! I dedicated myself to that environmental education center for years and enjoyed being part of a special team of volunteers. Additionally, throughout college I also helped others academically as a math tutor. I participated in Alternative Spring Break as well, where I helped build a house for a family in Fitchburg, MA. Finally, during my senior year at Curry College I was a volunteer academic advisor, helping incoming students select and register for their courses. After college, I was eager to help others through mentorship and academic support. In 2018, I came across the organization Boston Partners in Education(BPIE). Here I was able to volunteer as an academic mentor providing academic support to students in grades 8-12. I am still involved with BPIE today. It is incredibly rewarding for me and I find myself promoting it to other potential volunteers frequently. I am always ready to offer a helping hand whenever I can. Today, I am helping a long time friend of mine who wants to pursue a nursing career. She was born in Brazil and is having trouble taking exams because of her language barrier. I also help my cousin practice English conversion skills. She is from Haiti. Although she understands and writes English very well, she is not fully confident in speaking it. Whenever I become aware of someone who needs help overcoming an obstacle I am sure to support them in any way I can. I am a firm believer that kindness and care goes a long way. When I look back at the time I offered to help, I realize that I genuinely care about helping others and my kindness has positively impacted those who needed it. Whether it is building a house for a family or sitting down with an individual who may need extra attention. It shapes who I am as a person and helps me to have positive values.

I chose to pursue STEM following a variety of life events. I am pursuing a graduate degree in Biomedical Research Technologies to become a medical researcher. Experiencing healthcare firsthand as a cancer survivor while engaging in scientific experimentation in school has impacted my goal to pursue a career in medical research. As early as I can remember since the 7th grade, I remember learning about the digestive system in my science class. We used a tennis ball, canola oil, and cellophane wrap rolls to demonstrate how food traveled through the body. I enjoyed seeing what was happening in the body using everyday products in real life. Later in class, we built bridges using manilla folders by shaping them into rectangular cylinders. I attended the John D. O'Bryant School of Math and Science where all my science teachers were women. One particular science teacher influenced me greatly and pushed me to participate in science programs and a science-related contest. All my science teachers left a strong impact on me and I aspire to do the same to the next generation of science experts. Since 2010 I have volunteered with the Science Club for Girls intermittently as a mentor. In this role I work with kindergarten girls to learn about different careers in the STEM field. The girls inspire me with their excitement and curiosity in scientific experimentation. I am drawn to medical research because of its capacity to resolve issues through cell regeneration and programming. My research interest stemmed from the independent research project I completed in my senior year of college. The investigative work and conscientiousness that went into completing my project were exciting and impactful. The STEM field requires significant dedication and it is rewarding to resolve a problem that medical professionals need help with. I hope to make a difference as a woman in the STEM field by increasing visibility and advocacy. I want to continue seeing powerful influences from other women. I know from personal experience that often women are outnumbered by men in the life sciences. This is not only intimidating but it leads to disrespectful behavior. Women make up 29% of the STEM workforce with Black and Latina Women only 4%. The increased number of women in the STEM field would close the gender gap and hopefully change counter perspectives on women’s presence in the STEM field. I look forward to supporting and advancing the inclusion of all girls and women in the life sciences.