During my senior of high school, I was enrolled in an advanced biomedical sciences program that demanded a high level of focus, discipline, and time. It was an incredible opportunity- hands on lab work, in depth medical research, and exposure to the real-world challenges of healthcare. However, as the year progressed, I found myself juggling not just the demands of the programs but also college applications, a part time job and the pressure to finish high school on a high note. Between intense coursework, long lab hours, and preparing for college applications, I found myself constantly overwhelmed. I was determined to succeed, but I began ignoring signs of burnout- skipping meals, losing sleep, and easily getting distracted. In the beginning I tried to power through it. I convinced myself that stress was normal during this process and it would all be worth the sacrifices. Eventually it all caught up with me. My stress was affecting not only my academics but also my overall well-being. I noticed a drop in my grades, motivation and passion for my biomedical program-which had excited me because we received a white coat at the end of the program that would represent my first white coat toward the final one I am striving for. That was the turning point when I decided to prioritize my mental and physical health. I started by making small but meaningful changes: scheduling regular breaks, getting consistent sleep, eating better, and setting limits on how much I took outside of school. I also talked to a trusted teacher about how I was feeling, and she helped me see that taking care of myself didn't mean I was falling behind- it meant I was being responsible. What I learned from that experience is something I will carry with me far beyond high school: success isn't just about how much you do- it is about how well you wake care of yourself while doing it. The medical field is intense and deeply rewarding, but it also demands emotional resilience and balance. By learning to take care of my health, I have become a more focused student, a more compassionate future healthcare professional and a more balanced individual. I simple terms I had to realize that I cannot enter into a field dedicated to caring for others if I did not learn to care for myself first. As I prepare for college and my future in healthcare, I know there will be challenges. But now I know I also have the tools to meet them- without losing myself in the process. That is a lesson I will never forget.

Coming from a family of public service workers, I have always been taught to care for and help others. I have been raised to serve the community because serving the community helps us all. Charity is for us all to become whole together, one part of the community will not fully flourish when the other part is drowning. Becoming an Anesthesiologist while focusing on the health disparities of the black community is how I plan to give back and add to the community. I want to inspire other young men to follow their dreams and to open their minds to other opportunities and set high goals for themselves. We need more representation in healthcare black and brown men providing the care we all deserve and serving as a voice for the community that continually cries out without acknowledgment. Attending an HBCU is not merely an academic decision, it’s a commitment to personal growth, cultural affirmation, and community upliftment, it would give me the opportunity to learn in an environment where I am not seen as a threat or a statistic, but as a future leader. I want to be part of a community that sees me for who I am, understands the weight I carry, and pushes me to rise above it. At an HBCU, I’ll be surrounded by people who look like me, who have overcome the same struggles, and who are working to create change not just for themselves but for our whole community.

In the future, I aspire to build a career as an anesthesiologist dedicated to providing safe, compassionate care to patient. I also aim to serve underserved communities, addressing healthcare disparities by increasing access to high-quality anesthesia care for populations that have been historically marginalized. There is documented disparities for Black people in medicine, both as patients and professionals. While there are many blocks for patients to receive quality care due to their ethnic background, there is also blocks for the professionals that resemble these patients to provide the care lacking. Black medical students report higher levels of discrimination, isolation, and pressure to prove themselves compared to their white counterparts. This is one of the reasons choosing to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) is powerful for many Black students. HBCUs provide a culturally affirming environment where students see themselves reflected in faculty, leadership and curriculum. For someone pursuing medicine, an HBCU can offer mentorship, support systems, and inspiration rooted in a shared experience. Being black means more than what to check off on your applications and identification documents. Being black means to be rich in culture, being resilient, and knowing you have a history of overcoming the unexpected. Black means excellence, standing strong regardless of systematic adversity. Becoming an anesthesiologist while embracing my Black identity and HBCU roots means contributing to both Black and medical excellence. Thank you for your time and consideration of me for this scholarship.

Every person believes that they were born with a strong purpose but I can honestly say I was meant to be in this world. When I was born, I had to have immediate surgery after birth because I had a birth defect known as Gastroschisis. This condition is when the stomach lining does not form properly or there is a tear which results in the organs to float outside of the body into the amniotic sac. For me it was the bulk of my intestines that were outside of my body for others it can include the heart and other organs, resulting in death. My parents have said that they only got to have a glimpse of me before I was carted off to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I had surgery the day after birth because they have to let the intestines flow back into the body in a natural position. I stayed in the NICU for a month before my parents were able to take me home. One of my brothers also was born with the same issue and had a similar recovery path leading our family to know this is something that is a hereditary trait. I have been lucky to since then have had some bruises, tears and broken bones but nothing as serious as how I came into this world. I have not had any additional issues resulting from my birth condition but there is limited detailed long-term effects recorded for this. Knowing the beginning of my life opened my interest into medicine. A couple of years ago, I participated in a program called STEMcx, which provided teenagers like me with the opportunity to be mentored by professionals in our chosen fields. I chose to immerse myself in the healthcare program. Through STEMcx, I gained access to several mentors within the healthcare industry, which proved invaluable as I began to narrow down the specific type of doctor I wanted to become. The STEMcx experience not only reinforced my ambition but also allowed me to gain hands-on experiences that were previously beyond my reach, including observing real-time surgeries. These opportunities would have been unattainable without the program's support and dedicated mentors. Such developmental experiences have helped solidify my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare, shaping my aspirations, and opening my eyes to the realization that I truly belonged within this professional landscape. It was here that I realized I wanted to become specifically an anesthesiologist. This career resonates with me because this was such an important role in my life. This was a person that took care of both my mother and me through my journey into the world. My mother also had an emergency cesarean section while have myself and my brother. During the time with my brother my mother told me that the anesthesiologist made it a point to tell her that she was not given the full dosage for an epidural so she would know if something felt wrong, which it did end up going wrong and she had to be rushed to the operation table. This was a life saving measure, that gave my mother the awareness to know that something may not be right. I hope to make this type of lasting impact on my patients, to know that what I am doing every day is making a difference. Successfully providing them with the special care to get them through possible life improving surgeries and procedures. Thank you for the opportunity to tell my story and considering me for this scholarship.

“Do I know you?” This is what my grandmother said as I escorted her to my mother’s car from the hospital. “It’s me, Dominic, Mama” I replied to her. A man nearby asked, “Do you know him?” she replied, “I guess I do” and shrugged her shoulders. When she got to the car and saw my mom My grandmother had known me for 18 years, she was at the hospital the day I was born and with my mother all nine months in preparation for my birth. Now one day she only ‘thinks’ she knows me; after changing my diapers, making my bottles, and helping me with homework after school, she ‘thinks’ she knows me. This is the frustration of Alzheimer’s disease not knowing if someone so close to your heart will or will not recognize you. When my grandmother started forgetting simple things or repeating the same things over and over, I thought it was a little funny because I did not know about Alzheimer’s. I used to pull pranks on my grandmother like asking her the same thing over and over or telling her she already said yes to something I asked her previously when she said no, I did not know it would just get worse over time and that one day she might forget me. I could never imagine a woman who I saw as so strong would be almost childlike one day but that is what happened to my grandmother. The biggest issue my grandmother had with Alzheimer’s was denial, she refused to believe that she was diagnosed with it (even though her father also had it), she refused to take the medication to slow the progress of the disease, and she refused to let you tell doctors that was one of her health issues. Eventually, in life, we all have to face a problem head-on and admit when we are not how we used to be. By the time my grandmother admitted this to herself she was too far along in the progression of the disease. My grandmother was a brilliant woman, I watched her take apart computers and put them back together with ease. Later in life she went back to college and kept going until she reached her goal of obtaining a Doctorate in human services. Social work was her true passion, she loved to help people. She truly was a jack of all trades though because I saw her do so many things, she was once a cosmetologist, seamstress, and case worker, ran a college computer lab and she created plus ran several nonprofit organizations. She loved to cook and entertain holidays but in the more recent years, she could not cook due to her forgetting she was cooking and leaving the stove and oven on. She was such a strong woman, and it looked so much to watch her fall slowly apart throughout the years. People do not prepare you for the transition of your loved one with Alzheimer’s, they do not inform you that you will grieve the person they used to be while they are still alive because of the changes this disease does to them. Unfortunately, I lost my grandmother on November 21, 2024. She fell ill one day and still refusing to believe anything serious was wrong with her she delayed medical treatment. When she arrived via ambulance at the hospital it was found she had gallstones, one that was trapped in an entry point and causing an infection throughout her body. Since she was in such bad shape the doctors had to treat the infection and immediately remove the gallstone causing the issue. Once she was stable from the procedure, they removed her gallbladder; but her battle was not over. Since she refused treatment for so long her body and her mind took a tremendous toll and she needed to inpatient rehab. She was in the inpatient facility for just a few days before my mother got a call that she was unresponsive, and she was rushed back to the hospital where she was put on life support. This is where Alzheimer’s played a crucial part in recovery, since her brain had already been under attack for so many years from this disease, when she lost consciousness for so long the oxygen never started returning to her brain. The brain that was already so fragile and already falling to pieces. My grandmother never came out of that coma, she was taken off life support and placed in hospice and her heart fought for almost two weeks after before she transitioned. During this journey with my grandmother, it taught me so much about life and family. It has taught me the importance of knowing your family's health history. It has taught me that memories are cherished but they may not always be available. It has taught me that someone in the family has to be vigilant and represent your loved one. My mother was the advocate for my grandmother; she fought to get her diagnosis and then she fought to keep the mom she had known. Going into the healthcare field I plan to do more research and make Alzheimer’s a part of my research and spreading awareness but most importantly keeping my grandmother’s memory alive. Even though her memories stopped I am here to carry them on to future generations and ensure we all know what may be ahead of us and know how to deal better if faced with this disease again. My grandmother’s mind may have forgotten me, but her heart always recognized us, and she will forever live in ours.

Every person believes that they were born with a strong purpose, but I can honestly say I was meant to be in this world. When I was born, I had to have immediate surgery after birth because I had a birth defect known as Gastroschisis. This condition is when the stomach lining does not form properly or there is a tear which results in the organs to float outside of the body into the amniotic sac. The bulk of my intestines were outside of my body but for others it can include the heart and other organs even resulting in death. My parents have said that they only got to have a glimpse of me before I was carted off to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I had surgery the day after birth because they have to let the intestines flow back into the body in a natural position. I stayed in the NICU for a month before my parents were able to take me home. One of my brothers also was born with the same issue and had a similar recovery path leading our family to know this is something that is a hereditary trait. I have been lucky to since then have had some bruises, tears and broken bones but nothing as serious as how I came into this world. I have not had any additional issues resulting from my birth condition but there is limited detailed long-term effects recorded for this. Knowing the beginning of my life open my interest into medicine. Since a young age I have wanted to become a medical doctor. I participated in an internship the summer after my sophomore year in high school where I was a medical intern. This gave me a deeper insight of the medical field and the various specialties within medicine. It was here that I realized I wanted to become specifically an anesthesiologist. This career resonates with me because this was such an important role in my life. This was a person that took care of both my mother and me through my journey into the world. My mother also had an emergency cesarean section while have myself and my brother. During the time with my brother my mother told me that the anesthesiologist made it a point to tell her that she was not given the full dosage for an epidural so she would know if something felt wrong, which it did end up going wrong and she had to be rushed to the operation table. This was a life saving measure, that gave my mother the awareness to know that something may not be right. I hope to make this type of lasting impact on my patients, to know that what I am doing every day is making a difference. I am excited for that part, knowing that I will impact lives in a positive way. Successfully providing them with the special care to get them through possible life improving surgeries and procedures. I also want to inspire other young men to follow their dreams and to open their minds to other opportunities and set high goals for themselves. To do any of this I need to begin my journey and that will commence the fall of 2025. I hope to make a difference with my life, and I hope to do this through the goals I plan to accomplish. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and consider me for this scholarship.

In high school, while many of my peers were focused solely on getting through their basic require classes, I chose to take on something more to prepare me for my career journey- a biomedical sciences program that ran alongside my regular coursework. This program pushed me academically, tested my time management, and ultimately confirmed that I want to become an anesthesiologist. I still remember the first day of the program. Surrounded by unfamiliar medical terms, anatomical diagrams and clinical case studies, I felt overwhelmed and inspired. Each unit opened a new window into the human body- from the intricate systems that sustain life to the medical interventions that protect it. As I juggled high school requirements with this intensive program, I learned how to study more effectively, ask better questions, and manage pressure- skills that will stay with me beyond the classroom. The biomedical program did not just teach me about medicine; it gave me a sense of purpose. I found myself most drawn to the units in pharmacology and patient care- the areas that overlap with anesthesiology. I was fascinated by how anesthesiologists work with incredible precision, balancing complex knowledge with calm decision making in high-stress environments. They prepare patients for surgery, monitor vital signs during procedures, and ease recovery afterward. That level of responsibility and trust deeply resonated with me. What impressed me most was how anesthesiologists of often operate in the background but play such a critical role in ensuring every procedure goes safely. I have always been more of a quiet leader- someone who works carefully, thinks strategically, and prefers making a strong impact without needing to be in the spotlight. The role of an anesthesiologist fits who I am, both in character and passion. Completing the biomedical program wasn't easy. There were moments when I questioned whether I had taken on too much- nights when I had to choose between sleep and finishing another clinical lab report and even considering dropping the program. But every challenge I overcame made me more confident in my path. I am proud not just of finishing the program, but sticking with it when it got hard, of staying curious even when the material was tough, and of discovering a future that excites me every day. This experience has laid the groundwork for what I hope will be a long and meaningful career in medicine. I plan to pursue a pre-med track in college, with a focus on gaining research experience and shadowing opportunities in clinical settings. I want to continue building knowledge, resilience, and empathy that the field of anesthesiology demands. Thank you for taking time to read my story and consider me for this scholarship. Your support would be a meaningful investment in our future, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity.

Every person believes that they were born with a strong purpose but I can honestly say I was meant to be in this world. When I was born, I had to have immediate surgery after birth because I had a birth defect known as Gastroschisis. This condition is when the stomach lining does not form properly or there is a tear which results in the organs to float outside of the body into the amniotic sac. For me it was a bulk of my intestines that were outside of my body for others it can include the heart and other organs, resulting in death. My parents have said that they only got to have a glimpse of me before I was carted off to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I had surgery the day after birth because they have to let the intestines flow back into the body in a natural position. I stayed in the NICU for a month before my parents were able to take me home. One of my brothers also was born with the same issue and had a similar recovery path leading our family to know this is something that is a hereditary trait. I have been lucky to since then have had some bruises, tears and broken bones but nothing as serious as how I came into this world. I have not had any additional issues resulting from my birth condition but there is limited detailed long-term effects recorded for this. Knowing the beginning of my life open my interest into medicine. Since a young age I have wanted to become a medical doctor. I participated in an internship the summer after my sophomore year in high school where I was a medical intern. This gave me a deeper insight of the medical field and the various specialties within medicine. It was here that I realized I wanted to become specifically an anesthesiologist. This career resonates with me because this was such an important role in my life. This was a person that took care of both my mother and me through my journey into the world. My mother also had an emergency cesarean section while have myself and my brother. During the time with my brother my mother told me that the anesthesiologist made it a point to tell her that she was not given the full dosage for an epidural so she would know if something felt wrong, which it did end up going wrong and she had to be rushed to the operation table. This was a life saving measure, that gave my mother the awareness to know that something may not be right. I hope to make this type of lasting impact on my patients, to know that what I am doing every day is making a difference. I am excited for that part, knowing that I will impact lives in a positive way. Successfully providing them with the special care to get them through possible life improving surgeries and procedures. I also want to inspire other young men to follow their dreams and to open their minds to other opportunities and set high goals for themselves.

My journey into High School was an interesting one; I started high school in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic. COVID19 affected my entire family in a monumental way, and we were forced to make some serious refinements throughout. During our time in quarantine, many of my friends and family members tested positive with the virus; this led us to cancel many events such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Birthdays, and even my parents' original wedding plans. Our biggest impediment, however, was that my brothers' mother was hospitalized after coming down with the virus. This affected my family the most as three of my brothers were forced to move in with us for over six months. This period was very challenging because we already had endured so many changes; having to make an educational transition with myself and my brother that already lived in the same household. Adding on three additional children in this setting placed another layer of difficulty for my family. My parents both were essential workers, my father works as a correctional officer and my mother was working at the hospital, leaving five children to be trusted to log on to virtual classes and complete assignments independently. Space was now limited, as originally our rooms were set up for two children with individual workspaces in separate rooms, now we had to find more space for all children to be able to focus and participate in their classes. During this tenure I struggled all around; I struggled with now having to share a room, with understanding these new subjects attempted to be taught to me and I struggled with my assignments. My brothers struggled with finding space in a new setting while also unsure of their mother and her health. This was an additional weight on them trying to complete school work and focus while things were changing daily with their mother’s health status. My parents were constantly trying to find ways to stretch what we had and make sure that we did not fall behind. They were also trying to find a balance between work and keep their family safe. We were able to create a good routine that required us to work together to ensure everyone was up and ready for not only their virtual classes but also completing the work. I look back at that time frame as a good learning experience; the experience helped me grow as not only a student, but a person as well. The Pandemic also helped shape humanity in a tough way and we were able to grow and build off of each other in order to adjust. I am excited for college to give me a fresh start and a fresh atmosphere. Though my high school years during COVID gave me resiliency, it also created some stagnancy for me; I am hoping that college will give me the tenacity that I am craving. I hope it gives me a better and more supportive student community for support and lifelong valuable friendships. Part of me in high school got hung up on pointless bonds and friendships that made me get off track of my goals but thanks to my parents support I was able to pick myself up time and time again. I plan to make this next chapter one of my best ones yet and help propel me into the future I always planned for myself.

Every person believes that they were born with a strong purpose, but I can honestly say I was meant to be in this world. When I was born, I had to have immediate surgery after birth because I had a birth defect known as Gastroschisis. This condition is when the stomach lining does not form properly or there is a tear which results in the organs to float outside of the body into the amniotic sac. For me it was a bulk of my intestines that were outside of my body for others it can include the heart and other organs, resulting in death. My parents have said that they only got to have a glimpse of me before I was carted off to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I had surgery the day after birth because they have to let the intestines flow back into the body in a natural position. I stayed in the NICU for a month before my parents were able to take me home. One of my brothers also was born with the same issue and had a similar recovery path leading our family to know this is something that is a hereditary trait. I have been lucky to since then have had some bruises, tears and broken bones but nothing as serious as how I came into this world. I have not had any additional issues resulting from my birth condition but there is limited detailed long-term effects recorded for this. Knowing the beginning of my life open my interest into medicine. Since a young age I have wanted to become a medical doctor. I participated in an internship the summer after my sophomore year in high school where I was a medical intern. This gave me a deeper insight of the medical field and the various specialties within medicine. It was here that I realized I wanted to become specifically an anesthesiologist. This career resonates with me because this was such an important role in my life. This was a person that took care of both my mother and me through my journey into the world. My mother also had an emergency cesarean section while have myself and my brother. During the time with my brother my mother told me that the anesthesiologist made it a point to tell her that she was not given the full dosage for an epidural so she would know if something felt wrong, which it did end up going wrong and she had to be rushed to the operation table. This was a life saving measure, that gave my mother the awareness to know that something may not be right. I hope to make this type of lasting impact on my patients, to know that what I am doing every day is making a difference. I am excited for that part, knowing that I will impact lives in a positive way. Successfully providing them with the special care to get them through possible life improving surgeries and procedures. I also want to inspire other young men to follow their dreams and to open their minds to other opportunities and set high goals for themselves.

Every person believes that they were born with a strong purpose but I can honestly say I was meant to be in this world. When I was born, I had to have immediate surgery after birth because I had a birth defect known as Gastroschisis. This condition is when the stomach lining does not form properly or there is a tear which results in the organs to float outside of the body into the amniotic sac. For me it was a bulk of my intestines that were outside of my body for others it can include the heart and other organs, resulting in death. My parents have said that they only got to have a glimpse of me before I was carted off to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). I had surgery the day after birth because they have to let the intestines flow back into the body in a natural position. I stayed in the NICU for a month before my parents were able to take me home. One of my brothers also was born with the same issue and had a similar recovery path leading our family to know this is something that is a hereditary trait. I have been lucky to since then have had some bruises, tears and broken bones but nothing as serious as how I came into this world. I have not had any additional issues resulting from my birth condition but there is limited detailed long-term effects recorded for this. Knowing the beginning of my life open my interest into medicine. Since a young age I have wanted to become a medical doctor. I participated in an internship the summer after my sophomore year in high school where I was a medical intern. This gave me a deeper insight of the medical field and the various specialties within medicine. It was here that I realized I wanted to become specifically an anesthesiologist. This career resonates with me because this was such an important role in my life. This was a person that took care of both my mother and me through my journey into the world. My mother also had an emergency cesarean section while have myself and my brother. During the time with my brother my mother told me that the anesthesiologist made it a point to tell her that she was not given the full dosage for an epidural so she would know if something felt wrong, which it did end up going wrong and she had to be rushed to the operation table. This was a life saving measure, that gave my mother the awareness to know that something may not be right. I hope to make this type of lasting impact on my patients, to know that what I am doing every day is making a difference. I am excited for that part, knowing that I will impact lives in a positive way. Successfully providing them with the special care to get them through possible life improving surgeries and procedures. I also want to inspire other young men to follow their dreams and to open their minds to other opportunities and set high goals for themselves.

Since a young age I have wanted to become a medical doctor. I participated in an internship the summer after my sophomore year in high school where I was a medical intern. This gave me a deeper insight of the medical field and the various specialties within medicine. It was here that I realized I wanted to become specifically an anesthesiologist. This career resonates with me because this was such an important role in my life. This was a person that took care of both my mother and me through my journey into the world. My mother also had an emergency cesarean section while have myself and my brother. During the time with my brother my mother told me that the anesthesiologist made it a point to tell her that she was not given the full dosage for an epidural so she would know if something felt wrong, which it did end up going wrong and she had to be rushed to the operation table. This was a life saving measure, that gave my mother the awareness to know that something may not be right. I hope to make this type of lasting impact on my patients, to know that what I am doing every day is making a difference. I am excited for that part, knowing that I will impact lives in a positive way. Successfully providing them with the special care to get them through possible life improving surgeries and procedures. I also want to inspire other young men to follow their dreams and to open their minds to other opportunities and set high goals for themselves. One example of how I have tried to make noise in my community is through my involvement in LGBTQ+ activism. As young ethnic member of this community I have found the need to dig for courage and stand up for what is right for my future. We have come a long way in a fight for acceptance and freedom to be seen. My generation is allowing more freedom to be us entirely without hiding and without fear. But there are individuals that still subscribe to the old age nonsense and try to bully and place fear in our hearts. I claimed my freedom of being me at a young age and I spread the word quick once telling my parents my truth. They wanted to protect me and not share my truth as freely as me. They grew up in a different time and knew that everyone, including family, would not be as accepting and proud of me as they were. But I did not let that stop me from being me. I should not have to choose which part of me to display to make others comfortable and I should not have to pick a battle to fight. I am both black and queer, so the fight is parallel. I took that attitude to school helping to create art and murals to represent the black queer community. By engaging in these activities, I have sought to disrupt business as usual and challenge those in power to take more decisive action. I have tried to inspire others to join the movement and to create a sense of urgency about this issue. While my efforts may seem small in the grand scheme of things, I believe that every individual has a role to play in creating a comfortable atmosphere for children regardless of what sexuality they choose. Yes, I am a black queer male, I am the future but most importantly I am ME.