“I’m gonna live my life, then I’ll serve God later”. That is a phrase used too commonly in this generation. Unfortunately, I have used this phrase a number of times as well. Until I realized that this isn’t “my” life to begin with. The phrase "my truth/my life” has gained popularity in modern discussions, often meaning one's individual perspective or experience. It reflects a personalized understanding of reality, shaped by personal feelings, beliefs, and experiences. In the Bible, truth is depicted as an unchanging reality rooted in God's nature. In John 3:16, it shows who the real truth and life is: "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” In this passage, Jesus is revealing His divine nature as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. However, the truth was never about us even before Jesus came as flesh. It was there since the beginning. John 1:1 reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then later on in that same book (John 17:17) it says, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." The Word is truth, and the Word is God. The word “sanctify” means to set apart for holiness. This means what the world defines as “truth” and the Word’s “truth” are completely different things. Whatever you consider the “truth” sets you apart from either the world or God. So, what is the difference between my/the world’s truth and the Word’s truth? Glad you asked. “My truth” is based on personal experiences and perspectives. Everyone’s “truth” is different. The Word’s truth is unchanging. We know that Jesus is the truth, and Hebrews 13:8 says: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” It is an unchanging principle that applies to everyone, regardless of their perceptive or experience. “My truth” can change as culture shifts and personal growth. The Word’s truth is rooted in the eternal nature of God and Hois unchanging character. This provides a firm foundation throughout all ages and cultures. The Word does not only tell us about God’s truth, but it also tells us how to gain guidance in discerning truth. James 1:5 advises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." This shows the availability that God has to help us discover the real truth, God’s truth. Another way that the Word encourages us to finding the truth is through a faith community. Proverbs 27:17 reads, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another," this shows in supporting others in understanding the Word’s truth and living it out. Although, to live out “my truth” sounds ore appealing and less complicated, it leaves us empty. “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:26). Living out the Word’s truth can be difficult, and can be ridiculed because of that. However, teh Word tells us in Matthew 5:12, “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” And that is not told on one’s truth that is changing, but on an unchanging and promise keeping God. I don’t know about you, but that is the truth that I want to follow.

“Can I touch your hair?” Turns the lights off* “Where did Dora go?” “My friend is black”. I was the person they were referring to. I went to a predominantly white private school from K-12. I never felt like I belonged. I always had labels on me. I either was seen as THE black girl or compared to a 7 year old spanish cartoon. That’s why I wanted to go to an HBCU. I knew my name would still turn into a song, but I would not feel…different. My first semester I spent at Delaware State University, an HBCU. I felt the belonging. Tthe devastation I felt when my time there was cut short due to a tragic shooting on campus. This event left me devastated. I suffered from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I struggled to find my footing in the aftermath. There I was again. Transferring to the University of Connecticut was a difficult decision. While the transition was challenging, it also opened my eyes to the continual issues of health disparities and the lack of Black women in medicine. Despite my personal struggles, I realized that these problems would not wait for me to heal. The need for dedicated and compassionate Black doctors was urgent, and I knew I had to continue my journey. Seeking help from Jesus and family, I found the strength to persevere. My faith played a crucial role in my recovery, providing me with a sense of purpose and hope. With the support of my family, friends, and mentors, I began to rebuild my life and refocus on my goals. This experience taught me the importance of resilience and the power of community in overcoming adversity. I became the founding president of the UConn chapter of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine chapter. This organization aims to support Black women pursuing careers in medicine and advocate for health equity. Through my leadership, we have organized events, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives that highlight the unique challenges faced by Black women in healthcare. My commitment to service extends beyond campus. I participate in service projects with my church and work with an organization that provides pop-up healthcare shops to underserved communities. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the systemic barriers that many people face in accessing quality healthcare and have reinforced my dedication to making a positive impact. My upcoming mission trip to Uganda represents another step in my journey of service and advocacy. In Uganda, I will provide medical assistance to Black women and immerse myself in their culture, learning from their resilience and strength. This experience will further shape my approach to healthcare. My involvement at the CURE program at Dana-Farber/HCC, where I worked on a project involving ovarian cancer cells. This opportunity allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting and reinforced my desire to become a gynecologic oncologist. The high rate of fatalities among Black women giving birth is a critical issue, and I am determined to address this disparity through my medical career. Despite the challenges I have faced, I remain dedicated to addressing health disparities and advocating for health equity. Determined not to just wait for the change to happen, but wherever I am to be the change. So, no you can not touch my hair. Whether you turn the lights on or off you will be able to see me or feel my impact. My impact that I will have will be one that has not been felt before for black women in medicine. I want to feel…different.

Imagine having your bills paid for a year? Wouldn’t that be nice? Well, indeed it was. The spirit of giving has touched my life in deeply personal ways. My father is a Haitian gospel artist, Tibob De Nazareth. He lost his business during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was our primary source of income. During this challenging time, the members of our church circled around us, providing financial assistance and food for an entire year. Their generosity and support were a lifeline for my family, showing the great impact that a community's spirit of giving can have on individuals in need. This experience reinforced my commitment to service and inspired me to give back even more. Service to others is a key part of my life, shaping my values and aspirations. As the founding president of the UConn chapter of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine, I am deeply committed to supporting Black women in their medical journeys and addressing health disparities. This commitment extends beyond my campus activities, as I actively engage in many forms of service that have greatly impacted both my community and myself. One of the most significant ways I have advanced the spirit of giving is through my upcoming mission trip to Uganda. This initiative aims to provide medical assistance to Black women who lack access to acceptable healthcare. By working directly with these communities, I hope to offer immediate relief and gain crucial insights into the systemic challenges they face. This experience will not only enhance my medical skills but also deepen my understanding of global health issues, further fueling my passion for making a difference in underserved populations. In addition to my international efforts, my commitment to service is also reflected in my involvement with my church. I participate in various service projects, from organizing food drives to mentoring youth. These activities foster a sense of community and provide essential support to those in need. The unity and collective effort within our church community have taught me the power of communal support and the importance of giving back. On my UConn campus, I am part of an organization that provides pop-up healthcare shops to underprivileged communities. These pop-ups offer free health screenings, medical advice, and essential resources to individuals who might otherwise go without care. This initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also raises awareness about health issues and encourages preventive care. Through this work, I have seen firsthand the barriers to healthcare access and the difference that charitable service can make. Looking ahead, my college education is instrumental in equipping me to continue serving others effectively. As an Allied Health Sciences major with a minor in Molecular and Cellular Biology on a premed track, I am gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to address health disparities and provide quality care. My education will empower me to be a compassionate and competent healthcare provider, particularly for Black women who face unique health challenges. In ten years, I see myself as a practicing OB/GYN and gynecologic oncologist, dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes for Black women. My medical training will enable me to deliver specialized care, advocate for health equity, and mentor future generations of Black women in medicine. The spirit of giving will continue to guide my professional journey, driving me to make a meaningful impact both locally and globally.

“Dora, Dora, Dora the Explorer”. That is the song everyone sings when they hear my name. We are clearly different. I mean that Dora is a 7 year old spanish girl, and I am a 19 year old Haitian woman. I can tell you many differences between that Dora and this Dora, but I would rather not. Let us focus on this show “Exploring this Dora’s life”, and this episode is called “Navigating life as a Black woman in Medicine”. Ann Ale! (Let’s go!) 2.6. If I were to receive that grade on an assignment, I would do everything in my power to bring that number up. Well, according to the Mayo Clinic, black women are 2.6 times more likely to have pregnancy related deaths than white woman. How about a 2.8%, is that any better? According to the National Institues of Health, 2.8% of physicians are black women. So naturally, I am committed to do everything in my power to help bring that number up. As a Black woman deeply passionate about medicine and addressing health disparities, specifically in gynecology, I have dedicated my academic and personal journey to making a positive impact on the world through my future medical career. This commitment is driven by my experiences, aspirations, and the significant need for more Black women in medicine in the United States. Now let’s explore my academic journey. This season of the show has been marked by a strong commitment to understanding and addressing health disparities. I do not want to wait to start making a change, but making my mark no matter where I am. I am the founding president of the UConn chapter of the National Society of Black Women in Medicine. This organization aims to support Black women in their medical journeys and advocate for health equity. Through this role, I have organized events, mentorship programs, and community outreach initiatives that emphasize the importance of diversity in medicine and the unique challenges faced by Black women in healthcare. One of the most transformative experiences in my journey has been my involvement with a summer program at Harvard Medical School's Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, where I worked on a project involving ovarian cancer cells, the glycocalyx, T cells, and enzymes. This experience deepened my understanding of cancer biology and reinforced my desire to become an OB/GYN and gynecologic oncologist. Black women have the highest rate among all the races in the U.S. of fatalities while giving birth. I am committed to addressing this disparity through my medical career. By being an OB/GYN , specializing in gynecologic oncology, I aim to provide quality care to Black women, advocate for health equity, and contribute to reducing maternal mortality rates. Now let’s take a shift and instead of exploring this Dora’s life, let’s talk about this Dora exploring. My upcoming mission trip to Uganda further reflects my commitment to global health and serving Black women. In Uganda, I will provide medical assistance to communities lacking access to adequate healthcare. This experience will not only allow me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting but also immerse myself in the culture, learning from the resilience and strength of the women I aim to help. To finish this episode, my journey in medicine is driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact on the world, particularly for Black communities. Through my academic pursuits, leadership roles, and service, I am dedicated to addressing health disparities and advocating for health equity. That wraps up this episode for now. Until next time! Orevwa!

“Dora, Dora, Dora the Explorer”. That is the song people sing when I tell them my name. Yes, my name is Dora, but I am not a 7 year old spanish girl. I am a 19 year old Haitian woman. However, one thing we do have in common is that I love to explore new places. Traveling is more than just an opportunity to visit new places; it is a transformative experience that opens our hearts and minds to the vast diversity of cultures, people, and perspectives that make up our world. The next episode of “Exploring with this Dora” is a mission trip to Uganda. This is clear evidence to the power of exposure. In Uganda, I will be working directly with Black women to provide much-needed medical assistance. This experience will not only allow me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting but also immerse myself in the Ugandan culture, learning from the persistance and strength of the women I aim to help. The wisdom gained from this experience will be invaluable in shaping my approach to healthcare and reinforcing my commitment to addressing health disparities. Traveling also fosters compassion and empathy by challenging our preconceived notions and encouraging us to see the world from different perspectives. This does not just have to be getting on a plane, but also exploring places locally that has not been seen enough. Volunteering during Christmas to help the homeless has given me a glimpse into the lives of those who are often overlooked and marginalized. These experiences have taught me the importance of kindness, understanding, and the impact of even the smallest acts of service. Similarly, my involvement in service projects with my church and the organization on my UConn campus that provides pop-up healthcare shops to underprivileged communities has deepened my appreciation for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those we serve. Each journey becomes a learning experience, offering new perspectives that can spur personal and professional growth. Over the next couple of seasons, I aspire to be a gynecologic oncologist. These experiences are crucial in developing cultural competence and empathy. These are essential qualities for providing effective and compassionate care to patients from diverse backgrounds, and for properly addressing health disparities. Admittedly this Dora does not just explore for professional growth. Travel improves our personal lives by generating a sense of adventure and curiosity. Exploring new surroundings, tasting different cuisines, and engaging with local traditions are ways I love to explore to become more adaptable and open-minded. These qualities are not just important in personal lives but also improves our ability to work collaboratively in diverse teams and adapt to new challenges. Can you say “La union fais la force”? That means “Unity makes strength”. Traveling is a transformative learning experience that unites. I do not need to have a theme song to tell my story; my story is told through this Dora’s exploring. Well, that wraps up this episode of “Exploring with this Dora”. Orevwa!

Imagine getting a 2.8% on an exam or a quiz. That’s failing, correct? Or imagine your paycheck being $1,000, but only able to keep 2.8%? That is unfair, correct? The percentage of physicians that are black women is 2.8%. That is a low number meaning that there is something that has failed and it is unfair. As a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine and STEM, my journey has been marked by perseverance and a deep commitment to making a difference in underrepresented communities. From my earliest years in elementary school to my current academic pursuits, I have consistently been a minority. These experiences have instilled in me a profound understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups and a determination to create change. My aspirations in the field of medicine are driven by a desire to not only become a doctor but also to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other Black individuals considering careers in STEM. I truly believe that representation matters, and I want to shatter stereotypes and open doors for those who come after me. Throughout my educational journey, I have sought opportunities to support and encourage other Black students in STEM fields. I went to an HBCU for my first semester of Freshman year. I was so happy to see those around me who looked like me, also striving for similar goals as me. However, due to a shooting, my parents wanted me to transfer to my current institution. I was devastated, but instead of complaining I made it a goal of mine to create a safe space to encourage people who looked like me in the STEM field. One of the ways I have actively worked towards this goal is by establishing a chapter of "The National Society of Black Women in Medicine" on my campus. This initiative aims to increase the retention and recruitment rate of Black women in medicine and STEM. Through this organization, I have organized mentorship programs, workshops, and outreach activities to create a supportive network for Black women pursuing careers in these fields. I believe that by providing guidance, resources, and a sense of community, we can empower more Black women to pursue and succeed in STEM careers. I genuinely believe that I deserve this scholarship because my commitment to using my education to contribute to STEM and underdeveloped communities is unwavering. With the financial support provided by this scholarship, I will be better equipped to continue my education and work towards becoming a doctor. This, in turn, will enable me to serve underprivileged communities by providing accessible healthcare and advocating for healthcare equity. In conclusion, my personal experiences as a minority in STEM have fueled my determination to become a doctor and inspire others to pursue careers in medicine and STEM fields. My work in establishing "The National Society of Black Women in Medicine" chapter on my campus reflects my commitment to increasing diversity and representation in these fields. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue to pursue my educational and career aspirations, ultimately contributing to STEM and underserved communities by providing much-needed representation and healthcare access.