It was February 2020, just a month before the world officially went into lockdown, when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Our fears surrounding the virus were slowly growing, but our family’s worries were suddenly amped up to one hundred as a whole new life-changing disease was thrown into the mix. Would it be safe to take her to the hospital and receive treatment amidst a pandemic? Would hospitals even be open or available? Would we be able to afford treatment, or would my dad lose his job due to the shutdowns? As mom began her treatment and quarantine persisted, this period of uncertainty was marked by one constant: the incredible care offered by our entire community. Whether it was my Aunt Mary taking my mom to all her doctor’s appointments and chemotherapy infusions while my dad was working, countless other aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors bringing meals most days of the week, and even the doctors, answering the phone late into the night to advise and console mom upon her bouts of nausea other side effects. In my family’s darkest hour, I recognized just how powerful a role community members play in fighting cancer, and I knew that being this light for others was what I wanted to do going forward. The first step in my journey came from a new fire for understanding the biology of cancer and the inner workings of how it was devastating my mom. Before I returned to school after the pandemic, I applied for my county’s STEM magnet school program, making the difficult choice to go to a high school half an hour away. There, I immersed myself in cell biology and lab research, discovering how There, I immersed myself in cell biology and lab research, discovering how gene mutations can drastically increase breast cancer risk, and how treatments like chemotherapy and targeted therapies work at the cellular level. What began as a search for answers to ease my own fears soon blossomed into a deep academic passion. I was no longer just a scared kid trying to make sense of what was happening to my mom — I was a student, a researcher, and a future healer. Outside of school, I began volunteering at my local hospital. I started at the surgical reception desk and eventually became a junior lead, helping new volunteers and assisting in the Emergency Room. Every shift reminded me how much small moments of kindness and connection matter in healthcare — something my family experienced firsthand. As my mom recovered, I kept diving deeper into science fairs and research projects, exploring topics like drug delivery systems and cell signaling. Through it all, I realized I wanted to combine research with medicine — developing better treatments and standing beside families during their toughest moments, just like so many did for mine. Now, with my mom in remission, I carry those lessons with me. My experience with cancer didn’t just change our lives — it gave me a sense of purpose. I want to become a doctor who not only treats disease but also supports patients and families through the hardest parts of their lives. I hope to work at the intersection of medicine and research, developing better treatments while staying connected to the people they’re meant to help. It’s a path shaped by my family’s story, and it’s one I’m determined to follow.

“Hey, that’s so easy! You’re still doing single-digit addition?” The words cut through the quiet hum of Mathnasium students bent over their worksheets. I looked up from my station and saw a younger student’s face flush red as he clutched his pencil tighter. Before the moment could escalate, I stepped in. We all start somewhere," I said to her, smiling. "I remember having trouble with addition too. We all learn at our own pace." The teasing student hesitated, then half-growled and half-mumbled an apology. The tension released, and we went back to work, but the encounter stuck with me. It reminded me why I love mentoring—helping students feel capable in the learning process and creating spaces where students feel safe to grow and be criticized. I was always fascinated by STEM, but tutoring and mentoring showed me that it is just as valuable to pass on knowledge as it is to gain it. I discovered that when students feel loved, they're more apt to ask questions, make errors, and learn. This is why I've made efforts to broaden access to education by means of tutoring and mentoring, whether through Mathnasium or as club president of the Osbourn Park Peer Mentors. Through offering resources, help, and a friendly face, I aim to make learning fun rather than daunting. Another way in which I have attempted to connect science with individuals is through the account @with_a_mic, where we conduct interviews of students on their science fair project. One of our most viral videos trended not just for its content but also due to the heated arguments that ensued within the comments section, with some commenters mocking the project itself, and others displeased with the perceived pretentious nature of the interviewees. I was first inclined to defend the student and challenge every disparaging statement, but I realized a better alternative. Through moderation and a consistent positive presence in the face of negativity, my partner and I were able to steer the exchange into a constructive dialogue. The incident only succeeded in further reassuring me that learning and guidance are two of the best ways to address both in-person and cyberbullying. This commitment to mentorship and accessibility is also directly related to my long-term goals. As a future biomedical engineering major on the pre-med track, I want to design medical technology that improves patient care, particularly for disadvantaged communities. As I try to make learning available now, I want to deliver quality healthcare to all, no matter what their circumstances. However, pursuing this career path is also fraught with financial challenges. When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, it placed both an emotional and financial strain on my family. The support from my community during that time strengthened my resolve to give back, but it also meant that much of our financial resources went toward medical expenses, making college a greater burden—especially if I invest further in medical school. This scholarship will allow me to focus on studies, research, and community work without always having the weight of financial struggles. Whether through tutoring, mentoring, or science communication, I want to continue creating spaces for students to feel empowered and supported. With the right support, I am able to touch more lives and work towards being a physician who not only cures patients but also advocates for healthcare equity. This scholarship would not just be for me—it would be an investment in all the many lives I hope to touch in the future.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Witnessing her undergo years of pain, suffering, and treatment was one of the most difficult periods of my life, but it is what ignited my passion to pursue medical oncology and spend my life helping patients just like her. However, no one in my family has a history in the medical field, so I will not only have to navigate the financial burden of the journey, but also the many unknowns that come with becoming competitive and applying for medical school. I plan to make use of scholarships, federal programs, and university resources to succeed in my journey to saving lives as a cancer doctor. The first step on my journey will be to excel in undergrad and become a competitive medical school applicant. Having been recently accepted into the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering, I am excited to take advantage of the world class education, but also the extensive service network and faculty conducting research to build my resume. A key advantage of UVA that I am excited about is the on-campus hospital, which opens the doors for many volunteering and shadowing opportunities to gain experience and build my resume. I am especially excited about the opportunity to become an on-campus EMT! By completing training this summer, I will be able to help save lives and gain hands-on medical experience. Before aid, a 4-year is-state degree will cost about $200,000, so I am anticipating making use of FAFSA, an awarded work-study job on campus, and other scholarship opportunities to minimize student debt, as even more will come in medical school. During undergrad, a key expense—apart from tuition—that I will pursue scholarships for is MCAT test prep. Review material and textbooks usually cost hundreds of dollars, with MCAT registration itself costing $335. Scholarship will help me afford more extensive prep for this test. I am planning on taking the MCAT in the spring of my Junior year, which will allow me three years to complete the prerequisite science courses. I will spend at least 10 hours a week this year studying or completing practice tests to obtain a competitive score. This will allow me to begin applying to medical schools in the summer before and fall of my Senior year. I may also choose to take a gap year before entering medical school if I am not happy with my MCAT or application. This angle would allow me to spend time working, getting more clinical experience, studying, and revising my applications to ensure acceptance. After completing undergrad and matriculating into medical school, more testing will be required to become a licensed doctor. The three USMLE board certification tests cost a total of $2,625 to register currently. On top of this, medical school tuition will cost a minimum of $35,000 per year, even if I enroll in-state. While I will be able to rely on loans for the brunt of tuition costs, scholarships will be a huge boon in offering the immediate cash necessary to register for exams. After graduating medical school, I hope to take advantage of the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. If I work at a public hospital or healthcare service, my student loan debt will be erased after making minimum debt payments for 10 years! At this point, I will be debt-free with an established career and, hopefully, an impact on the lives of countless cancer patients.