I have always had an innate curiosity for all things science. In particular, medicine and the fascinating complexity of the human body. Having just graduated from high school and accepted into my dream university, Texas A&M, I am looking forward to pursuing a Business Administration-Healthcare degree where I will gain the necessary knowledge and experience to pursue a life of helping and healing others in desperate need of medical care. Fortunately, my high school health science program gave me a peek into the world of medicine. Still, I felt I needed more than just classroom knowledge. What I needed was real-world medical exposure. Not fully understanding what I was getting myself into, I committed myself to a doctor shadowing program at a free payment hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Stepping out of the bus to begin my first day at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral was a shock. There were hundreds of injured and sick people waiting outside the doors for medical attention. Some even laying on the ground in their own filth and vomit. I asked my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replied, “There is simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” As we changed into our scrubs to begin orientation, I already felt my perspective shifting. I had always taken healthcare for granted. How fortunate I was to have been born in a country where doctors, supplies, and anesthesia are readily available. Over the next two weeks, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, and limited anesthesia. However, serving on the orthopedic team also gave me the opportunity to observe and learn from countless trauma surgeries. My mentoring doctors were patient and kind as they taught me how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and provide compassion to many fearful surgical patients. My experience abroad was life changing. It fueled my passion for medicine and forced me to step outside my comfort zone in a world few people my age get to experience. I noticed how much the doctors and nurses in that overwhelmed hospital cared for their patients, and for so little pay. That is when I realized a career in healthcare is my purpose in life. It is my chance to be of service to the people in my community and beyond. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. In just a matter of months, I will begin my undergraduate studies with a whole new perspective, thanks to the real-world clinical work abroad and recent work at a local physical therapy clinic and hospital pharmacy. Being in the medical or healthcare field is so much more than selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and resources to make a difference in other people’s lives, both locally and internationally. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship. It would be an honor to be selected as the recipient of a scholarship which celebrates the life of a remarkable person who devoted their life to making a difference in others lives. I also aspire to live my life for others, helping and healing them through the knowledge and passion gained while pursuing my BBA degree in Healthcare. Undoubtedly, fulfilling my educational dreams will be costly, and this memorial scholarship would help ease the financial burden of educational expenses my first year of study at Texas A&M University.

Startled awake at 05:20 by the blasting sound of a military bugle, I climb down from my top bunk and meticulously dress in my army cadet uniform. Marching to the mess hall, I prepare mentally for another challenging day filled with college prep classes, athletics, army drills, work, and study hall. By the time Taps arrive at 22:30, I gratefully collapse into bed. This is my life now. At the young age of 15, I willingly applied and was accepted to a military boarding school. This decision was prompted by COVID-19 school closures the latter half of my freshman year of high school and my desire to enlist in the military after graduation. Not only would this give me an opportunity to test out military life, but I knew in my heart I would not thrive emotionally, academically, or physically if I was forced to do online school and discontinue all extracurriculars. I had already started seeing a counselor for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse and I felt this move would give me a chance to turn my life around. Thankfully, my parents agreed to my request to leave home and attend the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI). I thrived at NMMI. For a while. I was selected to serve in the most sought-after cadet leadership positions of cadet PT coach, ROTC Staff Sergeant, and high ropes Facilitator at the Leadership Challenge Complex. My dedication to my studies led to the highest academic recognition. To put it mildly, my friends and family were proud of my accomplishments. However, my success had come at a price. I missed my family, civilian life, and Texas. I simply wanted to return home. Not wanting to disappoint anyone, I struggled in silence for several months. Eventually, I shared my desire to leave military school with a NMMI mental health an advisor and later, my parents. I explained how desperate and hopeless I felt being so far away from my family in a place I no longer wished to be. After months of silence and shame, I made the hard decision to honor my emotional health and my future goals. I withdrew from military school and returned home my senior year of high school. I went back to regular counseling sessions, repaired relationships with family, and made straight As along with better life choices. I participated in several hands-on medical internships which further fueled my passion for a career in healthcare. Additionally, I received a letter that validated my decision - I was accepted into my dream school, Texas A&M University, based on my top 8% class rank at the military school! My willingness to take on failure was part of the process of learning more about myself, my limits, and my professional and personal goals. It humbled me and it taught me that failure is not always the opposite of success. I will never regret the decision to attend military school during a pandemic. I feel at peace having realized my true path in life - a medical career in Texas, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for The Trever David Clark Memorial Scholarship. It would be an honor to receive a scholarship which honors the life of Trever, a student like myself with whom I can relate. I have struggled with mental illness and hope to make a difference in the field of healthcare for future generations. Undoubtedly, fulfilling my educational dreams will be costly; and this scholarship would help ease the financial burden of educational expenses at Texas A&M University.

Startled awake at 05:20 by the blasting sound of a military bugle, I climb down from my top bunk and meticulously dress in my army cadet uniform. In less than an hour, I am standing in formation outside the barracks, wondering if anyone else hears my stomach growling. Marching to the mess hall, I prepare mentally for another challenging day filled with college prep classes, athletics, army drills, work, and study hall. By the time Taps arrive at 22:30, I gratefully collapse into bed. This is my life now. At the young age of 15, I willingly applied and was accepted to an internationally diverse military boarding school. This decision was prompted by COVID-19 school closures the latter half of my freshman year of high school and my desire to enlist in the military after graduation. Not only would this give me an opportunity to test out military life, but I knew in my heart I would not thrive emotionally, academically, or physically if I was forced to do online school and discontinue all extracurriculars for the foreseeable future. I had already started seeing a counselor for anxiety, depression, and substance abuse and I felt this move would give me a chance to turn my life around. Thankfully, my parents agreed to my request to leave home and attend the New Mexico Military Institute (NMMI). For several years, I felt I had found my calling in life - to pursue a life-long medical career in the US Military. I thrived in a strict army regiment and robust academic environment. My enthusiasm and blossoming leadership skills enabled me to quickly move up in military rank at NMMI. I was selected to serve in the most sought-after cadet leadership positions of cadet physical training coach, ROTC Staff Sergeant, and high ropes Facilitator at the Leadership Challenge Complex. My dedication to my studies led to academic excellence recognition. At the end of my junior year, I was ranked #9 out of 109 cadets in my graduating class and maintained a 3.93 cumulative GPA (4.0 scale). To put it mildly, my friends and family were proud of my accomplishments. However, my success had come at a price. At the end of my junior year, I was completely burned out and homesick. I missed my family, civilian life, and Texas. I now had different goals in life (family, children, stable environment) that would conflict with a military career. I simply wanted to return home. Not wanting to disappoint anyone, I struggled in silence for several months. I also struggled with my own feelings of disappointment. I had worked so hard to get to this point. How could I throw it all away? How could I just quit? Eventually, I shared my desire to leave military school with a mental health advisor at NMMI. I explained how desperate and hopeless I felt being so far away from my family in a place I no longer wished to be. As expected, everyone was shocked. My parents “encouraged” me to stay, explaining that transferring grades and class rank back to Texas my senior year would be messy, perhaps detrimental to college acceptance and scholarship awards. I also wondered if college admission committees would view me as a quitter. My academic advisors and ROTC leaders were speechless. They may have tried to hide it, but I could see the disappointment in everyones eyes. After months of silence and shame, I made the hard decision to honor my emotional health and my future goals. I withdrew from military school and returned home my senior year of high school. I went back to regular counseling sessions, repaired relationships with family, and made straight As along with better life choices. I participated in several hands-on medical internships which further fueled my passion for a career in healthcare. Additionally, I received a letter that validated my decision - I was accepted into my dream school, Texas A&M University, based on my top 8% class rank at the military school! My willingness to take on failure was part of the process of learning more about myself, my limits, and my professional and personal goals. It humbled me and it taught me that failure is not always the opposite of success. I will never regret the decision to attend military school during a pandemic. I feel at peace having realized my true path in life - a medical career in Texas, surrounded by family and friends. It has taken some time and a lot of therapy to shed my feelings of failure, but I now look back upon my high school military experience with self-assurance and pride. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship. It would be an honor to be selected as the recipient of a scholarship which honors the life of a remarkable women, with whom I can relate. Like Ms. Sheri Rosser, I have struggled with mental health and now appreciate the need to improve mental health education and research for the benefit of future generations. Undoubtedly, fulfilling my educational dreams in a healthcare field will be costly; and Ms. Rosser’s memorial scholarship would help ease the financial burden of educational expenses my first year of study at Texas A&M University.

The bus door shudders open. Instantly, my heart sank as I gazed upon the hundreds of sick and injured people begging for urgent medical care. In disbelief, I ask my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replies, “There are simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” I have replayed this heart-wrenching scene in my head many times since returning from my doctor shadowing program at a free care hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. I may not have been prepared for such an extreme medical experience, but this rare opportunity turned out to be a life-changing journey. Observing trauma surgeries and serving patients on hospital frontlines forced me to step outside my comfort zone, affirmed my career aspirations in healthcare, and changed my perspectives on life. After recovering from the initial shock at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral, I began to process how naive and ungrateful I was, always taking health care for granted. How fortunate I was to have been born in a country where health care and medical supplies are available when needed. Over the weeks that followed, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, outdated equipment, and limited anesthesia! Placed within the orthopedics trauma team, I was taught how to draw blood, perform sutures, place casts, and provide comfort to frightened patients during countless trauma surgeries. Perhaps more importantly, I was able to witness the passion and dedication of the surgeons and nurses I worked for. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized a career in medicine is not about selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and talents to make a difference in other people’s lives. To this day, I feel there is no greater honor I could have received than being selected to learn and serve patients in the Dominican Republic. Since my time abroad, I have continued to honor my passion for medicine and desire to learn about different healthcare practices. For the past 8 months, I have been working a second job as an unpaid intern at a local physical therapy center, learning about pain management and healing through strengthening and stretching. Truly, it has been a blessing to see the flip side of trauma injury and surgery - recovery and rehabilitation. I absolutely love working with and speaking to PT patients. Additionally, I participated in a hospital pharmacy internship last month. I enjoyed serving in a hospital setting again, but each day tugged at my heart as I recalled the struggles of those in the Dominican Republic hospital. In just a matter of months, I will begin my undergraduate studies in Business Administration-Healthcare at Texas A&M University with a whole new perspective, thanks to the medical journeys I have embraced throughout high school. Each experience has enhanced my classroom studies and opened my eyes to challenges in health care, both locally and globally. I now realize a professional career in medicine requires courage, compassionate leadership, and personal sacrifices to make a difference in the world around them. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship. Your generosity would help ease some of my financial burdens during the first year of college and it would be an honor to receive a scholarship that aligns so perfectly with my passion to serve and heal others.

The bus door shudders open. Instantly, my heart sank as I gazed upon the hundreds of sick and injured people begging for urgent medical care. In disbelief, I ask my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replies, “There are simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” I have replayed this heart-wrenching scene in my head many times since returning from my doctor shadowing program at a free care hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Friends and family thought I was crazy to take on such an extreme medical experience, but this rare opportunity turned out to be life-changing. Observing trauma surgeries and serving distressed patients on hospital frontlines aligned perfectly with my overly adventurous nature. After recovering from the initial shock at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral, I began to process how naive and ungrateful I was, always taking health care for granted. How fortunate I was to have been born in a country where health care and medical supplies are available when needed. Over the weeks that followed, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, outdated equipment, and limited anesthesia! Placed within the orthopedics trauma team, I enthusiastically learned how to draw blood, perform sutures, place casts, and provide comfort to frightened patients during countless surgeries. My passion for medicine soared as I witnessed the complexity of trauma cases and the creativity of doctors and nurses having to make due in a hospital with deficient supplies. I also noticed how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized a career in medicine is not about selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and talents to make a difference in other people’s lives. To this day, I feel there is no greater honor I could have received than being selected to learn and serve patients in the Dominican Republic. Since my time abroad, I have continued to honor my extreme passion for medicine and desire to learn about different healthcare practices. For the past 8 months, I have been working a second job as an unpaid intern at a local physical therapy center, learning about pain management and healing through strengthening and stretching. Truly, it has been a blessing to see the flip side of trauma injury and surgery - recovery and rehabilitation. I love working with and encouraging the PT patients. Additionally, I participated in a hospital pharmacy internship last month. I enjoyed serving in a hospital setting again, but each day tugged at my heart as I recalled the struggles of those in the Dominican Republic hospital. In just a matter of months, I will begin my undergraduate studies in Business Administration-Healthcare at Texas A&M University with a whole new perspective, thanks to the extreme medical journeys I have embraced throughout high school. Each experience has enhanced my classroom studies and opened my eyes to challenges in health care, both locally and globally. I now realize a professional career in medicine needs people, like myself, who embrace adventure while making a difference in the world around them. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Maverick Grill & Saloon Scholarship. Your generosity would help ease some of my financial burdens during the first year of college and it would be an honor to receive a scholarship that aligns so perfectly with my unique ability to venture into the unknown.

The bus door shudders open. Instantly, my heart sank as I gazed upon the hundreds of sick and injured people begging for urgent medical care. In disbelief, I ask my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replies, “There are simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” I have replayed this heart-wrenching scene in my head many times since returning from my doctor shadowing program at a free care hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. I may not have been prepared for such an extreme medical experience, but this rare opportunity turned out to be a life-changing journey. Observing trauma surgeries and serving patients on hospital frontlines forced me to step outside my comfort zone, affirmed my career aspirations in healthcare, and changed my perspectives on life. After recovering from the initial shock at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral, I began to process how naive and ungrateful I was, always taking health care for granted. How fortunate I was to have been born in a country where health care and medical supplies are available when needed. Over the weeks that followed, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, outdated equipment, and limited anesthesia! Placed within the orthopedics trauma team, I was taught how to draw blood, perform sutures, place casts, and provide comfort to frightened patients during countless trauma surgeries. Perhaps more importantly, I was able to witness the passion and dedication of the surgeons and nurses I worked for. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized a career in medicine is not about selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and talents to make a difference in other people’s lives. To this day, I feel there is no greater honor I could have received than being selected to learn and serve patients in the Dominican Republic. Since my time abroad, I have continued to honor my passion for medicine and desire to learn about different healthcare practices. For the past 8 months, I have been working a second job as an unpaid intern at a local physical therapy center, learning about pain management and healing through strengthening and stretching. Truly, it has been a blessing to see the flip side of trauma injury and surgery - recovery and rehabilitation. I absolutely love working with and speaking to PT patients. Additionally, I participated in a hospital pharmacy internship last month. I enjoyed serving in a hospital setting again, but each day tugged at my heart as I recalled the struggles of those in the Dominican Republic hospital. In just a matter of months, I will begin my undergraduate studies in Business Administration-Healthcare at Texas A&M University with a whole new perspective, thanks to the medical journeys I have embraced throughout high school. Each experience has enhanced my classroom studies and opened my eyes to challenges in health care, both locally and globally. I now realize a professional career in medicine requires courage, compassionate leadership, and personal sacrifices to make a difference in the world around them. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for The Lillian’s and Ruby’s Way Scholarship. Your generosity would help ease some of my financial burdens during the first year of college and it would be an honor to receive a scholarship that aligns so perfectly with my passion to serve others.

My name is Emmie Van De Walle. I am a senior health science student at Wimberley High School, counting down the days until I start my undergraduate studies in Business-Healthcare at Texas A&M University. I have always had an innate curiosity for all things science. In particular, medicine. The complexity of the human body fascinates me. While my health science courses in high school have given me a peek into the world of public health, I felt I needed more. It was time for me to start honoring my passion for helping and healing others. In the summer of 2021, I took my first giant leap into real-world healthcare. Not fully understanding what I was getting into, I committed myself to a doctor shadowing program at a free care hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. At Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, and limited anesthesia. Placed within the orthopedics trauma team, I had the opportunity to observe and learn from countless surgeries. Over several weeks, I was taught how to draw blood, perform sutures, and place a cast. With my limited medical training, I often felt my strongest attribute was providing compassion to fearful patients. Even though I was familiar with Isaiah 41:13, “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you”, I was still shocked to see what a profound difference I could make by simply holding their hand and praying with them. Since my time abroad, I have focused my community service efforts more locally. Since 8th grade, my mother and I have volunteered summers at the dog rescue center for Wimberley Dog Adoption Group and Rescue, helping to rehabilitate abandoned and traumatized small-breed dogs. However, my focus has recently shifted from canine to human-centered healing. For the past four months, I have been working as an unpaid intern at Physical Therapy of Wimberley, learning all about pain management and healing through strengthening and stretching. Truly, it has been a blessing to see the flip side of trauma injury and surgery - the recovery and rehabilitation. I absolutely love working with and visiting with the PT patients. In late February 2023, I will begin a new service opportunity at the New Braunfels Hospital in their pharmacy. I am looking forward to using the knowledge gained thus far in my high school Pharmacology class to help and heal others. And I am excited about getting back to learning and helping in a real-world hospital setting! In just a matter of months, I will begin my undergraduate studies in healthcare with a whole new perspective, thanks to the service activities I have embraced over the past four years. In many cases, serving others forced me to step outside my comfort zone and explore a world few people my age get to experience. I now understand that a career in healthcare is so much more than selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and resources to make a difference in other people’s lives, both locally and internationally. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the iMatter Ministry Memorial Scholarship. Volunteering has shown me a career in healthcare is my chance to be of service to the people in my community and beyond. I would be honored to follow in the footsteps of Betty Davis, a remarkable woman who loved God and loved others.

Hello! My name is Emmie Van De Walle. I am a senior health science student at Wimberley High School, counting down the days until I start my Bachelor of Business Administration-Healthcare Marketing degree at Texas A&M University. I have always had an innate curiosity for all things science. In particular, medicine. The complexity of the human body fascinates me. While my high school science courses have given me a peek into the world of medicine, I felt I needed more than just classroom knowledge. What I needed was real-world medical exposure. Not fully understanding what I was getting myself into, I committed myself to a doctor shadowing program at a free payment hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Stepping out of the bus to begin my first day at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral was a shock. There were hundreds of injured and sick people waiting outside the doors for medical attention. Some even laying on the ground in their own filth and vomit. I asked my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replied, “There is simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” As we changed into our scrubs to begin orientation, I already felt my perspective shifting. I had always taken healthcare for granted. How fortunate I was to have been born in a country where doctors, supplies, and anesthesia are readily available. Over the next two weeks, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, and limited anesthesia. However, serving on the orthopedic team also gave me the opportunity to observe and learn from countless trauma surgeries. My mentoring doctors were patient and kind as they taught me how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and provide compassion to many fearful surgical patients. My experience working in that Dominican Republic hospital was life changing. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone and explore a world few people my age get to experience. More importantly, I noticed how much the doctors and nurses in that overwhelmed hospital cared for their patients, and for so little pay. That is when I realized a career in healthcare is my purpose in life. It is my chance to be of service to the people in my community and beyond. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. In just a matter of months, I will begin my undergraduate studies with a whole new perspective, thanks to the real-world clinical work in the Dominican Republic hospital. Being in the medical or healthcare field is so much more than selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and resources to make a difference in other people’s lives, both locally and internationally. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Beatrice Diaz Memorial Scholarship. It would be an honor to be selected as the recipient of a scholarship which celebrates the life of a remarkable woman who devoted her life to making a difference in others lives. Like Ms. Diaz, I also aspire to live my life for others, helping and healing them through the knowledge and passion gained while pursuing my BBA degree in Healthcare. Undoubtedly, fulfilling my educational dreams will be costly, and Ms. Diaz’s memorial scholarship would help ease the financial burden of educational expenses my first year of study at Texas A&M University.

Hello! My name is Emmie Van De Walle. I am a senior health science student at Wimberley High School, counting down the days until I start my undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University. I have always had an innate curiosity for all things science. In particular, medicine. The complexity of the human body fascinates me. While my high school science courses have given me a peek into the world of medicine, I felt I needed more than just classroom knowledge. What I needed was real-world medical exposure. Not fully understanding what I was getting myself into, I committed myself to a doctor shadowing program at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Stepping out of the bus to begin my first day at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral was a shock. There were hundreds of injured and sick people waiting outside the doors for medical attention. Some even laying on the ground in their own filth and vomit. I asked my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replied, “There is simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” As we changed into our scrubs to begin orientation, I already felt my perspective shifting. I had always taken healthcare for granted. How fortunate I was to have been born in a country where doctors, supplies, and anesthesia are readily available. Over the next two weeks, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, and very limited anesthesia. However, I also had the opportunity to observe and learn from countless trauma surgeries. My mentoring doctors were patient and kind as they taught me how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and provide compassion to many fearful surgical patients. My experience working in that Dominican Republic hospital was life changing. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone and explore a world few people my age get to experience. More importantly, I noticed how much the doctors and nurses in that overwhelmed hospital cared for their patients, and for so little pay. That is when I realized a career in healthcare is my purpose in life. It is my chance to be of service to the people in my community and beyond. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. In just a matter of months, I will begin my BBA-Healthcare studies at Texas A&M University with a whole new perspective, thanks to the real-world clinical work in the Dominican Republic hospital. Being in the medical or healthcare field is so much more than selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and resources to make a difference in other people’s lives. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Kiann Patel Scholarship. Fulfilling my educational dreams will be costly and your scholarship would help ease the financial burden of educational expenses my first year of study at Texas A&M University. It with with your generosity and my continued devotion to healthcare that I hope to make a career out of helping and healing those around me, both locally and abroad.

­­­­­­Hello! My name is Emmie Van De Walle. I am a senior health science student at Wimberley High School, counting down the days until I start my undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University. I have always had an innate curiosity for all things science. In particular, medicine. The complexity of the human body fascinates me. While my high school science courses have given me a peek into the world of medicine, I felt I needed more than just classroom knowledge. What I needed was real-world medical exposure. Not fully understanding what I was getting myself into, I committed myself to a doctor shadowing program at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Stepping out of the bus to begin my first day at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral was a shock. There were hundreds of injured and sick people waiting outside the doors for medical attention. Some even laying on the ground in their own filth and vomit. I asked my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replied, “There is simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” As we changed into our scrubs to begin orientation, I already felt my perspective shifting. I had always taken healthcare for granted. How fortunate I was to have been born in a country where doctors, supplies, and anesthesia are readily available. Over the next two weeks, I witnessed what it is like to give and receive medical attention in an impoverished area of the world, in a hospital with rickety exam tables, broken windows, reused supplies, and very limited anesthesia. However, I also had the opportunity to observe and learn from countless trauma surgeries. My mentoring doctors were patient and kind as they taught me how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and provide compassion to many fearful surgical patients. My experience working in that Dominican Republic hospital was life changing. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone and explore a world few people my age get to experience. More importantly, I noticed how much the doctors and nurses in that overwhelmed hospital cared for their patients, and for so little pay. That is when I realized a career in healthcare is my purpose in life. It is my chance to be of service to the people in my community and beyond. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. In just a matter of months, I will begin my undergraduate studies in healthcare with a whole new perspective, thanks to the real-world clinical work in the Dominican Republic hospital. Being in the medical or healthcare field is so much more than selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and resources to make a difference in other people’s lives, both locally and internationally. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Growing with Gabby Scholarship. Fulfilling my educational dreams will be costly and your scholarship would help ease the financial burden of educational expenses my first year of study at Texas A&M University.

Hello! My name is Emmie Van De Walle. I am a senior in high school, counting down the days until I start my pre-med studies at Texas A&M University in the Department of Biology. I have always had an innate curiosity for all things science. The complexity of the human body fascinates me. While my high school science courses have given me a peek into the world of medicine, I felt I needed more than just classroom knowledge to make a final career choice. What I needed was real-world medical exposure. Last summer, I participated in a doctor shadowing program at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Not only did I have the opportunity to observe and learn from countless trauma surgeries, I also learned how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and hold the hand of many fearful surgical patients. However, not all my experiences at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral where comfortable. Stepping out of the bus to begin my first day at the hospital was a shock. There were hundreds of injured and sick people waiting for medical attention. Some even laying on the ground in their own filth and vomit. I was shocked. I asked my mentor, “Why aren’t they getting help?” and she replied, “There is simply not enough people or supplies to help them.” It was at that moment I considered how fortunate I am to have been born in America, in a place where I can quickly get help whenever I am injured or sick, and at a place with adequate supplies, anesthesia, and staff. Working on hospital frontlines in a developing country was challenging, yet rewarding and life changing. It provided the hands-on medical experience I so desired and fueled my passion for medicine. It forced me to step outside my comfort zone and explore a world few people my age get to experience. More importantly, I noticed how much the doctors and nurses in that Dominican Republic hospital cared for their patients, and, for so little pay! That is when I realized a career in medicine is my purpose in life. It is my chance to be of service to the people in my community and beyond. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. In Fall 2023, I will begin my Biology degree at Texas A&M University with a whole new perspective, thanks to the real-world clinical work at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral. Being a medical student and professional is so much more than just selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and resources to make a difference in other people’s life. Thank you for listening to my story and considering me for the Seeley Swan Pharmacy STEM Scholarship. I am confident your scholarship will aid in my educational and professional goals and financial responsibilities as a pre-med student and beyond.

I have always been interested in medicine. The human body fascinates me. All the complex systems working together, allowing us to live and breathe, gives new meaning to life. The pre-med courses I have taken in high school, such as health science, biology, chemistry, and genetics, have only left me with more desire to research and understand each and every piece of the human body and all its complexities. I plan to gain a wide range of medical knowledge as I work towards my undergraduate degree in biology or genetics at Texas A&M University, followed by medical school or post-graduate work in medical research. My passion for learning about medicine extends beyond the classroom. Last summer, I chose to travel to the Dominican Republic to work and study at a free hospital in La Romana. Upon arrival, crowds of injured and sick people lined the doors, begging for help. There simply was not enough staff or supplies to help all of them. Even though my heart was breaking for them, I pushed forward and spent the next two weeks observing and learning on hospital frontlines. I was able to witness countless trauma surgeries, gallbladder removals, laparotomies, femur repair, and even a circumcision. I was able to learn how to draw blood, suture, place a cast, and hold the hands of so many frightened patients. The hospital may have been run down and lacking supplies, but the doctors and nurses I shadowed were inspiring. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized life is about sacrificing and caring for others. I want to be a helper and a healer. Shadowing at a free-treatment hospital in a developing country was life changing. My time spent at the Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral in La Romana gave me the hands-on experience I craved so badly, but also forced me to step outside my comfort zone and observe real-world healthcare needs in an impoverished area. It proved to me a career in medicine is my chance to be of service to people in my community (or a community abroad). It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. I am honored to be considered for a scholarship in memory of Cedrick’a Jackson, who was dedicated and passionate about educating and healing others, as I hope to do.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” This famous quote by Hippocrates describes what life means to me now - an opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to help and heal those around us. The human body fascinates me. I want to research and understand every piece of it in order to improve the health and welfare of others. In just a matter of months, my pre-med studies begin at Texas A&M University, followed by medical school or post-graduate work in medical research. However, I have already begun preparing for and pursuing my love of medicine outside the classroom. Last summer, I shadowed at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, crowds of injured and sick people lined the doors, begging for help. There simply was not enough staff or supplies to help all of them. Even though my heart was breaking for them, I pushed forward and spent the next two weeks observing and learning on hospital frontlines. Time spent at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral gave me the opportunity to observe countless surgeries, but I also learned how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and hold the hands of so many frightened patients. The hospital may have been run down and lacking supplies, but the doctors and surgeons I shadowed were inspiring. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized life is about sacrificing and caring for others. I want to be a helper and a healer. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life.

I have always been interested in medicine. The human body fascinates me. All the complex systems working together, allowing us to live and breathe, gives new meaning to life. The pre-med courses I have taken in high school, such as health science, biology, chemistry, and genetics, have only left me with more desire to research and understand each and every piece of the human body and all its complexities. I plan to gain a wide range of medical knowledge as I work towards my undergraduate degree in biology or genetics at Texas A&M University, followed by medical school or post-graduate work in medical research. My passion for learning about medicine extends beyond the classroom. Last summer, I chose to travel to the Dominican Republic to work and study at a free hospital in La Romana. Upon arrival, crowds of injured and sick people lined the doors, begging for help. There simply was not enough staff or supplies to help all of them. Even though my heart was breaking for them, I pushed forward and spent the next two weeks observing and learning on hospital frontlines. I was able to witness countless trauma surgeries, gallbladder removals, laparotomies, femur repair, and even a circumcision. I was able to learn how to draw blood, suture, place a cast, and hold the hands of so many frightened patients. The hospital may have been run down and lacking supplies, but the doctors and surgeons I shadowed were inspiring. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized life is about sacrificing and caring for others. I want to be a helper and a healer. Shadowing at a free-treatment hospital in a developing country was life changing. My time spent at the Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral in La Romana gave me the hands-on experience I craved so badly, but also forced me to step outside my comfort zone and observe real-world healthcare needs in an impoverished area. It proved to me a career in medicine is my chance to be of service to people in my community (or a community abroad). It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. It is an honor to be considered for the Alexis Potts Passion Project Scholarship which recognizes and assists students like myself, who are dedicated and passionate about their educational and professional future inside and outside the classroom.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” This famous quote by Hippocrates describes what life now means to me - an opportunity to use one’s knowledge and skills to help and heal those around us. This revelation came about last summer, as I experienced a medical journey abroad that completely changed my perspective on life and will continue to shape my hopes and dreams for the future. Last summer, I participated in a hospital doctor shadowing program at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Initially shocked by the rundown hospital, lack of medical supplies, and crowds of injured and sick people begging for help, my experience on hospital frontlines proved to be a rare opportunity few people my age get to experience. I observed countless surgeries, learned how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and provided compassionate handholding to many frightened patients. More importantly, I saw how deeply the doctors and nurses cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That’s when I knew. Life isn’t about making money or being the most successful person in the world. Life is about genuinely caring about others and doing everything I can to help people in need. This coming January, I will begin my pre-med studies at Texas A&M University with a whole new perspective, thanks to the real-world clinical work at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral. Being a medical student and professional is so much more than just selfish profit and accolades, it is about sacrificing your own time and resources to make a difference in other people’s life.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” This famous quote by Hippocrates describes what life means to me - an opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to help and heal those around us. The human body fascinates me. I want to research and understand every piece of it in order to improve the health and welfare of others. In just a matter of months, my pre-med studies begin at Texas A&M University, followed by medical school or post-graduate work in medical research. However, I have already begun preparing for and pursuing my love of medicine outside the classroom. Last summer, I shadowed at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, crowds of injured and sick people lined the doors, begging for help. There simply was not enough staff or supplies to help all of them. Even though my heart was breaking for them, I pushed forward and spent the next two weeks observing and learning on hospital frontlines. Time spent at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral gave me the opportunity to observe countless surgeries, but I also learned how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and hold the hands of so many frightened patients. The hospital may have been run down and lacking supplies, but the doctors and nurses I shadowed were inspiring. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized life is about sacrificing and caring for others. This summer, I plan to stay near my community and learn more about pediatric healthcare. I am looking forward to shadowing Dr. Danielle Brown, a young female pediatric dermatologist in New Braunfels, Texas. I have always been drawn to pediatric care and I am hopeful I will have the opportunity to observe various skin surgeries, in addition to to the more common pediatric diagnoses and treatment of skin conditions. As a child, I suffered from eczema, so I can relate to the difficulties of skin conditions. Last year, I diagnosed myself with Keratosis pilaris, but after being seen and treated by a dermatologist, my skin condition is barely noticeable. The Hippocratic Oath written by Hippocrates says “to treat the ill to the best of one's ability, to preserve a patient's privacy, to teach the secrets of medicine to the next generation”. I am determined to excel in my upcoming university studies and to continue gaining real-world hands on healthcare experience so that I will be the best helper and a healer I can possibly be. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. I would be honored to be considered for a scholarship in memory of Dashanna K. McNeil, who was such a dedicated nurse and passionate healer, as I aspire to be.

“Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” This famous quote by Hippocrates describes what life means to me - an opportunity to use our knowledge and skills to help and heal those around us. The human body fascinates me. I want to research and understand every piece of it in order to improve the health and welfare of others. In just a matter of months, my pre-med studies begin at Texas A&M University, followed by medical school or post-graduate work in medical research. However, I have already begun preparing for and pursuing my love of medicine outside the classroom. Last summer, I shadowed at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, crowds of injured and sick people lined the doors, begging for help. There simply was not enough staff or supplies to help all of them. Even though my heart was breaking for them, I pushed forward and spent the next two weeks observing and learning on hospital frontlines. Time spent at Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral gave me the opportunity to observe countless surgeries, but I also learned how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and hold the hands of so many frightened patients. The hospital may have been run down and lacking supplies, but the doctors and surgeons I shadowed were inspiring. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized life is about sacrificing and caring for others. I want to be a helper and a healer. It is one of the most important things I can do with my life.

I have always been interested in medicine. The complexity of the human body fascinates me. Throughout high school, I have enjoyed taking as many pre-med courses as possible. In just a few months, I will start my undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University, followed by medical school or post-graduate work in medical research. My passion for learning about medicine extends beyond the classroom. Last summer, I shadowed at a free hospital in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Upon arrival, crowds of injured and sick people lined the doors, begging for help. There simply was not enough staff or supplies to help all of them. Even though my heart was breaking for them, I pushed forward and spent the next two weeks observing and learning on hospital frontlines. Not only was I able to observe countless surgeries, I learned how to draw blood, perform sutures, place a cast, and hold the hands of so many frightened patients. The hospital may have been run down and lacking supplies, but the doctors and surgeons I shadowed were inspiring. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized life is about sacrificing and caring for others. I want to be a helper and a healer. Weeks spent at the Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral in La Romana gave me the hands-on experience I craved so badly, but also forced me to step outside my comfort zone and observe real-world healthcare needs in an impoverished area. It proved to me a career in medicine is my chance to be of service to people in my community (or a community abroad). It is one of the most important things I can do with my life.

I have always been interested in medicine. The human body fascinates me. All the complex systems working together, allowing us to live and breathe, gives new meaning to life. The pre-med courses I have taken in high school, such as health science, biology, chemistry, and genetics, have only left me with more desire to research and understand each and every piece of the human body and all its complexities. I plan to gain a wide range of medical knowledge as I work towards my undergraduate degree in biology or genetics at Texas A&M University, followed by medical school or post-graduate work in medical research. My passion for learning about medicine extends beyond the classroom. Last summer, I chose to travel to the Dominican Republic to work and study at a free hospital in La Romana. Upon arrival, crowds of injured and sick people lined the doors, begging for help. There simply was not enough staff or supplies to help all of them. Even though my heart was breaking for them, I pushed forward and spent the next two weeks observing and learning on hospital frontlines. I was able to witness countless trauma surgeries, gallbladder removals, laparotomies, femur repair, and even a circumcision. I was able to learn how to draw blood, suture, place a cast, and hold the hands of so many frightened patients. The hospital may have been run down and lacking supplies, but the doctors and surgeons I shadowed were inspiring. I saw how deeply they cared for their patients and how much they were willing to do, for so little pay. That is when I realized life is about sacrificing and caring for others. I want to be a helper and a healer. Shadowing at a free-treatment hospital in a developing country was life changing. My time spent at the Hospital Aristides Fiallo Cabral in La Romana gave me the hands-on experience I craved so badly, but also forced me to step outside my comfort zone and observe real-world healthcare needs in an impoverished area. It proved to me a career in medicine is my chance to be of service to people in my community (or a community abroad). It is one of the most important things I can do with my life. I am honored to be considered for a scholarship in memory of Surya Rayaprolu, who advocated for women like myself, who are dedicated and passionate about their future and search for educational experiences inside and outside the classroom.