Hitting your funny bone is never funny. In fact, when is pain ever pleasing? Pain comes in many forms, mentally, physically, and emotionally: Heartbreak, a paper cut, a stubbed toe, job rejection, all sources of pain that are so different. For me, the biggest pain in my life came from depression. One moment, I was in school, socially thriving, academically succeeding, and physically at my best. The next, the world had shut down, and all these great things had disappeared. I didn’t want to get out of bed, I didn’t want to eat, I didn’t want to live. The battle I faced with depression was long and strenuous, but in the end, I came out victorious. There are many people who do not win this battle, however, which is why mental health is so important to me. As someone who has been on a journey with mental health, I want to be an advocate for those who are fighting and/or have lost their battle. Mental health challenges remain a persistent struggle in our society, and meaningful change is only possible when advocates like myself rise to confront them head-on. Now, a little about myself. My name is Erin Brown. A sophomore biology major at Howard University with aspirations of earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and building a career in the pharmaceutical industry. My long-term goals include becoming an industry pharmacist, serving as a Medical Science Liaison, and advancing into medical directing. I am motivated by the opportunity to bridge science, clinical knowledge, and strategic communication to contribute to drug development and improved patient outcomes. Throughout my undergraduate career, I have actively sought opportunities to develop both academically and professionally. As a student leader, I have held positions in several campus organizations, such as the Howard University Student Association, where I organized events, mentored peers, and collaborated on initiatives that fostered professional growth and community engagement. These experiences have strengthened my organizational, teamwork, and communication skills: qualities essential for success in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to leadership roles, I have participated in professional development programs, including the American Chemical Society Scholars Program, and in clubs focused on preparing students for careers in healthcare and science. These experiences have provided exposure to networking, workshops, and seminars emphasizing critical thinking, scientific literacy, and applying research to real-world healthcare challenges. Through these programs, I have developed skills in navigating professional environments, communicating with diverse audiences, and translating complex information into actionable insights: skills crucial in industry pharmacy and medical affairs.

I learned early how to exist in rooms where I did not fully belong. I grew up in Durham, North Carolina, where whiteness dominated and often was treated as the norm. At dance, I was usually one of no more than two Black girls on a team of fifty. In school, I was frequently the only Black girl, and sometimes the only Black student, in Advanced Placement and Honors classes. While this was not a life threatening or overtly dangerous challenge, the persistent displacement of my identity profoundly shaped who I am and influenced many of the decisions I have made over the past few years. My upbringing deeply influenced my decision to attend Howard University. My mom often tells me, “You didn’t just choose Howard. Howard chose you.” I believe this became true the moment I stepped onto campus and fell in love with what would become my future home. I still remember the chilly April day when I first toured Howard. The Yard was packed, and the campus felt alive and beautiful. After the tour ended, we sat outside the engineering building, and my mother asked me what I loved most about the university. I answered simply, “Black students.” I was raised in spaces where people often held low expectations for me. When I shared my goal of pursuing a career in science, they frequently scoffed or reacted with surprise, as if ambition itself was a reach for a Black girl. At Howard, I saw something different. I would be surrounded by like minded students who not only thought and aspired as I did, but who supported and uplifted me as well. In many ways, Howard became my escape from the limitations of my upbringing and the foundation for the person I am determined to be. I have come to learn, especially as a Howard student, that challenges must be used as fuel for dreams rather than barriers to them. One of my greatest aspirations is to earn my Doctorate of Pharmacy and build a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Black women are underrepresented in this field, and I am determined to be part of the change. After all, how many Black women can you name as Medical Science Liaisons? Although the challenges I faced in my upbringing often made me question whether I was enough, I have transformed those doubts into motivation. What once challenged my sense of worth has now become the foundation of my purpose and ambition. Being raised in environments that underestimated me was a significant challenge that once caused me to question my worth. I overcame this by seeking spaces that affirmed my identity and pushed me to grow, most notably at Howard University, where I learned to transform doubt into determination. That experience reshaped how I viewed both myself and my future, motivating me to pursue a Doctorate of Pharmacy and a career in the pharmaceutical industry. An early challenge to my confidence became the spark that pushed me to achieve more than I ever imagined.

Walking onto Howard University’s campus felt like stepping into a space I didn’t know I had been searching for my entire life. Choosing to attend Howard was a decision shaped by both my background and my aspirations. Growing up in Durham, North Carolina, I was often one of the few Black girls in rigorous academic spaces, but at Howard, I now learn and grow alongside students who share my skin color, lived experiences, and ambitions, and this is truly fulfilling. I wanted an environment where I wouldn’t feel marginalized, but instead empowered. Howard offers this and more. As a biology major on the pre-pharmacy track, I also was drawn to Howard’s commitment to Black excellence in STEM and its legacy of producing professionals who serve their communities. My favorite and most meaningful memory at Howard was being on the Yard on election night. Surrounded by hopeful faces, I felt an energy unlike anything I had experienced before. Joy, anticipation, and unity filled the air as people from far and wide gathered together, holding onto possibility and belief. Even in uncertainty, there was a shared sense of pride in witnessing history as a community. Standing in that space, it truly sank in that a Bison can do anything. That experience reminded me that Howard is not just a place of learning, but a place where belief and ambition are strengthened, pushing me to always move forward with confidence.

As easy as an opportunity comes, it can be taken away. In as little as a minute, anyones life can be flipped upside down. As an aspiring pediatric cancer researcher, I have seen how detrimental this can be. With funding for the pediatric cancer research fund expected to be cut by over $200 million, organizations like the American Cancer Society, Cancer Pathways, and more are increasing fundraising and charity efforts. These efforts don't go unnoticed, especially by me as these charity organizations make it possible for me to try to make a mark in an industry so covered in question. As a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and Cancer Pathways, I know how impactful every ounce of support is. From meaningful toy donations to hospital room decoration support, the money raised by these organizations does not go unused. The work done by these organizations and many more, support the efforts made to prolong the happiness of those often plagued by sadness and pain. As an aspiring professional in this field, I plan to not only spend countless hours researching for a cure that could save the lives of thousands of children, but I also plan to give back by volunteering and fundraising for the impactful organizations that make positivity in the industry possible.

My name is Erin Brown, and I am a chemistry major at Howard University from Durham, North Carolina. I aspire to use my education to pursue a career in medical research directing, specifically in the area of pediatric oncology. I have volunteered for organizations such as Cancer Pathways and Letter's for Destiny, and haven taken scientific coursework as a way to introduce myself to the biomedical science field. I can be described as a detail-oriented, hard-working, compassionate, and organized person with a strong work ethic. As a chemistry major with a deep-rooted commitment to cancer research, my academic interests are driven by both scientific curiosity and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. My passion for pediatric cancer research stems not only from an interest in the science behind disease, but also from a heartfelt drive to help children live full, healthy lives—unhindered by illness. I want to be the researcher who finds a medicinal cure for brain cancer. Often, we hear the phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try again”. Yet, many of the thousands of children and adolescents who are affected by this deadly disease every year do not get a desirable second chance. Brain cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for children and adolescents. Each year, between 500 and 600 children and adolescents pass away due to this disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. This number, aside from being a death rate statistic, represents the 500 to 600 children and adolescents who are denied the opportunity to grow in life. Who do not get to have a career, walk down the aisle, or have a family of their own. I want to be the one who prevents this deadly disease from affecting the life of another child and family. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are available today; however, these treatments are often intimidating and harsh. I aim to create a safer and less painful alternative to these treatments. I am driven by the belief that my dedication to this cause can one day contribute to improving the lives of thousands of children. This goal shapes my path as both a scholar and a future leader in the field. The long hours of study, the inevitable challenges, and the moments of doubt are all worth it when I remember the impact this work can have. That vision—to help children live the lives they deserve—is what continues to inspire and sustain me, both academically and professionally.

I want to be the researcher who finds a medicinal cure for brain cancer. Often, we hear the phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try again”. Yet, many of the thousands of children and adolescents who are affected by this deadly disease every year do not get a desirable second chance. Brain cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for children and adolescents. Each year, between 500 and 600 children and adolescents pass away due to this disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. This number, aside from being a death rate statistic, represents the 500 to 600 children and adolescents who are denied the opportunity to grow in life. Who do not get to have a career, walk down the aisle, or have a family of their own. I want to be the one who prevents this deadly disease from affecting the life of another child and family. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are available today; however, these treatments are often intimidating and harsh. I aim to create a safer and less painful alternative to these treatments. I am going to make this happen by continuously seeking out and taking advantage of opportunities that will develop my understanding and interest in the research field. This journey starts with a strong education. After I obtain my undergraduate degree in biology, I plan to obtain a Master's in immunology, and PhD in biomedical science. Along with this, I will keep an open mind as to why I am pursuing this field in the first place. I want to develop medicine for those who do not get many chances in life, so every chance I receive, I will value. No matter how many years of schooling, internship applications, rejections, and failures I face, I will make my career happen, because it is where my passion is and where I want to make meaningful change. StrongHer TogetHer is a local non-profit in my hometown of Durham, North Carolina, that brings together young girls and teaches them to stick together no matter how different they are. For the last 3 years, I'm proud that I can say I've been a Youth Representative for this organization. As a youth rep, I have had the opportunity to provide girls with academic support, and even emotional support. I have also had the opportunity to work with them on community outreach projects, service learning projects, and even a community book club. The StrongHer community is important to me as I get to make a difference in the lives of young girls. Serving with my girls, we’ve raised thousands of dollars for the community and done many many service projects, but being a person my girls can come to, to express mental health concerns feels more important to me than any number. StrongHer makes all girls feel welcome and accepted and the fact that I have been able to lead, volunteer, serve, and make an overall positive impact in the lives of my mentees and the Durham community as a whole with this organization, makes me truly grateful for it.

I want to be the researcher who finds a medicinal cure for brain cancer. Often, we hear the phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try again”. Yet, many of the thousands of children and adolescents who are affected by this deadly disease every year, do not get a desirable second chance. Brain cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for children and adolescents. Each year, between 500 and 600 children and adolescents pass away due to this disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. This number, aside from being a death rate statistic, represents the 500 to 600 children and adolescents who are denied the opportunity to grow in life. Who do not get to have a career, walk down the aisle, or have a family of their own. I want to be the one who prevents this deadly disease from affecting the life of another child and family. Treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are available today, however, these treatments are often harsh and painful. I aim to create a safer and less painful alternative to these treatments. I am going to make this happen by continuously seeking out and taking advantage of opportunities that will develop my understanding and interest in the research field. Along with this, I will keep an open mind about why I am pursuing this field in the first place. I want to develop a medicine for those who do not get many chances in life, so every opportunity I receive will be important to me. No matter how many years of schooling, internship applications, rejections, and failures I face, I will make my career happen, because it is where my passion is and where I want to make meaningful change.

At 15 years old I watched my grandfather fade away due to cancer. I knew before his condition declined that I wanted to be a medical scientist, but after I watched as my biggest supporter was taken away from me I pledged that I would dedicate my career to solving the problems cancer created. I want to enter college as a chemistry major with the hopes I can build my knowledge on physical sciences. This knowledge development is necessary as my goals after pursuing an undergraduate degree are as follows: I want to pursue a graduate degree, specifically a PhD, in biomedical science and I want to go on to work in the biopharmaceutical industry as a pharmaceutical research scientist with the hopes to climb the ladder all the way up to clinical research director. The research I want to do would be concentrated on the pharmaceutical development of a drug that aids in the body's fight against pancreatic cancer. Specifically pancreatic cancer as it is the disease I watched drag my grandfather's body to death. Every year, millions of Americans receive a cancer diagnosis and every year millions of families feel as though they have an unstoppable force ripping them apart. I want to change this so that no one has to ever feel as though a disease is controlling their life or limiting their potential. I know that I can accomplish these dreams if I dedicate time and effort to their achievement. And I believe that through the mentorship and support from loved ones, I can feel confident in my ability to do so. Howard University is my dream school. From its rich history of academic excellence to its vibrant and diverse social culture, there are many factors that draw me to the illustrious university. I am proud to say my hard work has paid off, and I have been accepted into Howard University. In order to be able to meet my goals with the support of a Howard University education though, I am in sincere need of financial assistance. The cost to attend Howard University exceeds what my family can afford. Though our financial situation is stable, it is not sufficient enough to meet the needs of Howard’s cost of attendance. I believe that receiving financial assistance will alleviate the burden of financial stress as I progress through my journey through college. I'm committed to achieving academic excellence at Howard and I know that without the stress of a tight financial situation, I can do this with ease.

At 15 years old I watched my grandfather fade away due to cancer. I knew before his condition declined that I wanted to be a medical scientist, but after I watched as my biggest supporter was taken away from me I pledged that I would dedicate my career to solving the problems cancer created. I want to enter college as a chemistry major with the hopes I can build my knowledge on physical sciences. This knowledge development is necessary as my goals after pursuing an undergraduate degree are as follows: I want to pursue a graduate degree, specifically a PhD, in biomedical science and I want to go on to work in the biopharmaceutical industry as a pharmaceutical research scientist with the hopes to climb the ladder all the way up to clinical research director. The research I want to do would be concentrated on the pharmaceutical development of a drug that aids in the body's fight against pancreatic cancer. Specifically pancreatic cancer as it is the disease I watched drag my grandfather's body to death. By conducting this research I will make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans and their families. Every year, millions of Americans receive a cancer diagnosis and every year millions of families feel as though they have an unstoppable force ripping them apart. I want to change this so that no one has to ever feel as though a disease is controlling their life or limiting their potential. I know that I can accomplish these dreams if I dedicate time and effort to their achievement.