Since I was a child, I have been taught by my family to try to do my best in all situations because my best will always be good enough to achieve the destiny God has for me. This has been the thought process that has driven my academics, extra curricular activities, social situations and work experiences. Through the challenges of difficult classes, social distractions and many personal mistakes, I have learned that even when I come up short, I can keep trying my best to be the person I want to be. This has been especially challenging being at predominately white elementary, middle and high schools. Being in an environment where you are the minority makes it very difficult to feel as if your best is good enough. You are surrounded by people who are often celebrated more than you, and that can sometimes make you feel like you are not good enough. One of the ways I have tried to create a more diverse environment for my fellow students was in my participation of the first black student union club at my high school. This has provided minority students a chance to openly discuss our experiences and feelings as the minority group at school. Another effort of service to provide a voice and outlet to minority groups was the creation of the first Stomp and Shake Squad at my high school. This provided a fun outlet for students to participate in a different style of cheerleading that reflected more of African American style and culture. As co-founder and co-captain, I partnered with school administration to schedule practices, teach original cheer and dance material and coordinate custom made uniforms for the squad, known as “The Chargerettes”. This new style of cheer and dance brought awareness and a different level of excitement and acceptance of our culture. It also boosted the confidence of many African American female students who now have the chance to showcase their talent and style of cheerleading. This experience has been exciting and rewarding, yet I still have my own struggles that make it hard to present the best version of myself everyday. In my own personal journey of self-acceptance, I began to establish a routine of self-care for my skin and lashes. This led to me being more comfortable with myself and appreciating the way God created me. This experience has encouraged me to pursue a career path in aesthetic dermatology so that I can be a solution to help people care for and accept the skin they are in. I understand that dermatology is more than just physical appearance, it is about physical wellness and helping others with real medical skin conditions. This is also inspired by my grandmother; Marjorie Gadson who experienced 3rd degree skin burns during a tragic house fire that claimed the life of three family members in the 1970s. As a child, I saw her scars and always wondered what happened to make her skin different from mine. I learned to see and recognize that true beauty is not defined by imperfections or scars. I want to be someone that provides solutions for people to see and recognize this regardless of the condition they face with their skin. As a Dermatologist, I will have the tools and the influence to help people love and accept themselves in order to be their best. In addition to this honor, I will be the first medical physician of any kind in my family. It is important for me to start this legacy for the current and future generations in my family. Thank you.