I grew up in a small town in Arizona where I learned early on the importance of hard work, kindness, and setting goals. Like Kalia, I always try to give my best in everything I do. Whether it was spending time on my grandparents’ ranch, playing varsity basketball, soccer, and track where I made it to state, or volunteering in my community, I have always worked to do well and help those around me. Playing sports taught me so much about discipline, teamwork, and the value of never giving up. Being on three varsity teams was a challenge because I had to balance school, practice, and games while still making time for family and volunteering. It was not always easy, but I learned how to manage my time, push through hard moments, and stay focused on my goals. These experiences made me stronger, more confident, and more outgoing. I also learned how important it is to encourage and support the people around me. Sports have been a way for me to grow as a person and build lasting friendships. Volunteering has also been a huge part of my life. I helped a youth foundation in my town by organizing and running fundraisers. Working with them showed me how much good we can do when we come together as a community. It taught me patience and understanding and helped me realize how important it is to serve others. Giving back makes me feel connected to people and reminds me that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s life. It has inspired me to keep looking for ways to help and support others, both now and in the future. My dream is to become a physician assistant with a focus on dermatology. I discovered this path after working as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic. Seeing how much a caring and kind healthcare provider can change a person’s confidence and overall life made me want to do the same. I want to help people feel better about themselves and give them the care and attention they deserve. This scholarship would help me greatly by easing the financial stress of school. It would allow me to focus more on learning and volunteering instead of worrying about how I will pay for tuition and other expenses. Kalia’s story inspires me deeply because she was hardworking, kind, and always gave her best. I admire how she balanced sports, school, leadership, and helping others. I am working hard every day to be like her in these ways. I want to honor her memory by being dedicated and caring in everything I do. Her legacy reminds me to live with passion, kindness, and a strong work ethic. If I receive this scholarship it would encourage me to keep pushing toward my goals and remind me to live with kindness and purpose. I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives, just like Kalia did.

I grew up in a small town in Arizona where hard work and compassion were part of everyday life. Spending time on my grandparents’ ranch taught me responsibility, patience, and care for living beings. These early experiences grounded me in values of dedication and empathy. Alongside these, sports and baking became important outlets that helped me connect with others and show kindness in meaningful ways. These moments have all contributed to shaping my desire to pursue a career in healthcare where I can truly make a positive impact on people’s lives. My passion for healthcare grew stronger when I worked as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic. There, I witnessed firsthand how attentive, empathetic care could transform a patient’s confidence and overall well-being. Helping patients feel understood and supported made me realize how important it is to treat individuals as whole people, not just a collection of symptoms. I want to become a physician assistant, specializing in dermatology, so I can provide that same compassionate care and make a real difference in my patients’ lives. Volunteering has also been a central part of my life and has greatly influenced my perspective on service. I have volunteered in many capacities: whether helping on my grandparents’ ranch, assisting at the dermatology clinic, baking for community events, or supporting a local youth foundation by organizing fundraising events. Working with the youth foundation, in particular, taught me the importance of community involvement and the power of collective effort to create positive change. These experiences have deepened my commitment to serving others and reinforced the values of kindness, patience, and empathy that I plan to carry forward in my healthcare career. In addition to these experiences, I have faced challenges that have strengthened my determination. Growing up as the oldest child during a time when my family faced financial hardships while my dad attended law school taught me the importance of resilience and responsibility. Taking on a parental role for my younger siblings helped me develop strong leadership and organizational skills, which I apply daily. These obstacles have shaped who I am and have fueled my commitment to working hard and pursuing my goals despite difficulties. Although I am not pursuing occupational therapy, I deeply admire Christina Taylese Singh’s dedication to improving lives through healthcare. Her story inspires me to work diligently, overcome challenges, and keep kindness at the center of everything I do. I aspire to honor her memory by embodying these principles in my future practice as a Physician Assistant. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate financial burdens and allow me to focus more fully on my education and volunteer commitments. It would provide critical support as I work toward becoming a compassionate healthcare provider who makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

Growing up, I was taught not to see a doctor unless I was absolutely dying. Healthcare felt distant and intimidating, especially since there were very few female doctors or physician assistants around me. I want to be the kind of healthcare provider who makes people feel safe and truly cared for, so no one has to hesitate when they need help. I have always been drawn to medicine because it combines my love for science with my desire to help people in meaningful, lasting ways. Working as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic showed me the impact that compassionate, attentive care can have on someone’s confidence and quality of life. My long-term goal is to become a physician assistant and provide that same level of care, with an emphasis on listening to patients and treating them as whole people, not just symptoms. My background has taught me the importance of accessible healthcare. Living in a small town and watching loved ones delay medical visits due to fear or financial concerns made me realize how much work is needed to bridge these gaps. I am passionate about serving underserved communities and advocating for patients who feel overlooked or misunderstood. By becoming a physician assistant, I hope to break down barriers to care and build trusting relationships that empower patients to prioritize their health. This scholarship would significantly ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and clinical experiences without the constant stress of tuition costs. It would help cover essential expenses like textbooks, certification exams, and living costs, all of which are critical as I prepare for PA school. Receiving this support would bring me closer to my goal of becoming a compassionate and skilled healthcare provider who can make a real difference in my community. Pursuing this path has not been without challenges. My family has always valued education, but we have also faced financial limitations. When my dad was in law school, money was especially tight, and as the oldest child, I took on extra responsibilities at home to help keep things running smoothly. Even now, financing my education requires constant planning and balancing work with school. I know that PA school will be an even greater financial undertaking, but I am determined to find a way forward. These experiences have shaped the kind of healthcare provider I want to be. Because I know what it is like to face obstacles and still fight for your goals, I want to be a PA who encourages patients not to give up on their health, no matter their circumstances. I want to approach each person with empathy, patience, and the understanding that life’s challenges affect far more than just the body. My own journey has taught me that resilience, kindness, and hope can be as important in healing as any prescription.

Growing up in a small town in Arizona, I learned the value of hard work early on. My childhood was filled with the smell of hay, the sound of horses, and long days on my grandparents’ ranch. Working with animals taught me responsibility, patience, and a deep respect for living things. For a short time, my family moved to Nebraska while my dad attended law school. That period was challenging because we had little money, and his demanding schedule meant I had to grow up quickly, especially as the oldest child. I stepped into a more parental role for my siblings, which shaped me into a responsible and driven person. Sports became my outlet and a major part of who I am. In high school, I played basketball, soccer, and track at the varsity level, qualifying for state in all three. Competing taught me discipline, resilience, and how to thrive under pressure. Off the field, I found joy in baking, which became my way of showing love to family and friends. I have always known I wanted a career where I could help people. Working as a medical assistant in a dermatology clinic confirmed that passion. I loved seeing patients leave feeling more confident and cared for, and I hope to become a physician assistant, possibly specializing in dermatology. My dream is to pair that career with another lifelong goal: owning a ranch like my grandparents, where I can continue working with animals and maintaining the values they instilled in me. Life has not been without challenges. I have faced financial stress, the weight of responsibility at a young age, and bullying that tested my self-worth. Those experiences made me strong, outgoing, and empathetic. I believe in treating everyone with kindness and respect, and I put my all into everything I do, sometimes to the point of perfectionism. I am naturally a leader, but I try to lead in a way that uplifts and supports those around me. This scholarship would help me continue my education and pursue my dream of working in medicine, where I can make a difference in people’s lives every day. It would also honor the values I hold dear: resilience, kindness, and self-belief, the same values Sloane Stephens’ grandparents inspired in her. I carry those values with me in everything I do, and I hope to use them to leave a positive mark on the world. \

As I read the story of Noah Jon Markstrom, a young boy who battled brain cancer for two years before passing away in 2019, I was deeply moved by the incredible care he received from his medical team. While his journey was undoubtedly filled with pain and hardship, the bond he shared with those who cared for him was a powerful reminder of the profound impact medical professionals can have on a patient’s life. As I read about his experience, I felt touched by the dedication of those who made sure Noah and his family felt seen, heard, and cared for during such a difficult time. While Noah’s story is incredibly inspiring, what motivates me to pursue a career in pediatric medicine is a more personal desire to help people in a way that makes them feel understood and supported. I have always been drawn to helping others, especially those who are struggling or facing something scary, like illness or hardship. I want to be the kind of person who listens to children and families, making sure they feel comforted and not alone in their challenges. The path to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in pediatric care feels like the perfect fit for me. I am passionate about providing not only medical care but also emotional support. In my eyes, medicine is not just about healing the body but also offering reassurance and hope in times of uncertainty. I know firsthand how comforting it can be to feel truly cared for when going through tough times, and I want to be able to provide that same sense of comfort to children and their families. I hope that one day I can truly help people who are suffering and make them feel both seen and heard. Kids especially who are struggling with medical issues need more love and support than anyone. The children who battle through medical scares are truly warriors that need to feel loved, cared for, and most of all reassured. Whether it’s through listening attentively, offering support during difficult moments, or simply being there for someone in need, my goal is to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. The Noah Jon Markstrom Foundation Scholarship is an opportunity that would allow me to further my education and ultimately contribute to the field of pediatric medicine, where I can support children and families as they navigate their challenges.

My name is Grace Moore, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in biology as I work toward becoming a Physician Assistant (PA). From a young age, I have always been drawn to the idea of helping others, but it wasn’t until I began to consider my future career more seriously that I realized healthcare is where I could make the most impact. I am passionate about not only treating people’s physical needs but also supporting them emotionally and spiritually through their hardest moments. Growing up, I was always fascinated by how the body works and how every small part plays a role in sustaining life. I also come from a family where service and compassion are deeply valued. Watching loved ones experience health challenges showed me how essential it is to have healthcare providers who are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and kind. These experiences planted a desire in me to become someone who could offer hope and healing to others, even when facing tough diagnoses or circumstances. Choosing to pursue a career as a PA has been fueled by my love for people and my desire to make a difference in their lives. PAs have the unique opportunity to care for patients in a wide variety of settings while building personal connections. I want to be part of the healthcare field because I see it as a way to serve others every single day. Whether it’s helping patients navigate a diagnosis, assisting in treatment, or simply listening to someone who feels alone, I want to be the kind of provider who offers both excellent medical care and genuine compassion. One reason I am particularly passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare is because I want to be an advocate for those who may not always have a voice, people in vulnerable situations, those who feel overlooked, or patients who are scared and unsure. I have seen how overwhelming the healthcare system can be for patients, and I want to be a PA who takes the time to explain, comfort, and empower patients to make informed decisions about their health. In my future career, I hope to make a difference by focusing not only on physical healing but also on supporting the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. I want to work in settings where I can provide care to underserved populations and help bridge the gap for those who may struggle to access quality healthcare. I believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or circumstances. Unfortunately, the path to becoming a PA is long and expensive, and like many students, I face the reality of how costly healthcare education can be. Yet, I am determined to pursue this dream because I know that the impact I can have on others’ lives is worth every effort. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden and allow me to continue focusing on my studies and preparing for a career where I can truly make a difference in the world through healthcare.

From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to help others, but it wasn’t until I saw loved ones struggle with both physical and mental health challenges that I realized how much of a difference a compassionate medical professional can make in someone’s life. Watching family members battle illnesses and struggle to find someone who truly listened and cared made me want to be that person for others. I want to be the healthcare provider who sees the patient as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. This is what led me to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. I am currently majoring in Biology and working hard toward that goal while maintaining a 3.8 GPA. I was drawn to the PA profession because it focuses not only on treating illnesses but also on building relationships with patients and supporting them through some of the hardest moments in their lives. I want to be someone who gives people hope, answers, and care when they are scared or uncertain. PAs have the unique opportunity to be a constant in a patient’s journey, and I want to use that role to bring compassion and understanding to every interaction. Another key inspiration for me has been my experiences volunteering in my community. I have coached young kids, participated in church fundraisers to support families in need, and tutored students who needed extra help in school. Through all these experiences, I have seen how important it is to serve others with kindness and empathy. These opportunities have shaped my desire to work in medicine because they have shown me how much people need to feel heard and valued, something I plan to bring into my medical career. One area I am particularly passionate about is mental health care. I have seen firsthand how devastating untreated mental illness can be, not only to individuals but to their families and communities. I have sadly seen how some people lose their battle with mental illness and how much that loss affects everyone around them. Because of this, I hope to one day work in a role where I can help bridge the gap between physical and mental health care. Whether I end up specializing in mental health or working in another area of medicine, I know I will encounter patients who need both medical and emotional support. I want to be prepared to offer both. Ultimately, I chose the medical field because I want to make a difference. I believe that even small moments of compassion can change lives. As a future PA, I hope to be a provider who not only treats but uplifts, helping people heal in body, mind, and spirit.

Mental health is something that has deeply affected my life, not just through my own experiences but through the struggles of those closest to me. Several members of my family have battled mental illness, and witnessing the toll it has taken on them has shaped how I see the world and what I want to do with my life. Growing up in a family impacted by mental health challenges has taught me compassion, patience, and the importance of being an advocate for those who often suffer in silence. Sadly, I have also seen firsthand how devastating the effects of mental illness can be. I have witnessed the deep grief that comes when someone feels there is no way out and chooses to take their own life. The ripple effect that loss creates in families and communities is heartbreaking. Seeing that pain up close has given me a profound understanding of how serious mental health struggles are and how critical it is to have people in place who are willing to help, listen, and support those who are hurting. It has fueled my desire to be someone who can make a difference, whether through offering care or simply being a voice of understanding and kindness. Because of what I’ve seen and learned, I am pursuing a degree in Biology and working toward a career as a Physician Assistant. I want to be in a role where I can provide care, support, and empathy to individuals, including those facing mental health challenges. Being a PA would allow me to serve on the frontlines of healthcare, meeting people where they are and offering not only medical treatment but also emotional support and guidance. I have even considered specializing in mental health care because I know how important it is for people to feel truly seen and heard by their providers. Watching my loved ones’ journeys, and the heartbreaking effects mental illness can have, has made me more motivated than ever to be part of the solution. Whether I am working directly in mental health or simply advocating for those who are struggling, I want to be a source of hope and healing. I believe that through education and compassion, we can break the stigma around mental illness and create a world where people feel safe asking for help before it’s too late. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial pressures of my education but also inspire me to continue pursuing a career where I can help others, honoring the legacy of Christopher Charles Owan and the mission his family has created.

My name is Grace Moore, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Brigham Young University (BYU). Although I attend school in Utah, I was born and raised in Arizona, and I am proud to represent my home state as I work toward my academic and career goals. Growing up, my family faced financial struggles that made me aware from a young age of the value of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. Although my family is more financially stable now, those early experiences taught me to appreciate every opportunity and to never take my education for granted. They also motivated me to push forward, even when things were difficult, and to work for a career where I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. As a woman in STEM, I have also faced the challenge of pursuing a path where women are still underrepresented. These experiences have fueled my drive to succeed academically and to be a role model for other young women who aspire to careers in science and healthcare. I currently maintain a 3.8 GPA while dedicating significant time to community service and personal growth. I have volunteered as a coach for young kids, helping them learn teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills through sports. Additionally, I have participated in church fundraisers that support local families and individuals in need, giving me the chance to give back to my community and develop a strong sense of compassion and empathy. I also offer tutoring to peers and younger students, encouraging them to achieve their academic goals and overcome challenges. These opportunities have taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of lifting others up. All of these values I hope to carry into my future career as a Physician Assistant (PA). I am pursuing a career as a PA because I am passionate about helping people. I want to work directly with patients, offering them not only medical care but also support, kindness, and understanding. I know that healthcare is about more than just treating an illness, it’s about seeing the whole person and being there for them during some of their most difficult times. This scholarship would help ease the financial pressures that still come with pursuing a college degree and allow me to focus more fully on my studies and service. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to working hard, giving back, and overcoming challenges to create a better future for myself and those I hope to serve.