I still remember the first time I read Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Carson. I was in middle school, and his story of perseverance, faith, and determination captured me. Here was a boy who faced poverty, limited opportunities, and constant doubt, yet through discipline and purpose, he became one of the most renowned neurosurgeons in the world. His story did more than inspire me—it planted in my heart the conviction that no obstacle is too great when God has placed a purpose on your life. That book began my journey toward medicine. Books have been some of my most important mentors. While I have not always had direct access to doctors, I have had access to their wisdom through the written word. Each book I have read has taught me lessons about resilience, compassion, and leadership, shaping the way I see my future in healthcare. From biographies like When Breath Becomes Air by Dr. Paul Kalanithi, I learned the importance of viewing patients not as cases but as human beings with stories, hopes, and fears. His reflections as a neurosurgeon facing his own terminal illness reminded me that medicine is not simply about extending life but about honoring the dignity of life itself. That lesson resonates deeply as I prepare for a career in women’s health, where the lives of both mothers and children hang in delicate balance. I want to treat my patients not only with clinical expertise but also with compassion that recognizes their humanity. Faith-based books and scripture have also shaped my goals. The Bible has been my anchor, reminding me that true leadership is rooted in service and humility. Proverbs 31, which describes the strength and dignity of a virtuous woman, has influenced how I view my calling to advocate for women in healthcare. Scripture has taught me that caring for others is not just a profession but an act of worship, and it is this perspective that will guide me in my medical career. Books on leadership and purpose, such as Start with Why by Simon Sinek, taught me that great leaders inspire others by staying rooted in their purpose. This principle applies directly to my goals as both an Air Force officer and a future physician. My “why” is clear: to serve women and families with integrity, to bridge gaps in healthcare access, and to leave every community I touch stronger than I found it. Keeping that purpose at the center of my career will allow me to inspire others, whether patients, colleagues, or young women considering careers in medicine. Ultimately, what I have learned from books is that every story has power. Stories can break barriers, change perspectives, and give courage where none seemed possible. They have given me role models, taught me empathy, and helped me imagine the type of physician and leader I want to become. Books have shaped my goals by reminding me that medicine is more than science. It is service, sacrifice, and hope. They have shown me that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to grow. Most importantly, they have affirmed that with faith, hard work, and perseverance, it is possible to overcome obstacles and create a lasting impact. As I pursue my dream of becoming an OB/GYN specializing in maternal-fetal medicine, I will carry with me the lessons I have learned from these books. They remind me to persevere when the path is difficult, to show compassion in every interaction, and to lead with faith and purpose. Most importantly, they remind me that my story, like theirs, has the potential to inspire others.

When I was twelve years old, I sat in a crowded emergency room beside my mother, who was experiencing complications after giving birth to my youngest sibling. I remember feeling scared, yet determined to stay calm for my brother and sisters. That night, as I watched the doctors and nurses care for her with compassion and precision, I realized for the first time what it meant to have a calling in medicine. That moment planted the seed of my dream: to one day stand in that same role, guiding families through their most vulnerable seasons with both skill and compassion. Growing up as the oldest of five children in a single-parent household meant I carried responsibility early in life. Whether it was helping with homework, cooking meals, or simply being a source of stability for my siblings, I learned resilience, leadership, and empathy in a very personal way. These experiences shaped not only who I am but also how I view my future. I believe God gave me those responsibilities to prepare me for the medical career I will pursue, a career where I can use my skills to serve others with excellence and love. I am currently pursuing a degree in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Information Security at Liberty University while serving as a cadet in AFROTC. Balancing my studies, military training, and family responsibilities has taught me the importance of discipline and perseverance. My ultimate goal is to become an OB/GYN with a subspecialty in maternal-fetal medicine and eventually open a private practice focused on women's health. Too often, women, especially mothers, face disparities in care, a lack of advocacy, and limited access to resources. I want to change that by creating a practice that is not only medically excellent but also grounded in respect, compassion, and dignity. Beyond the hospital walls, I want my career to touch lives in lasting ways. My vision is to partner with local organizations and schools to expand access to healthcare education, especially for women in underserved communities. By addressing topics such as prenatal care, nutrition, and early warning signs of complications, I can help equip families to take charge of their health before problems arise. I am also passionate about mentorship. TOO many young women with the potential to thrive in medicine never pursue it because they lack guidance or encouragement. By walking alongside them, I hope to break down barriers, open doors, and show them that their gifts are needed in the future of healthcare. My service in the Air Force will give me another way to make a difference. As a military physician, I will provide care not only for those in uniform but also for their families, the spouses and children who sacrifice daily. My faith calls me to serve with humility and to love others as Christ has loved me. To serve military families in this way will be one of the greatest honors of my career. Ultimately, medicine is more than science. It is a service. I see every patient as a child of God, deserving of compassion, respect, and hope. Whether I am in a delivery room welcoming new life, counseling a mother through high-risk complications, or mentoring a future physician, I want my work to reflect Christ's love. My desire is to leave an impact that goes far beyond diagnoses or treatments, an impact that uplifts individuals, strengthens families, and transforms communities. The world does not need more physicians who only treat symptoms. It needs physicians who listen, advocate, and inspire. With God's guidance, I aspire to be that kind of physician.

My experience with mental health has shaped who I am in ways that go far beyond what people see on the outside. There have been seasons in my life where I felt completely overwhelmed—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I often felt like I had to be strong for everyone else while silently carrying so much of my own weight. For a long time, I didn’t know how to ask for help or even admit that I was struggling. I just kept pushing through, thinking that was the only option. Eventually, I hit a point where I realized that ignoring my mental health was only hurting me more. That realization marked the beginning of real change. I slowly started opening up to trusted people, being honest about how I felt, and leaning more into my faith for strength and peace. I began learning how to rest, how to say no, and how to extend grace to myself. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me resilience and reminded me that healing is not a straight path—it’s a daily choice. That journey has inspired my goals. As someone who wants to become an OBGYN, I know firsthand how important it is to care for the whole person—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too. I want to create a practice where women feel seen, safe, and supported, no matter what they’re going through. My mental health struggles also changed how I show up in relationships. I’m more patient, more intentional, and more compassionate because I understand that everyone is fighting battles we can’t always see. It’s helped me become a better sister, friend, and leader. Most of all, my experience has shaped how I see the world—with more empathy, humility, and hope. I wouldn’t wish those hard times on anyone, but I also wouldn’t trade them. They’ve made me who I am—and they’ve given me a heart that wants to serve, uplift, and heal.

When you're the oldest of six kids in a single-parent home, you don't grow up with a choice- you grow up with a purpose. From an early age, I learned what it meant to carry weight on young shoulders. I wasn't just a big sister- I was a tutor, a cook, a comforter, a second pair of hands and a steady voice in moments of chaos. While my peers were learning to navigate childhood, I was learning how to lead, how to sacrifice, and how to love through service. Those lessons didn't just shape who I am-they shaped who I'm becoming: a future physician, a military officer, and a compassionate advocate for women's health. Today, I am a pre-med major with the goal of becoming an OB/GYN specializing in maternal-fetal medicine. My passion lies win women's health, and my heart is especially drawn to serving undeserved communities-people whose health needs are often overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed. I want to change that narrative. I want to be the doctor who listens when others won't, wo explains when others rush, and who cares when others judge. I believe that healthcare should be a place of healing and trust, not fear or inequality. One of my biggest dreams is to open a private practice in women's health-one that is community-focused, culturally sensitive, and deeply compassionate. I envision a space where women of all backgrounds, especially women of color receive not just care, but excellent care. Where they feel empowered in their bodies and confident in their decisions. I want to walk with mothers through both joy and heartbreak and support them with both medical expertise and empathy. My mission is not just to treat patients but advocate for them. In addition to my academic journey, I'm also a Cadet in Air Force ROTC. Serving in the military has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of integrity. It has also deepened my desire to give back-not just in clinic, but through a life of service. I plan to serve as an Air Force physician, bringing high-quality care to miliary families and using my training to respond to crisis wherever I'm needed. Whether in a hospital, a base, or a deployed environment, I am committed to serving with purpose and compassion. Everything I've experienced-from growing up as a leader in my household to stepping into leadership roles in ROTC-has prepared me to make a meaningful impact through medicine. I don't see my career as just a profession. I see it as a calling -a way to live out my faith, serve others, and help people when they are most vulnerable. This scholarship would ease the financial burden of my education, not just for me, but for my family. It would give me the freedom to focus fully more on my studies, leadership roles, and service commitments. More than that, it would be an investment in a future doctor who is committed to healing with excellence, leading with love, and making the world better-one patient, one family, and one community at a time.

Growing up in a small town in Alabama, I often felt the weight of statistics and expectations pressing down on me. It seemed that where I came from defined what I could become—a simple country girl destined to follow a predetermined path. However, my perspective shifted dramatically when my godmother entered my life and showed me a different way forward. My godmother wasn't just a figure of familial obligation; she was a beacon of hope and possibility. She exuded a quiet strength and confidence that drew people to her, and she saw potential where others saw limitations. From the moment she stepped into my life, she made it clear that I could be more than a statistic—that my dreams and aspirations were not bound by geography or circumstance. What set my godmother apart was her unwavering faith and the way she lived it out every day. She taught me that walking in faith wasn't just about going through the motions of religious practice; it was about believing in oneself and trusting in God's plan. Through her actions and words, she demonstrated that faith could move mountains and break down barriers, including those of societal expectations and self-doubt. One of the most profound lessons my godmother taught me was the power of self-belief. She encouraged me to dream big and pursue my passions with diligence and determination. Whether it was academic achievements, extracurricular pursuits, or personal goals, she instilled in me the confidence to go after what I wanted. She showed me that being from a small town didn't limit my potential—it enriched my perspective and fueled my drive to succeed. Beyond empowering me with confidence, my godmother showed me the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Life wasn't always smooth sailing for her, but her faith remained steadfast through trials and tribulations. She taught me that setbacks were opportunities for growth and that perseverance was key to overcoming obstacles. Her life was a testament to the power of resilience and the strength that comes from trusting in God's plan. Through her mentorship and guidance, my godmother opened doors of opportunity that I never thought possible. She introduced me to new experiences, broadened my horizons, and encouraged me to explore the world beyond my small town. She believed in me when others doubted, and she supported me every step of the way as I pursued my dreams. Today, as I reflect on my journey and the impact my godmother has had on my life, I am filled with gratitude and awe. She didn't just show me that I could be more than a simple country girl—she showed me that I could be anything I wanted, as long as I walked in faith and remained true to myself. Her belief in me continues to inspire and motivate me as I navigate the path ahead, striving to make a difference and live a life that honors her legacy of faith, resilience, and limitless possibility.