
Hobbies and interests
Track and Field
Soccer
Crocheting
Jewelry Making
Hair Styling
French
Beading
Sewing
Swimming
Reading
Business
I read books multiple times per month
Imelda Grekonzi
555
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Imelda Grekonzi
555
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hello my name is Imelda, I will be starting Emory University in this fall to major in biology on the pre dental track. My goal is to attend dental school and become a dentist
Education
Columbia Heights Education Campus
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Majors of interest:
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Human Biology
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Cashier/ Front counter
Raising Canes2025 – Present11 months
Sports
Track & Field
Varsity2023 – 20241 year
Awards
- most valuable player
Public services
Volunteering
Sacred heart diner program — Clean, cook, serve2022 – 2022
Women in STEM and Community Service Scholarship
An issue that deeply matters to me is healthcare. I believe everyone should be granted access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income, because no one chooses to be sick. Healthcare should not be considered a luxury but rather a basic human right.
As an immigrant with a low income in Washington DC, my family and I have been fortunate to receive free healthcare for the 5 years I’ve been in the United States. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity as it has allowed us to get the medical support, we need without the overwhelming financial burden. However, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that come with relying on publicly funded healthcare. The customer service isn’t always the best, appointments are often delayed or cancelled, and it often takes a long time to get the proper care which can be frustrating at times.
A bill was passed by congress on July 3rd, 2025, commonly referred to as “the big, beautiful bill”. This legislation has drawn significant criticism for its negative impacts on low-income individuals because it includes major funding cuts for important things such as education, healthcare and social services. For families like mine, this bill presents a real and immediate threat. Following this news, my family is now at risk of losing the free insurance that's been helping us for the past years. Receiving that news was extremely devastating because healthcare is costly and this will have us suffering in silence rather than getting help because we cannot afford it.
My experiences with consistently having to worry about healthcare in my home country of Togo to the United States have driven me to want a career in the healthcare field where I can help individuals and families like mine. I will always believe that no one should be deprived of quality healthcare just because they can’t afford it. With my medical degree, I plan to open a clinic that doesn’t require insurance and offers low cost or free services while providing quality healthcare to my patients no matter their background.
While I have not done anything extraordinary to meet my goal, I think working hard to get into college and pursuing an education is a great place to start. I know it will take time and dedication to make the impact I dream of, but I’m inspired by people who face adversity with strength. Immigrants, low-income individuals, and hard-working people motivate me every day to become the change I want to see in the world.