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Imelda Grekonzi

555

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Finalist

Bio

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 School
2020 - 2025

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Majors of interest:

    • Dentistry
    • Medicine
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
    • Human Biology
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

    • Cashier/ Front counter

      Raising Canes
      2025 – Present11 months

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2023 – 20241 year

    Awards

    • most valuable player

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Sacred heart diner program — Clean, cook, serve
      2022 – 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.
    Imelda Grekonzi Student Profile | Bold.org