If selected, I would use the scholarship funds to help cover essential academic expenses such as tuition, textbooks, lab supplies, and transportation. These funds would significantly ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to focus more fully on my education, community involvement, and early medical training. I’ve been accepted into the University of Arizona’s Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) program, a highly competitive seven-year track that grants direct admission to the medical school as a high schooler. As an APME student, I will major in Physiology and Medical Sciences through the W.A. Franke Honors College, where I’ll participate in specialized coursework, clinical experiences, and community outreach programs designed to prepare future physicians to serve Arizona’s underserved populations. This scholarship would directly support my undergraduate tuition and academic needs as I begin this rigorous program. It would also allow me to pursue enrichment opportunities—such as internships, research, and medical service projects—without the added pressure of working long hours to afford school. Ultimately, your support would help me stay focused on my goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist and improving access to compassionate, high-quality care.

From the moment my grandfather asked me, “¿Voy a estar bien?” while we awaited his cancer prognosis, I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to medicine. I was there as his translator, but in that moment, I felt helpless. I watched him struggle—not just against his illness, but against a lack of specialists, language barriers, and financial obstacles that stood in the way of care. That moment resonated with me, and it’s what drives me now to pursue a career in STEM where I can become part of the solution. My passion for STEM comes from a desire to understand how things work beneath the surface, especially within the human body. I’ve always been fascinated by how biology, chemistry, and technology come together to fight disease and improve lives. As I grew older, this curiosity evolved into a purpose. Whether shadowing nurses in the emergency department, researching ways to improve student well-being through mental health initiatives, or helping young children in our hospital’s kindness program, I’ve seen firsthand how science can be applied with empathy to change outcomes. STEM, to me, is not just about problem-solving—it’s about using knowledge to heal, advocate, and transform the systems that fail too many. It’s about taking the pain my family once felt and turning it into progress for others. This commitment to medicine led to my acceptance into the University of Arizona’s prestigious Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) program. Out of a national pool of applicants, only ten students are selected each year. The APME program offers a unique seven-year track that allows high school students direct and reserved admission into the University of Arizona Medical School. As an APME student, I will major in Physiology and Medical Sciences through the W.A. Franke Honors College while receiving personalized mentorship, early clinical experiences, and access to initiatives that address Arizona’s healthcare disparities. The program is designed for students like me, who are committed to practicing medicine in service to their communities. Growing up in a rural, medically underserved border community has shaped my perspective and purpose. Beyond the classroom, I plan to join student organizations focused on medicine, science, music, and my Hispanic culture—each of which plays a meaningful role in my identity. I also hope to engage in research and community outreach programs that focus on closing the healthcare gaps that affect families like mine. My goal is not just to study science, but to apply it in ways that directly uplift the people and places that have shaped me. Ultimately, I plan to become a pediatric oncologist. I’ve seen the impact of cancer up close and know how devastating it can be for families. My volunteer work in the emergency department and my involvement as Treasurer of Onvida Health’s Kindness Project have shown me the kind of physician I want to be: one who listens, empowers, and brings light to even the darkest moments. My long-term goal is to return to my hometown and open a practice that provides comprehensive, compassionate care to the community that raised me. I also hope to contribute to cancer research, advancing treatment and prevention strategies so fewer families have to endure what mine did. For me, STEM isn’t just about science—it’s about service. My drive to pursue medicine is fueled by a desire to honor my family’s sacrifices and to make a lasting impact in the lives of others. Through the innovative field of STEM, I hope to be the kind of doctor who not only heals but also inspires change.