I was not born in Alaska, I grew up on the opposite side of the country in Pennsylvania. I came to Alaska at the age of 13 when my dad got a job on the north slope as a mechanic, it was his dream to move up here and little did I know it would become my dream to live here too. I've learned how to survive up here and thrive. Since coming to Alaska I have found a community that is caring and willing to help one another. something I did not see growing up in Pennsylvania. My family lived on an Off-grid homestead and I was homeschooled through the IDEA program. Doing that allowed me to learn about who I was and what I wanted to do. When we first moved here My younger brother was found to be Type one Diabetic and that is what ignited my intrest in medicine, My passion for medicine was further ignited a year later when my father suffered a stroke. Our initial journey into Alaska was rough but it put me on a path I did not expect to be on. After I graduated high school in 2019 I began college hoping to get an associate in applied sciences through Mat-Su College. at the time I was working 3 Jobs in EMS and the fire services. Unfortunately even with the 3 jobs I was working it wasn't enough money and there was certainly not enough time for me to pursue Paramedic courses. I began focusing on my Career with Lifemed Alaska. In January of 2022, I quit my other 2 jobs with the Mat-Su Borough and Willow Fire Department when moved closer to the Lifemed Base in Anchorage. In the Spring of 2022, I finished my last semester at Mat-Su College. I worked my way up from an EMT to my EMT-3. I then transferred to Fairbanks where I still work for Lifemed as an EMT-3 and supervisor. I am hoping to go back to school and earn my Nursing degree. Unfortunately, I am stuck in a scenario where my Job makes it moderately difficult to attend many classes at a time meaning I'm limited on the credit hours I can take so I will have to extend my degree longer than my peers. Working in EMS I do not make enough to sustain myself and my household and go to school however I make just enough not to qualify for many assistance programs. and with the nature of my schedule in this position, I don't have many options to pick up another job to help pay for school as well as go to school. I feel that my position is not that unique compared to the rest of the state. I am determined to not let it stop me and that is what sets me apart. I will always push my bounds to make my dreams come true. Regardless of what cards are drawn by me, I will work hard to make them a winning hand. I recognize the work it takes to accomplish my goals and I will work my hardest to get there. Thank you for taking the time to consider me for this scholarship.

I am a 22-year-old student who has been working in EMS for the last 5 years. I am working towards my nursing degree now, and will eventually work towards becoming a Doctor. I love emergency medicine because it allows me to give back to others and show them that there are still people in this world who care about each other. From a young age, I have been drawn to the world of medicine. My passion for medicine has deep roots, stemming from personal experiences and a genuine fascination with healthcare. As a young adult, I witnessed the compassionate care provided by healthcare professionals when my younger brother was diagnosed with juvenile type one diabetes and again when my father suffered from a stoke a year later. Their dedication left an indelible mark on me, igniting a desire to follow in their footsteps and make a positive impact on people's lives during their most vulnerable moments. Furthermore, my interest in science and biology has fueled my curiosity about the human body and the intricacies of health. The idea of deciphering the mysteries of disease, finding innovative treatments, and improving patient outcomes fills me with excitement and determination. This triad of passions reflects my belief that comprehensive healthcare involves a team of professionals working together to provide the best possible care. Becoming a healthcare professional requires certain qualities that are essential for excellence in this field. Empathy is paramount. The ability to understand and share patients' feelings is crucial for establishing trust and providing emotional support during challenging times. Dedication and perseverance are also vital. The healthcare journey demands unwavering commitment. Whether it's years of rigorous education, demanding clinical experiences, or the continual pursuit of knowledge, a strong work ethic and determination are indispensable. Effective communication skills are another key attribute. Healthcare professionals must convey complex medical information to patients and their families in a clear, compassionate, and easily understandable manner. This fosters trust and collaboration in the healing process. My journey towards becoming a Doctor has been carefully planned and thought out. I have pursued a rigorous academic path, maintaining a strong commitment to learning. I started by working in the Prehospital setting as an EMT and working my way up to an EMT-3 here in the state of Alaska. I am now working towards getting my nursing degree. While I am working as a nurse I will begin my Pre-Medicin classes so I can eventually expand my scope and become a doctor. I have sought out volunteer and work opportunities in many different medical settings to gain firsthand experience and to ensure that my passion for healthcare remains unwavering. I look forward to the day I can make someone's worst nightmare even a little bit better by providing professional and kind care. Every step of the way I work hard to help others who are entering the fields I have experience in to help them move forward in this career.