Growing up, I often wondered if the life I wanted was bigger than the life I came from. I knew what it felt like to watch other people have opportunities that were not always available to me, and there were moments when I questioned whether I could really reach the goals I had set for myself. One Olivia Rodrigo lyric that captures that feeling for me is from “making the bed”: “I’m so tired of being the girl that I am.” For me, the lyric is not about wanting to become someone else. It reflects the exhaustion of constantly wondering whether I am enough and the pressure of trying to become the person I know I am capable of being. My experience in college has not always been smooth sailing. Balancing academics along with my work, extracurricular activities, volunteering and other commitments has often been difficult for me. Sometimes I have felt burdened and wondered whether I am doing enough. However, every challenge has always revealed something important about myself to me. I have realized that success does not necessarily mean lack of difficulties. Instead, it means moving ahead despite everything else. One of the greatest changes in my journey has been realizing that my past does not have to be something I overcome and leave behind. Instead, it can become the reason I care so deeply about helping others. My experiences have led me to mentor younger students, serve my community, and work with adult learners who are pursuing educational opportunities of their own. When I work with someone who is struggling, I recognize pieces of my younger self in them—the person who needed encouragement, someone to believe in them, and someone to remind them that their circumstances did not define their future. This outlook also influenced my decision to pursue medicine. In my experience with the healthcare system, I have witnessed how vulnerable individuals feel when they are ill, frightened, or unable to comprehend their surroundings. I strive to be the doctor who will keep in mind the person who is underneath the illness. I strive to listen rather than to assume and make patients feel like they are being heard. The lyrics resonate with me as I develop into the person that I am today. Although I may not be the same person that I was during my younger years, I do not wish to forget where I came from either. Even though the challenges that I have faced in life have taught me resilience, the people that have supported me have taught me to be grateful. Olivia Rodrigo's music often captures the complicated emotions of growing up—feeling uncertain while simultaneously trying to figure out who you are. That is exactly where I find myself. I am proud of the person I have become, but I know I am still learning, changing, and growing. My journey has taught me that becoming the person I want to be is not about having a perfect path. It is about continuing to walk forward, carrying my experiences with me, and using them to make the path easier for someone else.

Growing up, I learned early that where you come from does not have to determine where you are going. I was raised in a low-income household, and while we did not always have everything we wanted, I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, family, and faith. My experiences growing up shaped the way I see the world and, more importantly, shaped the person I want to become. As a child, I became aware of the challenges many families face when they lack the same resources or opportunities as others. Those experiences taught me to appreciate the people who supported me and never to take an opportunity for granted. They also showed me how meaningful it can be when someone believes in you. Throughout my life, mentors, teachers, family members, and people within my community have encouraged me to dream beyond my circumstances. Their support made me realize that sometimes one person taking the time to listen, encourage, or guide someone else can make a lasting difference. Those lessons have influenced the person I am today. I am currently a college student who has challenged myself academically while remaining deeply involved in my community. Through my experiences in leadership, service, mentoring, and working with others from different backgrounds, I have learned that success is not simply about personal achievement. It is also about how you use the opportunities you receive and whether you use them to help others. However, the most important way that my past interactions with students and community members have made me feel like serving others is through the knowledge that I have gained from interacting with individuals of various ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Working with people of various ages and cultures has taught me that one should listen rather than assume what people might need.This experience has also taught me that sometimes there are certain challenges faced by someone that may not be visible to other people. Currently, I see myself as a person who is continually growing. Therefore, even though I am a determined person, I have learned that success is not about having all the answers but about being able to move forward regardless of the obstacles. My upbringing continues to remind me to remain humble and grateful for every opportunity I have. The person I am striving to become is someone who can create opportunities for others, just as others created opportunities for me. I hope to pursue a career in medicine and become a physician who understands that treating a patient involves more than addressing a diagnosis. I want to be someone who listens, communicates clearly, and makes patients feel respected and understood, regardless of their background or circumstances. Ultimately, it is not the challenges I have faced due to having less which have helped form my identity, but the things I have learned through them. Through adversity, I have learned perseverance, through my mentors I have learned gratitude, through service, I have learned compassion, and through being aware that my present does not necessarily dictate my future, determination. While I am proud of the person I am today, I am more excited about who I will become in the future. My plan is to be a leader with compassion, a servant for purpose, and a light in someone else’s path.

Just eight years ago, I witnessed that most captivating and fascinating part of life which we call birth. A compassionate nurse agreed to allow me to remain in the room during my aunt’s delivery of her baby. This was something I never dreamed of seeing, an event which enlightened my heart and inspired my life’s career. Seeing the birth of a human being filled my heart with a passion to care for those during the process of giving birth. Many people ask me, “Jassiry, how did you know that was something you were interested in?” My response is always, “ I knew I wanted to be a doctor, and I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be present for a birth.” As young as I was, I was certain that I wanted to be connected to a major that would lead to attending medical school and pursue obstetrics and gynecology. I am eager to learn more about childbirth and discovering methods that will ensure the safety of mothers and newborns during normal or complicated deliveries such as multiple births, breech positioning, or other difficulties. Childbirth simply captivates me. Because giving birth is such a significant event, I want every mother to feel safe when it involves their pregnancy and health. As I learn more and more about this medical field, I have discovered that the medical professionals give more detailed information than websites. Since middle school, I have shadowed Dr. Don Dubose who specializes in Geriatric Medicine. That medical field was interesting but not something I wanted for my specialty. However, Dr. Dubose did teach me the basics of patient care. I was present for every appointment that he had for one day. At the end of the day, he gave me a pop quiz to see what I had learned. It was truly amazing how much I absorbed in one day. Also, I often turn to Dr. Timothy Wagner who is a retired orthopedic surgeon. He is the person I seek out if I begin to question my direction of the field. Even though he does not specialize in obstetrics, he is always the one I turn to for advice on great medical schools. Dr. Wagner serves as my encourager as he reminds me to never give up. This wise doctor helps me understand the level of dedication that I need to be successful in my studies, and he offers his support if I am ever in need of help. I have never looked back, and I have never doubted my career choice since I was present at the birth of my nephew. My memory of the specifics related to his birth are still very vivid in my mind. I am eager to experience more and dedicate my time to gaining the knowledge that I will need to exceed any expectations required of me.

1. How did you first get to know about TXT? It was during 2021 that I came across TXT as I had been seeking some comforting and happy music back then. Their songs impressed me with their meaningful lyrics, distinct concept, and individuality of the members. I kept following them since then and enjoyed seeing their development as artists. 2. What do you feel is one of the most essential traits for a MOA to have? One of the traits that I believe to be the most essential for a MOA is kindness. TXT continuously reminds their fans to be kind to themselves and others; thus, I feel like respecting, supporting, and welcoming other people are among the qualities they possess. The best MOA not only praises TXT but also fosters a positive atmosphere among other fans. 3. Do you have a TXT bias, and if so, why did you select them? Yeonjun is the bias I have based on his excellent working attitude, confidence and performing skills. He is a great dancer and performer but most importantly, I appreciate his humility and kindheartedness in spite of his success. His hardworking spirit inspires me to work hard towards my objectives. 4. Do you have an ultimate bias, if so who, of any group? My ultimate bias is Yeonjun. Apart from his talents, I admire how he strives to better himself all the time and at the same time encourages his fellow members. 5. What is your favorite TXT song, and why? The TXT song that I like the most is "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You)." It contains a lot of emotion and describes the feeling of hope and comfort. The song is about meeting someone who gets you through hard times. It is very emotional, which allows connecting with it easily. 6. Have you had an opportunity to see TXT live in concert before? Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to watch TXT's concert performance, although that is one of my major ambitions as a fan. Watching their performance in videos always amazes me, and I'm hoping to see them perform live someday. 7. Which album concept did you like the most and why? The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION is one of the best album concepts which I have ever experienced. The main theme of this era is to escape from reality and grow up through different trials. Overall, everything – visual performance, storyline, and music – works perfectly together. 8. How are you financing your education right now? Currently, I am paying for my college with the help of financial aid, scholarships, and some of my money. Despite the difficulty in managing educational expenses, I try to take care of everything related to my education along with my studies. 9. How will you benefit from the scholarship and what is missing now? This scholarship will definitely make me less concerned about educational expenses since it will help me with the cost of tuition, books, school materials, and other educational expenses. 10. What kind of influence has TXT had on you? TXT has made me strive to persevere through adversity. This group makes songs about growing, believing in yourself, and hope, and that has been an encouraging factor when going through tough times in college and in life. It has been great realizing that it is fine to struggle as long as I try to be a better person in the process. 11. How are you going to use your education to serve others? Education has prepared me to serve others through knowledge and abilities. I would like to establish a career where I am helping other people, giving back to my community, and enabling people. Education will enable me to improve my future through learning, and at the same time, allow me to do good things for others.

Coming from a first-generation college-going family that migrated from another country, I have come to realize that access to healthcare is unequal. My parents have worked hard to offer us every opportunity available in a system that has been very tough to navigate. What has influenced my vision of the future and made me even more determined to pursue a career in medicine and advocate for the communities whose voices have never been heard is the experience of my younger sister's birth. She was born at thirty-two weeks of gestation and required additional medical treatment for over a month after her birth. Not only did I witness the stress that my family members were undergoing emotionally, but I also understood the financial stress associated with this condition. For me personally, my goal in training is to be able to practice as an OB-GYN in order to have a positive effect through education for the well-being of women, particularly the disadvantaged women. My objective will be to give compassionate treatment and to take into account cultural differences and educate my clients enough to allow them to make informed choices regarding their health needs. The number of women who avoid getting medical help because of fears and costs is very high. My education at Furman University Master of Science in Community Engaged Medicine will equip me with the ability to learn how to analyze health disparities and engage the community to try to resolve them. It is my intention to integrate medicine and community engagement so that medicine does not have to take place only inside clinic rooms. I intend to create outreach programs and health education seminars that will connect families with preventive medicine and services. The people who inspire me most are my parents. Their resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in education taught me that success is meaningful when it is used to lift others. They showed me the value of hard work, humility, and service, and those values guide every step of my journey. In the end, I would like for my career to be remembered not just by the patients that I care for, but also by the barriers I can break down. I would like to see a future in which young girls from immigrant and disadvantaged backgrounds will have a role model in healthcare and know that their aspirations are achievable. As a physician, mentor, and advocate, I would like to contribute to building healthier communities in which compassion and respect are part of vulnerable times for many families.

The name of my challenge on Love Island is "Heart Under Pressure," which is meant to be a dynamic, quick game that shows how tight each pair's relationship is by their ability to communicate, build trust, speak the truth and work as a team. First, Islanders will need to show their compatibility by answering intimate questions related to their partner, like fears, dream holidays, or love languages, gaining points for every right guess. Then, Islanders will play a communication game where one of them needs to describe the words in relation to their relationship, while the other needs to guess what they are within a certain period of time, showing how much they know about each other without hints. Then, the Islanders will enter the scenario round, where they will secretly answer questions about loyalty, plans and temptations. Then there will be a "Truth Under Pressure" round where they will answer difficult questions about other couples or their own relationships, or receive a nasty penalty – sliming. And finally, they will run an obstacle course while blindfolded, guided only by their partner's voice. The winning couple is the one that scores the highest points and receives an exclusive overnight getaway, in addition to immunity from the next public vote.

Given that I grew up in a household with immigrant parents, I have come to understand that resilience, sacrifice, and empathy are not mere concepts but values that must be embodied through daily practice. The way my parents struggled so hard to create chances that were unavailable to them has motivated me to study at the highest level possible as a first-generation college student. Through their determination, I learned that success is not just about individual accomplishments but about using it to uplift those around you. Coming from a family of immigrants, it was clear at an early age that values such as resilience, sacrifice, and compassion were more than just buzzwords; they were practices daily. Observing how my parents struggled day in and day out to create opportunities for themselves that were unavailable to them gave me the motivation to attend university and become the first person in my family to do so. It was through this process that I learned that success is not in your own achievements but in making others successful as well. This led me to decide to join the medical profession, aiming to become an OB-GYN.One of the most significant life experiences that made me appreciate medicine has been my younger sister's premature birth on April 4, 2024, who was born at 32 weeks. She was delivered at McLeod Health Clarendon Hospital before being transferred to Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, where she remained for over a month. Throughout her stay, my family experienced fear, anxiety, and exhaustion due to waiting for our little one to become stronger. In addition to all the emotions, my parents had a difficult financial situation due to the medical expenses and caring for us. Observing my sister's difficulty helped me understand how much power health care professionals can have at the most vulnerable times in the family. Apart from providing medical services, they also gave hope to my parents and empathy. Through this experience, I learned that medicine is not only about diagnosing and healing someone, but also about caring for them. That experience solidified my desire to dedicate my life to improving the health of women, mothers, and children. I have always strived to find such chances throughout my academic career. Currently, I have a bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Clemson University and am pursuing a Master of Science in Community Engaged Medicine from Furman University. My ambition is to use both scientific and community engagement skills to address healthcare inequalities and ensure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare. As a future doctor, I want to build trust with patients, educate their families, and speak up for those who are often not heard. As for outside activities, I have found meaning in being a part of my community. My family and I attend church regularly, and I play the violin during the service. Now music has become the greatest source of balance and happiness in my life. Playing the violin is an activity through which I can escape the pressures of schooling while still being involved in something bigger than myself. The violin has instilled in me the values of discipline, patience, and listening, which are just as important in the healthcare industry. I also volunteer at my church and have been involved in community service through my sorority, including interacting with people at a nearby retirement facility.No matter whether I pursue a degree in medicine, volunteer, or play music, I try to adhere to the principles my parents have taught me – compassion, humility, perseverance, and service. To help others, it is important first to understand their situation and treat them with respect and empathy.Pursuing a career in medicine has been greatly affected by my family's sacrifices, my sister's fight for survival, and the example of the great people I have met on my journey, who taught me to care for others.

Being a first-generation immigrant, college admission is thrilling and scary at the same time. The desire to create a better life for themselves prompted my parents to immigrate to America. Their efforts and struggles made me appreciate education even more. I grew up knowing that everything comes at a price, and my parents did everything possible to raise me and provide for the needs of our family. Even though my parents supported me all the time and wanted me to succeed in my studies, they were ignorant of the American education system and couldn’t help me when filling out applications, financial aid forms, or choosing the major to pursue. Being an outsider in the field of higher education comes with its own set of struggles. At times, I found myself wondering whether I really belonged in college and whether I was ready to face the various hurdles associated with achieving a degree. Unlike other people my age, I did not have relatives who could give me answers to any of the many questions I had regarding the experience of attending college. However, I managed to get all the information I required through the assistance of my teachers, counselors, and the effort I put in myself. On the other hand, having this kind of past has been one of my biggest assets. Seeing how my parents have worked tirelessly to give themselves opportunities that they had not been able to have before has inspired me to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way. This has also motivated me to strive towards achieving my dreams despite any hardships that may arise along the way. As I prepare to enter higher education, I hope to gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to build a meaningful career while continuing to grow as a person. I know there will be challenges, including balancing academic responsibilities with financial concerns and adapting to a new environment. Even so, I am confident that the determination I have developed through my experiences will help me overcome these obstacles. My long-term goal is to earn my degree and build a successful career that allows me to give back to my family and community. I also hope to become a role model for younger relatives and other first-generation students by showing them that, despite the challenges, higher education is possible. My family's journey has taught me that success is built through perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to keep moving forward. Those lessons will continue to guide me as I pursue my education and work toward creating a better future for myself and those around me.

To me, it is not just about achieving a level of monetary or individual success, but about providing opportunities that were previously out of reach and paying homage to the struggles that allowed those opportunities to exist in the first place. As a first-generation college student, the American Dream is a duty and a privilege, a duty to succeed not just for myself, but for my family, and a privilege to obtain an education and career that they could only dream of for me. Growing up, I have had a front-row seat to witness the struggles and sacrifices my parents have had to endure to build a stable life for my siblings and me, working tirelessly to provide us with opportunities they could only dream of for themselves. There have been struggles, of course, but they have never allowed their struggles to dictate their future or mine, and I believe this is where they have succeeded most in providing for me and giving me a better life, by teaching me the values of perseverance, hard work, and appreciation for what I have and what I am about to receive. Being the first in my family to attend college has been a blessing and a curse. Not having anyone to look up to and follow has made me learn to navigate this world of higher education by myself. However, this has also made me stronger. I take my parents’ sacrifices with me in everything I do. It has become my motivation to get through the tough times and stay focused on my goals. The American Dream to me also means being able to turn those sacrifices into something worthwhile. My dream is to have a career in the medical field where I can make a difference in the lives of others. Not only do I want to make a difference in the lives of my family, but also in the lives of others who may have come from similar backgrounds as mine. I want to be able to give back to society in a way that I can relate to. I know what it feels like to have barriers in front of me, and I want to be a part of a system that breaks those barriers down. Ultimately, the American Dream is about progress—moving forward on the foundation that my parents established and continuing to improve upon that foundation. It is about giving back to my parents for all that they have done for me by continuing to strive for excellence and create new opportunities for my children to come after me. Their dreams are what drive me now, and through my education and future career path, I hope to make my parents’ sacrifices worthwhile.

My idea of the American Dream is not just about achieving success for myself, but about having the opportunity to pursue my passions and interests through hard work and determination, and also helping uplift and raise others along the way. As a first-generation Mexican-American student and the daughter of immigrant parents, the idea of the American Dream for me is about the sacrifices that my parents had to make by leaving their familiar surroundings and environment in search of a better future for their children. It is about the determination and perseverance that I have to make those sacrifices worthwhile. I learned from my upbringing that opportunities were not always equal and that success was not just handed to people on a silver platter. As a first-generation college student, it has not been easy for me, but it has also been a source of pride for me to have had to go through the process of learning how to do things on my own and making my own path towards my future. One of the most defining moments in my life that has led me to believe in the American Dream was witnessing the birth of my nephew. This was a powerful moment that not only gave me the passion for medicine but also led me to believe that my future calling is to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. This moment led me to believe that the American Dream is not just about my own success and progress but also about making a difference in the lives of others with my chosen profession. My ultimate goal is for every woman to feel safe and cared for during her pregnancy and childbirth, regardless of her background. The American Dream is also about representation and breaking barriers for me. As a minority woman in the STEM field and medicine, my journey is not only about my own success but also about the hopes and dreams of my family and my community. I am not only breaking barriers for myself but also for those who have yet to find their way in the medical field. Ultimately, the American Dream is about creating opportunities not just for oneself, but for one’s future. It’s about paying homage to all those who have come before me by excelling at what I do best and giving back to my community. Through my education and future career in medicine, I hope to achieve this American Dream by providing care to those in need, helping those in need, and helping others achieve their dreams despite any obstacles they may encounter.

My academic goal is to continue to excel as a senior majoring in Biological Sciences at Clemson University, while continuing to prepare for the next step in my educational journey, medical school. As a first-generation Mexican-American, pursuing higher education has not been without challenges, but it has also given me a sense of purpose and dedication to succeed in my academic endeavors. I hope to continue to excel academically, as well as to continue to develop my foundation of knowledge, especially in the sciences, especially when it comes to human health, anatomy, and reproductive biology. In addition to my academic pursuits, I also hope to gain hands-on experience, especially shadowing medical professionals, which has been instrumental in helping me understand the medical field. My long-term career goal is to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. My interest in becoming a doctor, especially an obstetrician-gynecologist, was ignited when I witnessed the birth of my nephew.Being there during such a potent and life-changing event made me realize the significance of caring and well-informed care. Ever since, I have been captivated by the mechanism of childbirth and have been interested in knowing more about how I can assist women through both normal and complicated pregnancies. I am particularly interested in knowing more about complications like babies in the breech position and multiple births, and how medical professionals can ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the child in such cases. During my academic career, I have been blessed to have role models like Dr. Don Dubose and Dr. Timothy Wagner, who have made me comprehend the extent of dedication and commitment necessary to be successful in the medical field. They have only strengthened my resolve to stay focused and continue to strive hard to achieve my goals. However, in addition to these personal aspirations, I also hope to make a significant impact in underserved and underrepresented populations through my profession. Being a minority woman in a STEM field, I am aware of the significance of representation and access to quality healthcare. I hope to provide quality healthcare that not only fulfills the medical requirements but also provides a sense of security and respect to patients during one of the most important periods in their lives. Ultimately, I aspire to be a compassionate and skilled physician who promotes women’s health while also inspiring young women, especially from similar backgrounds, to pursue a medical profession.

As a Mexican woman, I have had a journey in STEM fields that has been influenced by both obstacles and triumphs that have made me even more committed to my goal of becoming a medical professional. As a first-generation college student and a senior majoring in Biological Sciences at Clemson University, I have had to be very resilient and purpose-driven in my pursuit of a medical degree. I have always known that as a woman of color, I have seen a lack of representation in medical settings not only as a physician but also as a leader or decision-maker. This was especially true as I continued through my academic journey, especially in science courses where I was often one of a few minority women in the classroom. These obstacles have made me even more committed to succeeding and making room for others like me. Throughout my educational journey, I have had moments when I doubted whether I belonged in the STEM field. Was it the feeling of imposter syndrome, the lack of access to mentors, or the feeling of being invisible in highly competitive environments? Whatever it was, I learned to be resilient and self-advocate. Being a first-generation student meant that I had to figure out many things on my own, from learning to access resources to learning to ask for help and self-advocate in environments that were not always conducive to students like myself. I learned to create a support system and to be confident in my abilities even when no one else was. This experience not only made me the person I am today but also helped me to better understand the obstacles that many minority women face in the STEM field. Moreover, my identity has given me a distinct point of view on the significance of culturally sensitive care, particularly in the medical industry. As I work towards becoming an OB-GYN, I am acutely aware of the gaps present in women’s healthcare, particularly in relation to Latina women and women of color. This includes, but is not limited to, increased mortality rates, access to quality care, and implicit bias in healthcare. This has given me a passion to advocate for women of color, ensuring that all women feel seen, heard, and respected within a healthcare setting. Furthermore, aside from my academic journey, my leadership experience has given me a renewed sense of purpose in uplifting others. Through my executive leadership within my sorority, I have been able to mentor young women, promote professional growth, and provide a space where women of color feel empowered to achieve their aspirations. As I look to the future, I hope to continue my journey in the world of STEM and pursue a career as an OB-GYN not only dedicated to providing quality patient care, but also to fighting to eliminate healthcare disparities. I hope to be able to give back to my community and provide opportunities to young minority women interested in pursuing STEM fields. As I reflect on my experiences as a Mexican woman and as a first-generation college student, I realize that I have not allowed them to be barriers, but rather motivators for my future career and the impact I hope to make not only as a healthcare provider, but as a role model and advocate for future generations of women in STEM fields.