Healthcare has always been a field that resonates deeply with me. Growing up as the youngest of four siblings in Olanta, South Carolina, I witnessed firsthand how health disparities affect families and communities, particularly in rural areas. In smaller towns like mine, access to quality healthcare can be limited, and the consequences of these disparities are often heartbreaking. My aspiration to become an OB/GYN stems from my desire to help close these gaps by providing compassionate, patient-centered care to women who need it most. Women’s health is a critical aspect of healthcare, yet it remains underserved in many areas. I am determined to ensure that every patient I serve feels empowered, valued, and informed about their health. My passion for medicine is rooted in both personal and volunteer experiences. From a young age, I have been fascinated by the intricacies of the human body and how healthcare can transform lives. Volunteering with local nonprofits and community health initiatives gave me a closer look at the challenges people face in accessing medical care. I’ve had the privilege of assisting with health screenings, helping organize wellness workshops, and educating families about preventive care. These experiences not only gave me valuable insight into the importance of healthcare but also allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life. It was through these connections that I developed a profound understanding of how trust, empathy, and effective communication are at the heart of successful patient care. As I prepare for the next phase of my education, I am focused on addressing systemic issues in healthcare, particularly in maternal and reproductive health. My ultimate goal is to serve as an OB/GYN in underserved communities, providing comprehensive care to women and advocating for policies that improve maternal health outcomes. I hope to earn my undergraduate degree in biology at the University of South Carolina or Francis Marion University and later attend medical school at the Medical University of South Carolina. This academic path will equip me with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in my field. Becoming a doctor is a challenging and expensive journey, but I am deeply committed to it because of the difference I know I can make. With this scholarship, I will be one step closer to my dream of improving healthcare access and outcomes for women, especially in rural and underserved areas. This financial support would allow me to focus more on my education and less on the burden of tuition, empowering me to pursue my passion for service without hesitation. I believe that through dedication and perseverance, I can not only achieve my dreams but also inspire others to pursue careers in healthcare and give back to their communities.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare because of the profound impact it can have on individuals and communities. My personal experience with the loss of my grandmother due to a terminal illness has deeply influenced this decision. Witnessing the challenges of navigating a terminal illness not only highlighted the importance of medical care but also underscored the need for empathy, compassion, and effective communication in healthcare settings. This experience has driven my passion to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can make a meaningful difference by both improving patient outcomes and providing emotional support to those in need. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to make a positive impact in several ways. First and foremost, I want to contribute to improving the quality of care that patients receive, especially those facing life-limiting illnesses. I am passionate about areas such as oncology and palliative care, where I can not only work toward developing better treatment options but also ensure patients receive holistic care that addresses both their physical and emotional needs. My goal is to create a compassionate healthcare environment where patients and their families feel supported and valued, particularly in their most vulnerable moments. Additionally, I hope to use my position as a woman in healthcare to advocate for greater gender equality and representation. Women have historically been underrepresented in certain areas of medicine, especially leadership roles. As I advance in my career, I want to serve as a mentor and role model for young women who aspire to enter the medical field. By sharing my experiences and supporting other women, I aim to help break down barriers and encourage more women to pursue leadership positions and specialized fields in healthcare. I believe that a diverse workforce, especially one that includes women in leadership, is crucial for addressing the unique healthcare needs of different populations and driving innovation. I also hope to address issues of healthcare equity. As a woman who understands the challenges of balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities, I want to advocate for healthcare policies that better support families, women, and underserved communities. I believe that by combining my passion for medicine with a commitment to advocating for social justice and equality, I can help improve access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of their background. Ultimately, I am driven by the desire to make a lasting and positive impact on the healthcare field. I hope that, through my work, I can help create a more compassionate, equitable, and inclusive healthcare system, where every patient—regardless of their background—receives the highest quality of care. As a woman in this field, I aim to not only contribute to the advancement of medical science but also empower others, especially women, to pursue their goals and make their own mark in healthcare.

I am a student who has personally experienced the profound loss of my grandmother due to a terminal illness. This experience has deeply shaped my perspective on life and my aspirations for the future, particularly in the field of medicine. Losing my grandmother not only highlighted the fragility of life but also reinforced the importance of compassionate care, support, and medical innovation in the face of adversity. It has inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, where I hope to make a positive and lasting impact on both individuals and communities. From a young age, I was drawn to science and problem-solving, and as I grew older, my fascination with the human body and its complexities intensified. However, it wasn’t until I witnessed firsthand the challenges that come with terminal illness—both for my grandmother and our family—that I fully realized the significance of medical care that goes beyond treatment. I saw how essential it was for healthcare professionals to provide not only medical expertise but also emotional support, comfort, and empathy to those facing life-limiting conditions. This experience motivated me to pursue a career in healthcare, with a particular focus on oncology and palliative care, where I can offer both medical knowledge and compassionate care to patients in their most vulnerable moments. In the future, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by combining my passion for science with my deep desire to serve others. I aim to contribute to advancements in cancer research and treatment, especially in improving the quality of life for patients who are facing terminal illnesses. My goal is to not only help develop more effective treatments but also to ensure that these patients receive holistic care that addresses their physical, emotional, and psychological needs. By advocating for patient-centered care and supporting families during these challenging times, I hope to create a more compassionate and empathetic healthcare environment. Additionally, I am passionate about medical education and mentorship. As I advance in my career, I plan to be an advocate for underrepresented groups in medicine, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the field. I believe that a diverse healthcare workforce can better address the unique needs of different populations, and I am committed to encouraging others from all backgrounds to pursue careers in healthcare. Through my medical career, I intend to make a meaningful difference by improving the patient experience, advancing treatment options, and helping individuals and families navigate the complex and often difficult journey of terminal illness with dignity and care. My personal experiences, especially the loss of my grandmother, have fueled my desire to serve, and I am determined to dedicate my life to the betterment of others, using the skills and knowledge I acquire to leave a positive mark on the world.

1) Attribute I Embody the Most: The attribute that I believe I embody the most is "Strive for servant leadership." To me, servant leadership is about putting others' needs before your own and leading through service, empathy, and support. I believe this is a natural extension of my values, and I've practiced this mindset in both personal and professional settings. In my day-to-day life, I strive to create an environment where those around me feel heard, valued, and empowered. Whether in a team, at work, or with friends and family, I actively listen to others and offer support whenever needed. For example, at work, I often take time to check in with colleagues, not just about their tasks but about their well-being. I make sure they know that their contributions are valued, and I seek to provide them with the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to excel. By leading this way, I hope to create a positive, collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels motivated and recognized for their strengths. One of the key elements of servant leadership is the focus on empowerment. I don't believe in leading through control or authority, but instead through collaboration and mentorship. I actively seek out opportunities to help others develop and grow in their roles. In my previous job, I mentored new employees, helping them navigate their tasks and guiding them through difficult situations. I took pride in seeing them succeed and grow professionally, knowing that I played a small part in their development. Furthermore, I strive to model humility, understanding that leadership isn't about being the loudest or most visible person in the room, but rather about lifting others up. By serving others first, I believe leadership can be both more impactful and fulfilling. It creates an atmosphere where people are not only motivated by the success of the organization but also by their own growth and contribution to the community. In short, servant leadership is about putting people first, leading by example, and making sure that those around you have the support they need to succeed. I believe I embody this attribute by consistently putting others’ needs at the forefront and striving to lead with humility, empathy, and service. 2) Greatest Area for Improvement: The attribute I believe requires the most improvement for me is "Dare to take calculated risks." While I am generally a cautious person who prefers to weigh options thoroughly, I often overthink potential risks and hesitate to take action when a decision requires stepping out of my comfort zone. I have recognized that this caution sometimes limits my ability to seize opportunities that could lead to growth, innovation, or success. My plan to improve in this area revolves around developing a mindset that values calculated risks and reframes failure as a learning experience, rather than something to avoid. This will involve actively seeking situations where I can push myself to make bold decisions, knowing that I will learn something valuable regardless of the outcome. To start, I plan to break down larger decisions into smaller steps to assess risk in a more controlled manner. By doing this, I can lower the stakes and make risks feel more manageable. For example, instead of waiting for the "perfect" opportunity to start a new project or make a significant change, I will commit to taking incremental actions that build momentum. This could mean starting with a small pilot program, testing new strategies in smaller, less critical environments, or setting a deadline to push myself to make decisions rather than procrastinating. Additionally, I want to focus on improving my ability to evaluate risk more accurately. This means gathering more information, consulting with others who have experience, and balancing optimism with a realistic understanding of potential obstacles. I also want to focus on understanding the difference between impulsive, uncalculated risks and well-thought-out ones that align with my goals. I will seek feedback from mentors and colleagues who have successfully taken risks in their own careers and learn from their experiences. Finally, I plan to adopt a mindset where I view failure not as something to be feared but as a learning opportunity. Acknowledging that taking risks can result in both success and failure will allow me to embrace the process more fully. I’ll aim to bounce back from setbacks with greater resilience, knowing that it’s part of the journey. By practicing this approach, I hope to build more confidence in taking calculated risks, thereby accelerating my personal and professional growth.

The inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field has been deeply rooted in both my personal experiences and my passion for helping others. Growing up in the small town of Olanta, South Carolina, I witnessed firsthand the struggles many in my community faced when accessing quality healthcare, particularly women. These experiences sparked my interest in medicine and ignited a desire to become a healthcare provider who not only treats patients but also empowers them to take charge of their health. My mother has been a constant source of inspiration for me. Her strength, resilience, and unwavering support taught me the value of compassion and perseverance. Watching her overcome challenges while still caring for our family instilled in me a deep respect for women and the unique health issues they face. I realized early on that I wanted to dedicate my career to advocating for women and ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve in medical settings. In school, my passion for science blossomed in classes like biology and anatomy. I was fascinated by the complexity of the human body and how medical advancements could transform lives. These subjects deepened my understanding of how science and compassion intersect in medicine. I realized that medicine is not just about diagnosing and treating illnesses; it’s about building relationships with patients, understanding their needs, and making them feel seen and valued. My decision to become an OB/GYN is driven by the desire to address disparities in women’s healthcare. Many women, particularly in underserved communities, struggle to access adequate medical care and often feel unheard when discussing their concerns. As an OB/GYN, I plan to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health. Whether it’s providing prenatal care, addressing reproductive health concerns, or supporting women during critical moments in their lives, I want to be a source of knowledge, comfort, and advocacy. Beyond individual patient care, I hope to make a broader impact by working on initiatives that address healthcare inequities. By collaborating with other professionals, engaging in public health campaigns, and mentoring future generations of medical professionals, I aim to create lasting change. Pursuing a career in medicine is more than just a professional goal for me—it is a calling to serve, uplift, and empower others. Inspired by my family, my community, and my passion for science, I am committed to making a difference through compassionate, patient-centered care.

I am Jayla, a 17-year-old student from Olanta, South Carolina, a small town that has shaped my values of hard work, compassion, and community. As the youngest of four siblings, I grew up in a supportive family where I learned the importance of responsibility, empathy, and perseverance. I am currently ranked in the top three of my graduating class, with a GPA above 4.0, and I am deeply passionate about using my academic abilities to make a meaningful impact. My dream is to become an OB/GYN, combining my love for science with my desire to serve others and improve women’s healthcare. The inspiration for my career goals comes from several influential sources. First and foremost is my mother, whose resilience and unwavering support have been a guiding force in my life. She has always demonstrated the power of compassion and strength, teaching me to pursue my dreams regardless of challenges. Watching her care for our family with determination and grace inspired me to approach life with the same mindset, instilling in me a deep desire to help others. My passion for the medical field was also sparked by the experiences of women in my family and community. Growing up, I saw firsthand how many women face barriers to accessing quality healthcare and often feel unheard in medical settings. These stories ignited my resolve to become a healthcare provider who advocates for patients, ensuring they receive the care, respect, and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health. I believe that every patient deserves to feel seen and valued, and I aim to create that environment in my future practice. Additionally, my academic experiences have played a significant role in shaping my aspirations. In biology and anatomy classes, I was captivated by the complexity and precision of the human body. These subjects not only deepened my love for science but also reinforced my belief in its potential to solve real-world problems. The idea that I can use my knowledge to save lives, support women through critical stages of life, and address healthcare inequities fuels my passion for pursuing medicine. For me, becoming an OB/GYN is not just a career goal—it is a calling. I am determined to combine my skills, knowledge, and compassion to empower women, reduce disparities in healthcare, and make a positive impact in my community and beyond. Inspired by my family, my experiences, and my passion for service, I am committed to leaving a legacy of care, advocacy, and change.

My experience in STEM has been a journey of discovery and perseverance, shaping my aspiration to become an OB/GYN. Growing up, I was fascinated by science, especially how the human body works. This curiosity deepened during biology and anatomy classes, where I found myself eager to understand complex concepts and apply them to real-world situations. However, being a young woman in STEM hasn’t come without challenges. In some settings, I’ve faced skepticism about my abilities or been underestimated simply because of my gender. While these moments were disheartening, they fueled my determination to prove that passion and hard work are what truly matter. I’ve learned to advocate for myself and remain confident in my abilities, knowing that diversity in STEM strengthens the field. My passion for STEM is driven by the potential it has to improve lives. The intricate balance of science and compassion in medicine inspires me, as it not only solves biological puzzles but also helps people in tangible ways. I plan to use my skills to address healthcare disparities, particularly in women’s health. As an OB/GYN, I aim to educate women about their health and provide equitable, patient-centered care. By integrating cutting-edge research with empathetic treatment, I hope to ensure that all patients, regardless of their background, feel valued and empowered to make informed decisions. My involvement in extracurricular STEM activities has allowed me to develop leadership skills through collaboration and problem-solving. One memorable experience was serving as a mentor in a science club at my school, where I guided younger students in conducting experiments and understanding scientific concepts. This role taught me patience, adaptability, and the ability to inspire others to discover their own potential. It also gave me a sense of responsibility in fostering a positive learning environment. In my future career as an OB/GYN, these leadership skills will enable me to advocate for my patients and lead initiatives to improve healthcare access. I also plan to mentor aspiring STEM professionals, particularly young women, to encourage them to pursue their passions despite any challenges they may face. By applying what I’ve learned, I hope to create an impact that extends beyond the clinic and into the community.

As a young girl sitting in my grandmother’s living room, I stumbled upon a worn copy of Becoming by Michelle Obama. My grandmother handed it to me with a smile and said, “This book will show you what determination looks like.” At the time, I didn’t understand the depth of her words, but as I flipped through the pages, I became captivated by Michelle Obama’s journey. That moment marked the beginning of my love for reading, a passion that has not only expanded my understanding of the world but also shaped my aspirations to create meaningful change. Books have always been more than just stories to me—they are windows into new perspectives and lessons about life. One book that profoundly impacted me is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. Henrietta’s story, where her cells advanced medical science without her consent, was both inspiring and heartbreaking. It opened my eyes to the ethical dilemmas in medicine and the disparities that still exist in healthcare. This book motivated me to pursue a career in medicine, specifically as an OB/GYN, where I can advocate for women’s health and ensure that all patients are treated with dignity and respect. I want to address inequities and create an environment where every patient feels empowered to make informed decisions about their care. Another book that left a lasting impression on me is Becoming. Michelle Obama’s story of resilience, humility, and determination resonated deeply with me. Her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House reminded me that where you come from does not determine where you can go. Her ability to advocate for others while remaining authentic inspired me to embrace my dreams, no matter the obstacles I face. Her story reinforced the value of perseverance and the importance of uplifting others as I strive to make a difference. These books, along with others I’ve read, have shaped my perspective on the kind of impact I want to have. They have taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and the courage to stand up for what is right. Whether it’s working to eliminate healthcare disparities or empowering women through compassionate care, I am determined to use the lessons I’ve learned to contribute meaningfully to the world. Books have taught me that stories are not just words on a page—they are tools for transformation. They’ve shown me that while challenges are inevitable, the way we respond defines who we are. As I move forward, I carry the lessons from these stories with me, using them as a guide to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.

Adversity came knocking on my door the moment I was asked to take on more responsibility at home, and it changed everything. Growing up in a small town in South Carolina as the youngest of four siblings, I quickly learned that life doesn’t always go as planned. In my sophomore year, my family faced a financial and emotional crisis that required me to step up. It wasn’t just about school anymore—it was about managing family expectations, helping with household chores, and still keeping up with my studies. Balancing all these responsibilities felt like an impossible challenge, and I found myself questioning how I could succeed in my academic goals while keeping my family together. At the time, I thought I had to choose between my future and my family. I felt stretched thin and overwhelmed, unable to focus on one thing without letting another slip. But it was during these moments of frustration that I realized I didn’t have to choose—I just had to adjust. I began organizing my time more effectively, breaking down my tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Each day, I prioritized the most important tasks, whether it was spending time with my family, preparing for exams, or attending to my own well-being. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I focused on one thing at a time. One of the hardest lessons I learned was that asking for help wasn’t a weakness—it was a necessity. I reached out to my teachers for support and even turned to my mentors for advice. This helped me stay focused and reduce the pressure I was feeling. It also showed me that people around me wanted to see me succeed and were willing to help. This experience didn’t just teach me time management—it reshaped my perspective on resilience. Adversity doesn’t define who you are; how you respond to it does. Overcoming this challenge strengthened my resolve to pursue my dream of becoming an OB/GYN, even when obstacles seemed insurmountable. I now understand that facing adversity with determination and seeking help when needed are key to turning difficulties into opportunities for growth. To anyone facing similar struggles, I would say: don’t be afraid to ask for help and take things one step at a time. Your circumstances don’t define you; your response to them does. Stay focused on your goals, and never lose sight of the strength within you to overcome whatever challenges come your way.