Born and raised in metro-Atlanta, it’s hard to overlook the poverty that shapes many communities. Just minutes apart, you’ll see gated neighborhoods with three-story homes that are then followed by aging project housing and overcrowded homes, where families struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis. In these underserved communities, healthcare often becomes an afterthought, and poverty contributes to poor and worsening health outcomes. Often families go without medical coverage, lack reliable transportation to appointments, or are without accessible clinics or necessary physicians. This is the reality that continues to shape medical care and the overall health of marginalized communities, especially within major cities like Atlanta. However, this isn’t just a story I’ve heard—it’s a reality I’ve lived. What should have been a joyful day turned into a nightmare when my mother went into labor with my younger brother. The room she envisioned with doctors was empty. And without doctors present, my little brother became stuck within the birth canal and lost air circulation. For 9 minutes and 38 seconds, my brother was declared brain dead and was delivered with a broken arm. And as for my mother, a week after delivery, she nearly died from an internal infection from her emergency C-section. Though that time in our lives was filled with fear, pain, and uncertainty, it lit a fire in me that gave me purpose for my life and future career. Since the age of four, I knew I wanted to become a doctor; however, it was at this moment that I knew I wanted to become more than a doctor but an advocate and a voice for families and communities like mine. Throughout high school and college, I deeply involved myself in programs that allowed me to serve others, especially communities that were often forgotten, overlooked, or unheard. One of my most meaningful experiences has been working with the Buds for Buddies program at Kendrick Middle School. Inspired by the early therapeutic and recovery challenges my brother faced, I assist and support students with disabilities by providing companionship, classroom support, and creating interactive learning activities. Additionally, I have had the honor of volunteering with the Samaritan’s Purse Foundation, where I help distribute hygiene and life-essential items to remote and rural communities within the U.S. and globally. I hope not only to help my local community but also to continue to make a difference and impact the lives of those in underprivileged communities around the world within the medical and educational spheres. Attending Mercer University, majoring in biology and global health studies, my mission is to provide and ensure accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare around the world, especially within impoverished countries. Aspiring to become a general surgeon, I want to organize a non-profit organization and mobilize mobile healthcare centers that provide surgical and preventive medical care services to marginalized communities to reduce disparities and advocate for the health of those that are often forgotten. Not only do families and individuals largely lack medical care, but surgical care is scarce within such communities. These mobile centers will offer not only surgical procedures but also preventive health screenings/care and educational programs that give practical ways to maintain proper health. I firmly believe that healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege but is an endowed right. Class, background, socioeconomic status, or race shouldn’t shape health outcomes, and I desire, within my future career, to heal, restore, and provide equitable health for families and individuals within my community and worldwide.

Who am I? Well, I am Jorden Bostic. Someone who is determined and goal driven. Someone who doesn’t back down from challenges and who loves to learn. I have a bubbly personality. I love not only to laugh but also to bring joy and laughter to others. That could be me cracking a joke, making prank videos for YouTube, or giving a compliment to make someone’s day brighter. I'm an avid movie lover! I enjoy watching movies ranging from early 2000’s comedies to action- and thriller-packed films. That passion has inspired me to create some films of my own as I attend a college and career academy in the film pathway. I enjoy nature and photography, and I have a subtle obsession with flowers. I’m the oldest of five, so you will most likely see me playing with young children wherever I go or even finding ways to help anyone I can. Oh, and yes, I am a Christian. My beliefs and morals shape me today and have influenced my activities in my church and community. It's in my nature to give and help others. Even before I could spell my full name, I knew at the age of four that I wanted to be a doctor, and at 17, I have not given up on that desire. A day that I will never forget, and one that further encouraged me to join the medical field, was the birth of my brother. In the absence of doctors, my mother began giving birth. As she was delivering the baby, he became stuck within the birth canal and was losing circulation. Due to his position, he was trapped, making it nearly impossible for the doctors to deliver him safely. An emergency C-section was conducted, but unfortunately, while he was born, he was lifeless for almost ten minutes. Because of this, he was brain-dead, leaving him with plausible future diagnoses and disabilities. My brother's experience not only holds value for my family but has also defined my career and life goals. One is that it is deeply rooted in serving those in underprivileged communities and being a voice for those who are underrepresented in healthcare. With many minorities and communities lacking accessible and adequate healthcare, and some who solely don’t have the medical answers needed to live, I knew I wanted to bring forth lasting change. I plan on establishing mobile healthcare centers and research hubs to combat socio-economic healthcare inequalities in impoverished communities. I hope to do this by targeting demographic illnesses, improving medical technology, and extending affordable services worldwide to communities that need them most. I am driven to create change within my community and worldwide to limit healthcare disparities for minorities and create accessible and reliable healthcare. As an aspiring surgeon, I'm committed to caring for and serving others. As a member of HOSA and previously taking a Harvard Neuroscience course, I've been getting closer to fulfilling my dreams. My nomination for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders award is a testament to my drive and passion for the medical field. My passions and goals for life are driven to make healthcare a better place for families like mine. A place where we can trust and rest without doubt in the capability and safety of our system. This scholarship will invest in my goals and aspirations for plans that are larger than mine.