“I believe in you” is a phrase that can change the trajectory of a young mind today. Nowadays, many young kids are surrounded by noise but lack encouragement. There were times when criticism and doubt from my family and friends were louder than the positive, uplifting words that could leave a lasting impression. Through my involvement in the college- readiness club and, most importantly, my internship at the Wellington Regional Hospital, I learned that the exhilaration of helping others can spark personal growth, deepen your understanding of yourself, and foster a sense of community and inclusivity. There was a time in my life when I struggled with self-confidence, often doubting my abilities, and became more avoidant. During that period, the only person who believed in me was my mentor. Their consistent effort showed me how powerful encouragement can be. Hearing her consistently kind words became the foundation of my personal growth and motivated me to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue opportunities that once seemed beyond my reach. When I joined the college-readiness club in my neighbourhood; I was surrounded by students with similar aspirations. However, it was not easy; I found it challenging to connect with my peers. During our Saturday meetings, I often felt very intimidated and would sit quietly in the back row to avoid unfamiliar faces. But I kept showing up and challenged myself to grow each Saturday and engaged with others. My perseverance eventually paid off, and I was awarded an excellent internship opportunity at the Wellington Regional Hospital that became a turning point in my life. During my internship, I was placed in a professional environment that required communication skills, confidence, and responsibility. At first, it was overwhelming to communicate with visitors and healthcare professionals. But instead of allowing fear to hold me down, I learned how to introduce myself, comfort visitors who were visiting loved ones, and also how to ask thoughtful questions. With time, my personality began to shine and I learned to trust my voice. Uncomfortable conversations have now become natural. Through these experiences, I’ve gained confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of purpose. All these opportunities have pushed me out of my comfort zone, interacting with large groups and sharing with others along the way. My personal experiences sparked an interest in Chemistry and Health Science. I have become more intrigued to learn how medication can improve one's quality of life. Specifically, I am interested in pediatrics because I am able to make a long-term impact on a child’s development. Preventive care, early diagnosis, and health education can sculpt a child’s future health, and that's something I want to be a part of. With this, I wish to advocate for my patients, educate families, and create a healthier community. In conclusion, I hope to bring that same encouragement and community involvement shared with me into college, it is not only an academic goal but it is a personal mission. Through projects, mentorship, and activities I will continue to repeat the encouraging words spoken to me, in the hope of providing comfort, confidence, and quality care to my peers who may be facing obstacles of their own throughout school. With the support of my education, I hope to further develop the skills of leadership, compassion, and determination in order to maintain a community beyond the classroom. I'm determined to contribute significantly to my community by being the person who believes in their goals.

Growing up in a Caribbean household, sacrifices are made. My mother instilled in me, from a young age, the importance of humility. She would often say, “The humble calf sucks the most milk,” which means humility will care for you more than arrogance. My academic journey has been shaped by resilience, community, and determination, equipping me to seize opportunities that cross my path, not only for my benefit but for the many generations ahead of me. Although life is filled with challenges, I refuse to let it break me down. Instead, it motivates me and strengthens my knowledge of the importance of representation, cultural heritage, and a "village". The most significant milestone in my life was earning my first internship at my local hospital. Working at the visitation center has taught me patience and networking skills. At the front desk, I was responsible for checking visitors in, registering patients, and assisting where needed. With this, I had the opportunity to witness security guards, health professionals, and volunteers unifying as a team to comfort patients and families during their vulnerable moments. This taught me that first impressions matter as you never know who is watching or what one may be going through. As a young Caribbean woman who aspires to work in healthcare, this internship inspired me to pursue a career in medicine while giving back to underserved communities that lack quality care. As much as I deserve recognition for my accomplishments, I did not achieve them on my own. Behind every successful person stands a village. For example, Michelle Obama often expresses her gratitude to her parents, teachers, and community on the South Side of Chicago for shaping her foundation and values. This shows that your village is built for everyone you meet, their skills, values, and morals shape the foundation you grow upon. The consistent encouragement, mentorship, and guidance from my family and friends play an important role in who I am today. Over the next 10 years, I hope to pursue my dream of becoming a pediatrician who advocates for underserved children and communities. My journey will serve as an example for future generations, teaching them that anything is possible, especially as a young Black woman. We should never limit ourselves to any opportunities because of our cultural background but instead use it as motivation and strength. With the support of the Goobie-Ramlal Education Scholarship, I will continue to grow into a strong leader who will not only succeed professionally but also join mentorship programs to help future generations pursue their dreams. In conclusion, as I reflect on my past and continue to craft my future. I want to express my gratitude to every person who believed in me. A part of me is a representation of everyone who has an impact on my life. I am proud of who I am today and I will continue to be the young immigrant woman who will exceed the standard and set the bar higher for other generations to come after me. My future is bright and with the transformative power of an HBCU education, I will leave a mark wherever I stand.