Among the myriad of technological innovations, one technology that inspires me is solar power. Growing up in Jamaica, there were times when we would be without electricity, not due to technical issues, but because we couldn't afford to settle the electricity bill. The economic strain of meeting these costs, exacerbated by the escalating prices of gas, often left us grappling with intermittent access to this fundamental resource. In a world grappling with the challenges of climate change and dwindling natural resources, solar power provides a more efficient solution and promotes sustainable living. The harnessing of sunlight to generate clean and renewable energy holds the promise of transforming our energy landscape and mitigating the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of traditional energy sources. The core principle behind solar power lies in the photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into electricity. This technology has evolved significantly over the years, leading to the creation of more efficient and cost-effective solar panels. The main appeal of solar power lies not only in its eco-friendly attributes but also in its potential to address energy poverty, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create sustainable economic opportunities. One of the most captivating aspects of solar power is its inherent sustainability. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite and contribute to environmental degradation, sunlight is an infinite and clean source of energy. The deployment of solar panels on a large scale can significantly reduce our dependence on non-renewable resources, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure. Moreover, solar power has the transformative ability to bring electricity to remote and underserved regions. In many parts of the world, communities still lack access to reliable power sources, hindering economic development and educational opportunities. Solar devices, such as off-grid solar installations and portable solar devices, have the potential to empower these communities by providing a reliable and sustainable source of energy. The ripple effects of such empowerment extend beyond basic electricity needs, fostering education, healthcare, and economic growth. In conclusion, the impact of solar technology extends beyond the environmental and social realms; it stimulates economic growth and employment opportunities in the fields of manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research. The solar industry not only addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy but also contributes to the development of a green economy.

My name is Kacia Scott. I am a 19-year-old Jamaican emigrant, who moved to the United States at the young age of 17 to pursue a career in medicine. I am presently a sophomore at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, majoring in microbiology and working relentlessly toward my goal of becoming an oncologist. At a very young age, I became aware of my family’s financial struggles. For a time it was just my mother and I. Our address had changed so many times and for a period we were homeless and dependent on the kindness of family and friends who housed us for as long as they could. Regardless of where we were, I would still attend schools in the city of Kingston, Jamaica. Though the commute to school became longer and unfamiliar with each move, my mother and I made the best of it. Even if that meant returning home after midnight simply to wake up at 4 a.m., for the long journey to school amidst gun warfare between the police and gang members in the area. Even though years later we found a more permanent home, it did not change the fact that growing up in a constantly changing environment presented both challenges and opportunities. Unfamiliar faces and different communities became the norm and fostered a sense of adaptability that I now recognize as one of my greatest strengths. Each move was not just a change in location but an opportunity to embrace new perspectives and ways of life. Amid this perpetual change, my family provided a stable foundation that emphasized the importance of education and the pursuit of a meaningful life. However, one of the most significant turning points in my life occurred when I witnessed my maternal grandmother's valiant battle against metastatic breast cancer. Her treatments took a great financial toll on my family as my mother at the time was a single parent of two young children. It was hard, but my mother’s selflessness and countless sacrifices, evident in the nights she went to bed hungry so that my brother and I could have food, shelter, and clothing and my grandmother cared for, was one of my greatest motivations. Even though after nine long and hard years, she succumbed to her illness. It was her unwavering determination to fight the disease, even with limited resources, that left an indelible mark on me. Her fight and her story propelled me to embark on a journey to make a difference not only in the field of oncology but to somehow provide a fighting chance for individuals from low to middle-income backgrounds, who often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. Post-graduation, my goal extends beyond acquiring a degree; it encompasses actively engaging in research, patient care, and community outreach as I aspire to leverage my experiences, both nomadic and academic, to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility and ensure that individuals from all walks of life receive equitable and high-quality healthcare and treatment. In conclusion, my experiences and upbringing, though marked by constant change, have been instrumental in shaping my resilience, adaptability, and commitment to making a difference, especially in the field of oncology. This scholarship is not just a financial aid; it is an investment in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare landscape and address the disparities that my journey has sensitized me to.

My name is Kacia Scott. I’m a 19-year-old Jamaican emigrant, who embarked on a journey to the United States at the young age of 17. Having completed high school in my native country Jamaica I found myself stepping onto American soil with hopes and dreams but very limited resources. My academic odyssey in the United States began at Longwood High School, where I quickly realized that to succeed, resilience and resourcefulness would be my most invaluable assets. Resilience to me is the unwavering spirit of determination that enables one to triumph over adversities. It’s a quality that has been at the heart of my academic journey in the United States. Despite challenges, including an unexpected temporary state of homelessness, I remained undeterred in my quest for knowledge. I am currently a sophomore at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, working relentlessly towards my goal of becoming an oncologist. This ambition is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences, where I witnessed my maternal grandmother’s battle with metastatic breast cancer. Even though after 9 long and hard years, she succumbed to her illness. It was her unwavering determination to fight the disease, even with limited resources, that left an indelible mark on me. Her fight and her story propelled me to embark on a path to make a difference not only in the field of oncology but to somehow provide a fighting chance for individuals from low to middle-income backgrounds, who often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. My determination to achieve my educational goals has led me to wear multiple hats. To support my ambitions, I have taken on numerous jobs and volunteer work, while facing exhaustion and economic challenges. My family’s low-income background, though a challenge, serves as a powerful motivator for my academic excellence. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my mother and close family members. They provided me with the assistance and support I needed to continue my education and a safe place to live when not on campus. My mother, in particular, has been the driving force behind my academic journey. Her experiences growing up were marked by poverty and limited opportunities that only fueled her desire to see me excel and make a lasting impact. As I navigate on this path toward becoming an oncologist, my determination is not just limited to personal success. I am steadfast in my commitment to using my degree to uplift underrepresented groups. My experiences have taught me that resilience is not just a personal trait; it is a driving force that can bring about change in the lives of others. In conclusion, my journey from Jamaica to the United States has been one marked by resilience and determination and has shaped my resolve to become an oncologist and uplift underrepresented communities. I am determined to use my degree to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, particularly in low and middle-income communities. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

I was always told that education is the key to a brighter future, but from my observation, the path to academic success isn’t a smooth one. My pursuit of higher education began when I migrated from Jamaica to the United States at the age of 17. That move brought not only the promise of knowledge and possibilities but a series of challenges that tested my resilience and determination. One of the most significant obstacles I encountered was the upheaval in my living situation. Upon arriving in the United States, I initially lived with my father. However, that semblance of stability quickly crumbled when he presented an ultimatum: sever ties with my mother or sever ties with him. Faced with such a heart-wrenching decision, I found myself on the precipice of homelessness as I chose to maintain contact with my mother, the woman whose sacrifices had been the cornerstone of my upbringing. The harsh reality of being without a stable dwelling, of being without a safe space of my own teamed with the uncertainty of where I would lay my head each night added an extra layer of anxiety to the already demanding college experience. Despite these circumstances, I refused to let homelessness be a stumbling block on my educational journey. Instead, it became a driving force, propelling me to seek stability through perseverance. To sustain myself and my education pursuit, I took on numerous jobs and made innumerable sacrifices. Juggling work and academics is not a walk in the park, and there were times when exhaustion threatened to overtake me. The indelible memory of my mother's unyielding determination to provide a better life for my brother and me further fuelled my pursuit of excellence. Her insistence on academic achievement and her unwavering belief in my potential instilled in me a sense of purpose. Each sleepless night and every sacrifice became a tribute to her sacrifices, a testament to the belief that education could break the cycle of hardship. The echoes of my mother's sacrifices reverberated in my mind like a steadfast mantra. Her selflessness, evident in the nights she went to bed hungry so that my brother and I could have food, shelter, and clothing, became a guiding light in the darkest moments. It was a stark reminder of the privilege and responsibility bestowed upon me as I pursued higher education. At present, I am a sophomore at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, working relentlessly towards my goal of becoming an oncologist. This ambition is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences, where I witnessed my maternal grandmother’s battle with metastatic breast cancer. Even though after 9 long and hard years, she succumbed to her illness. It was her unwavering determination to fight the disease, even with limited resources, that left an indelible mark on me. Her fight and her story propelled me to embark on a journey to make a difference not only in the field of oncology but to somehow provide a fighting chance for individuals from low to middle-income backgrounds, who often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. In conclusion, even in the face of familial discord, financial strain, and the relentless demands of work and academia, my aspiration to become an oncologist remains a constant beacon of hope. This determination is not limited to my desire to alleviate the struggles my family endured, particularly those borne by my mother, but to uplift and provide support to underrepresented communities, and I am determined to use my degree to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, particularly in low and middle-income communities.

My name is Kacia Scott. I’m a 19-year-old Jamaican emigrant, who embarked on a journey to the United States at the young age of 17. Having completed high school in my native country Jamaica I found myself stepping onto American soil with hopes and dreams but very limited resources. My academic odyssey in the United States began at Longwood High School, where I quickly realized that to succeed, resilience and resourcefulness would be my most invaluable assets. Resilience to me is the unwavering spirit of determination that enables one to triumph over adversities. It’s a quality that has been at the heart of my academic journey in the United States. Despite challenges, including an unexpected temporary state of homelessness, I remained undeterred in my quest for knowledge. I am currently a sophomore at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, working relentlessly towards my goal of becoming an oncologist. This ambition is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences, where I witnessed my maternal grandmother’s battle with metastatic breast cancer. Even though after 9 long and hard years, she succumbed to her illness. It was her unwavering determination to fight the disease, even with limited resources, that left an indelible mark on me. Her fight and her story propelled me to embark on a path to make a difference not only in the field of oncology but to somehow provide a fighting chance for individuals from low to middle-income backgrounds, who often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. My determination to achieve my educational goals has led me to wear multiple hats. To support my ambitions, I have taken on numerous jobs and volunteer work, while facing exhaustion and economic challenges. My family’s low-income background, though a challenge, serves as a powerful motivator for my academic excellence. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my mother and close family members. They provided me with the assistance and support I needed to continue my education and a safe place to live when not on campus. My mother, in particular, has been the driving force behind my academic journey. Her experiences growing up were marked by poverty and limited opportunities that only fueled her desire to see me excel and make a lasting impact. As I navigate on this path toward becoming an oncologist, my determination is not just limited to personal success. I am steadfast in my commitment to using my degree to uplift underrepresented groups. My experiences have taught me that resilience is not just a personal trait; it is a driving force that can bring about change in the lives of others. In conclusion, my journey from Jamaica to the United States has been one marked by resilience and determination and has shaped my resolve to become an oncologist and uplift underrepresented communities. I am determined to use my degree to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, particularly in low and middle-income communities. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

My name is Kacia Scott. I’m a 19-year-old Jamaican emigrant, who embarked on a journey to the United States at the young age of 17. Having completed high school in my native country – Jamaica – I found myself stepping onto American soil with hopes and dreams but very limited resources. My academic odyssey in the United States began at Longwood High School, where I quickly realized that to succeed, resilience and resourcefulness would be my most invaluable assets. Resilience to me is the unwavering spirit of determination that enables one to triumph over adversities. It’s a quality that has been at the heart of my academic journey in the United States. Despite challenges, including an unexpected temporary state of homelessness, I remained undeterred in my quest for knowledge. I am currently a sophomore at the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, working relentlessly towards my goal of becoming an oncologist. This ambition is deeply rooted in my childhood experiences, where I witnessed my maternal grandmother’s battle with metastatic breast cancer. Even though after 9 long and hard years, she succumbed to her illness. It was her unwavering determination to fight the disease, even with limited resources, that left an indelible mark on me. Her fight and her story propelled me to embark on a path to make a difference not only in the field of oncology but to somehow provide a fighting chance for individuals from low to middle-income backgrounds, who often face barriers to accessing quality healthcare. My determination to achieve my educational goals has led me to wear multiple hats. To support my ambitions, I have taken on numerous jobs and volunteer work, while facing exhaustion and economic challenges. My family’s low-income background, though a challenge, serves as a powerful motivator for my academic excellence. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my mother and close family members. They provided me with the assistance and support I needed to continue my education and a safe place to live when not on campus. My mother, in particular, has been the driving force behind my academic journey. Her experiences growing up were marked by poverty and limited opportunities that only fueled her desire to see me excel and make a lasting impact. As I navigate on this path toward becoming an oncologist, my determination is not just limited to personal success. I am steadfast in my commitment to using my degree to uplift underrepresented groups. My experiences have taught me that resilience is not just a personal trait; it is a driving force that can bring about change in the lives of others. In conclusion, my journey from Jamaica to the United States has been one marked by resilience and determination and has shaped my resolve to become an oncologist and uplift underrepresented communities. I am determined to use my degree to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, particularly in low and middle-income communities. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

@kci_scott

I remember the first time I watched Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It was Christmas 2013 and our local TV station aired it as a part of their annual 25 days of Christmas line-up. I remember being captivated by the masterful world-building and storytelling, and appreciating the attention to detail that brought to life the words of JK Rowling as the story Harry Potter displayed on screen. I wished that just like Harry, I’d receive a letter from the famous Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft, be sorted into my destined house by the great Sorting Hat and embark on a journey only possible in works of fiction. However, while most around me desired the scarlet and gold of Gryffindor, I craved the elegant green and silver of Slytherin. Even though in my opinion I have a little of each house in me and could thrive regardless of the house, I believe House Slytherin – best known for its cunning, ambition, unwavering determination and resourcefulness – to be my perfect fit. Reflecting on my life, I relate more to Slytherin compared to any other house. Ambition has been a driving force in my life – a trait that manifested through the influence of my mother. This ambition led me to make one of the most life-altering choices I have made to present – moving from the familiarity and safety of my home in Jamaica to the United States of America to pursue a career in Medicine, which has been filled with challenges but through sheer will, determination and encouragement from family and friends back home, I was able to overcome most of them. For as long as I can remember I loved knowledge. That teamed with my hardworking nature and ethic fuelled my dedication to my academic success. I’ve always been a straight-A student with an affinity for the Sciences and aimed to expand my knowledge base and grow intellectually. Slytherin values intelligence and resourcefulness, and my dedication to not only exceed academically but overall aligns perfectly with Slytherin. Slytherins' also excel at finding innovative ways to achieve their goals, a trait that I have embodied. My resourcefulness and adaptability are essential skills that have aided me tremendously, from moving to a new country to my pursuit of a challenging but rewarding career in medicine where I have faced numerous obstacles and had to find creative solutions. A significant trait I possess that resonates with Slytherin is loyalty. Slytherins' are fiercely loyal to their close friends and family, and my bond with my mother epitomizes this quality. My mother is a hard-working Caribbean woman who’s made immense sacrifices to ensure that I had the opportunities and support needed to succeed in life. My courage and faith have also played a pivotal role in my life. When I faced abandonment by my father due to the bond and support of my mother – the woman who raised, supported, sacrificed and shaped me into the young woman I am today – even In the face of homelessness, I remained loyal to my mother, refusing to cut ties despite my father’s constant threats and demands. The bravery, resilience and resourcefulness I displayed as I stood up for my beliefs and advocated for myself is a true hallmark of a Slytherin. Having said all that, if given the choice, the 11-year-old me would have chosen Ravenclaw, back then I believed anything could be achieved through hard work and study. But today, at age 19, after starting life, and gaining knowledge and wisdom, I can’t imagine the hat placing me anywhere but Slytherin.

The Me Nobody Knows Move and change are two words in the English language which have held the most significance throughout my life. These words sparked great fear and anxiety in me as I grew up. My address changed frequently as a child. My mother and I moved from home to home and, while I was outwardly happy, I had always wondered why: Why did we have to leave? Why couldn't we stay longer? I soon learned that we were homeless and stayed with family and friends for as long as they could have us, but there was no time to dwell as with the move came change, which I had to quickly adapt to. Though the journey was longer and unfamiliar regardless of the area of the island I moved to, I still attended schools in the city Kingston. The sacrifice afforded the best educational opportunities. It became common practice for me to return home in the early mornings simply to wake up in a few hours for the long journey to school amidst gun warfare between gangs and police. Years later we found ourselves in a more permanent home. During this time my grandmother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and came to live with my mother and me. Finding money for treatments took a great financial toll on my family as my mother was a single parent of two young children. Many sacrifices had to be made in order to afford the necessary care. After a nine year battle my grandmother succumbed to her illness in 2016. We were still poorer than most and sometimes struggled, but I was more comfortable and able to succeed academically. Though some school days were spent without a meal, most days were spent in comfort learning among my peers where I felt I belonged. The words seemed to lose their importance as I settled into a new routine and navigated through high school. Then came the time for graduation. I had successfully completed my five years of secondary education and was ready to transition to the next, and so it began. The words move and change suddenly appeared with an even bigger prominence than before. The pandemic had severely impacted my island home and, as such the cost of living had greatly increased; I could no longer continue my education in Jamaica. So the decision was made for me to move to the United States and live with my father. In order to pursue my ambitions, I said goodbye to my mother and everything I knew and prepared to embrace this new world often portrayed in my country as a glittering land of opportunity. It was not easy and the difference between the two countries exceeded my expectations. Witnessing my grandmother's battle with cancer was devastating and furthered my curiosity in science as I wanted to help alleviate her pain and suffering. Her resilience inspired me to pursue a career in oncology. My intentions are to attend medical school to do this, after majoring in microbiology in college. My ambition is to apply my knowledge as an oncologist to spread awareness of the disease in my community. I am now better able to adapt to new situations as I no longer find change daunting. I am a driven and eager learner. I seek and readily embrace challenges. I dedicate time to volunteerism, community outreach and spreading environmental awareness. The words move and change retain their importance but no longer appear to me as a threat. They are simply verbs signifying a shift in my life's journey, not the end of it.

The Me Nobody Knows Move and change are two words in the English language which have held the most significance throughout my life. These words sparked great fear and anxiety in me as I grew up. My address changed frequently as a child. My mother and I moved from home to home and, while I was outwardly happy, I had always wondered why: Why did we have to leave? Why couldn't we stay longer? I soon learned that we were homeless and stayed with family and friends for as long as they could have us, but there was no time to dwell as with the move came change, which I had to quickly adapt to. Though the journey was longer and unfamiliar regardless of the area of the island I moved to, I still attended schools in city Kingston, Jamaica. The sacrifice afforded the best educational opportunities. It became common practice for me to return home in the early mornings simply to wake up in a few hours for the long journey to school amidst gun warfare between gangs and police. Years later we found ourselves in a more permanent home. During this time my grandmother was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and came to live with my mother and me. Finding money for treatments took a great financial toll on my family as my mother was a single parent of two young children. Many sacrifices had to be made in order to afford the necessary care. After a nine year battle my grandmother succumbed to her illness in 2016. We were still poorer than most and sometimes struggled, but I was more comfortable and able to succeed academically. Though some school days were spent without a meal, most days were spent in comfort learning among my peers where I felt I belonged. The words seemed to lose their importance as I settled into a new routine and navigated through high school. Then came time for graduation. I had successfully completed my five years of secondary education and was ready to transition unto my tertiary education, and so it began. The words move and change suddenly appeared with an even bigger prominence than before. The pandemic had severely impacted my island home and, as such the cost of living had greatly increased; I could no longer continue my education in Jamaica. So the decision was made for me to move to the United States and live with my father. In order to pursue my ambitions, I said goodbye to my mother and everything I knew and prepared to embrace this new world often portrayed in my country as a glittering land of opportunity. It was not easy and the difference between the two countries exceeded my expectations. Witnessing my grandmother's battle with cancer was devastating and furthered my curiosity in science as I wanted to help alleviate her pain and suffering. Her resilience inspired me to pursue a career in oncology. My intentions are to attend medical school to do this, after majoring in microbiology in college. My ambition is to apply my knowledge as an oncologist to spread awareness of the disease in my community. I am now better able to adapt to new situations as I no longer find change daunting. I am a driven and eager learner. I seek and readily embrace challenges. I dedicate time to volunteerism, community outreach and spreading environmental awareness The words move and change retain their importance but no longer appear to me as a threat. They are simply verbs signifying a shift in my life's journey, not the end of it.