Growing up with a Black single mom working three jobs to support our family shaped how I understand money, sacrifice, and responsibility. In my childhood, I watched my mom stretch every dollar, often putting my needs before her own, all while carrying the weight of providing for herself. That reality didn’t just affect her, but secretly, it became a pressure on me to succeed, to make something of the opportunities she worked so hard to give me. Financial stress wasn’t just something in the background of my childhood; it was something I felt every day, even at a young age, pushing me to do better so one day I could give back to her. Because of this, financial peace is something that deeply resonates with me. It means more than just financial stability; it represents freedom to pay back my mom's sacrifices for me. Having financial peace would allow me to thank her, but also by showing her that everything she endured was not in vain, and every decision, every dollar, and everything she gave up was worth it in the end. It would give me the ability to support her in the ways she supported me, easing the burden she has carried and continues to carry for so long. It would also allow me to focus fully on my academic goals of pursuing a career in the sciences without the constant worry of financial limitations holding me at bay. In my current situation, I have been working for the past two years, and not a dollar of my paycheck has been put into savings. I, along with my mom, pay my tuition. I’ve not even had the opportunity to put money towards my own future because I am currently trying to uphold the present. If I had no financial stressors, I would be able to save consistently and plan for my future with intention for what I want to do, and not always spend urgently to ensure I have a place to stay while pursuing my education. I would be able to invest in my education more fully, pursuing not only my undergraduate degree but also higher education in the health field, such as my Master’s Degree. Financial peace would give me the time and flexibility to seek out more opportunities, such as internships, research projects, or more time for volunteer work, which align with my long-term goals, rather than choosing to constantly working based solely on financial necessity. Aside from my personal goals, financial peace would also allow me to give back to my community in meaningful ways. A lot of my passion resides in volunteering at food banks and working with organizations that support unhoused and food-insecure families. I have built and found such a community there and have developed close relationships with a lot of the individuals that I work alongside as well as serve. Without financial stress, I would be able to contribute not only my time but also my resources, donating to causes that directly impact people facing challenges similar to those I witnessed growing up. I would continue to serve communities in need, knowing firsthand how impactful even small acts of support can be. It would be such a gratifying feeling to be able to give someone the feeling I can only pray to achieve one day, of overcoming constant financial stress. Above all else, it would allow me to become the person my mom works so hard for me to be, and that person is someone who not only succeeds but also creates opportunities for others along the way.

During my senior year of high school, while applying to universities, I faced significant challenges as a victim of domestic violence. In June 2013, my mom married her current husband, and the following four years were filled with constant torment and abuse from her spouse. As I navigated the university application process, I felt strongly compelled to stay close to home to support my mom in case of emergencies. From a young age, I always had the dream of becoming a doctor, and as I got older, I knew I wanted to be at a school with an exceptional pre-medical track. Although I received acceptance letters from several universities with excellent programs, I ultimately chose a school that was nearby, even though it did not offer a pre-med track. This decision came with sacrifices; I compromised the quality of my education to prioritize my family’s safety. While I had once aspired to become a doctor, my experiences have shifted my focus toward political science. This realization has opened new doors for me, and I now aim to pursue a career in law, although I am still exploring specific fields, such as civil, family, or international law. My education will empower me to advocate for those facing similar challenges. I intend to use my background and skills to help individuals navigate their legal rights and access resources, perhaps even in cases of domestic violence. I believe that pursuing a degree in political science followed by law school will equip me with the tools necessary to create positive change in my community. I want to provide the opportunities and support that I wish my mom and I had during our struggles, ensuring that others do not have to make the difficult compromises I faced. Overall, the obstacles I have encountered have shaped my educational journey and inspired my commitment to giving back. I am determined to use my education not only to fulfill my career aspirations but also to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Growing up, I faced several skin issues that affected my self-esteem and confidence. As a young Black girl, I found it difficult to find dermatologists who understood my skin type and could provide effective solutions. After nearly a decade of struggling with acne, I finally found a dermatologist who specialized in treating skin like mine. This experience opened my eyes to the importance of representation in the medical field, especially in dermatology. It inspired me to pursue a degree in STEM, with the goal of becoming a dermatologist who can help young girls of color combat the same skin issues I once did. I believe it is crucial to have doctors who understand the unique needs of people of color. Our skin can react differently to treatments, and it is essential to have medical professionals who are knowledgeable about these differences. I want to be that person who young girls of color can turn to for help, someone who understands their struggles and can provide effective solutions. By becoming a dermatologist, I hope to make a difference in their lives and help them feel confident in their skin. As a person of color, I also hope to have a broader impact in the STEM field. Representation matters, and seeing people who look like you in positions of influence can be incredibly motivating. The medical field, in particular, has a significant underrepresentation of Black professionals. By pursuing a career in dermatology, I aim to be a role model for young people of color, showing them that they too can succeed in this field. I hope to inspire more students to pursue careers in STEM and the medical field, ultimately increasing diversity and representation. I am currently a rising sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I am majoring in Public Health and Foreign Languages. My studies have provided me with a strong foundation in understanding health issues and communicating effectively with diverse populations. I believe these skills will be invaluable in my future career as a dermatologist, allowing me to connect with and help a wide range of patients. My high school GPA of 3.67 reflects my dedication and hard work, and I am committed to continuing this level of effort in college. I understand the challenges that come with being a minority in the medical field, but I am determined to overcome them. I want to be someone who influences young individuals to pursue careers in the medical field, showing them that they can achieve their dreams despite the obstacles they may face. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a degree in STEM is driven by my personal experiences and my desire to make a difference in the lives of young girls of color. I hope to be a role model and an advocate for diversity in the medical field, inspiring the next generation of Black professionals. Through my work as a dermatologist, I aim to provide effective solutions for skin issues and help my patients feel confident and beautiful in their skin.

I have chosen to pursue a degree in healthcare to become a dermatologist in order to help combat the lack of available resources for patients, specifically young girls of color. Growing up, I always had issues with my skin, and it took over a decade for me to find the right dermatologist. Now that I am in school, I want to become that doctor who can help people who are going through the same thing I did. My journey to this decision started with my own struggles. As a young Black girl, I faced unique challenges with my skin that were not easily understood or addressed by the dermatologists I saw. It was frustrating and disheartening to feel like my concerns were not taken seriously. When I finally found a dermatologist who understood my needs, it was life-changing. This experience made me realize how important it is to have healthcare professionals who can relate to and understand their patients' unique experiences. At North Carolina State University, I am majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in the Chinese language. These fields will give me a strong foundation to understand the broader health issues that affect communities and the cultural nuances that impact patient care. Biochemistry will equip me with the knowledge to address systemic issues in healthcare, while Foreign Languages will help me communicate effectively with a diverse patient population. As a woman in the healthcare field, I hope to make a positive impact by contributing to the growing number of women in medicine. Women are still not the majority in many medical fields, and I believe that my presence and success can encourage other young women to pursue careers in healthcare. Representation matters, and seeing someone who looks like them can inspire young girls to believe that they too can achieve their dreams. Moreover, I want to be part of the evolution of science and healthcare. By staying informed about the latest research and advancements, I can provide the best care for my patients and help move our society forward. My goal is to not only treat skin conditions but also to educate my patients about their skin health, empowering them to take control of their well-being. In conclusion, my personal experiences have driven me to pursue a career in dermatology. I want to be a resource for young girls of color who face the same challenges I did. By contributing to the number of women in healthcare and staying at the forefront of medical advancements, I hope to make a lasting positive impact. Thank you for considering my application for the Women in Healthcare Scholarship.

My name is Kaitlyn Butler, and I am a rising sophomore at NC State University with a major in Biochemistry and a minor in the Chinese Language. My plans for the future are clear and driven by a deep passion for helping others. After I graduate from NC State, I want to attend medical school and ultimately become a dermatologist. This career path is not just a job for me; it is a way to make a real difference, especially for young girls of color who often face unique skin challenges and may not always have access to specialized care. This scholarship will help me by providing essential funds that will go directly towards my education and the journey to becoming a dermatologist. As the daughter of a single mother, any financial assistance is more than appreciated and can significantly ease the burden on my family. My mother has worked tirelessly to support my dreams, and this scholarship would not only support me but also honor her sacrifices. Studying Biochemistry has opened my eyes to the broader issues that affect community health, including access to quality healthcare and the importance of preventative care. My interest in dermatology is rooted in the desire to address these issues on a more personal level. I want to specialize in treating skin conditions that disproportionately affect people of color and provide them with the care and attention they deserve. My minor in the Chinese Language is also an important part of my future plans. Being able to communicate with patients in their native language can build trust and improve the quality of care they receive. I believe that language skills will make me a more effective and empathetic dermatologist. This scholarship will not only support my academic journey but also allow me to participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer work that are crucial for my personal and professional growth. For example, I hope to join organizations that focus on health education and outreach in underserved communities. These experiences will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to serve my future patients better. In high school, I maintained a GPA of 4.2 while balancing various responsibilities and challenges. This experience taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I am committed to applying the same dedication to my college studies and future career. In conclusion, receiving the Anthony B. Davis Scholarship would be a tremendous help in achieving my goals. It would provide the financial support needed to focus on my studies and gain the experience necessary to become a compassionate and skilled dermatologist. Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to pursue my dreams of making a positive impact in the world.

My name is Kaitlyn Butler, and I am a rising sophomore at NC State University with a major in Biochemistry and a minor in the Chinese Language. My plans for the future are clear and driven by a deep passion for helping others. After graduating from NC State, I want to attend medical school and become a dermatologist. This career path is not just a job for me; it is a way to make a real difference, especially for young girls of color who often face unique skin challenges and may not always have access to specialized care. This scholarship will help me by providing essential funds that will go directly towards my education and becoming a dermatologist. As the daughter of a single mother, any financial assistance is more than appreciated and can significantly ease the burden on my family. My mother has worked tirelessly to support my dreams, and this scholarship would not only support me but also honor her sacrifices. Studying Biochemistry has opened my eyes to the broader issues that affect community health, including access to quality healthcare and the importance of preventative care. My interest in dermatology is rooted in the desire to address these issues on a more personal level. I want to specialize in treating skin conditions that disproportionately affect people of color and provide them with the care and attention they deserve. My minor in the Chinese Language is also an important part of my future plans. Being able to communicate with patients in their native language can build trust and improve the quality of care they receive. I believe that language skills will make me a more effective and empathetic dermatologist. This scholarship will not only support my academic journey but also allow me to participate in extracurricular activities and volunteer work that are crucial for my personal and professional growth. For example, I hope to join organizations focusing on health education and outreach in underserved communities. These experiences will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to serve my future patients better. In high school, I maintained a GPA of 4.2 while balancing various responsibilities and challenges. This experience taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. I am committed to applying the same dedication to my college studies and future career. In conclusion, receiving the Bright Lights Scholarship would be a tremendous help in achieving my goals. It would provide the financial support needed to focus on my studies and gain the experience necessary to become a compassionate and skilled dermatologist. Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to pursue my dreams of making a positive impact in the world.

Growing up, I always thought something was wrong with me, as I always found it hard to focus and stay on track in school. It was especially difficult for me in high school when I started taking college classes and found that so much focus had to be put on school work with minimal distraction. This was difficult, though, as I perceived almost everything around me to be a distraction. I found that during that time, in the 11 years of my schooling, I never really paid attention to what the teacher was saying. Instead, I found myself fidgeting with the edges of papers, chewing on the insides of my cheeks, and replaying the most recent events from a television show I watched the night prior. I was truly focusing on everything and, at the same time, focusing on nothing at all. What was even harder, though, was that when I brought my found issues to trusted adults and loved ones, I was constantly met with the response that I just was not trying hard enough. I had no professional diagnosis, but I knew that something was wrong and not everyone was battling the same hurdle that I was. No matter how hard I tried to put my mind to the task at hand, I found myself in a swirl of thoughts, and I physically could not think of just one thing. I physically could not stay in my seat. I physically could not not talk for more than fifteen minutes. I know I wanted to, but I just couldn't. After my inability to succeed in my college classes, I had convinced my parents to send me for professional help, and it truly was an eye-opener. It was then that I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Aside from the obvious method of medication, seeking that long-needed assistance opened my eyes to everything I needed and more. I sought out the help of a therapist, who let me know that while not everyone was experiencing what I was going through, I was not alone. While it was a long journey, and I still believe I am going through it, that was the beginning of my path to success. After seeking professional help, and starting medication, I finally found myself blocking out all the disturbances that were obstructing my learning. It was so refreshing to hear not only silence but also my own thoughts, my one voice, and not the swirling thoughts, emotions, and pondering obstacles in my mind. While I did initially struggle with immersing myself in college work while still in high school, having a therapist and talking through those emotions and challenges helped me immensely mentally. Having that support system, and having someone tell me that having an attention deficit disorder was something that I could not control, truly were the first steps to my success. And while it still is a work in progress, I've connected with several people who are going through the same thing as me. With that support, I do find myself being successful going into university and, hopefully, in the workforce with my continuous support, knowing that I am not alone on this and success is achievable with the right resources.

What inspired me to pursue a degree in STEM is the lack of representation that the field has. People of color constantly remain underrepresented in the STEM field with a whopping 11% of African Americans in that field. It became a goal of mine to become an indentation in the percentage of African American women who are in the STEM field, being that that is only at a devastatingly 2.9%. In addition to this what inspired me to pursue a degree in STEM is the amount of growth it has received in the past 20 to 30 years. The world is constantly changing and progressing, with that said, so are the careers. And I’d like to change and progress with it; perhaps becoming a contributor to the modernization of the STEM field itself. What else inspired me to pursue a degree in STEM were the opportunities I experienced as a youth. Growing up, I had the privilege to attend STEM and coding camps at various colleges and universities. Those opportunities that I was exposed to allowed me to appreciate what the STEM field has to offer and what the STEM field is, essentially. In conclusion, what inspired me to pursue a degree in STEM is the lack of representation, the beauty and the modernization that it has evolved from, and the opportunities that were bestowed upon me. What many may seem to not know, is that STEM careers are all around us, because STEM is many things. STEM allows us as humans to be our best selves and become better for community and the state of the world, and I wish to be a part of that. Thank you.

My experience with mental health has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world immensely. I've always struggled with mental health ever before I started elementary school, and at that time, I was not even aware that I was struggling with it. Growing up, even though there was always a man in my life, I never felt as though I had a father figure. Yes, I knew my biological father, but I had no real, genuine relationship with the man. I reiterate the fact that mental health is so important, and it's essential to recognize and accept, and I understand that I was unable to do that at the time. I have gone through my mother's friends, boyfriends, sometimes-more-than-friends, and stepdads, and I've never felt comfortable and I've never had that spot filled that one needs to be filled in their life. Looking back now, I've come to the conclusion that that is one of the many reasons I struggled with mental health. My relationship with all men is different, and my relationship with my mom is definitely different as well. Another example is my career goals. Ever since age four, I knew I wanted to pursue a medical career like my aunt who is a dentist. Of course, my family is ecstatic because if I succeeded in this goal, it'd get them out of this low-income cycle that continued to repeat throughout generations. I was pressured and prepped and was always held to a higher standard just because of something I said when I wasn't even able to write yet. A decade later, I realized that my goals career-wise were beginning to change. I wasn't even sure that I wanted to pursue this career. I am still not sure now. What I am sure of is that I don't have to follow a path that makes my family happy. I have developed a new understanding, and have almost essentially found a new way to look at the world. It might not make my family happy, but I've come to the conclusion that in order to better my mental health, some goals may need to change, relationships may be altered, but sometimes... I have to put myself first.