The medical field is a diverse and challenging industry that requires dedication, passion, and a desire to help others. For me, the inspiration to work in this field came from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, exposure to medical professionals, and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Science has always been my favorite school subject, and my interest has gone far beyond the walls of the classroom. I took biology and anatomy classes in high school, and I was fascinated by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body. Learning about diseases and how they affect different systems in the body only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the medical field. As the daughter of two ENTs, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When my childhood best friend passed away due to Meningococcal Meningitis amid my junior year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. I plan on using my passion to make a difference in society. One initiative that I want to complete is the development of personalized treatment plans for patients. Through analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, I would be able to tailor treatment plants to specific individuals' needs, resulting in better outcomes and fewer negative side effects. I also plan to participate in clinical trials. In these trials I would test new treatments and therapies on patients, helping to identity which treatments are most effective and safe. This research will hopefully lead to the approval of new drugs and medicines, which will improve the survival rates and quality of life in patients. Through involvement in health promotion and community health clinics, I would initiate health promotion campaigns to encourage healthy behaviors, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight. I would establish health clinics in underserved areas to provide access to healthcare services for low-income and uninsured individuals. These clinics would provide primary care, preventive services, and health education. Though the medical cause of my best friend’s death was Meningococcal Meningitis, the underlying cause was a result of medical malpractice. This recurring issue is another problem within healthcare that I want to have an impact on. Firstly, I would advocate for improved communication. One of the major reasons for medical malpractice is miscommunication among medical staff. With better communication protocols and strategies to ensure that all members of the medical team are informed about a patient's condition and treatment plan, more errors would be prevented, and patients would have better outcomes. Secondly, I would take advantage of new and advanced technology. Electronic health records (EHRs), for example, are an excellent tool in mitigating medical malpractice because they provide a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, medications, and treatment plans, helping doctors make better decisions and stay better informed. Finally, I would promote improved risk management within healthcare. These risk management strategies would include conducting regular reviews of medical procedures, analyzing medical errors, and developing plans to prevent similar errors in the future.

The medical field is a diverse and challenging industry that requires dedication, passion, and a desire to help others. For me, the inspiration to work in this field came from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, exposure to medical professionals, and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Science has always been my favorite school subject. I have always been intrigued by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body. As the daughter of two ENTs, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When my childhood best friend passed away due to Meningococcal Meningitis amid my junior year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. I plan on using my passion to make a difference in society. One initiative that I want to complete is the development of personalized treatment plans for patients. Through analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, I would be able to tailor treatment plans to specific individuals' needs, resulting in better outcomes and fewer negative side effects. I also plan to participate in clinical trials. In these trials I would test new treatments and therapies on patients, helping to identity which treatments are most effective and safe. This research will hopefully lead to the approval of new drugs and medicines, which will improve the survival rates and quality of life in patients. Though the medical cause of my best friend’s death was Meningococcal Meningitis, the underlying cause was a result of medical malpractice. This recurring issue is a problem within healthcare that I want to have an impact on. I would highlight the importance of improved communication. One major reason for medical malpractice is miscommunication amongst medical staff. With better communication protocols and strategies, more errors would be prevented, resulting in better patient outcomes. I also plan to promote improved risk management within healthcare. These risk management strategies would include conducting regular reviews of medical procedures, analyzing medical errors, and developing plans to prevent similar errors in the future. As an avid participant through volunteer service in my community and clubs in my school, I have a big passion on improving the communities I am a part of. A few examples of my current volunteer service include Dancers Against Cancer, Meals by Grace, Northside Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Donation, and service through the National Honor Society. I am an active leader in the G.R.A.C.E club (Gender, Race (Ethnicity), Age & Abilities, Culture, Economic Status) at my school. Throughout my four years in high school, I have fought for inclusion and diversity within my school community. In my efforts to make a strong impact on the student body, I help to bring in professionals who speak to the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools, and why the lack of both creates a negative environment. I led and assisted in the creation of an app that allowed students to anonymously report bullying or harassment. I am also a part of the S.A.L.S.A club, Students Advocation For Life Without Substance Abuse, where I speak to K-12 students about the harms of substance abuse, and I dissuade the use of substance by providing insight. I plan to continue to impact my future communities in the same way. Because of my passion for helping others, I want to participate in community engagement service opportunities across my college campus. I will use the leadership skills I acquired in high school to continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment at my future school.

The medical field is a diverse and challenging industry that requires dedication, passion, and a desire to help others. For me, the inspiration to work in this field came from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, exposure to medical professionals, and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Science has always been my favorite school subject. I have always been intrigued by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body. As the daughter of two ENTs, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When my childhood best friend passed away due to Meningococcal Meningitis amid my junior year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. I plan on using my passion to make a difference in society. One initiative that I want to complete is the development of personalized treatment plans for patients. Through analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, I would be able to tailor treatment plans to specific individuals' needs, resulting in better outcomes and fewer negative side effects. I also plan to participate in clinical trials. In these trials I would test new treatments and therapies on patients, helping to identity which treatments are most effective and safe. This research will hopefully lead to the approval of new drugs and medicines, which will improve the survival rates and quality of life in patients. Though the medical cause of my best friend’s death was Meningococcal Meningitis, the underlying cause was a result of medical malpractice. This recurring issue is a problem within healthcare that I want to have an impact on. I would highlight the importance of improved communication. One major reason for medical malpractice is miscommunication amongst medical staff. With better communication protocols and strategies, more errors would be prevented, resulting in better patient outcomes. I also plan to promote improved risk management within healthcare. These risk management strategies would include conducting regular reviews of medical procedures, analyzing medical errors, and developing plans to prevent similar errors in the future. As an avid participant through volunteer service in my community and clubs in my school, I have a big passion on improving the communities I am a part of. A few examples of my current volunteer service include Dancers Against Cancer, Meals by Grace, Northside Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Donation, and service through the National Honor Society. I am an active leader in the G.R.A.C.E club (Gender, Race (Ethnicity), Age & Abilities, Culture, Economic Status) at my school. Throughout my four years in high school, I have fought for inclusion and diversity within my school community. In my efforts to make a strong impact on the student body, I help to bring in professionals who speak to the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools, and why the lack of both creates a negative environment. I led and assisted in the creation of an app that allowed students to anonymously report bullying or harassment. I am also a part of the S.A.L.S.A club, Students Advocation For Life Without Substance Abuse, where I speak to K-12 students about the harms of substance abuse, and I dissuade the use of substance by providing insight. I plan to continue to impact my future communities in the same way. Because of my passion for helping others, I want to participate in community engagement service opportunities across my college campus. I will use the leadership skills I acquired in high school to continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment at my future school.

Hurriedly throwing my backpack over my shoulder, I exit the school doors into the hot parking lot. Though I am in my usual rush to get home, I stop in my tracks when I see the mother in the carpool line - her daughters dance in my dance company, but she is not a carpool regular. Catching up to me, she pulls me aside; when our eyes meet, I can see hers are tearful and swollen. “Didn’t you hear?” she asks. “Helen died.” I started taking dance classes at age two, and since then, dance has been the one aspect of my life that has remained constant. As I improved, I joined a competitive team. Despite competitive dance's demanding commitment, my love for the art never dimmed. Dance was my escape; it healed many of the struggles that I experienced as I grew older. Dance also provided a community for me. As an Afro-Caribbean girl in a predominantly white area, I often feel misunderstood, an outcast. The contradiction between the Afro-Caribbean and White cultures blurred my perception of beauty. Culturally, my hair is considered beautiful, but at school, it is too big and unkempt. I altered the parts of me that make me different. I masked my curvy body, and I straightened my hair to hide my curls. Unlike school, my dance community is diverse, and therefore I feel more welcome to express myself without fear of judgment. I met Helen at a dance audition. As the only two black girls, we bonded immediately. We shared the similar experience of being minorities in a predominantly white area. I finally felt like I had someone, a friend, who was like me. As we grew older, we found a sense of security with each other. I sought advice from her and learned from her experiences. Together, we worked to love our ethnic features instead of masking them behind flat irons and makeup contouring. We confided in each other when we felt unseen or insulted by others. We understood each other in a way that none of our other friends could. Helen died of Meningococcal Meningitis with no prior health issues. I became angry, and this anger turned to frustration, and then to overwhelming sadness. I could not fathom existing without her vivacious spirit in my life. Seventeen is too young to die. I realized, however, that she would not want me to mourn forever. I needed to honor Helen’s legacy and live my life with the same joy she had. Because she loved to help others, I became a more active participant in volunteer service. I helped to organize a breast cancer donation service in my dance community, and I partook in other acts of service like food drives. Helen was determined to be successful, and so, I have set high standards for myself to achieve what Helen will not. Science has always been my favorite school subject, and my interest has gone far beyond the walls of the classroom. As the daughter of two ENT’s, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When Helen died, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. While traversing the phenomenon of grief as a junior in high school was physically and emotionally tolling, I learned a lot from that experience, and it has helped to shape me into the person that I am, a hardworking African American student and dancer with a strong drive for success, navigating social challenges by impacting communities.

Hurriedly throwing my backpack over my shoulder, I exit the school doors into the hot parking lot. Though I am in my usual rush to get home, I stop in my tracks when I see the mother in the carpool line - her daughters dance in my dance company, but she is not a carpool regular. Catching up to me, she pulls me aside; when our eyes meet, I can see hers are tearful and swollen. “Didn’t you hear?” she asks. “Helen died.” I started taking dance classes at age two, and since then, dance has been the one aspect of my life that has remained constant. As I improved, I joined a competitive team. Despite competitive dance's demanding commitment, my love for the art never dimmed. Dance was my escape; it healed many of the struggles that I experienced as I grew older. Dance also provided a community for me. As an Afro-Caribbean girl in a predominantly white area, I often feel misunderstood, an outcast. The contradiction between the Afro-Caribbean and White cultures blurred my perception of beauty. Culturally, my hair is considered beautiful, but at school, it is too big and unkempt. I altered the parts of me that make me different. I masked my curvy body, and I straightened my hair to hide my curls. Unlike school, my dance community is diverse, and therefore I feel more welcome to express myself without fear of judgment. I met Helen at a dance audition. As the only two black girls, we bonded immediately. We shared the similar experience of being minorities in a predominantly white area. I finally felt like I had someone, a friend, who was like me. As we grew older, we found a sense of security with each other. I sought advice from her and learned from her experiences. Together, we worked to love our ethnic features instead of masking them behind flat irons and makeup contouring. We confided in each other when we felt unseen or insulted by others. We understood each other in a way that none of our other friends could. Helen died of Meningococcal Meningitis with no prior health issues. I became angry, and this anger turned to frustration, and then to overwhelming sadness. I could not fathom existing without her vivacious spirit in my life. Seventeen is too young to die. I realized, however, that she would not want me to mourn forever. I needed to honor Helen’s legacy and live my life with the same joy she had. Because she loved to help others, I became a more active participant in volunteer service. I helped to organize a breast cancer donation service in my dance community, and I partook in other acts of service like food drives. Helen was determined to be successful, and so, I have set high standards for myself to achieve what Helen will not. Science has always been my favorite school subject, and my interest has gone far beyond the walls of the classroom. As the daughter of two ENT’s, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When Helen died, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. While traversing the phenomenon of grief as a junior in high school was physically and emotionally tolling, I learned a lot from that experience, and it has helped to shape me into the person that I am, a hardworking African American student and dancer with a strong drive for success, navigating social challenges by impacting communities.

The medical field is a diverse and challenging industry that requires dedication, passion, and a desire to help others. For me, the inspiration to work in this field came from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, exposure to medical professionals, and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Science has always been my favorite school subject. I have always been intrigued by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body. As the daughter of two ENTs, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When my childhood best friend passed away due to Meningococcal Meningitis amid my junior year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. I plan on using my passion to make a difference in society. One initiative that I want to complete is the development of personalized treatment plans for patients. Through analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, I would be able to tailor treatment plans to specific individuals' needs, resulting in better outcomes and fewer negative side effects. I also plan to participate in clinical trials. In these trials I would test new treatments and therapies on patients, helping to identity which treatments are most effective and safe. This research will hopefully lead to the approval of new drugs and medicines, which will improve the survival rates and quality of life in patients. Though the medical cause of my best friend’s death was Meningococcal Meningitis, the underlying cause was a result of medical malpractice. This recurring issue is a problem within healthcare that I want to have an impact on. I would highlight the importance of improved communication. One major reason for medical malpractice is miscommunication amongst medical staff. With better communication protocols and strategies, more errors would be prevented, resulting in better patient outcomes. I also plan to promote improved risk management within healthcare. These risk management strategies would include conducting regular reviews of medical procedures, analyzing medical errors, and developing plans to prevent similar errors in the future. As an avid participant through volunteer service in my community and clubs in my school, I have a big passion on improving the communities I am a part of. A few examples of my current volunteer service include Dancers Against Cancer, Meals by Grace, Northside Hospital Breast Cancer Unit Donation, and service through the National Honor Society. I am an active leader in the G.R.A.C.E club (Gender, Race (Ethnicity), Age & Abilities, Culture, Economic Status) at my school. Throughout my four years in high school, I have fought for inclusion and diversity within my school community. In my efforts to make a strong impact on the student body, I help to bring in professionals who speak to the importance of diversity and inclusion in schools, and why the lack of both creates a negative environment. I led and assisted in the creation of an app that allowed students to anonymously report bullying or harassment. I am also a part of the S.A.L.S.A club, Students Advocation For Life Without Substance Abuse, where I speak to K-12 students about the harms of substance abuse, and I dissuade the use of substance by providing insight. I plan to continue to impact my future communities in the same way. Because of my passion for helping others, I want to participate in community engagement service opportunities across my college campus. I will use the leadership skills I acquired in high school to continue to foster a diverse and inclusive environment at my future school.

I am a hardworking African American student and dancer with a strong drive for success, navigating social challenges by impacting communities. I love to participate in volunteer service, and my one of my biggest goals is to become a doctor. The medical field is a diverse and challenging industry that requires dedication, passion, and a desire to help others. For me, the inspiration to work in this field came from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, exposure to medical professionals, and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Science has always been my favorite school subject, and my interest has gone far beyond the walls of the classroom. I took biology and anatomy classes in high school, and I was fascinated by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body. Learning about diseases and how they affect different systems in the body only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the medical field. As the daughter of two ENTs, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When my childhood best friend passed away due to Meningococcal Meningitis amid my junior year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. I plan on using my passion to make a difference in society. One initiative that I want to complete is the development of personalized treatment plans for patients. Through analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, I would be able to tailor treatment plants to specific individuals' needs, resulting in better outcomes and fewer negative side effects. I also plan to participate in clinical trials. In these trials I would test new treatments and therapies on patients, helping to identity which treatments are most effective and safe. This research will hopefully lead to the approval of new drugs and medicines, which will improve the survival rates and quality of life in patients. Though the medical cause of my best friend’s death was Meningococcal Meningitis, the underlying cause was a result of medical malpractice. This recurring issue is another problem within healthcare that I want to have an impact on. Firstly, I would advocate for improved communication. One of the major reasons for medical malpractice is miscommunication among medical staff. With better communication protocols and strategies to ensure that all members of the medical team are informed about a patient's condition and treatment plan, more errors would be prevented, and patients would have better outcomes. Secondly, I would take advantage of new and advanced technology. Electronic health records (EHRs), for example, are an excellent tool in mitigating medical malpractice because they provide a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, medications, and treatment plans, helping doctors make better decisions and stay better informed. Finally, I would promote improved risk management within healthcare. These risk management strategies would include conducting regular reviews of medical procedures, analyzing medical errors, and developing plans to prevent similar errors in the future.

My name is Kamalia Hewitt, I am a hardworking African American student and dancer with a strong drive for success, navigating social challenges by impacting communities. I love to participate in volunteer service, and my one of my biggest goals is to become a doctor. The medical field is a diverse and challenging industry that requires dedication, passion, and a desire to help others. For me, the inspiration to work in this field came from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, exposure to medical professionals, and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Science has always been my favorite school subject, and my interest has gone far beyond the walls of the classroom. I took biology and anatomy classes in high school, and I was fascinated by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body. Learning about diseases and how they affect different systems in the body only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the medical field. As the daughter of two ENTs, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When my childhood best friend passed away due to Meningococcal Meningitis amid my junior year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. I plan on using my passion to make a difference in society. One initiative that I want to complete is the development of personalized treatment plans for patients. Through analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, I would be able to tailor treatment plants to specific individuals' needs, resulting in better outcomes and fewer negative side effects. I also plan to participate in clinical trials. In these trials I would test new treatments and therapies on patients, helping to identity which treatments are most effective and safe. This research will hopefully lead to the approval of new drugs and medicines, which will improve the survival rates and quality of life in patients. Through involvement in health promotion and community health clinics, I would initiate health promotion campaigns to encourage healthy behaviors, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight. I would establish health clinics in underserved areas to provide access to healthcare services for low-income and uninsured individuals. These clinics would provide primary care, preventive services, and health education. Though the medical cause of my best friend’s death was Meningococcal Meningitis, the underlying cause was a result of medical malpractice. This recurring issue is another problem within healthcare that I want to have an impact on. Firstly, I would advocate for improved communication. One of the major reasons for medical malpractice is miscommunication among medical staff. With better communication protocols and strategies to ensure that all members of the medical team are informed about a patient's condition and treatment plan, more errors would be prevented, and patients would have better outcomes. Secondly, I would take advantage of new and advanced technology. Electronic health records (EHRs), for example, are an excellent tool in mitigating medical malpractice because they provide a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, medications, and treatment plans, helping doctors make better decisions and stay better informed. Finally, I would promote improved risk management within healthcare. These risk management strategies would include conducting regular reviews of medical procedures, analyzing medical errors, and developing plans to prevent similar errors in the future.

The medical field is a diverse and challenging industry that requires dedication, passion, and a desire to help others. For me, the inspiration to work in this field came from a variety of sources, including personal experiences, exposure to medical professionals, and a desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Science has always been my favorite school subject, and my interest has gone far beyond the walls of the classroom. I took biology and anatomy classes in high school, and I was fascinated by the complexity and interconnectedness of the human body. Learning about diseases and how they affect different systems in the body only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the medical field. As the daughter of two ENTs, I’ve been immersed in the world of medicine since I can remember. When my childhood best friend passed away due to Meningococcal Meningitis amid my junior year, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in medicine. I became fascinated by medical problems and how doctors can intervene and alleviate them. I plan on using my passion to make a difference in society. One initiative that I want to complete is the development of personalized treatment plans for patients. Through analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, I would be able to tailor treatment plants to specific individuals' needs, resulting in better outcomes and fewer negative side effects. I also plan to participate in clinical trials. In these trials I would test new treatments and therapies on patients, helping to identity which treatments are most effective and safe. This research will hopefully lead to the approval of new drugs and medicines, which will improve the survival rates and quality of life in patients. Through involvement in health promotion and community health clinics, I would initiate health promotion campaigns to encourage healthy behaviors, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight. I would establish health clinics in underserved areas to provide access to healthcare services for low-income and uninsured individuals. These clinics would provide primary care, preventive services, and health education. Though the medical cause of my best friend’s death was Meningococcal Meningitis, the underlying cause was a result of medical malpractice. This recurring issue is another problem within healthcare that I want to have an impact on. Firstly, I would advocate for improved communication. One of the major reasons for medical malpractice is miscommunication among medical staff. With better communication protocols and strategies to ensure that all members of the medical team are informed about a patient's condition and treatment plan, more errors would be prevented, and patients would have better outcomes. Secondly, I would take advantage of new and advanced technology. Electronic health records (EHRs), for example, are an excellent tool in mitigating medical malpractice because they provide a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, medications, and treatment plans, helping doctors make better decisions and stay better informed. Finally, I would promote improved risk management within healthcare. These risk management strategies would include conducting regular reviews of medical procedures, analyzing medical errors, and developing plans to prevent similar errors in the future.