1. Tell us about yourself. My name is Kareena Desai, and I’m a first-generation Indian-American woman passionate about science, community health, and equity. I’m currently pursuing a degree in neuroscience, with deep involvement in public health and biomedical research. I’ve shadowed physicians, volunteered in hospice and pediatric units, conducted experiments using EEG and fMRI, and developed simulation models to improve chronic disease diagnoses. What drives me is the belief that science and empathy must go hand-in-hand especially in healthcare. I care deeply about lifting up underserved communities and ensuring that innovation doesn’t leave people behind. My personal mission is to use science to close the gap between diagnosis and prevention, especially for communities that are historically overlooked. I want to become a physician-scientist who leads with heart and designs solutions that reach beyond the lab or clinic. 2. What’s a real-world issue you feel deeply connected to, and why? I’m deeply connected to the issue of chronic disease disparities in underrepresented populations, especially among older adults and low-income communities. Volunteering at hospices and hospitals has opened my eyes to how people suffer not just from illness but from being failed by systems. Many patients don’t get care until it’s too late. They don’t have access to early screenings, education, or even basic health literacy. This issue matters to me because I’ve seen how devastating these delays can be. I’ve spoken with patients whose conditions could’ve been caught earlier if they had been offered a simple test or encouraged to make basic lifestyle changes. These aren't abstract policy issues but they're about people who deserve better. 3. If you had the power to make change in that area, what would you do? If I could make change, I would build community-based preventative care centers that integrate technology, education, and human-centered design. These centers would provide mobile diagnostics, culturally-sensitive education programs, and AI-assisted screenings to catch diseases early. They would also serve as mentorship pipelines to bring more women and BIPOC individuals into healthcare careers in helping to createa cycle of representation and advocacy. I believe combining research, innovation, and culturally-informed care can break the cycle of late diagnoses and mistrust in healthcare systems. My dream is to help design those systems where care is proactive, not reactive. 4. How did you choose your area of study, and what do you hope to do with it? I chose neuroscience because I was fascinated by how the brain shapes our behaviors, emotions, and vulnerabilities especially as we age. My interests evolved at the crossroads of science and service. I began with curiosity about brain function but soon became more invested in how cognition intersects with diet, aging, and chronic disease. I’ve worked on projects ranging from fMRI and EEG studies of working memory to building simulations for diabetes care and fluid dynamics in urology. Though my work spans disciplines, it all comes back to one purpose: understanding complex biological systems so I can make care more effective and accessible. I hope to become a physician-scientist focused on cognitive and metabolic health in older adults. 5. What’s one goal you’ve set for yourself in the next 5 years and how do you plan to get there? My goal is to contribute to cutting-edge research on how the gut microbiome, nutrition, and metabolic health influence cognitive aging. Within five years, I aim to be working in a lab or clinical setting that studies these relationships and designs interventions to delay or prevent cognitive decline in at-risk populations. To get there, I plan to apply to a graduate program or research fellowship that supports interdisciplinary work in neuroscience and public health. I’ll continue gaining research experience, deepening my clinical exposure, and applying for scholarships like this one that allow me to focus more fully on academic and service-based impact. 6. How has education helped you better understand yourself and your purpose? Education has helped me connect science to service. In the classroom, I’ve learned the mechanisms behind disease. Outside of it, through volunteering and community events, I’ve seen how those mechanisms impact lives especially when people don’t have access to timely care. Through challenges like retaking tough science classes and presenting my work at research symposiums, I’ve also discovered my resilience and adaptability. Education has taught me how to ask the right questions, and just as importantly, how to listen. It’s helped me understand that my purpose lies in combining knowledge with action. 7. How has your identity as a woman influenced the way you move through the world? As a woman in STEM, I’ve often found myself as the only female or person of color in the room. It can be intimidating, but it’s also empowering. I’ve learned to lead with confidence, advocate for inclusion, and help others find their voice. There have been moments where I’ve felt underestimated or questioned, especially in technical fields. But I’ve used those moments to fuel my growth and reach back to mentor others. Being a woman in STEM has taught me that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest, but it often means being the one who listens, uplifts, and creates space for others. 8. What does leadership mean to you and how have you embodied it? Leadership to me means responsibility and service. It means stepping up not just to guide others, but to support them. Whether as President of Circle K, organizing charity events like the Honorine Golf Classic, or leading group research projects, I strive to lead with empathy and clarity. Some of my proudest leadership moments weren’t public, they were when I helped a struggling classmate prepare for an exam, or made a nervous patient feel comfortable during a telehealth intake. I believe leadership can be incorporated into everyday actions 9. Describe a time you had to be resourceful or resilient. What did you learn from it? During my first semester of college, I struggled with the transition and had to withdraw from physics. A year later, I retook that class and organic chemistry at the same time. It was one of the hardest academic years of my life, but it taught me how to build sustainable habits, ask for help, and believe in myself. I created study groups, sought out tutors, and changed how I approached learning. That year, I didn’t just bounce back but I grew stronger. I learned that resilience isn’t about perfection, it’s about persistence. 10. If awarded this scholarship, how would it help you pursue your dreams? This scholarship would allow me to focus more deeply on my research, leadership, and community health initiatives without the constant burden of financial strain. It would also be a vote of confidence in the path I’m carving, not just for myself, but for the communities I want to serve. It would help me continue exploring the connections between diet, aging, and cognitive health, and give me the freedom to engage in service work that makes science more accessible. Your support would empower me to keep pushing boundaries and to bring others along with me.

My name is Kareena Desai, and I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in neuroscience with a deep passion for service, medicine, and leadership. As someone who has balanced academics, athletics, and volunteering throughout my life, I’m honored to apply for the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship. Kalia’s story deeply resonates with me not only because of her remarkable discipline and joyful spirit, but because I see elements of her legacy in my own journey. From a young age, I’ve been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. This motivation has guided every part of my life, from maintaining a strong academic record to seeking out leadership and service opportunities in my community. I currently hold a high GPA and have completed rigorous coursework in the sciences while conducting research in cognitive health and volunteering in both pediatric and hospice care settings. Athletics has also played a key role in shaping my work ethic and resilience. I played competitive golf throughout high school and was one of the few female players on the team. Golf taught me patience, mental strength, and how to keep moving forward even when things don’t go your way which are lessons I’ve applied to both my academic and personal life. I’ve faced challenges, including adapting to college life in a new state and struggling through difficult science courses. But like Kalia, I kept going and repeating courses when necessary, asking for help, and always striving to be better. Outside the classroom, I am passionate about giving back. I serve as the President of my university’s Circle K International club, where I lead service initiatives including food drives, school supply donations, and community cleanups. I’m also a Telehealth Teaching Volunteer at a clinic where I train elderly patients on digital tools and help them navigate their medical appointments. These experiences have shown me the power of compassion and the impact of small acts of kindness. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship would not only help me afford tuition and living expenses. It would remind me that excellence doesn’t just come from grades or accomplishments but from the way you lift others up while pursuing your own goals. My ultimate dream is to become a physician who not only treats patients but also advocates for equity and wellness in underserved communities. Kalia’s story reminds me that a life of purpose, service, and joy is the most powerful legacy one can leave behind. I hope to honor her memory by continuing to live that kind of life.

Growing up, I was the type of child who asked “why” about everything. I was never satisfied with simple answers because I needed to understand the mechanisms, the reasons, and the outcomes. That curiosity followed me throughout my life and naturally led me toward STEM. But it wasn’t until I had a deeply personal experience that I truly understood how powerful STEM, especially in healthcare could be. When I was 12, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Watching someone I loved so dearly slowly forget names, faces, and eventually how to complete daily tasks was heartbreaking. I remember sitting in his doctor’s office, listening to terms like “amyloid plaques” and “cognitive decline,” not fully understanding them but desperate to. That moment sparked something in me. I wanted to understand the science behind what was happening to him and more importantly, I wanted to know what could be done to help. In high school, I began volunteering at a local hospice and later at a children's hospital. While very different settings, both reinforced how critical science is to compassionate care. I became fascinated by how physicians translated complex physiological concepts into clear explanations that empowered families. I started to see STEM not just as a set of academic disciplines, but as a toolkit for solving real problems and building trust with those affected. That drive led me to pursue biology and neuroscience coursework in college, where I was drawn to how molecular mechanisms translate into behavior and cognition. I began working in a cognitive neuroscience research lab, using fMRI and EEG data to study attention and memory. One of our projects looked at how perceived difficulty during working memory tasks aligned with neural activity which was an extension of the very questions I asked years ago sitting in that doctor’s office with my grandfather. It was surreal to contribute to research that not only deepened my understanding of the brain but had the potential to inform future therapies and educational interventions. I also took part in a team-based project developing simulations for chronic disease care, aiming to understand how disparities in diagnosis can affect outcomes. This experience taught me how data, technology, and health policy all intersect to create (or reduce) gaps in care. It also reminded me of how multidisciplinary STEM truly is and that progress often requires teamwork across science, engineering, and social science. Now, whether I’m in a research setting, a hospital, or a community outreach event, I see STEM as a bridge: between patient and provider, data and action, problem and solution. The memory of my grandfather still drives me and his journey is the reason I want to pursue a career at the intersection of neuroscience and public health, where I can contribute to improving quality of life through both scientific discovery and empathetic care.

Golf has always held a special place in my life, not just as a sport, but as a space where I can challenge myself mentally, physically, and emotionally. What I enjoy most about playing golf is how deeply personal and reflective it is. Unlike team sports, where momentum and energy are often shared, golf forces you to be your own motivator, strategist, and competitor. Each round offers a new opportunity to practice patience, control, and focus. It's a sport where small improvements feel monumental, and that sense of progress is incredibly fulfilling. I was first drawn to golf through my family. My dad, an avid golfer, introduced me to the game when I was young. I remember watching him with admiration, not just for his technique, but for the calm and thoughtfulness he brought to every shot. As I began to play more seriously, I found that golf taught me more than just how to read greens or perfect my swing; it taught me resilience, discipline, and self-trust. Being a female golfer, however, has come with its own set of challenges. The first and perhaps most obvious has been the gender imbalance in the sport. Whether at the driving range or on the course, I’ve often been one of the only girls present. Early on, this made me feel like I had something to prove. I sometimes faced dismissive comments or was underestimated by male players. Rather than letting this discourage me, I used it as motivation. I practiced harder, studied the game more intently, and focused on improving for my own sake, not anyone else's. Another challenge has been access to mentorship and community. Golf can be intimidating, especially when you don’t see people who look like you succeeding at high levels. To overcome this, I began seeking out other female players, connecting with local women’s golf programs, and even helping organize inclusive golf events to make the sport more welcoming for newcomers. By finding and helping build a support network, I felt more grounded and confident in my place on the course. There have also been moments of self-doubt, especially during slumps or when progress felt slow. Golf has a unique way of testing your mindset. One bad hole can spiral into a bad round if you let frustration take over. Learning to manage those emotions of resetting after mistakes, and staying present, has been one of my greatest personal growth areas. The mental toughness I’ve built through golf has carried over into other parts of my life, from academics to leadership roles. Ultimately, I love golf because it challenges me to be better physically, mentally, and emotionally. It’s a space where I’ve learned how to overcome obstacles, stay resilient, and be proud of what I bring to the game, regardless of how others perceive it. And as a female golfer, I take pride in being part of a growing community that is changing the face of the sport, one swing at a time.

Mental health has always been an area of deep personal importance to me. During my transition to college, I experienced feelings of isolation and culture shock that took a toll on my emotional well-being. As someone who grew up in a tight-knit community, moving away from my support system made me more aware of the silent struggles many people face but don’t express. This experience made me passionate about mental health not just as an individual challenge, but as a systemic issue, especially for communities that are underrepresented or underserved. Through my coursework in neuroscience and public health, I’ve developed a strong academic foundation in understanding the biological and social underpinnings of mental health. In my current research on attention, working memory, and brain function, I study how external factors like auditory stimuli impact cognitive performance and perceived stress. This work has sharpened my interest in how environmental and social factors influence mental health, especially in marginalized populations. I believe the intersection of neuroscience and public health offers powerful tools to drive inclusive mental health care. One pivotal experience that solidified my passion was volunteering with Caring Hospice, where I provided emotional support to patients during some of their most vulnerable moments. I saw how mental and emotional well-being were often overlooked in favor of treating physical symptoms. Similarly, as a Stamps Health Ambassador and club president, I’ve led mental health initiatives on campus to encourage open dialogue and reduce stigma among students. These experiences have shown me that change must come from both individual empathy and structural reform. My career goal is to become a physician who not only treats patients but also advocates for more equitable mental health care. I am particularly interested in working with older adults, whose mental health needs are often underprioritized and misunderstood. As I pursue this path, I hope to bridge clinical practice and community advocacy by designing interventions that consider cultural values, generational experiences, and access to care. Whether it's through research, public health education, or policy, I want to be part of a movement that reshapes mental health care to be more accessible, inclusive, and human-centered. To advance diversity and inclusion in mental health, I aim to amplify the voices of those who are often left out of the conversation whether due to language barriers, cultural stigma, or geographic isolation. As someone from a South Asian background, I understand the complexities of navigating mental health in a culture where it is often minimized. I want to use that perspective to build culturally sensitive education programs and support systems that empower individuals from all backgrounds to seek help without fear or shame. Mental health is not one-size-fits-all, and lasting change will require more diverse leadership, more inclusive research, and a greater commitment to listening. I hope to be a part of that change through compassion, science, and the drive to create a future where mental wellness is truly for everyone.

Currently, I am deeply involved in several volunteer roles that reflect my commitment to supporting and improving the lives of others. At a hospice care facility, I provide compassionate support and companionship to patients in their final stages of life. This experience has been profoundly impactful, illustrating how critical empathetic care is during such a challenging period for patients and their families. By offering emotional support and a comforting presence, I have learned the importance of addressing both physical and emotional needs with sensitivity and respect. In addition to my work at the hospice, I volunteer at a hospital, where I assist with various tasks to support patients and healthcare staff. This role has allowed me to gain a broader perspective on healthcare, from patient interactions to the operational aspects of a hospital. Working in this environment has reinforced my understanding of the importance of a well-rounded approach to patient care and has deepened my appreciation for the dedication and hard work of healthcare professionals. I am also involved in volunteer tutoring, where I help students develop their academic skills and build confidence. This experience has been rewarding, as it allows me to contribute to the educational growth of individuals and support their personal development. Through tutoring, I have honed my ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and foster a positive learning environment. In addition to these roles, I work in healthcare services dedicated to the elderly, focusing on enhancing their quality of life and ensuring they receive appropriate care and attention. This role has provided me with valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by older adults and emphasized the importance of a respectful and empathetic approach to elder care. Looking ahead, I am determined to further my impact by pursuing a career in healthcare with a focus on geriatric care. My goal is to develop and implement innovative solutions and programs that address the complex needs of the elderly. I aspire to create community initiatives and partnerships that promote healthy aging, provide resources for elderly individuals, and support their caregivers. By combining my current volunteer experiences with my future career aspirations, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and contributing to a more compassionate and supportive society. In summary, my diverse volunteer experiences have solidified my dedication to improving the lives of others. From hospice care and hospital support to educational tutoring and elderly care, I am passionate about creating positive change and enhancing well-being across various facets of life.

Golf is more than a sport to me; it is a passion that has shaped my character and outlook on life. From the moment I first held a golf club, I was captivated by the game's complexity and beauty. The serene landscapes, the strategic thinking, and the precise skill required all combined to create a unique challenge that I eagerly embraced. My journey in golf has been filled with joy, personal growth, and significant challenges, particularly as a female golfer, but these very challenges have prepared me for my aspirations in the field of medicine. One of the primary reasons I enjoy playing golf is the mental discipline it demands. Every swing requires concentration, strategy, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Golf has taught me the importance of focus and patience, skills that extend far beyond the course. These attributes are crucial in the medical field, where precision, critical thinking, and composure are vital. Moreover, golf is a sport that fosters a sense of community. I have met many incredible people through golf, forming friendships built on mutual respect and shared experiences. The camaraderie and sportsmanship in golf are unparalleled, and these relationships have enriched my life in countless ways, just as I hope to build meaningful connections with my future patients and colleagues in medicine. Being a female golfer has not been without its challenges. One of the most significant obstacles I have faced is the issue of gender stereotypes. There have been times when I have felt underestimated or dismissed simply because I am a woman. Some people have a preconceived notion that women cannot play golf as well as men, which can be disheartening. However, I have used these moments as motivation to prove that gender does not define one's ability to excel in this sport. Another challenge has been the lack of representation and opportunities for female golfers. The disparity in prize money, sponsorships, and media coverage between male and female golfers is stark. It can be frustrating to see the immense talent and hard work of female golfers go unrecognized. Despite these setbacks, I have persevered, continually striving to improve my game and support my fellow female golfers. These experiences in golf have directly paralleled my journey in becoming a woman in medicine. Just as in golf, the field of medicine presents its own set of gender-based challenges. Women in medicine often face biases, limited opportunities, and the need to prove their competence in a traditionally male-dominated field. However, my experiences on the golf course have equipped me with the resilience and determination to overcome these obstacles. In both golf and medicine, I have learned the value of perseverance, hard work, and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. The skills I have developed through golf—mental discipline, strategic thinking, and emotional resilience—are invaluable in my medical studies and future career. I am committed to advocating for gender equality in both fields, ensuring that future generations of female golfers and medical professionals can pursue their passions without the barriers that I have faced. My passion for golf and my dedication to becoming a woman in medicine are intertwined, each reinforcing the other. The challenges I have overcome as a female golfer have strengthened my resolve to succeed in the medical field, and the discipline and resilience I have cultivated in golf will undoubtedly serve me well in my career. I am excited to continue my journey, embracing both the joys and challenges that lie ahead, and making a positive impact in the world of medicine

Entering higher education as an outsider to the system, particularly as a second-generation immigrant and first-generation student, is a journey fraught with both hopes and concerns that profoundly shape my educational aspirations and future goals, especially as I strive towards medical school. Growing up in a household where higher education was unfamiliar terrain, I have encountered unique challenges that set me apart from many of my peers. One of the most significant hurdles has been navigating the financial aspects of college. My parents, despite their unwavering support, lack the experience and resources to guide me through the complexities of financing my education and understanding the intricacies of college applications. Their sacrifice to immigrate and build a new life for our family in a foreign land serves as a constant reminder of the opportunities I have been given and the responsibility to maximize them. My educational journey thus far has been defined by resilience and determination. Navigating the academic landscape without the benefit of familial precedent has demanded self-reliance and a proactive approach to seeking out resources and opportunities. Despite these challenges, my immigrant background has imbued me with a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a profound appreciation for the transformative power of education in fostering personal and professional growth. Looking ahead, my aspiration to attend medical school is driven by a deep-seated desire to give back to my community and contribute meaningfully to society. As a future physician, I aim to address disparities in healthcare access and advocate for marginalized populations, drawing on my experiences as a second-generation immigrant to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive patient care. In addition to the challenges and aspirations that define my journey, my experience as a second-generation immigrant has also cultivated a deep sense of cultural pride and empathy. Growing up with dual cultural identities has enriched my worldview and equipped me with the ability to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. I believe that this cultural fluency will not only enhance my effectiveness as a healthcare provider but also foster trust and understanding within the communities I aim to serve. Embracing my heritage while pursuing higher education has reinforced my commitment to breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity in healthcare—a commitment that I am eager to translate into tangible actions as I continue on my path towards medical school and beyond. In summary, while the path to higher education as an outsider presents formidable obstacles, it also offers unparalleled opportunities for personal development and the chance to effect meaningful change. My immigrant upbringing has forged my resilience, determination, and commitment to service—qualities that will serve as my compass as I pursue my dream of becoming a physician. With the support of scholarships and financial aid, I am confident in my ability to overcome financial barriers and achieve my academic and professional aspirations, contributing to a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce that reflects and serves our society's rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences

Medicine has always been a career path to pursue for many years. I have also been heavily involved in many different volunteer opportunities throughout high school and now in college. I have many experiences working with people of all ages. I tutored for many years teaching kids math of all levels, volunteered abroad in Mumbai India to teach orphans and also started a summer camp during the covid pandemic to help parents be able to take time off for themselves and work without distractions. I have also volunteered at homeless shelters, giving out food and necessities to homeless people and worked with several organizations. I hope to be able to get experience working in a hospital environment as well as connecting with other doctors and nurses to explore different areas of medicine. I am passionate and happy to help as a volunteer in any area needed. I hope to also meet other volunteers with similar hobbies and passions. I love working with people and want to be able to contribute to helping others and making them happier. Recently as a pre-med student, I have also started volunteering at a local hospital to enhance many patients' experience in the hospital. I also ensured I was able to help the overworked doctors and healthcare workers in tasks involving turning over hospital beds and rooms, and delivering food and extra necessities to patients. Through this hospital experience, I have not only learned so many valuable lessons about the healthcare field but also was able to do small but time-consuming tasks to allow doctors more time with their patients. In the hospital, I also joined the infectious disease department and went through the entire hospital to ensure no medications or items were expired. I individually went through all closets in the hospital and threw out expired medical equipment and ensured all medications were getting charted and locked away so patients weren't able to access them. My volunteer work at the hospital was a great experience but also showed me how much individuals can influence the community. Lastly, I joined a hospice care team as a volunteer. I was assigned a few patients in a nursing home facility and had the responsibility of cheering up the patients, taking them out for a walk in their wheelchairs, playing games with them or having a conversation. This experience was very heart-warming and my work was appreciated by all the older patients who had lost all their family and friends. Not only did volunteering at hospice care inspire me to stay involved, but also invoked me to spread awareness about the importance of volunteers in healthcare and other areas of the world.

There are countless issues in healthcare starting with women rights towards period products and access to care. Millions of people are not able to get the care they need due to insurance and cost of our countries system. I know through my career of being a doctor I will be able to make change in providing and possibly starting a nonprofit to provide better care and access to low income families. I want to be able to help as many people as possible, while also creating a permanent solution to help generations to come. I am so excited to make my family and parents proud after being raised in a family that came from nothing as immigrants. I hope to continue to provide to organizations like St Judes Hospital throughout my time in undergraduate and medical school. I have been apart of a big golf tournament and helped to coordinate volunteers and tournament day donations. Through this program we have been able to donate over 175,000 to pediatric cancer patients and families to provide for treatments and in some cases save their lives. There is no better happiness than the happiness that comes from helping people and I can't wait to pursue a career that will allow me to do that every day! I am currently a first generation college student pursuing a degree in neuroscience and attend medical school after. I want to make a difference in the healthcare system in offering women more comfortable environments in healthcare and voicing their concerns. I would also like to be able to offer more opportunities to low income communities and teach important information about health to decrease disease numbers in those communities. I have studied abroad to India and been able to offer basic school skills like math and reading to an all girls orphanage and understand their perspective of life. I was there for guidance and inspiration, but I got more out of teaching these talented girls in the end. There is such a big societal issue and stigmatized attitude towards period poverty and health. I want to be able to send this message to as many people as possible, while also being able to integrate more about this social issue in the medical field. This is unfortunately one of the main issues the girls at the orphanage expressed. I would like to be able to support organizations to bring awareness and support to communities with no access to feminine hygiene products.

I have always been interested in pursuing a degree on the pre med track. I am currently studying neuroscience with a minor in health and medical sciences. Last summer I was given the opportunity to volunteer in the operating room and emergency department. I was able to watch several surgeons perform surgeries, and really enjoyed watching the doctors connect with the patients and help them with life threatening problems. I hope to eventually use my degree to volunteer abroad in countries that don't have access to medical supplies or experienced doctors. I want to heal as many people as possible, but also teach doctors in those low income communities on techniques to help more patients. Another experience that has influenced me to go into medicine, was volunteering at a hospice care. I had a different perspective after talking to patients and learning from their past stories. I would comfort the patients, take them on a walk in their wheelchair outside, and sometimes watch their favorite movie with them. Although it different affect my day to day life as much, my visit to them made there week. When I went away to college, I kept up my promise to send them letters to update them and check on them. This experience was so important in learning to really connect with patients and learn about their life in order to be a effective and successful doctor eventually. Medicine has always been a career path to pursue for many years. I have also been heavily involved in many different volunteer opportunities throughout high school and now in college. I have many experiences working with people of all ages. I tutored for many years teaching kids math of all levels, volunteered abroad in Mumbai India to teach orphans and also started my own summer camp during the covid pandemic to help parents be able to take time off for themselves and work without distractions. I have also volunteered at homeless shelters, giving out food and basic necessities to homeless people and worked with several organizations. I hope to be able to get experience working in a hospital environment as well as connecting with other doctors and nurses to explore different areas of medicine. I am passionate and happy to help as a volunteer in any areas needed. I hope to also meet other volunteers with similar hobbies and passions. I love working with people and want to be able to contribute to helping others and making them happier. Wanting to pursue a MD after receiving my bachelors in neuroscience, I will have to take our several loans in order to go to school. It has not been easy watching my parents have to work several more hours a week in order to afford my undergraduate college cost, and am always worrying about how I will pay for medical school.

As a first generation student, it has been difficult to balance academics and working to be able to help my parents pay for my college tuition. I am hoping to pursue medical school when I graduate with my bachelors degree in neuroscience. I want to be able to provide healthcare for underprivileged communities in America and travel abroad often to treat sick patients around the world with no access to resources. I want to be a mentor for many other first generation students and be able to mentor others to successfully get a degree without the struggle of money. Although my parents have been my number one supporters throughout my education, it is tough to watch them struggle to be able to put me and my siblings through school. As a first generation student it is difficult to pay for extra tutoring resources and I feel I have to work harder sometimes to not fall behind in class. As I got more situated into a routine in college with jobs, and classes and extracurriculars, I found it was easier to find resources ot help first generation students to have access to opportunities for our future. Leaving my family is another big struggle as a first generation student. My family works as a team to support each other and leaving my parents and siblings behind was an adjustment. I know my education will allow my family to live more comfortably as they get older. I make sure to show my appreciation to my parents by telling them about all the amazing experiences I have been able to participate in and the amount of opportunities that have opened from being in college. I am currently working as a mentor for low income students close to my university in hopes of helping them apply to college and financial aid. As a future doctor, I want to not only help patients get stronger and healthier but influence other medical students and undergraduate students to become the best doctor they can. I am so grateful for my parents support and understand that struggle is when you learn the most about yourself and the world. It is important to make use of your resources and create a successful life of your own for future generations to have even more resources and success rates. I hope to eventually create opportunities to sponsor students internationally to come to America to get an education when I become a doctor in the future.

I have always been a very independent and self motivated female. I give all the credit to my parents for setting a great example for my sister and I growing up. Both my mom and dad continue to work so hard every day to give us a better life than they had growing up coming from immigrant families. Through the influence of teachers, mentors and professors I have had throughout grade school, I have decided to pursue a degree in STEM. If I don't work in the corporate world, I will most likely teach. I want to inform younger kids of my mistakes to prevent them from making the same ones. In the future I see myself working as a business woman or in the field of computer science. My passions have always included math and science. I have also done a lot of volunteer work to try and help my motherland country, India. I volunteered in India for a few weeks and worked in different orphanages. I would like to start a nonprofit organization to give back for all the opportunities I was given by my grandparents and parents. More specifically I would like to get into fundraising money to donate feminine hygiene products as well as incorporating teaching basic life skills. As I get older, my younger sister and cousins keep me going to become successful. I want to give back to my family and set a great example for them. I want to make my parents and grandparents proud as well as help others in the world. STEM has always been an appealing field to me from when I was a little girl. I always enjoyed math and science classes and continued to become a tutor as I got older. There is so much creativity, independence and unknown information that allows me to incorporate many of my interests in the field. As I expand my knowledge in technology, I know I could help the world so much. Technology raises social awareness about important issues to the general public. I will be able to enhance the issue about woman in many countries not having access to hygiene products. Menstruating as always been a topic society seems to shut down. It is not emphasized enough about how many females worry about not having access to necessary products. Through STEM I can offer more to the world, and teach young females to not have fear of taking over the world. I want to be able to give them the confidence they need. As I started taking more stem related classes in high school, I felt the presence of the boys in my class thinking they were smarter and better at the subject than me. It never discouraged me to continue with taking these courses because I knew I was capable to do better than them. The advancement of technology will help to get more females involved in pursuing STEM related fields in the near future and allow females to connect and help the world understand their concerns. Over the past, I have been grateful to not have encountered many challenges. My greatest challenge I have overcome with the help of my family is moving towns in 7th grade. My parents wanted a better education for my siblings and I, which required moving to a town about an hour away from where we were born and raised. I was not a very confident young girl and feared not being able to fit into a new school and making friends. I'm not going to lie, it was one of the hardest transitions because everyone in middle school already had their group of friends and I didn't know which group I was going to be apart of. The kids were nice, but I couldn't help but think they were being forced to include me in activities at school. In the town I was living in prior to the move, I had so many friends from kindergarten and I was worried I would lose connection with them. Thanks to technology, I am still very close to my childhood friends, but have also made so many friends in the town I live in now. I am so grateful my parents made the decision to move, because I feel I have benefited a lot from attending a better public school. I have learned to overcome challenges by having a positive mindset about what I will learn from them.

I love my self motivation and drive to be the best version of myself. Although, I have always had so much support from my family and friends, I have learned to be my own motivation. I want to teach my younger cousins and sister the importance of loving yourself. I believe I have helped my community so much as a teenager and am excited to be able to help the world as I get older and have a higher education degree. After getting involved with my high school key club, I raised over $500 to donate feminine hygiene products to the local woman's shelter, made over 100 blankets to donate to the children's floating hospital at Tufts Cancer Hospital, and made cards for veterans during the holidays. As the club president for 3 years I also organized various volunteer opportunities for the clubs members to participate in. I have always had a the dream of attending a prestigious school as well. As a result of not getting accepted, I decided to reapply as a transfer student and was accepted. It showed my hard work and dedication to achieve goals I have for myself. I hope to be a good example for my younger family members as I get older.

I view everyday as a new opportunity to learn new things. I am motivated by various influences in my life. The first influence is my parents. I see all that my parents work for and know I want to live a similar lifestyle as them. Their continuous hard work motivates me to work as hard as them. Another motivation of mine is self confidence and drive. I want to please myself and know that I have earned what I am working toward. I want to be able to help the world, and earn several degrees of education to teach others. I want my money earned when I'm older to go to charity to support woman that don't have access to materials and feminine hygiene products. My motivations are influenced by my cousins and older siblings that have attended prestigious schools and become very successful for themselves. They motivate me to be a better version of myself and I have always wanted to live up to their expectations, being one of the youngest cousins. My last motivation is being a great example and older sister to my younger sister and cousins. I want to be their motivation growing up and I know I will be a great mole model.

The past 5 years of my life has involved mentorship through tutoring. During the pandemic is when I saw the most kids struggle with school and guidance of college and after school lifestyles. I volunteered at the local middle and high schools and shared information from my own experiences to help them realize what there hobbies and strengths were. I want to be able to give all kids the opportunities and guidance that I had as I was going through school. I want to prepare them well for college or jobs when they graduate. I want to teach them independence and confidence in themselves. Although, I have always started off helping many kids with school subjects like math and science, I have developed so many relationships with these kids and gained trust with them. Many people don't realize how many adults and older students love to share their experiences and teach younger kids to not make the same mistakes as they did. As I got older and mentorship became more important in my life, I saw a decline in confidence and self-motivation in many of the students I worked with. I hope my continuous help with give students motivation to do well in school for the well-being of themselves.

As I get older, I am realizing how important it is to pursue your passions rather than choose a career for money. My dream life when I get older is to work in accounting or finance and be able to travel all over the world for my job to meet with clients. I would love to be able to learn different languages, cultures, and lifestyles in countries other than America. I would love to have the flexibility to go anywhere for work and also be able to work with others that have the same passions I have. I would eventually love to settle in a city environment and be able to have a family that has many opportunities in school, and activities. I would like to always be immersed in a diverse community that teaches me something new about people every day. I want to be able to venture out and find my real passions to be able to guide me to live a successful life. I would love to become an entrepreneur as well and create a business related to dogs. Growing up with dogs have made me become the person I am today, and I want to be able to give back to animals at shelters. This is what my dream life looks like, and I know I will be able to make it come true one day!

Through opportunities in high school I have refined my academic interest in the area of computer science. The computer science curriculums at many colleges will allow me to pursue a study of mathematics and artificial intelligence. I could continue to study the different algorithms and software designs, and apply this knowledge to creating something to help women around the world. Through computer science classes, I will meet students in a similar field that I am studying and expose me to new ideas. There is a lack of women in STEM and I want to be able to help the community to get more young girls involved with a growing field filled with many opportunities to express creativity and knowledge.