In the spring of 2022, during my senior year of high school, I overcame one of the biggest obstacles, nearly crushing my dreams of pursuing a higher education. On March 24, a date forever engraved into my memory, a near-fatal car accident occurred, disrupting the peak of my academic journey. I was preparing for graduation, eagerly anticipating prom, diligently applying for scholarships, managing the demands of schoolwork, and working 24-40 hours a week in a rehabilitation center to contribute to my college fund. These responsibilities created an overwhelming challenge, ultimately casting a shadow over my aspirations. During this period, Jared Rodriguez, a professor at the University of Alabama, emerged as a guiding force and played a pivotal role in assisting me with accumulating a list of colleges to apply to and meticulously proofreading my essays. Mr. Rodriguez, my mentor, offered unwavering support and encouragement, proving instrumental in helping me navigate the obstacles that seemed impossible at the time. Through his mentorship, I gained the resilience to push past the limits of my own imagination and found the strength to persevere and move forward despite unforeseen circumstances. However, Mr. Rodriguez was not the sole source of support during this time. A community of encouragement flowed from my strong desire to attend Spelman College. The Spelman Staff, embodying the spirit of sisterhood, proved to be a vital source of strength. After the accident, they became my dedicated advocates, urging me to seek assistance, guiding me through challenges, and encouraging me to maintain academic excellence while pursuing scholarships. From this struggle, I developed a profound understanding of the transformative power of community and sisterhood. Rodriguez's mentorship and the Spelman community's support not only highlighted the path to overcoming obstacles but also imprinted in me an appreciation of individuals working toward common goals and the importance of fostering those bonds. These people weren't forced to help me through my life challenge; they were committed by choice, giving me an even deeper sense of purpose and resilience. Thanks to their unwavering support, I was awarded a scholarship from Spelman College, reinforcing that every effort made did not go unnoticed. As I continue my journey through higher education as a sophomore in college, the scars of the accident serve as a reminder of the transformative power of adversity. The lessons learned from this experience continue to shape my academic pursuits and contributions to the community. To this day, I am propelled forward with an extreme sense of gratitude for those who chose to stand by my side during a challenging chapter.

I have chosen to further my education by pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology to become an OB/GYN. This decision stems from my passion for addressing women's reproductive well-being, particularly among underserved communities. I want to provide comprehensive care to women throughout their reproductive lifespans and empower them to make informed decisions about their bodies. Witnessing the challenges women face firsthand from attending Spelman College (an all-women institute), I am committed to offering safety, support, and knowledge to women of color amidst their journey to delivery and beyond. To achieve my goal, I plan to establish a clinic in an underrepresented area like Atlanta, Georgia. In doing so, I aim to ensure that all individuals have equal access to quality maternal and reproductive care regardless of their background. I also acknowledge the importance of diversity in the medical field, especially in addressing the disparities and inequalities faced by communities of color. I want to serve as a role model for children of color, inspiring them to surpass their circumstances and pursue their dreams. By returning to my community, sharing my story, and guiding children from low-income families, I hope to uplift the youth and contribute to a more equitable society. Receiving this scholarship would be essential in fulfilling my vision of addressing systemic inequalities in black communities. People of color have long been targeted and subjected to circumstances that hinder their success, such as the racial salary gap. With the financial support from this scholarship, I would be one step closer to my dreams. It would uplift my platform and enable me to make a more significant impact in uplifting minority communities. Reflecting on my journey, I grew up on the south side of Chicago, Illinois, where there was limited access to role models who looked like me. I understand the challenges and lack of motivation other children in low-income areas face. As someone who has overcome these obstacles, I am determined to use my education and experiences to inspire and guide children from similar backgrounds. By encouraging the youth and giving them belief in their potential, I hope to contribute to a great future. Overall, furthering my education and pursuing a career in obstetrics and gynecology aligns with my passion for women's reproductive health and addressing inequalities. If selected as a recipient of this scholarship, I will seize the opportunity to bring my aspirations to life, allowing me to uplift communities, inspire children, and advocate for a more equitable society.

Directly after college, I want to go to Medical School to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. I've envisioned becoming an obstetrician since the age of ten. As I developed into a young adult, I realized the importance of addressing all aspects of women's reproductive well-being; therefore, I decided to expand my career path from solely being an obstetrician to becoming an OB/GYN. I developed a liking for Obstetrics and Gynecology because I noticed that women, especially black women, are misrepresented in healthcare. Then, from attending a prestigious all-women college, I became more concerned for women's reproductive health, especially since I witnessed firsthand the unique challenges and struggles that women face concerning their reproductive health. By pursuing an OB/GYN career, I can provide comprehensive care to women throughout their entire reproductive lifespan. This would allow me to develop meaningful, long-term relationships with my patients and be involved in their reproductive health journey from adolescence to menopause. I am incredibly dedicated to empowering women with the knowledge, support, and personalized care they need to make knowledgeable decisions about their bodies and lead healthy lives. As a black obstetrician and gynecologist, I will be the one to offer all women of color safety amidst their road to delivery and other reproductive-related cases. Being said, I plan to establish a clinic in an under-represented area like Atlanta, Georgia, and accommodate those most in need. Similar to how everyone should have an equal opportunity to dream big, all people should have equal means to quality maternal and reproductive care. I also aspire to pave the way for children of color and inspire them to reach beyond their precinct. I must highlight the importance of having more diversity of black doctors in the medical field because I remember rarely seeing doctors of color as a child. However, I know that violence and crime are higher in underprivileged areas, so I feel that the children there deserve to have role models the most. Once I am an OB/GYN, I plan to return to my community to use my story to inspire children from low-income families. I encourage the youth because the youth is our future. Our future generations should have genuine opportunities to succeed, and my destiny is to use my background to be a voice for those children. If selected as a recipient of this scholarship, I will seize the opportunity to accomplish my dream of addressing systemic inequalities in black communities. People of color have been targeted and placed in circumstances where they are constrained to fail. For example, take the salary gap between White and Black Americans in the workforce. By obtaining financial freedom from this award, my dreams will become closer to reality. Although I am one person, this scholarship will boost my platform and allow my vision of uplifting the youth and tackling societal disproportions, regarding people of color.

If I could have everyone in the world read just one book, it would be "Salt to the Seas" by Ruta Sepetys. Set during World War II and narrated from four distinct perspectives, the story revolves around their common goal of boarding the ship 'Wilhelm Gustloff' to escape the war and seek a better future. Despite my opposition to multiple viewpoints, the author executed it gracefully, inspiring me to explore a wider range of books and not limit myself based on one bad experience. Beyond its impact on my reading choices, this inspiring and well-executed book broadened my understanding of world history. While I initially thought it would "shed light on the world's deadliest naval incident" like the 'Titanic' or the 'Lusitania,' I was shocked to learn that the 'Wilhelm Gustloff' had more casualties than both combined. Reading "Salt to the Seas" exposed the neglected story of this tragic event, leaving me to wonder how many other war-related tragedies remain overlooked in history. By reading this book, I also gained a deeper understanding of the civilian side of the war, realizing the severity and desperation of those times. With the story's ability to captivate and educate, "Salt to the Seas" is a book that deserves a global audience. We could collectively gain insights into forgotten history, develop empathy for those who endured insufferable challenges, and be reminded of the resilience of the human spirit. I could read the book many times and always enjoy it, making it a highly recommended read. "Salt to the Seas" offers a unique perspective and an unforgettable storyline that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact and unite us.

In the future, my dream version of myself is a black obstetrician/gynecologist dedicated to providing safety, solidarity, and equal access to quality maternal care for women of color, while also inspiring children of color to believe in their limitless potential and advocating for greater diversity in the medical field through my own clinic in an under-represented area like Atlanta, Georgia.

Preserving the true spirit of Christmas is a matter close to my heart. Yet, the early onset of Christmas celebrations has become a prevalent trend in modern society. I hold the unpopular opinion that delaying the onset of Christmas festivities is essential to retain the enchantment and significance of the holiday season. Starting the festivities too soon diminishes the specialness of the holiday season. In this essay, I will elucidate why I firmly believe in savoring the end of autumn before being overwhelmed by the Christmas spirit. As the years went by, I noticed that my Christmas spirit started to diminish as the celebrations seemed to begin earlier each year. The magic and anticipation that once filled the air during the holiday season gradually weakened. Instead of eagerly counting down the days until Christmas, it felt like the festivities had already begun before Thanksgiving arrived. This early start took away the excitement and anticipation I cherished during childhood. For me, the delayed start to the Christmas season holds immense value. It allows me to recapture that sense of anticipation and rekindle the fading ember of my Christmas spirit. I can reclaim the joy and wonder of the holiday season by resisting the urge to begin celebrations too soon. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the sights, sounds, and traditions that make Christmas so special, reigniting the childlike anticipation that had gradually faded over the years. Beyond preserving the magic, delaying Christmas celebrations promotes a sense of togetherness and enables us to embrace the fullness of other important holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Halloween. We uphold the soul of both holidays by honoring Thanksgiving as a distinct occasion dedicated to gratitude and meaningful connections. Differentiating the two and giving time to celebrate each holiday properly offers an opportunity to engage wholeheartedly in expressing gratitude, strengthening bonds with loved ones, and reflecting upon the abundance in our lives. Then, by reserving the right time for Halloween festivities, we can fully immerse ourselves in the fun of costumes, decorations, and community gatherings. It is a holiday where people can focus on creativity and playful spookiness. Both deserve to be celebrated without the overshadowing presence of Christmas. Giving each holiday its due recognition and celebration ensures that each occasion’s unique qualities and values are upheld, promoting cultural significance. My belief in this unpopular opinion is rooted in personal experiences and reflections. I have witnessed how prolonged Christmas celebrations can dilute their magical essence, transforming it into a commercialized matter rather than a cherished tradition. By embracing a delayed start to the Christmas season, we can rekindle the excitement and wonder that accompany the holiday. This purposeful choice allows us to create lasting memories marked by genuine joy and heartfelt connection. By preserving the distinctiveness of Christmas, we demonstrate a commitment to the traditions, music, and decorations that make this season so remarkable. In a society where early Christmas celebrations have become the norm, my unpopular opinion stands firm: delaying the start of Christmas until December not only preserves the uniqueness of each season but also allows us to fully embrace the magic and anticipation that this beloved holiday brings. By appreciating the end of autumn and giving Thanksgiving and Halloween their rightful place, we can savor the essence of Christmas and create cherished memories that will endure for years to come.

From a very young age, my mother always advised my siblings and me to strive for excellence. From then on, I have reflected in the path of her words and ran with them in my life. Undoubtedly, I can say that my mother has been an essential part of building my determined and independent character. She also affected my decision to attend college. When I was younger, I knew I wanted to further my education after high school, but I wasn’t sure with what. Everyone always told me to go to college, but they never provided me with a reason why. At around 11 years old, I took the initiative to discover it for myself. In the media, I constantly saw university-produced African-Americans perform in black excellence and impact society positively. I sought to be one of those people. I want to attend a university because it will offer an empowering environment that will prepare me for my journey of becoming a doctor and surviving in the real world. Additionally, attending a university will help me become a new and improved version of myself, a person with a deeper understanding of the world and better morals. It can provide me with countless opportunities that are both inside and outside of the classroom and will present me with moments to market and expand my knowledge, whether it is with the offering of summer internships and jobs or student networking events. Either way, I would love to be able to take advantage of all of them. As a child, I had never really seen doctors of color. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, there were not many people I could look up to as an idol. There was not much of a future for children, and there was little to no motivation. By receiving an education, I plan on showing my community that it is possible to escape the restraints that society lays upon us. When I further my education, I plan on going back to my community to use my story to inspire children from low-income families. I want to encourage the youth because the youth is our future. Before I moved from the city, it was difficult for me to stay on the right path, so I can only imagine how tough it is for the children who live in low-income neighborhoods. I know that violence and crime are higher in underprivileged areas, and I feel that the children who live there deserve to have role models the most. I want future generations to have genuine opportunities to succeed. They deserve to have as equal of an opportunity as I did. I feel that it is my destiny to use my education to be a voice for those children. I will encourage them to follow their dreams and never give up.

As a child, I had never really seen doctors of color. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, there weren't many people I could look up to as an idol. There wasn't much of a future for the children to look towards, and there was little to no motivation. Financial freedom, to me, means being able to reach farther beyond your goals without being burdened by money. By achieving financial freedom, I plan on showing my community that it is possible to escape the restraints that society lays upon us. When I further my education, I plan on going back to my community to use my story to inspire children who were like me from low-income families. I want to encourage the youth because the youth is our future. Before I moved from the city, it was difficult for me to stay on the right path, so I can only imagine how tough it is for the children who live in low-income neighborhoods. I know that violence and crime are higher in underprivileged areas, and I feel that the children who live there deserve to have role models the most. I want future generations to have genuine opportunities to succeed. They deserve to have as equal of opportunity as I did. I feel that it is my destiny to use my account to be a voice for those children. I will encourage them to follow their dreams and never give up. Since a little girl, I've had the dream of becoming an obstetrician. I developed a liking for Obstetrics and Gynecology because I noticed that women, especially black women, are misrepresented in healthcare. As a black obstetrician, I will be the person to offer women of color safety and solidarity amidst their road to delivery. Similar to how everyone should have an equal opportunity to further their education and “make it out,” all minorities should have equal means to quality maternal care. When I become an obstetrician, I want to make that possible. I plan to establish my own clinic in an under-represented area and accommodate those most in need, whether it‘s younger teens, older women, or whoever. Since I hadn’t seen many doctors of color growing up, I don’t want the never-ending cycle to repeat for the younger generations. Growing up and constantly worrying and feeling unsafe when playing outside, I know how it feels to have nothing to look forward to. To prevent this struggle for our youth, I want to be there for the community’s children and help guide them to the right path. My dreams are big, but they aren't impossible. I know that I can persist and work hard to achieve these great aspirations. I will stop at nothing to accomplish them.

Cheerleading has been my passion since 1st grade. Throughout high school, I've been a part of the JV/Varsity cheerleading team for three years, only taking time off due to COVID-19. I knew when I joined the team, I aspired to be a leader. Therefore, I obtained the captain position my freshman and senior year. My responsibilities as captain consisted of communicating with the coach, helping with advertising fundraisers, and more. I enjoyed every moment of cheerleading, but the best part about my involvement in the hobby was staying active within my community. Having the obligation of associating with fundraisers, food drives, and cheer clinics for children with my team was an honor. Community service brought me closer to my team and also positivity to my community. Although I sustained many injuries, cheerleading will always possess a special place in my heart. The injuries I endured only drove me to better myself. In October of 2018, I had sustained a knee injury from stunting during practice. My injury forced me to wear a knee brace and use crutches for a couple of months; therefore, I couldn't participate in games, cheer practices, or the upcoming season. I viewed myself as a failure, and I mentally struggled with being away from my sport. As a response to this impediment, I had to teach myself to stay strong-minded and dedicated. I stayed in touch with cheerleading by watching videos and listening to cheer stories from my teammates, which motivated me to get better. After the crutches, I began physical therapy and exercised to strengthen my knee. By the next season, I was back to health and ready to participate. I'd never given up. By maintaining the drive to overcome my obstacle, I was rewarded by returning to play the sport I love. That experience had taught me that it is okay to have setbacks in life. That is why I love cheerleading. No matter how hard I try to hold myself to perfect expectations, nobody is perfect in reality. I came to terms with that. When I did, I noticed that I became happier in life. I didn't have to fit ideal expectations all the time. I had also learned that the only challenge to accomplishing goals is self. Cheerleading, my favorite hobby, has influenced my plans for the future as well because I've upheld the quote, "We strive for excellence," throughout my entire cheerleading career. My mother engraved those words in me at the mere age of seven, when I started cheering. I've followed behind them since. Using that quote in cheer influenced me to reach beyond society's norms. With that said, I took an interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology because I noticed that women, especially black women, are misrepresented in healthcare. As a black obstetrician, I will be the person to offer women of color safety and solidarity amidst their road to delivery. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to strive for excellence with the means to quality maternal care.

At the mere age of seven, when I first started cheering, my mother had engraved the words, "We strive for excellence," into me. I grew up with those words, and to this day, I have followed behind them. Wherever I went, I had held that quote to my chest. Ultimately, that means that I've upheld the ideology of accomplishing excellence throughout my entire life. As I grew older, I taught myself that failure wasn't okay and that success was the only pathway. My principles had reflected in my way of living as well. At work, I would try to portray myself as the perfect employee and in school, the ideal student. If I made any mistakes while ringing out customers or completing an assignment, I heavily criticized myself, so I wouldn't mess up again. Over time, I eventually developed the fear of being unsuccessful. To me, making errors felt like a disappointment to myself and my family. I worried that I would struggle with this fear for the rest of my life. Fortunately, my constant worry of failure broke in my freshman year of high school. In August of 2018, two months into my first year of high school, I tried out and made the cheerleading team. Cheerleading was my favorite sport and one of my biggest passions. The football games, the team bonding, and our involvement in the community were what I loved the most. Everything in my life was going perfectly at the time. However, in October, right before competition season started in December, I had sustained a knee injury from stunting during practice. My injury forced me to wear a knee brace and use crutches for a couple of weeks; therefore, I couldn't participate in the football games, cheer practices, or the upcoming season. What I had feared the most had become a reality for me at that moment. I viewed myself as a failure, and I mentally struggled with being away from my sport. My mother wasn't upset at me, but I was upset at myself because I felt that I could've reacted better in a situation that was out of my control. In response to the impediment, I had to teach myself to stay strong-minded and dedicated. I tried to keep in touch with cheerleading by watching videos and listening to cheer stories from my teammates, which motivated me to get better. After I was off crutches, I began physical therapy and exercised to strengthen my knee. By the next season, I was back to health and ready to participate. I never gave up. By maintaining the drive to overcome my obstacle, I was rewarded by returning to play the sport I love. That hardship had taught me that it is okay to have setbacks in life. No matter how hard I may try to hold myself up to perfect expectations, nobody is perfect in reality. I had to come to terms with that. When I did, I noticed that I became happier in life. I didn't have to fit ideal expectations all the time anymore neither. The experience also taught me that the only barrier to achieving my dreams was myself. Fears and obstacles had nothing over the plan I had for myself. It was all in my head. It's solely up to me to continue to strive and push forward.

From a young age, my mother advised my siblings and me to strive for excellence. From then on, I have reflected in the path of her words and ran with them. Undoubtedly, I can say that my mother is my role model. She is significant because she has been an essential part of building my determined and independent character. With any goal that I desire to reach, I make it a mission to achieve it, and I give thanks to my mother for molding me into a person that upholds such strong morals. When it came to my mother, I was always eager to impress her. I wanted her to know that I would chase anything I wanted. One day, I told her that I wanted to become an Obstetrician. To prove my dedication and enthusiasm, I single-handedly saved my money and used it to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant program. I showed her that I was willing to start my career journey early from the ground up. After finishing it, my hard work paid off because I currently work at a nursing home. Out of all of the triumphs my mother motivated me towards, that one was the most unforgettable. I could always count on my mother to inspire me. She taught me valuable lessons throughout my life by using her words. She taught me to never back down from my dreams. To this day, I follow her advice with pride, and I will strive to attain greatness.

Everyone can be kind and caring, but being loyal and loving is what differentiates friends from that. Friendship to me means having the strong bond of connecting with someone beyond the conversations. It requires a relationship of mutual support, love, and gratitude. Friends are close in mind and spirit. Sometimes friends are dearer than family because of the memories you've shared. The duration of a friendship does not determine its might either, but the people in it. A friendship reminds me that I am not alone and that someone will always have my back. It's a commitment that is built from shared values and honesty. Honesty builds trust in a friendship, and trust is required for the relationship to grow. Even if you are wrong, friends will tell you and teach you the correct way of doing things. They will never judge you. In whatever circumstance, they will continue to love you because they want to see you succeed. True friends guide you to try new ideas and inspire you. A friendship is flexible too. You don't have to talk every single day to maintain a stable relationship. Friends will go through tough times and work together to strengthen their relationship, and they avoid problems. Friendships are blessings.

In the future, I hope to become an obstetrician. I developed a liking for Obstetrics and Gynecology because I noticed that women, especially black women, are misrepresented in healthcare. As a black obstetrician, I will be the person to offer women of color safety and solidarity amidst their road to delivery. Similar to how everyone should have an equal opportunity to live, all minorities should have equal means to quality maternal care. During my educational path, I hope to pave the way for children of color and inform them that it's possible to do anything you set your mind to. I also want to highlight the importance of having more diversity in black doctors in the medical field because I remember I had never seen doctors of color as a child. In the city I grew up, there wasn't much of a future for the children or any motivation. When I further my education, I plan on going back to my community to use my story to inspire children from low-income families. I know that violence and crime are higher in underprivileged areas, and I feel that the children who live there deserve to have role models the most. I believe in encouraging the youth because the youth is our future. The future generations should have genuine opportunities to succeed, and I feel that it is my destiny to use my background to be a voice for those children.

Regardless of what university I attend after high school, it's my goal to study Biology on a Pre-Medicine track. I have been learning Spanish for over six years, so I want to continue improving on it as a minor. Directly after college, I want to go to Medical School to begin my journey of becoming an Obstetrician. I developed a liking for Obstetrics and Gynecology because I noticed that women, especially black women, are misrepresented in healthcare. As a black obstetrician, I will be the person to offer women of color safety and solidarity amidst their road to delivery. Similar to how everyone should have an equal opportunity to live, all minorities should have equal means to quality maternal care. During my educational path, I hope to pave the way for children of color and inform them that it's possible to do anything you set your mind to. I also want to highlight the importance of having more diversity in black doctors in the medical field because I remember I had never seen doctors of color as a child. In the city I grew up, there wasn't much of a future for the children or any motivation. When I further my education, I plan on going back to my community to use my story to inspire children from low-income families. I know that violence and crime are higher in underprivileged areas, and I feel that the children who live there deserve to have role models the most. I believe in encouraging the youth because the youth is our future. The future generations should have genuine opportunities to succeed, and I feel that it is my destiny to use my background to be a voice for those children.

Salt to the Seas by Ruta Sepetys is the most inspiring book I’ve read yet. The story takes place during World War II and is delivered from the perspective of four different characters. Although the characters are entirely distinct from one another, they all share the common goal of seeking to board a ship named ‘Wilhelm Gustloff.’ All of the characters seek freedom from the war hoping to gain a better future. Usually, I despise books told from different points of view considering that often time they confuse me since I’d have to keep up with separate life stories, but Ruta Sepetys executed it very well. Aside from the story, the book type had inspired me to broaden the choice of books I read and to not limit myself because of one bad experience. Aside from unearthing more about my taste in books, I discovered more about the world’s history. In the plot review, it stated that the book’s inspiration was the world’s deadliest naval incident. When I began reading, I assumed it to be about the ‘Titanic’ or the ‘Lusitania.’ However, with more deaths than the ‘Titanic’ and the ‘Lusitania’ combined, it was the ‘Wilhelm Gustloff.’ I knew nothing about the ‘Wilhelm Gustloff’ until I read the Salt to the Seas. It‘s disturbing to think about how easily neglected its story was. It makes me wonder how many more tragedies the war had swallowed. Ruta Sepetys is my favorite author. I’ve read all of her fantastic books, but ‘Salt to the Seas’ is by far the best. The book shed light on the unspoken, civilian side of the war and helped me understand just how severe and desperate times were. I could read this book one thousand times and never get bored of it. I highly recommend it.

Personally, to keep a growth mindset, I surround myself with positivity and take care of my health. I believe that you are who you associate yourself with, so if my closest friends are uplifting and supportive people, then I will be the same in return. Being in a promoting environment is essential for growth too. I also believe that pushing to be the best possible version of yourself creates excellent outcomes. There isn't anything negative that derives from trying your best. Similar to everyone else, I have setbacks that hinder my growth. To counter them, I keep my spirits high and never lose hope. I tell myself that even if I fail, the thought that I tried should drive me to improve for next time. Instead of getting upset and giving up, I embrace and accept the setbacks and use them as opportunities for learning. My growing mindset not only involves maintaining a clear mind but also a healthy body. With this said, I keep my body physically well. I do this by making sure to eat healthily, get enough sleep, and exercise. I don't want to overwork myself and cause stress, so I understand breaks. I use these methods in my day-to-day life to preserve a growth mindset.

As a child, I had never really seen doctors of color. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, there weren't many people I could look up to as an idol. There wasn't much of a future for the children to look towards, and there was little to no motivation. Financial freedom, to me, means being able to reach farther beyond your goals without being burdened by money. By achieving financial freedom, I plan on showing my community that it is possible to escape the restraints that society lays upon us. When I further my education, I plan on going back to my community to use my story to inspire children who were like me from low-income families. I want to encourage the youth because the youth is our future. Before I moved from the city, it was difficult for me to stay on the right path, so I can only imagine how tough it is for the children who live in low-income neighborhoods. I know that violence and crime are higher in underprivileged areas, and I feel that the children who live there deserve to have role models the most. I want future generations to have genuine opportunities to succeed. They deserve to have as equal of opportunity as I did. I feel that it is my destiny to use my account to be a voice for those children. I will encourage them to follow their dreams and never give up. Since a little girl, I've had the dream of becoming an obstetrician. I developed a liking for Obstetrics and Gynecology because I noticed that women, especially black women, are misrepresented in healthcare. As a black obstetrician, I will be the person to offer women of color safety and solidarity amidst their road to delivery. Similar to how everyone should have an equal opportunity to further their education and “make it out,” all minorities should have equal means to quality maternal care. When I become an obstetrician, I want to make that possible. I plan to establish my own clinic in an under-represented area and accommodate those most in need whether it be younger teens, older women, or whoever. Since I hadn’t seen many doctors of color growing up. I don’t want the never-ending cycle to repeat for the younger generations. Growing up and constantly worrying and feeling unsafe when playing outside, I know how it feels to have no future to look towards. To prevent this struggle for our youth, I want to be there for the children of the community and help guide them to the right path.

When it comes to learning about science, there is a multitude of fields you can study. If you're interested in outer space, you can study Astronomy. If you're fascinated with the planet Earth, you can study Earth Science. In my case, I want to learn about life and living organisms, so I plan to study Biology. Possessing a profound knowledge of natural science is a gift because it makes you a scientist. Scientists are granted the opportunity to learn new things every day. They can also conduct research and use the information they learn to create better solutions to the world's problems. They are constantly impacting society in positive ways because they separate the facts from the theories. What's most interesting to me is that science will always be a part of the world. The things we see in our everyday lives, such as what we eat and our environment, are just the first layer of science. We're just grazing the top surface, and there's so much more to uncover and understand. It's in a continuous state of flow. Without science, the world can not advance. When applying to colleges, I chose Biological Sciences as my intended program of study because I want to learn about all aspects of science; anatomy, physiology, genetics, evolution, and more. I want to achieve the greatest possible understanding of how an organism solely survives on Earth and how its structure assists them with functioning and maintaining stability. From the beginning of my high school "career," I obtained an interest in learning about science on an advanced level. In 9th grade, I took the initiative to apply to an academic program named PROMISE (EIP) at 'Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.' I got accepted into the program, and there I participated in hands-on labs and experiments and learned an advanced curriculum of math and science. Since then, my love for science has grown. At age 13, I knew I wanted to become an obstetrician. As a child, I would find myself roleplaying as the doctor in birthing simulator games, then later tending to womens' reproductive issues on mobile games. I was oblivious before, but now it all makes sense. Science is my passion, and it is my destiny to continue with it. Throughout high school, I challenged myself with it by enrolling in honors and an AP class. I exceeded in them. Now, in college, I seek to do the same, specifically with Biology. I desire to learn more in-depth about the subject. I also aspire to go to medical school to fulfill my career goal. Therefore, I believe selecting a STEM choice as my first-choice major would best prepare me for my lifelong journey.

Katherine Johnson is my favorite scientist because she was an intelligent, black woman who was a NASA pioneer. Despite facing racism and discrimination at NASA, she made extraordinary contributions to space exploration. Then, aside from her mastermind calculations, Katherine also helped desegregate NASA and build the space program. She inspires me the most because she was one of the few women of color hired by NASA that made early space missions and the first moon landing possible.

Everyone can be kind and caring, but being loyal and loving is what differentiates friends from that. Friendship to me means having the strong bond of connecting with someone beyond the conversations. It requires a relationship of mutual support, love, and gratitude. Friends are close in mind and spirit. Sometimes friends are dearer than family because of the memories you've shared. The duration of a friendship does not determine its might either, but the people in it. A friendship reminds me that I am not alone and that someone will always have my back. It's a commitment that is built from shared values and honesty. Honesty builds trust in a friendship, and trust is required for the relationship to grow. Even if you are wrong, friends will tell you and teach you the correct way of doing things. They will never judge you. In whatever circumstance, they will continue to love you because they want to see you succeed. True friends guide you to try new ideas and inspire you. A friendship is flexible too. You don't have to talk every single day to maintain a stable relationship. Friends will go through tough times and work together to strengthen their relationship, and they avoid problems. Friendships are blessings.

Personally, to keep a growth mindset, I surround myself with positivity and take care of my health. I believe that you are who you associate yourself with, so if my closest friends are uplifting and supportive people, then I will be the same in return. Being in a promoting environment is essential for growth too. I also believe that pushing to be the best possible version of yourself creates excellent outcomes. There isn't anything negative that derives from trying your best. Similar to everyone else, I have setbacks that hinder my growth. To counter them, I keep my spirits high and never lose hope. I tell myself that even if I fail, the thought that I tried should drive me to improve for next time. Instead of getting upset and giving up, I embrace and accept the setbacks and use them as opportunities for learning. My growing mindset not only involves maintaining a clear mind but also a healthy body. With this said, I keep my body physically well. I do this by making sure to eat healthily, get enough sleep, and exercise. I don't want to overwork myself and cause stress, so I understand breaks. I use these methods in my day-to-day life to preserve a growth mindset.

Hi! My name is Kaylin Clay. I'm currently a senior in high school who's in the process of applying to colleges. I've been admitted into a few universities so far, but my top institution is Spelman College. Regardless of what university I attend, I plan to major in Biology on a Pre-Medicine track. After graduating, I want to go to Medical School to begin my journey of becoming an Obstetrician. I took an interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology because I noticed that women, especially black women, are misrepresented in healthcare. As a black obstetrician, I will be the person to offer women of color safety and solidarity amidst their road to delivery. Similar to how everyone should have an equal opportunity to further their education, all minorities should have equal means to quality maternal care. During my educational path, I hope to pave the way for children of color to inform them that it's possible to do anything you set your mind to. I also want to highlight the importance of having more diversity of Black doctors in the medical field. As a child, I grew up with the quote, "We strive for excellence." To this day, since the age of seven, I've been a cheerleader. Wherever I went, I held that quote to my chest, so I've upheld that value almost throughout my entire life. I taught myself that failure wasn't okay and that success was the only pathway. Over time, I developed the fear of being unsuccessful because I felt I would disappoint myself and my family. However, that standard broke in my first year of high school cheer. In October of 2018, I had sustained a knee injury from stunting during practice. My injury forced me to wear a knee brace and use crutches for a couple of months; therefore, I couldn't participate in games, cheer practices, or the upcoming season. I viewed myself as a failure, and I mentally struggled with being away from my sport. In response to this impediment, I had to teach myself to stay strong-minded and dedicated. I stayed in touch with cheerleading by watching videos and listening to cheer stories from my teammates, which motivated me to get better. After I was off crutches, I began physical therapy and exercised to strengthen my knee. By the next season, I was back to health and ready to participate. I never gave up. By maintaining the drive to overcome my obstacle, I was rewarded by returning to play the sport I love. That experience had taught me that it is okay to have a setback. I can hold myself to perfect expectations, but in reality, nobody is perfect. I came to terms with that. When I did, I noticed that I became happier in life. I didn't have to fit ideal expectations all the time. I had also learned that the only challenge to achieving goals is self. Fears and obstacles have nothing over your purpose. It's solely up to you to continue to strive and push forward.

From a very young age, my mother always advised my siblings and me to strive for excellence. From then on, I have reflected in the path of her words and ran with them in my life. Undoubtedly, I can say that my mother has been an essential part of building my determined and independent character. She also affected my decision to attend college. When I was younger, I knew I wanted to further my education after high school, but I wasn’t sure with what. Everyone always told me to go to college, but they never provided me with a reason why. At around 11 years old, I took the initiative to discover it for myself. In the media, I constantly saw university-produced African-Americans perform in black excellence and impact society positively. I sought to be one of those people. I want to attend a university because it will offer an empowering environment that will prepare me for my journey of becoming a doctor and surviving in the real world. Additionally, attending a university will help me become a new and improved version of myself, a person with a deeper understanding of the world and better morals. It can provide me with countless opportunities that're both inside and outside of the classroom and will present me with moments to market and expand my knowledge, whether it is with the offering of summer internships and jobs or student networking events. Either way, I would love to be able to take advantage of all of them. As a child, I had never really seen doctors of color. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, there weren't many people I could look up to as an idol. There wasn't much of a future for the children, and there was little to no motivation. When I further my education, I plan on going back to my community to use my story to inspire children from low-income families. I want to encourage the youth because the youth is our future. Before I moved from the city, it was difficult for me to stay on the right path, so I can only imagine how tough it is for the children who live in low-income neighborhoods. I know that violence and crime are higher in underprivileged areas, and I feel that the children who live there deserve to have role models the most. I want future generations to have genuine opportunities to succeed. They deserve to have as equal of an opportunity as I did. I feel that it is my destiny to use my education to be a voice for those children. I will encourage them to follow their dreams and never give up.