As a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe, my journey toward pursuing a medical degree with a specialization in anesthesiology has been profoundly shaped by my cultural heritage and personal experiences. Growing up in a community where access to healthcare was limited, I became aware of the gaps that exist within the healthcare system. We have to go out of our community for care, which includes anesthesiologist services. This realization ignited my passion for medicine. My aspiration is not only to become an anesthesiologist but also to serve as an advocate for my communities, ensuring that all patients receive equitable care. As a student deeply committed to understanding and serving marginalized communities, my engagement with the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe has profoundly shaped my academic and personal development. My experiences in community service, particularly within the context of Native American healthcare and legal systems, have provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities faced by these communities. My involvement in various initiatives, including obtaining a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license and working at the tribal court, has equipped me with practical skills while fostering a deep respect for cultural heritage and resilience. In addition to my healthcare training, I work at the tribal court system where I gained firsthand experience observing judicial processes that serve our members. This engagement illustrated the importance of tribal sovereignty and self-governance in maintaining justice within indigenous communities. By assisting legal professionals and participating in restorative justice programs, I witnessed how these initiatives aim not only to resolve conflicts but also to heal relationships within families and communities. Throughout my academic journey and personal experiences, I have come to understand the profound impact that community involvement has on my individual growth. My engagement with the Fort Peck Tribal Elves and my role as a Tribal Courts Worker have significantly shaped my perspective on community service, justice, and cultural heritage. These experiences have not only deepened my commitment to social equity but also enhanced my understanding of the unique challenges faced by Native communities. The Fort Peck Tribal Elves demonstrate the power of communal action in raising positive change within our community. As a member of this group, I actively participated in various plans aimed at improving the quality of life for children and families on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. We organize events for underprivileged youth, families, and elders. Each endeavor reinforced my belief in the importance of grassroots efforts. The camaraderie among volunteers demonstrated how shared goals can unite our community.

1. Growing up on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana, I was immersed in a culture that highly values perseverance and, like many reservations, basketball. These principles became pillars of my identity as I pursued excellence not only in sports but also in academics. My journey through these competitive arenas has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to represent my heritage in a positive light. My journey through these competitive arenas has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to represent my heritage in a positive light. Participation in basketball, volleyball, and track has provided me with invaluable lessons about teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Each sport demanded a unique set of skills; however, they all share the common thread of fostering collaboration among teammates. I learned that individual talent must be complemented by collective effort to achieve success, including educational success. This realization prompted me to enhance my leadership skills by encouraging fellow players during practice and motivating them to push their limits. Academically, my commitment to excellence mirrors my athletic pursuits. Balancing rigorous coursework with training schedules required meticulous time management and prioritization. 2. As a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe, my journey toward pursuing a medical degree with a specialization in anesthesiology has been profoundly shaped by my cultural heritage and personal experiences. Growing up in a community where access to healthcare was limited, I became aware of the gaps that exist within the healthcare system. We have to go out of our community for care, which includes anesthesiologist services. This realization ignited my passion for medicine. My aspiration is not only to become an anesthesiologist but also to serve as an advocate for my communities, ensuring that all patients receive equitable care. As a student deeply committed to understanding and serving marginalized communities, my engagement with the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe has profoundly shaped my academic and personal development. My experiences in community service, particularly within the context of Native American healthcare and legal systems, have provided me with invaluable insights into the complexities faced by these communities. My involvement in various initiatives, including obtaining a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license and working at the tribal court, has equipped me with practical skills while fostering a deep respect for cultural heritage and resilience. In addition to my healthcare training, I work at the tribal court system where I gained firsthand experience observing judicial processes that serve our members. This engagement illustrated the importance of tribal sovereignty and self-governance in maintaining justice within indigenous communities. By assisting legal professionals and participating in restorative justice programs, I witnessed how these initiatives aim not only to resolve conflicts but also to heal relationships within families and communities.