At just 15 years old, I took my first step into the world of healthcare as a cadet in the local fire department. That experience ignited a flame within me—a deep passion for serving others that has continued to burn brightly throughout my life. Responding to emergency calls in my community opened my eyes to the critical role of compassionate care, and I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to healing. Today, as a junior at the University of Memphis pursuing a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Health Services, I remain committed to this dream. Being a first-generation college student from a lower socioeconomic background has presented challenges, but it has also fueled my ambition. I have faced significant hurdles, including undiagnosed ADHD, financial difficulties, and moments of discrimination. These obstacles have tested my resilience and determination, shaping my commitment to healthcare and my desire to advocate for those who often go unheard. This semester has been particularly transformative for me. With the support I have received, I completed my courses with honors, making the Dean’s List, which reflects my true abilities when I am properly supported. This achievement is not just a personal victory; it symbolizes my potential to contribute meaningfully to the field of medicine. Over the past eight years, I have accumulated extensive experience in healthcare, including working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately becoming a surgical technologist. These experiences have fueled my strong interest in OBGYN and pediatrics, as I find fulfillment in supporting patients and their families during vulnerable moments. However, my journey has not been without its challenges. Financial constraints often overshadowed my academic aspirations, making it difficult to stay focused on my goal of attending medical school. Despite juggling multiple jobs to support my family, I have remained committed to my education and my dream. Last year, receiving my ADHD diagnosis was a turning point. It provided clarity and a framework to address my challenges effectively. With the right support and strategies in place, I have regained control over my academic performance and developed a greater sense of empathy for those facing similar struggles. I understand the barriers that individuals in my community encounter regarding access to healthcare and the importance of equitable medical resources. My ambition to attend medical school and specialize in OBGYN or pediatric surgery is driven by a desire to ensure that every patient, regardless of their background, receives the dignified care they deserve. I envision a future where I can advocate for equitable healthcare access and empower individuals in underserved communities to seek the medical attention they require. In conclusion, my journey as a first-generation college student from a low-income family has profoundly shaped my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. The obstacles I have faced—particularly my struggles with ADHD—have equipped me with the empathy, resilience, and determination needed to make a difference in the lives of others. Receiving the Dr. Michael Paglia Scholarship would not only honor his legacy but also provide the support necessary for me to continue my pursuit of becoming a medical doctor. I am committed to following in Dr. Paglia's footsteps by advocating for those in need and influencing the field of medicine positively. Thank you for considering my application.

From the moment I joined the local fire department as a cadet at the age of 15, I felt a spark ignite within me—a passion for serving others that has only grown over the years. Responding to emergency calls in my community, I witnessed firsthand the importance of compassionate care. I realized that a simple act of kindness could ease someone's pain or fear, and I knew that I wanted to dedicate my life to healing. This experience launched my journey into the healthcare field, where I have spent the last eight years pursuing my dream of becoming a medical doctor. Currently, I am a junior at the University of Memphis, majoring in a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Health Services. Throughout my academic career, I have faced significant challenges, including undiagnosed ADHD, financial hardships, and instances of discrimination. These obstacles have tested my resilience and determination, but they have also shaped my commitment to healthcare. The struggle to maintain my grades while juggling multiple jobs to support my family often felt overwhelming. Yet, each setback has only fueled my resolve to succeed and make a difference in the lives of others. Throughout my journey, I have gained extensive experience in healthcare, including working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately becoming a surgical technologist. These experiences deepened my interest in OBGYN and pediatrics, as I found great fulfillment in supporting patients and their families during vulnerable moments. However, the road has not been easy. During my time in college, I encountered academic suspension due to the challenges brought on by my ADHD, compounded by the loss of financial aid. The belittlement I faced, including being labeled a "mediocre black boy" by a military instructor, only added to the emotional toll. Despite these hardships, I have remained steadfast in my pursuit of a career in medicine. Receiving my ADHD diagnosis last year was a turning point that provided me with clarity and a path to addressing my challenges. With proper support and strategies in place, I have begun to regain control over my academic performance. This newfound understanding has not only improved my grades but also instilled in me a greater sense of empathy for individuals facing similar struggles. I know that there are many in my community who, like me, have had to navigate the complexities of access to healthcare, often feeling unheard and undervalued. My aspiration to attend medical school and specialize in OBGYN or pediatric surgery is driven by my desire to advocate for equitable healthcare access. I envision a future where every patient, regardless of their background, receives the dignified care they deserve. My goal is to create a legacy of hope and empowerment in my community, ensuring that no one has to forgo medical care due to financial constraints or a lack of understanding of available resources. In conclusion, the challenges I have faced as an African American male from a low-income family have shaped my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare. My experiences have equipped me with the resilience, empathy, and determination needed to advocate for those in need. I believe that the Beacon of Light Scholarship will provide me with the support necessary to continue my journey toward becoming a medical doctor, allowing me to fulfill my dream of healing and serving my community. Thank you for considering my application.

Becoming a medical doctor is a dream that resonates deeply within me, fueled by personal experiences that have shaped my life. Growing up as an African American male in a low-income family, I witnessed the harsh realities of healthcare disparities and the struggles many in my community faced. These experiences ignited my passion for medicine and instilled in me a responsibility to advocate for those who often go unheard. My journey toward medicine began at 15, serving as a cadet in the local fire department. This early exposure to emergency response sparked my interest in healthcare and the critical role of compassionate care. Responding to calls in my neighborhood, I saw how a simple act of kindness could ease someone’s pain or fear. In those moments, I realized the power of being there for others and knew I wanted to make that my life's work. However, the path to becoming a doctor has been filled with obstacles. Financial constraints have been a constant challenge. My family worked hard to make ends meet, but there were times we struggled to afford basic necessities. The idea of pursuing a college education often felt distant, overshadowed by the need to support my family. I juggled multiple jobs throughout college while trying to maintain my grades and stay focused on my goal of attending medical school. In addition to financial challenges, I faced a long journey to understand my learning difficulties, culminating in a diagnosis of ADHD just last year. Before this diagnosis, I struggled for years, feeling lost and frustrated as my efforts didn’t translate into academic success. The pressure to perform affected my self-esteem and mental health, leaving me feeling isolated. During this challenging time, my healthcare career became my anchor. Working in surgery fueled my passion for medicine and provided me with a sense of purpose. I thrived in an environment where I could help others, serving patients and supporting their needs. This role reminded me of why I wanted to pursue this path. Receiving my ADHD diagnosis was a turning point. It provided clarity and a framework to address my challenges. With the right support, I began to implement strategies to manage my symptoms and improve academically. This journey equipped me with resilience and determination. These experiences have left an indelible mark on my character, fostering empathy for others facing similar struggles. I understand the challenges individuals in low-income communities face regarding access to healthcare. Many have had to forgo medical care due to financial constraints or a lack of understanding of available resources. This reality fuels my commitment to advocate for equitable healthcare access and ensure that every patient feels valued. In conclusion, my journey as an African American male from a low-income family has profoundly shaped my desire to become a medical doctor. The obstacles I have faced, particularly my struggles with ADHD, have equipped me with the empathy and determination needed to advocate for those in need. I am committed to ensuring that every patient I encounter receives the dignified care they deserve, aiming to create a legacy of hope and empowerment for my community and beyond.

My experiences as a male surgical technologist in the field of OBGYN have profoundly shaped my pro-life position, reinforcing my commitment to advocating for the value and dignity of all human beings, especially the unborn. Working in a clinical environment has provided me with a unique perspective on the complexities of pregnancy, childbirth, and the critical importance of supporting both mothers and their babies. In my role, I am privileged to work alongside a dedicated team of healthcare professionals who prioritize the well-being of both the mother and the child. Each day, I witness the incredible strength and resilience of women as they navigate the journey of pregnancy and childbirth. My interactions with expectant mothers allow me to advocate for their needs, ensuring they feel supported and respected throughout the delivery process. I believe that every mother deserves compassionate care and the opportunity to make informed choices about her pregnancy. Being part of the OBGYN team, I take an active role in promoting a culture of respect and dignity for all my patients. I understand that pregnancy can evoke a range of emotions, from joy to anxiety, and my responsibility is to create a nurturing environment where mothers feel safe and valued. I strive to be a calming presence in the delivery room, providing emotional support and reassurance as mothers bring new life into the world. This role not only enriches my understanding of the pro-life stance but also deepens my appreciation for the sacredness of life in all its forms. Moreover, my commitment to the dignity of both mother and baby extends beyond the delivery room. I actively participate in educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the importance of prenatal care, maternal health, and the support systems available to expectant families. By engaging with the community and sharing information about available resources, I aim to empower women to make informed decisions that honor the lives of both themselves and their unborn children. I also advocate for policies and practices that prioritize the health and well-being of mothers and babies. This includes supporting initiatives that provide access to quality prenatal care, mental health resources, and postnatal support. I believe that by addressing the holistic needs of mothers, we can create a more supportive environment that values life at every stage. Additionally, my experiences have taught me the importance of listening to and valuing the voices of the mothers I support. Each mother has her own unique story and circumstances, and it is vital to approach each situation with empathy and understanding. By fostering open communication, I can better advocate for their needs and ensure that their dignity is upheld throughout their healthcare journey. In conclusion, my experiences as a male surgical technologist in OBGYN have solidified my pro-life position and deepened my commitment to promoting the value and dignity of all human beings, especially the unborn. Through my advocacy for patients, support for mothers during delivery, and engagement in community education, I strive to create an environment where every life is cherished and valued. I believe that by supporting both mothers and babies, we can honor the sacredness of life and ensure that every individual is treated with the dignity they deserve.

Being the first in my family to pursue and obtain a college degree is a profound milestone that carries immense significance for me. It symbolizes not just a personal achievement but also a commitment to breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for future generations. Growing up, I witnessed the challenges my mother faced trying to provide and maintain a career without an education. This emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance. Their sacrifices and dedication instilled in me a strong desire to succeed academically and to pave the way for my family and community. As I reflect on my college experience at the University of Memphis, I understand that being a first-generation student comes with unique challenges. I often find myself navigating unfamiliar territory, seeking guidance and support in a system that may not always be tailored to my needs. However, this journey has also taught me resilience and adaptability. Each step I take reinforces my belief that education is a powerful tool for personal growth and community upliftment. I am committed to not only achieving my own academic goals but also inspiring others in my family and community to pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may encounter. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration in Health Services. My passion for healthcare was ignited at a young age when I joined the local fire department as a cadet. This experience exposed me to the realities of serving others and solidified my desire to make a difference through medicine. I am particularly interested in specializing in either OBGYN or pediatric surgery. As I currently work as a surgical Technologist in this area, I believe I can have a significant impact on individual lives and community health. The long-term goals I have set for myself revolve around my commitment to healthcare and community service. I aspire to attend medical school and ultimately become a physician. My vision extends beyond just practicing medicine; I aim to address the disparities that exist within our healthcare system, particularly in underserved populations. I have seen firsthand the struggles many individuals face in accessing quality medical care, and I want to be a source of support and advocacy for those who may feel marginalized or overlooked. Moreover, I am dedicated to using my education and experiences to mentor future generations. I want to create pathways for other first-generation students to access the resources and support that may have been lacking in my own journey. By sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned, I hope to empower others to believe in their potential and pursue their own educational aspirations. In addition to my professional goals, I envision contributing to community initiatives focused on health education and awareness. I aim to foster an environment where individuals are informed about their health options and empowered to make choices that improve their well-being. By actively engaging with my community, I hope to cultivate a culture of health literacy and support, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. With that said, being the first in my family to pursue a college degree is a profound honor that motivates me to succeed academically and professionally. I am passionate about my studies in health services and aspire to attend medical school to specialize in OBGYN or pediatric surgery. My long-term goals center on addressing healthcare disparities, mentoring future generations, and promoting health education. Through my journey, I hope to create a legacy of service and empowerment that inspires others to follow their dreams and transform their lives.