My mom is the oldest child. She was the product of an unfortunate relationship. However, my grandmother found herself another lover, married, and divorced. My mom was still the oldest child and yet she has always been alone. She was always responsible for caring and looking after her younger siblings. She has been a hard worker from such a young age. In high school, she met my father: who did not stick around for the pregnancy. Then she met my siblings' father, and while he was around for as long as he was, did not stay forever either. You would think "Is she going to turn out like her mother? Forcing her oldest to take care of her children? Not being around when they need her?", but my Mom was not like that at all. I was not forced to feed my siblings, do their hair, or wash their clothes. The most she would ask of me is to help straighten up the house, or watch them while she worked or went to the store. I never felt like a second mother to my siblings, I felt like their big sister. She gave each of us a piece of her time and with mine, we talked about life and school. She would help me with school work, projects, and after-school activities. Anything I was interested in, she would support; and if we could not afford it, she would find a way to make do. She always told me about how important my education was and how I needed to do my best. I was never the smartest kid nor do I feel like I am, but my Mom...my Mom always told me I was. I placed 7th in my elementary class genuinely due to my awkwardness with anything school-related. I felt so dumb and bad, but when I heard my Mom scream my name, it felt like I was on the top of the world. Since then, I have been determined to keep that support, to keep that cheering forever. I managed to keep all As and join several extra-curricular activities. I work as hard as I can to make my Mom proud. She raised us all by herself with the criticism and disgust from our family. I feel for anyone who had to go through the same thing. I want to work hard enough to help support others in single-parent homes. Whether it is something small like finding someone to watch their kids while they work or something big like providing them the opportunity to take a family trip. I understand how difficult it is to watch your parent struggle to support themselves and you. I also know, from my Mom, how difficult it is to see your kids go without something. Maybe my efforts will be just the thing to motivate them, or to at least show them that we care.

The doctor's office has always been something I was afraid of. I did not have a serious reason for my dislike of it, but it always left a bad taste in my mouth. I always associated it with death or illness, so I was always scared of it. What if the doctor tells me I have cancer? What if I contract a disease by breathing in the air? The possibility of illness was not the only thing I thought about. I was always worried about what the doctor or nurse would think about me. I wondered if I was ever so unhealthy that it disgusted them, or if I was breathing too hard while they pressed the stethoscope to my chest. The doctor's office always had my mind working double time. That is until one day, I had to go to the doctor to get an ultrasound. Before, during, and after my cycles, I always experienced severe pain in my lower abdomen. The pain was so powerful that my mother placed an appointment weeks before my cycle. I walked into the ultrasound room, worried about what the doctor would say or think. I closed my eyes awaiting bad news, but it never came. The doctor was so understanding and caring that I completely forgot what I was there for. She talked me through everything and even cracked jokes with me. I have never had a hospital experience as pleasant as that one. When I left the doctor that day, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to work in radiology and help other people just like the doctor helped me. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

Mental health has had a profound impact on my life. I struggle with my self-image, how others see me, and perfectionism. These problems give me a low-self esteem, so I am constantly battling against self-doubt and depression. At school, my perfectionism often makes me procrastinate, not out of laziness, but because I am scared not to me my high standards. This has negatively impacted my academic performance and my ability to contribute in class. I worry that anything less than perfect will reflect badly on me, and as a result, I often isolate myself from others. My perfectionism is both a blessing and a curse. While I strive for excellence, I often put too much pressure on myself to meet my standards. This often causes me to get extremely stressed out. I become fixated on every detail, fearing that any small mistake will determine my worth. This fear of failing has a severe hold over me. Over time, this internal pressure contributed to my ongoing struggle with depression. I find myself questioning my abilities, doubting my worth, and feeling like I am never going to be enough. It is almost like no matter how hard I try, I will always fall short. There will always be someone better and smarter. It feels as if my worth is determined by my accomplishments and I can never meet my own standards. I feel like I am constantly failing, even when I am trying my hardest..I hesitate to answer questions in class out of fear someone would think I am arrogant, or worse, that my voice will sound weird or strange. This has led to bad marks when we are being graded for participation. Every time I speak, I worry I might say something wrong or that people will judge me for it. The constant fear of being perceived negatively is the biggest struggle in my life. While I like making friends, I do not like people noticing me or having attention. I am scared that they will pick me apart and notice every flaw I have. It feels like the smallest imperfection would be the center of everyone's attention and I hate it. Because of this, I find it difficult to form and maintain relationships. I never truly open up to people because I am scared that if I let my hard down, they will see me how I see me and leave. This fear leaves me feeling desperate and isolated- even when I am surrounded by people. Despite all my problems, I have learned valuable lessons about self-compassion. I am not as harsh on myself as I used to be and over time I hope I would have come to understand that my worth is not determined by my accomplishments or how other people see me. I have started taking steps to prioritize my mental health. Journaling has been a great tool for self-reflection, and mediation allows me a moment of calmness. I am also starting therapy soon, which I am excited for! I have learned to be more understanding of myself. The world is a big place, so I am sure many people are too worried about their own shortcomings to point out mine. My mental health struggles have reshaped my goals, relationships, and world by teaching me the importance of loving myself, by reminding me that I am living for myself and no one else.

In the future, I plan to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Radiologic Sciences and become an MRI Tech. I have always been passionate about health science and how people use it to help others. Many people are afraid of doctor's offices and anticipate going to them. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I have had my own experiences with doctor appointments that have left me anxious and nervous. That is why I believe it is so important to help others understand the doctor's office is not a place they should be afraid of, but a place where they can learn. In addition to my career goals, I want to give back to my community. I plan to start a non-profit organization that focuses on low-income children who do not have the same educational support as everyone else. I believe every child should have the opportunity to the next regardless of their financial situation. As someone who is from a small, poor rural town, I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for low-income kids to succeed. There is a lack of resources, supplies, and opportunity which puts these children in a bind. I want to provide them with a safe and nurturing place where they can meet their potential. This scholarship would be extremely helpful to me as I pursue my degree. Paying for college is an intimidating task. Sometimes, I worry that I can not afford to go to university. I come from a low-income family in an extremely small town. My Mom is the only parent in my household, so I would hate if she had to take money away from her and my sibling to pay for university. However, this scholarship can help! It can help ease some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on my career without that stress. This scholarship can help provide me with the resources I need to become a successful MRI Tech. In conclusion, my future goals are to pursue a degree in healthcare to become an MRI and start a nonprofit organization for underprivileged children. I want to make people feel comfortable and less anxious during their doctor visits. I also want to support low-income children and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. This scholarship will help reduce the financial burden of higher education and help me pursue my dream.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. This scholarship would help me in my journey to use my career to make the doctor's office a comforting and reliable place. I chose to pursue a career in healthcare because it combines my two loves: science and community. Since elementary school, science has been something that amazed me. I loved to learn about how science is everywhere and how we use it to improve the world. As I grew up my love for science slowly developed into a strong affection for healthcare. Healthcare is not only about discovering what is physically wrong with someone but also about building a connection with them and educating them about their bodies. I decided to take the radiology route when I met a wonderful Ultrasound Tech at a visit to the doctor. Like her, I wish to provide comfort to my patients. As previously mentioned, I am aiming to work in health care because it combines assisting others with learning more about science. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. This scholarship would be extremely helpful to me as I pursue my degree. Paying for college is an intimidating task. Sometimes, I worry that I can not afford to go to university. I come from a low-income family in an extremely small town. My Mom is the only parent in my household, so I would hate if she had to take money away from her and my sibling to pay for university. However, this scholarship can help! It can help ease some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on my career without that stress. This scholarship can help provide me with the resources I need to become a successful MRI Tech.

Going to college means a lot to me because it is not just about getting an education; it is the first big step to creating a better life for myself and my family. My goal is to get a career that will allow me to live comfortably while helping others, especially my Mom and the rest of my family. College is a chance for me to achieve what they could not, and it is my way of proving to myself I can do anything despite my disadvantages. I am focused on going to college to give back to my Mom and family. I have seen how hard my Mom worked to make sure I have every chance to succeed, and I want to be in a position where I can help her too. Going to college will help me get a well-paying job that will allow me to support myself, her, and my siblings. I want to repay my mom for her sacrifices and make her proud. For my family, college is a dream they never got the chance to live out fully. They always wanted the best for me and college is my way of honoring their hard work. They have done everything they can to provide me with the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else. I want to show here that their sacrifices were worth it. Getting a degree is not just for me, but for them too. For me, college is the starting point of my future life. I plan to pursue a BA in Radiologic Sciences to become an MRI Tech. I want to work in healthcare because I think it is really important to make people feel understood and comfortable while they are going through a rough patch with their health. MRI scans can be stressful and anxiety-inducing for a lot of patients. I would know because my Mom gets them almost every month. I want to be the person who helps ease their mind and understand their body better. Becoming an MRI Tech means I can make a difference in people's lives by providing support through a serious time. Health Science is something I am extremely passionate about because it allows me to help others while learning more about technology and the human body. Since elementary school, science has been something that amazed me. I loved to learn about how science is everywhere and how we use it to improve the world. As I grew up my love for science slowly developed into a strong affection for healthcare. Healthcare is not only about discovering what is physically wrong with someone but also about building a connection with them and educating them about their bodies. Like her, I wish to provide comfort to my patients. I looked for online career guides, scholarships, and TED talks that could help me get a gist of what an MRI Tech does. I decided to take the radiology route when I met a wonderful Ultrasound Tech at a visit to the doctor. In conclusion, going to college is not just about earning a degree, but for creating a better future for myself and my family. It is an opportunity to repay my mother and honor my family's sacrifices. Becoming an MRI Tech will allow me to combine my passion for helping others and learning. College is the first step to achieving my goal. With a degree, I can build a great and successful future.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. For the majority of my life, I have been afraid of the doctor, that is, until I met a wonderful ultrasound doctor. She showed me that the doctor's office is not a place of sadness, but one where you can learn something new about yourself. It is because of her that I want to help others see they should face the uncomfortable and unknown. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. I vividly remember waiting in the office awaiting whatever bad news the doctor would give to me. However, this fear changed into passion when I met the most compassionate ultrasound doctor. While helping me understand that my health issues were something every woman goes through, she assured me that nothing was wrong or abnormal about me. That day I left the doctor's office feeling different than I usually would. I felt understood and more connected to my body. She inspired me to help others understand that while the unknown is scary, you can gain so many things like companionship and knowledge from it. This doctor visit inspired me to become a radiology tech and work to help others just like me. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

Going to college means a lot to me because it is not just about getting an education; it is the first big step to creating a better life for myself and my family. My goal is to get a career that will allow me to live comfortably while helping others, especially my Mom and the rest of my family. College is a chance for me to achieve what they could not, and it is my way of proving to myself I can do anything despite my disadvantages. For me, college is the starting point of my future life. I plan to pursue a BA Degree in Radiologic Sciences to become an MRI Tech. I want to work in healthcare because I think it is really important to make people feel understood and comfortable while they are going through a rough patch with their health. MRI scans can be stressful and anxiety-inducing for a lot of patients. I would know because my Mom gets them almost every month. I want to be the person who helps ease their mind and understand their body better. Becoming an MRI Tech means I will have a chance to make a difference in people's lives by providing support through a serious time. Another reason I am focused on going to college is to give back to my Mom and family. I have seen how hard my Mom worked to make sure I have every chance to succeed, and I want to be in a position where I can help her too. Going to college will help me get a well-paying job that will allow me to support myself, her, and my siblings. I want to pay my mom back for her sacrifices and make her proud. For my family, college is a dream they never got the chance to fully live out. They always wanted the best for me and college is my way of honoring their hard work. They have done everything they can to provide me with the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else. I want to show here that their sacrifices were worth it. Getting a degree is not just for me, but for them too. In the end, going to college is about more than just getting a degree. It is about building a career where I can help others and live comfortably, supporting my family, and giving back to those who have always supported me. It is the first step towards making my dreams come true. My education will give me a chance for me to make a real difference in people's lives.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. For the majority of my life, I have been afraid of the doctor, that is, until I met a wonderful ultrasound doctor. She showed me that the doctor's office is not a place of sadness, but one where you can learn something new about yourself. It is because of her that I want to help others see they should face the uncomfortable and unknown. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. I vividly remember waiting in the office awaiting whatever bad news the doctor would give to me. However, this fear changed into passion when I met the most compassionate ultrasound doctor. While helping me understand that my health issues were something every woman goes through, she assured me that nothing was wrong or abnormal about me. That day I left the doctor's office feeling different than I usually would. I felt understood and more connected to my body. She inspired me to help others understand that while the unknown is scary, you can gain so many things like companionship and knowledge from it. This doctor visit inspired me to become a radiology tech and work to help others just like me. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. For the majority of my life, I have been afraid of the doctor, that is, until I met a wonderful ultrasound doctor. She showed me that the doctor's office is not a place of sadness, but one where you can learn something new about yourself. It is because of her that I want to help others see they should face the uncomfortable and unknown. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. I vividly remember waiting in the office awaiting whatever bad news the doctor would give to me. However, this fear changed into passion when I met the most compassionate ultrasound doctor. While helping me understand that my health issues were something every woman goes through, she assured me that nothing was wrong or abnormal about me. That day I left the doctor's office feeling different than I usually would. I felt understood and more connected to my body. She inspired me to help others understand that while the unknown is scary, you can gain so many things like companionship and knowledge from it. This doctor visit inspired me to become a radiology tech and work to help others just like me. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

Mental health has had a profound impact on my life. I struggle with my self-image, how others see me, and perfectionism. These problems give me a low-self esteem, so I am constantly battling against self-doubt and depression. At school, this affects my ability to complete assignments and contribute in class. In my personal life, these struggles cause me to isolate myself from others due to my constant worrying about their opinion. Despite these challenges, I have found peace in journaling and meditation. My mental health has improved significantly these past few years. My perfectionism is both a blessing and a curse. While I strive for excellence, I often put too much pressure on myself to meet my standards. This often causes me to get extremely stressed out. I become fixated on every detail, fearing that any small mistake will reflect badly on me. This fear of failing has a severe hold over me. I procrastinate, not because I do not care, but because I am scared I will not be enough. Over time, this internal pressure contributed to my ongoing struggle with depression. I find myself questioning my abilities, doubting my worth, and feeling like I am never going to be enough. It is almost like no matter how hard I try, I will always fall short. There will always be someone better and smarter. It feels as if my worth is determined by my accomplishments and I can never meet my own standards. I feel like I am constantly failing, even when I am trying my hardest. My low self-esteem has affected my academic performance and my personal life. I hesitate to answer questions in class out of fear someone would think I am arrogant, or worse, that my voice will sound weird or strange. This has led to bad marks when we are being graded for participation. Every time I speak, I worry I might say something wrong or that people will judge me for it. The constant fear of being perceived negatively is the biggest struggle in my life. While I like making friends, I do not like people noticing me or having attention. I am scared that they will pick me apart and notice every flaw I have. It feels like the smallest imperfection would be the center of everyone's attention and I hate it. Because of this, I find it difficult to form and maintain relationships. I never truly open up to people because I am scared that if I let my hard down, they will see me how I see me and leave. This fear leaves me feeling desperate and isolated- even when I am surrounded by people. Despite all my problems, I have started taking steps to prioritize my mental health. One of the most helpful strategies is journaling. Writing down my thoughts and feelings has allowed me to understand myself better than before. I track down my overall mood for the day, what has made me upset, and what I can improve on, and my progress has been great. Another strategy that has helped is meditation. Taking a moment of silence to ease my mind has allowed me to take a step back and see things differently. I am also about to start seeing a therapist soon, so yay me! While the journey to improve my mental health is still ongoing, I am committed to making myself happy and living for me. I understand these things take time and that I will think about giving up, but I want to succeed.

Becoming an MRI Tech is a significant goal in my life. My dream is to work in a well-respected hospital and to help inform my patients with compassion. I understand that it will take time and dedication to achieve this goal, especially with the obstacles I face. I come from a low-income family in a small town and I will be a first-generation college student. However, I will not let this stop me from succeeding. I will work hard to make my dream a reality. Growing up in a small town, I have limited access to educational resources. The classes I could take were not difficult enough to prepare me for university. My high school does not offer many advanced courses, programs, or clubs that would help me in my medical career. As a result, I had to go online for help. I looked for online career guides, scholarships, and TED talks to help prepare me for my career. Being a first-generation college student means that I do not have anyone I could go to for advice or financial support. When I did ask for help, all I received in return were hour-long speeches about why they did not finish college. In the end, I have had to rely heavily on myself and online guidance. Additionally, coming from a low-income home means I face severe financial challenges. It is going to be difficult trying to pay for my tuition, dorm, and resources. I have already made a plan to get a part-time job to make ends meet. However, I am determined to push through these obstacles. Becoming an MRI Tech will help me support a life where I would not have to worry about how much money I have. It will help me support my family and open many doors for my siblings. Also, I believe that, as an African American woman, I can inspire so many other women of color and show them that these barriers will not stop them. Despite these obstacles, I am determined to succeed. I have worked hard to get where I am now. I have been accepted into the University of Mississippi and I plan to pursue a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. I know that the path will be difficult, but these struggles only motivate me more. Succeeding despite all odds will be the greater part of my journey. Being an MRI Tech will open so many doors not just for me, but also for my family. I am ready to push these challenges aside and be a useful member of our society. I know every step I take will bring me closer to my dream and help support my family.

For the majority of my life, I have been afraid of the doctor, that is, until I met a wonderful ultrasound doctor. She showed me that the doctor's office is not a place of sadness, but one where you can learn something new about yourself. It is because of her that I chose to work hard to become an MRI Tech and help others see they should face the uncomfortable and unknown. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. I vividly remember waiting in the office awaiting whatever bad news the doctor would give to me. However, this fear changed into passion when I met the most compassionate ultrasound doctor. While helping me understand that my health issues were something every woman goes through, she assured me that nothing was wrong or abnormal about me. That day I left the doctor's office feeling different than I usually would. I felt understood and more connected to my body. She inspired me to help others understand that while the unknown is scary, you can gain so many things like companionship and knowledge from it. This doctor visit inspired me to become a radiology tech and work to help others just like me. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. For the majority of my life, I have been afraid of the doctor, that is, until I met a wonderful ultrasound doctor. She showed me that the doctor's office is not a place of sadness, but one where you can learn something new about yourself. It is because of her that I want to help others see they should face the uncomfortable and unknown. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. I vividly remember waiting in the office awaiting whatever bad news the doctor would give to me. However, this fear changed into passion when I met the most compassionate ultrasound doctor. While helping me understand that my health issues were something every woman goes through, she assured me that nothing was wrong or abnormal about me. That day I left the doctor's office feeling different than I usually would. I felt understood and more connected to my body. She inspired me to help others understand that while the unknown is scary, you can gain so many things like companionship and knowledge from it. This doctor visit inspired me to become a radiology tech and work to help others just like me. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

On June 08, 2007, Kimberly Cooley, a 20-year-old college student, gave birth to her first child, Kiersten Taylor. That Friday has changed her life forever. From that day on, she and her daughter formed a bond like no other. My Mom is undoubtedly the most important person in my life. My Dad left before I was born. However, she remained strong and stepped up to take on both parental roles. My mother is a kind, confident, and inspiring woman. She helped shape my morals. My mother stood firmly against bullying and discrimination because as an African American woman, she knew what it felt like to be mistreated. She taught me to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. It is because of her that I learned to be compassionate and understanding, and her unwavering support has influenced the person I am today. I strive to be a warmhearted person like her. We have always struggled financially. Up until I was 5, we lived with my grandmother and my mother's siblings. My Mom worked tirelessly every day until finally, she saved up enough money to rent us a house just in time for my first day of school. She is the most hardworking person I have ever known, and despite our low-income situation, she did everything possible to provide for my needs and wants. Her determination showed me the true meaning of love. With my Mom, I learned to appreciate the little things. I will forever be grateful for the life she has given me. My Mom did not get to graduate because she was pregnant with me, which I believe motivated her to push me to excel academically. My Mom wants me to go to college to pursue a degree that would make me happy. She tells me to find a career in something I love. In elementary school, I loved to draw, and while everyone else told me that art would not provide financial stability, my Mom believed in me wholeheartedly. She practiced drawing with me and consistently praised my work. In the end, I decided to go into radiology. She supports me all of the way. I understand how much my mother sacrificed to raise me, so I am working hard to make her proud. It is because of her sacrifices that I can be committed to my work. I hope to make enough money to send her back to school to finish her degree. It is because of my Mom's hard efforts that I want to work hard to make the world a better place. My Mom taught me kindness and patience, so I want to spread those same lessons into the world. I plan to become an MRI Tech. Many people experience health anxiety, as do I. It is important to me that they understand they are not alone. Ultimately, My Mommy is my biggest supporter and best friend. Her love has shaped me into the person I am today. Despite the challenges she faced while raising me, she consistently supported me. She taught me compassion and the value of love and hard work. My mother's dedication to my happiness and education inspired me to stay true to myself and her. As I travel through life, I hope to carry my mother's lessons and maybe even teach them to other people. I hope one day I can also provide my mother with everything she wants and needs as she has done for me. I am grateful for the mother God blessed me with and for the lessons she taught me.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. Health Science is something I am extremely passionate about because it combines my love for helping others with science. This scholarship would help me in my journey to use my career to make the doctor's office a comforting and reliable place. Health Science is something I am extremely passionate about because it allows me to help others while learning more about technology and the human body. Since elementary school, science has been something that amazed me. I loved to learn about how science is everywhere and how we use it to improve the world. As I grew up my love for science slowly developed into a strong affection for healthcare. Healthcare is not only about discovering what is physically wrong with someone, but also about building a connection with them and educating them about their bodies. I decided to take the radiology route when I met a wonderful Ultrasound Tech at a visit to the doctor. Like her, I wish to provide comfort to my patients. As previously mentioned, I am aiming to work in health care because it combines assisting others with learning more about science. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. This scholarship would be extremely helpful to me as I pursue my degree. Paying for college is an intimidating task. Sometimes, I worry that I can not afford to go to university. I come from a low-income family in an extremely small town. My Mom is the only parent in my household, so I would hate if she had to take money away from her and my sibling to pay for university. However, this scholarship can help! It can help ease some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on my career without that stress. This scholarship can help provide me with the resources I need to become a successful MRI Tech. In conclusion, I want to use my degree to fulfill my desire to help others and learn more. This scholarship can help me achieve this goal. It will give me the opportunity to pursue my dream career and help make the health environment a more friendly and informative place.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. Health Science is something I am extremely passionate about because it combines my love for helping others with science. This scholarship would help me in my journey to use my career to make the doctor's office a comforting and reliable place. Health Science is something I am extremely passionate about because it allows me to help others while learning more about technology and the human body. Since elementary school, science has been something that amazed me. I loved to learn about how science is everywhere and how we use it to improve the world. As I grew up my love for science slowly developed into a strong affection for healthcare. Healthcare is not only about discovering what is physically wrong with someone, but also about building a connection with them and educating them about their bodies. I decided to take the radiology route when I met a wonderful Ultrasound Tech at a visit to the doctor. Like her, I wish to provide comfort to my patients. As previously mentioned, I am aiming to work in health care because it combines assisting others with learning more about science. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. This scholarship would be extremely helpful to me as I pursue my degree. Paying for college is an intimidating task. Sometimes, I worry that I can not afford to go to university. I come from a low-income family in an extremely small town. My Mom is the only parent in my household, so I would hate if she had to take money away from her and my sibling to pay for university. However, this scholarship can help! It can help ease some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on my career without that stress. This scholarship can help provide me with the resources I need to become a successful MRI Tech. In conclusion, I want to use my degree to fulfill my desire to help others and learn more. This scholarship can help me achieve this goal. It will give me the opportunity to pursue my dream career and help make the health environment a more friendly and informative place.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. For the majority of my life, I have been afraid of the doctor, that is, until I met a wonderful ultrasound doctor. She showed me that the doctor's office is not a place of sadness, but one where you can learn something new about yourself. It is because of her that I want to help others see they should face the uncomfortable and unknown. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. I vividly remember waiting in the office awaiting whatever bad news the doctor would give to me. However, this fear changed into passion when I met the most compassionate ultrasound doctor. While helping me understand that my health issues were something every woman goes through, she assured me that nothing was wrong or abnormal about me. That day I left the doctor's office feeling different than I usually would. I felt understood and more connected to my body. She inspired me to help others understand that while the unknown is scary, you can gain so many things like companionship and knowledge from it. This doctor visit inspired me to become a radiology tech and work to help others just like me. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

My name is Kiersten Taylor, and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. Health Science is something I am extremely passionate about because it combines my love for helping others with science. This scholarship would help me in my journey to use my career to make the doctor's office a comforting and reliable place. Health Science is something I am extremely passionate about because it allows me to help others while learning more about technology and the human body. Since elementary school, science has been something that amazed me. I loved to learn about how science is everywhere and how we use it to improve the world. As I grew up my love for science slowly developed into a strong affection for healthcare. Healthcare is not only about discovering what is physically wrong with someone, but also about building a connection with them and educating them about their bodies. I decided to take the radiology route when I met a wonderful Ultrasound Tech at a visit to the doctor. Like her, I wish to provide comfort to my patients. As previously mentioned, I am aiming to work in health care because it combines assisting others with learning more about science. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. This scholarship would be extremely helpful to me as I pursue my degree. Paying for college is an intimidating task. Sometimes, I worry that I can not afford to go to university. I come from a low-income family in an extremely small town. My Mom is the only parent in my household, so I would hate if she had to take money away from her and my sibling to pay for university. However, this scholarship can help! It can help ease some of the financial burden and allow me to focus on my career without that stress. This scholarship can help provide me with the resources I need to become a successful MRI Tech. In conclusion, I want to use my degree to fulfill my desire to help others and learn more. This scholarship can help me achieve this goal. It will give me the opportunity to pursue my dream career and help make the health environment a more friendly and informative place.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. For the majority of my life, I have been afraid of the doctor, that is, until I met a wonderful ultrasound doctor. She showed me that the doctor's office is not a place of sadness, but one where you can learn something new about yourself. It is because of her that I want to help others see they should face the uncomfortable and unknown. For many people, the doctor's office can be a scary place. I vividly remember waiting in the office awaiting whatever bad news the doctor would give to me. However, this fear changed into passion when I met the most compassionate ultrasound doctor. While helping me understand that my health issues were something every woman goes through, she assured me that nothing was wrong or abnormal about me. That day I left the doctor's office feeling different than I usually would. I felt understood and more connected to my body. She inspired me to help others understand that while the unknown is scary, you can gain so many things like companionship and knowledge from it. This doctor visit inspired me to become a radiology tech and work to help others just like me. While my goal is to become an MRI Tech, I want to be so much more than that to others. Health anxiety is a very serious and overlooked topic, and as someone who has been to the doctor several times, I understand how scary and isolated they feel. I want to make a meaningful difference in my patients' lives. When people are informed and supported, the negative stigma around the health environment can be reduced. I want to be someone people can count on, someone who can ease their worries and discomforts. Whether it is explaining how the MRI process works or even just asking how their day has been, I want to provide the same comfort my ultrasound doctor provided me. In conclusion, my goal is to make a positive impact in others' lives. It is important to me that people no longer see the doctor's office as something scary, but as something that will help them in the future. My doctor helped me realize the hospital was a place of understanding and compassion. I want to help others realize that too. I hope that during my career as an MRI Tech, I help others just as I was helped.

On June 08, 2007, Kimberly Cooley, a 20-year-old college student, gave birth to her first child, Kiersten Taylor. That Friday has changed her life forever. From that day on, she and her daughter formed a bond like no other. My Mom is undoubtedly the most important person in my life. My Dad left before I was born. However, she remained strong and stepped up to take on both parental roles. My mother is a kind, confident, and inspiring woman. She helped shape my morals. My mother stood firmly against bullying and discrimination because as an African American woman, she knew what it felt like to be mistreated. She taught me to treat others the way I wanted to be treated. It is because of her that I learned to be compassionate and understanding, and her unwavering support has influenced the person I am today. I strive to be a warmhearted person like her. We have always struggled financially. Up until I was 5, we lived with my grandmother and my mother's siblings. My Mom worked tirelessly every day until finally, she saved up enough money to buy us a house just in time for my first day of school. She is the most hardworking person I have ever known, and despite our low-income situation, she did everything possible to provide for my needs and wants. Her determination showed me the true meaning of love. With my Mom, I learned to appreciate the little things. I will forever be grateful for the life she has given me. My Mom did not get to graduate because she was pregnant with me, which I believe motivated her to push me to excel academically. My Mom wants me to go to college to pursue a degree that would make me happy. She tells me to find a career in something I love. In elementary school, I loved to draw, and while everyone else told me that art would not provide financial stability, my Mom believed in me wholeheartedly. She practiced drawing with me and consistently praised my work. In the end, I decided to go into radiology. She supports me all of the way. I understand how much my mother sacrificed to raise me, so I am working hard to make her proud. It is because of her sacrifices that I can be committed to my work. I hope to make enough money to send her back to school to finish her degree. Ultimately, My Mommy is my biggest supporter and best friend. Her love has shaped me into the person I am today. Despite the challenges she faced while raising me, she consistently supported me. She taught me compassion and the value of love and hard work. My mother's dedication to my happiness and education inspired me to stay true to myself and her. As I travel through life, I hope to carry my mother's lessons and maybe even teach them to other people. I hope one day I can also provide my mother with everything she wants and needs as she has done for me. I am grateful for the mother God blessed me with and for the lessons she taught me.

My name is Kiersten Taylor and I am a senior at Heidelberg High School. As of right now, I have been admitted to the University of Mississippi and I am pursuing a BA degree in Radiologic Sciences. My goal is to become an MRI Tech and work in a well-respected hospital. While accomplishing this dream, I wish to create a charity dedicated to helping children. I have been a member of the Beta Club for more than 4 years. Beta Club focuses on teaching valuable skills to students while helping others. This organization has helped me learn how to communicate with other people and fueled my passion for volunteering. Beta Club has led me to join FBLA, an organization centered on teaching students competitive and business skills, and Unlock Youth Potential, an organization focused on teaching students skills that will help prepare them for college and their careers. These organizations helped me find my love for working with others and volunteering. I have played the clarinet in the Power of the Pinebelt Marching Band for 4 years. The band has connected me with many lovely people and helped me realize how much I love teaching others something new. At the moment I am looking for more places to volunteer. For example, I have been in touch with my local hospital to volunteer in the pediatrics sector. I want to create a charity dedicated to teaching children valuable life skills and creating a safe space for them. My charity will prepare children for school by offering different programs that will focus on enhancing their academic readiness while promoting personal growth. Children must get all the help they could need to succeed in school. Many children struggle in silence out of fear they will be humiliated. These programs will help them build important skills like critical thinking and communication, therefore making them confident learners. As previously mentioned, children often struggle in silence because they are afraid they will be ridiculed. This is why my charity will focus on creating a safe space for these children. I want to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe to express themselves. There will be sectors that focus on different hobbies. The plan is for these hobbies to bring children together while they explore their interests. Through this, I want to create a sense of community among them and help them build strong relationships. It is harmful to their mental health to feel unheard and alone. Children should be surrounded with love and care. Ultimately, my goal is to provide every child with the tools they need to succeed and be happy in life. I want children to be confident and optimistic. With this charity, we can inspire a lifelong love of learning and inspire children to chase their dreams. Children should be able to express themselves freely and i hope that my charity will allow them to do that.

The doctor's office has always been something I was afraid of. I did not have a serious reason for my dislike of it, but it always left a bad taste in my mouth. I always associated it with death or illness, so I was always scared of it. What if the doctor tells me I have cancer? What if I contract a disease by breathing in the air? The possibility of illness was not the only thing I thought about. I was always worried about what the doctor or nurse would think about me. I wondered if I was ever so unhealthy that it disgusted them, or if I was breathing too hard while they pressed the stethoscope to my chest. The doctor's office always had my mind working double time. That is until one day, I had to go to the doctor to get an ultrasound. Before, during, and after my cycles, I always experienced severe pain in my lower abdomen. The pain was so powerful that my mother placed an appointment weeks before my cycle. I walked into the ultrasound room, worried about what the doctor would say or think. I closed my eyes awaiting bad news, but it never came. The doctor was so understanding and caring that I completely forgot what I was there for. She talked me through everything and even cracked jokes with me. I have never had a hospital experience as pleasant as that one. When I left the doctor that day, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to work in radiology and help other people just like the doctor helped me. The kind-hearted ultrasound tech inspired me to work hard and make a positive impact in healthcare. It is important to me that we prioritize the needs of our patients, and the majority of the time women are put last. Many women are looked over when they voice their concerns and thoughts. As healthcare workers, it is our responsibility to make sure no one is left unattended. I want to assure my patients that they are heard and know that someone is listening to them. I also hope to inspire other little girls to take up a career in healthcare. It is my mission to help ease everyone into the medical environment. Ultimately, my career goal is to become a considerate and accomplished Radiology Tech who strives to make her patients comfortable while providing them with the information they need. I want to help make the doctor's office less scary for people like me. I am making it my mission to help them understand that the doctor's office is not something they should be afraid of, and that any news we give them is for their benefit. Every day I thank the Ultrasound Tech for transforming the medical environment for me.