In my last year of high school, my school adopted a new course, Anatomy & Physiology and I added it to my schedule thinking it would be an easy class since it’s my only class that isn’t an AP or HONORS but still be worthwhile and interesting. Now that the year is coming to a close, I have come to the realization many times that I was wrong in choosing this class for an easy for it has made me work the hardest out of all of my classes for an A. Every time I walk in and out of that classroom, I feel like a new person because of how much I have learned; I also am glad every time because I chose the right major and profession: biology and an OBGYN. However, the time that I really didn’t want to leave that classroom was when we were in the Endocrine System learning about female anatomy and the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle ended up being another thing I thought I knew but was completely wrong on and I’m a female. I thought it was just you have a cycle for about a week and experience symptoms and that's it, plain and simple. I also learned some pretty interesting facts such as pregnancy can only happen for about six days in each cycle even though ovulation lasts about two days. This was a memorable lesson for me because if a teenage female like me didn't know the basics behind something as common as the menstrual cycle, how could I trust representatives and judges to know enough to make decisions and pass laws about birth control and pregnancy? Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the power of education through the example of my mother. Despite facing numerous challenges as a single mother, she pursued her master's degree, defying conventional expectations and forging a path to greater opportunities and success. Her journey taught me that while the destination may be the same for everyone, the paths we choose to get there are as different as they are impactful. My grandmother further instilled in me the importance of community and service, nurturing my passion for volunteerism and service leadership from a young age. She made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s duty to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. This early exposure shaped my aspirations and fueled my desire to pursue a career dedicated to making a difference. Now, as a young adult, my interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a calling even. One particularly impactful experience was shadowing an emergency department and ambulance service, which opened my eyes to the critical role of healthcare in our communities and its vulnerability to external influences, such as politics. Inspired by this revelation and guided by my grandmother's legacy, I have set my sights on a career in medicine, with a focus on obstetrics and gynecology. Entering the STEM field as a black woman comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. The underrepresentation of black women in medicine—comprising only 2.8% of the physician workforce—creates a sense of anxiety about the journey ahead. However, I am undeterred, knowing that this is precisely where I am meant to be. Like those who came before me, I am prepared to confront obstacles head-on and pave the way for future generations of black women.

In my last year of high school, my school adopted a new course, Anatomy & Physiology and I added it to my schedule thinking it would be an easy class since it’s my only class that isn’t an AP or HONORS but still be worthwhile and interesting. Now that the year is coming to a close, I have come to the realization many times that I was wrong in choosing this class for an easy for it has made me work the hardest out of all of my classes for an A. Every time I walk in and out of that classroom, I feel like a new person because of how much I have learned; I also am glad every time because I chose the right major and profession: biology and an OBGYN. However, the time that I really didn’t want to leave that classroom was when we were in the Endocrine System learning about female anatomy and the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle ended up being another thing I thought I knew but was completely wrong on and I’m a female. I thought it was just you have a cycle for about a week and experience symptoms and that's it, plain and simple. I also learned some pretty interesting facts such as pregnancy can only happen for about six days in each cycle even though ovulation lasts about two days. This was a memorable lesson for me because if a teenage female like me didn't know the basics behind something as common as the menstrual cycle, how could I trust representatives and judges to know enough to make decisions and pass laws about birth control and pregnancy? Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the power of education through the example of my mother. Despite facing numerous challenges as a single mother, she pursued her master's degree, defying conventional expectations and forging a path to greater opportunities and success. Her journey taught me that while the destination may be the same for everyone, the paths we choose to get there are as different as they are impactful. My grandmother further instilled in me the importance of community and service, nurturing my passion for volunteerism and service leadership from a young age. She made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s duty to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. This early exposure shaped my aspirations and fueled my desire to pursue a career dedicated to making a difference. Now, as a young adult, my interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a calling even. One particularly impactful experience was shadowing an emergency department and ambulance service, which opened my eyes to the critical role of healthcare in our communities and its vulnerability to external influences, such as politics. Inspired by this revelation and guided by my grandmother's legacy, I have set my sights on a career in medicine, with a focus on obstetrics and gynecology. Entering the STEM field as a black woman comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. The underrepresentation of black women in medicine—comprising only 2.8% of the physician workforce—creates a sense of anxiety about the journey ahead. However, I am undeterred, knowing that this is precisely where I am meant to be. Like those who came before me, I am prepared to confront obstacles head-on and pave the way for future generations of black women.

In my last year of high school, my school adopted a new course, Anatomy & Physiology and I added it to my schedule thinking it would be an easy class since it’s my only class that isn’t an AP or HONORS but still be worthwhile and interesting. Now that the year is coming to a close, I have come to the realization many times that I was wrong in choosing this class for an easy for it has made me work the hardest out of all of my classes for an A. Every time I walk in and out of that classroom, I feel like a new person because of how much I have learned; I also am glad every time because I chose the right major and profession: biology and an OBGYN. However, the time that I really didn’t want to leave that classroom was when we were in the Endocrine System learning about female anatomy and the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle ended up being another thing I thought I knew but was completely wrong on and I’m a female. I thought it was just you have a cycle for about a week and experience symptoms and that's it, plain and simple. I also learned some pretty interesting facts such as pregnancy can only happen for about six days in each cycle even though ovulation lasts about two days. This was a memorable lesson for me because if a teenage female like me didn't know the basics behind something as common as the menstrual cycle, how could I trust representatives and judges to know enough to make decisions and pass laws about birth control and pregnancy? Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the power of education through the example of my mother. Despite facing numerous challenges as a single mother, she pursued her master's degree, defying conventional expectations and forging a path to greater opportunities and success. Her journey taught me that while the destination may be the same for everyone, the paths we choose to get there are as different as they are impactful. My grandmother further instilled in me the importance of community and service, nurturing my passion for volunteerism and service leadership from a young age. She made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s duty to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. This early exposure shaped my aspirations and fueled my desire to pursue a career dedicated to making a difference. Now, as a young adult, my interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a calling even. One particularly impactful experience was shadowing an emergency department and ambulance service, which opened my eyes to the critical role of healthcare in our communities and its vulnerability to external influences, such as politics. Inspired by this revelation and guided by my grandmother's legacy, I have set my sights on a career in medicine, with a focus on obstetrics and gynecology. Entering the STEM field as a black woman comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. The underrepresentation of black women in medicine—comprising only 2.8% of the physician workforce—creates a sense of anxiety about the journey ahead. However, I am undeterred, knowing that this is precisely where I am meant to be. Like those who came before me, I am prepared to confront obstacles head-on and pave the way for future generations of black women.

In my last year of high school, my school adopted a new course, Anatomy & Physiology and I added it to my schedule thinking it would be an easy class since it’s my only class that isn’t an AP or HONORS but still be worthwhile and interesting. Now that the year is coming to a close, I have come to the realization many times that I was wrong in choosing this class for an easy for it has made me work the hardest out of all of my classes for an A. Every time I walk in and out of that classroom, I feel like a new person because of how much I have learned; I also am glad every time because I chose the right major and profession: biology and an OBGYN. However, the time that I really didn’t want to leave that classroom was when we were in the Endocrine System learning about female anatomy and the menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle ended up being another thing I thought I knew but was completely wrong on and I’m a female. I thought it was just you have a cycle for about a week and experience symptoms and that's it, plain and simple. In reality, the menstrual cycle consists of four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. I learned about different hormones and their levels through each of these phases and what they cause. For example, in the follicular phase, which lasts about 13 days and includes menstruation, FSH, follicular-stimulating hormone, starts to decrease as one dominant follicle continues to develop causing estrogen to increase steadily. Since estrogen levels increase, the cervix will produce more fluid creating vaginal discharge and energy levels will also increase. I also learned some pretty interesting facts such as pregnancy can only happen for about six days in each cycle even though ovulation lasts about two days. This is because sperm can survive in the female body for as long as five days which is enough for an egg to be released and fertilized. This was a memorable lesson for me because if a teenage female like me didn't know the basics behind something as common as the menstrual cycle, how could I trust representatives and judges to know enough to make decisions and pass laws about birth control and pregnancy? I always knew I wanted to become a doctor but I wanted to be an OBGYN for sure after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. While my mother was away, my grandmother taught me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also exposed me to how an individual can ignite a movement for change. During these shared moments with my grandmother, I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Now, as a teenager in a different state, my interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the power of education through the example of my mother. Despite facing numerous challenges as a single mother, she pursued her master's degree, defying conventional expectations and forging a path to greater opportunities and success. Her journey taught me that while the destination may be the same for everyone, the paths we choose to get there are as different as they are impactful. While my mother was away, my grandmother taught me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also exposed me to how an individual can ignite a movement for change. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community such as low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were exposed in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless compared to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. During these shared moments with my grandmother, I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Now, as a teenager in a different state, my interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. Entering the STEM field as a black woman comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. The underrepresentation of black women in medicine—comprising only 2.8% of the physician workforce—creates a sense of anxiety about the journey ahead. However, I am undeterred, knowing that this is precisely where I am meant to be. Like those who came before me, I am prepared to confront obstacles head-on and pave the way for future generations of black women.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. My mother was right. Not only was I alright, but I even began to anticipate when my mother would leave again and look forward to time spent with my grandmother. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

"But I don't want to!" I cried as my 8-year-old self was carried to the car. It was the early hours of the morning, and my mother was off to another manufacturing plant for work, going on without me. No matter how many times I begged, pleaded, or dealt unrealistic ultimatums that only a kid could conceive, the outcome remained the same. My mother left me with a familiar feeling of abandonment and loneliness, in the care of my grandmother. In the absence of my mother’s presence, the only things that grounded me were her promises and words of encouragement. Her reassurances, “You’ll be alright,” and “I’ll be back in no time,” served as a lifeline. Even in her absence, I felt her presence nearby, watching my every move. I was determined to excel in everything I did, hoping to make her proud and, with any luck, hasten her return. However, in my time of worry, one person, my grandmother, made it their goal to keep me distracted by giving me the gift of knowledge. While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. My mother was right. Not only was I alright, but I even began to anticipate when my mother would leave again and look forward to time spent with my grandmother. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. My mother was right. Not only was I alright, but I even began to anticipate when my mother would leave again and look forward to time spent with my grandmother. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

"But I don't want to!" I cried as my 8-year-old self was carried to the car. It was the early hours of the morning, and my mother was off to another manufacturing plant for work, going on without me. No matter how many times I begged, pleaded, or dealt unrealistic ultimatums that only a kid could conceive, the outcome remained the same. My mother left me with a familiar feeling of abandonment and loneliness, in the care of my grandmother. In the absence of my mother’s presence, the only things that grounded me were her promises and words of encouragement. Her reassurances, “You’ll be alright,” and “I’ll be back in no time,” served as a lifeline. Even in her absence, I felt her presence nearby, watching my every move. I was determined to excel in everything I did, hoping to make her proud and, with any luck, hasten her return. However, in my time of worry, one person, my grandmother, made it their goal to keep me distracted by giving me the gift of knowledge. While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. My mother was right. Not only was I alright, but I even began to anticipate when my mother would leave again and look forward to time spent with my grandmother. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. My mother was right. Not only was I alright, but I even began to anticipate when my mother would leave again and look forward to time spent with my grandmother. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.

While my mother was away, my grandmother made sure to teach me not only about an individual’s obligation to their community but also expose me to the various ways an individual can ignite a movement for change. My grandmother took me along with her on her daily errands, which to a young me felt like field trips: attending monthly city council meetings, encouraging people to vote, and serving food at church. My grandmother wasn’t just your average grandmother; she was an active member of her church, the NAACP, the local government, and a two-time cancer survivor. From a very young age, I witnessed many of the issues that negatively affected my community: poverty, low voter representation, lack of opportunities, and more. Opportunities were scarce in our small rural town in Louisiana, so many gave up fighting for better because they felt powerless in comparison to the government. I began to internalize the simple things I could do to be a part of the change. My grandmother and I worked to help create opportunities and remind others that they had the power to turn their local government when it was election time. It was during these shared moments with my grandmother that I developed a passion for volunteering and service leadership. Those “field trips” made me forget my mother was even gone, as I was too focused on creating positive change throughout my community. Now, as a teenager, I eagerly look forward to the "field trips" I take with the clubs I am involved with. My interest in volunteerism and service leadership has evolved into a passion– a hobby even. I spend most of my weekends participating in service events to contribute to positive change in my community. One particular service opportunity I'm grateful for is shadowing an ER department and ambulance service. This experience revealed the critical importance of healthcare to the community and how it's affected by political issues. I know I can't fix everything alone, but my decision to pursue a career in the medical field is my way of joining the movement to make our community better. As my grandmother did for me, I also aspire to make a broader impact. This time around I want to spread knowledge in the area of mental wellness, women and children's health through acts of service. My grandmother has instilled important leadership and social qualities that have shaped me into a strong young woman who isn't afraid to try or fail. I’m grateful for the time we took advantage of together because I wouldn’t be the person I am without those shared moments.