"No one ever told me that grief felt so much like fear," remarked C.S Lewis. The hairs on my neck slowly rose like a flower grasping the morning sunlight. I felt a winter's chill on a cloudy, yet hot Texas summer morning. The rain sounded like nails failing on a table as it hit the roof of the house. These are my vivid memories the day my grandfather passed away. My entire life Papa Drew had worn oxygen and I did not know what it was. But, I continued to emulate the man who meant everything to me by putting shoestrings around my face and ears like the oxygen he wore. My family did not understand what emphysema was or its ramifications but we understood the end was painful. For this reason, I am pursuing a career as a physician to work in marginalized communities of color and restore faith in the medical community.“More Black physicians in the system establishes trust in the system." It is no secret that the African American community is often resistant to care from doctors of other races. And while hearing of this is one thing, it is quite another to witness the mistreatment of a loved one up close and personal. Losing my grandfather at 12 made me curious about the how and why of medicine. It made me angry that the doctors did not do more. The feelings I possessed were painful and I did not want anyone to feel this way. I plan to become an anesthesiologist so that I can provide care and educate them on health issues prominent in African Americans. To have your family altered and suffer due to health issues is agonizing. I have chosen to become a doctor to lessen this burden on families. To honor my Papa Drew's memory, I will utilize my education to serve those in my community by educating them on health issues such as diabetes and hypertension and being a person who looks like and relates to their needs. In closing, I keep two shoestrings to remind me of my grandfather. One tied to my headboard to see every morning when I wake up and one tied to my keys to be with me everywhere I go. I will become a doctor to change the course in healthcare for people of color and honor the man who left too soon.

"Paging Dr. Drain is a sound that has resonated in my mind since the 3rd grade. My future ambition is to become a doctor and encourage others by participating in the rebirth of the healthcare system and adding more diversity which will foster the gateway for better healthcare to people of color in my community. As minority students, one of the primary struggles in meeting our goals is a lack of mentorship. I inspire to initiate a nonprofit organization for minority students interested in becoming physicians. Having access to mentorship programs will allow youth to be engaged, encouraged, and enlightened about what is ahead in their future. The program will entail visiting high schools to seek out aspiring doctors and use my personal experiences to motivate and shape future physicians of color. With guidance and support, these students will have the vital tools to become physicians and increase the percentage of African American physicians in the United States.  I also desire to open a clinic where marginalized groups reside and, unfortunately, lack access to adequate healthcare. I hope to not only provide treatment and care for my patients but also educate them on taking care of their bodies and mental status. The availability of healthcare should not depend on skin color or area code.  "Maya Angelou concluded, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." By motivating the youth of my community, they will realize they can be successful despite any obstacles they face. Standing as a catalyst for change for the next generation is my aim while utilizing my educational goals.

Giving back to your community has no time limits or expiration dates. The current pandemic severely decreased opportunities for mentorship and shadowing for my graduating class. Through drive and perseverance, Kaiden's Building Blocks was created as the organization that enabled me to enter daycare facilities and after-school programs in my community and assist kids with reading difficulties. I read African American literature and discussed positive self-care options such as dental care, and offered positive daily affirmations. Furthermore, I have made multiple significant additional contributions to the community. My volunteer experience also includes the Mint Foundations Thanksgiving Giveaway, Kappa League Turkey Drive, and Dallas Feast of Sharing all demonstrate his commitment to the community. I am currently collecting socks and blankets to pass out at The Bridge for the homeless for Christmas. "Maya Angelou concluded, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." By motivating the youth of my community, they will realize they can be successful despite any obstacles they face. Standing as a catalyst for change for the next generation is my aim while utilizing my educational goals. My most cherished quote comes from actor Denzel Washington and it has pushed me to continue my service in my community. He stated, “At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”

My future ambition is to become a medical doctor and offer people the care and assistance they need know matter what their skin color or zip code is. I am passionate about using my education and medical expertise to aid me in inspiring others by participating in the rebirth of the healthcare system and adding more diversity which will foster the gateway for better healthcare to people of color in my community. As minority students, one of the primary struggles in meeting our goals is a lack of mentorship. I desire to initiate a nonprofit organization for minority students interested in becoming physicians in my community. Having access to mentorship programs will allow youth to be engaged, encouraged, and enlightened about what is ahead in their future. The program will entail visiting high schools to seek out aspiring doctors and use my personal experiences to motivate and shape future physicians of color. With guidance and support, these students will have the vital tools to become physicians and increase the percentage of African American physicians in the United States.  Giving back to your community has no time limits or expiration dates. The current pandemic severely decreased opportunities for mentorship and shadowing for my graduating class. Through drive and perseverance, Kaiden's Building Blocks was created as the organization that enabled me to enter daycare facilities and after-school programs in my community and assist kids with reading difficulties. I read African American literature and discussed positive self-care options such as dental care, and offered positive daily affirmations.Maya Angelou once stated, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style,” -Maya Angelou.