My goals after completing my undergraduate stem degree are primarily in order. After graduating, I want to continue internships that will help me develop more skills, knowledge, and experience in the medical field. While receiving a STEM degree will also benefit me by more people making connections with me and medical professionals reaching out. With my degree, I want to study hard for the MCAT, do health-related internships, be successful in the medical field, and mentor young black girls like me. I want to go straight into medical school. Either way, I will still reach my goal of becoming a doctor and mentoring young black girls like myself. By taking a gap year, I have more time to study and prepare for the MCAT to receive a higher score to get into a good school. I also would have time to do an internship to add to my resume and be able to stick out more to the admissions teams. This would add to my experience and well-roundedness as a person. After working tediously to get into medical school, I will do the same work and receive my MD and white coat. The whole process of medical school is tedious and will get rough but, I will get through and succeed. Once I begin working in the hospital fully as a resident and meet all the criteria to be an attending physician, I want to start a research project to observe how types of cancer can affect people. I want to investigate this because of a family member that was very close to me and they had a rough time with cancer and also a smooth process. There were many ups and downs before she was cancer-free. I want to mentor young black girls who want to become doctors or other professions in the medical field and be a resource for them that I never received. My aspiration ever since I was a young girl was to do something in the medical field. As I got older I learned more about the field as a whole and decided on a specialty that I loved. Since I never had anyone to help me out with what to do next, I would have to turn to Google. I did find some reliable resources but, when I got into high school, I found more information and applied to a club sponsored by the University of Michigan that helped me tremendously. My mentor was a black woman and we clicked instantly. She went through the same thing as me. She was a great blessing that came from nowhere.

Getting a scholarship offers much more than financial assistance. It is a gateway to a world of opportunities and transformative experiences that can shape a person's academic, personal, and professional growth. Scholarships provide academic recognition, financial support, and access to resources, and can even reduce student debt. The impact of a scholarship extends far beyond its financial relief. For me, it will relieve me of large amounts of debt, access to opportunities, and time management. These three points will allow me to be less burdened by stress. I am my main source of income in college and accepting loans has been the saddest part of me being in college. With financial support, it will cover fees, books, and other essentials needed. Being able to have some sort of stability, in turn, allows me to focus more on my studies and less on the financial constraints that come with higher education. Academic recognition, such as winning scholarships, is a true badge of honor for me. It boosts my self-esteem and motivates me to strive for even more. This recognition serves as a testament to my academic and extra-curricular achievements, and it makes me feel special and appreciated as both a person and a student. With financial security being secured through scholarships, low debt owed, or no debt whatsoever I could use my time better. I would not have to work to pay off debt, rather, I could use the money to invest in my life more; such as academic pursuits, research endeavors, or community service. I would be able to do more in life and explore the world. Enhancing my time management contributes to a more enriching and well-rounded educational experience. Scholarships have had a tremendous impact on my academic life. They provide me with the financial freedom to pursue my interests and passions without any financial burden. The scholarship money will allow me to purchase textbooks, pay for tuition fees, and cover other miscellaneous costs. This financial aid also helps me to manage my time more efficiently because I no longer have to worry about taking on a job to support myself. As a result, I can focus more on my studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and explore various academic opportunities. The scholarship provides me with a sense of relief and enables me to breathe easily, knowing that I have the means to complete my education without any financial stress.

Greetings, I am Laylah Anderson, and I take immense pride in being a diligent and resolute scholar who is wholeheartedly committed to attaining advanced education. My unbridled passion for learning fuels my unwavering determination to excel in my studies and unlock my true potential as a student. As a first-generation college student, I have set my sights on a career in the medical field. Specifically, I aspire to become an Emergency Physician. The prospect of being able to provide critical care to individuals in urgent need is both exciting and humbling. With dedication, hard work, and a strong educational foundation, I am confident that I can achieve my goal and make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. My utmost dedication lies in the provision of exceptional care and the promotion of optimal health for individuals. I truly believe in the importance of nurturing and supporting people in their pursuit of a healthy and fulfilling life. I possess a strong sense of purpose and am highly motivated to achieve my ambitious goals. I have already made noteworthy progress towards turning my aspirations into reality. As an individual, I take pride in my inherent kindness, empathy, and unwavering willingness to offer assistance to those in need. Whether it be through a simple gesture or a more substantial act of kindness, I strive to make a positive impact on the world around me. In my personal view, education holds immense potential to bring about positive transformations in our world. As such, I am fully dedicated to contributing to this noble cause and making a meaningful impact wherever possible. Whether it's through volunteering, advocacy, or simply being a lifelong learner myself, I firmly believe that every effort counts towards creating a better future for all. I am grateful for your assistance and guidance in helping me to achieve my academic and career aspirations. With your support, I feel confident in my ability to make a positive and lasting impact within my community. Your expertise and encouragement have been invaluable to me, and I am truly grateful for your continued assistance. Together, we can work towards realizing my full potential and achieving great success. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to my success. If I were to receive a scholarship, I would use the money to create a better life for myself and my family. Specifically, I would put the funds towards furthering my education, which would open up countless doors and opportunities for me in the future. With a higher level of education, I could pursue a more fulfilling career and provide for my loved ones in a more meaningful way. Additionally, I would use some of the scholarship money to invest in my personal growth and development, such as taking courses or attending workshops that could help me improve my skills and knowledge. Ultimately, I believe that investing in oneself is one of the best ways to create a better life, and that is exactly what I would do with a scholarship.

The feeling of the sun beaming down on me feels so comforting, like a butterfly flying in the meadows over a rainbow. January 18, 2015, was when a large piece of my heart broke. My grandma— my sun, passed away when I was nine years old and I could never tell her I loved her before she passed away. Nobody wanted to truly tell me the full story— I mean who would tell a child that her grandma has breast cancer, it’s worsening by the day, and the doctors don’t know how long she has to live? The whole day is still so vivid to me. I was at school and was taken to my aunt's house for the weekend; unbeknownst that my grandma was getting worse in her illness. Now, I understand why they wouldn’t tell me, but I just hope she’s proud of the person I have become. My grandma gave me one of my first nicknames ‘Sunshine’, which soon became hers when I learned to talk. She was the person to teach me how to write in cursive and also read it. She began to teach me at a young age to be poised. My grandma taught me how to bake, which inspired me to continue baking as she did for holidays and church events. She allowed me to freely express myself. Every time I’m with her we always laugh and have fun, no matter where we are. The weekend leading to Sunshine’s passing, I was taken to my aunt's house for the weekend, and being a child I just thought it was a play date with my cousin. When Sunday morning came everything was a blur, but that night I came home wasn’t. My family was all at my grandma’s house outside and inside. I was finally told that Sunshine died that morning and I was so heartbroken. Everyone’s eyes were now on me, watching my reaction; since I am the youngest grandchild they didn’t know how I would react to something as major as this. It felt like the world stopped. I was a mess, my eyes were red, my nose was running, and I was shaking. I was inconsolable for about half an hour. Now that I’ve gotten older I would reminisce about the things that Sunshine and I have done and find the lessons learned from those experiences. Sunshine is the person who started my relationship with God. I thank her that she was a strong female figure in my life that I could look up to. She had taught me to be a young lady and all the etiquette I know. I only have memories and photos of her now. Every blue moon I would still ask, “Why her, why so soon?” There’s a reason for everything so when those times come up I’ll think about the fun times I had with her. My grandma has made a huge impact on my life, even in her death. She’s my number one fan, best friend, and shining star. She’s the person who can lift my spirits without her even being physically here. I’m finishing out my senior year and ongoing years for her, so she can be proud of me. Although she is not physically here, I know she’s proud of the person I have become. Sunshine is always and forever in my heart and I know she’s watching over me with the biggest smile on her face. When I’m feeling down, and the sun is out it reminds me that she’s always there.

I have always had a strong desire to become a medical doctor because I want to help people and make a positive impact in their lives. Both of my grandmothers are the main reason that I wanted to do something in the medical field. At the time I was not aware of the different occupations within the field so as I grew older I learned that I wanted to become an emergency physician. They both were diagnosed with breast cancer at different points in my life and I always wanted to be able to help them get better. I love them dearly, and despite both of them passing away I believe that being a doctor is not just a profession, but a calling to serve the community and make a difference in the world. However, there have been many obstacles that have made this dream more challenging to achieve, primarily financial circumstances. Growing up in a low-income family, I had to work multiple jobs to support myself and pay for my education. Being in college now is difficult because I have to pay for my schooling myself out of pocket after what scholarships or aid the school has given me. Despite these challenges, I believe these experiences have made me more resilient and determined. I have learned to keep a positive mindset and outlook on life because you only get one. When times get hard, you must be able to walk around with your head high despite the setbacks. I have developed a strong work ethic and can manage my time and resources effectively. These skills will be invaluable as a medical doctor, where I will be required to work long hours and multitask effectively. Furthermore, having experienced financial difficulties has given me a greater appreciation for the struggles that many of my patients may face. I will be able to empathize with their situations and provide them with the best possible care, regardless of their financial circumstances. Bringing in a personal experience that my future patients can relate to is beneficial in case there is a tough decision that would ultimately cause emotions to be present My determination to become a medical doctor has been strengthened by the obstacles that I have faced. I am confident that my experiences will make me a more compassionate and effective physician, and I look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of my patients and those around me.

Education has always been a passion of mine, as I wholeheartedly believe in its ability to bring about positive change in individuals and communities. My academic journey thus far has been enriched by the guidance and mentorship of numerous outstanding educators who have influenced my values, social connections, and professional goals. Their lessons have not only expanded my knowledge, but also instilled in me the significance of integrity, compassion, and determination. My teachers have impacted my beliefs by showing me the power of education to create positive change in the world. They have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to use my education to help others and make a difference in society. They have also taught me the value of relationships and how to build meaningful connections with others through empathy, respect, and honesty. I am deeply grateful to my teachers for their invaluable assistance in helping me realize my career aspirations. Their unwavering guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in providing me with the tools and resources I need to succeed. Moreover, they have instilled in me the importance of continuous personal and professional development, which has been fundamental to my growth and progress. I am truly fortunate to have had such exceptional mentors in my life, and I will always be thankful for their contributions to my success. As a future educator, I plan to leave a lasting impact on the students I teach by creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. I want to help my students develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need to succeed in life and become responsible and compassionate members of society. I will strive to be a positive role model for my students, always leading by example and demonstrating the values and behaviors I hope to instill in them. Being involved in the realm of education, I am wholeheartedly committed to the profound and transformative advantages that learning can offer. Through first-hand experience, I have witnessed the positive impact education can have on both individuals and entire communities, and I am fervently dedicated to constantly enhancing my own knowledge and skills to provide the most effective support possible for my students' personal growth and development. I am absolutely certain that each and every student possesses exceptional talents and abilities just waiting to be discovered and nurtured, and I consider it a great honor to be a part of this process.

After successfully completing my undergraduate STEM degree, I have set a clear hierarchy of goals that I am confident in achieving. Firstly, I am determined to pursue internships in the medical industry that will allow me to enhance my skills, knowledge, and experience. With my STEM degree and unwavering dedication, I am confident in building a strong network of connections with medical professionals. I am committed to excelling in the medical field through diligent preparation for the MCAT and participating in health-related internships. Lastly, I am excited to take on the role of a mentor for young black girls, just like myself, and make a positive impact in their lives. My goal is to become a doctor and inspire young black girls like myself. I am considering taking a gap year before entering medical school to better prepare for the MCAT and increase my chances of getting into a good school. During this time, I plan to study extensively and gain valuable experience through an internship that will enhance my resume and make me stand out to admissions teams. This will help me become a more well-rounded individual. After working very hard to get into medical school, I will do the same work and receive my MD and white coat. The whole medical school process is tedious and will get rough, but I will get through and succeed. Once I begin working in the hospital fully as a resident and meet all the criteria to be an attending physician, I want to start a research project to observe how types of cancer can affect people. I want to investigate this because of a family member that was very close to me and they had a rough time with cancer and also a smooth process. There were many ups and downs before she was cancer free. As a young girl, I always dreamed of pursuing a career in the medical field. Now, I want to give back by mentoring young black girls who share the same aspiration. I want to be the resource that I never had but desperately needed. Through Google, I found some helpful resources, but it wasn't until high school that I discovered a club sponsored by the University of Michigan that provided me with invaluable guidance. My mentor, a fellow black girl, was a blessing that came out of nowhere and instantly clicked with me. I want to pay it forward and provide the same support and guidance that I received to young black girls who want to pursue a career in the medical field. Winning this scholarship would be a massive step towards achieving my dreams. As someone who has always been passionate about education, I know that furthering my education is essential to accomplishing my goals. Unfortunately, the cost of tuition and other expenses can be overwhelming and make it difficult to pursue higher education. This scholarship would give me the financial support I need to continue my studies and achieve my dreams. With this scholarship, I could focus on my education and not have to worry about the financial burden of paying for my education. It would be an amazing opportunity and a dream come true.