Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I came to understand this truth through two of the most important people in my life, my father and my grandmother. Their experiences with health and mobility have shaped who I am today and inspired me to pursue a career as a physical therapist. My father worked for decades as a bus mechanic at the Detroit Department of Transportation. I always admired his dedication, but I did not fully understand the physical toll his work had taken on him until he retired and started physical therapy. Watching him regain strength, mobility, and energy was amazing. I saw how intentional care and movement could restore quality of life, and it sparked my desire to help others do the same. My grandmother showed me the other side of the story. Some of my happiest memories are of running and swimming with her. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, her energy and mobility began to decline quickly. Seeing her become frail and losing her eventually was heartbreaking. It made me determined to dedicate my life to helping people maintain independence, strength, and dignity through movement and health education. Their experiences shaped not only my career goals but also my resilience and purpose. Only about five percent of practicing physical therapists in the United States are Black, and I am determined to change that. I want to be an example for future generations, showing that hard work, dedication, and compassion can open doors in spaces where people like me are underrepresented. At Michigan State University, my studies in kinesiology, including labs in exercise physiology, CPR, musculoskeletal assessment, and sports medicine, have helped me turn the lessons from my father and grandmother into real skills. Beyond academics, I mentor younger students and teach peers about wellness and movement. Their experiences inspire me to serve my community in practical ways that make a difference. Looking back, my father and grandmother have had the biggest impact on my life. They taught me the value of perseverance, the importance of caring for others, and the power of using personal experiences to guide my purpose. Their influence drives me to earn my Doctorate of Physical Therapy, open my own practice, and advocate for health equity. They showed me that every step we take and every move we make can change lives. I want to carry that lesson forward in everything I do.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over three hundred thousand practicing physical therapists in the United States, and out of that, only five percent are black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation but also to reflect the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to live a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, perform respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become physical therapists. Receiving the Women in STEM Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but also allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over three hundred thousand practicing physical therapists in the United States, and out of that, only five percent of which are black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation but also to reflect the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to live a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, perform respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become physical therapists. Receiving the Willie Louis Pegues Science Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but also allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

From as early as I can remember, faith has been the compass guiding my life. Growing up in a family where prayer, scripture, and trust in God were woven into daily life, I learned to lean on His guidance even in moments of uncertainty. My journey toward higher education and my career goals has not been without challenges, but faith has been the foundation that sustained me through obstacles and celebrated with me through triumphs. Morning prayers before exams, quiet reflection during long study sessions, and seeking God’s wisdom in difficult decisions have all been sources of strength that reminded me I am never navigating life alone. One of the pivotal moments in my life came as I watched my father, a dedicated bus mechanic for the Detroit Department of Transportation, endure decades of physically demanding work while rarely tending to his own health. When he retired and began physical therapy, I witnessed the dramatic improvement in his mobility and quality of life. My grandmother’s battle with breast cancer further shaped my understanding of resilience and the fragility of health. Watching her once vibrant energy diminish was heartbreaking, and it motivated me to pursue a path in physical therapy so that others could maintain their independence and well-being. Yet pursuing this dream has required navigating financial pressures, rigorous coursework, and the emotional weight of balancing family and academics. At times, the journey felt overwhelming, but faith reminded me to persevere, trust God’s timing, and seek guidance through prayer and mentorship. Faith has also shaped my understanding of purpose and service. I believe that my identity as a Black woman and my experiences growing up in my community are not separate from my calling but integral to it. I want to be a visible example in a field where only five percent of practitioners are Black, demonstrating that representation matters and that access to compassionate, culturally aware care is a right, not a privilege. Every lab, clinical skill, and mentorship opportunity I have pursued has been fueled by the belief that my work is not just for me, but for the community I am called to serve. Faith has taught me to view challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow, lead, and uplift others along the way. Receiving this opportunity would be meaningful not only because it supports my academic and professional journey but also because it affirms the power of faith-driven perseverance. It would allow me to focus fully on completing my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and opening a practice that serves as a hub of wellness, education, and mentorship for my community. Guided by faith, I will continue to act with integrity, compassion, and commitment to service, advocating for equitable healthcare access and mentoring the next generation of leaders who, like me, have navigated obstacles with God’s guidance. Faith is the thread that connects my past challenges, present achievements, and future aspirations. It has been my anchor in moments of uncertainty and my guide toward purpose-driven action. With God at the center of my journey, I am confident that the work I do will not only transform my life but also empower and uplift the communities I serve, leaving a legacy of hope, health, and unwavering perseverance.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over three hundred thousand practicing physical therapists in the United States, and out of that, only five percent are black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation but also to reflect the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to live a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, perform respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become physical therapists. Receiving the Dorothy Walker Dearon Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but also allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. Pursuing higher education has not been without its challenges. As a Black student navigating a predominantly white institution, I have faced moments of isolation, financial pressure, and the emotional weight of balancing academics with personal loss and responsibility. These obstacles have required resilience, self-advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to my goals, even when the path felt overwhelming. There are over three hundred thousand practicing physical therapists in the United States, and out of that, only about five percent identify as Black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation but also to reflect the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to be included in that growing number and to lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. Preventative care through consistent movement is essential to living a life without the uncertainty of avoidable illness. Being a Black student studying kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses such as exercise physiology and sports medicine, I have gained clinical skills including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), taking vital signs, joint splinting and wrapping, respiration testing, and exercise stress tests. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be critical in identifying injuries and supporting patient recovery. Addressing health inequities within Black communities requires both individual commitment and broader policy and community-level reform. Expanding access to preventative healthcare, increasing insurance coverage for physical therapy services, and investing in community-based movement and wellness education programs are essential steps toward reducing long-term illness and disability. Shifting healthcare toward proactive, movement-centered care in underserved communities has the potential to improve quality of life and reduce disparities that disproportionately affect the African diaspora in the United States. Driving meaningful change will require collaboration among key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Universities and professional programs must continue to support and recruit students from underrepresented backgrounds, while healthcare systems and policymakers work to improve affordability, access, and cultural competency in care. Community leaders, families, and Black healthcare professionals also play a vital role in building trust and ensuring reforms are informed by the lived experiences of the communities they aim to serve. I plan to use my education to obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create meaningful relationships with patients like the ones I had with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and to view me as a mentor who demonstrates what is possible. Receiving the Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but also allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over 300,000 practicing physical therapists in the United States, and out of that number, only five percent are Black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation but also to reflect the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to live a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, perform respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become physical therapists. Receiving the Mohamed Magdi Taha Memorial Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but also allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over 300,000 practicing physical therapists in the United States, and out of that number, only five percent are Black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation but also to reflect the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to live a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, respiration tests, and conduct exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become physical therapists. Receiving the Kim Moon Bae Underrepresented Students Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but also allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation. However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening seeing how frail she became before her death, due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over 300,000 practicing physical therapists in the United States, and out of that number, only five percent are Black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation but also to reflect the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. My goal is to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to live a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, perform respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become physical therapists. Receiving the Rev. and Mrs. E B Dunbar Scholarship wouldn't only relieve my financial burden but also allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over three hundred thousand practicing physical therapists in the United States and out of that only five percent of which are black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation, but to reflect the communities we serve to ensure that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to living a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become a physical therapist. Receiving the Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over three hundred thousand practicing physical therapists in the United States and out of that only five percent of which are black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation, but to reflect the communities we serve to ensure that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to living a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become a physical therapist. Receiving the Dr. Monique Dupree Scholarship for BIPOC Students would not only relieve my financial burden but allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. There are over three hundred thousand practicing physical therapists in the United States and out of that only five percent of which are black. I believe this number should be higher, not only for representation, but to reflect the communities we serve to ensure that everyone is seen, heard, and understood. That is my goal to be included in that growing number and lead by example. I want the future generation to see that they can do it too. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to living a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. I want the next generation to see how my hard work paid off and be a mentor for those who aspire to become a physical therapist. Receiving the Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to living a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. Receiving the Eric R. Marshall and Susie Mitchell Marshall Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

Carol Welch once said, “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states.” I have witnessed the impact that movement can have on one’s life. For as long as I could remember, my dad fixed public buses at the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT). However, I did not see how it affected his body until he retired and was referred to a physical therapist. After going to physical therapy, he boasted about how much better he felt. I could visibly see how much his mobility improved, especially in his daily life. Similarly, my fondest memories of my grandmother are from when she used to run around with me in the backyard or in the pool. Yet when she found out she had breast cancer in 2018, she began to lose energy and mobility as she became sicker. It was disheartening to see how frail she became before her death, ultimately due to her lack of movement. These experiences made me realize that movement is medicine, and sparked my interest in becoming a physical therapist. As a physical therapist, I want to educate people about the importance of using movement to regularly take care of themselves. Many Black people, like my dad, put their health and bodies on the back burner until it becomes critical. It is essential to living a life without the uncertainty of a major illness. Being a Black student studying Kinesiology at Michigan State University, I am eager to explore and address health disparities in my community. Through courses like exercise physiology and sports medicine, I gained clinical skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vital signs. In my labs, I learned how to splint and wrap joints, respiration tests, and exercise stress tests. They also deepened my understanding of the musculoskeletal system, which will be crucial in determining injuries. I plan to use this knowledge to help me obtain my Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, open my own practice, and create relationships with patients like the ones I have with my grandma and dad. Receiving the Eric R. Marshall and Susie Mitchell Marshall Scholarship would not only relieve my financial burden but allow me to fully focus on my studies. Movement is a medicine that has changed and will continue to change my life and the lives of the people I hope to serve.

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.