For as long as I can remember, healthcare has been more than a career goal, it has been my reality. At fourteen, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease spending countless days in hospitals, undergoing multiple surgeries, and learning what it felt like to have my future dictated by chronic illness. At the same time, I watched my mother navigate life with multiple sclerosis. Together, those experiences taught me that healing extends far beyond prescribing medications. It is about advocacy, compassion, education, and ensuring that every patient feels seen. Today, I am pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy degree because I want to become the healthcare professional I needed when I was younger. My education has given me the scientific knowledge to understand disease, but my experiences have given me something equally valuable, empathy. They have fueled my passion for improving the lives of patients living with inflammatory bowel disease and other chronic autoimmune conditions. Beyond the classroom, I have intentionally sought opportunities that allow me to create meaningful change. As President of Phi Lambda Sigma, I have worked to develop future pharmacy leaders by organizing leadership programming that encourages service, collaboration, and professional growth. As Vice President of Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International, I have helped create a supportive community centered on compassion and servant leadership. Through my research on GLP-1 receptor agonists and inflammatory bowel disease, I hope to contribute to a growing body of evidence that may improve treatment options and quality of life for patients like me. My long-term goal is to become a Medical Science Liaison specializing in gastroenterology and immunology. I want to serve as the bridge between scientific discovery and patient care, helping healthcare providers understand emerging therapies while ensuring research reflects the needs of the people living with these diseases every day. I also hope to mentor students facing chronic illnesses, proving that a diagnosis does not define their potential. The people who inspire me most are those who have quietly dedicated their lives to lifting others. My mother has demonstrated resilience through every challenge she has faced, showing me that strength is measured not by what we endure but by how we continue to care for others. The pharmacists, physicians, and nurses who treated me never saw me as just another patient, they saw a young girl with dreams worth protecting. Their belief in me changed the trajectory of my life. That is the impact I hope to make. I want every patient, especially those from underserved communities or living with chronic illness, to know they are more than their diagnosis. Whether through research, patient education, mentorship, or advocacy, I want to expand access to innovative treatments while empowering individuals to become active participants in their own healthcare. Education has already transformed my life by turning some of my hardest experiences into purpose. Now, I want to use that education to ensure others receive not only the best possible care but also hope for a healthier future. If I can help even one patient feel less alone than I once did, then I will know I am creating the kind of change that lasts far beyond a prescription.

Living with Crohn's disease and a congenital foot deformity has profoundly shaped who I am and the path I am pursuing. While one condition is largely invisible and the other physical, both have challenged me in ways that have strengthened my resilience, deepened my empathy, and clarified my purpose. I was born with a structural deformity in my feet that has affected my mobility and caused chronic pain at different points in my life. Growing up, this meant navigating physical limitations that others did not always see or understand. Activities that seemed simple such as standing for long periods, walking long distances, or keeping up with peers, often required extra effort or came with discomfort. At times, it was frustrating to feel like my body was working against me, but those experiences taught me perseverance early on. I learned how to adapt, how to push through challenges, and how to advocate for myself when something wasn’t right. Later, being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease added another layer to my journey. Managing a chronic illness while pursuing a demanding academic path has required constant balance. There have been days when I have sat in class or worked long shifts while silently managing pain, fatigue, or uncertainty. These moments tested me, but they also shaped me into someone who is disciplined, self-aware, and determined. Together, these conditions have influenced not only how I navigate the world, but also what I hope to accomplish. They have given me a unique perspective on what it means to live with a physical disability, both visible and invisible. I understand the frustration of feeling limited, the exhaustion of managing chronic conditions, and the importance of being truly heard by healthcare providers. These experiences are what drive my passion for healthcare. As a future pharmacist, I want to be an advocate for patients who may feel overlooked or misunderstood. I want to provide care that is not only clinically sound, but also compassionate and individualized. I know what it feels like to be on the other side of the counter, and that perspective is something I carry with me every day. Beyond patient care, my experiences have also shaped my long-term goals. I am motivated to contribute to a healthcare system that is more accessible and responsive to individuals with chronic conditions and physical disabilities. Whether through improving medication access, optimizing therapies, or leading within healthcare organizations, I want to be part of meaningful change. Living with these challenges has not been easy, but it has made me stronger, more empathetic, and more driven. My disabilities are not limitations, they are part of the foundation that fuels my ambition. They have shaped who I am, and they continue to guide who I am becoming.

Pursuing a graduate education in business is more than an academic goal for me, it is a strategic investment in the kind of leader I aspire to become. As a PharmD/MBA candidate, I am intentionally positioning myself at the intersection of healthcare and business, where I can drive meaningful change in how care is delivered, accessed, and sustained. Higher education is not only equipping me with technical knowledge, but also shaping my ability to think critically, lead effectively, and create impact in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Through my MBA training, I am gaining a deeper understanding of organizational leadership, financial decision-making, and strategic planning. These skills are essential in healthcare, where clinical excellence alone is not enough to ensure success. Pharmacies, health systems, and healthcare startups all operate within complex business environments that require innovation, efficiency, and adaptability. My education is teaching me how to evaluate opportunities, manage resources, and lead teams in a way that balances patient care with long-term sustainability. What makes my journey unique is my foundation in pharmacy and my experience in independent practice. Working in a compounding pharmacy, I have seen firsthand how personalized care can transform patient outcomes, but I have also seen the operational and financial challenges that come with delivering that level of service. These experiences have fueled my desire to lead within this space, whether by expanding independent pharmacy services, improving access to compounded and specialty medications, or developing innovative care models that better serve patients with complex needs. Higher education is also strengthening my confidence as a woman pursuing leadership in business. In many professional spaces, especially at the intersection of healthcare and business, women are still underrepresented in executive roles. Through my graduate training, leadership experiences, and mentorship, I am developing the skills and voice needed to lead with both competence and conviction. I am learning not only how to navigate these spaces, but how to create opportunities for others as well. My education is shaping my ability to think beyond traditional career paths. I am interested in entrepreneurship and see opportunities to build or grow healthcare-focused ventures that prioritize both patient outcomes and business innovation. Whether that means owning an independent pharmacy, consulting on healthcare strategy, or leading within an organization, my goal is to create systems that are both clinically effective and financially sustainable. Higher education is giving me the tools to turn vision into action. It is bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and business acumen, allowing me to approach problems with a more comprehensive and solution-oriented mindset. I am not just preparing for a career, instead, I am preparing to lead, to innovate, and to make a lasting impact in the business of healthcare.

One of the national health issues I care most deeply about is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly Crohn's disease. While it may not always receive the same attention as other chronic illnesses, IBD quietly impacts millions of lives in ways that are often invisible to others. It is not just a disease of the gut, it is a disease that affects identity, confidence, mental health, and the ability to live a “normal” life. My connection to this issue is deeply personal. Living with Crohn’s disease has shaped nearly every aspect of my journey. There have been moments where I have sat in class trying to focus while silently battling pain, and times where I have had to choose between prioritizing my health and keeping up with the demands of pharmacy school. It has taught me resilience in ways I never expected, but it has also shown me how isolating and overwhelming chronic illness can feel. There is a unique kind of exhaustion that comes from constantly managing symptoms, medications, and uncertainty, while still trying to show up as your best self. These experiences are why I care so deeply about improving care for patients with IBD. Too often, patients face delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialists, and significant financial barriers to life-changing therapies like biologics. Behind every prior authorization or denied claim is a real person just trying to feel better, to function, to live without fear of the next flare. I have been that patient, and I understand how discouraging and defeating that process can be. What makes this issue even more urgent is its growing prevalence, both nationally and globally. More people are being diagnosed each year, yet awareness, accessibility, and affordability of care have not kept pace. Globally, the rise in IBD prevalence, especially in newly industrialized countries, emphasizes the role of environmental, dietary, and lifestyle factors in disease development. This trend underscores the importance of continued research, early intervention, and preventive strategies. It also emphasizes the need for healthcare systems to adapt in order to support a growing population of patients with complex, chronic conditions. Nationally, biologic therapies, while life-changing for many patients, are often associated with significant financial burden and access barriers. These medications cost over ten thousand dollars without insurance every month, creating more stress than needed. This shows gap between what is medically possible and what patients are actually able to receive. As a future pharmacist, my passion is rooted in bridging that gap. I want to be more than someone who dispenses medications. Instead, I want to be an advocate, a problem-solver, and a source of support for patients navigating chronic disease. My experiences have given me a level of empathy that cannot be taught in a classroom. I understand the fear, the frustration, and the hope that comes with each new treatment. IBD is not just a condition I study, it is something I live with every day. This is exactly why I am so driven to make a difference.

Growing up in a single-parent household shaped my independence long before I understood the word for it. After domestic violence fractured my family, my mother became both my foundation and my example. Overnight, our home shifted from instability and fear to rebuilding and survival. I watched her carry responsibilities that once belonged to two people of financial strain, emotional healing, and the weight of starting over. In many ways, I grew up alongside her. A single-parent household teaches you resourcefulness. There is no room for passivity. I learned early how to manage my time, support my mother emotionally, and focus on long-term stability. We did not have the luxury of complacency, we had to be intentional. Financial realities made education feel less like an expectation and more like an opportunity that required discipline and sacrifice. Seeing my mother stretch every dollar and still prioritize my future instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility. I understood that if I wanted a different life, I would have to work for it relentlessly. One defining realization came during a period when I felt overwhelmed balancing academic pressure and responsibilities at home. I had always prided myself on being strong and self-sufficient, but I began to equate asking for help with weakness. I believed I had to carry everything alone, just as my mother often did. Eventually, I reached a point of exhaustion that forced me to confront that belief. In that moment, I realized strength is not isolation, it is resilience paired with support. I began reframing independence not as doing everything myself, but as taking ownership of my growth while allowing others to walk alongside me. That shift changed how I approached both school and life. I became more strategic with my goals, more disciplined with my time, and more open to mentorship and collaboration. This realization also deepened my empathy for others. I began recognizing that many people carry invisible burdens such as financial stress, family trauma, quiet expectations. Growing up in a single-parent household taught me not to judge someone’s pace or struggles because I understand how much context shapes performance. It strengthened my drive not just to succeed, but to uplift others who may feel the same pressure to be strong all the time. Academically, I channel that tenacity into long-term aspiration. I view education as both personal advancement and generational change. I am not simply pursuing college for myself; I am pursuing it to create stability, expand opportunity, and honor the sacrifices my mother made. Every accomplishment I achieve carries her perseverance within it. Being raised in a single-parent household did not make life easier, but it made me stronger, more self-aware, and more driven. It taught me discipline, adaptability, and the value of resilience. Most importantly, it gave me a new understanding of strength, not as perfection or isolation, but as persistence through adversity. My upbringing did not limit my aspirations. It sharpened and shaped them. I intend to carry that tenacity with me into every opportunity I pursue.

Mental health is important to me as a student because I learned the hard way that academic excellence means very little without emotional stability. As a pharmacy student, I struggled deeply with perfectionism, a trait that is often praised in healthcare but rarely examined for its cost. In highly competitive academic environments, perfectionism can disguise itself as dedication. I held myself to impossible standards. A single missed question felt like failure. Constructive feedback felt personal. I measured my worth by performance metrics rather than growth. Over time, that mindset eroded my confidence and intensified anxiety. Instead of feeling proud of my achievements, I felt constant pressure to prove that I deserved to be where I was. Healthcare education reinforces this culture subtly. We are trained to avoid mistakes because mistakes can harm patients. While accountability is critical, the internalization of “never fail” can create silent burnout. I realized that if I continued practicing pharmacy from a place of fear and self-criticism, I would not become the compassionate provider I aspired to be. My turning point came when I reframed mental health not as a weakness, but as professional responsibility. I began intentionally working on sustainable performance such as journaling to challenge distorted thinking patterns, practicing mindfulness to regulate stress, and redefining success as improvement rather than perfection. These changes did not lower my standards, but instead they strengthened my resilience. I became more focused, more confident in clinical decision-making, and more comfortable asking questions. As I rebuilt my relationship with achievement, I also became more aware of how many peers were quietly struggling in similar ways. I started advocating for more open conversations about burnout and unrealistic expectations within student organizations and peer groups. Instead of glorifying all-nighters and exhaustion, I encouraged sustainable study strategies and use of campus counseling resources. In leadership settings, I make it a priority to check in on team members beyond academic performance. Excellence should never come at the expense of well-being. My advocacy extends beyond the classroom into patient care. Mental health and physical health are inseparable. As a future pharmacist, I will interact with patients managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress , often alongside complex medication regimens. My own experience with perfectionism has given me empathy for individuals who feel trapped by internal pressure or fear of failure. It has also shaped how I approach counseling without judgment, without assumptions, and with an awareness that every patient carries unseen burdens. Long-term, I want to influence healthcare culture at a systems level. Through my PharmD and MBA training, I aim to advocate for trauma-informed care, provider wellness initiatives, and integrated mental health screenings in community pharmacy settings. Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals. We have the opportunity not only to dispense medications but to identify warning signs, initiate conversations, and connect patients to support. Mental health is important to me because I have lived the consequences of neglecting it and the transformation that comes from addressing it. Perfectionism once narrowed my self-worth to grades and performance. Now, it fuels disciplined growth without self-destruction. That shift has made me a stronger student, a better leader, and a more compassionate future healthcare provider. Advocating for mental health is not separate from my career goals, it is foundational to them. Sustainable providers create safer systems. And healthier students become more empathetic professionals.

Making a positive impact on the world begins with serving the people who are most often overlooked. For me, that commitment is rooted in supporting the homeless community in Charleston by addressing both immediate needs like food security and long-term needs like accessible healthcare. Through volunteering, I have seen how something as simple as a warm meal can restore dignity. Food insecurity is not just about hunger, it is about instability, isolation, and survival. Serving meals to individuals experiencing homelessness has taught me that compassion is expressed through presence. It is sitting down to listen to someone’s story rather than rushing to the next task. It is recognizing that service is not charity, it is solidarity. However, food is only one layer of the challenge. Many individuals in the homeless community also face unmanaged chronic illnesses, untreated mental health conditions, and limited access to medications. As a PharmD and MBA candidate, I see a clear intersection between my education and this need. I plan to expand access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations by integrating community outreach with sustainable pharmacy practice. Short term, I intend to continue volunteering at shelters and community outreach events, particularly those that provide health screenings, medication counseling, and preventive care resources. Small interventions such as blood pressure checks, diabetes education, vaccination clinics can prevent emergency room visits and long-term complications. These services also create trust between healthcare providers and communities that often feel neglected by traditional systems. Long-term, my goal is to help develop mobile healthcare initiatives and community pharmacy partnerships that directly serve homeless populations. Many individuals experiencing homelessness do not have reliable transportation or consistent primary care. Mobile clinics and outreach pharmacy services can bridge that gap. With my business training, I want to help design models that are both mission-driven and financially sustainable, ensuring that these programs can expand rather than disappear due to funding shortages. Compassion, to me, is proactive. It means identifying structural barriers and working to remove them. It means advocating for medication affordability, partnering with nonprofit organizations, and mentoring other healthcare professionals to approach care with empathy. True impact is not measured by a single act of service but by the systems we build to support others consistently. The legacy this scholarship honors, a life defined by generosity and care for others , aligns deeply with the work I feel called to do. Serving the under served community has shown me that dignity, access, and health are intertwined. No one can pursue stability, employment, or education while struggling with untreated illness or hunger. Addressing these foundational needs is not just compassionate, it is a necessity. My destiny is not only to succeed in healthcare, but to use my education to expand access for those who need it most. By serving the homeless community through both food outreach and healthcare initiatives, I plan to build a career that reflects service in action of consistent, compassionate, and community-centered. Impact begins where the need is greatest. That is where I intend to stand.

The first time I was hospitalized for complications of Crohn’s disease, I was not thinking about leadership. I was thinking about fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of falling behind in school, fear that my body might limit the life I envisioned for myself. What I did not yet realize was that this experience would become the foundation of how I lead. Living with a chronic autoimmune disease has required me to grow up quickly. There are no “off days” from Crohn’s disease. There are only days when you show up anyway. I have taken exams after sleepless nights, completed clinical rotations while managing flare symptoms, and learned how to advocate for myself in complex healthcare systems long before I began training to work within them. Chronic illness strips away complacency, instead it forces resilience. It teaches you that strength is alwasy needed and required. What makes me a leader is my ability to transform vulnerability into purpose. As a Doctor of Pharmacy and MBA candidate, I carry both the perspective of a provider-in-training and that of a patient who has sat on the other side of the consultation room. I know what it feels like to rely on medications that determine whether you can function that day. I know the frustration of insurance barriers, prior authorizations, and fragmented care. Because of this, I lead with urgency and empathy. When I advocate for better systems, it is not theoretical, it is personal. In my leadership roles within pharmacy organizations, I have prioritized mentorship and inclusion. I remember what it felt like to quietly wonder if my health challenges made me less capable. There were times I was completely alone due to my disease and people not understanding me. I lead to ensure others never feel that doubt alone. Whether organizing professional development conferences, mentoring younger students, or helping peers navigate academic pressure, I strive to create environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered. To me leadership is not dominance, it is stewardship. It is recognizing that influence carries responsibility. I am driven not by titles, but by impact. My ambition is rooted in improving healthcare access for patients with chronic illnesses who often feel unheard. My MBA training has strengthened my ability to think strategically about scalable solutions, while my pharmacy education grounds me in patient-centered care. Together, they allow me to envision innovative, sustainable change. Maintaining a strong academic performance while managing Crohn’s disease has required discipline, humility, and relentless perseverance. There are moments when my health has demanded rest when my goals demanded productivity. Learning to navigate that tension has made me adaptable and intentional. It has also made me compassionate toward others who are quietly fighting battles of their own. I do not lead because my path has been easy, I lead because it has been difficult. Every hospital stay, every infusion appointment, every setback has strengthened my purpose to build a healthcare system that feels less isolating and more human. My disease has shaped me, but it does not define me. Instead, it fuels me to advocate, to innovate, and to serve. What makes me a leader is not just resilience, it is the decision to use that resilience to lift others.

At fourteen years old, I learned that life could change permanently in a single hospital admission. A diagnosis of Crohn’s disease abruptly shifted my teen years from school events and extracurricular milestones to hospital rooms, infusion centers, and uncertainty. While my peers worried about exams and social plans, I learned to create medication schedules, manage debilitating symptoms, and confront the reality of a chronic illness that would accompany me for life. What began as a deeply personal health challenge ultimately became the foundation of my professional purpose. Today, I am a PharmD and MBA candidate at the Medical University of South Carolina and The Citadel. I pursue these dual degrees not merely to earn credentials, but to transform lived adversity into systemic impact. My goal is to become a clinician leader who advances patient-centered pharmaceutical care. This scholarship would not only ease financial strain I face medically and tuition, it would directly support a mission shaped by resilience, discipline, perseverance, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a patient. Living with Crohn’s disease throughout high school and college required a level of maturity and perseverance that profoundly shaped my academic journey. There were semesters punctuated by hospitalizations, flares that disrupted sleep for weeks, and days when simply attending class required extraordinary strength and agility. However, I remained committed to academic excellence, refusing to allow illness to diminish my aspirations. My experiences as a patient cultivated a deep intellectual curiosity about pharmacotherapy, immunology, and medication safety. I was not satisfied with merely taking medications; I wanted to understand their mechanisms, limitations, and potential improvements. That curiosity evolved into a commitment to pharmacy through research and advocacy. Now, as a doctoral pharmacy student, I engage deeply with complex therapeutic areas, including biologics and compounded therapies, treatments that are often lifelines for patients with chronic inflammatory conditions like my own. I am particularly interested in the regulatory and clinical challenges surrounding compounded biologics, where precision, quality assurance, and patient safety intersect. My academic writing and research efforts reflect this focus, aiming to contribute meaningfully to discussions on safe and innovative compounding practices. Balancing the demands of a dual-degree program requires strategic discipline. The MBA component of my education equips me with leadership, operational, and financial competencies that complement my clinical training. I am determined to bridge the gap between patient care and business strategy so that independent healthcare organizations can remain viable while delivering personalized, high-quality services. In my role at an independent compounding pharmacy in Charleston, South Carolina, I see daily how personalized medications can profoundly alter a patient’s quality of life. I witness an arrary of patients from vet animals to cancer patients receive their customized formulations that commercial options fail. Dermatology patients benefiting from individualized concentrations, and individuals with severe allergies relying on compounded alternatives to allow them a better quality of life. Each interaction reinforces my understanding that access to specialized medication is not a luxury, it is essential. Beyond clinical responsibilities, I have taken on leadership roles within professional organizations and academic settings. Serving as a mentor and teaching assistant has allowed me to support peers navigating rigorous coursework. Leadership, to me, is an extension of empathy. It is recognizing the unseen burdens others may carry and striving to create systems that support their success. I have also served as a Vice President of a Christian Organization leading Bible Studies, socials, and homeless food drives and medical clinics. In addition to this, I am President of a Pharmacy Leadership Society that has allowed me to host a conference to spread leadership awareness. My lived experience with chronic illness impacts on how I lead. I understand the isolation patients feel when symptoms are invisible to others. I understand the financial weight of ongoing treatment. I understand the vulnerability of relying on healthcare systems that do not always function seamlessly. This perspective shapes my commitment to advocacy, accessibility, and excellence. Professional education carries substantial financial obligations. Tuition, specialized fees, textbooks, licensing examinations, and travel for experiential rotations accumulate quickly. Living with Crohn’s disease also entails ongoing medical expenses of costs that persist alongside academic obligations. Infusions, specialist appointments, diagnostics, and medications are not optional for me. They are essential to maintaining stability and continuing my education without interruption. Receiving this scholarship would meaningfully reduce financial strain, allowing me to dedicate greater focus to academic performance, research, and leadership initiatives rather than additional work hours to offset expenses. It would also decrease the long-term debt burden that can influence early-career decisions, enabling me to pursue impact-driven roles rather than choices constrained primarily by financial necessity. In my life ambition was born from vulnerability, drive was created through physical adversity, and impact is the responsibility I carry forward. Crohn’s disease has tested me repeatedly either physically, emotionally, or academically. It has also shown me clarity and the importance of compassionate providers. This disease has revealed how profoundly medication access shapes quality of life. It has taught me resilience not as a concept, but as a daily practice. I am pursuing pharmacy and business leadership not despite my illness, but because of it. My experiences have instilled a disciplined work ethic, emotional intelligence, and unwavering determination. They have transformed personal hardship into professional purpose. This scholarship would not simply fund my education, it would invest in a future healthcare leader committed to advancing patient-centered care, strengthening immunology, and ensuring that individuals facing chronic illness are met with expertise, empathy, and advocacy. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students whose ambition is matched by resilience and impact.

One of the most meaningful relationships in my life has been with my mother, a single parent living with multiple sclerosis. Watching her navigate motherhood while managing a progressive neurological condition shaped not only who I am, but how I understand strength, connection, and purpose. Growing up, I learned early that resilience does not always look dramatic or inspirational. Sometimes it looks like learning how to pace yourself when your body does not cooperate, sitting through medical appointments that mesh together, and finding humor in situations that would otherwise feel overwhelming. My mother never framed her illness as something that defined her, but rather as something she adapted to. She attended school events even when walking was painful, supported my ambitions even when she was exhausted, and taught me to see education not just as achievement, but as a form of freedom. Being raised by a disabled single parent forced me to mature quickly. I became more observant, empathetic, and aware of how invisible challenges shape people’s lives. I saw firsthand how difficult it was for her to navigate healthcare systems, advocate for accommodations, and be taken seriously by providers who often dismissed her symptoms or spoke over her. Those experiences fundamentally changed my beliefs about relationships. I learned that meaningful connection begins with listening, not assuming. You never know what someone is carrying unless you create space for them to be honest. As I grew older, I began facing my own health challenges. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that brought unpredictable flare-ups, hospital visits, and physical limitations that were impossible to ignore. Suddenly, I was no longer just witnessing illness, I was living it. My relationship with my mother became even more profound. She understood the emotional toll of chronic illness in a way few others could. There was comfort in being seen without explanation. She stayed by my side 24/7 even though she was fighting her own battle, always putting me first. Living with Crohn’s reshaped how I build relationships. It taught me vulnerability, self-advocacy, and emotional intelligence. I learned how isolating invisible illness can be, especially when you appear “fine” on the outside but struggle internally. These experiences made me more patient, more honest, and more intentional in how I show up for others. I became comfortable having difficult conversations, setting boundaries, and creating environments where people feel safe being real rather than perfect. These qualities deeply influence my leadership style. In student organizations, professional teams, and academic settings, I lead with empathy and reliability. I value honest communication and trust because I know what it feels like to depend on others. Reliability is not just a trait to me, it is a form of care. I strive to be someone others can count on, just as I learned to count on my mother and support system, and vise versa. My mother counted on me a lot to bring her to appointments, surgeries, and more at times when things got tough. Both my mother’s MS and my own Crohn’s disease shaped my decision to pursue a career in pharmacy. I have spent countless hours in clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies, not only as a student or intern, but as a patient. I understand how overwhelming medical systems can feel, how confusing treatment plans can be, and how much reassurance matters. I also understand how powerful it is when a healthcare professional takes the time to explain, listen, and treat you like a person instead of a problem. Pharmacy represents everything I value about human connection. It is a profession built on trust, communication, and long-term relationships. As a future pharmacist and healthcare leader, I want to advocate for patients who feel unheard, design systems that prioritize access and compassion, and help bridge the gap between clinical care and real human experience. I want to be the provider who listens before prescribing, who educates rather than rushes, and who recognizes that every patient carries a story beyond their diagnosis. My relationship with my mother, and my journey with chronic illness, taught me that connection is not about convenience or perfection. It is about presence, patience, and shared perseverance. It taught me how to listen deeply, lead with empathy, and use my experiences not as limitations, but as sources of understanding. These lessons shape every relationship I build and every impact I hope to make within healthcare.

Navigating higher education with a disability has shaped every part of who I am. It shapes how I view myself, how I relate to others, and how I define success. I am currently a dual degree PharmD and MBA candidate living with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition, that has taught me resilience in ways no classroom ever could. Living with an invisible illness has fundamentally changed my beliefs about strength. For a long time, I equated success with perfection and productivity. Crohn’s forced me to confront physical limits, unpredictable flare ups, and the reality that effort does not always lead to immediate results. Over time, I learned that strength is not about pushing through at all costs, it is about persistence, adaptability, and advocating for what you need. These lessons reshaped how I approach both academics and leadership, allowing me to show up fully without sacrificing my health or self worth. My disability has also deepened my relationships. Managing a chronic illness in college can be isolating, especially when peers do not understand why I may miss class, cancel plans, or appear “fine” one day and in pain the next. Learning to communicate openly about my condition strengthened my empathy and emotional intelligence. I became more patient, a better listener, and more attuned to the unseen challenges others carry. These qualities have made me a more effective leader in student organizations and professional settings, where trust, vulnerability, and inclusivity matter just as much as competence. Crohn’s disease has been a major influence on my career aspirations as well. Through my experiences as a pharmacy intern and technician, I saw firsthand how patients with chronic conditions often feel dismissed, misunderstood, or overwhelmed by complex healthcare systems. I recognized myself in many of those patients. This connection is what motivates me to pursue a career in pharmacy leadership role docusing on GI Immunology. This will all me to advocate for patient-centered care, improve access to treatment, and design systems that treat patients as people, not diagnoses. My main goal is to spread education about GI immunology, and create more paths for patients to get in remission, afford medication, and more. My leadership journey has been shaped by this mission. I have served in leadership roles within pharmacy organizations, coordinated professional conferences, mentored younger students, and worked on interdisciplinary projects that bridge business strategy with healthcare delivery. I have loved giving back to the community, especialy in serving the homeless through healthcare needs such as vaccinations, free medications for blood pressure management, and more. In each role, I lead with empathy, transparency, and accountability, all values rooted directly in my lived experience with disability. I strive to create environments where students and colleagues feel supported, heard, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their limitations. Ultimately, my disability did not diminish my ambitions, it refined them and gave me a purpose. Crohn’s taught me how to persevere without burning out, how to lead without ego, and how to define impact beyond titles. It gave me a deeper sense of purpose to build a healthcare system that is not only clinically effective, but compassionate, inclusive, and human. That purpose continues to guide every academic, professional, and leadership decision I make. I want to be an example to people with a chronic disability that it does not have to define you, and that you can still accomplish great things despite what others tell you. If I would have listened to my teacher in my freshman year of high school to drop out due to my illness, I would not be where I am today.

During my medical training, one experience profoundly challenged my assumptions about medicine, patient care, and my own resilience. As someone living with Crohn’s disease, I have always understood chronic illness from the patient perspective. However, during my early clinical rotations, I was confronted with the realities of how complex, unpredictable, and human medicine truly is. These are lessons I could never have learned from textbooks alone. I recall a patient admitted with a flare of inflammatory bowel disease, presenting with severe abdominal pain, fatigue, and malnutrition. Initially, I approached the case analytically, focusing on lab results, imaging, and treatment protocols, believing that if I applied the guidelines correctly, I could “solve” the problem. Yet, I quickly realized that effective care went far beyond clinical knowledge. The patient was anxious, frustrated, and deeply concerned about how their illness would affect their life, work, and family. No lab value or medication could address the uncertainty and emotional toll they were experiencing. I recognized that my initial assumption that medicine is primarily about diagnosing and treating disease, was incomplete. This experience forced me to rethink what it means to be a physician. I began to focus on listening actively, validating patient experiences, and connecting with them as individuals, not just as cases. I reflected on my own journey with Crohn’s disease with the fear of flares, the trial-and-error with medications, and the moments of feeling unseen, and realized that empathy and understanding are as critical to healing as any drug or procedure. By engaging with the patient holistically, I was able to collaborate with the care team to tailor a plan that addressed both the medical and personal dimensions of their illness. The experience also challenged me personally. I confronted my own vulnerabilities and biases of my tendency to rely on logic over empathy, to prioritize “fixing” over understanding. It taught me humility, patience, and the importance of cultivating resilience while remaining compassionate. I began to see medicine not as a linear problem-solving exercise but as a dynamic, relational practice where the patient’s voice is central to care. This lesson has profoundly shaped the type of medical professional I am becoming. I am committed to approaching every patient with curiosity, humility, and empathy, recognizing that each individual’s experience of illness is unique. I strive to integrate scientific knowledge with human connection, ensuring that patients feel seen, heard, and supported. I also aim to advocate for patients with chronic diseases, like myself, helping them navigate complex care plans and the emotional challenges that accompany long-term illness. In medicine, technical skill is essential, but it is the combination of skill and compassion that defines excellent care. This experience reinforced this lesson and strengthened my dedication to a career that prioritizes both. Living with chronic illness and training as a future physician has taught me that being present, listening deeply, and understanding the whole patient are not optional; they are essential.

I chose to pursue a career in STEM because science has the power to transform lives, and I want to be part of that transformation as both a problem-solver and an advocate. From early coursework to advanced scientific training, I have been drawn to fields that require critical thinking, precision, and innovation. These are qualities that define STEM and that are essential to improving healthcare outcomes. As a woman in STEM, I see my career not only as a personal pursuit, but as an opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and impactful future for science. My interest in STEM is rooted in healthcare, where scientific discovery directly intersects with human experience. Studying science has shown me how data, research, and technology translate into real-world solutions from developing new therapies to optimizing treatment plans for patients with complex conditions. STEM disciplines demand curiosity and resilience, and I have learned to embrace both, particularly in environments where women are still underrepresented or underestimated. Each challenge has strengthened my resolve to succeed and to help redefine what leadership in STEM looks like. As a woman pursuing a STEM education, I am acutely aware of the barriers that still exist. Women often face implicit bias, lack of mentorship, and unequal representation in leadership roles. Rather than viewing these challenges as limitations, I see them as motivation. I strive to excel academically and professionally not only for myself, but also to create visibility for women who will follow. Representation matters, especially for young women deciding whether they belong in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. I hope to make a difference in STEM by combining scientific expertise with advocacy and mentorship. In healthcare-related STEM fields, innovation is most effective when it reflects the diversity of the populations it serves. As a future professional, I aim to contribute to research, clinical problem-solving, and interdisciplinary collaboration that improves patient care while also supporting inclusive practices within scientific spaces. I am particularly passionate about mentoring younger women interested in STEM, offering guidance, encouragement, and reassurance that they are capable of thriving in rigorous scientific environments. Beyond individual mentorship, I want to help foster systemic change by advocating for equitable access to education, research opportunities, and leadership development for women in STEM. Whether through professional organizations, academic initiatives, or community outreach, I hope to support programs that reduce barriers and empower women to pursue and persist in STEM careers. The Learner’s Annual Women in STEM Scholarship represents more than financial support, it symbolizes belief in the potential of women to shape the future of science. I am committed to using my education to contribute meaningfully to the STEM field while uplifting others along the way. By pursuing excellence, embracing curiosity, and championing inclusivity, I hope to help build a STEM community where women are not the exception, but the expectation.

Improving the lives of others through healthcare requires more than clinical expertise. It demands empathy, advocacy, and a deep understanding of what it means to live with chronic disease. I plan to improve the lives of others by pursuing a career in pharmacy focused on caring for patients with Crohn’s disease and other complex, immune-mediated and rare conditions that require long-term, highly individualized treatment. Living with Crohn’s disease has profoundly shaped my perspective on healthcare. From navigating delayed diagnoses to managing powerful medications with significant side effects, I have experienced the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that accompany chronic inflammatory disease. I also know how isolating it can feel to live with a condition that is invisible to others yet deeply disruptive to daily life. These experiences have fueled my desire to become a pharmacist who understands patients not only through textbooks and guidelines, but through lived experience. As a future pharmacist, I plan to work directly with patients who have Crohn’s disease and related inflammatory or rare conditions that require specialty medications, including biologics, immunomodulators, and targeted therapies. These treatments often involve complex dosing schedules, injection or infusion techniques, strict monitoring requirements, and significant insurance barriers. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help patients navigate these challenges by providing clear education, supporting medication adherence, monitoring for adverse effects, and coordinating care across healthcare teams. I am particularly passionate about patient education and empowerment. When patients understand why a medication is necessary, how it works, and what to expect, they are better equipped to advocate for themselves and remain engaged in their care. For patients with Crohn’s disease, this can mean the difference between uncontrolled symptoms and long-term remission. I aim to serve as a consistent, trusted resource for patients who may feel overwhelmed by frequent medication changes, flares, or uncertainty about their future. In addition to direct patient care, I hope to support individuals whose treatment needs fall outside standard medication options. Patients with chronic inflammatory and rare diseases often require individualized dosing, alternative formulations, or compounded therapies due to intolerance or lack of commercial products. By pursuing advanced training in pharmaceutical compounding and individualized therapy, I plan to help ensure that patients with unique needs are not left without effective treatment options. Beyond the pharmacy setting, I aspire to advocate for improved access to specialty medications and increased awareness of chronic and rare diseases. Too many patients with conditions like Crohn’s disease face delayed care, stigma, and insurance related barriers. Through leadership, research involvement, and patient education initiatives, I hope to contribute to a healthcare system that prioritizes equity, access, and compassion. The legacy of Sammy Hason, Sr. represents resilience, lifelong learning, and service. These are values that resonate deeply with my journey as both a patient and a future healthcare professional. By dedicating my career to supporting patients with Crohn’s disease and complex medical conditions, I plan to improve lives by ensuring that patients feel informed, supported, and never alone in their healthcare journey.

I want to build a future where healthcare is more compassionate, equitable, and accessible, a world where patients feel truly seen and supported, not just treated. My vision stems from my experiences navigating life with Crohn’s disease and caring for my mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis. These experiences have given me firsthand insight into the physical, emotional, and mental challenges patients face, and they have inspired me to pursue a career in pharmacy where I can make a tangible difference. Building this future begins with my education. Pharmacy school has taught me not only the science of medicine but the importance of leadership, empathy, and advocacy. I have led initiatives in student organizations to promote patient wellness and mentorship, while volunteering in community health programs to expand access to medications and resources. Every project, every patient interaction, and every mentorship opportunity has been a brick in the foundation of my commitment to serve others. I hope to build systems of support within healthcare that address both the medical and emotional needs of patients, particularly those managing chronic illnesses. By combining my knowledge of pharmacology with leadership and advocacy skills, I aim to create programs that guide patients through complex treatment plans, educate families, and promote mental health awareness alongside physical health. This approach not only improves individual outcomes but also strengthens communities by fostering resilience and knowledge. Beyond healthcare, I want to build a culture of empathy and empowerment among future healthcare providers. Sharing my experiences, both struggles and successes, helps others understand the human side of medicine. I believe that every healthcare professional has the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the lives they touch, and by modeling compassion and integrity, I can help cultivate that impact in others. Ultimately, the future I am building is one defined by purpose and service. My personal challenges have shaped my passion, my education is equipping me with the tools, and my community-focused mindset drives me to make every effort count. By investing in my education, this scholarship would allow me to continue constructing this vision one patient, one program, and one mentor relationship at a time, leaving a meaningful, positive impact on both my own life and the lives of those around me.

Healthcare has always been more than a career path to me; it is a calling shaped by my experiences, my faith, and my desire to serve others. Growing up with Crohn’s disease and caring for my mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis, I have seen firsthand how chronic illness impacts both patients and their families. These experiences instilled in me a deep empathy and a strong desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those navigating health challenges. From an early age, I realized that being healthy is not just the absence of disease; it is the holistic balance of mind, body, and spirit. As a pharmacy student, I strive to embody this understanding by combining scientific knowledge with compassionate care. I want to provide not only the medications patients need but also the guidance, support, and encouragement to navigate the complexities of chronic illness. My vision is to help patients feel empowered and supported in their healthcare journey, so that they never feel alone in the face of uncertainty. Caring for my mother has shaped my perspective on patient-centered care. I have learned the value of patience, observation, and advocacy. I have witnessed the difference that a healthcare provider’s attention, empathy, and guidance can make in someone’s life. Those lessons have fueled my ambition to become a pharmacist who approaches every patient with intentional care and respect. Whether it is helping a patient manage complex medication regimens, educating families about treatment options, or serving my community through health initiatives, I am committed to improving the quality of life for others through both expertise and compassion. Volunteering has further strengthened my dedication to healthcare. I have mentored younger students in science programs, participated in community health screenings, and contributed to initiatives that improve patient access to medications and wellness resources. These experiences reinforced my belief that healthcare extends beyond the walls of a clinic or pharmacy. Instead, it is about building trust, fostering understanding, and uplifting communities. Christina Taylese Singh’s story resonates deeply with me because she dedicated her life to helping others through healthcare, yet her life was cut short before she could fully realize her dreams. I am inspired to honor her legacy by committing myself to a life of service, empathy, and excellence in pharmacy. I aim to embody the same dedication, resilience, and passion she demonstrated in her work, ensuring that every patient I serve receives care that addresses both their medical and human needs. In pursuing a career in pharmacy, I am not only following my passion for science and healthcare but also my calling to be a consistent source of support, guidance, and hope for those facing health challenges. Through my work, I hope to leave a lasting impact on patients, families, and the community, just as Christina Taylese Singh did during her life.

Life has a way of testing us in ways we never expect. For me, living with Crohn’s disease has been one of the most profound challenges, not only affecting my body but also testing my mental and emotional resilience. The unpredictable flares, hospital stays, and chronic pain have often left me feeling isolated and overwhelmed. On top of that, caring for my mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis, has added responsibility and emotional weight that can feel heavy at times. These experiences have made me intimately aware of how mental health is intertwined with chronic illness and caregiving, and how easily it can be overlooked. There were days when the physical fatigue and pain of Crohn’s disease merged with anxiety and frustration, leaving me questioning whether I could continue to meet my responsibilities. Caring for my mom during her low periods, while trying to keep up with school and professional development, often felt like walking a tightrope. But in these moments of struggle, I learned the value of perseverance, patience, and faith. I also discovered the importance of acknowledging my emotions rather than suppressing them, which was not something I instinctively knew how to do. My journey with mental health has shaped not only how I view myself but how I interact with others. I have developed a deep sense of empathy for those facing invisible struggles, such as patients, friends, classmates, and family members. I understand that even when someone appears strong on the outside, they may be battling unseen challenges. This awareness has strengthened my commitment to service, leadership, and mentorship. Whether through supporting fellow students in pharmacy school, volunteering in community health initiatives, or simply listening and offering encouragement, I aim to be someone who helps others carry their burdens. Faith has also been an anchor in my mental health journey. Leaning on God has taught me that resilience is not simply enduring pain, but learning and growing through it. It has given me hope and perspective, and it has inspired me to transform my personal challenges into opportunities for growth and service. I want others to see that while mental health struggles can be isolating, they can also cultivate strength, empathy, and purpose. Ultimately, my experiences with Crohn’s disease, caregiving, and managing mental health have shaped my aspirations. As a future pharmacist and healthcare leader, I want to contribute to a culture of holistic care that addresses both physical and mental well-being. I hope to be an advocate for patients, ensuring that mental health is given equal attention to physical health in every interaction. I also want to mentor young students who face their own mental health challenges, showing them that perseverance, support, and faith can help them continue pursuing their goals. Mental health challenges have not defined me; they have refined me. They have strengthened my resolve, shaped my purpose, and deepened my empathy. By sharing my story and supporting others, I hope to honor the spirit of Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship: to persevere through personal battles while helping others along the way.

Bass fishing has always been more than a sport to me; it’s been a reflection of who I am. Every time I’m on the water before sunrise, waiting for that first cast, I’m reminded that discipline, patience, and respect for nature are the same principles that shape how I live my life off the water. Those quiet moments in the boat have taught me about perseverance, humility, and faith. These are qualities that I carry with me into my work, school, and community. Fishing has given me a place to challenge myself and a way to serve others. I started bass fishing at a young age, learning from my grandfather and local anglers who taught me the importance of sportsmanship. They taught me how it’s not just about winning, but about the way you compete. Whether it’s offering advice to a younger angler, helping a friend learn to tie a knot, or picking up trash after a tournament, I try to make sure that I leave every place better than I found it. That same mindset follows me in every aspect of my life. As a pharmacy student, I’ve learned that character and work ethic are tested in more ways than one. Balancing a demanding academic schedule, working at an independent pharmacy, and still finding time for fishing requires discipline and focus. But I see each responsibility as an opportunity to grow. In the pharmacy, I serve patients who rely on compassion and accuracy. On the water, I’m reminded that success comes through preparation, attention to detail, and respect for others. The two worlds mirror each other in the values they require through patience, integrity, and commitment. Sportsmanship is what ties everything together. I believe in celebrating others’ victories as much as my own. I’ve competed in local bass tournaments where conditions were tough, storms rolling in, long hours, no bites, but I’ve always walked away grateful. Every cast is a lesson, and every competitor is a teammate in the larger community of anglers who share a love for the sport. What I admire about Travis Ely’s story is how he lived with purpose: dedicated, humble, and passionate about both engineering and fishing. I strive to carry that same energy into everything I do. Whether it’s helping patients, supporting my classmates, or casting lines on the weekend, I want my actions to reflect integrity and a commitment to something bigger than myself. Fishing may seem like a simple hobby to some, but for me, it’s been a lifelong teacher. It’s taught me patience when life feels uncertain, resilience when goals feel far away, and gratitude for the beauty of community. Those lessons are what I hope to pass on to represent the same values that Travis embodied: character, sportsmanship, and work ethic, both on the water and in life.

Mental illness doesn’t always announce itself loudly. Sometimes, it hides behind exhaustion, behind smiles that don’t quite reach the eyes, behind the quiet determination to keep going even when everything hurts. I’ve seen it, lived beside it, and at times, carried it myself. When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, I thought the hardest battles would be physical, such as the hospital stays, medications, and constant fatigue. But the truth is, the emotional weight that comes with chronic illness can be just as heavy. The unpredictability, the isolation, the way it changes your relationship with your body and your confidence can make every day feel like a fight you didn’t sign up for. There were moments when I questioned my strength, when anxiety and sadness crept in as quietly as the disease itself. Yet those moments taught me the value of faith, patience, and empathy in a way nothing else could. My mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis, has shown me what grace in the face of suffering looks like. As her caregiver, I’ve witnessed her strength on the days her body doesn’t cooperate, and her spirit seems dimmed by frustration and pain. But I’ve also seen her perseverance, her humor, and her faith shine through even in the hardest times. Watching her navigate MS while I manage my own chronic illness has made me deeply aware of how intertwined mental and physical health truly are for both patients and their families. Mental illness doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It ripples through families, reshaping relationships and forcing everyone to grow in empathy and understanding. There have been nights when I felt helpless watching my mom’s frustration turn to tears, and others when she comforted me through my own flare-ups. We’ve both faced our share of fear, anxiety, and exhaustion, but we have also found strength in our shared journey. Through it all, we’ve leaned on faith and on each other. These experiences have profoundly shaped my view of mental health and my purpose in life. As a pharmacy student, I’ve come to realize that true healing isn’t just about treating disease; it is about treating the whole person. I’ve seen how easily mental health is overlooked in healthcare settings, particularly for those with chronic conditions. Patients are often handed prescriptions without anyone asking how they’re coping emotionally. I want to change that. I hope to become a pharmacist who not only provides medication but also listens, encourages, and helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health in medicine. Living with Crohn’s and caring for my mom have given me a unique empathy for others fighting invisible battles. They’ve taught me that mental health struggles are not signs of weakness but evidence of how deeply we feel, care, and endure. I believe God has given me these challenges not to define me by hardship, but to prepare me to serve others with compassion and understanding. Mental illness, whether experienced personally or through a loved one, has a way of reshaping how we see the world. For me, it has deepened my desire to help others find hope where they once saw only struggle. It has taught me to speak up, to show grace, and to believe that healing is as much about heart as it is about medicine. I plan to carry that belief into every patient interaction, every counseling session, and every act of care I give as a future pharmacist. Because sometimes, the smallest acts of understanding can make the biggest difference. And sometimes, simply being seen is the beginning of healing.

There are moments when strength looks like survival, when just getting out of bed feels like a victory. For me, those moments came in waves throughout my journey with Crohn’s disease. Living with a chronic illness that impacts every part of your day takes a quiet kind of courage, one that’s often invisible to others. But what I didn’t realize until later was that the physical pain was only part of the struggle; the mental and emotional toll was just as real and just as heavy. When I was first diagnosed, I felt lost. I was young, trying to navigate school, friendships, and faith while my body seemed to turn against me. There were hospital stays, endless medications, and the exhaustion that made even simple things feel impossible. But what hurt most was the isolation. People often said, “You don’t look sick,” or “At least it’s not worse,” not realizing how those words deepened my sense of loneliness. I learned to smile through the pain and pretend I was fine, because in our world, admitting you’re not okay is often mistaken for weakness. My mother, who lives with multiple sclerosis, understood that pain in a way no one else could. As her caregiver, I’ve witnessed the emotional strain of illness from the frustration, the fear, the moments when hope feels far away. Caring for her taught me that mental health is inseparable from physical health. You can’t heal the body without healing the mind. The strength I saw in her perseverance inspired me to find that same strength within myself, but it also opened my eyes to the silent suffering so many endure. There were times when I struggled with depression and anxiety, when the weight of chronic illness and responsibility felt unbearable. But in those moments, my faith became my anchor. I learned that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a doorway to healing. God reminded me that I didn’t have to carry everything alone, that even in the darkest seasons, there was purpose in my pain. This realization changed everything about how I view others and how I plan to make a difference in the world. As a pharmacy student, I’ve seen firsthand how mental health is often overlooked in healthcare settings, particularly for patients with chronic diseases. Many people are handed prescriptions without the empathy or conversation they need. I want to change that. My goal is to become a pharmacist who doesn’t just dispense medication, but also compassion, and to be someone who recognizes the person behind the prescription. My own journey with mental health has made me more patient, empathetic, and determined to break the stigma surrounding emotional struggles. I talk openly with my classmates about burnout and mental well-being. I advocate for checking in on ourselves and each other. And I want to carry that advocacy into my future practice by promoting integrated care models that treat both the mind and body. Mental health challenges have taught me that healing is not linear; it is a lifelong process of grace and growth. This has taught me to lead with empathy, to listen before I speak, and to believe that kindness can be a form of medicine. I used to think my struggles were a weakness. Now I see them as the foundation of my purpose. Living with Crohn’s disease, caring for my mom, and finding peace through faith have shown me that even when life feels broken, there is beauty in rebuilding. I plan to use my career in pharmacy to bring that same message to others: that they are seen, valued, and never alone in their healing journey.

When I was six years old, my father walked out of my life. There was no explanation, no warning—just absence. The kind of absence that echoes in every milestone, every school event, every moment when you wish someone could see how far you’ve come. For years, I didn’t fully understand why he left. I only knew that the hole he left behind became the defining silence of my childhood. Losing a parent not to death but to abandonment creates a unique kind of grief, one that is both invisible and lifelong. It is the loss of presence, guidance, and the unconditional love every child deserves. As I grew older, I learned to turn that pain into purpose. My mother, who became my rock and constant source of strength, showed me what resilience looked like in action. Watching her work tirelessly to keep our family grounded inspired me to develop that same determination. I became fiercely independent, academically driven, and compassionate toward others who struggled silently. That early loss instilled in me a deep understanding of what it means to persevere through uncertainty to rebuild a sense of identity and security from within. My father’s absence made me realize how much I wanted to be someone others could rely on. It shaped my dream of becoming a pharmacist, someone who helps restore balance and stability in others’ lives. Pharmacy, to me, is not just about science; it’s about compassion, trust, and consistency. These are qualities I craved as a child. Working in healthcare allows me to be a source of support and healing for others who feel unseen or uncertain, much like I once did. That early emotional hardship also shaped my leadership and empathy in profound ways. In pharmacy school, I strive to be someone my peers can depend on, someone who listens without judgment and lifts others. When I mentor younger students or help patients in the community, I am reminded that everyone carries invisible battles. My own experience with loss has given me the ability to connect deeply with people, to comfort them not with pity but with genuine understanding. There were moments along the way when the weight of that childhood hurt resurfaced, especially during milestones when I wished my dad could have been there. But instead of letting it define my worth, I’ve learned to let it fuel my growth. It’s what drives me to excel academically, to serve my community, and to prove to myself that I can create a life built on strength, compassion, and purpose. Losing my father at such a young age taught me the power of perseverance. It taught me that love is not always guaranteed, but kindness can be. That family is not only those who stay with you, but who show up when it matters. And most importantly, it taught me that even in the absence of someone who was supposed to guide me, I could still become the person I needed. As I continue my journey through pharmacy and healthcare leadership, I carry that lesson with me daily. My story is not defined by who left, it’s defined by what I chose to become in their absence. I chose resilience. I chose service. And I chose to build a future where others never have to feel alone in their healing.

Some of life’s greatest callings are born from pain and perseverance. My journey into healthcare, pharmacy in particular, began not in a classroom, but in the quiet moments of caring for my mother as she battled multiple sclerosis. I learned to organize her medications, monitor her symptoms, and hold her hand through countless appointments. Those experiences taught me that healthcare is not just about medicine; it’s about ministry. It’s about showing up for others with compassion, strength, and faith. As I grew older, I found myself walking a parallel road. At 14, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a condition that turned my life upside down. I experienced the physical pain and emotional exhaustion of chronic illness from the uncertainty of flare-ups, the frustration of dietary restrictions, and the anxiety of missed classes or social events. Yet, through it all, I felt God’s presence guiding me. My faith taught me that struggle can be transformed into purpose. Living with Crohn’s gave me empathy for patients whose battles aren’t always visible and ignited a passion to improve how complex conditions are managed in pharmacy practice. Now, as a pharmacy student and future pharmacist, I see healthcare as both my calling and my testimony. I want to be a leader who bridges science and compassion, helping others navigate the same healthcare system I once feared. Pharmacy offers a unique opportunity to serve by standing at the intersection of patient care, clinical innovation, and accessibility. Whether formulating individualized medications for patients with rare diseases or counseling families overwhelmed by treatment plans, pharmacists have the power to heal not just the body, but also the human spirit. Leadership has been a vital part of my journey at the Medical University of South Carolina and The Citadel, where I am pursuing both my PharmD and MBA. Balancing the demands of two graduate programs while managing Crohn’s disease has been challenging, but it has also strengthened my resolve. Through leadership roles in pharmacy organizations, I’ve worked to mentor younger students, advocate for patient-centered care, and promote inclusivity in healthcare. My goal is to create a future where chronic illness does not define ability but where every patient, regardless of background or diagnosis, has a voice in their care. Being a woman in healthcare today is both a privilege and a responsibility. We carry the torch of those who came before us of women who broke barriers and proved that compassion and competence are not mutually exclusive. As a future pharmacist, I want to lead by example: empowering other women to pursue leadership roles in healthcare, uplifting patients through education, and integrating faith and integrity into every decision I make. My experiences as a caregiver, a patient, and a student have all shaped the kind of healthcare professional I aspire to be, one grounded in empathy, guided by faith, and driven by a desire to serve. This scholarship would not only help alleviate the financial challenges of completing my dual degree program but also allow me to focus more fully on the mission God has placed on my heart: to bring hope, healing, and humanity to pharmacy practice. In the end, I believe that the best healthcare professionals are not those who have avoided pain, but those who have transformed it into purpose. My story is one of faith over fear, perseverance over adversity, and service over self. With God’s grace, I intend to use my education, experience, and voice to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through one patient, one prescription, and one act of compassion at a time.

Caring for my mom, who has multiple sclerosis, has shaped every part of who I am. It’s changed how I see the world, what I value, and how I want to serve others. Watching someone you love lose strength in their body but never in their spirit teaches you a kind of courage no textbook ever could. My mom is my greatest teacher. Even on her hardest days, when pain makes simple things feel impossible, she finds ways to smile, to laugh, and to remind me that joy can exist even in struggle. I’ve helped her with things like getting dressed, managing medications, and preparing meals, but she’s the one who’s cared for me in ways far deeper. Through her strength, she’s taught me faith, patience, and what it means to love without limits. Balancing pharmacy school and caregiving hasn’t been easy. There are nights when exhaustion hits before I even start studying, and mornings when I wake up praying for enough strength for both of us. But it’s in those quiet moments while helping my mom get comfortable, listening to her stories, or sitting together when words fall short that I feel God’s presence most clearly. My faith has become my anchor, reminding me that service is sacred and that our pain can be a vessel for purpose. Being a caregiver has given me a perspective that shapes everything I do as a future pharmacist. I know what it’s like to stand on the other side of the counter, worrying about side effects, insurance coverage, and whether your loved one will feel okay tomorrow. I’ve learned to see patients not as conditions to be treated but as people with fears, families, and faith holding them together. That empathy drives me every single day. In school, I try to be a light for others the way my mom has been for me by encouraging classmates, leading with kindness, and remembering that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about compassion. I want to use my career to serve people who are struggling, to remind them they’re seen, and to make healthcare feel more human. My mom’s journey with MS has tested me in every way, but it’s also refined me. It has taught me to see beauty in resilience, to find peace in faith, and to lead with love in every setting, from home to pharmacy. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, because it’s given my life purpose. My goal isn’t just to succeed; it is to serve. Everything I do, I do with the same strength and grace my mom has shown me all along.

Living with Crohn’s disease has taught me that strength doesn’t always look like perfection; sometimes, it looks like persistence through pain, grace through uncertainty, and faith through fear. What many see as a disability, I now see as an opportunity to serve others with empathy and purpose. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at a young age, and for years, it shaped much of how I viewed myself. Hospital visits, medication adjustments, and unpredictable flare-ups often made me feel different from my peers. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that my condition didn’t take away my abilities, instead it deepened them. It taught me resilience, patience, and understanding for the struggles others face, whether visible or invisible. Being part of the disabled community has given me a profound appreciation for the quiet battles so many endure. Through my faith, I’ve learned to see every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Instead of asking, “Why me?” I’ve learned to ask, “What can I do with this?” This mindset has carried me through my journey in pharmacy school at the Medical University of South Carolina and through my MBA studies at The Citadel. While balancing my health and academic demands can be difficult, I’ve made it my mission to use my experience to advocate for other patients and peers alike who feel unseen or unheard. As a leader in pharmacy school, I strive to create an environment of compassion and inclusion. Whether mentoring younger students, volunteering in the community, or supporting patients at Plantation Pharmacy, I try to model what it means to lead with empathy. My personal experiences have made me especially sensitive to how healthcare systems can unintentionally overlook patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities. This awareness fuels my passion to improve patient care, ensuring that no one feels dismissed or defined solely by their condition. Crohn’s disease has changed my worldview in countless ways. It’s shown me that accessibility, understanding, and compassion aren’t luxuries; they are necessities. It has also revealed how much impact one person’s advocacy can make. I want to use my platform as a future pharmacist and healthcare leader to be that advocate: to help shape systems that meet patients where they are, to educate providers on chronic illness empathy, and to remind patients that they are more than their diagnosis. Every day, I choose to see my disability not as a limitation but as a calling. It has taught me to meet others with grace, to find purpose in pain, and to rely on God’s strength when my own falls short. In every patient I serve, I’ll carry the lessons my journey has taught me that through faith, resilience, and the conviction that adversity can become the foundation for impact. Through this path, I hope to continue turning my struggle into service and use my story to uplift others who feel limited by theirs. Because while disability may shape our circumstances, it never has to define our potential.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms" 1 Peter 4:10. This truth has guided every step of my journey. Living with Crohn’s disease, pursuing a dual PharmD and MBA, and serving as a student leader have all tested and strengthened my faith. Through every trial and triumph, I’ve come to see that my purpose is not just to succeed for myself, but to serve others through compassion, leadership, and faith-driven care. My illness has shaped me into the person I am today. Living with Crohn’s disease taught me early on what it means to endure pain silently, to advocate for yourself when others don’t understand, and to find strength when you feel weakest. But more importantly, it drew me closer to God. I learned to trust His plan even when it didn’t align with my own. Instead of seeing my diagnosis as a limitation, I now see it as preparation, a way for me to empathize deeply with the patients I’ll one day serve. At the Medical University of South Carolina, where I’m pursuing my PharmD, and at The Citadel, where I’m completing my MBA, I’ve embraced every opportunity to lead and serve. From mentoring classmates and organizing community outreach events to helping patients at Plantation Pharmacy, I’ve realized that leadership isn’t about authority; instead, it is about humility. It’s about being the one who listens, encourages, and lifts others up, just as Christ does for us. Faith has also shaped my approach to healthcare. I believe God places us in certain fields to fulfill His purpose, and for me, that purpose lies in healing and service. Whether I’m counseling a patient on medication safety or advocating for those with chronic illnesses, I see each encounter as a chance to reflect His love. My faith reminds me that pharmacy isn’t only about drugs, it is about people. It’s about offering hope in moments of uncertainty and compassion in moments of fear. In the future, I hope to lead initiatives that bridge the gap between faith, medicine, and community service. I want to create programs that empower patients with chronic conditions to take ownership of their health and to never lose sight of their worth in God’s eyes. My goal is to continue being a light in the field of healthcare by serving others not for recognition, but out of obedience to God’s call. I know that every challenge I’ve faced, every setback, every late night, every flare-up has been part of a greater plan. Through God’s grace, I’ve turned pain into purpose. I hope to carry that same spirit of faith and service into every patient interaction and leadership role I hold. Priscilla Shireen Luke’s legacy reminds me that service is one of the greatest acts of love. My prayer is that through my career in pharmacy, my testimony of perseverance, and my faith in God, I can continue her mission of spreading hope, healing, and light to others.

“You don’t look sick.” I have heard those words more times than I can count. At first, these words stung. But over time, they became fuel. These words reminded me that strength isn’t always visible, and that the most meaningful work we do often comes from the quiet determination to keep showing up when the world underestimates you. That mindset has guided my journey as a woman pursuing a career in pharmacy and business. This has been a journey defined by perseverance, purpose, and the desire to make healthcare more compassionate and inclusive. Growing up, I saw how easily people, especially women, can be overlooked in healthcare settings. Whether due to gender bias, invisible illness, or systemic inefficiencies, too many patients are made to feel like their pain or perspective doesn’t matter. My own experiences navigating chronic health challenges deepened my empathy and strengthened my resolve to become a pharmacist who listens, advocates, and acts on behalf of those who are unheard. I want to help transform healthcare into a space where every voice counts and every patient feels seen, supported, and respected. I am currently pursuing my Doctor of Pharmacy at the Medical University of South Carolina and an MBA at The Citadel. This combination of scientific and business education gives me the tools to understand healthcare from multiple perspectives, such as clinical, operational, and human. Pharmacy school has taught me how to deliver evidence-based, patient-centered care, while my business studies have shown me how leadership and innovation can reshape the systems that deliver that care. Together, these paths empower me to pursue sustainable change both at the bedside and beyond it. My long-term goal is to specialize in industrial pharmacy, where medicine meets research and education. Becoming a medical sales liaison (MSL) will allow me to bridge the gap between understanding the medicine and educating others on how to appropriately prescribe and use this medication for patients. I get to combine my love for research and compassion to advocate for patients to have the right medical care and hopefully help patients like me. I plan to specialize in gastrointestinal immunology to further advance the research of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to the few medications being on the market for this special population. In doing this, I hope to help patients like myself. Beyond my career goals, I am deeply passionate about uplifting other women in science and healthcare. Too often, women’s voices are interrupted, dismissed, or left out of decision-making rooms altogether. I’ve learned that speaking up is not only an act of courage, it’s an act of representation. I want to mentor women entering pharmacy and business, empowering them to claim their expertise confidently and to use their voices to drive innovation and equity. Every challenge I’ve faced in my health journey, leadership, or education has reinforced a single truth: women belong everywhere decisions are made. We bring empathy, intellect, and strength to every role we inhabit. Through my work as a pharmacist and healthcare leader, I intend to challenge bias, advocate for inclusion, and create systems that honor both science and humanity. Education has given me the foundation to turn empathy into impact. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll continue building a career that empowers others, especially women, to defy limitations, pursue their passions, and make their voices heard. Because when women rise, the world rises with us.

Living with a chronic medical condition has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the classroom or the clinic. It has shaped my perspective on resilience, empathy, and purpose, all values that now define how I live, learn, and serve others. Though my health journey has often tested my strength, it has also given me an unshakable determination to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and impact. There were times when my illness disrupted what others might consider normal, such as school days, social plans, or even basic routines. Yet, within that disruption, I learned adaptability. I began to see that while I could not always control my physical circumstances, I could control my mindset. This realization became a turning point. Instead of focusing on what I could not do, I started building my identity around what I could do: persist, adapt, and thrive. Having a positive attitude has been one of the traits that many notice about me, and are inspired to do the same. My experience inspired me to pursue a career in pharmacy. I was drawn to this field because of its unique combination of science, compassion, and advocacy. Pharmacists often serve as the most accessible healthcare professionals by being educators, problem-solvers, and trusted sources of guidance for patients navigating complex treatment regimens. My own experiences as a patient helped me understand how much reassurance and clarity can mean to someone managing chronic health challenges. I want to be the kind of healthcare professional who provides that same support and be someone who sees the person before the prescription. At the same time, living with a chronic condition has fueled my drive academically and professionally. Balancing coursework, leadership roles, and healthcare needs (doctors' appointments, procedures, etc.) requires organization, discipline, and perseverance. I have learned to transform limitations into motivation, viewing every obstacle as an opportunity to demonstrate perseverance. Through my studies in pharmacy and business, I hope to make a difference not only at the individual level but also systemically by working toward more equitable access to personalized therapies and advocating for innovation in compounding and patient care. What inspires me most are the countless individuals who face invisible battles with courage and grace. Their resilience reminds me that empowerment comes from within but grows stronger through connection. Whether mentoring students, volunteering in my community, or engaging in patient-centered research, I aim to amplify the voices of those living with chronic illness and show that our stories are not defined by limitation but by strength. Ultimately, I aspire to build a career that bridges compassion and science. I want to be able to help patients manage their treatments, improving their quality of life, and inspiring others to chase their goals despite adversity. If my journey can show even one person that perseverance and purpose can coexist with hardship, then every challenge I’ve faced will have been worthwhile. Education is more than a pathway to a profession; it is a tool for empowerment. With the support of this scholarship, I will continue advancing toward a career where I can advocate, innovate, and empower others to see possibilities where they once saw limitations. My chronic condition may be a part of my story, but it is not the end. It is the reason I strive to make the next chapter one of impact, empathy, and hope

When I meet a patient who feels defeated by illness and financial hardship, I see more than a clinical case. I see a reflection of the same fear, uncertainty, and frustration I once felt with my battle of living with Crohn’s disease. My own journey through a chronic illness has shaped not only my understanding of healthcare but also my sense of purpose and leadership within it. It has taught me that true leadership in medicine begins with compassion, advocacy, and the willingness to stand beside patients when they feel most alone. Living with Crohn’s disease has given me a firsthand understanding of what it means to depend on life-sustaining medication while facing financial and emotional barriers to care. I know the stress of waiting for insurance approvals, the fear of missing doses, and the discouragement that comes from feeling powerless within a complicated healthcare system. Those experiences cultivated a deep empathy that drives me to advocate fiercely for patients who find themselves in similar circumstances. They also helped me develop resilience, resourcefulness, and a calm strength in moments of crisis which are all qualities that guide my leadership today. In caring for this indigent patient who needs an unaffordable medication for blood clots, my first step would be to approach her situation with empathy and respect. Before searching for solutions, I would ensure that she feels heard and understood. Showing compassion in healthcare is such a huge tool to build trust and remind patients that they are not alone. I would learn about her full situation such as medical needs, financial struggles, living conditions, and emotional well-being. Only by understanding the whole person can a healthcare provider create a meaningful plan of care. Next, I would take initiative to explore all possible options for obtaining the medication she needs. Uisng my leadership skills, I would start by researching patient assistance programs offered by the drug manufacturer and organizations that provide financial support for essential medications. If our clinic cannot provide the medication directly, I would advocate for her by contacting nearby pharmacies to see if they participate in discounted drug programs. At the same time, I would connect her with local social workers or community health organizations to address her broader challenges. These steps goes beyond traditional practice, but leadership in healthcare means stepping in when patients are most vulnerable and need us the most. Another step could be applying for health insurance if she is eligele. For many patients, navigating healthcare paperwork can be overwhelming, especially when there is lack knowledge of available programs. I would take the time to walk her through the application step by step, ensuring she understands her options and helping her feel empowered rather than defeated. This situation requires more than clinical knowledge. It requires compassion, creativity, and advocacy. My leadership style emphasizes collaboration and empowerment. I believe in using my voice and experience to lift others and advocate, especially for those who feel unseen in the healthcare system. Living with Crohn’s disease has shown me that illness can take away control, but empathy and persistence can restore hope. In the end, my goal would not only be to secure her medication but to help her regain a sense of stability and dignity. By listening deeply, advocating relentlessly, and connecting her to the right resources, I could make a lasting difference in her life. My personal journey with chronic illness has given me the strength and insight to lead with compassion, act with courage, and never give up on a patient in need.

My journey toward a healthcare career has been shaped by perseverance, dedication to science, and a desire to serve others through compassion and knowledge. Pursuing both a Doctor of Pharmacy and an MBA has been one of the most challenging and fulfilling experiences of my life. This path has tested my resilience, deepened my empathy, and solidified my commitment to improving the lives of others through patient-centered care. From a young age, I was fascinated by how medicine could restore hope and quality of life. That fascination grew into purpose when I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Living with a chronic illness has given me a unique perspective on the healthcare system through its strengths and its shortcomings. I’ve spent over sixty days and countless hours in hospitals and clinics, witnessing firsthand the importance of pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who take the time to listen, educate, and advocate for their patients. Their empathy and expertise inspired me to pursue pharmacy so that I, too, could help patients navigate their most vulnerable moments. However, my journey has not been without challenges. Managing the demands of graduate school while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a chronic illness has often been overwhelming. There were days when I questioned whether I had the strength to continue, but those moments of doubt became opportunities to prove to myself that perseverance is the foundation of purpose. The financial burden of higher education has added another layer of difficulty, especially while balancing the costs of medical care and living expenses. Yet, these challenges have strengthened my passion to make the most of every opportunity and to give back to the patients and communities that have supported me. Working at Plantation Pharmacy, an independent compounding pharmacy in Charleston, has been one of the most meaningful parts of my education. I’ve had the privilege of serving patients whose needs often fall outside the scope of commercial medications—children, individuals with chronic conditions, and those with rare conditions. Compounding allows me to apply science creatively and compassionately, customizing treatments that can improve someone’s daily quality of life. Each time a patient expresses gratitude for a medication that finally works for them, I’m reminded why I chose this field. Healthcare, at its core, is about human connection and compassion. Beyond the pharmacy counter, I’ve found purpose in mentorship and leadership. Through organizations like Christian Pharmacy Fellowship International and Phi Lambda Sigma, I’ve worked to foster service projects, educate communities about vaccinations and medical safety, and mentor younger students finding their footing in healthcare. These experiences have shown me that leadership is not about recognition, but instead about uplifting others and making a lasting impact. My long-term goal is to bridge the gap between science, accessibility, and compassion. With my dual PharmD and MBA degrees, I hope to lead initiatives that expand access to personalized medications, advocate for affordable treatment options, and promote innovation in community pharmacy practice. I plan to accomplish this by specializing in Gastro Immunology as a Medical Science Liaison. I want every patient, regardless of background or financial circumstance, to receive the care they deserve and achieve remission. This scholarship represents more than financial assistance to me. It is encouragement at a time when persistence matters most. I am deeply committed to carrying forward the values of empathy, service, and resilience that define healthcare professionals. Through every challenge, I’ve learned that the most powerful impact we can make is helping others find hope for a better future.

From an early age, I was fascinated by how science could transform lives. What began as curiosity about how medications worked evolved into a lifelong commitment to understanding the intersection of science, healthcare, and innovation. Today, as a Doctor of Pharmacy and MBA candidate, I see STEM not only as a field of study but as an empowerment to create lasting change in communities, reduce health disparities, and redefine what leadership looks like in healthcare. My passion for STEM is rooted in both personal experience and professional purpose. Living with Crohn’s disease has given me a firsthand appreciation for the power of medical science. I’ve seen how evidence-based therapies and compassionate care can restore quality of life. This personal journey shaped my decision to pursue pharmacy, where I could blend scientific knowledge with human connection. Every patient encounter is an opportunity to apply chemistry, biology, and technology to improve someone’s health. In my pharmacy intern role at an independent compounding pharmacy, I witness the impact of pharmaceutical innovation daily. Compounding requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and precision, all hallmarks of STEM. Whether formulating a medication for a pediatric patient who can’t swallow tablets or developing a customized treatment for a patient with contraindications to commercial products, I’m reminded that science is deeply personal. It’s about adapting knowledge to meet individual needs, bridging the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and real-world outcomes. As I have advanced in my studies and career, I’ve also seen how women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within pharmacy and broader scientific disciplines. This imbalance reinforces my drive to lead by example. Through my involvement in professional organizations like Phi Lambda Sigma and Phi Delta Chi, I’ve worked to mentor younger female students, helping them gain confidence in their scientific abilities and leadership potential. I want women entering STEM to see that technical expertise and empathy are not mutually exclusive, but instead they are powerful when combined. Pursuing an MBA alongside my PharmD reflects my belief that scientific innovation must be paired with strategic thinking. I hope to use this dual background to promote ethical, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare systems. My long-term goal is to lead initiatives that expand compounding and biopharmaceutical innovation, ensuring that personalized medicine is available to all patients, not just those with means. As a young teenage girl, I was only given a couple of medications to treat my disease as many medications were not approved for someone my age. By combining science and business, I aim to amplify the voice of women in healthcare entrepreneurship and leadership, proving that we belong not just in the lab but at the decision-making table. As a woman in STEM, I am motivated by the idea that knowledge is power, but with shared knowledge comes progress. I want to continue breaking barriers, mentoring future women in science, and advocating for inclusivity across all dimensions of healthcare. This scholarship would allow me to further my education while advancing a vision of healthcare innovation that values diversity, compassion, and curiosity. STEM is more than a career path; it is a platform for impact. I am proud to be part of a growing community of women who are not just participating in science but shaping the future through curiosity, compassion, and empowerment through the pursuit of knowledge.

Selflessness is about recognizing that fulfillment comes not from what you achieve alone, but from how you use your time and talents to uplift others. My journey in pharmacy has taught me that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating meaningful change in the lives of others. Whether through community outreach, patient care, or mentorship, I have dedicated myself to serving those around me with empathy, compassion, and purpose. Living with Crohn’s disease has given me a deep understanding of what it means to struggle silently. My experiences as a patient have instilled in me the importance of listening, patience, and advocacy. During hospitalizations and flare-ups, I was fortunate to have healthcare professionals who treated me not just as a diagnosis but as a person. This compassion inspired me to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and become the same source of support for others navigating chronic illness and uncertainty. While completing my PharmD and MBA, I have made it a priority to remain involved in my community and profession. At Plantation Pharmacy, I take pride in serving patients who rely on compounded medications that often make the difference between suffering and stability. Beyond dispensing prescriptions, I take time to educate patients about their therapies, ensure affordability options are explored, and help caregivers manage complex regimens. I’ve learned that selflessness in healthcare often means slowing down in a fast-paced environment to make sure someone feels heard and cared for. Outside of work, I’ve volunteered through professional organizations like SSHP and Christian Pharmacy Fellowship International, where I’ve led service projects addressing access to care through vaccination clinics for the homeless and feeding the homeless population. I have also been a part of teams when we do street medicine and provide healthcare to the homeless. My role is to take vitals, gain a history, recommend medications to the provider, and find these medications for free or reduced cost at pharmacies. One of my most meaningful experiences has been volunteering at the HOPE Cancer Lodge during the holidays. This lodge houses cancer patients at MUSC and their families when they are going through treatment. Every holiday, we make food for the people living there and create activities such as decorating pumpkins for Halloween or ornaments for Christmas. Perseverance for my beliefs has also meant advocating for the profession and for patients. I’ve worked with peers to promote awareness of the pharmacy’s evolving role in public health, especially in the areas of mental health and chronic disease management. Balancing rigorous academics, health challenges, and leadership commitments has not been easy, but I have learned to see obstacles as opportunities to grow stronger and serve more meaningfully. Ultimately, I strive to embody selflessness by approaching each day with the intent to leave people better than I found them. Whether through a kind word to a patient, mentorship to a younger student, or community outreach event, I hope to continue making a positive difference in the world around me, just as Michael Rudometkin did. His legacy reminds us that success is measured not by accolades but by the lives we touch, and I am committed to carrying that spirit of service forward throughout my career and beyond.

Higher education is a driving force for my professional development and leadership in business. As a dual degree student obtaining my Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration, I am pursuing a path that integrates clinical knowledge and business acumen to prepare me to be the leader of healthcare and industry. My goal is to use both degrees to prepare me for a job in the pharmaceutical industry of becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). MSL will allow me to combine my scientific expertise with communication and strategies, such as marketing new medications. This journey reflects my commitment to professional excellence and embodies the spirit of trailblazing women like Marilyn Walker. Working at an independent compounding pharmacy in Charleston has shown me firsthand experience in integrating business and healthcare. Many independent pharmacies face challenges from larger chains, insurance shifts, and patient needs. As a pharmacy intern, I have gained insights into business decisions such as workflow designs, inventory management, patient services, and much more. The experiences I have gained have allowed me to see the importance of a strong leader in sustaining an independent pharmacy, and ultimately fueled me to pursue a dual degree to strengthen my leadership and business skills for a future role in the pharmaceutical industry. Becoming an MSL appeals to me because it combines expertise in science, medications, research, communication, and business. Serving as the bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, MSLs ensure that physicians have the correct education and up-to-date information on new therapies. In able to succeed in this role, I not only need to understand the research and science behind drugs, but also be able to communicate clearly, analyze the market of medications, and build trusting relationships. By pursuing my MBA, I am gaining skills to help me succeed in this role and become more confident in leadership, analysis, and communication while staying rooted in patient-centered care. Pursuing graduate degrees has allowed the opportunities to lead and serve through my involvement in organizations. I have held leadership positions where I have mentored upcoming students, organized conferences and events, and educated others through teaching. These experiences have sharpened my skills in collaboration and communication, an essential part of reaching my goal of becoming an MSL. Higher education has also allowed me to develop more resilience. Living with Crohn's Disease has taught me many life lessons, such as perseverance and compassion, qualities that are valued in both healthcare and business. Pursuing dual graduate degrees while managing a chronic illness has strengthened my determination to lead with empathy and purpose to break down any barriers and open doors for people like me who struggle with an illness. My education is more than just a degree to me; it is a stepping stone for my future. Combining my PharmD and MBA will allow me to thrive as a Medical Science Liaison to advance therapy, educate clinicians, and help patients get better care. Being a recipient of this scholarship would help me continue my education journey with the purpose of carrying forward Marilynn Walker's legacy of determination, innovation, and leadership.

Caregiving has been a huge and defining part of my life due to my mother who lives with multiple disabilities. When my mom got diagnosed with MS, I knew it would forever impact the rest of our lives. She is a single mother and I am her only child, so the responsibilities of being a caregiver fell on me. Her disease impacts her mobility, energy, and her ability to manage daily activities. This means I have to step up for her both as an emotional and physical support system. I help her by prepping meals, managing her medications, driving her to doctors appointments and surgeries, and so much more. In addition to physical caregiving, I also help emotionally through understanding her on a deeper level as I battle my own chronic illness, Crohn's Disease. We can share frustrations, set backs, and be able to relate to each other through different types of pain. Managing my own health while caring for her has allowed me to see the perspective of being both a patient and a caregiver. The role of a caregiver has shaped me into a better person through patience, compassion, and advocacy. I have also been able to become a better leader and step into a large responsibility while balancing pharmacy school, work, extracurricular activities, and my own disease. Caregiving is not easy, but it is very rewarding when I get to help out the one who single handedly raised me. Living with Crohn's Disease has added another level of complexity to my role. While I take care of my mom, I also deal with my own symptoms and fatigue. This makes me more motivated to take care of my mom and give her the best care possible. The experience has also made me more compassionate because I understand being a caregiver and patient. Caregiving has influenced me to pursue a dual degree in Doctorate of Pharmacy and masters of business administration. I have a goal of improving healthcare for people like my mom and I, who live with chronic illnesses, through the research of new medications. Pharmacy allows me to touch into my caregiving side while my MBA will allow me to become a leader to make change. Caregiving has also taught me many life lessons such as strength, empathy, discipline, and determination. Even through difficult times, it has allowed me to be closer and stronger with my mom. Cariloop’s Caregiver Scholarship matters deeply to me because it would help lighten the financial strains I face of balancing school, work, caregiving, and my own health. I would not trade the responsibility of caring for my mom and I for anything, but it is very tiring and time consuming. Financial support would help me focus fully on school and professional development with my leadership roles, rather than worry about how I am going to cover tuition and expenses. Being a recipient of this scholarship would be a reminder that the challenges I have overcome as a caregiver and a chronically ill person are not setbacks, but stepping stones that have pushed me to make a meaningful change in my career. As I continue my education, I will carry the lessons of caregiving I have learned to drive a difference. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to be one step closer to turning my experiences into an impact of turning lessons learned to improve lives of patients and families who face chronic illness daily.

"You will never run again". Those are the words I heard after I got diagnosed with a congenital deformity in my feet at the age of nine. I thought this was the worst news I could receive, but I was wrong. At the age of fourteen, I got another life altering diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. After spending over sixty days in a hospital, having a feeding tube for eleven months, and more surgeries than I could count, I was defeated. I felt like I had been dealt the worst deck of cards in the game called life. My hopes and dreams were crushed. Living with an invisible illness has strongly shaped my academic and professional journey. Due to my disease, I chose to pursue a career in pharmacy. Academic advisors would tell me this path is "not for sick people" and discourage me on my choice. Despite the criticism, I entered graduate school at the age of eighteen, and now am in my third year of pharmacy school at the age of twenty. I will be a dual degree Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration by the age of twenty-two. If it wasn't for my disease, I know I would not be in the position I am in today. Crohn's Disease and my physical disability has taught me many life lessons. Despite the chronic fatigue, pain, flare ups, swelling, and more, I have learned to persevere on. The disabilities I have taught me strength and self-discipline that I apply daily in my education. I know without my disease; I would not have the motivation and passion for pharmacy like I do. This is a huge part of my why I chose pharmacy as a career. Postgraduate, I want to pursue a field in specializing in industrial pharmacy where I can use my past knowledge and experience as a chronically ill person to advocate for better care. Despite many setbacks with doctors’ appointments, sickness, and more, I have stayed true and focused for my goals. Additional financial support would greatly ease the financial burden I face of pursuing dual graduate degrees while managing medical cost. I have had four reconstructive surgeries on my foot so far in hopes that it will allow me to walk better. This summer we are debating on doing a fifth surgery due to my worsening condition. Not only will this surgery be costly, but it would put me out of my only source of income, working in an independent pharmacy. My Crohn's Disease is also very costly with medication costing over thousands of dollars each month. The Robert and Suzi DeGennaro Scholarship for Disabled Students would allow me to fully engage in my studies, research, and leadership positions without a financial strain. Most importantly, it would aid me to continue my path in pharmacy and become a healthcare provider who leads with compassion, empathy, and advocacy.

Heavy Metal music is more than just music to me. It is my source of strength and expression. Just as Heavy Metal has faced many adversities, I have in my life as well. Living with Crohn's Disease has shaped me into the person I am today. Without all the doubt and negativity, I would not be as passionate towards the field of medicine as I am today. At five foot six and ninety pounds, I was constantly being made fun of and called anorexic. I knew something had to change, so I started lifting and working out. Everything I was doing in the gym from lifting weights more than my weight to running and gaining muscle was something I was told I would never be able do. Heavy Metal was my outlet to give me the fuel to go on and to continue my journey in the gym. Throughout my journey, I have gained close to fifty pounds, allowing me to live a healthier life and pursue my doctorate at the age of twenty. I am a third-year dual degree pharmacy student at the Medical University of South Carolina pursing a PharmD and master’s in business administration. My illness has shaped me into pursing a field of pharmacy dedicated to Inflammatory Bowel Disease through pharmaceutical industry. I plan on focusing on gastrointestinal immunology and biological therapy to help people like me who battle this disease. My long-term goal is to make biological therapies more accessible and affordable to my patients. Through research of biologics and personalized medication, I hope to be able to facilitate drugs through the pipeline to allow every patient a fair shot at remission. My goal is to make a huge impact on people living with my disease and give back to the community, as people have done for me. This scholarship would be pivotal in helping me achieve my goals of helping patients. Despite working part time, applying for scholarships, and being a research assistant, the cost of being in a dual degree graduate program is significant. On top of this, I deal with paying for my medical bills including biological therapy and specialist. These costs accumulate every month making it difficult for me to pay for tuition, textbooks, conferences, certifications, clubs, and more. This scholarship would greatly relieve the financial burden I face and allow me to focus on my studies and become the best pharmacist possible. To fund my education, I have worked part time, gotten summer internships, applied for scholarships, budgeted, and taken out loans. In addition to this, I tutor on the side for additional income and to gain valuable experience as being a mentor and teacher. This scholarship would allow me to close the gap I face with finances to help me not compromise my health to afford schooling. Due to the financial burden, I face, I tend to run myself thin to achieve all my goals while trying to afford tuition. This is not good for my health or mental well-being, as I get more susceptible to a flair during these times. Heavy Metal has been an outlet for me and an inspiration for me to stay true to myself. I have faced adversity from many mentors telling me I should not talk about my Crohn's Disease and how it is negative. But instead, I stayed true to myself despite being an outlier and talk freely about my disease. Heavy Metal has taught me to tackle on my struggles, stay true to myself, and advocate for others. With the support of Headbang for Science, I will be able to continue my journey as a healthcare professional who will embody the value of compassion, ambition, and driven by a purpose. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Ever since I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the age of fourteen, I understood what it meant to be overwhelmed, scared, and uncertain. That experience shaped my outlook of life by teaching me to be driven, have empathy and compassion, and have a purpose. I have chosen a career in healthcare not just to help people, but also to give back. My goal is to use my education, personal experience, and passion to transform the world of medicine for people with chronic conditions. I strive to facilitate new therapies through the pipeline to help patients achieve remission and a better life. I am currently pursuing a dual degree in Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration with the goal of working in medical affairs in pharmaceutical industry. I specifically want to focus on Inflammatory Bowel Disease and biological therapy. This is driven by my own treatments that has helped me be in the health I am in today. My experience as a patient fueled me to not just be a healthcare provider, but to be an advocate for patients who feel unseen or unheard. I plan on becoming a pharmacist who makes a positive impact on patients to be able to afford and have access to new medications. A goal of mine is to put as many people as possible in remission with new medications being developed and in the pipeline. I have been making my goal happen one step at a time. Through my current research that focuses on biologics and compounding for personalized medicine, I am trying to bridge the gap for special populations. By combining real world patient care and clinical research in biological stability, I am building a foundation for future innovations and more accessibility. I plan on making a positive impact beyond academics and medical. Service has always been at the heart of who I am. One of the most meaningful volunteer experiences I have had is through the Hot Dog Ministry in Charleston. I am the Vice President of an organization that provides monthly meals, free vaccinations, and free healthcare needs. By offering basic services with dignity and kindness, we hope to restore not just the health of the homeless community, but humanity. It is one of the most rewarding parts of my month and a constant reminder of the power of helping others. As I continue my education and career, I plan to continue serving the community in any way possible. This makes such a positive impact on many lives that we touch. Looking forward, I plan on making a positive impact as a leader in the pharmacy world. I want to ensure everyone has access to their medication and that no one fights alone. My goal is to make biologics safer, more accessible, more affordable, and in more formulations. I want to use my voice and platform to express and advocate for healthcare equity. Additionally, I want to live a life of service through research and advocacy. I plan on giving back in every way possible. My own journey with my health showed me the importance of someone listening and advocating for you. This is something I strive to do and pass on. Hopefully, I will be able to inspire a new generation of healthcare providers who also focus on the patient side. By honoring the memory of Destiny, someone who lived with compassion and selflessness, this scholarship would help me continue her legacy. I am dedicated to making the world a better place one patient and one medication at a time. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I believe that perseverance isn't something you are born with, it is something that you must work at to earn. My story begins with two words that shaped my life forever: Crohn's Disease. I was fourteen, scared, and worried for my future. What was meant for bad and negativity, slowly turned into a driving force to my passion for pharmacy. Living with an autoimmune disease gave me the first-hand experience on what it feels like to be a patient. It also taught me the power of medication therapy, providers, and information can change a patient's life. I chose pharmacy to not just dispense medication, but be an advocate, researcher, and a problem solver. I am currently entering my third year of pharmacy school as a dual degree student obtaining my Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration. My decision to become a dual degree student was to better understand the business acumen of pharmacy to shape my way into the pharmaceutical industry. This will allow me to specialize in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (gastrointestinal immunology) and help people like me. I want to be able to create accessibility, affordability, and innovation to medication to help my patients achieve remission. My interest in gastrointestinal immunology and biological therapy is very personal, as I take biologics to keep my symptoms at bay. I know what it is like to wait on insurance and have insurance deny lifesaving medications. The experience I had for fighting for medication fueled my drive to improve accessibility and affordability. I am currently leading a research project dedicated to exploring personalized medication and biological therapy. This includes regulatory affairs and legalities of compounding biologics for special populations. Many formulations or doses are not indicated for pediatric population, which is why I have researched temperature, compatibility, protein stability, FDA and USP regulations, and more for personalized medicine. Outside of school, I work in an independent compounding pharmacy. Every day, I deal with the personalized medication and see the impact it has on people's lives. We create medication into different formulation or at a different dose for patients with specific needs. Pharmacy is not all about medicine, it is about people, their stories, and the trust we create with them to facilitate their healing journey. Not only has my disease shaped me to be driven as a pharmacist, it has also shaped me to be a leader. I enjoy being a leader that motivates others and to facilitate my fellow peers to become the best leader. My favorite leadership role I hold is volunteering. Every month, my organization will volunteer at a Hot Dog Ministry for the homeless in Charleston. This experience is always so rewarding to me as we serve food, give vaccinations, and medications for free. Every challenge I have faced, whether it is my health or my schooling, has shaped me into the person I am today. I want to become a pharmacist who leads with empathy, compassion, innovation, and motivation. My goal is to become a medical affairs pharmacist where I can collaborate with other healthcare providers to make sure no patient is left behind. My story is far from done. I did not end my story because of a disease, instead I used the disease to help me see what needs to be changed in the healthcare world. I am fully committed to changing the healthcare world for the better, one medication at a time.

As a natural born leader, leadership is a core part of who I am. I believe a great leader is someone who embodies empathy, communication, adaptability, perseverance, and more- qualities I strive to demonstrate daily. In my two years at Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, I have taken on many leadership roles from President of Phi Lambda Sigma (a pharmacy leadership club), Vice President of Christian Pharmacy Fellowship International, Secretary of Phi Delta Chi, Student Ambassador, Supplemental Instructor, Teacher Assistant, intern, and a volunteer. In my various leadership positions, I have stepped up when needed such as taking on new responsibilities. In my Vice President position, we lost a member of the executive board, allowing me to step up and fill that position until we found someone. During my second year of pharmacy school, I lead a research project exploring the regulatory and quality challenges associated with biological compounding. My goal was to address the growing demand of biological therapies along with the demand of personalized medication. This project required me to balance schoolwork, research, etc. One major challenge I faced included the laws and regulations dealing with biologics. This includes FDA, 530A, 530B, USP, and more. Some strategies I used included deep diving on research papers, PubMed, consulting a mentor, and more. The impact of this project extended beyond a paper. My close ties with this project, taking a biologic myself, allowed me to relate to this subject on a deeper level. I felt as if I made a huge impact on people who take biological therapy and shaping the way for personalized medicine. This experience strengthened my leadership in pharmacy to further the field of pharmacy. Once my paper officially gets published, I will be able to present to other leaders in pharmacy to further knowledge and insight on the new field of pharmacy. Beyond my professional and academic journey with leadership, I have faced many health issues. These health issues shaped me into the leader I am today by teaching me patience, perseverance, and continuous life lessons. I plan to implement these qualities of a leader in my day-to-day life to make a positive difference. In the future, I plan to specialize in medical affairs with a focus on gastrointestinal immunology and biologics. I hope to lead pivotal research for patients to gain access to medication. My goal is to further the development of biological therapy to help others gain access to new medication and get into remission. By applying the leadership skills, I have gained over the years including communication, advocacy, organization, and more, I hope to make my dreams come true of shaping the world for the better. Making medicine affordable and accessible has been my number one goal, which would be made possible through the Future Leader Scholarship. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Living with Crohn's Disease has been the biggest challenge in my life but has also shaped me into the person I am today. It has influenced me to see the world in a different viewpoint to enhance my lens on the healthcare world through the patient aspect. Through my own experiences, I can relate and connect to my patients on a deeper level creating a bond of trust. My journey with Crohn's Disease has taught me perseverance, advocacy, compassion, drive, and so much more. It has pushed me to develop a deep curiosity about how medication works, specifically biological therapy in gastrointestinal immunology. This has pushed me to do several research projects. I have learned to navigate the complexity of living with a disability while pursuing a rigorous academic pathway. I am currently wrapping up my second year in pharmacy school at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) while pursuing my master’s in business administration (MBA) at The Citadel. This experience has given me a level of empathy that enhances my relationships and leadership. At MUSC, I have taken on many different leadership roles. I have become the Vice president of Christian Pharmacy Fellowship International where I serve the homeless and give free vaccinations. I have also become a main volunteer at clinics for street medicine to give out free healthcare to those who need it. Additionally, I have become a mentor to recruit new students to come to MUSC and mentor them through their decision. I've also collaborated with faculty on projects that explore therapeutic advancements in immunology and patient specific treatment. As someone who has felt not seen due to an invisible illness, I have learned to treat everyone with the upmost kindness because you never know what a person is going through. My experience with a disability allowed me to have a strong voice and advocate for my patients who are overlooked in healthcare. This has shaped me to be passionate about pharmacy and managing patients care. I aspire to be a pharmacist who specializes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. This will allow me to relate and help patient like me by developing new medication and advancing the medication management. I strive to contribute to advancing the treatment while also fostering compassion and inclusion in healthcare. Being a leader means allowing for everyone's voice to be heard. That includes listening, advocating, and showing up. A disability takes a lot of effort to even get out of bed. But it has taught me to have strength and a great passion for what I do. I hope one day to be an inspiration to those living with a disability that anything is possible.

Being disabled has shaped me into he person I am today. I am deeply grateful and thankful to the insight that my disability has given me. Through my disability, I have shaped into a person with empathy, perseverance, and awareness of disabilities on people, invisible or physical. My disability has changed how I see the world every day. Since being diagnosed with a bone deformity and Crohn's Disease, I have increased empathy and compassion. Living with these disabilities has deepened my understanding of struggles. Additionally, I see people in a different view with more kindness and patience. You never know what a person battles every day when dealing with a disability. Every day is a struggle living with a disability. Getting out of bed and chronic fatigue is an everyday battle that I face. However, this has made me so much stronger. I attribute my success to my disability. Without my disability, I would not have the strength, perseverance, and drive to become a Doctor of Pharmacy. This mindset has carried me throughout my years in pharmacy school allowing me to win awards and be the best student that I can be. My own experience with a disability has shown me the many inequalities faced when living with a disability. This includes healthcare disparities, social stigma, inaccessibility, and more. The awareness I want to spread has impacted me to go into a field of pharmacy to specialize in patient centered. Managed care pharmacy is a newer field of pharmacy that I have gained interest in. This involves insurance, consulting, and more. As a person with a disability, I have fought insurance more times than I can count. I feel as if I can make a huge and lasting impact in the pharmacy world going into this field. Having the experience of living with a disability gives me a leg up as I already know most of the experiences and can think outside of the box. I know disabilities are not black and white and can be so frustrating with medication. In addition to making an impact on the pharmacy world, I also hope to become a mentor to others with a disability. I was told over and over that I would not become a doctor because of my disability. High school counselors told me college might not be for me, mentors have told me to not talk about my disease in interviews, and so much more. I want to inspire others that despite their disability, they can achieve greatness. Once I finish my doctorate, I will be able to prove to everyone that my disability does not define who I am or what I do. I hope to be a person that people look up to and know that they can still achieve their dreams despite their disability.

One of my biggest values include patient advocacy. With a dual degree of a Doctor of Pharmacy and a Master of Business admin allows me to focus on the business side of pharmacy dealing with cost and efficiency. Becoming a medical affairs pharmacist will allow me to advocate for patients as well as advocate for cheaper options of drugs. Many biological therapies cost over ten thousand dollars per treatment. Patients, like me, have to receive this therapy once a month, which is very costly. That is why I strive to make a change in healthcare and business. As a future pharmacist focusing on biological therapy and patient advocacy with a master’s in business administration will allow me to deep dive on multiple topics dealing with the price of medication. Some biological therapies are cheaper than others with the same efficacy profile as others, so why are some patients taking the more expensive drug? This is when we deep dive into physician prescribing and their knowledge on other therapies. However, some of the more expensive drugs patients may fail or there may be a bioequivalent therapy that is cheaper. I know how hard it is to be able to afford medication. As a student with loans piling up, living expenses, and minimum number of hours I can work due to my schedule and chronic illness, I struggle to afford my medicine. However, I know that without my medication, I would not be able to do everything I am doing right now. I know that I would not be twenty years old finishing up my second year of pharmacy school and entering my master’s program, I know I might not even be living. My job would also include setting patients up with co pay assistance that many people do not know about. Many companies with costly drugs have cards that pay for a portion of the drug secondary to their insurance. Additionally, some companies have programs for the uninsured, as these medications are lifesaving medications. As I continue expanding my knowledge in business and pharmacy, I hope to make a positive impact on the world with both of my knowledge combined. Being a recipient of this scholarship would mean so much to me and strongly impact my education career. The Manuela Calles Scholarship for Women would help me be able to put money towards my double tuition of my doctorate program and master’s program, all while relieving financial burden from my health. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Manuela Calles Scholarship for Women.

"You will never run again”, “You will never be able to walk correctly”, “sick people are not welcome in my class", and more negative phrases have come my way all due to a deformity I was born with and a chronic illness I have. Despite all the odds against me, I persevered and did everything I was told I was unable to do. I took hard classes, I finished undergraduate at eighteen, I entered graduate school by eighteen, and more. I chose to pursue a degree in healthcare to help people like me. When I was fifteen years old, doctors told me that I was faking my symptoms. I was just a teenage girl who was just experiencing menstrual complications or that I was anorexic and making myself sick. Due to doctors treating me this way, my disease progressed to the point that I needed medical devices to even live. I was in multiple organ failure, living on a feeding tube, hooked up to multiple machines, and more. If I was listened to when I started showing symptoms of Crohn's Disease and when my blood work showed extreme inflammation, my disease would have been under control. Instead, I spent a whole year in and out of hospitals trying to get caught up and better. Pursing a Doctor of Pharmacy will allow me to advocate for my future patients. Medication saved my life and has allowed me to accomplish things I never thought I would. I want to be able to give back to the chronically ill population and give my future patients a second chance of life. Due to my experiences of being a patient, I hope to create a bond of trust with my future patients that I never had. I strive to make a positive impact on each of my patients lives by advocating for the right care, treatment, and educating each of my patient. Additionally, I hope to help my patients financially by signing my future patients up with co pay assistance programs and educating about alternative therapies. I never want any of my patients feeling like no one is on their side or that they are not being listened to. My goal is to be the person patients can turn to in times of need and for me to be able to educate, help, treat, advocate, and more. My chronic illness that requires me to take monthly infusions costing over thousands of dollars has put a huge financial burden on myself. Being in a Doctor of Pharmacy program at such a young age has also put a huge financial burden as I must take out loans to afford tuition. On top of these expenses, I have living cost and minimum amount that I can work due to my schedule, so little income is coming in. Being a recipient of Women in Healthcare scholarship would mean an immense amount to me and help me with financial burdens. It would be an honor to represent women in healthcare and advocate for more girls to join healthcare. Thank you for your time and consideration.

As a person with a disability going through pharmacy school at the young age of eighteen, I have had to take out loans for pharmacy school that are already accruing interest at a high rate. Due to me going straight into pharmacy school after high school, there were not any scholarship opportunities or financial aid for me. The financial burden I face is not only from school, but as a person with a chronic illness, having to take monthly infusions costing over ten thousand dollars each month has put many stresses and hardships in my life. My goal as a future pharmacist is to create a scholarship specifically for students with a disability pursuing pharmacy so that they don't run themselves thin with working, school, and health like I have had to do. I aspire to create opportunities such as the Dr. Sami Shafiq Scholarship to help people in need to pursue their PharmD and live out her legacy of giving back and creating opportunities. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My passion for pharmacy started when I was fifteen lying in a hospital bed. Over and over again I heard doctors telling me nothing was wrong with me, that I was doing this to myself, that I needed to be in a psychiatric hospital, and more. As my doctors kept blaming my symptoms on mental issues, I kept getting worse and worse. Eventually, I ended up in multiple organ failure requiring more hospitalization, surgeries, an NJ feeding tube, PORTs and PICC lines, and more. This all could have been prevented if I just had doctors listen to me. If medication was administered when my inflammatory markers were fifty times the normal level when I very first presented with stomach pain, I would have never spent over sixty days in the hospital, but I did. I had to play catch up on my disease because it had progressed so much and took over my body. Medication saved my life, and I am forever thankful to receive my biological therapy every month to keep my symptoms at bay. Becoming a pharmacist would allow me to advocate for my patients. No one ever advocated for me, and this is one of the biggest reasons I got to be the way I was. With my personal experience of having Crohn's disease, I hope to create a trust between my future patients because I can relate to what they are going through. Medication saved my life for the better. Never would I have imagined that in a short three years later, I would be entering graduate school at the age of eighteen to fulfill my passion of helping people through medications. As I am wrapping up my second year at the Medical University of South Carolina, I am leaning towards pursing a career in the biological therapy world of pharmacy through and industrial route. I am trying to obtain research on medication outcomes and efficacy versus cost. Biological therapy is a very expensive medication market that gouges the price due to patents and devices. My monthly infusions cost over fourteen thousand dollars every month. That is why I want to research what is best for my future patient and most cost effective. Due to several positions I hold at MUSC, I have been able to serve the homeless community through healthcare needs such as vaccinations, medication management, blood pressure control, glucose control, and more. The homeless patients I see can barely afford generic medications that we can get at a very low cost, let alone a drug that is over thousands of dollars. People are suffering and dying because of the cost of medication, specifically biologic therapy. Being a recipient of this scholarship will allow me to pursue my dreams of becoming an industry pharmacist specializing in biological therapies affairs. This scholarship would also be able to relieve financial burdens I face due to my chronic illness, help relieve stress of working and school for medication, and more. If chosen, I would love to uphold the memories of Christiana and continue volunteering my free time and following my dreams. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I chose to enroll in my Doctorate of Pharmacy program due to personal health issues with Crohn's disease. This disease nearly took my life, but I was lucky to be saved by the amazing doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. My doctors listened to me, and put me on a medication that turned my life around. Due to this medicine, I was able to start pharmacy school at the age of eighteen and predicted to graduate with my doctorate degree at the age of twenty two. This experience made me want to help people like me through biological or infusion therapy. I hope to become a pharmacist who shares a deep compassion and understanding to my future patients since I can relate to having a chronic immunologic illness. The knowledge I have gained in school will benefit society greatly. I plan on focusing on a specific field of pharmacy that deals with putting patients in remission. This includes medication management, outcomes, quality, cost, efficacy, and more. Many drugs on the biological market are extremely expensive and hard to get approved. My biological therapy I take every month cost over ten thousand dollars per month. I will do my part as a pharmacist to monitor patients symptoms along with the correlation of cost and efficacy for the best drug outcome. Additionally, I will help set my future patients up on a copay assistance program as many pharmaceutical companies have this opportunity. Due to medical cost and many other factors such as costly school, rent, life, and no help from my family, I have had to work while in school. I currently work at an independent compounding pharmacy where I am a pharmacy intern. Working while in school can be extremely difficult with pharmacy school having a rigorous test schedule, sometimes exceeding three test a week. Having a chronic illness, working, and school makes me extremely tired and fatigued. Sometimes, I spread myself too thin with work because I love to help. Even though it is hard to balance work, life, and school, I am very thankful for the experience and knowledge I have gained from working. I think working has impacted my studies for the better. Since I am in a community pharmacy setting, I see all kinds of medication that I can relay back to several classes. This has helped me apply my knowledge to the real world examples allowing me to educate my patients and advocate for them. I hope that working and having experiences makes me a good candidate for a fellowship or residency post graduation. Thank you for your time and consideration for Pushing Our Scholars Forward Scholarship.

One of the biggest passions I helping the homeless community. I personally struggled with hunger and the inability to eat for over eleven months due to Crohn's disease, and want to do everything in my will and power to stop hunger. Another passion of mine is providing needs to homeless in other ways as well. Healthcare in America is extremely costly and unaffordable for people with or without insurance. I volunteer my time at a free homeless health clinic to better the health of the homeless community. Several of my leadership roles I am involved in dedicate our community service to serving the homeless at churches, serving cancer patients and their family at cancer lodges, and Ronald McDonald house food at least once a month. As a future pharmacist, I have the education to help people with vaccinations, blood pressure, temperature, medication management, disease state education, and medication education. Through my leadership involvement in organizations such as CARES clinic for the Unhoused and Christian Pharmacy Fellowship International, I have learned how to do community outreaches such as organize a vaccination clinics and go on the street and do "street med" which includes free check ups with blood sugar, blood pressure, temperature, past medical history, and more. Street medicine is a way that I have used most of my knowledge through recommending medications to manage blood pressure and give out free vouchers to local pharmacies on certain medication. I envision myself in the future networking and connecting with another local chapter of feeding the homeless, such as the Hot Dog Ministry in Charleston, SC, to dedicate my time and abilities to help the homeless. At these events, I envision myself setting up free vaccinations, free health checks, and free counseling. Pharmacist are allowed to host vaccine clinics due to our training in Basic Life Skills, epinephrine administration, and our ability to give subcutaneous and intramuscular injections. This is something that I have enjoyed doing in the past and want to continue this in my career and better the future. Vaccinations, even though controversial these days, have saved many lives. Herd immunity has helped epidemics in the United States to stay at a bay and not get out of hand. In the long run, immunization will keep the homeless community less sick, out of hospitals, and hopefully help the future of combating these viruses and illness. Antimicrobial resistance is at an all time high, and the less sick everyone is, the less overuse of antibiotics will be needed. I hope in the future with my skills and expertise that I make a positive impact in people's lives through community service. Thank you for your time and consideration of the Women in STEM and Community Service Scholarship.

My goal is to be a doctor by the age of twenty-two. Sounds crazy, right? However, I am already a second year student in my doctorate program and freshly twenty. I am on the right track for my goal, but it for sure was not easy to get here. I started college at the age of sixteen, and graduated with my prerequisites at eighteen allowing me to enter straight into graduate school after. Many set backs, such as my health battles with Crohn's Disease, family matters, and financial burdens tried to stop me from reaching my goal, but I persevered. The goal I have set for myself in my doctorate of pharmacy program is to match into either a residency or industry fellowship specializing in gastrointestinal biologics. Pharmacy school is a very strenuous program requiring much time for studying, classroom time, projects, etc. I juggle all of this on top of working as a pharmacist intern, having several executive positions in clubs, and volunteering with the homeless centers. Even though I overfill my plate and run myself thin, I am setting myself up to be a good, well diverse candidate when it comes to applying for a fellowship or residency. I also love doing everything I am involved in, and feel like I am making a difference in people's lives through my testimony. One way that I keep everything straight is through a planner. I have two planners, a hard copy and a virtual copy. Each planner is color coded to keep me straight with exams, volunteering, clubs, meetings, work, and more. Additionally, my planner serves as a budget reminder for me. In my planner, I lay out my week with what I will eat for each meal to make sure I am not spending extra money on eating out or splurging on food. I plan my grocery list as well and shop at Aldi or Harris Teeter deals. Pharmacy school cost over $27,000 a year along with paying rent, every day expenses, and medical treatments. One goal I set for myself before I entered into pharmacy school was to have the least amount of debt, and thankfully this has been my first year of taking out a loan. I was very blessed in undergraduate for education allowing me to save money towards graduate school. Working as much as I do has taught me to save and appreciate my money versus spending it freely and carelessly. I am also very blessed to be a part of the Pfizer Co Pay assistance program for my monthly infusion of Infliximab every month. Without this, I would be paying over $14,000 a month for my medication. A huge part in my plan all depends on my health and that I am able. I try to keep myself the healthiest I can with a chronic illness such as keeping up with my meds, going to doctors, and eating healthy. Without my health, none of my plans could amount to anything. I thank you for your time, consideration, and opportunity for the Joe Gilroy "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan" Scholarship.

Words hurt, but they also fuel a flame. Comments like "I don't think this path is for you", "you're too young for this profession", "I don't think you can handle this", or "my class. isn't for sick people" has all been said to me over the course of my education. This all stems from a chronic illness, Crohn's disease, that professionals try to let define me. Instead, I used these words to fuel my passion to excel in school. I graduated college at the age of eighteen, and entered into my graduate program for my doctorate of pharmacy the same year. Even though I am young, I know my abilities are not hindered due to my age and I am not defined by a number. I am passionate about pursing my doctorate in pharmacy due to my experiences with Crohn's disease. Becoming a pharmacist, hopefully specializing in biologics through the industrial route, will allow me to help people like me. In industry pharmacy, I could specialize in a specific field of drugs, such as gastrointestinal biologic therapy. This speciality would allow me to relate to my patients, and help people who are facing the same battles as I did. I have an extreme passion for helping others, and biologics. When a provider creates a bond with their patients through same hardships, it creates a special trust in their patient-care. I want to be able to select a medication regimen that is cost effective and high quality for my future patients. The current medication I am taking for Crohn's disease cost over $14,000 each month. Without a co-pay assistant card and insurance, I would not be able to afford my medication I need to live. Graduate school is a costly expense with little to no finical aid given. I pay out of pocket $27,000 a year for school tuition on top of paying for my medical expenses such as surgeries, medications, doctor's appointments, test, and more. Not to mention my every-day life expenses and rent. Being a recipient of the Powering The Future - Whiddon Memorial Scholarship would be a great blessing and honor. This scholarship would not only help me with schooling expenses, but put a less financial strain on me medically. I am thankful for your time, consideration, and opportunity of the Whiddon Memorial Scholarship.

I choose to further my education in STEAM due to my experience with Crohn’s Disease. Spending over sixty days in the hospital and relying on medication to keep me alive made me want to better understand the science behind medicine. That is why I chose a career in pharmacy, hoping to specialize in biologics. Science and math has always been a huge part of my life. I love knowing how medicine works and why everything happens. Pharmacy is a huge passion of mine and I want to be able to give back to people like me to hopefully make their lives a little better. Without medication, I know that I would not be here today. Before I got put on my biologic, I was eighty pounds on a feeding tube and in multiple organ failure. I never would have thought by the age of nineteen that I would be in grad school studying pharmacy. My hopes in pursuing my Doctorate in Pharmacy is to be an inspiration for people that through medication, they can get better. I want to also be there to inform patients on their medications and explain their disease states to them in a way that they will understand. As a person with a disability, tackling on graduate school at such a young age has had its many difficulties. I have to pay every month for my infusion, that without insurance, cost over ten thousand dollars. Additionally, I have many doctors and have to travel for these specialist. On top of being in graduate school, I work around twenty hours a week to be able to afford living expenses such as food and gas. Every day is a struggle with a chronic illness. Dealing with pain, fatigue, etc. but I know the reward will be great once I finish pharmacy school. Being a recipient of the Kayla Nicole Monk Memorial Scholarship would have a huge impact on my life. Graduate school is very costly, costing over $27,000 a year in tuition plus living cost. This means at the young age of nineteen, I am taking on loans on top of having to pay for my healthcare. I would be honored to be come a recipient of this scholarship as it would help the financial struggles I face. If I received this scholarship, I would be able to focus more on my studies and be a little less stressed. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Growing up as a Christian has allowed me to see how important it is to give back to the community. I always believe that charity starts at home, and that there is so much we can do to give back. As a teenager in youth, I got very involved in community service through the church. I started leading activities for the younger youth, help put on vacation bible school, and help give back to the community through food, clothes drives, toy drives, Christmas toy box, and more. At the age of fifteen, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease which put a huge financial strand on my family. My church family pulled together a donation in my name and gave it to my family to use for travel expenses, food, medical bills, and more. Seeing my community come together for me was super emotional and moving for me. After I received treatment and was able to attend church again, I got as involved as I could in my church. When I moved for pharmacy school, I knew I needed to find ways that I could continue giving back. As Vice President of the Christian Pharmacy Fellowship International (CPFI), we try to serve our community and give back in multiple different forms. In this position, I participate in a Hot Dog Ministry each month, sometimes more, where we feed the homeless community in Charleston, SC. With CPFI, we also provide meals for Ronald McDonald House to feed the families affected by a childhood illness. As the year continues, we are trying to come up with more community service projects such as vaccination clinics. Being the Vice President of CPFI has opened so many doors for me and for me to grow as a person. I now lead a monthly Bible Study lesson every month for pharmacy students. Another organization I participate in, Student Society of Health System Pharmacists (SSHP), allows for more community service such as the Hope Lodge and Cares. Hope Lodge is another organization where we provide meals and put on activities for the families and patients affected by cancer. Cares is a clinic that serves the homeless where we do healthcare visits, vaccinations, and more. In the span of three years, I have tried to dedicate more time towards community service as long as my health is willing. I love giving back to people as people have given to me. The smile that I see on people’s faces is priceless and makes everything worth it. I hope that others see me embody selflessness and that I can be an inspiration. It would be an honor to be a recipient of the Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I have chosen the field of Pharmacy specializing in gastroenterology (specifically biologics) due to my experience as a patient. Crohn’s Disease is a chronic illness that took over my life at the age of fourteen. I never thought I would never be able to return to high school, let alone be in my second year of graduate school at the age of nineteen. But through the help of biologic therapy, I am able to live an almost normal life. I desire to create an impact on people like me who have a chronic illness. I hope that I can be a good role model to look up to by giving patients hope and inspiration. I would never discourage any of my patients to let go of their hopes and dreams, instead I would tell them to shoot for the stars. Due to my past experience, I hope to create a unique bond and trust with my future patients since I too have been on the patient side. It is a goal of mine to never dismiss patients, listen to concerns, and help patients through medication.

“My class isn’t for sick people.” This is a statement that I heard from my first college class professor that I took in high school. If I would’ve let this statement get to me, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. Instead, I used this comment to fuel me towards my goal of becoming a pharmacist. Now, I am in my second year of pharmacy school at the age of nineteen years old. Having Crohn’s Disease at an early age has been a huge hurdle I’ve had to over come. Being in the hospital over sixty days and having a feeding tube for eleven months while managing school was extremely hard. Many teachers and counselors discouraged me from taking “harder” and more advanced classes in my freshman and sophomore years of high school. After these two years passed, I decided to start my college journey at the age of sixteen. When I got to college, my college advisors wouldn’t let me double up on classes due to my illness until I proved myself to them. Throughout my science career, I have had many people doubt me and my abilities based on the presumption of my illness. I graduated undergraduate in two years with ninety credit hours, a 4.0 grade point average, and as the top of my class. At graduation, I was a speaker for all three commencements due to my accomplishments and achieving the highest award at my college. Even though I was told over and over by friends, family, and advisors that I would never be able to excel in school due to my illness, I proved everyone wrong when I was accepted into graduate school at seventeen. Pharmacy has always been my end goal because it combines science with healthcare. I thought my hardships were over when I got into pharmacy school because I had finally proved myself, but I was wrong. One draw back is my age which makes advisors think I am not able to mentally handle the hardships of pharmacy and what we see as pharmacist. Even though I am constantly having to prove myself, my drive to help people like me has never dwindled. As I continue my education in pharmacy, I have explored several different options as careers. I have always been fascinated by biologic therapy and bioequivalents, making me look more at the research and industry side of pharmacy. This would allow me to specialize in something I love while helping people like me. In the future, I hope to inspire others with a chronic illness to never give up on their dream just because of their label as someone who is sick.

Without medication, I know I would not be here today. Medication saved my life and has allowed me to live the life that I am living now. Before getting on a monoclonal antibody, I was in liver failure and eighty pounds. Now, I am thriving and in my second year of graduate school at nineteen. That is why I am so passionate about pharmacy and helping others through medication. I have chosen to pursue my doctorate in pharmacy because I want to be an advocate to patients, educate patients, and help patients get into remission. Before I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, I was told by several providers that I was faking my disease and would not help me. This not only made my disease worse, but impacted my mental health as well. As a future pharmacist, I want to be an advocate for patients so that they won’t feel the way I felt. I never had anyone advocate for me through my disease or about medications I should be on. Additionally, I was never educated on different therapies for my disease. This is one of the main reasons that I have focused my research on monoclonal antibodies as they are an ever growing drug class that is gaining in popularity. With knowledge in monoclonal antibodies, I can be a pharmacist who specializes in autoimmune diseases and educates my future patients on side effects, use, mechanism of action, and more. Thus far, I have researched a new monoclonal antibody and have made a pamphlet about Inflammatory Bowel Disease and medication therapies. As a person with a chronic illness, I feel like I will be able to relate to my patients and that will push me to be the best pharmacist possible. I will be able to understand what my patients are going through and advocate for their needs. I hope through advocacy, I will create a positive impact on my future patients treatment plans and get my patients one step closer to remission.

“Sick people are not for my class”. This statement is one I faced throughout pursuing my STEM degree. At the age of fifteen, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease of the small and large intestine. This caused me to spend over sixty days in the hospital, have a feeding tube for eleven months, required multiple surgeries, and now requires me to have a port for my infusions every month. I only went in person to high school for a semester of my freshman year, but that was one of the hardest years I had. Being made fun of constantly for something that I couldn’t control such as my tube or my sickness in general fueled me to prove everyone wrong who had doubts about me. That is why when the opportunity arose, I took advantage of it and was able to enter college at the age of sixteen. Even when I entered college, many people discouraged me because I was labeled as the “sick kid”. I had guidance counselors tell me I wouldn’t make it or that they didn’t recommend me going to college in my situation. My college advisor even told me I was in too many “hard classes” because I was doubling up or tripling up on science. They feared that as a person with a chronic illness that I would not excel in certain classes. However, I proved everyone wrong and was able to graduate college at the age of eighteen and enter graduate school the same year. My passion for stem arose from me being a sick kid. Having Crohn’s Disease taught me how important stem is in the world. Medicine and technology in the healthcare world has come so far in such a short amount of time. I know without medication and the advances we have made in healthcare, that I would not be here today. When I got admitted into the hospital I was in liver and kidney failure, making me get put on a transplant list. But with the help of medication, I was able to not have to have any more major surgeries, as I started healing. I was put on a chimeric monoclonal antibody that saved my life and has allowed me to live the life I have today. This drug inspired me to pursue my doctorate of pharmacy to help people like me with autoimmune diseases through medication. Monoclonal antibodies is a drug class that fascinates me, and something I can see myself doing in the future after pharmacy school and residency. Due to my illness, there has been many financial strands on myself and family. I have to travel to Cincinnati children’s hospital every so often for my doctor’s appointments (over ten hours away), receive monthly infusions that cost thousands of dollars, and have multiple other doctors due to my chronic illness. On top of this strain, graduate school offers very few financial aid causing me to take out loans at such a young age. Estimated tuition and cost of living is over 65k, causing me to take out loans at the age of nineteen to pay for tuition and live off of. Many obstacles have gotten in my way in trying to pursue my STEM degree, but I am determined to do great things with my life. Being a recipient of the Whiddon Memorial Scholarship would mean a great deal to me and for my future success as a young woman in STEM.

Being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the age of fifteen has been one of the biggest challenges I have overcome. When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, I thought my life as I knew it would be over. I thought that this new label would define me for the rest of my life. Many people in my life thought this new label meant I wouldn’t be the same Leah as I was. People closest to me told me I couldn’t do certain classes or start college at the young age of sixteen just because I have Crohn’s Disease. Even though Crohn’s Disease has held me back many times, I am very grateful for this label. Crohn’s has shaped me into the person I am today. Without this disease, I would not have the passion and drive to help people like me. The passion I have had to help people led me to graduate college and start my Doctorate of Pharmacy at the age of eighteen. Throughout learning different career in pharmacies via the patient and student side, I have been drawn to nuclear pharmacy. In 2022 I had surgery for a port placement. The port was meant to help receive monthly infusions for my Crohn’s Disease. However, upon first access it did not work. I had been introduced to nuclear medicine many times before via barium swallows, CTs, and more, but this time was different. When I received my fluoroscopy for my port to reveal I had pinch off syndrome, I knew that I could help many people with nuclear pharmacy. Without nuclear medicine, I would never been able to know that my port was wrapped around my clavicle. This diagnosis requires immediate surgery so that the port doesn't puncture your lung or heart due to it being out of place. Nuclear pharmacy deals with diagnosis mainly, however, it also deals with cancer and thyroid treatment. To me, this is the most interesting field in pharmacy as it is not really talked about much and can be used in multiple aspects. I have always loved science and math, especially nuclear math involved with half-lives. After shadowing a nuclear pharmacist, I plan on getting my authorized user in nuclear pharmacy while in school to be a better hire after graduation. Crohn’s disease has taught me a lot about myself and others. Without this disease, I would not have been pre exposed to all different types of pharmacy such as oncology, biologics, hospital, nutrition, etc. I feel like Crohn’s disease has had a very positive impact on my life teaching me valuable life skills such as compassion and understanding. I can relate to my patients on a more intimate level than many other doctors. What was meant for evil, has been one of my biggest blessings. Crohn’s Disease took a lot away from me, but I prove every day to define all odds against me. My hope for the future is to continue to inspire people and women in nuclear pharmacy due to the lack of women in this field. Additionally, I hope to inspire people with chronic illnesses to never give up on their dreams. If I gave up when negativity was thrown my way, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today of being able to receive my doctorate at the age of twenty-two. People will try to bring you down and discourage, but you are given a drive to pharmacy for a reason

Starting pharmacy school at the age of eighteen had many struggles. High school advisors and family members discouraged me entering a doctorate program at such a young age, mainly due to the cost of school. I started my undergraduate career at the age of sixteen and finished 90 credit hours at the age of eighteen with a 4.0. When I toured different college of pharmacies, the admissions advisor told me I was too young and not mature enough to enter into this profession. Little did they know, I had matured more than most of my fellow classmates due to my Crohn's Disease by being on a feeding tube, having a PICC line (later a port) for infusions, TPN, and lipids, and more. One way I plan on giving back to future pharmacist is to uplift students and not tell any students that they shouldn't be here. Having a chronic illness and being in grad school is very difficult at times, but I deserve to be here as much as anyone else. In the future, I would love to work with a future pharmacy school and allow for shadows and internships. Additionally, I would love to talk to the school about different fields of pharmacy, as nuclear is not talked about a lot. Hopefully, I will be in a place where I would be able to have a scholarship available for students to get their authorized user in nuclear pharmacy (as it is a costly extra addition to tuition).

"Nineteen years old and already in grad school? What's the rush?" This is the response I get when I tell people my age and what school I go to. Yes, I am a nineteen-year-old at the Medical University of South Carolina pursing my PharmD. Even though I may be young, there were many trials and tribulation in getting to the place that I am today. At the age of fifteen, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. This shaped my life forever. I had been fighting for a diagnosis for over a year prior which made my Crohn's spiral out of control. I was eighty pounds, on a feeding tube, and unable to attend school or do normal everyday activities. This taught me many life lessons and fueled my passion for healthcare. I knew I wanted to become a pharmacist to help others like me through medication. After my diagnoses, I got put on an immunotherapy infusion of Infliximab. This infusion saved my life and has allowed me to accomplish everything that I have since being diagnosed. I take this infusion every month through my port, which allows me to relate to my future patients if I chose to pursue a career in oncology or infusion. Before I started college at the age of sixteen, I got many doubts and negative comments from my teachers and academic counselors. I got told that some classes weren't for sick kids and if I was sure my health would allow me to start college this young. These comments fueled me even more to do well. I finished college in two years with a 4.0 at the age of eighteen and was accepted into all pharmacy schools I applied to. In a way, I wanted to prove everyone wrong that I am not defined by my illness. The one reason I decided to finish school so quickly was due to Crohn's Disease. I never know what tomorrow may bring or how I may feel. School was the only thing in my life that I could control. So, I wanted to get school done and out of the way while I felt good and ok. Now, I am wrapping up my P1 year in Pharmacy school and about to go on my summer rotation. With my previous experiences of dealing with a chronic illness, I have chosen pharmacy as my healthcare field because I want to become a role model to all of my patients that they can still accomplish their dreams and to never give up. If I gave up when I received backlash for wanting to fast tract my schooling, I wouldn't be in the position I am today. Additionally, I want to become an advocate for my patients. If I had someone advocating for me during my year of being undiagnosed, I would have not been in the shape I was in and could've been treated. Having no one back you up is the worst feeling ever because you start believing what the doctors say, such as being crazy. Being able to relate to my patients will allow me to be a huge advocate in their treatment such as medications, changing therapies, and more.

"If you were admitted two days later you would be needing a liver transplant." These are the words told me to after fighting for a year for a diagnosis and treatment. After my eighth scope in a year, a doctor in Cincinatti told me there were more ulcers in mu colon than he could count. Living in a medically underserved area taught me how different areas treat patients. If my doctors in my hometown took me seriously, I would have not been in the situation I was. I would not have been eighty pounds, on a feeding tube, and fighting for my life with no medical treatment if I lived in a more medical deserved area. This experience fueled my passion for healthcare. As a future pharmacist, I hope to not only advocate for my patients, but be a person they can relate to. I have been on both sides of being a provider and a patient, so I understand more than other healthcare providers. There are many pharmacy career paths, and as a current P1, I am not decided on just one yet. However, I have my eye on nuclear or oncology pharmacy. I feel that I could relate to my patients greatly in this field of pharmacy as I still have a port and get monthly infusions to keep me going. Due to my prior experiences as a patient, I know how differently woman are treated as a patient. I was told that my Crohn's Disease symptoms were just my period, because it is completely normal to lose so much blood and pass out on the toilet. I was also treated as an anorexic/ psych patient because it hurt so much to eat making me eat less than I should. Being a young woman trying to get a diagnosis and help I needed was harder than it should have been. Healthcare is a very male dominated field, so when a young teenage girl walks in, they automatically blame women problems or think we're crazy. As a woman in healthcare, I hope to break the stigma of women patients and advocate for equal treatment. It is a proven fact that providers are more likely to take a men's pain more seriously than a woman's. This is by no means ok. I want to become a voice for my patients, not only for pain, but for diagnosis and proper treatment. If I had someone advocate for me, I would have been treated over a year earlier and would have not been in the shape I was. I also hope to educate my patients on medication management and help them transition into getting in the routine of infusions or everyday medication. This is a life altering experience that can be very scary and costly. As a future pharmacist, it will be my job to answer any questions about medication and help find co pay cards if patients qualify. I hope to become the best pharmacist I can be due to my past experiences shaping me into the woman I am today.

Stepping up to the plate, only thing standing between me and this weight is my thoughts. I know I was never supposed to be able to do this. I know I was told I would never be able to lift or live a normal life. But here I am, about to deadlift more than my body weight. I have my music turned all the way up to get me pumped and focused. As my thoughts race about hitting a personal record, how I may damage my body, or port my music pumps me up into thinking I have this. When I listen to heavy metal, it allows me to put all negative racing thoughts away, and just focus on this set. Deftones, Rod Zombie, and the song Floyd the Barber by Nirvana are some of my favorite pump music that always allows me to reach a PR. This music allows me to focus on my WHY. Why am I doing this to my body? Because I am STRONG, I am doing this for the haters who told me I would never accomplish my dream body, my dream weight, accomplish acceleration in school, people who have left me in my life, and more. Heavy Metal fuels my rage towards weights and obtaining my dream body for myself. When I get comments like "what happened to Leah" or "how did Leah get so gorgeous" (implying I was ugly before) is part of the reason I have rage that Heavy Metal music reflects. At the age of fifteen, I was eighty pounds living on a feeding tube and newly diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Now, I am well over eighty pounds, building muscle, and in pharmacy school at the age of nineteen. Currently, I am wrapping up my P1 year of pharmacy school and entering my P2 year with several leadership positions. Before I started college at sixteen, I was highly discouraged as I was labeled as the "sick kid". I spent over sixty days in the hospital and had all of my high school teachers lose hope in me. My teachers did not believe I could accomplish greatness and even told me their classes were not for sick kids. However, I proved them wrong by finishing college at the age of eighteen with a 4.0 in my prerequisites for pharmacy school. Many hardships in my life have shaped me to become the person I am today fueling me to become a pharmacist that helps people like me who have a chronic illness and help patients defy all odds. As a current P1 in pharmacy school, I am unsure on exactly what career path I want to take. Right now, I have nuclear pharmacy and oncology on my radar. In both of these career paths, I could help people with chronic illnesses get their lives back. I would like to become a role model to allow people with chronic illnesses to never give up on their dreams. If I gave up when all the negativity and discouragement was thrown my way, I would not be in the position I am today. I know without medication; I would not be here today to accomplish my dreams and goals. Pharmacy school is very expensive as it is grad school meaning there are little to no scholarships available. The only financial aid we get is student loans which is used for tuition, off campus housing, groceries, and more. I am a hardheaded person who wanted the least amount of loans possible, so I overwork myself in pharmacy school. As a pharmacy intern, I work around fifteen to twenty hours a week while in over seventeen hours of school. This is mentally and physically draining, but I reward myself by having less loans. Being a recipient of this scholarship would mean so much to me as it would help pay for my tuition and allow me to have less loans that I would have to pay back in the future or defer in residency.

Walking, sitting in class, running, eating, hanging out with friends. These are everyday activities that many take for granted, but not me. If you told me three years ago that I would be sitting in my grad school class studying to become a doctor in pharmacy, I would have laughed. Three years ago, I was fighting for my life. I was told I'd never be able to run, that I would have to drop out of school, that I would have to learn how to eat again, and that I was too sick to hang out with people outside of my family. To me, success is defeating all odds and proving that I can be something. Success is beating my label of being a girl with a chronic illness. After three years of healing my body and taking monthly infusion, I have been successful in many ways. By the time I was eighteen, I graduated college and entered my grad school program. When I graduated college, I was the top of my class and gave all three commencement speeches. Now, I am strength building my body to become the healthiest person possible. This has allowed me to reach my ideal body weight for my height, as I have issues gaining weight with Crohn's Disease. My success story feels like a fairytale as I went from an eighty-pound girl on a feeding tube relying on machines to keep me alive, to now a healthy, strong, young adult pursuing my doctorate. Success is a mindset to never give up and take on tasks with a positive attitude. I know that success takes time, so that is why I am so excited to see more success as I continue my education and dreams of becoming a pharmacist. Success also looks like giving back to my community. This is one of the biggest reasons I chose pharmacy as a career. As a pharmacist, I hope that I can give back to people like me who have a chronic illness. I will be able to relate to my patients as I have a port in chest for my infusions. There are over a hundred different types of pharmacists, and as a first year I am still trying to figure it out. However, I plan on choosing a pathway that will allow me to relate to patients such as nuclear, oncology, or infusion. In the career I chose to pursue, I also hope to be an inspiration to kids or adults like me to never give up on their hopes and dreams. This opportunity would greatly help me achieve my success story as pharmacy school is very costly. In grad school, your only financial aid is loans. Starting grad school at the young age of eighteen has been challenging as I am having to pay for over twenty-seven thousand dollars in tuition on top of living expenses. With my health issues I take an infusion that cost over fourteen thousand dollars every month that puts another financial strain on me while being in school. Receiving this scholarship would help me pursue my dream of helping others like me with less debt. Being a recipient would also allow me to me to share my success story with others and inspire others.

"Sick kids aren't meant for my class". This is a statement that has stuck with me throughout my academic career. From a young age, I have had many health problems, but they worsened when I was a freshman and sophomore in high school. No one believed in me anymore because I was labeled as the "sick kid". However, I took this label and defied all odds by graduating college and entering into my doctorate program at eighteen years old. I have been drawn to the STEM field for a long time. Science and math have always been my strongest subjects. I knew with a career in STEM, I could help people in need like me. As I have continued my education in my Doctor of Pharmacy, I have learned about more opportunities in the pharmacy field than I could have ever imagined. As of right now, I have been drawn to nuclear pharmacy. Nuclear pharmacy deals with isotopes, such as Technetium 99 and iodine, that is used for radiology diagnosis and cancer treatment. I have dealt many times with Nuclear Pharmacy on the patient side of things with getting fluoroscopies through my port and feeding tube, as well as having many MRIs and CTs with contrast studies. Nuclear pharmacy is a small world where only around 500 pharmacists are board certified nuclear pharmacist (BCNP). As a woman, nuclear pharmacy is very discriminated against. You are working with isotopes all day that have a very short half-life, so the majority of your shifts will be from 2am-10am. This is to ensure everyone for the day has their nuclear medicine in the morning and can easily excrete the drugs out. This creates a "bad" work-life balance for woman since we would be on nights versus a normal schedule. Additionally, women are not the typical employees of a nuclear pharmacy career due to radiation exposure. When a woman becomes pregnant in this field, you are required to tell your employer that you are pregnant along with the time of conception. The rules and regulations of women in radiology has not been updated in over twenty years. As a woman in STEM, I hope to not only help people like me, but to make a difference in breaking the stigma of women in STEM. I want to be a role model for all girls out there wanting to pursue their dream in STEM to never give up. In my short nineteen years of living, I have been discouraged many times from my choice of career and the pace of schooling that I am doing. If I listened to these people, I would not one eighth of a doctor at the age of nineteen or have my career planned out. Never let anyone take away your passion. Being a recipient of this scholarship would allow me to continue my education towards obtaining a Doctorate in Pharmacy. Graduate school is extremely expensive, costing over twenty-seven thousand dollars a year with little to no scholarship opportunities. Starting my graduate level earlier in life means that I rely heavily on loans for every expense such as living, clubs, certifications, tuition, and more.

Most people think that Crohn’s Disease is just a diagnosis, but it is not. One simple diagnosis came with a slew of other problems such as pernicious anemia, bile acid malabsorption, selective eating disorder, depression, and anxiety. Mental illness has been a huge struggle, because it is a silent battle no one sees. People can visibly see when I have my other illnesses; but never can see what is going on in my mind. I grew up in a family that didn’t believe in mental illness. It was thought of as being weak, or acting out for attention. However, when your whole life is changed around as you know it because of one disease, your mental health is severely affected. As I have aged, I realize the more that I have been affected with mental illness. From a young age, I have been a perfectionist. Always had a 4.0 GPA until I got to grad school. The stress and anxiety I was under to be perfect this year caused my Crohn’s Disease to act up, causing more mental health issues. For me, mental health is a cycle of issues. If my stomach goes into a flare, I deal with depression of not being a normal nineteen year old. This then creates a cycle of me not wanting to eat due to food hurting my stomach. I had to train my brain that food is not my enemy. However, if my mental health is affected through anxiety with school, I will go into a flare due to my mental health. I am in a constant battle with my mental health and stomach. Mental health is real and is no joke. Even though we cannot visibly see it with our eye, it affects me in many visible ways by weight loss, skin issues, inflammation, hair loss, and many more. Without support of family, I have felt alone in my battle. However, I have started getting better about talking to my doctors and others about my mental health. Before, I would hide it in fear of being perceived as different. As a future pharmacist, I know how important mental health and medication is. Every day, I dispense medications to help with mental illness. I have always wanted to help people like me, regardless if they have a chronic illness or mental illness. Being in a pharmacy has allowed me to see that mental health is normal and acceptable. We need to break the stigma with mental illness. This stigma prevents people with mental health issues from getting the proper medications daily. It is ok to ask for help and take medication.

When I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, I thought my life as I knew it would be over. I thought that this new label would define me for the rest of my life. Many people in my life thought this new label meant I wouldn’t be the same Leah as I was. People closest to me told me I couldn’t do certain classes or start college at the young age of sixteen just because I have Crohn’s Disease. Even though Crohn’s Disease has held me back many times, I am very grateful for this label. Crohn’s has shaped me into the person I am today. Without this disease, I would not have the passion and drive to help people like me. The passion I have had to help people led me to graduate college and start my Doctorate of Pharmacy at the age of eighteen. Throughout learning different career in pharmacies via the patient and student side, I have been drawn to nuclear pharmacy. In 2022 I had surgery for a port placement. The port was meant to help receive monthly infusions for my Crohn’s Disease. However, upon first access it did not work. I had been introduced to nuclear medicine many times before via barium swallows, CTs, and more, but this time was different. When I received my fluoroscopy for my port to reveal I had pinch off syndrome, I knew that I could help many people with nuclear pharmacy. Nuclear pharmacy is a field of pharmacy that deals with compounding of isotopes such as iodine and technetium 99. These isotopes deal with the diagnostic part of medicine. As we all know, diagnosis is the most important step in treatment. Additionally, nuclear compounding can be used to help patients with different types of cancers. I have always been drawn to chemotherapy’s and oncology due to being put on a failed chemo drug for my Crohn’s. Nuclear pharmacy offers so many different avenues when it comes to helping people in need. Crohn’s disease has taught me a lot about myself and others. Without this disease, I would not have been pre exposed to all different types of pharmacy such as oncology, biologics, hospital, nutrition, etc. I feel like Crohn’s disease has had a very positive impact on my life teaching me valuable life skills such as compassion and understanding. I can relate to my patients on a more intimate level than many other doctors. What was meant for evil, has been one of my biggest blessings. Crohn’s Disease took a lot away from me, but I prove everyday to define all odds against me. My hope for the future is to continue to inspire people with chronic illnesses to never give up on their dreams. If I gave up when negativity was thrown my way, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today of being able to receive my doctorate at the age of twenty two. A chronic illness is awful to have, but it makes you ten times stronger than your peers. We can do everything that a normal person can; we just have to try a little harder.

From a young age, I always knew I wanted to help people like me. That is why at the age of eighteen, I entered into my Doctor of Pharmacy program with intentions on helping people with disabilities. As I have learned more about the career choices in pharmacy, I have been drawn to the field of nuclear pharmacy. Nuclear pharmacy is a very small field of pharmacy that deals with diagnostic isotopes used in testing such as X-rays, CTs, MRIs, and more. As a patient who struggled receiving a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease, I hope that I help people receive a diagnosis so that they are able to start an appropriate therapy. Nuclear pharmacist also deals with compounding radioactive chemotherapies such as iodine. When I become a nuclear pharmacist, it is my goal to help people through diagnostic testing and different course of therapies as I once was helped.

"Sick kids aren't meant for my class". This is a statement that has stuck with me throughout my academic career. From a young age, I have had many health problems, but they worsened when I was a freshman and sophomore in high school. No one believed in me anymore because I was labeled as the "sick kid". However, I took this label and defied all odds by graduating college and entering into my doctorate program at eighteen years old. I have been drawn to the STEM field for a long time. Science and math have always been my strongest subjects. I knew with a career in STEM, I could help people in need like me. As I have continued my education in my Doctor of Pharmacy, I have learned about more opportunities in the pharmacy field than I could have ever imagined. As of right now, I have been drawn to nuclear pharmacy. Nuclear pharmacy deals with isotopes, such as Technetium 99 and iodine, that is used for radiology diagnosis and cancer treatment. I have dealt many times with Nuclear Pharmacy on the patient side of things with getting fluoroscopies through my port and feeding tube, as well as having many MRIs and CTs with contrast studies. Nuclear pharmacy is a small world where only around 500 pharmacists are board certified nuclear pharmacist (BCNP). As a woman, nuclear pharmacy is very discriminated against. You are working with isotopes all day that have a very short half-life, so the majority of your shifts will be from 2am-10am. This is to ensure everyone for the day has their nuclear medicine in the morning and can easily excrete the drugs out. This creates a "bad" work-life balance for woman since we would be on nights versus a normal schedule. Additionally, women are not the typical employees of a nuclear pharmacy career due to radiation exposure. When a woman becomes pregnant in this field, you are required to tell your employer that you are pregnant along with the time of conception. The rules and regulations of women in radiology has not been updated in over twenty years. As a woman in STEM, I hope to not only help people like me, but to make a difference in breaking the stigma of women in STEM. I want to be a role model for all girls out there wanting to pursue their dream in STEM to never give up. In my short nineteen years of living, I have been discouraged many times from my choice of career and the pace of schooling that I am doing. If I listened to these people, I would not one eighth of a doctor at the age of nineteen or have my career planned out. Never let anyone take away your passion.

My whole life revolves around medicine. Every month, I take an infusion through my port to allow me to continue living with Crohn's Disease. What better profession to become than a pharmacist? My dream job is to become a specialist pharmacist, either in nuclear or pediatric oncology. Since I was sixteen, I have been battling Crohn's Disease having my whole life revolve around a simple infusion. I know how hard it is to be a kid stuck in the hospital, have tubes to live, have numerous surgeries, etc. Due to my previous experiences of being a sick kid in the hospital, I feel that I can relate to my patients and help get them through this tough time in their lives through the use of medicine. Qualities that are important to me in a career are loving what I do and a good work environment. This will impact my future career search because as I continue my education in pharmacy school, I will gain more knowledge and skills to know what I love doing. As of right now, I love compounding. Nuclear pharmacy deals with the compounding of nuclear substances such as technetium 99. The downfall is the hours of nuclear pharmacists. Since diagnostic medicines have a short half-life, hospitals need the isotopes in the morning for scans. This would mean having a work schedule of one in the morning to early in the afternoon. However, I know with nuclear pharmacy I would be helping others by getting them a diagnosis and making cancer treatment drugs. Pediatric Oncology has always been a calling due to my previous experience as a kid who spent over sixty days in the hospital. I feel like I could relate to the kids and be a positive role model for them. For example, I have numerous scars, a port, and have had an NJ feeding tube for eleven months. This way the kids could look up to me and see that despite their illness, they can still accomplish greatness. I would tell them to never give up on their dream because if I gave up on my dream when I was stuck in the hospital, I wouldn't be a doctor at the age of twenty-two. Pediatric Oncology pharmacist would allow me to have more patient interaction via rounds, however, I would be making chemo which is a skill I have not yet learned. I am willing to learn, but do not know if I love mixing in a sterile bag as much as I do compounding. No matter what I choose as my future career, I know that I will be helping people which is my main goal. I want to give back to people like me and inspire others to give back as well.

From the outside looking in, you see an eighteen year old girl who is always smiling and bubbly. But that wasn’t always the case. Three years ago, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. This disease took so much from me: my freshman and sophomore year of high school, my friends, and my life. I spent over sixty days in the hospital fighting for my life, loosing all hope that I would get better. Until I got admitted to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, over a four hour drive from my hometown, did I feel a sliver of hope come back. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital saved my life. They took their time and listened to my symptoms instead of brushing everything off as my hometown doctors did. My hometown doctors told me I was crazy and needed to go to a psychiatric hospital. They refused to help or listen to me, and made me feel like my illness and symptoms were my fault. I am forever grateful for my experiences with Crohn’s Disease as well as my experience with doctors. These experiences have led me to want to become a doctor of pharmacy and help others like me. At the age of sixteen, I started college despite all of the doubt I received. In just two short years, I obtained ninety credit hours with a 4.0 grade point average. At the age of seventeen, I had been accepted to all five pharmacy schools that I applied to. Due to my accomplishments, I won the president’s award, the highest honor given to just one student every year at my college. I spoke at all three commencements and shared my story to my fellow class. I felt like my life couldn’t get any better, until it all came crashing down. I was in Cincinnati, getting my monthly infusion with my mom, who is blind due to abuse, and a friend who had to drive us there. When we came home, everything was gone. We were left with an empty house and a few days later divorce papers served. My stepfather of twelve years just upped and left. He left my disabled mother to fend for herself, me to take care of her, and years of trauma. I saw him hit my mother multiple times, leave bruises on her, and mentally tear her down daily. He told my mom and I that we wouldn’t make it without him, we would amount to nothing. Anything we ever did was never good enough, it was never appreciated. I got used to the yelling and mental nags daily, but I could see how badly it was affecting my mom. She lost all her self worth that I am still trying to build up for her. Being a recipient of this scholarship would mean the world to me. Despite every hurdle thrown at me, I have preserved, and now am at the Medical University of South Carolina pursing my PharmD. With no help from my family financially, I have to pay for the costly tuition and housing on my own at the age of eighteen, on top of my medical expenses. I will become the first doctor of my family, and hope to become the best doctor possible. A doctor who listens to their patients, cares for their patients, and can sympathize. I want to inspire people to never give up, because if I did, I wouldn’t be here today.

The dream version of my future self is a Doctor of Pharmacy by twenty-two and create a positive impact on my patients.

Having completed over ninety credit hours with a 4.0 GPA in just two years at the age of eighteen I have been asked this question a few times. Most recently, I was asked this question in my interview for the President's Award at Roane State Community College. This question is a hard question for me to answer. Since my stepfather of twelve years walked out and my mom and I, I felt as if I had been alone. My mother was busy worrying and obsessing over him walking out without a goodbye or any explanation, while I had to be the shoulder she cried on, caregiver, part-time worker, and still be a full-time student taking twenty-two hours at the time. My biological father is out of the picture for me and doesn't support my educational goals, so there was no help there or from any other family member. All responsibilities fell on my shoulders while I was still reaching my educational goals. All in all, my mother has been the only constant for me in my life with two father figures leaving me. We have had our disagreements about some things, but I do feel like I have her support. When it came down to my final decision of choosing which pharmacy school I wanted to attend, I knew that she would have my back on that decision. She is proud of every single accomplishment I have made, and there is no way I could have done it without her. Her love for me fought for me to get a diagnosis and treatment when no one else would. Due to this, I am now living the best life I can with a chronic illness that is now manageable with infusions. This has allowed me to accomplish everything that I have thus far, such as graduating high school and going straight to grad school. Without her encouragement, I do not think that I would have or could have started college at sixteen. She supported me with this decision and helped me pay the cost of the first year as well as help me navigate college life. Unfortunately, my mother cannot support me financially for my educational goals. Becoming a pharmacist comes with a hefty price tag that a single disabled mother cannot provide for. I am grateful that she is a constant in my life, and I am also grateful for the lessons I have been taught. For over a year now, I have been my supporter and have become more independent due to my life situation. I love my mom who has supported me the best she could, but now I know that I have to become my supporter in reaching my educational goals.

From the outside looking in, I seem like a young female who has their life altogether. A perfect 4.0 GPA with over ninety credit hours as a high school senior, going into pharmacy school straight out of high school, a smile that lights up the room, and a personable personality that talks to everyone. But what most people do not know about me is that I am a person who fights a battle every single day. Having a chronic illness is not something that you can just turn off and on, unfortunately. Crohn's Disease has many unpredictable days and nights. I also fight another battle every day, a mental battle. Last year, my stepdad of twelve years walked out on my mother and me without warning. I was heartbroken, mad, angry, and defeated. My mother, whom I live with, is a single disabled mother. His abandonment meant that I had to step up in many ways. I had to take on more responsibilities such as taking my mom back and forth to doctors, doing more house chores, supporting the family more with a job while in school, etc. Due to my hectic life, I have not been able to celebrate any of my wins in my life. At the age of seventeen, I had been accepted into all five pharmacy schools that I applied to. Soon, I will be graduating from both college and high school at the same time and moving away to pharmacy school. Unfortunately, grad school offers very few scholarships. With my mom being disabled and my biological father not supporting me in my decision to become a doctor, I have no one to support me or help me during school. This means that I will have to take out many loans to become a pharmacist. Getting this scholarship would allow me to not have to worry so much about tuition, housing, food, transportation, and more. Becoming a pharmacist has always been a dream of mine since being put on Remicade. Remicade saved my life and allowed me to accomplish everything I have thus far. As a future pharmacist, I will listen to patients, advocate for my patients, answer my patient's questions, and so much more. I strive for perfection in everything I do, especially in school. Pharmacy school is a very rigorous program that makes you to be in class every day from eight in the morning to four in the evening. This on top of all the studying makes it very hard for me to get a job, especially during my first year. I would be beyond grateful to be a recipient of this scholarship and use this money to invest in my education.

Growing up being the "sick kid" was not easy. At the beginning of elementary school, I spent a lot of time in the hospital because of Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. I felt like I was always stared at for running to the bathroom or getting sick during our dreaded TCAT test. At the end of elementary school, I had to have several operations on my feet due to a deformity I was born with. After this, I was called names such as "hobble cobble" and "crippled". Going into my freshman year of high school, I started experiencing more GI issues. After sixty-three days in the hospital, eight surgeries in a year, and a feeding tube for eleven months, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. Crohn's Disease caused me a lot of issues, such as having to go homebound and being sick for over a year, but I am forever grateful for this disease. This disease led me to enter the healthcare field and to never give up on my dreams. At the young age of seventeen, I was accepted into all five pharmacy schools I applied to. I started college at the age of sixteen and by the age of eighteen, I will be graduating with an honors associate's degree and over ninety credit hours as well as graduating high school at the same time. Straight out of high school, I will be entering my P1 year at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. I was led to do pharmacy because of the drug Remicade. Remicade changed my life for the good with Crohn's. It has been the only drug to ever help me and relieve me of my symptoms. Without Remicade, I would have never been able to accomplish everything that I have thus far. As a future pharmacist, I want to make and dispense the drugs that give people their lives back. After my four years in pharmacy school, I plan on doing a residency. In residency, I want to pursue pediatric oncology. As a person who grew up being labeled the sick kid, I want to give the kids hope that despite their sickness, they still can accomplish great things. I also feel that I can closely relate to these kids. I have had two ports, in which I get infusions every month. I have also had the experience of PICC lines, many scars, tubes, etc. At first, it was hard for me to accept my "new" self with all of the scars. I want to show these kids that their scars are a part of their wonderful stories and that no one can take them away from them. As a pharmacist, I want to listen to every need and encourage my kiddos. I was not given the same treatment when I was in the hospital being told I was a faker and that I would never accomplish my dreams. Instead, I want to show these kids that I am living proof to never give up on their dreams.

Being told over and over that it is all in your head and that you are making it up starts to turn you crazy. I started to believe that I was causing myself the symptoms of bleeding in the toilet, all the bathroom issues, weight loss, inability to eat, and more. I thought that maybe the bleeding wasn't that bad or maybe I was just seeing things. I started to think that maybe the pain I felt after eating was just made up in my head. But the worst was thinking that I was never going to get any help and that no one would ever listen to or believe me. People with Inflammatory Bowel Disease suffer from many mental health issues. A majority of this is due to healthcare workers not listening to them, believing their symptoms, or not helping them. Many of the people I have met with either Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, myself included, have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from hospitals and doctors. Many IBD patients develop more mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, etc. I developed a selective eating disorder, also known as a "picky eater" because I had to retrain my brain that food was not the enemy. Also, I felt like I wouldn't be validated or get help if I was gaining weight. It was a rough time to train my brain all over again that food was ok. I had a constant fear of food hurting me, sending me straight to the bathroom, sending me back to the hospital, or putting me back on a feeding tube. As a patient with Crohn's Disease, the IBD community suffers enough secondary health issues, and mental health should not be a part of this because of malpractice in the healthcare field. Due to my experiences of being mistreated by multiple people in the healthcare field, I have decided to become a doctor myself. In the fall of this year, I will be entering my P1 year of pharmacy school. As a future doctor of pharmacy, I plan to listen to my patients, advocate for my patients, answer my patients questions, and be there for my patients. I want to validate my patients instead of brushing them off to the side. As a pharmacist I want them to know that they are seen and heard and that it is ok to feel the emotions that they are going through. I know now as a pharmacy technician how big of a stigma mental health medications have. But I want people to know that these medicines were made to help them and that they are not weak to taking medications. In the end, the medications will make them stronger because they are taking action and fighting their mental illness. The most important impact I hope to have in becoming a doctor is to change the healthcare field in the way that they treat their patients. Mental illness is no joke, and causing someone to have mental health issues just because you cannot help them is not ok.

Growing up, I was labeled as the "sick kid". From a very young age, I was in and out of the hospital due to stomach issues such as Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome and Crohn's Disease. Due to my illnesses, I was told that I should give up on my dreams and that they were too far-fetched. My teachers, counselors, doctors, and more told me that I should give up on my dream and rethink my decision. I am glad that I did not listen to these people because now I am eighteen years old and getting ready to enter pharmacy school. By the age of seventeen, I had been accepted into all five pharmacy schools I applied to: University of Tennesee Health Science COP, Medical University of South Carolina COP, Lake Eerie College of Osteopathic Medicine COP, University of Kentucky COP, and Samford McWhorter School of Pharmacy. Now, at eighteen years old I will graduate with honors with ninety credit hours from Roane State Community College and High School. I have very high academic goals for myself and strive for perfection. In pharmacy school, I know that will be hard to achieve, but I will give my best effort to achieve this goal. I want to become the best pharmacist possible who listens to their patients, cares for their patients, and answers all of my patients' questions. When I spent over sixty days in the hospital, many doctors brushed over me and told me I was faking my symptoms and that it was all in my head. I was also told that I should give up on my dreams of starting college at sixteen due to my health and entering grad school straight out of high school. Instead, I want to be a doctor that encourages and lifts my patients to do their best and never give up on their dreams. I want my patients to see despite their illness that they still can shoot for the stars and dream big. Being a recipient of this scholarship would mean so much to me in many different ways. I live with a single disabled mother who is unable to support my dreams. This will cause me to go into a ton of debt at a very young age. Pharmacy school is very expensive, and since it is a grad program, there is not any on-campus housing. This means that I will be on my own for housing, tuition, books, food, transportation, and any other expenses. My biological father who is out of the picture is also not helping me with schooling. He told me that I should give up my dreams of becoming a pharmacist and just get my bachelor's degree and be done. Due to no support from my family or other sources, I have no other option than to take out loans and try to work when I can through school. This is why I am also trying to apply to as many scholarships as I possibly can. From the outward appearance, I look like a soft bubbly girl who has her life figured out. But on the inside, I am not. This is how Heavy Metal is my one true escape to express myself and my life. My stepfather of twelve years recently walked out on my mom and me, leaving me with a lot more responsibilities such as taking my mother to appointments, doing more house chores, etc. Most people do not know about this, instead, I keep it bundled up inside of me. Heavy Metal is one way that I can express my emotions by myself. I like to keep things to myself, but having all the emotions bottled up isn't good or healthy. Heavy Metal lets me get all of my bottled-up hatred out instead of taking my hatred out on others. It allows me to get pumped up about what is going on in my life so that I do not have to burden others with my crazy life.

"Out of the Woods" is a song that Taylor Swift wrote about getting out of a relationship and finally seeing the good of being out of it. Taylor at first was afraid to leave this relationship because of what was on the outside, but later realizes it was on the inside that she needed to escape. In the video, we see Taylor trapped by vines on a beach, trapped in a forest, and in other surroundings such as water and mountains. At the end of the video, Taylor is set free from her restrictions and touches her younger self before the video states that "she lost him, but found herself". This song is my favorite song from the 1989 Album by Taylor Swift because it most directly relates to my life. In many situations in my life, I have been trapped and felt like I would not get out of the situation. When I was battling Crohn's Disease at its worst, I felt as if I was never going to be in the clear. I had spent over sixty days in the hospital, had eight surgeries in a year, and had a feeding tube for eleven months. Every time that I took a few steps forward, it seemed another obstacle was ready to drag me down. For example, when I finally got a power port placed, we thought everything would go smoothly and my infusions would take less time. Instead, my port ended up wrapping around my clavicle causing me to have emergency surgery only a month after having the port. Throughout my battle, I just wanted to be out of the darkness and into the light. Once I finally got out of the darkness, the light was so much better and allowed me to live my life a little worry-free. Another time that I felt stuck and never felt like I was getting out of the woods was shortly after having my second port surgery. My stepfather of twelve years walked out on me and my disabled mother. I felt defeated knowing that now I had to step up and take on a lot more responsibilities such as taking my mother to the doctor, being there for my mother, and doing more house chores. This was during my first semester of senior year and I just felt as if everything was working against me. I saw no light in my future, but once I did get out of the woods, it has been so much better for me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Living my life outside of being in the woods has allowed me to find myself. I am now one of the youngest to be accepted into pharmacy school and am graduating high school with over ninety college credits. I will graduate high school with an honors associate degree and will go straight into my doctorate program. I am thankful for the woods trapping me and for my hardships because it has shaped me to become the person I am today.

When I was in early elementary school, I was diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome. In late elementary school, a birth defect in my feet was detected causing me to have four reconstructive surgeries. At the age of fourteen, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and had a feeding tube for eleven months and currently have a port for monthly infusions. Just this year, my ex-stepfather walked out on my mom and me and left us with nothing. All of these situations in my life have led me to have the IB Learner Profile traits of being caring, knowledgeable, and communicator. Caring has been a trait of mine from a very young age. I always have had a huge heart, and over the years it kept growing. Every day I always treat everyone with respect and kindness because you never know what is going on inside. Having invisible illnesses has taught me how rude people can be towards you since they cannot physically see anything wrong with you. A simple smile, a hold of the door, or even uplifting words can show someone you care. Taking care of my disabled mother has also taught me a lot about care. One of my favorite ways to show my love and care for people is through food, which is why I bake a lot. Every day, I make it my goal to smile or spread positive words to at least three people. Due to my many experiences in and out of the hospital, I have become very knowledgeable about the healthcare world. My experiences led me to want to become a doctor myself. After my sophomore year of high school, I entered into a program called Middle College that allowed me to take my junior and senior years of high school at Roane State Community College. Starting college at sixteen was the best decision for me because I was never challenged in high school. I was ready to start college, and in just two short years, I obtained ninety hours of prerequisites to get me accepted into five pharmacy schools. Being knowledgeable has helped me become one of the youngest people to be accepted into pharmacy school, and will help me become one of the youngest pharmacists at the age of twenty-two. I have had to be my advocate for the last four years of my life. When I first started experiencing symptoms of Crohn's Disease, I was told that I was faking it for attention and that I was anorexic. This caused me to think that I was going crazy and started doubting myself that I was in all of this pain. When my organs shut down, I had to advocate for myself to get the help I needed. I ended up in Cincinnati Children's Hospital where they listened to me and believed me. With the proper diagnosis and the right care, I got on the path that I am now on today. Since then, I have been an advocate for IBD and invisible illnesses. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe is right and will advocate for myself and my future patients.

Forrest Gump is a movie that is commonly known as "Run Forrest Run", but to me, it is such an influential and impactful movie. At the beginning of the movie, Forrest is seen with leg braces and an IQ of 75. Forrest was told by adults that he was not normal, and on the first day of school, kids were mean to him because of his disability and didn't let Forrest sit next to them. Despite this, Forrest grew up to do amazing things. He got to play on the Alabama football team, went on to meet three United States Presidents, fought in the Vietnam War, received the Medal of Honor, wins a ping pong tournament, starts BubbaGumps Shrimp Company, and never gives up on Jenny. Having a disability myself, many people think that I am incapable of achieving great things. I have been told that certain classes aren't for sick people and that I should give up on my hopes and dreams. Forrest never gives up on anything that he puts his mind to, and that is the way I am. I pushed myself to start college at sixteen despite being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease a year prior and just getting off of a feeding tube a few months before entering college. In just two short years, I obtained 90 credit hours of prerequisites to go towards getting my doctorate in pharmacy. At the age of seventeen, I had been accepted into all five of the pharmacy schools that I applied to and will be starting my doctorate program at the age of eighteen. Despite many people's discouraging words, I will become a doctor at the age of twenty-two and hope to have an impact on the world. The movie Forrest Gump shows that even with a physical and mental disability, greatness can be accomplished. We can learn a lot from this movie. For example, both Forrest and I had to go through many people doubting us and getting bullied by kids. If we were to accept people for who they are and believe in them despite their disabilities, the world would be a kinder and better place. Another thing that we can learn from this movie is to never give up. If Forrest would have given up at the beginning of the movie after doctors, teachers, and kids made fun of him and said that he was not normal, Forrest would have never gone on to accomplish all that he did. Forrest Gump should influence us all to be a better person towards others with disabilities and encourages others.

"My class isn't for sick people" "Are you sure will be able to do that" "You may want to rethink your decision" and more have been said to me because of my disability. At first, I let the negativity get to me and thought that I would never get better. Laying in a hospital bed for over sixty days and having a feeding tube for eleven months made me think I would never be well enough to continue my education. I had to fight and advocate for myself becuase Knoxville didn't believe in me. When I finally got up to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, my life changed for the better. Many obstacles have been thrown my way due to my disability, but I persevere and continue to fight daily for my hopes and dreams. I have always pushed myself with education and knew that I wanted to do Middle College entering into my junior and sophomore years at Anderson County. However, I was discouraged because of my illness. Balancing college and Crohn's Disease has not been easy at all. In just the two years that I have been in Middle College, I had two port surgeries back to back to continue my infusions. Just recently, I was allowed to continue my treatments at home in Knoxville, but before, I had to travel back and forth to Cincinnati Children's every month for treatment of Remicade. I always had to schedule my Remicade on a Friday and let my professors know ahead of time that I would be out so that I could get my work ahead of time. Middle College and Crohn's Disease have opened many opportunities for me. Thanks to my disability, I know what it is like to be a patient and how I wanted to be treated as a patient. I was led to become a doctor due to the experiences I had as a patient. Being put on Remicade changed my life around and allowed me to get off the feeding tube and be able to do Middle College. I want to give back to people like me who had no hope of ever getting better and change their lives around for the better. Middle College allowed me to obtain ninety hours of prerequisite in two years for pharmacy school. At the young age of seventeen, I was accepted into all five pharmacy schools that I applied to. In August of 2023, I will be entering into Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. At this school, I hope to explore new opportunities for me and see what field of pharmacy I want to go in. As of right now, I am led to do pediatric oncology pharmacy because I can relate to the kids. I was a sick kid growing up spending a lot of time in and out of the hospital with tubes coming out of me and going in me. By the time I was eighteen, I had over twenty surgeries and had spent countless days in and out of the hospital. Additionally, I have had two ports in which I get treatment every month. I want to be a role model for these kids to look up to and show them that they are more than their disability. Despite their situation right now, I want them to know that they do not have to give up their hopes and dreams and that it is still possible for them to have an impact on this world. I am living proof of never giving up on my dream and doing great things despite my illness.

"You're faking it for attention". "You're just anorexic." "You need to be in a mental institution." and "Don't you just look so pretty with that tube hanging from your face." All of these phrases and more were said to me by healthcare professionals. Just because I was a teenager who was extremely underweight meant I didn't deserve medical help because nothing was wrong with me. Any concern I had I was laughed at or told joke answers that were incentive to say to a young girl like "those are just all of the eggs in your ovaries of the babies you will never have." Never would I have guessed that I would have to fight for my life just because I was profiled as a teenage girl who refused to eat because of the unbearable pain. Collaboration and diversity are so important in advancing healthcare and the medical field to avoid situations like mine. I live in a really small town where there is just one pediatric GI group that is run by one male doctor. In the practice, there are only male doctors as well, and they listen to the one doctor who runs the practice. I feel if I had collaboration and diversity with my team of doctors, I would have been listened to and not gone into organ failure. If I had a female doctor, or if there was teamwork involved versus just one man dictating every decision, I wouldn't have had to spend over sixty days in the hospital. The values of collaboration and diversity will continue in my future work field as I become a Doctor of Pharmacy. I already have a diverse background of being chronically ill, a female, and being a very young age. At the age of sixteen, I started college and got ninety hours of prerequisites in two years to allow me to be accepted into all five of the pharmacy schools I applied. I will be a Doctor of Pharmacy at the age of twenty-two and will be done with a residency at the age of twenty-four. My goal for myself in the healthcare field is to always listen to the patient no matter what. I will never profile any patient and never dismiss their concerns and questions. In Pharmacy, there is a lot of collaboration involved with the doctors, nurses, and patients. I will always collaborate with all of my team members and try to get the best treatment plan for my patients.

Five hundred forty-eight days. This is how long one of my friends, Jackson, has stayed in the hospital. Eighteen long months of pain, surgeries, not being able to walk, and no one to come visit you. In and out of ICU, not knowing if tomorrow will come has been mentally and physically exhausting for Jackson. He has battled with Ulcerative Colitis since he was sixteen years old, and now he is twenty. This ever-long journey has kept Jackson from so many activities. He missed both of his proms, graduation, going to college, trips, lake days, and many more activities. Many of his friends have moved on without him while he is suffering in a hospital bed daily. I met Jackson through social media when I was battling Crohn's Disease at the age of fourteen. He lived only a few towns over from me, so whenever we both felt up to it, we would hang out. Battling an IBD is a hard thing that not many people understand, especially at such a young age. We instantly connected over our many shared experiences, the good and the bad. Jackson and I have even been admitted to Cincinnati at the same time as well. But as I got better, it seemed Jackson was unchanging and took a turn for worse. I feel guilty that I can do the things he was never able to do like go to proms, graduate, and go off to college. Nonetheless, I stayed with him. Jackson was my go-to person when I was at my worst. Now it is my turn to return that favor for him. I have no clue about three-quarters of his daily battle, but I do know the feeling of being lonely and losing my friends. Spending only sixty-three days in the hospital does not even come close to his countless hospital stays. I reach out to Jackson several times, many with no response. But when I do get a response, I will always be there for him to talk and rant to me about his life. He knows no matter what that I am there for him and love him. I will send him and his mother cards from time to time to encourage and lift their spirits. I am currently still treated for my IBD in Cincinnati, so when we go up there for treatments and appointments we always visit. We always visit with his mother as he does not want people to see him this way, and we respect his wishes. I wear my shirt that says Pray for J whenever I feel that he is having a hard time, and I never stop praying for him. Whenever there is a prayer request, I ask people to pray for Jackson that he will get better mentally and physically. I am one of the very few friends that Jackson has left who has stayed with him throughout the many years of sickness, and I never plan on leaving him. Even if sometimes he does not see it, I am always trying to help him and be there for him. To make a more inclusive atmosphere, I have taken to advocacy through social media. Before, I was afraid to post myself with a tube and a port, but now I am proud because those kept me alive. I spread awareness and information about IBD on my social media platforms to inform people about this awful illness. My high school graduation is on May 19th which happens to be on World IBD Day. I already have planned to decorate my cap to spread awareness.

Five hundred forty-eight days. This is how long one of my friends, Jackson, has stayed in the hospital. Eighteen long months of pain, surgeries, not being able to walk, and no one to come visit you. In and out of ICU, not knowing if tomorrow will come has been mentally and physically exhausting for Jackson. He has battled with Ulcerative Colitis since he was sixteen years old, and now he is twenty. This ever-long journey has kept Jackson from so many activities. He missed both of his proms, graduation, going to college, trips, lake days, and many more activities. Many of his friends have moved on without him while he is suffering in a hospital bed daily. I met Jackson through social media when I was battling Crohn's Disease at the age of fourteen. He lived only a few towns over from me, so whenever we both felt up to it, we would hang out. Battling an IBD is a hard thing that not many people understand, especially at such a young age. We instantly connected over our many shared experiences, the good and the bad. Jackson and I have even been admitted to Cincinnati at the same time as well. But as I got better, it seemed Jackson was unchanging and took a turn for worse. I feel guilty that I can do the things he was never able to do like go to proms, graduate, and go off to college. Nonetheless, I stayed with him. Jackson was my go-to person when I was at my worst. Now it is my turn to return that favor for him. I have no clue about three-quarters of his daily battle, but I do know the feeling of being lonely and losing my friends. Spending only sixty-three days in the hospital does not even come close to his countless hospital stays. I reach out to Jackson several times, many with no response. But when I do get a response, I will always be there for him to talk and rant to me about his life. He knows no matter what that I am there for him and love him. I will send him and his mother cards from time to time to encourage and lift their spirits. I am currently still treated for my IBD in Cincinnati, so when we go up there for treatments and appointments we always visit. We always visit with his mother as he does not want people to see him this way, and we respect his wishes. I wear my shirt that says Pray for J whenever I feel that he is having a hard time, and I never stop praying for him. Whenever there is a prayer request, I ask people to pray for Jackson that he will get better mentally and physically. I am one of the very few friends that Jackson has left who has stayed with him throughout the many years of sickness, and I never plan on leaving him. Even if sometimes he does not see it, I am always trying to help him and be there for him.

Only eighty-six countries in the world do not include healthcare in the United States. Did you know that the United States is a part of these eight-six countries? Even though the United States does not include healthcare in its Consitution, I feel that the Fourteenth Amendment is one of the most powerful Amendments in the U.S. Consitution that can be applied to healthcare. Coming from a background of living in the hospital for many days due to an illness and being treated differently because I was a young female caused a lot of injustice towards me. I was profiled as being anorexic and was not given any help. This caused me to go into organ failure and drop down to ninety pounds at five foot five. Due to me not being treated as an equal by doctors, my life was put on the line. The Fourteenth Amendment states "No State shall deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." Even though this is talking about the laws of the land and concerning voting and owning property, I feel that we as healthcare professionals can use this in our everyday lives to help remind us to treat every patient as an equal no matter their age, race, gender, etc. Due to how I was treated from a very young age up until I was fifteen years of age, I had a calling to become a doctor and to become a better doctor than those who treated me. I want to become a doctor who listens to their patients, doesn't dismiss their concerns and questions, and never profiles a patient before knowing anything about them. Many times in our corrupt healthcare, women are told that their pain is all fake and are treated less than men. Men are more believed about their pain and symptoms than women. I feel that this is mostly due to doctors being a male-dominated field. I plan to continue to fight for my rights and other people's rights in the healthcare world by becoming a Doctor in Pharmacy. Thus far, at the young age of seventeen, I have been accepted into five pharmacy schools. I will be entering the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy in August of 2023. Starting school at the age of sixteen was the best decision for me. This allowed me to hear and see other people's stories and guided me to treat everyone as equals no matter what. Many people have the same experience as I have had in the medical world, and I want to do my part in bringing a change in that when I become a doctor. I will be one of the youngest doctors in my field, becoming a doctor at the young age of twenty-two. I already know I want to fight and advocate for all of my patients no matter their circumstances.

When you spend over sixty days in the hospital requiring a feeding tube for eleven months, eight surgeries in a year, and many procedures, people start to tell you to give up on your dream. You hear the words "you can't" over and over, and start to believe it yourself. Once I finally got put on a biologic, my life changed for the better. Crohn's Disease took a lot from me, but it also gave me a motive and drive to do great. Despite comments such as "this class isn't for sick kids" or "you may want to rethink your decision" when I went to college at the age of sixteen, I aspired to do greatness. Many people had their doubts about me going to college after being so sick, but I knew I was capable. I had set a goal in my mind, and no one could stop me. Due to the unpredictability of Crohn's Disease, I had very good habits myself when it came to schoolwork. When schoolwork was assigned to me, I did it right then and there in case a flare came and I was unable. Crohn's Disease taught me that I wanted to go into the medical field and be a better doctor than most of my doctors were when I was sick. Many doctors told me that I was faking my symptoms, that it was all in my head, and that I was just anorexic. This treatment caused me to go into multiple organ failure before getting the proper diagnosis and treatment four hours away from my house. I knew then that when I become a doctor, I wanted to listen and be an advocate for my patients. After getting put on the life-saving medication that I receive every month through a port, I knew I wanted to be a pharmacist. Thanks to my disease, I have been able to get accepted into all five pharmacy schools I applied to at the age of seventeen. Pharmacy school requires a load of prerequisites, and I managed to get ninety credit hours with a 4.0-grade point average in two years. I am forever thankful for my disease which opened my eyes to how corrupt some medical professionals are to make me want to become a better doctor and for the opportunities it brought to me. My disease has had many ups and downs. During the time I was the lowest, I felt as if the hospital was my second home. This is why I want to further my education after pharmacy school and do a residency in pediatric oncology. I feel a connection to kids because I was labeled as a sick kid growing up. Every month I get infusions through my port, which is a way that the kids can connect to me. I want to be a role model for the kids that despite everything going on right now, they still can reach their dreams and goals just like I did.

I grew up in a poor rural area where many kids go without. Every year, I can remember my classmates in elementary school being sent home with new shoes, new clothes, and food for the weekend because they didn't have any. Kids would come to school with no shoes, or shoes that had no soles and holes in them. My heart always went out to these kids who barely had anything, and it always broke my heart seeing how fast they would eat at lunch and being refused a second lunch because they were on free and reduced lunch. I am very fortunate and blessed with the way I grew up. I did not grow up rich by any means, but we survived and there was always food on the table. The experiences I had growing up made me realize how important Vacation Bible School is to kids in the summer in my area. Starting in middle school, I have been a part of Vacation Bible School at First Baptist of Andersonville. I have been on many different duties including games and crafts, but my favorite activity is the kitchen. In the kitchen, we prepare hot meals for the kids to eat free of charge. This allows kids to get a hot nutritious meal in the summertime that they would otherwise not get at home. It makes my heart happy to serve my community in this way because one of my biggest love languages is food. I truly feel that Vacation Bible School has had many impacts on my community. Not only do we feed the kids and play games with them, but we also save kids and teach them about the Lord. It is so rewarding knowing that you have touched these kids' lives forever, no matter what job you have. Games and crafts allow for fellowship which allows new friendships to blossom. I still have several friends that I made years ago from Vacation Bible School. While the kids may not know it, they are also learning in the process of Vacation Bible School. Many kids come through our doors never hearing about Jesus, and when we teach them, they accept Him into their hearts and we gain another believer in heaven. It is a beautiful experience that I love to be a part of and has led me to go into a field where I will always be helping people.

One of the biggest social issues that I have faced for a long period of my life is that "I don't look sick". People need to realize that having a chronic or an invisible illness doesn't need to appear on the outside. Sick people don't have to be confined to a wheelchair and not be able to walk. People who are sick can still walk around with a smile on their faces, but be in the worst pain imaginable on the inside. I feel as a society, we have an image in our mind of what a sick disabled person is. They need to have some sort of medical equipment hooked up at all times to "really be sick". And even at this, people question if they are indeed sick or just faking it. From my personal experience of having an NJ feeding tube hanging from my nose for eleven months, people came up to me all the time telling me I just needed to eat, I was faking it, or was just anorexic. I feel that people have no sympathy for others who are sick on the inside but can look fine on the outside. Having a power port has also shed more light on this social issue for me. Whenever I tell people I have a port, they immediately ask why or tell me I am too young. Chronic illness has no discrimination on what age you are, gender, ethnicity, etc, etc. I am working on addressing this social by becoming a pharmacist. Working in the medical field I can tell young adults that they are indeed valid, even if they do not look sick. That was one of the hardest obstacles I had to go through as a teenager battling a chronic illness. Additionally, being a pharmacist will allow me to help people who are like me and show them that they are still able to accomplish great things, even if they have been told to give up their dreams because they are sick. Countless times I had been discouraged from going to pharmacy school because I am a sick person. I was told in high school that some classes weren't meant for sick kids and that I should rethink going to college at the age of sixteen. A way that I proved my high school wrong was by taking those classes, accelerating in those classes, going to college at sixteen, and in two years obtaining ninety credit hours to be one of the youngest people accepted into pharmacy school. One other way that I have taken to spreading light on this situation has also been social media. It took me a long time to share what was going on in my life when I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and had a feeding tube, but it was one of the best decisions I made because I started spreading awareness. For my high school graduation, we are allowed to decorate our caps. My vision for this year is to write the word strength, but for the e, create a purple ribbon out of flowers to represent Crohn's Disease. May 19th is my high school graduation, which is also World IBD day. So I will be making IBD visible that day (World IBD's slogan).

A characteristic that I value most in myself is my compassion toward others. Being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at a very young age was extremely hard for me mentally and physically. At school, I was called names such as anorexic and faker due to me having an NJ feeding tube for eleven months and weighing only ninety pounds at five foot five. Teachers called my mom telling her that their class wasn't meant for sick kids so I should think of dropping out. I spent over sixty days in the hospital and during this time, doctors didn't believe the symptoms I was experiencing were true. Doctors and nurses started treating me poorly with bedside manners and even brushed off any concerns I had. Every day I felt as if I was having to defend myself and fight on my own. Eventually, I started to believe the nasty words that were always directed at me, and they took a toll on me. Still to this day, I constantly feel as if I have to prove that I am sick or that I am good enough to be in a class. Having an invisible illness is so hard because people can't grasp the idea that you are sick without looking sick. On the inside, I can feel awful, but on the outside, I look like a normal teenage girl. I felt as if I needed to prove to myself that I am smart and capable of doing great things besides my illness, so I took ninety credit hours in two years to be accepted into graduate school at the age of eighteen to start my PharmD. No one should have to constantly feel the way I do just because we don't show compassion towards others. I am forever grateful for the experiences I had growing up with a chronic illness because I can see how I didn't want to be treated, and know how I wanted to be treated. This will continue to help me not only through everyday life but especially in my career field. I plan on going into pharmacy specializing in pediatric oncology. When I become a medical provider, I will never brush my patient's concerns away and always listen to what they have to say. I will make sure that they feel validated and never like a burden. Having compassion is free and so easy to do. When you are going through the lowest point in your life, all you need is love and support, not hate.

When you get sick, they say you can't live like you used to. They tell you that their class "isn't for sick kids," and ask if you "really can do that?" Being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease shouldn't mean that there was a Leah before and after she got sick, but that is how most people look at it. Crohn's Disease has shaped me to become the person I am today, to be a person who defies all odds. For example, I started college at the age of sixteen. This was only a few months after I got my NJ feeding tube pulled. I had many people tell me that I wouldn't be able to do it, but now I am eighteen on my second year of college with over ninety credit hours. With these ninety credit hours, I have managed to get into grad school at the age of seventeen and will start college of pharmacy in the Fall of 2023. My daily struggles turned into one of my greatest strengths. Dealing with an autoimmune disease is very unpredictable. You never know when the next flare is coming, when you will need another infusion, or when your fatigue is so bad you can't get out of bed. The unpredictability of this disease has pushed me to become very organized and get my tasks done as soon as they are handed to me. I set aside Mondays to try and finish all of my labs, lectures, and homework's for the week. This helps me have more time to study, be more organized and on top of assignments, as well have less stress. Oddly enough, Crohn's Disease helps me succeed the most in college by making me not be a procrastinator. I can even thank Crohn's Disease for giving me the motivation to pursue a career in Pharmacy. Crohn's Disease pushed me to have a cause. Good grades can get you in to pharmacy school, but a cause and a reason is what made me stand out. Being put on countless medications through my journey, I gained a new appreciation of pharmacists and medications. Biologics is what saved my life with Crohn's Disease. They gave me my hope and life back. I want to become a pharmacist so that I can give the hope back that I was given when I was put on Remicade. Remicade is the only drug that made me feel a little like myself, and I would give anything to give that feeling back to people like me who have suffered a chronic illness.

One of my favorite scientific discoveries is the discovery of the feeding tube. The concept of feeding tube has been discovered for many centuries, and over the many years has evolved into something so much better and is still evolving. At first, feeding tubes were bigger tubes that were put into the stomach from the nasal. These tubes would feed items such as milk, eggs, brandy, mashed potatoes, and other predigested foods by the use of gravity. Now, we have machine pumps that allow for certain flow of tube feeds that are specific formulas for each patients need to enter into the gastric, jejunum, or duodenum. Feeding tubes have come a very long way for people in need due to many different causations. I am a person who has had to be tube fed for over eleven months at the ages of fifteen and sixteen. At the beginning of my journey of Crohn's Disease, I wasn't able to fully digest food. The discovery of the feeding tube not only saved my life but is a very important aspect of me. In having this experience, I plan on obtaining my master's in science in nutrition as well as obtaining my Doctor of Pharmacy.

My favorite Disney character is Winnie the Pooh. I have always been fond of Winnie the Pooh, even from the time I was born having my baby nursery decorated in Winnie the Pooh. Winnie the Pooh exhibits many great characteristics that I can personally relate to and look up to. One characteristic that Winnie the Pooh shows the most is his love and care for others. He puts others, such as his friends, before his own needs to make sure that his friends are ok. Winnie the Pooh is caring and nurturing, which is a characteristic I see in myself. When I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, it opened my eyes to never judge a person. Crohn's Disease in an invisible illness that you cannot physically see. I took this into the aspect of my everyday life of always caring for everyone despite who they are. Just as Winne the Pooh is very friendly with everyone, I too try to be a friend to everyone. I always try to be a friend to anyone due to not knowing what people are going through on the inside. Me being friendly could be the light of someone's day that they needed to go on. On the downside of Winnie the Pooh, he is hard on himself. Winnie is very self-defeating which is a very raw and real emotion that we don't see in many Disney Characters. Even though Winnie the Pooh is very friendly and uplifting to others, he struggles with his own self. This is exactly how I am towards myself. For me, it comes out with school. I am very negative on myself with schooling, and if it is not perfection, then it is not good for me. Additionally, I will always put my friends needs in front of mine because I would rather see them happy versus myself. Overall, I feel I have a special connection to Winnie the Pooh because of how much I see myself in him.

My best back to school tip is to not get too overwhelmed. At first, it may seem like your classes are assigning work left and right. Eventually, you will get back in the groove of school and the get a feel of each class. Get some sort of planner and write what you need to get done every day in a certain priority. A planner should have every day with multiple lines and make your list accordingly. Check off as you get each subject done and be sure to take breaks when needed. When you start getting wore out or frustrated, you need to take a break to avoid mistakes and come back with fresh eyes. Also make sure that you write down when tests and quizzes are so that you are able to know in advance and study. Remember that it is ok to be overwhelmed at first, but it WILL get better. Have a great semester and have fun!

Being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at the young age of fifteen has shaped me into the person I have become today. Crohn's Disease has pushed me to become my best and do my best. It has also pushed me greatly in what my future career is going to be, a PharmD. Taking biologics every four to six weeks to keep my symptoms in remission has played a big role in me wanting to go into a specialty pharmacy and make biologics for people like me. I plan on making a positive impact on the world through my healthcare career in Pharmacy is by becoming a specialty pharmacist to help patients who have autoimmune diseases. Having an autoimmune disease can take a complete toll on your life. In taking biologics and other medications, autoimmune disease symptoms can lessen the grip hold it has on your life. I want to give people's lives back like mine was given back due to Remicade. Before Remicade, I was in the hospital for over sixty days, had seven surgeries, a feeding tube for eleven months, and many procedures. After Remicade, I was able to attend college at the age of sixteen and obtain fifty-seven hours in one year. I have now applied to four College of Pharmacy schools due to me taking all of my prerequisites this coming year as well as last school year. One of the biggest impacts I hope to make on the healthcare world is advocating and listening to my patients. While in the hospital and battling my undiagnosed Crohn's Disease, I was constantly being dismissed for my concerns and symptoms. I started being gaslighted for my disease due to my doctors not being able to figure out a solution or a diagnosis. If I would've had a doctor on my side, I would have never been as bad off as I was and nearly need an organ transplant due to my body shutting down. The relief it is to have a person to listen to your concerns and try to help you is one of a kind. Not only does it relieve anxieties, but it also helps feel validated and gives hope. Lastly, one of the biggest impacts I hope to have is to inspire people to enter into a healthcare career. Having doctors inspire me, such as Pharmacists, helped pushed me in the right career path in healthcare. Being able to inspire the next generation of doctors and healthcare workers would be an honor of mine to hold.

I practice bravery every day in fighting my battles with Crohn's Disease. Even though some of my days are not the best, I still give my best effort in everything to do. Taking over twenty college credits in one semester is very challenging in itself, but I tackle it with having a smile and proficiently. Despite my young age of seventeen, I have started college at the young age of sixteen to get accepted into a PharmD program. Even though I have had many people discouraging me due to my age, I have braved through it and have applied to four College of Pharmacies in hopes to get invited for an interview for acceptance. One of the bravest activities I have done was share and advocate for my illness. Sharing my illness with the world on social media was very hard for me to do due to all of the rude comments I got in regard to my illness. I took my social media platform to educate and advocate for my illness.

I am thankful to have experienced God's work firsthand through me. God showed up in a time I needed him the most. He knew right then and there that I needed help and through prayer, I got the help I needed. I was battling undiagnosed Crohn's Disease for almost a year, had an NJ feeding tube, and was in extreme pain every day. My local hospital could not figure out what was wrong with me, so my parents and I reached out to Cincinatti Children's Hospital in hopes of being seen. We finally got into Cincinatti, but then the world shut down with Covid. After a while, we got an in person visit, but that didn't do much for us yet. It wasn't until we had a telehealth visit the next month that Cincinatti admitted me. In a month span I had lost more weight and was in even more pain than before. My parents and I were told that the admission would probably take place in a week due to the GI floor in Cincinatti being so busy. When we got the call that in two days, we were to be up in Cincinatti and that I would be admitted for procedures, we were shook. My whole church came to pray over me and marched around the house praying for me for the upcoming admissions. When I got admitted to Cincinatti, the doctors told me if I had waited a few more days, I would have been in complete organ failure and needed a transplant. The next day when I had my colonoscopy, the doctor found more ulcers than he could count from my rectum to sigmoid colon. I was immediately diagnosed with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease and started Remicade to help me get in remission. This was all in God's timing. I know that God allowed me to go to Cincinatti a couple of days early to save my life. He knew that my on this Earth was not done, and that He had great plans for me in the future. Without God's timing, I wouldn't be on the drug Remicade that saved my life and is a drug that keeps my Crohn's symptoms at bay. Without His timing, I don't think I would even be here today. God knows when His children are crying in need of help. Even though my faith was questioned during my battle, I feel that my battle helped me grow a closer relationship with God and be a role model for others. I think that my faith will assist me greatly with my career in Pharmacy. My goal in life is to help people who have gone through battles like me. Being able to share my story will help see that God does not leave you forsaken, even if it does feel that way. I feel that God put me through the hardships that He did to make me a better person and to see the career path that I need to enter. In Pharmacy I will be able to serve the Lord by helping His children heal, and hopefully bring them closer to God in the process.

I love dogs due to the kindness dogs show towards humans when they need it the most. Being in and out of the hospital for over a year of my life, dogs became my only source of happiness. During my long admissions, I would ask for the therapy dogs to come and visit me. This always lit up my day and put a smile on my face, even with all of the pain. Therapy dogs taught me why dogs are called a man's best friend. I learned from dogs that many people in my life will fail me, but a dog will always be by my side no matter what I am going through. People will leave me, but a dog will always be with me in the times I need them the most. When I was battling Crohn's Disease at its worst, a lot of friends left me due to me being sick. I was told by some of my closest friends that I was faking my illness for attention and that it wasn't that bad. Friends stopped inviting me to parties and get together, and most everyone stopped checking in on me or pretending that they cared. However, my two boxer dogs never left my side, and even tried to comfort me in the time of doubt and pain. My boxers, Shelby and Cruiser, tried their best to put a smile on my face and comfort me. Cruiser is more of my dog and would alert mom about ten minutes before I would get sick because he can sense it coming. Most nights, Cruiser would lay with me and try and be there for me because he knew I wasn't feeling well. He just wanted to love on me and wanted me to feel better. Dogs are so attentive to every little emotion, which one thing I love about dogs. Most of the dogs that were in my life when I was battling Crohn's Disease helped me tremendously in my healing process. In order to get your health in a better state, your mental state also has to be good. When I first got diagnosed with Crohn's, I was very down and didn't have the motivation to do anything. I was not my normal, happy, bubbly self. However, when I got to see my dogs out of the hospital, and when I saw therapy dogs in the hospital, their good nature uplifted my spirit and put a smile on my face. Without dogs by my side, I don't know how I would've gotten out of my slump. If I would've never gotten out of my slump, I wouldn't be at the health I am today and be able to accomplish all that I have.

I love superfoods because they not only make me feel good, but I can eat them and feel fine later. One of the biggest struggles with Crohn's Disease is finding foods that don't hurt you or have serious consequences. Superfoods are easy for me to digest, and lead to a healthier gut making me feel good after eating. Many foods leave me feeling bloated and in pain. Some superfoods are higher in caloric section, which is something I sometimes lack in a lot due to Crohn's. Superfoods are all around good for you in the nutrient aspect such as fiber and vitamins. Having Crohn's Disease has taught me just how important nutrition is to your body. Incorporating superfoods such as chia seed, flax seed, broccoli, kale, spinach, green tea, and fruit has drastically improved my Alkaline Phosphatase blood test from being extremely malnourished, to being in the good. My body doesn't absorb nutrients like it should, so I have to eat more nutrient dense food to get my blood test in the "ok" standard. I am still borderline malnourished most of the time, but that is a part of having Crohn's Disease. My favorite superfoods would be chia seed, flax seed, and fruits. I have been incorporating chia seeds in my diet for breakfast. In the mornings, I usually either have chia seed pudding made with chia seed, almond milk, and honey or overnight oats with some extra added chia seeds. With each serving of chia seed pudding, overnight oats, Greek yogurt, or smoothies, I add as much fruit as possible. Bananas have always been my go-to, along with strawberries and berries. Unfortunately, I have a strawberry allergy that has come back after a few years of me not being allergic to them, so I am trying to balance my fruit around no strawberries. I have been also incorporating chia seed and flax seed in snacks I make. My go to snacks is granola bars and chilled energy bars that I make. They include nut butter, honey, oatmeal, chia seed, flax seed, vanilla extract, and dark chocolate chips. In the snacks I buy, I make sure that at least one of the ingredients contains flax or chia seed, such as nature's bakery fig bars. Not only does superfood agree with my stomach when I eat them, but it also improves my overall health. I see improvements with my skin when I eat superfood versus the way junk food breaks my face out. Additionally, I see improvements with my joint pain. Superfoods lower inflammation in your body which is why it is both good for my stomach and joints. Eating superfoods is the keyway to live a longer, happier, healthier lifestyle of doing what you love.

I wish my food allergies and sensitivities stopped with being diagnosed with a strawberry allergy at a young age, but as I grew older, more sensitivities to food came. Something that is not talked about with being diagnosed with Crohn's Diseases are the secondary side effects from it. Even though Crohn's Disease attacks the small and large intestine, it can affect many other organs. My sensitivities to food such as gluten, lactose, complex carbs, and sugars all stem from my pancreas that was affected when I went untreated with Crohn's Disease for so long. I was put on a feeding tube for eleven months when I was sixteen to try and stop all of sensitivities to food from bothering my Crohn's Disease. This, however, created an issue with me and food. Reintroducing food back to your body is an extremely long and complex process, epically when it seems like you are sensitive to every food out there. Most of my meals at first consisted of grilled chicken since I couldn't really eat anything else. Slowly, I had to introduce foods back in that I didn't handle as well in hopes of me building a tolerance to them. This road of reintroducing foods back into my system took almost five months with me being on a feeding tube. I finally became independent enough to be able to pull the feeding tube and eat on my own with help of nutrition shakes. Being a teenage girl with food sensitives is extremely hard, especially in a social aspect. In the American culture, food is a way we bond. Every time I don't eat at someone's house, a restaurant, or a social event, I get weird stares or asked if I don't want anything to eat. I always feel bad when I have to explain that I cannot eat what was fixed or served at an event due to my sensitives. It makes for awkward conversations when I decide not to eat and get asked why and have to explain that I have Crohn's Disease and know the consequences if I were to eat. Sometimes I chose not to eat even if I am hungry because the consequences can be severe with bathroom usage or pain that puts me in the emergency room. Once I was put on Remicade, my sensitives to certain food started to become less. Remicade saved my life and allowed me to have my life back. Even though I still can't eat like a normal kid, I am able to enjoy social gatherings while eating a select few foods. This is what has driven me to become a pharmacist. Becoming a pharmacists will allow me to make medications to help people like me get their life back. I want to give back to the community of people who had to suffer like I did and give them hope for their future. This scholarship would assist me in reaching my goals of becoming a pharmacist because I am currently applying to Colleges of Pharmacy, which is very expensive for four years. Even though I am a currently a high school senior, I strictly only go to college through a Middle College program. This has allowed me to obtain fifty-seven credit hours my first year in college, allowing me to get one step closer to becoming a PharmD and getting my prerequisites out of the way for College of Pharmacy admissions.

The biggest influence in my life is my chronic illness, Crohn's Disease. This terrible disease opened my eyes to why I wanted to be a woman in STEM. To treat Crohn's Disease, there is a lot of science that goes into the drug aspect and a lot of technology for the testing aspect. Currently, I am a drug called Infliximab, commonly known as Remicade, that keeps my Crohn's symptoms to a minimum. This drug saved my life and has saved many others who are battling Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and other inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Crohn's Disease pushes me to defy all odds that come my way. Having this disease has taught me how to be patient and listen to my body. It has also taught me to fight for what I believe in and to never give up my goals. Crohn's Disease is a daily battle I face, but it makes me stronger and prepares me for the rigorous coursework a STEM major receives. I have also faced many backlashes from Crohn's Diseases, such as being told I could never do what I wanted to do because I am sick. This is how a lot of women in STEM are treated, and I am prepared to handle the backlash that may come my way. Crohn's Disease sparked my interest in the STEM field and led me to become a PharmD major. This disease allowed me to find my calling in life to use my brain and heart for the good. As of right now, I am attending Roane State Community College in order to get my prerequisites out of the way to be accepted into a College of Pharmacy in the Fall of 2023. I am a going into my sophomore year of college with fifty-three credit hours as well as going into my senior year of high school due to a Middle College program. Becoming a pharmacist will allow me to help others like me and save people's lives with the use of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I will be able to give people the hope they need in order to fight their fight. Crohn's Disease was my fight that I had to fight, and it was a long fight with over sixty days in the hospital, eleven months of a feeding tube, eight surgeries, and countless procedures. When I had my back-to-back infusion in the hospital of Remicade, this drug gave me hope. This was the first sense of hope I got in my yearlong battle of medicines not working. Hopefully, I will be able to inspire more young women to peruse the STEM major like I was inspired.

My motivation stems from my Crohn's Disease. This disease knocks me down on a daily basis, but I always get back up again and fight it even harder. I strive to prove that despite my illness, I am capable of achieving great accomplishments. Only sixteen-point four percent of people with a disability obtain a bachelor's degree. I want to prove that despite everything thrown at me, that I can be part of this small percentage, and hopefully make it go up. In doing so, I have started college at the early age of sixteen and took forty-four credit hours my first year with a 4.0 GPA. I plan on furthering my education to grad school to become a Pharm D. Crohn's has taught me how much my life depends on medication, such as my infusion of Remicade every six weeks. I am motivated to help people like me, give them some pieces of their lives back, and give them hope for a better future. When I was first diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, I didn't have the motivation to get out of bed. I never want to feel that way again, so now I am motivated to being active. Instead of lying around mopping, I am motivated to hang out with friends, have a good time, go on walks, and be sociable. A part of being sociable has also played a role in me advocating for Crohn's Disease and spreading awareness. Most people don't know the full extent of what I go through on a day-to-day basis and can't see anything physically wrong with me due to Crohn's being an invisible illness. Some days are better than others, but I won't let Crohn's Disease drag me down and keep me from doing everything I love.

To me, joy means living in the moment and living life to the fullest while achieving my goals. Having Crohn's Disease has taught me many life lessons, such as doing what I want to do and acting like nobody is watching. I am no longer tied down to the worries of what others think or say about me, which brings me so much joy and freedom. Now, I hang out with people who uplift me and spread their joy with me instead of people who bring me down. It brings me joy that I am now able to do normal teenage activities because my Crohn's Disease is slowly going into remission due to Remicade. I am now able to enjoy everything that life has to offer, such as laughing with friends and hanging out with my family. It also brings me joy that I have learned and found people who will stick by me no matter what, through thick and thin. When I am in a Crohn's flare, it can be very difficult for me and the people around me. I have now found people who support me through my tough times and don't judge me for what I go through. It brings me joy that I am able to get a head start in school through a program called Middle College. School has always played a huge role in my joy, but now, I get to be a step closer in obtaining my dreams of becoming a pharmacist by getting my associates degree before graduating high school. Getting my associates degree will knock off a good two years of my intensive school course to become a pharmacist, allowing me to have a jump start on everything by a young age.

A time I had persevered through a difficult situation is battling Crohn's Disease. Being young and having Crohn's Disease has had many hardships come my way. Before I got proper care, I was fighting for a diagnosis and for treatment. Instead, I was told I was a faker and anorexic. Doctors and people started to give up on me, and I started giving up on myself. All of the people telling me I was faking made me start to question if I really was faking it, and that my symptoms didn't need to be validated. This made my mental state, as well as physical state, deteriorate. I had to battle my health slipping away from me all while maintaining above a 4.0 GPA in high school. Despite all of these hardships, I tried to maintain true to myself and stay positive. This outlook helped me a lot down the road, because I didn't turn sour and now am determined to reach my goals. I had to persevere to fend for myself and for proper care. All of this perseverance paid off because I now have a diagnosis and have proper treatment from a different care team. Now, I get to defy all odds by obtaining my associates degree before I graduate high school due to a program called Middle College. Without my perseverance, I don't think I would be here today to be able to type for this scholarship and to share my story and goals.

My favorite way to help others is to lift people up when they are going through a hard time. I love to be their light in the darkness that the people are going through. When I am battling bad days with Crohn's Disease, I love when someone tries to uplift me mentally and don't judge me for my illness. I want to be the person who people feel comfortable talking about and know they are always there for them. Additionally, I like to help people medically. As of right now, I am seventeen years old lacking a few hours to complete my associates degree. Once I obtain my associates degree and prerequisites for Pharm D school, I plan on interviewing for a place in grad school. I want to become a pharmacist to help people like me who battle illnesses who need medication to aid them to a healthier lifestyle. Being a pharmacist specializing in oncology will allow me to make infusions, such as Remicade, that I have to take for the rest of my life to keep me in remission. Remicade is a drug that gave me hope, so I want to give that hope to others battling illnesses.

I want my legacy to be the girl that defied all odds. At the young age of fifteen, I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease and spent over sixty days in the hospital. Throughout my illness, I had many people tell me I cannot reach my dreams being sick. Many teachers tried to talk me out of the hard class choices I chose, but to prove them wrong, I acceded in these hard classes. Only 16.4% of people with a disability obtain a bachelor's degree, let alone a doctorate degree of what I am pursing. Right now, I am seventeen years old and am a few hours shy of having my associates degree. I strive to push myself to my limits because I want to show that an illness won't bring me down. My goal is to become a Pharm D specializing in Oncology to help people like me. I also want to give people the hope I got when I finally got on infusions for my Crohn's Disease and got my life back. By the age of eighteen, I could interview to be accepted in a Pharm D grad school program when I get all of my prerequisites out of the way. I will defy the odds of being part of the very few who obtain a doctorate degree while being chronically ill, as well as defying the odds of Crohn's bringing me down.

"Live your life in the present, and don't worry about what others think about it, because what matters most is your happiness." I would choose to share this one sentence with the world because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Being diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at a young age allowed me to see the world with a different perspective. I realized how much I missed out on when I wasn't facing an illness, and now I will never be able to do those things again if I wanted to. Most of the time, the reasoning behind not doing what I wanted to, was due to the people I was hanging around. I felt as if I wouldn't fit in and would hold back on the things I wanted to do because it was considered uncool. My happiness was suppressed due to these friendships and me not living my life to the fullest. I want people to know that you need to do what you want to do in the time you have to do it, because you never know what the future will have in store for you.

Now, I have many reasons to be happy. Since my health has gotten better, I am now able to get out and enjoy life. My favorite thing to do right now is take my dog, Cruiser, on a walk through the neighborhood and by the lake. Getting out and enjoying the fresh air is so relaxing and refreshing. This also gets me out of the house and to get some exercise. Walking relieves me of stress from college workload and the stresses that come from being chronically ill. Nature is a way to appreciate God's great work and to hear the songs of nature. The lake I live next to also gives me a lot of happiness. I have lived on this lake my whole life, and it is a great way to bond with nature as well as friends. A lot of my friends and I bond over the fun we have at the lake from paddle boarding, boating, floating, or even fishing. This is my happy place because it combines my love of nature with the love I have for spending time with friends and family. Another way my family spends time in nature is going on adventures to different countries. This creates many core memories in my happy place, the warm outdoors. To me, happiness should come with great memories, and most all of my memories are spent out doors with friends and family.

Many people would consider the thing I love about myself one of their most hated things about themselves. But surprisingly enough, I love every imperfection I have, specifically my chronic illness, Crohn's Disease of the small and large intestine. You may be thinking why in the world would you love something that has caused so much pain, time, money, etc., but the truth is I love it for what it has taught me. I thought Crohn's Disease took everything away from me, but I quickly realized that it gave me so much in return. Despite spending over sixty days in the hospital, losing forty pounds, and my bowels not able to function forcing me to have an NJ feeding tube, Crohn's taught me to look at the world in a different way. Crohn's disease taught me to be more compassionate towards others because you never know what is going on in other people's lives. It also taught me who my true friends were and how to mature. I learned a lot of valuable lessons during my darkest moments, but it shaped me into the person I am today. Crohn's disease also gave me a clear purpose. I knew God had given me this illness for a reason, and I won't fully know until I meet him, but now I have a clearer picture. My purpose is to help others like me. That is why I want to become a Doctor of Pharmacy specializing in Oncology. I will be able to give back to the people what has been given to me through wonderful medications, hope. Even though Crohn's Disease is a very ugly disease, I love it and all the lessons and values it has taught me.

If I was a highly influential figure, I would stand for disability awareness and rights. Having a chronic illness, I learned how uneducated people are about invisible diseases, such as Crohn's Disease. There needs to be representation in the world that not everyone who is sick looks sick. On the outside people may "look fine", but you never know what is going on in the inside. As a human race, we need to be kinder to everyone and not so quick to jump to conclusions. When I was on a feeding tube for eleven months, many people looked at me and saw a teenage girl with a feeding tube and automatically jumped to the conclusion that I was anorexic. Many people need to release those stereotypes don't usually defy most people and need to be slow to judge and have a broader outlook. This is why many people need to be educated on chronic illnesses, because it can be harmful if we are denied our rights based on our looks. Even if people don't "look" disabled, people don't know the specifics of their disease(s) and why they might need certain rights. A big movement going on right now is the bathroom accessibility movement. Many states don't have a bathroom act allowing for a business to have at least one bathroom for the public to use. This can cause a ton of harm to a person with bathroom issues, not to mention the anxiety it creates on top of our physical disability. Disability rights are the same as human rights and need to be heard and listened to. These rights could save and improve lives of disabled people.

Mental health to me, affected way more than just my mind and mood. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness, Crohns disease of the small and large intestines, took a toll on my mental health. I thought I was never going to get better, taking up to 17 pills a day, spending sixty days in the hospital, having seven surgeries in one year, countless tests, picc lines, and an NJ feeding tube for a year. Going through all of this can really change you as a person. My mom would even say that I was not the same kid that I was before, because my mood had completely changed. I had gone from a happy- go lucky, always smiling, bubbly teenage girl, to a girl who just wanted to stay in my room. It was hard for me to want to associate with people, because I felt like they always judged me when I had tubes hanging from my face and an IV pole by my side. My belief systems were challenged, relationships greatly affected, but now I am determined in my career choice. Throughout my experience with mental health, my beliefs fluctuated a lot. I am a Christian, but through this, sometimes it was hard to see why God was putting me through this. But in the end, I know that God knew I was strong enough to go through this. I know that God has greater plans for me and will use this illness as a way to shape me in the person He wants me to become. My church has been extremely good and kind to me throughout my battles with my health. They sent me multiple flowers to cheer me up and many cards to keep me going. I have several favorite memories of what my church, and members of the church did, to get me back on tract with Jesus and my walk in Christ. When I first got admitted to the hospital, my Sunday School teacher came and visited me. Shortly after, she made me my own T-Shirt with my favorite verses on it, Exodus 14:14. Mrs. JoNell owns her own Christian T-shirt company and made a shirt just for me, and you can even check it out on toeysts.com. My youth pastor and his wife have been nothing but kind to me and helped me so much in any way they could. If my mom told them I was feeling down and gloomy, they would send me balloons or flowers to cheer me up. Lastly, right before my big admission into Cincinnati Children's hospital, most of my church came and surprised me with a ceremony. This taught me that God is very close with me in my fight and that people still love and care for me. Because of this, I started reading my bible again, coloring bible versus, and becoming more happier. One of the biggest things that was affected was my relationships. Due to this, this has caused me even more mental health issues. All of my what I thought to be friends left me because I was "too sick" for them. This became an extremely dark period in my life when I didn't think I had anybody to turn to. Because of this, I started pushing people away, and still to this day have big trust issues with people. My relationships with my family was greatly affected too. I would get into arguments with a lot of my family members because they thought everything was fake. They wouldn't believe me about my illness or about any of my struggles because they never experienced anything like it. My family didn't understand how hard it was to loose friends and family at the same time, the feeling of having no one to support you. Luckily, my mom and my step dad, Corey, relationship grew even more. Because of everyone leaving me and me going into a dark place in my life, they were so supportive and tried to help me in any way possible. They would try and get me to come outside just for a little bit to improve my mood and get a breath of fresh air. Mom and Corey have been there every step of the way, and our love and bond just grew alongside. Because of all of the struggles I have gone through, I am absolutely determined to help people. I want to become a pharmacist when I get older. This is in order to help people with their battles, and hopefully prevent them from ever having to deal with the mental issues I had to deal with such as losing all of my friends and most of my family. My goal is to help people like me who get infusions. I get Remicade once every six weeks in hopes of getting my Crohns disease in remission. If I could help kids or anyone out and get them in remission before they become as bad off as I did, it would help them so much in the long run. They could keep their long-time relationships and not have to go through such a dark period in their life. They wouldn't have to question why is this happening to them because I treated them with the right drug in order to get their symptoms under control. Even though Crohns disease isn't curable, I would love to be a part of the contribution to get the statistics of developing a mental illness with Crohns disease down. Most people with Crohns disease or an IBD suffer with depression, PTSD from medical trauma, anxiety to find a bathroom, eating disorders because they are afraid to eat because of their stomach, and so much more. It is a very devastating disease that affects everything.

Last year, all, and I mean all of my friends left me. I had no one. All because I got sick with Crohns disease. This was an extremely dark time in my life, staying in the hospital for over sixty days and having seven surgeries in one year. I felt like no one cared. My used-to-be-friends started making fun of me, calling me anorexic because I had a feeding tube for a year, telling others I was faking it, and so much more. This period of my life I really needed someone to be kind to me. The feeling of someone actually being nice and kind to me at this time meant the whole world to me, because even my own doctors were being very mean to me. This is when I met a fellow IBD buddy that lives in the next town over. He has had a lot more issues with his IBD, but he was my first friend in this time of darkness. Jackson could relate to what I was going through, and never doubted me. Even though we've never met each other in person, we feel like we have known each other for a very long time. We are both from Tennessee, but ended up in the same hospital at Cincinnati Children's. We make each other feel like we're normal teenagers again, even though we know that isn't the case. He has always been there for me, and I to him. We help each other out with this awful sickness that takes a complete toll on your life. Another person who has been so caring and kind in a time I needed it the most would be my mom. She has never left my side through this whole sickness. Mom has gone and advocated for me at every doctor's appointment, stayed in the hospital every time, sleeping on the very uncomfortable couches, holding my hand through the pain, and helping me to the bathroom all hours through the night. Her kindness helped me battle my way through this illness. She will never know how much her kindness meant to me in a time of darkness. My family even was starting to be very cruel to me saying I was faking it, but mom and Corey were always my two constants. They were always there for me and fighting along side with me. I will never take kindness for granted ever again. In general, I am always a kind person, but when you are treated unkindly, it can make you second-guess why you're being so kind to people. People will always try to bring you down to their level, but don't let them. There will be amazing people in your life who will lift you back up with kindness. It may take a few heartbreaks to figure that out by being crushed by the people who you thought were your kind friends, but in the end, you are better off. Being a kind person is super easy and free to do. You never know what struggles someone is going through. For instance, my IBD is an invisible illness, so visibly I look fine, but in the inside I feel terrible. People being kind to me through my illness lifted my mood and made me stronger. It made me want to fight and to get through this. I now know I can get through anything with the right people by my side rooting for me.

This is a time that I was being bold. For a year now, I have had an NJ feeding tube. It has been very hard for me to accept being hooked up to feeds and have a tube hanging from my face. In this photo, I decided to embrace my feeding tube and let every one know that disabled bodies are still beautiful, even when we don't feel like it.

Air and mental illness have a lot in common. You can’t see it, you can’t touch it, but there is always a constant reminder that it is there. There’s no escaping air like there is no escaping mental health. Why is it so hard for people to accept mental health but they can easily accept stuff they can’t see, such as air? I have tried so hard to show that I am brave and hide my mental health from everyone because I don’t want people to see me hurt. In my mind, I need to be brave for everyone around me and not let anyone down. The way a person reacts to what is thrown at them could potentially change them forever, either for the good or the bad. You have to make that call. When I became chronically ill with Crohn's disease, I never thought that it would affect every part of my life, including my mind. I now know what it feels like to be given up on and to have no hope. Doctors would tell me it was all in my head and make me think that I was crazy. I had to deal with being untreated and undiagnosed for a year, missing out on all of the fun things a “normal” teenager would do. No normal teenager should have to eat lunch in the guidance office, and by eat I mean drink a nutrition shake, or look for the nearest bathroom at every place. Friends started throwing parties without me, family and friends stopped communicating with me, and I felt all alone. There would be some nights that I would just cry myself to sleep because of all the fun every teenager was able to do while I was hooked up to a feeding tube and poles. I thought that I would never get to experience fun again. Family would start to tell me that I was faking my illness and that I just needed to “live my life” when I physically couldn’t. Now, I have one friend left and my mom and stepdad to support me through this. My relationship with these people has greatly grown stronger, but in doing so, I lost everyone else. I used to be a very energetic, fun, outgoing person, but now, I know that so many people are fake and don’t even waste my time. Not everyone has your back, not everyone will stick by you through thick and thin, there is barely anyone who is your true friend. On top of everything, I dealt with getting bullied because of my illness. People would laugh at me for running to the restroom multiple times in less than an hour and ask me “if I got it all out?” This made me self conscious about everything. When I got my first feeding tube, I couldn’t stand the way I looked with it, and was terrified to relive the experience I did with just going to the bathroom. I have now learned to not care about what others think about me, even though I still get points, stares, and whispers to this day. With Crohn’s, there have been way too many setbacks to count. I wasn’t supposed to have a feeding tube for nearly a year. I wasn’t supposed to end up in the hospital for my sweet 16th birthday. I wasn’t supposed to drop down to 95 pounds at 5’6 once I had gained some weight. Through all of these setbacks, I sometimes feel as if I am a failure, like I am not trying hard enough some way. I know that this isn’t true and that I can’t control what my body does. These dark places won’t get a hold of my dreams and goals. They have shaped me to become a better, understanding, compassionate, independent person. When I feel like I am all alone, I know that I am not and that I will overcome this hard time and be even stronger than I was before. I want to prove everyone wrong, that I am still the same smart person that I was before and that my illness doesn’t defy who I am. My experience with mental health has made me want to go into the medical field to become a pharmacist and advocate for kids who feel all alone. I want to be able to talk to kids in my free time and tell them that they are not alone and that things will start getting better with time. This experience has also made me want to spread awareness and advocate for invisible illnesses. Every body is beautiful and deserves to be loved. You don’t have to be sickly skinny to be considered sick enough, you don’t have to look a certain way just to go out in public, you are beautifully made. Mental health is a thing that also affects more than the mind. When I’m not in a good mental state, I will get in a flare. Keeping up with your mental health is almost, if not more, important than keeping up with your physical well being. Check in with people you love and care about. You never know what they are struggling with and who has trouble with their mental health.

Getting laughed at and pointed at for something you can’t control is devastating. I couldn’t help that I was running to use the restroom 20x a day, had to drink Ensure in the guidance office because of how sick I’d get after “meals”, and eventually having a feeding tube hanging from my face. No one can control Crohn’s disease. It’s a thing that takes over your life and something no one understands. Crohn’s disease completely took over my life. I spent over 60 days in the hospital, 7 surgeries in a year, and more procedures done than I could count. Once I got my feeding tube due to me being malnourished and not able to eat, all of my friends decided to leave me. They would throw parties and not invite me and stopped talking to me completely. The only time they’d talk to me is to make fun of my condition, telling me it must be nice to have a good summer body when I dropped down to 95 pounds at the height of 5’6. It was heartbreaking to feel like no one had my back anymore. Everyone who was my friend left me when things got hard. I can’t control how I feel from day to day, or how my bowls will be. It’s a disease that can change on a dime. Crohn’s disease is a chronic illness that will stick with me for the rest of my life. There is sadly no cure for this disease. I can only hope for remission. Currently, I am on Remicade in hopes to get into remission, but even then, remission life isn’t perfect. Crohn’s disease affects so much more than just your stomach. It causes your hair to fall out due to malnourishment, body aches, fatigue, skin rashes, brain fog, and so much more. School has been a struggle to keep up with when I’m dealing with my disease or when I’m in the hospital. There’s been many days that I’ve not been able to attend school because of my disease because I’m too sick to even log into zoom. I’ve had to go homebound due to my disease because I’m too weak to attend school. Luckily, my school has a virtual option, but I still get zapped from school everyday. Every night I have to wake up and feed myself through a tube, flush my tube, and turn off/on my pump, still managing to do school the next day. I always get right back up and try my hardest in school, managing to maintain a GPA above 4.0 despite the hurtles. Having Crohn’s disease has taught me so much about myself and the world. I now know who my true friends are and how to be more independent. I’m a lot stronger than I ever was, fighting every day. This will prepare me for the future to be able to push myself beyond my limits and excel in anything I put my mind to. I know that if I try hard enough, I’ll be able to accomplish anything that I want to. Nothing can hold me down. Not crohns, not feeding tubes, and not malabsorption. I will always bounce back and be stronger than I ever was. I’ll never give up the fight against Crohn’s and to try my best at everything. People in this world are mean, so you have to try find the ones who really care for you and not use you. This disease has brought me so much closer to my family. I now know what true friendship is and what I look in for friends. There’s a saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” and I completely agree with that statement. Everything I’ve gone through has taught me to embrace whatever life throws at me and to never give up. There were many of times I wanted to give up on my fight. Doctors even started to make fun of me because they didn’t believe me or didn’t know what was wrong with me. I’ve learned to fight for myself, be strong for myself and others, and most importantly, to never give up. No matter how hard things get, I will never give up on pursuing my dreams to help people like me and to be the best person I can possibly be.