Having lived in the Washington D.C. area my whole life, civic engagement has always been integral to my identity. I vividly recall decorating get-out-the-vote flyers with my parents as a child and feeling the energy at local political rallies. However, it was my father's life-altering accident in 2020 that transformed passive interest into courageous action. Seeing my immigrant father struggle to communicate with dismissive doctors ignited a passion for equity and service. I realized that creating change starts small, with everyday acts of leadership. Through organizing a blood drive at my high school, I found my voice to advocate for overlooked communities. Collaborating with administrators, mobilizing student volunteers, and working with the Red Cross taught me patience and perseverance as we overcame obstacles. In the end, our effort collected 32 precious units. The ripple effects of that first endeavor continue today. Recognizing strengths I never knew I had, I felt called to do more. I started my school's first Red Cross Club this year, where I serve as president. This club expanded the outreach from blood drives to fundraisers, educational events, and so much more. My passion for service is beyond school walls through volunteering at my local hospital. Influenced by my father’s experience as a patient, I was determined to promote empathy and cultural awareness within healthcare. From having deep conversations about the lack of representation within healthcare to a simple conversation based on one question “savory or sweet?”. As a volunteer, I have had invaluable conversations with both doctors and patients that shaped not just my career aspirations, but my character as well. Now, as I reflect on my high school journey in service, the meaning of civic engagement feels more personal than any textbook definition. It is people coming together, however large or small, to uplift their communities. It is finding light even in moments of frustration, knowing progress takes relentless effort. It shines brightly in the young student organizers who actively bring people together to uplift their communities. It glows passionately in volunteer club members and me as we wholeheartedly donate their time and talents to better the lives of others. Civic engagement is about more than words in a textbook. It is people joining hands and hearts to make a difference. It is finding reservoirs of hope even in difficult moments, knowing that step by step, we can build the world we wish to see. Civic engagement gives us the strength to walk it together, uplifting each other along the way. My vision for the future is clear. I will carry my passion for service, equity, and empowerment wherever I go - whether medical school, future non-profit work, or grassroots advocacy. I stand on the shoulders of those who taught me the immense power of engaged citizenship. With compassion as my fuel, I am excited to create positive change in this world, one act at a time.

As a low-income student, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through volunteering, unaware of the profound impact it would have on my mindset. Each encounter I have had has been unique in its way because they have opened my eyes to the struggles and triumphs of the human experience. One time during a discharge I was doing for the geriatrics unit at my local hospital, this elderly fellow and I got into a conversation about the struggles of being low-income. He said a quote that has stuck with me ever since that encounter said by the late Martin Luther King, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” He reminded me that volunteering is a world available to everyone no matter who you are. It changed my negative view of my income status by making me understand my value as a person. That I am great and I don’t need to pay for an opportunity to join a medical camp to feel great. However, I do still understand I have financial constraints that pose a significant obstacle to my dreams. Despite my passion and commitment to healthcare, my family faces financial hardships that have strained our resources. My dad works tirelessly to support my siblings and I, so we don’t feel the need to get jobs ourselves and can explore our passions. As the eldest sibling, this has been a great privilege, but his working so tirelessly has put a lot of family responsibilities on me. I have had to figure out my balance between exploring my passions, keeping up with school work, and my family responsibilities. Thanks to volunteering I have had the opportunity to also meet people who have encouraged me and given me advice on how to handle all my responsibilities. One time during my shift at the hospital gift shop I met a medical student who had a lot in common with me, during this time I was struggling with my balance. I had a big literature review soon, but I hadn’t had enough time recently to be able to meet with my mentor to go through it all. At the same time, I was drowning in my AP classwork, and drowning in family responsibilities, but I didn’t want to admit I was struggling. This med student gave me a wake-up call and told me “it's okay to struggle”. My mindset shifted a little more that day and gave me the courage to tell my teachers about my situation. To my surprise they understood me. With the encouraging words from the medical student and the help from my teachers, I was able to regain my balance. My academic journey has been filled with a desire to equip myself with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. That’s why I plan on pursuing a career in medical research, where I hope to develop research to address medical disparities within low-income communities. Specifically, in the aspect of radiology because I have seen firsthand how much simply needed imaging costs and the burden it creates for the low-income. I hope to create not just new technology within radiology but new processes to help the low-income not have the financial burden of a necessary medical intervention. This scholarship would provide that much-needed support to pursue internships, workshops, and research opportunities that will enhance my learning and contribute to my future career. I am grateful for the transformative power of volunteering and hopeful that this scholarship will enable me to realize my dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.