To answer your question simply, I have the heart of a servant. I plan to make a positive impact by being the kind of person others can rely on, someone who leads with kindness, shows up for people in big and small ways, and uses my career in medicine to care for others while always striving to make the world around me a little better. I have never been the most popular kid. I have been the one sitting on the sidelines while others made the team, hearing someone else's name announced for student council or Hope Squad. Each rejection stung, but it never stopped me. Over time, I have come to understand one of the most important lessons of my life. Failure is not the opposite of success, it is a key part of it. These moments taught me resilience. They taught me how to keep showing up even when the outcome is uncertain. And perhaps most importantly, they made me more empathetic, especially toward others who also feel like they do not quite fit in. This mindset has shaped how I approach both academics and service, guiding me through challenges and helping me connect with others in meaningful ways. In school, I have challenged myself with a rigorous course load, maintaining a 4.302 GPA while completing 24 dual credit courses through the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. Classes like Anatomy, Physics, Intro to Ethics, and Interpersonal Communications have pushed me to think critically and manage my time effectively. More than that, they have deepened my interest in human biology and strengthened my commitment to a future in healthcare. But academics alone do not tell the full story. Through community service, I have discovered the kind of purpose that textbooks cannot teach. I have learned that service is not about checking off hours; it is about identifying needs and stepping in to help even when no one is watching. These experiences have confirmed what I have always felt. I want to dedicate my life to making a difference in the lives of others. Growing up in Flandreau, I have seen the real challenges rural communities face, especially when it comes to healthcare. Too often, families are forced to travel long distances or face delays in care due to shortages of medical professionals. I want to help change that. My dream is to return to my hometown as a physician who not only treats illness but also promotes wellness, prevention, and access to quality care. My long-term goal is to specialize in a field of medicine that will allow me to make the greatest impact on my community, whether that is family medicine, emergency care, or another area in high demand in rural regions. I envision a future where I work closely with local families, building lasting relationships and understanding their lives in a way that only someone from the community truly can. Beyond practicing medicine, I hope to continue my passion for leadership by mentoring students interested in healthcare, supporting public health efforts, and partnering with local organizations to improve the quality of life in our area. I also believe that making a positive impact extends beyond professional roles. I know the road ahead will be long and demanding, but I am ready. My motivation is clear. Use my education and training to give back to the place that shaped me. Flandreau and Moody County will always be my home, and I am committed to helping my community thrive for generations to come. I appreciate your consideration.

Healthcare is one of the most essential services a community can provide, and I believe that rural areas like Flandreau and Moody County deserve dedicated professionals who understand their unique needs. Currently, there have been ongoing debates about our county’s ambulance service and which government entity is responsible for covering the costs. For the past few years, I’ve followed this issue closely, discussing it with local leaders to share my thoughts on why emergency services are so crucial to our community. Having the ability to voice my opinion in such an open and casual manner is one of the aspects of living in a small town that I find so appealing. It gives me a sense of connection and accountability to the well-being of my neighbors. Throughout my life, I’ve always felt a strong desire to contribute to the health and well-being of those around me. I envision a future where I can work closely with local families, treating not just illnesses but also promoting overall well-being and preventive care. One of the most impactful experiences in shaping my vision came from caring for my grandmother, who lived with us after my grandfather passed away. I witnessed how important preventative care could be. She struggled with uncontrolled diabetes, and her health deteriorated over time, partly due to the emotional toll of grief, the challenges of moving into our home, and sometimes simply not taking her medication. I often saw my parents work tirelessly to care for her, but it was frustrating when she wouldn't take her medicine. Through this, I realized that to be an effective healthcare provider, you must do more than treat physical symptoms. You must build trust and relationships with patients. Understanding their challenges, their lives, and their motivations is just as important as diagnosing their conditions. As I pursue my career in medicine, I hope to continue my passion for leadership and community service by mentoring students interested in healthcare careers and advocating for public health initiatives. I am particularly passionate about supporting local organizations that work to improve quality of life and promote preventive care in rural areas like Flandreau. For this reason, my goal is to attend South Dakota State University to major in Human Biology. Afterward, I plan to attend the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, where I hope to specialize in general medicine or pediatrics. Small towns often face shortages of medical professionals, and this creates barriers to accessing quality healthcare. I want to help change that by returning to Flandreau as a physician, ensuring that the people who have supported me throughout my life receive the care they deserve. By doing so, I hope to make a meaningful impact on the health of my community and create lasting change that will benefit future generations. Thank you for your consideration.