An issue currently affecting my community and country is providing equitable healthcare to those in marginalized communities. My journey to identifying this ongoing problem began my senior year when I was accepted into the Clinical Rotations program. I shadowed nurses, seeing first-hand how they provided care to those in need. My curiosity to learn about the field led to my interest in the alarming rates of healthcare disparities for minorities. I focused on pursuing a career in nursing with a passion to provide equitable healthcare in my community, the United States, and the world. I would pursue my undergraduate studies at Spelman College: a distinguished Historically Black College for Black Women pursuing a career in STEM. My initial research would concern the lack of access to healthcare to understand better how healthcare disparities contribute to dangerous health risks for Black and Brown people. I plan on volunteering at nearby clinics that provide care to low-income and underserved communities to understand existing disparities and serve those in need. I would grow in clinical experience and become confident in my ability to enact change. With a degree in nursing, I would continue my journey to advocate providing comprehensive and quality care to the most vulnerable populations. My active pursuit in research would identify the root causes of healthcare disparities and develop strategies to address them like lowering healthcare costs within my community. On a larger scale, my research would bring attention to the need for healthcare for marginalized groups and better access to resources for these groups. My extensive work would become recognized and allow me to present my research at conferences across the world. I plan to implement initiatives providing medical resources and write grants that give to the underprivileged. These grants would be a part of my nonprofit organization to help serve their medical needs. I would partner with organizations providing free or low-cost health care to marginalized communities. My published research and advocacy will contribute to changing public policy and advancing access to equitable healthcare globally. I would have advocated for better access to healthcare, improved care, and lower healthcare costs for those in need. This honorable distinction would allow me to continue my work and advocacy to make certain marginalized groups have access to the resources and healthcare they need. My determination to bridge the gap between patient care and access to healthcare in marginalized communities would contribute to a healthier future for all.

My vibrant community has been a source of life lessons and growth opportunities and has taught me the great value of humility. Growing up and often volunteering showed me the importance of giving back to my community and gave me great joy in helping those in need. I began my volunteering career as young as a third grade by serving in my elementary school’s Safety Patrol and being a part of my local Girl Scouts Troop. I am proud to say that I have done my part in giving back to my community and am always looking for ways to do more. Since elementary, I have grown in my volunteering service for the benefit of my community. I volunteered at a food drive for Hurricane Harvey victims, served warm breakfast at Loaves & Fishes soup kitchen for the homeless, help with the annual fall carnival at Youens Elementary, packed lunches for the homeless, assisted with activities for Alief Proud at Youens Elementary, collected and read books to elementary students at Golbow Elementary, and to host dance-related events alongside my high school dance team. These various opportunities have allowed me to experience the diversity and giving spirit of my community. Aside from taking on temporary volunteering tasks, I have taken great pride in participating in long-term projects for the greater good. I began volunteering with my grandmother at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. From her, I learned the difference volunteering could make within a community allowing you to enact change, one service at a time. My grandmother and I advocated for Sepsis Awareness to teach the community about the dangers of Sepsis and demonstrate effective handwashing. More recently, I have volunteered at a local elementary school, Alexander Elementary, where I tutor third and fourth graders every Saturday. I help the teachers with lessons and can assist each student in understanding the material. I have been able to tutor third and fourth graders as they prepare to test on the state STAAR exam. It has given me great joy to see how excited they are to finally understand a skill they have been struggling with and grow confident in their ability to ace the state exam. Often getting to interact with them and create connections with the kids reminds me of the value of my service to my community. These volunteering experiences have shaped me into the person I am today. The community I have been a part of has taught me to give back, value humility, and has shown me to be appreciative of my blessings. I have come to learn that giving service and being part of the community brings me a great sense of joy and accomplishment. The values I have acquired through my involvement in the community will continue to guide me throughout my college experience and beyond.

An issue currently affecting my community and country is providing equitable healthcare to those in marginalized communities. My journey to identifying this ongoing problem began my senior year when I was accepted into the Clinical Rotations program. I shadowed nurses, seeing first-hand how they provided care to those in need. My curiosity to learn about the field led to my interest in the alarming rates of healthcare disparities for minorities. I focused on pursuing a career in nursing with a passion to provide equitable healthcare in my community, the United States, and the world. I would pursue my undergraduate studies at Spelman College: a distinguished Historically Black College for Black Women pursuing a career in STEM. My initial research would concern the lack of access to healthcare to understand better how healthcare disparities contribute to dangerous health risks for Black and Brown people. I plan on volunteering at nearby clinics that provide care to low-income and underserved communities to understand existing disparities and serve those in need. I would grow in clinical experience and become confident in my ability to enact change. With a degree in nursing, I would continue my journey to advocate providing comprehensive and quality care to the most vulnerable populations. My active pursuit in research would identify the root causes of healthcare disparities and develop strategies to address them like lowering healthcare costs within my community. On a larger scale, my research would bring attention to the need for healthcare for marginalized groups and better access to resources for these groups. My extensive work would become recognized and allow me to present my research at conferences across the world. I plan to implement initiatives providing medical resources and write grants that give to the underprivileged. These grants would be a part of my nonprofit organization to help serve their medical needs. I would partner with organizations providing free or low-cost health care to marginalized communities. My published research and advocacy will contribute to changing public policy and advancing access to equitable healthcare globally. I would have advocated for better access to healthcare, improved care, and lower healthcare costs for those in need. This honorable distinction would allow me to continue my work and advocacy to make certain marginalized groups have access to the resources and healthcare they need. My determination to bridge the gap between patient care and access to healthcare in marginalized communities would contribute to a healthier future for all.

My passion to pursue nursing is driven by my curiosity to understand the natural sciences and be able to aid in the growing number of patients in healthcare. I have always been fascinated by the medical field and I became sure of my desire to go into the world of medicine; My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from taking advanced sciences. My journey to desiring a nursing career began my senior year when I was accepted into the Clinical Rotations program. I shadowed nurses, seeing first-hand how they provided care to those in need. My curiosity to learn about the field led to my interest in the alarming rates of healthcare disparities for minorities. I focused on pursuing a career in nursing with a passion to provide equitable healthcare in my community, the United States, and the world. I would pursue my undergraduate studies at Spelman College: a distinguished Historically Black College for Black Women pursuing a career in STEM. My initial research would concern the lack of access to healthcare to understand better how healthcare disparities contribute to dangerous health risks for Black and Brown people. I plan on volunteering at nearby clinics that provide care to low-income and underserved communities to understand existing disparities and serve those in need. I would grow in clinical experience and become confident in my ability to enact change. With a degree in nursing, I would continue my journey to advocate providing comprehensive and quality care to the most vulnerable populations. My active pursuit in research would identify the root causes of healthcare disparities and develop strategies to address them like lowering healthcare costs within my community. On a larger scale, my research would bring attention to the need for healthcare for marginalized groups and better access to resources for these groups. My extensive work would become recognized and allow me to present my research at conferences across the world. I plan to implement initiatives providing medical resources and write grants that give to the underprivileged. These grants would be a part of my nonprofit organization to help serve their medical needs. I would partner with organizations providing free or low-cost health care to marginalized communities. My published research and advocacy will contribute to changing public policy and advancing access to equitable healthcare globally. I would have advocated for better access to healthcare, improved care, and lower healthcare costs for those in need. As a nurse, I would acontinue my work and advocacy to make certain marginalized groups have access to the resources and healthcare they need. My determination to bridge the gap between patient care and access to healthcare in marginalized communities would contribute to a healthier future for all.

My mother has been a single mother since 2017. While being a part of a single-parent family home, my mother has worked extra hard to be able to provide for and raise me all on her own, with the grace and patience I aspire to have. In the year following the end of fifth grade, my parents divorced. Transitioning into junior high, I had no further contact with my father and my mother became the sole provider of our household. My mother has provided for my essentials, medical, school, and non-essentials without the support of my father. In the year following the end of fifth grade, my parents divorced. There is only one income to provide for expensive dance fees, extracurricular activities, school, and medical fees. From junior high to high school, I have become involved with various extracurriculars, however, there came great expenses. Being on the varsity dance team involves a year of payments towards personal attire fees, competition fees, team trip fees, and more. However, those costs do not include the cost of minimal payments for team occasions like costumes, squad gifts, or items needed for the well-being of the team. I was given great responsibility aside from academics to fundraise as the money had to come from somewhere. Although I made a great effort to fundraise through poinsettia sales from staff consumers (with great convincing), my mother still struggled to pay the remaining balance. She had to make an effort to sacrifice a want for my financial need to participate in honor societies and clubs along with the drill team. With all the extracurricular activities and interests I had taken on in junior high to high school, my mother was there. No matter how far or near, she was always there. Although being the sole provider, my mother has done her best to support and pay what she can for me to dream and achieve. She inspires me every day to aim for above and beyond, believing in my growing leadership and my academic ability as a student. If I am awarded this scholarship, I will be able to pursue my undergraduate studies at Spelman College: a distinguished Historically Black College for Black Women pursuing a career in STEM. My passion to pursue nursing is driven by my curiosity to understand the natural sciences and be able to aid in the growing number of patients in healthcare. I have always been fascinated by the medical field and I became sure of my desire to go into the world of medicine; My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from taking advanced sciences. While at Spelman, I would also pursue research to identify the root causes of healthcare disparities and develop strategies to address them like lowering healthcare costs within my community. I plan on volunteering at nearby clinics that provide care to low-income and underserved communities to understand existing disparities and serve those in need. I would grow in clinical experience and become confident in my ability to enact change as I would continue my journey to advocate providing comprehensive and quality care to the most vulnerable populations.

Early in the school morning, I am profusely kicking my nose, matching my left footsteps to the odd beats of an eight count, while deeply panting in between high kicks, shouting “HIT” along with the 32 other dancers and blaring music in the background. My day has already begun at six in the morning: perfecting a football routine, practicing the proper technique for center leaps, and high kicking across the dance gym. Besides, this team I practice with is heavily dependent on me as I am the one that wears the Purple-Sequined Hat. The Purple-Sequined Hat represents the legacy of past colonels/captains that have learned to lead and guide their team throughout a year-round commitment to football, contest, and spring show seasons; they auditioned for the team eager to be on varsity, wearing a felt white hat and purple-sequined band. Those potential colonels would each grow in their influence and authority making them capable to lead their teammates, and enduring this meaningful role. Easily spotted in the crowd of white hats on a football field, the one who wears the hat is instantly distinguished as the leader to the audience member’s eye. Wearing the Purple-Sequined Hat represents the sacrifice and service you have contributed to this team; you constantly prove yourself to the team demonstrating why you were chosen as Colonel- all eyes are on you. Every practice presents challenges, from teaching precise choreography to strengthening my relationship with my weakest member. This 32-piece puzzle board that lays before me every practice illustrates the standard I set for myself and my team. However, as I balance the role of a student, the challenges that arise do not end with early morning practices. I was dedicated to restlessly overachieving and eventually, earning a spot in the top 10% of my class. I would utilize my dedication as a student and foster my determination as a leader, approaching challenges fearlessly, but meticulously. I was not always a leader, like the bold bunheads, who would courageously fight for a spot in the front of the Advanced Ballet Class every Monday; I was just a follower who would passively go through the motions of the same routine, “getting by'' that belittling ballet class every Monday. Stepping into the uncharted territory of high school, I transferred from a dance studio and auditioned for a team that would teach me the values of humility and discipline in an empowering environment. The drill team consists of dancers from various dance backgrounds; those learning the basics of a pirouette and those, like me, who have done pirouettes out of the womb. All are welcome, I am welcome. I was lured to discover a reformed self-confidence and a voice that could not be shaken. The new vocalist within me could progress into roles of leadership, advocate for myself and my fellow teammates, and become a confident colonel. The long journey of steadily discovering my hidden voice felt rewarding when I received that Purple-Sequined Hat: the most important role I would ever fulfill. Although I have made strides to wear the Purple-Sequined Hat, I still prove each day that there is potential within me to lead as Colonel. That special hat carries the weight of responsibility of a team, covered in sequins and pageantry, reflecting my improvement as a leader, student, and as individual. From being a quiet ballerina to the confident Colonel of a team, I have become/grown into a fearless leader that stands before my teammates under that infamous Purple-Sequined Hat.

I recall growing up and being introduced so early to the world of medicine. My grandmother, a registered nurse, had worked at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. She would bring me to community events on a pursuit to show me the hospital where I could meet her fellow nurses and doctors; they would welcome my young mind to the possibilities of a career in medicine as they taught me passionately about their life-saving roles. My grandmother was also an advocate for Sepsis Awareness and she would take me to volunteer alongside her. I would watch her talk so passionately about the dangers of Sepsis that so many were unaware of; as I grew older, I became the one speaking so passionately about Sepsis and teaching the community about the importance of self-hygiene. Together, we would continue demonstrating ways to prevent Sepsis through effective handwashing and teaching attendees to recognize potential sepsis danger. The rewarding feeling that emerged from being able to educate attendees on the importance of their health would draw me closer to the need in pursuing a career in healthcare. I had grown up as a sickly child and experienced issues of severe asthma and allergies. I became accustomed to sitting in the pediatric office so often. I remember sitting on the green patient table with my small lungs heavy with fluid. I had always wondered “why?” and “what?” had caused me to be sick so young. I stared at the door while my parents awaited with worry trying to understand what I would possibly be diagnosed with this time. That anxiety, however, would disappear with the reassurance of Dr.Gilray. She would soothe those worries my parents and I would carry; no matter how horrifying a visit was, she would give me a cherry lollipop and sticker that would make the pain of the visit vanish. My parents felt assurance as their sickly child would soon feel better. Dr. Gilray’s ability to address the “what?” and “why?” by thoroughly diagnosing my illnesses and reassuring my parents' worries l inspired me to build a nursing career in pediatrics. My fascination for the medical field grew and I was sure of my desire to go into medicine. I undertook a greater exploration of the natural sciences. Throughout high school, I began challenging myself with advanced science classes and even took the class most feared: Advanced Chemistry. My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from advanced sciences. I had the opportunity to study health science courses by being able to memorize Medical Terminology, learn the basics Principles of Health Science, and understand complex Health Science Theory. Taking health science courses strengthened my knowledge of the medical world and my ability to create connections with the natural sciences. My achievements allowed me to be selected to further my interests in Clinical Rotations at our school of Career & Technology. I could once again be exposed to the hospital environment similar to when I was little and alongside my grandmother initially learning about the world of medicine. My goal to pursue biomedical sciences is driven by the passion to understand natural sciences and be able to connect the “whats” and “whys” to the needs of the growing numbers of patients in healthcare.I want to pursue a nursing career to truly assess and aid patients while being able to make them feel comfortable in a time of pain.The nursing career would allow me to apply my knowledge of healthcare and medicine and explore various medical studies.

I recall growing up and being introduced so early to the world of medicine. My grandmother, a registered nurse, had worked at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. She would bring me to community events on a pursuit to show me the hospital where I could meet her fellow nurses and doctors; they would welcome my young mind to the possibilities of a career in medicine as they taught me passionately about their life-saving roles. My grandmother was also an advocate for Sepsis Awareness and she would take me to volunteer alongside her. I would watch her talk so passionately about the dangers of Sepsis that so many were unaware of; as I grew older, I became the one speaking so passionately about Sepsis and teaching the community about the importance of self-hygiene. Together, we would continue demonstrating ways to prevent Sepsis through effective handwashing and teaching attendees to recognize potential sepsis danger. The rewarding feeling that emerged from being able to educate attendees on the importance of their health would draw me closer to the need in pursuing a career in healthcare. I had grown up as a sickly child and experienced issues of severe asthma and allergies. I became accustomed to sitting in the pediatric office so often. I remember sitting on the green patient table with my small lungs heavy with fluid. I had always wondered “why?” and “what?” had caused me to be sick so young. I stared at the door while my parents awaited with worry trying to understand what I would possibly be diagnosed with this time. That anxiety, however, would disappear with the reassurance of Dr.Gilray. She would soothe those worries my parents and I would carry; no matter how horrifying a visit was, she would give me a cherry lollipop and sticker that would make the pain of the visit vanish. My parents felt assurance as their sickly child would soon feel better. Dr. Gilray’s ability to address the “what?” and “why?” by thoroughly diagnosing my illnesses and reassuring my parents' worries l inspired me to build a medical career in pediatrics. My fascination for the medical field grew and I was sure of my desire to go into medicine. I undertook a greater exploration of the natural sciences. Throughout high school, I began challenging myself with advanced science classes and even took the class most feared: Advanced Chemistry. My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from advanced sciences. I had the opportunity to study health science courses by being able to memorize Medical Terminology, learn the basics Principles of Health Science, and understand complex Health Science Theory. Taking health science courses strengthened my knowledge of the medical world and my ability to create connections with the natural sciences. My achievements allowed me to be selected to further my interests in Clinical Rotations at our school of Career & Technology. I could once again be exposed to the hospital environment similar to when I was little and alongside my grandmother initially learning about the world of medicine. My goal to pursue biomedical sciences is driven by the passion to understand natural sciences and be able to connect the “whats” and “whys” to the needs of the growing numbers of patients in healthcare. I would love to learn more about biomedical sciences where I would receive the support I need to achieve in taking a challenging career path and create connections and share passions with others on the same path into the medical world who are like me.

I recall growing up and being introduced so early to the world of medicine. My grandmother, a registered nurse, had worked at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. She would bring me to community events on a pursuit to show me the hospital where I could meet her fellow nurses and doctors; they would welcome my young mind to the possibilities of a career in medicine as they taught me passionately about their life-saving roles. My grandmother was also an advocate for Sepsis Awareness and she would take me to volunteer alongside her. I would watch her talk so passionately about the dangers of Sepsis that so many were unaware of; as I grew older, I became the one speaking so passionately about Sepsis and teaching the community about the importance of self-hygiene. Together, we would continue demonstrating ways to prevent Sepsis through effective handwashing and teaching attendees to recognize potential sepsis danger. The rewarding feeling that emerged from being able to educate attendees on the importance of their health would draw me closer to the need in pursuing a career in healthcare. I had grown up as a sickly child and experienced issues of severe asthma and allergies. I became accustomed to sitting in the pediatric office so often. I remember sitting on the green patient table with my small lungs heavy with fluid. I had always wondered “why?” and “what?” had caused me to be sick so young. I stared at the door while my parents awaited with worry trying to understand what I would possibly be diagnosed with this time. That anxiety, however, would disappear with the reassurance of Dr.Gilray. She would soothe those worries my parents and I would carry; no matter how horrifying a visit was, she would give me a cherry lollipop and sticker that would make the pain of the visit vanish. My parents felt assurance as their sickly child would soon feel better. Dr. Gilray’s ability to address the “what?” and “why?” by thoroughly diagnosing my illnesses and reassuring my parents' worries l inspired me to build a medical career in pediatrics. My fascination for the medical field grew and I was sure of my desire to go into medicine. I undertook a greater exploration of the natural sciences. Throughout high school, I began challenging myself with advanced science classes and even took the class most feared: Advanced Chemistry. My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from advanced sciences. I had the opportunity to study health science courses by being able to memorize Medical Terminology, learn the basics Principles of Health Science, and understand complex Health Science Theory. Taking health science courses strengthened my knowledge of the medical world and my ability to create connections with the natural sciences. My achievements allowed me to be selected to further my interests in Clinical Rotations at our school of Career & Technology. I could once again be exposed to the hospital environment similar to when I was little and alongside my grandmother initially learning about the world of medicine. My goal to pursue biomedical sciences is driven by the passion to understand natural sciences and be able to connect the “whats” and “whys” to the needs of the growing numbers of patients in healthcare. I would love to learn more about biomedical sciences where I would receive the support I need to achieve in taking a challenging career path and create connections and share passions with others on the same path into the medical world who are like me.

I recall growing up and being introduced so early to the world of medicine. My grandmother, a registered nurse, had worked at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. She would bring me to community events on a pursuit to show me the hospital where I could meet her fellow nurses and doctors; they would welcome my young mind to the possibilities of a career in medicine as they taught me passionately about their life-saving roles. My grandmother was also an advocate for Sepsis Awareness and she would take me to volunteer alongside her. I would watch her talk so passionately about the dangers of Sepsis that so many were unaware of; as I grew older, I became the one speaking so passionately about Sepsis and teaching the community about the importance of self-hygiene. Together, we would continue demonstrating ways to prevent Sepsis through effective handwashing and teaching attendees to recognize potential sepsis danger. The rewarding feeling that emerged from being able to educate attendees on the importance of their health would draw me closer to the need in pursuing a career in healthcare. I had grown up as a sickly child and experienced issues of severe asthma and allergies. I became accustomed to sitting in the pediatric office so often. I remember sitting on the green patient table with my small lungs heavy with fluid. I had always wondered “why?” and “what?” had caused me to be sick so young. I stared at the door while my parents awaited with worry trying to understand what I would possibly be diagnosed with this time. That anxiety, however, would disappear with the reassurance of Dr.Gilray. She would soothe those worries my parents and I would carry; no matter how horrifying a visit was, she would give me a cherry lollipop and sticker that would make the pain of the visit vanish. My parents felt assurance as their sickly child would soon feel better. Dr. Gilray’s ability to address the “what?” and “why?” by thoroughly diagnosing my illnesses and reassuring my parents' worries l inspired me to build a medical career in pediatrics. My fascination for the medical field grew and I was sure of my desire to go into medicine. I undertook a greater exploration of the natural sciences. Throughout high school, I began challenging myself with advanced science classes and even took the class most feared: Advanced Chemistry. My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from advanced sciences. I had the opportunity to study health science courses by being able to memorize Medical Terminology, learn the basics Principles of Health Science, and understand complex Health Science Theory. Taking health science courses strengthened my knowledge of the medical world and my ability to create connections with the natural sciences. My achievements allowed me to be selected to further my interests in Clinical Rotations at our school of Career & Technology. I could once again be exposed to the hospital environment similar to when I was little and alongside my grandmother initially learning about the world of medicine. My goal to pursue biomedical sciences is driven by the passion to understand natural sciences and be able to connect the “whats” and “whys” to the needs of the growing numbers of patients in healthcare. I would love to learn more about biomedical sciences where I would receive the support I need to achieve in taking a challenging career path and create connections and share passions with others on the same path into the medical world who are like me.

I recall growing up and being introduced so early to the world of medicine. My grandmother, a registered nurse, had worked at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. She would bring me to community events on a pursuit to show me the hospital where I could meet her fellow nurses and doctors; they would welcome my young mind to the possibilities of a career in medicine as they taught me passionately about their life-saving roles. My grandmother was also an advocate for Sepsis Awareness and she would take me to volunteer alongside her. I would watch her talk so passionately about the dangers of Sepsis that so many were unaware of; as I grew older, I became the one speaking so passionately about Sepsis and teaching the community about the importance of self-hygiene. Together, we would continue demonstrating ways to prevent Sepsis through effective handwashing and teaching attendees to recognize potential sepsis danger. The rewarding feeling that emerged from being able to educate attendees on the importance of their health would draw me closer to the need in pursuing a career in healthcare. I had grown up as a sickly child and experienced issues of severe asthma and allergies. I became accustomed to sitting in the pediatric office so often. I remember sitting on the green patient table with my small lungs heavy with fluid. I had always wondered “why?” and “what?” had caused me to be sick so young. I stared at the door while my parents awaited with worry trying to understand what I would possibly be diagnosed with this time. That anxiety, however, would disappear with the reassurance of Dr.Gilray. She would soothe those worries my parents and I would carry; no matter how horrifying a visit was, she would give me a cherry lollipop and sticker that would make the pain of the visit vanish. My parents felt assurance as their sickly child would soon feel better. Dr. Gilray’s ability to address the “what?” and “why?” by thoroughly diagnosing my illnesses and reassuring my parents' worries l inspired me to build a medical career in pediatrics. My fascination for the medical field grew and I was sure of my desire to go into medicine. I undertook a greater exploration of the natural sciences. Throughout high school, I began challenging myself with advanced science classes and even took the class most feared: Advanced Chemistry. My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from advanced sciences. I had the opportunity to study health science courses by being able to memorize Medical Terminology, learn the basics Principles of Health Science, and understand complex Health Science Theory. Taking health science courses strengthened my knowledge of the medical world and my ability to create connections with the natural sciences. My achievements allowed me to be selected to further my interests in Clinical Rotations at our school of Career & Technology. I could once again be exposed to the hospital environment similar to when I was little and alongside my grandmother initially learning about the world of medicine. My goal to pursue biomedical sciences is driven by the passion to understand natural sciences and be able to connect the “whats” and “whys” to the needs of the growing numbers of patients in healthcare. I would love to learn more about biomedical sciences where I would receive the support I need to achieve in taking a challenging career path and create connections and share passions with others on the same path into the medical world who are like me.

I recall growing up and being introduced so early to the world of medicine. I was drawn with an interest in the works of biological sciences and the comprehensive healthcare system. My grandmother, a registered nurse, had worked at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. She would bring me to community events on a pursuit to show me the hospital where I could meet her fellow nurses and doctors; they would welcome my young mind to the possibilities of a career in medicine as they taught me passionately about their life-saving roles. As my grandmother was also an advocate for Sepsis Awareness, she would take me to volunteer alongside her. I would watch her talk so passionately about the dangers of Sepsis that so many were unaware of; as I grew older, I became the one speaking so passionately about Sepsis and teaching the community about the importance of self-hygiene. Together, we would continue demonstrating ways to prevent Sepsis by demonstrating effective handwashing and teaching attendees to recognize potential sepsis danger. The rewarding feeling that emerged from being able to educate attendees on the importance of their health would draw me closer to the need in pursuing a career in healthcare. My fascination for the medical field grew and I was sure of my desire to go into the world of medicine; Therefore, I undertook a greater exploration of the natural sciences. Throughout high school, I began challenging myself with advanced science classes and even took the most feared science class: Advanced Chemistry. My passion grew greater trying to understand those “whats” and “whys” as my mind grasped fascinating information that I would learn from taking advanced sciences. Along with challenging sciences classes, I had the opportunity to study health science courses. I was able to memorize Medical Terminology, learn the basics Principles of Health Science, and understand complex Health Science Theory. Taking the health science courses strengthened my knowledge of the medical world and my ability to create connections with the natural sciences. My achievements in these prerequisite courses allowed me to be selected to further my interests in Clinical Rotations at our school of Career & Technology. I was eager to be in Clinical Rotations as I could once again be exposed to the hospital environment similar to when I was little and alongside my grandmother initially learning about the world of medicine. My goal to pursue biomedical sciences is driven by the passion to understand the natural sciences and be able to connect the “whats” and “whys” to the needs of the growing numbers of patients in healthcare. I would love to learn more about the biomedical sciences where I would receive the support I need to achieve in taking a challenging career path and create connections and share passions with others on the same path into the medical world who are like me.