The dream version of my future self is to be someone that has made a constructive mark on the world, has attained personal fulfillment, and is surrounded by loved ones in a world of peace.

One individual that influenced my passion for STEM is Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a scientist and creator of the Algorithmic Justice League. She has devoted her profession to increasing the understanding of prejudice towards AI and encouraging diversity and inclusion in the evolving tech industry. Dr. Buolamwini's creation has emphasized how facial recognition technology and AI systems can eternalize ethical and gender tendencies. In her groundbreaking study, she uncovered that facial recognition procedures had complications in identifying the faces of women and minorities. This was because of the absence of diversity in the datasets used to familiarize the algorithms, which mainly included white faces. Dr. Buolamwini's research and advocacy led to the expanded attention to the demand for more inclusive systems. She has also caused policy changes to regulate the usage of facial recognition technology, especially in law enforcement. She has inspired me, as a colored-women, in STEM that the advocacy for inclusion and diversity can be implemented in the field. Not only has she broken the boundary for minorities, but provided opportunities for women. Another prominent African American Pillar in the field of STEM AI is Dr. Katherine Johnson, a lead mathematician who worked for NASA. She was an essential component of the Space Race, the 20th-century contest between the two Cold War rivals, the United States and the Soviet Union, to attain distinguished spaceflight. Johnson was regarded as one of the "human computers" accountable for computing trajectories for the first spaceflights, including the noteworthy Apollo 11 mission that set humans on the moon. Dr. Johnson's career was instrumental in the triumph of NASA's missions, and her calculations were paramount in guaranteeing the safety of all astronauts. Furthermore, she also broke down obstacles for women and colored people in the field of mathematics and engineering. Dr. Johnson's legacy moves on to motivate present and future generations of scientists and mathematicians. She displayed that skill and intelligence have no borders and that with persistent work and commitment, anyone can achieve their dreams and become successful. Overall, Dr. Joy Buolamwini and Dr. Katherine Johnson are two African American Pillars who have made influential contributions to the field of artificial intelligence. Their creations have broken the boundaries of what is achievable and have inspired young women, like me, to strive for more significant inclusivity and diversity in AI and other STEM fields. Their legacies serve as a reminder that progress is attainable when we embrace diversity and inclusion.

I couldn't tell if I was running toward the finish line or further from it. My exhaustion from practicing, running the pace of a cheetah around the track, was trivial compared to my mind racing in circles. This sport has consumed my whole life. But in the end, track and field taught me my biggest life lesson: management and adaptability. I have never been athletically inclined. In fact, my peers describe me as the clumsiest person they know. I have tripped over soccer balls, been struck in the head with volleyballs, and been the slowest member of the swim team. After trying every sport available in middle school, I gave up and concentrated on my studies. Despite my skyrocketing grades, I felt excluded regarding the vibrant social life and friendships developed through sports. When high school began, my desire to play on a sports team intensified. It would be an understatement to say that I was exhilarated when I made the track team, but the buzz of delight soon turned into utter dread. As I began to practice daily after school and compete in track meets every weekend, I realized that my academic performance would be affected. Running in practice, all I could think about was how I could be studying for my calculus and physics exams. Understanding how to balance my social life, academic life, and relaxation time was not an easy process. During the limited time that I was not in the classroom, sprinting, or spending time with family, I formed new study patterns to adjust to. Although playing a varsity-level sport required a tremendous commitment, I discovered the correct balance that improved my life in all aspects. Over time, I developed a deep passion for the sport and became the silver medalist long jump champion while striving for academic success. My involvement in track and field has contributed significantly to my ability to maintain my academic prowess and build family-like relationships with my teammates. Having an equal balance of educational and social development is one of the numerous things I admire about the running community. Utilizing my track and field experience, I will provide value to the future of America by creating meaningful connections and contributing to a diverse community of scholars who are united in the pursuit of success. I didn't know it then, but I was sprinting at full speed toward the finish line of success.

I have always felt like the odd one out. Growing up, I did not feel accepted in a specific community. I have been considered not white enough for the white community nor black enough for the black community. Hearing conflicting viewpoints from mere strangers judging me solely based on my appearance has been a continuous struggle. Despite the number of multiracial children growing up in the United States, standard America has preconceived boxes for people based on their appearance, gender, sexual orientation and religious identity. Those boxes vary for multicultural women like me, depending on the juror. Over time, I have learned that finding your unique identity leads to forming meaningful relationships and living with purpose. Spending time being camouflaged “between two cultures,” I was exposed to the innermost thoughts of both sides. I’m privy to those thoughts in a way most Black women don’t experience. I vividly remember being on a birthday Zoom in 2020 with friends and listening to her parents describe the “Black Lives Matter” protestors as ‘animals.’ It was heartbreaking to hear and it led to a very difficult conversation with my friend. We were able to find common ground and are still friends today. These moments have taught me how to navigate a diverse world and how to find common ground even when the opposing opinion is harmful. All my life, my mother has reminded me that I must work twice as hard to prove my worth. Growing up as an Afro-Caribbean minority meant that I had to put extra effort into my daily tasks to establish my value. My mother constantly encouraged me to go above and beyond in everything I do. She made the monetary sacrifice to send me to private schools to ensure that I would experience a well-rounded education. I am very persistent in proving that I could not only succeed, but rise above societal stigmas. One time, my classmate struggled to understand why I received a better grade on an assignment than she had. She remarked in jest. Her mother had previously expressed her belief that she deserved a better grade than "this girl." I constantly showed that I could surpass my peers intellectually and that I was a leader rather than a follower. I needed to showcase my leadership potential, so I applied for every available leadership post. I kept trying even when it became clear that I would not be chosen because I looked different. Despite this setback, I remained an integral part of the clubs that I strongly supported. I persevered year after year to prove my leadership abilities. That is why I keep my mother's words with me in everything I do and with everyone I meet.

I would like to think I am a dreamer. I definitely am one while listening to the melodic angel who can transport one to an alternate reality for 3 minutes and 40 seconds. Taylor Swift's 'Wildest Dreams' is a distinctly beautiful song from her album '1989' that embodies the sensation of a love that is passionate, yet passing. She begins with a dream-like melody with her gentle vocals, singing, "He said let's get out of this town, drive out of the city, away from the crowds." The beginning furnishes the scene for a romantic journey, an escape from reality, and an opportunity for two lovers to be present alone with each other. The chorus, "Say you'll remember me, standing in a nice dress staring at the sunset, babe. Red lips and rosy cheeks, say you'll see me again even if it's just in your wildest dreams," is one of Swift's most memorable and descriptive lyrics. It immerses the listener in the mentality of a hopeless lover. The chorus resembles the passing of the relationship, and how it's something the lover will always adore. Suddenly, the melody picks up, and the base drops, adding to the intense emotion of the song. The second verse adds to the theme of escape and whimsicality, "He said let's get out of this town, past the neon lights, and make a break for it, we'll find a way to disappear where no one knows our name." It's a line that several people can relate to, as the feeling of impulsiveness from the pressures of everyday life and finding a sense of liberation strikes everyone's mind. The bridge of the piece is where her vocal talent truly shines through. As the song advances, she sings, "I can see the end as it begins, my one condition is say you'll remember me." The emotion in her voice is drastic, and you can feel the sentiment of the tenderness that is being conveyed. The music video for 'Wildest Dreams' has a vintage, Hollywood theme, where Taylor looks exceptional in her 1950s attire. The video, shot in Africa featuring an emotional love story between Swift and Scott Eastwood, perfectly exemplifies the remembrance and love that the song exemplifies. The lyrics of 'Wildest Dreams' are engaging to all who have gone through a relationship that was passionate, but short-lived. The melody and Swift's vocals communicate the sentiment and dramatics of the song's meaning, a true testimony to Taylor's songwriting skills. Taylor Swift connects with her listeners on a deep emotional level, capturing such emotions while giving chills in a just few short minutes. The 3 minutes and 40 seconds of angelic melody delivers an escape, kind of like a wild dream.

My family's annual trip to Grenada, West Indies, my mother's native country was the highlight of my childhood. Even though most would use a chance like this to enjoy the beautiful island beaches, my perspective was different. Working at the side of my grandfather brought me excitement. My grandfather tutored and fed impoverished youngsters after school. His stories of individuals dying from lack of medical attention moved me. Every day that I spent with my grandfather, learning about "Bush" doctors and treatment. He said that island elders (called "Bush" doctors) used various plants and herbs to treat sickness. Islanders rely on alternative medicine. Based on my interest, I researched the plants used to make these remedies. My enthusiasm and preliminary findings led me to contemplate a career in research and medicine. I began researching the medicinal uses of various native plants when I was very young. When I was thirteen years old, I discovered that the "Senna" plant, native to Grenada, is the basis for a popular over-the-counter laxative in the United States. My grandpa found my inquisitiveness to be quite encouraging. On one of my visits, he showed me a branch that was effective in treating kidney stones and a leaf called "Callaloo" used for treating abscesses. His knowledge inspired me, and he is the person to whom I owe the most gratitude. My vow to him, made when I was only thirteen years old, to discover a cure for his diabetes and to make a difference in the lives of others in neglected areas, remains a powerful motivator to this day. This ambition to follow in my grandfather's footsteps as a philanthropist began with small steps. My mom was happy to hear about my interest in Grenada, which she calls her "island in the sun." Those in need on the island depended on me, so I helped them by gathering and distributing medical supplies from the US. My visits the city's poorest neighborhoods during my annual trips there became a priority. I immersed myself in the "Bush" medical community, and my involvement and support were much appreciated. Several "Bush" physicians showed compassion and willingness to pitch in and assist. One unfortunate Islander I met had lost all his toes due to an illness that went untreated. Given his predicament, I now realize how crucial it is to have access to basic medical treatment. My grandfather's example encouraged me to think I might be a positive force in changing people's lives. I imagined a place on the island where I could set up a charity clinic that focused on evidence-based preventive care. Being of mixed Afro-Caribbean ancestry and exposure to poverty and social inequality firsthand have motivated me to devote my life to helping others. I gained experience at Columbia University this past summer while studying genetics and molecular biology. To complement this, I participated in a program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn more about public health and the study of infectious illnesses. Both programs have enhanced my research skills and allowed me to better serve others. Like my grandpa and the "Bush" physicians, I have always been eager to find solutions to each obstacle I face. My experiences with them instilled in me the importance of placing oneself in the shoes of another. I am eager to get started on working toward finding solutions for social inequality with the assistance of your scholarship. Whenever I feel unsure about my career path, I think of my grandfather's devotion, and I am filled with hope and excitement about a future in medicine and research.