The first time I began to understand my purpose, I was standing in a crowded market in Ghana. The air was thick with the scent of street food, voices overlapping in languages I didn’t understand, and colors that seemed brighter than anything I had seen before. At first, I felt like an outsider just trying to take it all in. Then I noticed people staring at me. Confused, I glanced around, wondering what I had done wrong. That’s when I saw a young boy pointing at my shoes. I followed his gaze and realized he wasn’t wearing any. Looking around, I saw that many children were barefoot or wearing shoes that were falling apart. In that moment, something shifted. What had always felt normal to me suddenly felt like a privilege I had never questioned. When I returned home, I couldn’t let that moment go. I started Old Shoes/New Life, collecting gently used shoes from friends and family and bringing them with me on future trips. In places like the Dominican Republic, my family and I traveled beyond tourist areas into local communities, where I handed out shoes to children who needed them. Their smiles were immediate, but what stayed with me longer was the realization that need goes far beyond what we can see on the surface. As I continued traveling, I began to notice something deeper, differences not just in resources but also in access to healthcare. I saw how entire communities, especially women, lacked consistent medical care. Those observations became personal as I reflected on my own experiences. I have been fortunate to receive care from providers who look like me, who understand my background without explanation. That kind of connection builds trust, but I realized it is not the norm for many Black women. This awareness led me to pursue a career as an OB/GYN, where I can advocate for and care for women who are often overlooked. My passion for maternal health grew stronger through the UCLA Pre-Med Scholar Program. During an OB/GYN rotation, I participated in a birth simulation that introduced me to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and its disproportionate impact on Black women. What struck me most was not just the statistics but how often symptoms are dismissed. I left that experience with questions that became a research project—and a deeper understanding that medicine is not only about treatment but also about listening, representation, and advocating. Attending Spelman College is a direct reflection of these experiences. I am a part of a community that cultivates Black women as leaders. Studying Health Science and Comparative Women’s Studies, I have explored the very disparities that shaped my journey. I've had the opportunity to learn from professors like Dr. Shaconna Haley, whose work centers on advocacy for Black women’s health. Beyond the classroom, I am a member of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students and the Health Careers Program, which allows me to grow alongside peers who share my commitment to medicine and service. Receiving The Junie Project Scholarship would allow me to fully invest in these opportunities—supporting my academic journey while giving me the freedom to continue community-based work like OldShoes/NewLife. More importantly, it would affirm my mission to be part of the change medicine urgently needs. It was through these moments that I discovered my mission: to use what I have to serve others. That mindset is what I hope to bring with me as I pursue my education to become a physician: a global perspective grounded in purpose, and a heart committed to making a difference.

I am a high school student passionate about STEM, healthcare, and service. I have always approached education with purpose, recognizing it as a tool to make a difference in the lives of others. Academically, I have pursued challenging coursework while earning recognition through the National Society of High School Scholars, the California Scholarship Federation, and The Village Nation Academic Achievement Award. Beyond academics, I am deeply committed to leadership, mentorship, and service, believing that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom. Community involvement has been a cornerstone of my growth. I founded OldShoesNewLife.com in 2022 after witnessing children abroad without proper footwear. What began as a small shoe drive grew into an international initiative, distributing shoes in Cuba, Panama, Cancun, and the Dominican Republic. Organizing donation drives, recruiting volunteers, and personally delivering resources allowed me to create tangible impact while teaching peers the value of service-driven leadership. Locally, I volunteer with True LA Church as a Teen Ambassador distributing food, work with Tackle Hunger to stock local food pantries, participate in “Warm the Streets” programs with A Step to Freedom, and help with environmental cleanups through Surfrider Foundation and Heal the Bay. Additionally, through Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and my school clubs, I have led programs promoting cultural awareness, mentorship, and youth engagement. Each of these experiences has taught me how to identify needs, organize solutions, and empower others to participate in creating positive change. As I prepare for higher education, financial need is a significant consideration. While my family supports me, pursuing college-level academics, healthcare programs, and extracurricular opportunities—including summer research and pre-med programs—comes with costs that extend beyond tuition, including supplies, travel, and program fees. Receiving a scholarship would not only alleviate financial stress but allow me to focus more fully on academic excellence and service initiatives that impact communities locally and globally. Part of my commitment to community involves ensuring children and youth are safe, both in person and online. I have observed how bullying—whether in school hallways or on social media—can harm young people emotionally, academically, and socially. I take proactive steps to address these issues by mentoring younger students, modeling respectful behavior, and promoting open communication about experiences with bullying. For online safety, I emphasize digital literacy, encouraging peers to protect personal information, report harmful behavior, and support others who may be targeted. In person, I intervene when I see exclusion or harassment, and I work with school and community groups to educate others on empathy, boundaries, and conflict resolution. I believe that creating safe, supportive spaces—online or offline—requires consistent awareness, advocacy, and courage to act when someone is being marginalized. Overall, I am motivated by the idea that leadership, service, and education are intertwined. My experiences have equipped me to uplift my community, mentor youth, and address inequities where they exist. With financial support, I will continue to pursue STEM and healthcare education while expanding initiatives that promote safety, empowerment, and opportunity for all children and youth in my community.

My relationship with Jesus has shaped not only my faith, but my character, priorities, and sense of purpose. For me, faith is not just something practiced on Sundays—it is a daily commitment to living with humility, compassion, and integrity. My walk with Christ has given me stability during uncertainty and clarity when making difficult decisions. It reminds me that my identity is rooted not in achievements, but in who I am called to be. There have been moments in my life when I felt overwhelmed—balancing academics, leadership, service, and personal expectations. In those seasons, my relationship with Jesus grounded me. Prayer became a space where I could release pressure and seek guidance rather than rely solely on my own strength. Scripture reminded me that perseverance produces growth and that challenges are often preparation for greater purpose. Instead of viewing obstacles as setbacks, my faith has helped me see them as opportunities to trust God more deeply. My relationship with Jesus has also shaped how I treat others. His example of servant leadership influences how I show up in my community. Whether through my nonprofit work, mentoring peers, or pursuing a future in healthcare, I strive to lead with empathy and compassion. Jesus consistently centered the marginalized and cared for those overlooked by society. That example inspires my desire to serve underserved communities and advocate for equitable access to healthcare. My faith reinforces that service is not about recognition—it is about love in action. As I continue my educational journey, I plan to implement my faith in intentional ways. First, I will remain grounded in prayer and spiritual discipline, ensuring that my ambitions never outpace my character. Higher education can be competitive and demanding, but my faith reminds me to pursue excellence without compromising integrity. I want my work ethic to reflect gratitude and stewardship of the opportunities God has given me. Second, I plan to live out my faith through community. I hope to join campus ministries or faith-based organizations where I can grow spiritually while building meaningful relationships. Surrounding myself with believers will help me stay accountable and rooted in truth. Finally, I intend to integrate faith with service. As I pursue a career in healthcare, I will carry Christ’s compassion into every patient interaction—listening attentively, advocating courageously, and treating every individual with dignity. My goal is not only to succeed academically, but to reflect Christ’s love in professional spaces that desperately need it. Ultimately, my relationship with Jesus gives my education deeper meaning. It reminds me that knowledge is a gift, leadership is a responsibility, and service is a calling. Through every class, challenge, and milestone, I plan to honor Him by becoming not only a skilled professional, but a compassionate and faithful servant.

My journey toward becoming an OB/GYN is truly inspiring, and my experiences so far have laid a strong foundation for my future career. Participating in programs like the UCLA Pre-Med Scholar Program and the Eve and Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program has given me valuable hands-on experience and insight into the medical field, which will be incredibly helpful as I continue my path. One of the most compelling aspects of my story is my dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for Black women. This focus is not only important but urgently needed, as disparities in maternal and reproductive health care continue to affect Black communities disproportionately. By becoming an OB/GYN who is deeply aware of these issues, I will be positioned to make a real difference in the lives of my patients. My desire to serve as a role model for other Black women interested in medicine is equally powerful. Representation matters a great deal in healthcare, both for patients and for aspiring medical professionals. When patients see doctors who look like them and understand their cultural background, it builds trust and improves the quality of care. Similarly, when young Black women see someone who looks like them succeeding in medicine, it inspires them to pursue their own dreams. Working at Grand Orthodontist has also provided me with early exposure to the medical environment, helping me develop professional skills and understand patient care dynamics. This experience will be a valuable asset as I continue my education and training. As I move forward, I will consider ways to deepen my involvement in advocacy and community outreach. Volunteering with organizations focused on maternal health, women's health, or racial equity in healthcare can broaden my perspective and strengthen my commitment. Additionally, I will seek mentorship from OB/GYNs who share my passion for equity and representation. They can offer guidance, support, and opportunities that will help me navigate my career path. Academically, I will continue to focus on excelling in my studies, especially in the sciences, and seek out research opportunities related to women's health or health disparities. These experiences will enhance my medical school applications and prepare me for the rigors of medical training. Ultimately, my combination of personal passion, relevant experience, and commitment to serving underserved communities positions me to be a transformative force in healthcare. By pursuing my goal to become an OB/GYN who advocates for Black women's health, I am not only fulfilling my own dreams but also contributing to a more just and equitable healthcare system. Financial support is essential for me to achieve these aspirations because medical education is demanding and expensive, requiring years of study and training. Funding will help cover tuition, textbooks, and other educational resources, allowing me to focus fully on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens. It will also enable me to participate in internships, research projects, and community outreach programs that enrich my learning and professional development. Pursuing higher education is not just about personal success for me; it’s about equipping myself with the tools and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women, particularly those from underserved communities, and to inspire others who share my dreams.

From a young age, I have been inspired by the medical professionals in my family and the impact they have on people’s lives. This inspiration has shaped my career goals and aspirations, leading me to pursue a career in healthcare, specifically as an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN). My ultimate goal is to provide compassionate, high-quality care to women, particularly those from underserved communities, and to be a role model for young women of color aspiring to enter the medical field. My aspiration to become an OB/GYN stems from a deep desire to support women’s health and well-being. I want to ensure that every woman I care for feels heard, respected, and empowered, regardless of her background. I am particularly motivated to address the healthcare disparities faced by Black women, who often experience higher rates of complications and barriers to care. By becoming a women’s health professional, I will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to advocate for these patients and work toward eliminating inequities in healthcare. Throughout high school, I have actively sought opportunities to prepare myself for this career. Participating in programs like the UCLA Pre-Med Scholar Program which allowed me to gain hands-on clinical experience and develop essential medical skills. Working part-time at Grand Orthodontist has given me insight into the healthcare environment and reinforced my commitment to this path. These experiences have solidified my passion and clarified my career goals. Financial support is crucial in helping me achieve these aspirations. Medical education is demanding and expensive, requiring years of study and training. The money will help cover tuition, textbooks, and other educational resources, allowing me to focus fully on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens. Additionally, funding will enable me to participate in valuable internships, research projects, and community outreach programs that enhance my learning and professional development. Beyond education, financial stability will allow me to invest in tools and technology that improve patient care. For example, I aim to use advanced diagnostic equipment and evidence-based practices to provide the best outcomes for my patients. Financial resources will also support my efforts to advocate for health equity, such as organizing community health workshops and collaborating with organizations that serve marginalized populations. The financial support I receive will be instrumental in enabling me to complete my education, gain practical experience, and ultimately make a meaningful difference in the lives of the women and families I serve.

Growing up I've had the chance to see many of my family members excel in medical careers, this inspired me to also become a healthcare professional. Throughout highschool i've used my summers and after school days to explore internships in the medical field. This past summer, I participated in the UCLAs Pre-Med Scholar Program, where I partook in was an immersive ed in a clinical setting experience. I witnessed experience, I witnessed firsthand the dedication and compassion required to care for patients. I learned how to suture, intubate, and perform CPR — a variety of skills that are usually learned during nursing school. I aim to become an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) dedicated to providing exceptional care to all women. My particular focus will be on Black women, who frequently face challenges and disparities in their medical experiences. I strongly believe that representation matters. When patients feel heard and cared for by someone who understands their background, their experiences and outcomes can improve. I anticipate that I would be well prepared to ultimately care for diverse children of color and their mothers.I am adamant about elevating the care of Black women and children through advocacy and representation in medicine. I believe that becoming an OB/GYN equipped with knowledge and understanding about Black women, I could eliminate healthcare barriers and fears in disenfranchised communities. In every step of my journey, through academic study, hands-on experiences, and personal reflection, I have become more certain of my purpose: to uplift and advocate for Black women through medicine. In support of this goal, I participated in UCLA’s Pre-Med Scholar Program, and was assigned to the OB/GYN rotation. During the birth simulation the OB/GYN discussed Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and its effect on women of color, noting that Black women experience PCOS at a higher rate than white women and sometimes lack access to preventative care. After learning that PCOS is a significant factor in infertility, I chose to focus my final project on this topic. What’s particularly concerning is that Black women with this condition are at a disproportionately higher risk for health complications due to their underpresentation in research. As a result, their symptoms are frequently overlooked. Tackling PCOS could therefore be a key factor in reducing maternal mortality rates and promoting successful pregnancies. Learning about health issues for Black women inspires me to be part of the solution.