While I do not have a personal family connection to brain cancer, my connection to this disease comes through my experiences in healthcare settings and the patients I have had the privilege of caring for. As a Medical Assistant and a surgical technology student, I have worked in clinical environments where I have encountered children and families affected by serious illnesses, including brain cancer. These experiences have deeply impacted me and shaped my understanding of how devastating this disease is, not only medically but emotionally and financially for families. One of the most powerful impressions I have had in healthcare is seeing pediatric patients who were battling advanced illnesses arrive with the support of home health aides and family caregivers. Even in brief clinical encounters, it was clear how debilitating brain cancer can be. I witnessed children who were often fatigued, limited in mobility, and dependent on a full care team just to manage daily needs. What stood out most was not only the physical toll of the disease, but the emotional weight carried by their families and caregivers who remained strong despite overwhelming circumstances. These moments helped me understand that brain cancer is not just a diagnosis, but an experience that affects every part of a family’s life. It influences routines, finances, emotional well being, and long term stability. Seeing this at a professional level gave me a deep respect for the resilience of patients and families, as well as for the healthcare teams who support them through treatment. While I have not yet been involved in formal advocacy initiatives specifically focused on brain cancer awareness, my advocacy has developed through my commitment to patient centered care in my clinical roles. I have learned to prioritize compassion, communication, and emotional support in every patient interaction. Even in short encounters, I strive to treat every patient with dignity and understanding, recognizing that many are navigating complex and life changing diagnoses. These experiences have also strengthened my long term career goals. I am currently pursuing my education in healthcare with the goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. I want to work in a role where I can combine clinical expertise with meaningful patient advocacy, especially for individuals facing serious and life altering conditions such as brain cancer. I am especially interested in supporting patients and families through both treatment and education, helping them better understand their diagnosis and feel supported throughout their journey. If awarded this scholarship, it would directly support my continued education and allow me to remain focused on my goal of entering a field where I can make a meaningful impact. I hope to use my future role in healthcare to contribute to greater awareness of brain cancer, not only by understanding the medical aspects of the disease, but also by supporting the emotional and educational needs of patients and families. In the future, I envision myself advocating for patients by being a provider who listens closely, communicates clearly, and supports families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. While my connection to brain cancer is professional, it has been deeply impactful, and it continues to inspire my commitment to compassionate, patient centered care.

One of the most significant periods of adversity in my life began in early childhood when I was placed under conservatorship with my grandparents and became a ward of the state. I experienced financial struggles, family addiction, separation and loss, foster care and major life changes, as well as emotional and mental challenges throughout my upbringing. At that time, I was too young to fully understand what was happening, but I later learned that my biological parent struggled with severe substance use disorder, which led to instability and unsafe conditions in my early life. As an infant, I became critically ill with pneumonia after being left in unsafe circumstances during heavy Texas rain. My condition became so severe that I was placed on end of life care. A neighbor intervened and got me medical help, and shortly after, my grandmother fought through the court system for custody so she could care for me. That moment completely changed the course of my life. Growing up, I slowly began to understand the reality of my circumstances, including the impact of addiction on families and the separation it can cause. I also learned I had siblings born after me and that my biological parent continued to struggle over time. While these realizations were difficult, they helped me better understand the complexity of my family situation and the long term effects of addiction and instability. As I grew older, I viewed my adversity not as something that defined me negatively, but as something that shaped my strength and perspective. I chose not to be consumed by anger or loss, but instead to focus on growth and purpose. At a young age, I made a personal commitment to remain drug and alcohol free and to build a life rooted in stability, responsibility, and healing. I also made a promise to use my experiences to contribute positively to healthcare and to never take the value of care for granted. My plan of action was to turn my experiences into motivation for my future. I pursued education in healthcare, beginning as a pediatric Medical Assistant and later becoming a surgical technology student. Through clinical experience, I learned how important it is to support patients with compassion, patience, and understanding, especially those who come from difficult backgrounds or face their own forms of adversity. These experiences strengthened my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant so I can take a more active role in patient care and advocacy. My adversity has deeply impacted my perception of life. It taught me that hardship does not define a person’s future, but it can shape their purpose. It showed me the importance of stability, empathy, and being present for others during their most vulnerable moments. Most importantly, it gave me a passion for helping children and families who may be going through similar struggles. Through my future healthcare career, I hope to be a provider who understands adversity not only from a clinical standpoint, but also from lived experience. My goal is to offer care that is compassionate, consistent, and supportive, helping others find stability and hope even in the most difficult circumstances.

My experience with substance abuse has shaped every part of my life, including my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. My story begins in early childhood, when I was placed under conservatorship with my grandparents and became a ward of the state. Through this process, I learned that my biological parent struggled with severe substance use disorder. As I grew older, I began to understand how deeply addiction had affected my early life long before I was able to fully comprehend it. In my earliest years, I was exposed to instability and neglect connected to substance use in my biological family. I later learned that my parents struggled with hard drug use and had experienced multiple overdoses. One of the most difficult parts of my early story is knowing that, as an infant, I was left in unsafe conditions during heavy Texas rain and became severely ill with pneumonia. A neighbor ultimately intervened and ensured I received medical care. I was placed on end-of-life care due to how critical my condition had become, until my grandmother successfully petitioned a judge for temporary custody so she could care for me. That moment marked a turning point in my life, giving me the stability and protection I needed to survive and heal. As I grew up with my grandparents, I slowly began to understand the full impact of substance abuse on families. I also learned that I have siblings born after me, and that my biological parent continued to struggle with addiction and instability over time. Despite these challenges, I have been able to build relationships with some of my siblings, which has been meaningful and healing in its own way. It has shown me that even within difficult family histories, connection and growth are still possible. At a young age, I also made a personal commitment to myself that shaped the direction of my life. I made a pact that I would remain drug and alcohol free and dedicate myself to building a life rooted in stability, responsibility, and healing. I also promised myself that I would use my experiences to do right by the healthcare world by becoming someone who contributes positively to patient care and never takes the privilege of healing for granted. These experiences shaped my beliefs about substance abuse early on. I learned that addiction is not a character flaw or simple choice, but a complex medical condition that affects the brain, behavior, and entire family systems. I also learned how deeply it impacts children, especially those who grow up in unstable, drug-filled environments. Because of this, I developed a strong sense of empathy for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. My experiences also shaped my relationships. I value stability, trust, and emotional safety because I did not always have those things growing up. I approach others with understanding rather than judgment because I know how complicated life circumstances can be. I have learned that compassion can change how people heal, how they see themselves, and how they move forward. These experiences have directly shaped my career aspirations in healthcare. I began my professional journey as a Medical Assistant and later became a surgical technology student, with the long term goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. Through my clinical experience, I have become especially interested in supporting patients facing mental health challenges and substance use disorders. My life has taught me that healing is not only physical, but emotional and relational as well. Moving forward, I hope to be a provider who helps others find stability, care, and hope in the middle of their struggles.

I chose healthcare because I want to be part of a field that protects people at their most vulnerable moments and ensures they are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. My journey began in surgical technology and grew through my experience as a Medical Assistant since 2022, where I have had the opportunity to work closely with patients in clinical settings. Being involved in direct patient care has shown me how important it is not only to treat medical conditions, but to truly listen to patients and understand what they are experiencing. These experiences confirmed my decision to continue my education and pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. My interest in healthcare is also deeply personal. As a child, I was a ward of the state and spent a significant amount of time in medical care due to ongoing pain that was not immediately understood. I often saw doctors because of this pain, and those experiences shaped how I view the healthcare system from a patient’s perspective. There were times when I felt unheard or dismissed, and other times when a provider took the time to listen and made me feel safe and cared for. Those moments stayed with me and helped shape the kind of healthcare professional I want to become. As I grew older, I eventually learned that my pain was caused by adhesions throughout my lower abdomen. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of how easily symptoms, especially in younger patients or those without strong advocacy, can be overlooked or misinterpreted. It also made me more aware of how important it is for providers to take every concern seriously from the beginning and to approach each patient with patience and thoroughness. Through my clinical experience and education, I have become especially passionate about improving patient care in ways that prioritize listening and trust. I have seen how meaningful it is when patients feel heard and how damaging it can be when their concerns are minimized. This is especially important in underserved populations, where healthcare disparities can lead to delayed diagnoses and unequal treatment outcomes. My goal is to be a provider who helps bridge that gap by ensuring every patient feels valued and understood. I am currently continuing my education in the healthcare field with the long term goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. This role will allow me to combine clinical skill with meaningful patient advocacy, giving me the ability to make a direct impact on diagnosis, treatment, and overall patient experience. What I hope to contribute to the healthcare field is a commitment to compassionate, patient centered care. I want to be the type of provider who takes the time to listen, who advocates for patients when they feel unheard, and who works to ensure that care is both thorough and equitable. My goal is to make a difference not only through medical treatment, but through trust, communication, and respect for every patient I serve. Ultimately, I chose healthcare because I want to be part of improving the patient experience in a meaningful way. I hope to use my education and future career to help patients feel seen, supported, and properly cared for, especially those who may not always have someone in their corner.

Pediatric medicine inspires me because it represents more than treating illness. It represents protecting childhood, easing fear, and giving families hope during some of their most vulnerable moments. I want to be part of a field where care goes beyond diagnosis and treatment and extends into trust, comfort, and emotional support for both children and their families. My path in healthcare began with hands on experience as a pediatric Medical Assistant, where I worked closely with children and families navigating illness, routine care, and sometimes very complex medical needs. That experience showed me how important it is for pediatric patients to feel safe and understood, and how much of an impact a calm, patient provider can have on both the child and their family. I later continued my training as a surgical technology student, which has further strengthened my clinical skills and deepened my commitment to advancing into a more direct patient care role as a Physician Assistant. My passion for pediatric medicine is also deeply personal. As a child, I was a ward of the state and spent a significant amount of time in medical care due to chronic pain that was often not fully understood. I frequently saw doctors growing up because of this pain, and those experiences shaped how I view healthcare from a patient’s perspective. There were moments when I felt unheard or overlooked, and other moments where a provider’s patience and willingness to listen made all the difference. Those experiences stayed with me and helped shape the kind of provider I want to become, one who takes time to listen and never dismisses a child’s concerns. As I grew older, I eventually learned that my pain was not just emotional, but caused by adhesions throughout my lower abdomen. That realization made me even more aware of how easily symptoms, especially in young patients, can be misunderstood or minimized. It also strengthened my desire to ensure that children are taken seriously from the very beginning of their care. The story of Noah Jon Markstrom and the medical professionals who cared for him deeply resonates with me. The idea that providers can build meaningful relationships with pediatric patients while also supporting their families reflects the kind of impact I hope to have. I am especially inspired by the way his care team helped him experience joy and quality of life despite his condition. That balance of medical excellence and human connection is exactly what I strive for in my future career. In my future as a Physician Assistant in pediatric medicine, I plan to make a difference by being intentional about listening, advocating, and building trust with every child and family I serve. I want to ensure that no child feels dismissed or afraid in a healthcare setting. Instead, I hope to provide care that is compassionate, attentive, and centered on the needs of both the patient and their family, just as I once needed and deeply valued myself.

I was inspired to pursue a career in the medical field because I want to be part of a profession that provides healing, safety, and advocacy for people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. My journey began in surgical technology and has continued through my experience as a Medical Assistant since 2022, where I have had the opportunity to work directly with patients and witness the importance of compassionate, attentive care. These experiences confirmed my desire to continue my education and become a Physician Assistant so I can expand my ability to diagnose, treat, and advocate for patients in a more advanced clinical role. My motivation is also deeply personal. As a woman of color who grew up as a ward of the state, I have experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the healthcare system without a strong support system or consistent advocacy. For years, I lived with unexplained pain that was repeatedly dismissed as emotional or stress related. It was not until later that I learned the true cause was adhesions throughout my lower abdomen. That experience changed my life and my perspective on healthcare. It showed me how easily women’s pain, especially among minority and underserved populations, can be overlooked or minimized. It also made me realize how important it is for healthcare providers to truly listen and take patient concerns seriously from the very beginning. Since entering my program, my perspective has grown beyond clinical training alone. I have become more aware of the disparities that exist in healthcare, especially in OB GYN care and in how minority women are treated when reporting pain or symptoms. I have seen how easily patients can feel dismissed when their concerns are not fully explored. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to becoming a provider who listens first, believes patients, and advocates for thorough, respectful care. I want to be the kind of clinician who ensures that no patient feels ignored or invalidated. My vision for making a difference in the medical field extends beyond individual patient interactions. I am driven to contribute to long term change in how care is delivered, especially for underserved communities. My husband is currently working toward opening a sleep center to make it Medicaid approved so that children with sleep related conditions can receive proper diagnosis and treatment regardless of financial barriers. Seeing his dedication to accessible care has inspired me to pursue my own long term goal of opening a clinic focused on affordable women’s health services and mental health care. I want to help reduce barriers so that patients can receive consistent, quality care without financial fear or delay. Through my future work as a Physician Assistant, I plan to serve women, children, and families who are often overlooked within the healthcare system. I want to be a provider who not only treats illness, but also builds trust, educates patients, and advocates for equitable care. My goal is to make a lasting difference by ensuring patients feel heard, respected, and supported while also working toward improving access to care in the communities I serve.

I chose to pursue a career in healthcare because I want to be part of a field that not only treats illness but also restores trust, dignity, and voice to patients who are often unheard. My academic path began in surgical technology and has continued to grow through my experience as a Medical Assistant since 2022. Working closely with patients in clinical settings has shown me how important it is to provide care that is not only skilled, but also compassionate and attentive. These experiences confirmed my long term goal of becoming a Physician Assistant, where I can expand my ability to diagnose, treat, and advocate for patients on a deeper level. As a woman of color who grew up as a ward of the state, my relationship with healthcare is deeply personal. For years, I experienced unexplained and persistent pain that was repeatedly attributed to emotional causes. It was not until later that I learned the true source was adhesions throughout my lower abdomen. That experience was transformative because it revealed how easily women’s pain, especially from underserved backgrounds, can be minimized or misunderstood. It also made me realize how critical it is for healthcare providers to approach each patient with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to investigate their concerns rather than dismiss them fully. Since beginning my program, my understanding of healthcare has expanded beyond technical training into a deeper awareness of systemic gaps in care. I have become especially aware of disparities in OB GYN care and the way minority women’s symptoms are sometimes overlooked or not taken seriously. These experiences and observations have strengthened my commitment to becoming a provider who listens intentionally, validates patient concerns, and advocates for thorough and equitable care. I want to be the kind of clinician who ensures that patients feel believed, respected, and actively involved in their own care. The values of Dr. Michael Paglia and Dr. Albina Claps-Paglia strongly resonate with my own goals. Their dedication to medicine, compassion for patients, and commitment to uplifting others in the field reflect the kind of provider I aspire to become. Their legacy of service and philanthropy is especially meaningful to me as someone who understands the importance of mentorship, opportunity, and support in higher education and healthcare. My vision for the future also extends beyond my individual career. My husband is currently working toward opening a sleep center with the goal of making it Medicaid approved so that children with sleep related conditions can access care regardless of financial limitations. His dedication to improving accessibility in healthcare has inspired me to pursue my own long term goal of opening a clinic focused on affordable women’s health and mental health services. I want to create a space where women can receive comprehensive, compassionate care without financial or systemic barriers. Through my future work as a Physician Assistant, I hope to serve women, children, and families in underserved communities by providing care that is both clinically strong and rooted in empathy. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing this path and honor the legacy of physicians like Dr. Paglia and Dr. Claps-Paglia by contributing to a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system.

Although my degree is not in social work, my path in healthcare has always been rooted in the same core purpose of serving others, advocating for patients, and improving quality of care for those who are often overlooked. I chose to pursue surgical technology with the long term goal of becoming a Physician Assistant because I wanted to be directly involved in patient care while also building toward a role where I can make a broader impact in healthcare outcomes. My experience as a Medical Assistant since 2022 and my clinical training have shown me how powerful it is to be part of a patient’s care during vulnerable and often frightening moments in their lives. As a woman of color who grew up as a ward of the state, my personal experiences have deeply shaped how I view healthcare. It took me many years to understand that the pain I was experiencing was not just emotional, but physical, caused by adhesions throughout my lower abdomen. That experience changed how I see patient care entirely. It showed me how easily women’s pain can be misunderstood, minimized, or misdiagnosed, especially when they come from underserved backgrounds or do not have consistent access to advocacy within the healthcare system. Since starting my program, my perspective has shifted beyond simply learning clinical skills. I have become more aware of the disparities that exist in healthcare, particularly in OB GYN care and in the treatment of minority women. I have witnessed and personally experienced situations where not all providers take time to truly listen, and in some cases, a woman’s pain is dismissed or not fully explored. That realization has strengthened my commitment to become a provider who listens first, believes patients, and works to find answers rather than dismiss concerns. These experiences have shaped my long-term goals in both my professional and personal life. My husband is currently working toward opening a sleep center with the hope that it will become Medicaid-approved so that children with sleep-related conditions can receive proper care regardless of financial barriers. Seeing his dedication to accessible care has inspired me to pursue my own goal of opening a separate clinic focused on affordable women’s health services and mental health care. I want to create a space where women can receive comprehensive, low-cost care without feeling dismissed or financially burdened. In the community, I plan to serve women, children, and families who often face barriers to consistent healthcare, particularly within minority populations. I want to be part of changing the narrative around women’s pain and ensuring that patients are heard, believed, and properly treated. My goal is to contribute to a healthcare environment where compassion, cultural understanding, and access to care are prioritized. Through my future work as a Physician Assistant, I hope to not only treat patients but also advocate for lasting change in how care is delivered and how patients are valued.