Forging My Path: Shredding through Challenges, Rocking Science, and Breaking Stereotypes From the earliest days of my existence, I've been headbanging to the rhythm of science, fueled by an unquenchable passion to become a dedicated scientist. Despite facing obstacles like financial mayhem and societal norms that seemed as rigid as an unyielding guitar riff, I've unleashed my resilience and forged a path toward turning my dreams into a blazing reality. And here's the kicker: I may not look like your typical heavy metal listener – a young, traditional-looking girl – but my soul resonates with the raw power and soul-stirring essence of bands like Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold. In this epic essay, I'll shred about my academic and professional goals, why this scholarship is like a power chord to my success, how I'm planning to pay for my education like a riff master and unveil the profound meaning Heavy Metal holds for me. Academic and Professional Goals: If given the keys to the metal kingdom, my ultimate quest is to make healthcare accessible to the uncharted territories of underserved populations. To lay the foundation for this epic journey, I've volunteered over 300 hours in a group home for the mentally and physically less fortunate, moshing together with them and amplifying their concerns. As my resources amplify, I envisage forging a non-profit organization that educates teenagers about mental health, smashing the stigma surrounding neurological illnesses. By combining my medical knowledge with a headbanging dedication to community engagement, I aspire to empower individuals and inspire future generations of healthcare professionals. Financial Need and Scholarship Award: The battleground of finances has been a brutal challenge on my educational expedition. This scholarship award would be like a killer guitar solo, annihilating the burden of tuition fees and allowing me to unleash my full potential on my scientific conquests. With this support, I can dive into internships, research opportunities, and extracurricular activities that will amplify my abilities and harmonize with my goals. This financial boost will unleash my potential to the fullest, enabling me to rock society with my contributions. Paying for Education: While this scholarship would be the ultimate riff, I'm also channeling my inner guitar virtuoso to find other means of financing my education. I'm shredding through other scholarships, grants, and work-study programs like a riff maestro, seeking every opportunity to amplify my funding. I'm even considering some part-time gigs that won't disrupt my academic mosh pit. My commitment to paying for my education is as unwavering as a thunderous drumbeat, and I'll leave no stone unturned in my quest for financial victory. The Soul-Stirring Power of Heavy Metal Music: In addition to my academic odyssey, Heavy Metal music is the blistering fire that fuels my very existence. Beyond its raw power and earth-shaking sound, Heavy Metal is the essence of rebellion, resilience, and emotional liberation. Its lyrics dive deep into the abyss of social issues, personal struggles, and the human condition, connecting with the darkest corners of our souls. And guess what? It doesn't matter that I don't fit the stereotypical image of a heavy metal listener. Heavy Metal knows no boundaries or preconceived notions. It embraces everyone who resonates with its ferocity. Through the relentless power of Heavy Metal, I find solace, strength, and an outlet for my deepest emotions. It empowers me to stand tall against conformity, break down barriers, and unleash my true self. It's a reminder that in the realm of Heavy Metal, there are no boundaries, only the pure, unadulterated passion and creative force that transcends time.

Growing up in a smallish area offset of Houston, I never quite fit in. My peers seemed to effortlessly navigate the social landscape while I struggled to find my place. Loneliness became my constant companion, and the world felt like a daunting, unforgiving place. But it was through this hardship that I discovered a flicker of hope, a path that would lead me towards a brighter, more compassionate existence. As a child, I was captivated by the beauty of nature. I found solace in the melodies of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the gentle rhythm of raindrops. Yet, I was oblivious to the cruelty that existed behind the scenes—the suffering endured by the very animals that roamed this earth alongside us. One fateful day, while stumbling upon a documentary about factory farming, my eyes were opened to a heartbreaking reality. The images that unfolded before me painted a chilling portrait of pain and suffering. Innocent animals were stripped of their dignity, confined to cramped spaces, and subjected to unimaginable horrors. Tears streamed down my face as I witnessed their anguish and heard their desperate cries for mercy. At that moment, I made a solemn vow to change. I could no longer stand idly by while this cruelty continued unabated. I embraced veganism as a way to extend compassion to all living beings and to heal the wounds inflicted upon our planet. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle wasn't without its challenges. My small town offered limited options for plant-based alternatives, and social gatherings became a minefield of judgment and misunderstanding. But my newfound empathy propelled me forward, emboldening me to persist against all odds. As I immersed myself in veganism, I discovered a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, bound by a shared commitment to kindness. Their unwavering support became the foundation upon which my resilience grew. Together, we challenged societal norms, raised awareness, and advocated for a more compassionate world. Through my vegan journey, I experienced a profound transformation. The compassion I extended to animals began to extend to myself and others. I realized that we are all connected, and the choices we make have far-reaching consequences. By aligning my actions with my values, I found purpose and a sense of belonging that had eluded me for so long. Today, I strive to be a beacon of hope for others who may feel lost or disconnected. I share my story, not to evoke pity, but to inspire change and ignite the spark of compassion within each person I encounter. I have witnessed the transformative power of choosing love over cruelty, and I believe that if we open our hearts, we can build a world where kindness reigns supreme. So, as I reflect on my sob story turned triumphant tale, I am grateful for the hardships that led me to become vegan. They pushed me to confront the darkness in the world and inspired me to be a force for good. In the face of adversity, I discovered my true purpose—to be a voice for the voiceless and to create a more compassionate, inclusive world for all.

From an early age, my passion for science has driven me to envision myself as a dedicated scientist, eager to serve diverse communities and contribute to the betterment of society. Although financial constraints and societal expectations initially seemed to hinder my aspirations, I have learned to persevere and take the necessary steps to transform my dreams into reality. In this essay, I will outline my plan to contribute to the field of science by utilizing my knowledge, experiences, and unwavering determination. If I could do anything in my life, it would be to make healthcare accessible to underserved populations. To lay the foundation for achieving this goal, I have dedicated close to 300 hours of volunteering in a group home for the mentally and physically less fortunate. Through this experience, I have learned the importance of speaking up for those with small voices, amplifying their concerns, and advocating for their well-being. In the future, as I gain more resources, I aspire to establish a non-profit organization focused on educating teenagers about mental health, thereby reducing the stigmatization surrounding neurological illnesses. By merging my medical expertise with my passion for community engagement, I aim to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and inspire future generations of healthcare professionals. In fact, the mysteries of the human body and the ever-evolving nature of scientific research invigorate me. I see challenges as opportunities for growth and embrace them with enthusiasm. Throughout my academic journey, I have immersed myself in STEM education, gaining knowledge in various interconnected fields. My experience as a member and captain of my Science Olympiad team exemplifies my dedication to continuous learning. Although I initially never anticipated memorizing 250 North American trees for competition, this endeavor expanded my understanding of biological processes and how they relate to human anatomy. Recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge, I strive to broaden my horizons and cultivate curiosity, enabling me to make significant contributions to society and the scientific community through research findings. One of the greatest challenges I have faced is dealing with my mother's illness while taking on the responsibilities of being a caregiver. This experience ignited my passion for research and motivated me to pursue a career in the medical field. It also allowed me to break free from societal expectations and challenge the stereotypes that limit women's potential. Joining clubs where women were outnumbered, such as Science Olympiad, I became proficient enough to lead as the captain. However, I encountered instances of gender bias and condescension, which only fueled my determination to bring about change. I firmly believe that diverse representation in STEM fields is essential, and I am committed to breaking down gender barriers and empowering more women to pursue their passions. In conclusion, my journey in science is driven by a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to society. By utilizing my knowledge, experiences, and determination, I aim to make healthcare accessible to underserved populations, broaden my horizons through interdisciplinary research, and break stereotypes that hinder the progress of women in STEM fields. With each step I take, I strive to inspire future generations of scientists and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge. The walls that once seemed insurmountable are now stepping stones on the path to realizing my childhood dreams and making a lasting impact in the field of science.

Tired, lonely, and desolate may describe someone struggling with an untreated psychological illness. And, little is done about the millions of people who feel this way. Mental health stigmatization is a massive issue in today's society due to the overwhelming population it affects. Mental health is only rising due to the recognition, however, it's made me quick to realize not all fame is good fame. Misunderstandings regarding mental health conditions have come to light and many wrongly believe it's a result of cognitive failure or weakness. As someone with a mentally ill mother, I spent much of my time fighting off these stigmas, which caused me to not be open about my struggles. That's where I found the deficit: many of my peers were judgemental of my mother's struggle when I was younger due to a lack of understanding. This lack of understanding was particularly harmful to my mother and me as it allowed for a poor psychological state to be normalized rather than talked about with others. So, I started volunteering at REACH Unlimited, a home for those who are mentally and physically disadvantaged in order to peak into the deficit of mental health care. I wanted to learn why this epidemic of mental health was prevalent in society and what could be done about it. Through my time volunteering, I've learned that mental health acceptance comes from a root of understanding; no matter how much you yearn for them to get better, that day may never come and that's okay. Support is vital when it comes to those struggling and understanding requires a group effort to break down stigmatization. "Mental Health Matters" is a non-profit I plan to start once I start my studies at Southwestern, and I plan to start in the small town of Georgetown to educate schools about the importance of mental health acceptance. Many still hold onto the bias that mental health is stagnant and never-ending, but there are steps of support that can be taken to minimize the symptoms. Many of these steps are not taken due to fear of judgment or support, such as talk therapy or medication. In fact, the culture around the treatment of mental health and its support is extremely vital in the manifestation. For example, I learned while volunteering at REACH that Schizophrenic patients in the US usually hear extremely harsh voices, meanwhile, in Africa and India, it is more benign and playful. Although it is a tentative conclusion supported by a Stanford Researcher, this evidence suggests the importance of a positive and open mind. In fact, this manifestation is said to be a result of the independent hustle culture here in the US against the intertwined social circles we see West. Many do not know of this fact from the top of their head, and this type of education may be a first step into a journey of acceptance. Along with creating a non-profit to educate those on mental health, I plan to kickstart a career in Neurosurgery and pre-med to bring light to those who are suffering. What they have to go through is not fair and deserving of recognition and support from others in order to create a more inclusive society. I plan to partake in undergraduate research in Psychology to understand how the brain works and learn about alternative treatments that can be taken. It's a tough society when you feel betrayed by your own body, so having an understanding community is vital for acceptance.

In many industries, including healthcare, gender inequality is a persistent issue and prevents many successful women from furthering their careers. A 2020 report by the Texas Medical Board states only 33% of surgeons in Texas are women, and this gap proves to be concerning due to diversity in the workforce leading to an enhanced patient experience. I believe that representation for women in high-earning jobs, like surgery, will help fight gender disparity in Texas. Increasing the number of female surgeons in Texas can help to provide better representation for woman patients. Studies have shown that female physicians are more likely to provide patient-centered care and may be more sensitive to the needs and concerns of female patients, thus ensuring women may access quality care that meets their unique needs, and I plan to be a part of that fact by being a continuous advocate for women's health and womanhood. In the ever-changing Texas laws regarding women's bodies, representation could be vital increase of quality care in a time of ever-fluidity. Also, I want to use my aspiring career in surgery and pre-med title to challenge conventional gender roles and stereotypes. Historically, surgery is male-dominated, and women face significant barriers to success. However, as more women enter the surgical field, I plan to go against the norm of how a surgeon may look and be a positive role model for future generations. I grew up in a household with traditional gender roles, so recognizing the importance of breaking down stereotypes is vital to create change in the current system of inequality. To widen the support for future women in surgery and ensure this possibility, I believe in several steps: One key strategy is to provide more support and resources for women who are interested in the field by including mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and training programs specifically designed for women. By providing these resources, women can receive the support and guidance they need to succeed in a demanding field like surgery. I plan to further my education on this topic to provide these resources to future surgeons. Another strategy is to address the barriers that prevent women from pursuing careers in surgery in the first place. One significant barrier barring women from joining is the lack of family-friendly policies and support, causing many women to be hesitant to pursue this career due to a preconceived idea of a lack of balance among professional and personal responsibilities. By providing support for a family-friendly policy, it will provide a significant change in the current medical system. Support for policies supporting parental leave and flexible scheduling will help alleviate these concerns, thus expanding a preconceived idea of surgery and allowing for more women representation in the surgical field. Lastly, addressing the systemic biases among women of color in healthcare is the key to opening healthcare to all. By challenging gender and race pay gaps, unconscious biases made by others, and discrimination in promotion and leadership opportunities, healthcare organizations can create a more inclusive and equitable workplace that encourages more women to pursue careers in surgery. The inclusion of successful, positive role models for the younger generation will enable change in what the younger generation may consider a woman’s role to be. By increasing the resources and support for the number of female surgeons, addressing systemic biases and discrimination, and establishing an inclusive and equitable healthcare system, we may create a healthcare system that benefits all Texans. With continued efforts to promote gender diversity in surgery, we can work towards a bright, inclusive future for all.

1. From an early age, I've envisioned myself as a dedicated scientist serving diverse communities and helping others. I grew up reading Psychology and Chemistry books from a young age, enthralled by the sciences that go beyond our own rational thought—the VTA projects to the NA, making up the mesolimbic pathway in Schizophrenic patients, causing positive symptoms. However, reality spoke when my parents and I discussed the financial constraints of my dreams. For a career in medical research, I'd need clinical experience. To receive clinical experience, I'd need money to complete the required prerequisites. I felt that the walls were crumbling around me, and my childhood dreams had to come to a halt. However, I learned that where you'd like to be in life cannot be a part of your imagination, as that entails a place you may never reach. I can take these steps to achieve my dreams, and I can reach out to make my imagination a reality. If I could do anything in my life, I envision myself making healthcare accessible to underserving populations, and I have achieved this goal by volunteering close to 300 hours in a group home for the mentally and physically less fortunate. I have learned the importance of speaking up for those with small voices, as many small voices create a louder voice for others to hear. In the future, when I have more resources, I'd like to create a non-profit educating teens on mental health to decrease the stigmatization surrounding neurological illnesses. By merging my medical expertise with my passion for community engagement, I hope to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and inspire future generations of healthcare professionals. 2. The prospect of learning about our body's mysteries in an ever-evolving field drives me to embrace the challenges ahead. My pursuit of knowledge in STEM education serves to invigorate me further whether it be through deciphering complex biological processes, analyzing intricate data sets, or finding innovative solutions to healthcare problems. I want to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Thus, I believe that my time as a member and captain of my Science Olympiad team accurately represents the constant knowledge needed to thrive in a career regarding research. As an aspiring Pre-Med major, I never imagined that I would be memorizing 250 North American trees for competition, nor would I ever imagine getting 2nd in regionals due to the memorization. But moments where you dive into the research to learn about one topic, but come out to learn the intricacies in a totally different, but slightly related topic represents the true nature of STEM education. STEM researchers are expected to uphold knowledge to the greatest degree in their field, however, I believe it's vital to be knowledgeable in many similar, interconnected fields of your own. Through the research I came to do on the North American trees, I have come to a greater understanding of human biological processes by studying many different tree biological processes and how they interact with the world. The trees are each different yet similar in their own way, just as human growth and framework are similar in anatomy, but different in execution. I have realized the importance of broadening my horizons in a way that encourages me to never underestimate curiosity. The impact I plan to make in this world is to spread as much knowledge in my selected field and make a significant contribution to society and current STEM scientists through research findings in my undergraduate experience. I have a psychological internship planned for the spring semester of my Freshman year of college, and even if I do not make a significant finding, I'd like to spread knowledge of what I'm doing through one paper at a time. 3. The greatest challenge I had to have faced was dealing with my mother and her sickness. Throughout my youngest years, I often have had to step up, after a long day of being out at both school and work, to be the mother. Although I cannot blame my mother for never being home, what I came to realize was she was supporting me to pay off expenses while dealing with her debilitating medical issue. My mother was a hoarder, and this experience was nothing but a motivator for my future career and forthcoming as a future medical professional. This experience first sparked my love for research, as I would spend hours in front of the computer considering what was "normal". However, there came a moment in my life when I had to break down exactly what the term "normal" meant to me. Maybe it was someone with a stable mother-daughter relationship, where money was stable and not stress-inducing. Maybe it was a smiling young girl sitting down and filling in the role of what a woman is meant to be, and I knew that it was not me. I wanted to do more than what my gender had planned out for me, and I wanted to break down stereotypes forcing me into a path of motherhood. I joined clubs where women were greatly outnumbered, such as Science Olympiad, and became proficient enough to become captain. However, despite being the only Science Olympiad member to place in States the year prior to being captain, I often felt a disconnect in being one of the only active female members of the club. At one point, after answering a question another male captain could not answer, I was told to "stick to Psychology, and leave the real science to men". Perhaps he was threatened because I knew an answer he did not, or perhaps there is not enough female representation in STEM and non-traditional housewife roles. Thus, I'd like there to be a change.