I still remember sitting in waiting rooms as a child, translating medical forms and conversations for my parents because they spoke limited English. While other kids relied on their parents’ advice, my parents had to rely on my assistance to get through the process of accessing healthcare services, dealing with school documents, and utilizing local community resources. Watching my parents struggle to access support despite working hard every day taught me how deeply inequality affects families in underserved communities. Growing up in Houston, Texas, I witnessed these challenges firsthand within my community and my own family. We lacked help and support from the people around us, and we struggled financially as an immigrant household for 15 years. My parents spoke broken English and relied heavily on me, their firstborn daughter, to navigate systems they could not access on their own. I looked for resources and programs in my first year of high school to help them with any necessities. That experience became the foundation of my passion for supporting underserved communities and advocating for those who are often left without help. I learned at a young age how to navigate healthcare, school, and community systems for my family despite language barriers and limited resources. Public health is not just about data or policy, but about listening to people’s stories and responding to their needs with effective and meaningful solutions. The field allows me to address multiple issues at once, including environmental conditions, food insecurity, and the spread of disease in under-resourced communities. My academic and professional objectives revolve around improving access to healthcare and nutrition for marginalized populations. Being able to study abroad in the Dominican Republic will provide me with international work experience, which will be beneficial for my work in marginalized populations back in Houston, TX. Even though my focus has always been on U.S. public healthcare, it is important for me to gain a broader understanding of how different countries approach healthcare systems and community healthcare, particularly in Latin American countries. Being of Salvadoran descent, my family and community life have always given me a first-hand view of how medicine and healthcare work. Researching healthcare in the Dominican Republic will give me a brighter perspective of the healthcare systems in different parts of the country. I want to provide people with the best care possible, and that means understanding the patients. This program fits perfectly into my academic track as a Public Health major. It is a short, one-week academic program, which begins after my spring term ends. It was created to ensure it does not coincide with my existing courses, which is a benefit. My Culture and Health Professor recommended it to me, particularly because it will expose me to "different ways of viewing health systems beyond my own," which can positively contribute to my academic progress. Overall, the educational component aligns with the long-term career aspiration of creating a successful public health-focused career that incorporates community work, program development, and global perspectives. The opportunity to work in non-US-based healthcare systems will provide me with a broad-based understanding, hands-on training, and refined skills in creating programs designed to improve the levels of health in underrepresented communities. My time in a foreign environment will enhance my understanding of global-level healthcare while solidifying my commitment to the principles of equity, service, and social change. I am eager to bring these experiences back to Houston and contribute to programs I will work with that empower communities to expand healthcare access for all.

What does it mean to be healthy when access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe spaces is limited? Growing up in Houston, Texas, I witnessed these challenges firsthand within my community and my own family. We lacked help and support from the people around us, and we struggled for 15 years. My parents spoke broken English and relied heavily on me, their firstborn daughter, to navigate systems they could not access on their own. I looked for resources and programs in my first year of high school to help them with any necessities. That experience became the foundation of my passion for supporting underserved communities and advocating for those who are often left without help. It inspired me to pursue a career as an Executive Public Health Director, lending a hand to those most in need. As a first-generation Latina studying Public Health at the University of Houston, with a 3.8 GPA, I have observed firsthand how socioeconomic factors influence outcomes. Public health is not just about data or policy, but about listening to people’s stories and responding to their needs with effective and meaningful solutions. The field allows me to address multiple issues at once, including environmental conditions, food insecurity, and the spread of disease in under-resourced communities. My academic and professional objectives revolve around improving access to healthcare and nutrition for marginalized populations. Even though my focus has always been on U.S. public healthcare, I aim to gain a broader understanding of how different countries approach healthcare systems and community healthcare, particularly in Latin American countries. Being of Salvadoran descent, my family and community life have always given me a first-hand view of how medicine and healthcare work. I want to provide the best possible care by learning from diverse patient populations around the world and bringing that understanding into U.S. healthcare, while honoring patients’ cultural beliefs and values. My personal experiences with limited access to healthcare have deeply impacted me and continue to inspire my commitment to bring positive change to the lives of others. Even with these struggles, I have committed myself to serving my community. As Program Manager of AliefVotes, I supported youth initiatives that reached over 600 students and coordinated 15 community projects to promote youth involvement in local elections. I organized a literacy workshop in partnership with Chick-fil-A, securing a $500 micro-grant to fund the event. Over 40 families attended, engaging in interactive reading activities while also gaining the chance to apply for a computer giveaway to support their children’s education. As of right now, I am building a program called Carefor2, a youth-led initiative that trains younger generations to support older adults with medication reminders, health check-ins, wellness support, and overall health maintenance under adult supervision in retirement homes. The program has also received a $2,500 grant to support student stipends and transportation, helping reduce barriers for participants from low-income neighborhoods. I hope to expand the program across greater Houston and support seniors who may feel isolated and in need of consistent care and companionship. I am deeply committed to building this program to support both youth and older adults, as I recognize the challenges many seniors face as a major issue that requires meaningful and sustained intervention. The Christina Taylese Singh scholarship represents more than financial support. It helps me be part of the change to remove barriers and give immigrant families, low-income households, and marginalized communities the resources they deserve. Through my work as a future Executive Public Health Director and the service I am currently doing, I will help thousands of families in America.

I am a first-generation college student at the University of Houston, majoring in Public Health. My journey to higher education has been shaped by both blessings and hardships that continue to define who I am and the future I want to create. When my mom became pregnant with my younger sister, our family was overjoyed, but her arrival also brought new challenges. Around that time, my mom lost her job, leaving my dad as the sole provider for our family of five. Overnight, our financial situation became unstable. Bills began to pile up, and my parents stretched every dollar to keep us afloat. Even now, we continue to struggle, and I see the sacrifices my parents make every day to provide for us. These challenges taught me the value of perseverance and opened my eyes to the barriers many families face. I grew up watching loved ones suffer through illness, not because treatments did not exist, but because they were out of reach financially. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of how unfair the system can be, but they also inspired me to pursue a career in Public Health so I can help underserved communities gain the care they deserve. Starting college has added new obstacles. Tuition, books, transportation, and everyday living expenses are overwhelming. While FAFSA helped, it did not cover most of my costs. I am now working through how to manage the remaining expenses, and if that means working two jobs while studying full-time, I am ready to do it. I know it will be difficult, but I refuse to let financial barriers stand in the way of my education. Even with these struggles, I have committed myself to serving my community. As Program Manager of AliefVotes, I supported civic initiatives that reached over 600 students and coordinated 15 community projects to promote youth involvement in local elections. I also led a Healthcare Benefits Project that connected 30 underserved youth to vital health resources. More recently, I organized a literacy workshop in partnership with Chick-fil-A, securing a $500 micro-grant to fund the event. Over 40 families attended, engaging in interactive reading activities while also gaining the chance to apply for a computer giveaway to support their children’s education. Through my work with the BlueFuture Democrats Grassroots Program, I helped promote civic awareness in Virginia by connecting with community members through phone banking, where our team collectively made over 35,000 calls. These experiences have strengthened my leadership skills, communication abilities, and passion for public service. Education has shown me both hardship and hope. My parents left everything behind in search of opportunity for me and my siblings, and I carry their courage with me every day. Their sacrifices motivate me to keep pushing forward, even when the challenges feel overwhelming. This scholarship means more than financial support. It represents a chance to continue pursuing my dream of making Public Health more inclusive, accessible, and compassionate. I want to build programs that remove barriers and ensure that families like mine are seen, supported, and given the resources they deserve. Though the road ahead will not be easy, I am committed to working hard, overcoming adversity, and transforming my family’s story of struggle into one of resilience and meaningful change.

It is not uncommon for immigrant parents in the United States to turn to alcohol as a way to cope with the pain of missing home, family, and the lives they left behind. For my family, this struggle became heartbreakingly real when my uncle fell into addiction and lost the fight before support could reach him. Challenges like these have shaped my education and my sense of purpose. They have taught me empathy, leadership, and the powerful truth that action is more meaningful than words. My personal experiences with limited access to healthcare have deeply impacted me and continue to inspire my commitment to bring positive change to the lives of others. At the start of my high school junior year, I led the Healthcare Benefits Project, a three-month initiative that educated young people in the Alief Independent School District, ages fifteen to twenty-five, about medical resources offered by Texas Children’s Hospital and HOPE Clinic. Through this project, I connected directly with students and helped build a community-focused youth pipeline that values wellness, education, and empowerment. This summer, I worked directly with Texas Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani. I was fascinated by the legislative process, from how House Bills are written to how they become laws that shape people’s lives. I even partnered with another intern to draft a bill focused on helping undocumented youth gain access to mental health resources, an issue I had personally struggled with and witnessed in my community. This path led me to discover the field of Public Health, where I found a future that perfectly aligned with my purpose. Public Health is not just a career choice for me. It is my commitment to bring healing, awareness, and access to those who are too often forgotten. I want to create programs that remove barriers and give immigrant families, low-income households, and marginalized communities the resources they deserve. Through service and advocacy, I have learned that the most powerful form of giving is helping others feel supported, valued, and heard. Education has shown me both hardship and hope. My parents left everything behind to give my siblings and me a chance at a better future. Their strength and sacrifice inspire me every day. I carry their dreams with me, and I am determined to turn those dreams into something real through my work. This scholarship represents more than financial support. It is a step forward in my mission to build a future where people like my uncle no longer suffer in silence and where no one is forced to choose between their pain and the fear of seeking help. I want to help create a world where essential resources are within reach and where every person feels safe, seen, and supported. Most of all, it is a promise to honor my uncle’s memory by turning his struggle into purpose and ensuring that others like him are never left without the care, compassion, and hope they need to keep fighting.

It is not uncommon for immigrant parents in the United States to turn to alcohol as a way to cope with the pain of missing home, family, and the lives they left behind. For my family, this struggle became heartbreakingly real when my uncle fell into addiction and lost the fight before support could reach him. Losing him showed me how devastating it is when people suffer in silence, but it also gave me a purpose: to ensure no one else has to face that kind of isolation without support. Being part of my community has shown me what hope looks like in action. At the start of my junior year of high school, I led the Healthcare Benefits Project, a three-month initiative that educated young people in the Alief Independent School District, ages fifteen to twenty-five, about medical resources offered by Texas Children’s Hospital and HOPE Clinic. Twenty students gathered in a classroom to learn about healthcare access, and I saw how connection and shared knowledge could turn fear into empowerment. That experience taught me that even small actions can build resilience within an entire community. This summer, I worked with Texas Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani, where I partnered with another intern to draft a bill aimed at helping undocumented youth gain access to mental health resources; an issue I personally witnessed in my neighborhood. Through this work, I saw how advocacy and community involvement can influence change on a larger scale and turn compassion into a lasting impact. Public Health is not just a career choice for me. It is my commitment to bring healing, awareness, and access to those who are too often forgotten. Through service and advocacy, I have learned that the most powerful form of giving is helping others feel supported, valued, and heard. This scholarship represents more than financial support. It is a step forward in my mission to build a future where people like my uncle no longer suffer in silence and where no one is forced to choose between their pain and the fear of seeking help. My community has taught me that resilience grows when we care for one another, and I am determined to honor my uncle’s memory by creating a world where every person has the resources, compassion, and hope they need to keep fighting.

It is not uncommon for immigrant parents in the United States to turn to alcohol as a way to cope with the pain of missing home, family, and the lives they left behind. For my family, this struggle became heartbreakingly real when my uncle fell into addiction and lost the fight before support could reach him. Challenges like these have shaped my education and my sense of purpose. They have taught me empathy, leadership, and the powerful truth that action is more meaningful than words. My personal experiences with limited access to healthcare have deeply impacted me and continue to inspire my commitment to bring positive change to the lives of others. At the start of my high school junior year, I led the Healthcare Benefits Project, a three-month initiative that educated young people in the Alief Independent School District, ages fifteen to twenty-five, about medical resources offered by Texas Children’s Hospital and HOPE Clinic. Through this project, I connected directly with students and helped build a community-focused youth pipeline that values wellness, education, and empowerment. This summer, I worked directly with Texas Representative Dr. Suleman Lalani. I was fascinated by the legislative process, from how House Bills are written to how they become laws that shape people’s lives. I even partnered with another intern to draft a bill focused on helping undocumented youth gain access to mental health resources, an issue I had personally struggled with and witnessed in my community. This path led me to discover the field of Public Health, where I found a future that perfectly aligned with my purpose. Public Health is not just a career choice for me. It is my commitment to bring healing, awareness, and access to those who are too often forgotten. I want to create programs that remove barriers and give immigrant families, low-income households, and marginalized communities the resources they deserve. Through service and advocacy, I have learned that the most powerful form of giving is helping others feel supported, valued, and heard. Education has shown me both hardship and hope. My parents left everything behind to give my siblings and me a chance at a better future. Their strength and sacrifice inspire me every day. I carry their dreams with me, and I am determined to turn those dreams into something real through my work. This scholarship represents more than financial support. It is a step forward in my mission to build a future where no one suffers in silence because essential resources are out of reach. With the education I receive, I will use my knowledge, my voice, and my compassion to uplift immigrant Hispanic families like mine. Families that deserve to be seen, supported, and remembered.

“Ms. Kutiev, how does a caterpillar grow?” As a five-year-old child who did not know a single word of English, I struggled to understand others around me. I had never attended pre-kindergarten. Instead, I stayed at home with my aunt while my parents worked every day from sunrise to sunset. When I started kindergarten, I was lost in a classroom full of words I could not understand and people I could not speak to. But then I met Ms. Kutiev, my teacher, who patiently guided me through the first steps of my educational journey. She never made me feel ashamed for asking questions. Instead, she welcomed them with open arms and a kind smile. One of my earliest memories in school was raising a butterfly from an egg. Every day, we watched our caterpillars grow. We learned to be patient, to nurture something small with care and attention. One day, my caterpillar stopped moving. I panicked, thinking it had died. Ms. Kutiev gently explained that it was entering the pupa stage, preparing to become something beautiful. That moment stayed with me. I, too, was in a cocoon of my own, slowly learning, slowly transforming. My journey through high school brought new challenges and new lessons. As a freshman, I was quiet and afraid to speak. I often stood in the back of the room, unsure of myself. But I knew I could not stay that way forever. I began to volunteer, even though walking into a room full of confident students made my hands shake. I told myself to show up, even if I was scared. That decision changed everything. In my sophomore year, I joined AliefVotes, a youth-led program focused on civic engagement. I served as the Director of Communications and led my first community service project. I organized a backpack and school supply drive for children returning to school. When I handed out the backpacks and saw the joy on the children’s faces, I felt something deep inside me shift. Their parents looked at me with gratitude in their eyes, silently mouthing “thank you.” I knew then that I wanted to build a life where I could support children and families through education and care. In moments like these, I realized how my own story could inspire change in others and how it fueled my ambition to become a Director of Community Engagement, where I can create meaningful programs that uplift students and support their families. Junior year tested my strength in every way. Between difficult classes, SAT preparation, and family responsibilities, there were days I felt I could not keep going. I reminded myself of the children who looked up to me and of my parents who sacrificed so much. I went on walks to clear my mind and returned home ready to try again. I kept going for them. I kept going for me. “My cocoon hatched, Ms. Kutiev. It’s hatching,” I said with wonder as I saw the wings begin to unfold. We brought our butterflies outside and let them go. Mine rested on my hand for a few moments before flying away. I was scared to let go, not knowing where it would go next. But I realized that this was the moment we had been waiting for. Just like my butterfly, I was finally ready to take flight. I did not attend Deborah Brown Alexander Elementary, but the lessons I learned in primary school shaped everything. Ms. Kutiev taught me that education can change lives. It changed mine. And now, I want to help others believe they can transform into mariposas as well.

“Put on your shoes and let’s go!” my mom yelled from across the kitchen. Every morning, I brushed my teeth, put on my slippers and got ready to start my day at my Tia’s house. I’ve never found it strange how my aunt lived with her three brothers and their families. Back in the rural areas of El Salvador, it is common to sleep in one room with your brothers and sisters. The rooms were pretty small, but everyone had their own space, which is what mattered. We always started our day with sweet bread and coffee, a traditional Hispanic meal that gave me a spark of happiness, surrounded by those I love. The aroma still lingers in my memory, and it feels as though it made all my problems disappear. I've realized that family is everything, but family also means your community, loving those who are around you and looking out for each other. My desire to major in Public Health grew from experiences around my aunt's home that showed me something about the variance in people's lives from person to person. Growing up, everything I did was with my Tia. She always made sure the family and I were well taken care of. She was like a doctor, one who could cure anyone of harmful germs with her traditional remedies. Especially when the whole house was sick; due to us all living in such a small place, we would usually pass the flu at the same time. However, in December 2010, one of my uncles became very ill, due to his alcoholism. I was terrified of what would happen to him because he was like a second father to me. He was always able to fill that void in my heart as a father since my dad worked all day. After a week, I hoped my uncle would come back home. I kept on waiting and waiting for him to bring me another McDonald’s happy meal, but he never came back home. When the clock struck midnight, on January 1st, 2011, we received the heartbreaking news that he had passed away. As an immigrant without access to healthcare, he didn’t receive the medical attention he needed. I truly believe he could have survived if he had been treated long before the seizure that ultimately led to his death. A life event that marked my life to pursue a career in Public Health and find ways to improve and protect the health of families. My uncle’s passing sparked my desire to help families in similar situations. I decided to pursue a career as a Public Health Director, using my passion to serve diverse communities. Through my involvement with student civic programs, I organized a Chromebook and Backpack Giveaway, distributing over 500 Chromebooks and filled backpacks to students in need. A strong passion for community service swiftly developed from what began as an opportunity of accumulating volunteer hours. This experience inspired me to pursue a career in public health, focusing on organizing impactful events and advocating for communities. Going into public health and executing projects that help stabilize and improve communities would allow me to give back and pay forward all the lessons my Tia taught me. Receiving this scholarship would be of great support when it comes to my academic and career goals. I believe that my aspiration of becoming a Public Health Director will be of great value to our communities.

“Put on your shoes and let’s go!” my mom yelled from across the kitchen. Every morning, I brushed my teeth, put on my slippers and got ready to start my day at my Tia Gloria’s house. I’ve never found it strange how my aunt lived with her three brothers and their families. Back in the rural areas of El Salvador, it is common to sleep in one room with your brothers and sisters. The rooms were pretty small, but everyone had their own space which is what mattered. We always started our day off with sweet bread and coffee, a traditional Hispanic meal that gives you a spark of happiness, surrounded by those you love. I can still smell the aroma till this day it's as if it made all of my problems go away. I've realized that family is everything, but family also means your community, loving those who are around you and looking out for each other. My desire to major in Public Health grew from experiences around my aunt's home that showed me something about the variance in people's lives from person to person. Growing up, everything I did was with my Tia Gloria. She always made sure the family and I were well taken care of. She was like a doctor, one who cured me of harmful germs, more known as the flu. The doctor who took care of me when my parents didn’t know what was wrong. A doctor who cured my heart of neglect. A doctor who didn’t attend college, but somehow had the presence of one who finished top of their class. Especially when the whole house was sick; due to us all living in such a small place we would usually all get sick at the same time. However, in December 2010, one of my uncles became very ill, due to his alcoholism I was terrified of what would happen to him because he was like my second father to me. He was always able to fill that space in my heart as a father since my dad worked all day. After a week, he was still hospitalized but I trusted the doctors to cure my uncle because I thought of them like heroes. Except he was an immigrant and lacked healthcare access, so the doctors couldn’t do much because of his situation. On December 31st news came that he had passed away. I believe he would’ve stayed alive if he could have received help from the hospital long before he had a seizure that would eventually be the cause of his death. A life event that inspired me to pursue a career in Public Health and motivated me to find ways that I can improve and protect the health of families and prevent them from being ill no matter the situations they’re in. I am grateful for the experiences that my tia has given me throughout the years. All of them, difficult and joyful, led me to pick a career where I can be of service to families in similar situations. Going into public health and executing projects that help stabilize and improve communities would allow me to give back and pay forward all of the lessons my Tia Gloria taught me. Receiving this scholarship would be of great support when it comes to my academic and career goals. I believe that my aspiration of becoming a Public Health Director will be of great value to our communities. As I am Someone who is ready to be there for our people helping to stop sickness and give back to the community.

Growing up in a Hispanic household, my parents relied on me - I am the oldest daughter - and it has formed who I am today. When it came to reading, technology issues, and even ordering through the drive-thru in fast food restaurants, I had to be the one to talk. I always avoided conversations, but this encouraged me to develop my communication skills. Throughout my educational journey, challenges have been an influential part of building my character and discipline. I have learned the value of empathy, leadership, and the notion that "doing is better than saying." I have been actively involved in a youth-civic organization called AliefVotes, where I serve as the Program Manager. I engage with our district high school students to establish a pipeline of proactive and community-oriented youths. This has not only enriched my learning experiences but has supported me to build strong relationships within my high school community. In September 2024, I oversaw 182 district-wide applications, surveys, and letters sent to every Alief high school student registered to participate in AliefVotes. I also executed a Healthcare Benefits Project that took 3 months to organize, where 30 underrepresented community members from ages 15 to 25 learned about the medical resources offered by Texas Children's Hospital and HOPE Clinic. As part of the Alief ISD Superintendent Student Council, I refined my skills in project planning and discussing matters that usually happen inside all Alief high schools. With each monthly meeting, I have strengthened my capability for visionary development by making student-centered decisions. I know that my experiences stand at the frontline of my leadership growth. The Houston Mayor's Council presented to me the Hispanic Heritage Month recognition, October 2023, due to all the projects and services I did in my community to create a change. That award struck me. It let me know that I am the change. I consider this a privilege to be able to make a difference; later on, I will like to work with teens because they are the future leaders, and we need to start with the youth. My opportunity to represent AliefVotes, my capacity to discuss my interest in the medical industry, and my honor in being the voice of students who I can influence have all impacted who I am. Being given these incredible leadership positions has increased my self-confidence in public speaking, improved my ability to conduct research, and coordinate events in the youth community ecstatic. With the help of this scholarship, I will be able continue my studies and fulfill my purpose of improving communities. I'm determined to use my knowledge in health administration and become an executive public health director. My proven drive and collaboration abilities make me the ideal candidate to receive this scholarship because of my resilience, compassion, and leadership to create change.