The pandemic as a whole has affected me. I never thought that I’d see myself living through a pandemic and I saw a lot of things change. People close to me have passed away whether it be related to illness from the pandemic or not and that really made me realize the value in life. The pandemic has mentally affected me a lot and still does continue to affect me. I realized after a certain point in the pandemic nearing the end of my senior year that it’s time for me to reevaluate my life. I started seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I actively see my therapist to ensure that I am mentally and emotionally where I need to be so I can continue college. My mental health disorders didn’t deter me from accomplishing what I needed to get done such as graduating, applying for scholarships, and actually working enough to be able to provide myself with college funds other than the financial aid I received. I truly believed the pandemic has helped me realize that life isn’t easy but what makes your life better is you not giving up throughout your trials and tribulation and recognizing your weaknesses and strengths. I am now a biology major, and a pharmacy technician at a local pharmacy and in the future I want to be able to provide kids and other students with the insight that I lacked while growing up by making hospitals and public health areas safer environments for people of color and people who have mental disorders or issues beyond me.

The pandemic as a whole has affected me. I never thought that I’d see myself living through a pandemic and I saw a lot of things change. People close to me have passed away whether it be related to illness from the pandemic or not and that really made me realize the value in life. The pandemic has mentally affected me a lot and still does continue to affect me. I realized after a certain point in the pandemic nearing the end of my senior year that it’s time for me to reevaluate my life. I started seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I actively see my therapist to ensure that I am mentally and emotionally where I need to be so I can continue college. My mental health disorders didn’t deter me from accomplishing what I needed to get done such as graduating, applying for scholarships, and actually working enough to be able to provide myself with college funds other than the financial aid I received. I truly believed the pandemic has helped me realize that life isn’t easy but what makes your life better is you not giving up throughout your trials and tribulation and recognizing your weaknesses and strengths. I am now a biology major, and a pharmacy technician at a local pharmacy and in the future I want to be able to provide kids and other students with the insight that I lacked while growing up by making hospitals and public health areas safer environments for people of color beyond me.

In terms of leadership I do see myself as a leader more than anything else. During my high school years I’ve witnessed countless people be bullied and rather than being a bystander I went out of my comfort zone to make sure that person was okay and didn’t feel out of place. During my years of working customer service and retail I’ve met countless different people with differing personalities and characteristics. Though I do not know sign language if I’ve encountered someone hard of hearing or deaf I will go out of my way to make sure they understand me and enjoy their experience whether it be me using a phone to translate what I’m saying into words or even pulling down my mask to allow the person to read my lips while I talk.Throughout the years as I’ve come to know myself and the way people interact around me going against the norms or having differing characteristics or traits from the people around you allow you to be different. Thus these attributes allow for you to be the person you are.

The pandemic as a whole has affected me. I never thought that I’d see myself living through a pandemic and I saw a lot of things change. People close to me have passed away whether it be related to illness from the pandemic or not and that really made me realize the value in life. The pandemic has mentally affected me a lot and still does continue to affect me. I realized after a certain point in the pandemic nearing the end of my senior year that it’s time for me to reevaluate my life. I started seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I actively see my therapist to ensure that I am mentally and emotionally where I need to be so I can continue college. My mental health disorders didn’t deter me from accomplishing what I needed to get done such as graduating, applying for scholarships, and actually working enough to be able to provide myself with college funds other than the financial aid I received. I truly believed the pandemic has helped me realize that life isn’t easy but what makes your life better is you not giving up throughout your trials and tribulation and recognizing your weaknesses and strengths. I am now a biology major, and a pharmacy technician at a local pharmacy and in the future I want to be able to provide kids and other students with the insight that I lacked while growing up by making hospitals and public health areas safer environments for people of color beyond me.

I see science as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Seeing that right now we’re living through a pandemic it truly shows a value in science and the research revolving around science. I feel like I were able to make even the slightest contribution to science I’d be content because I know that the even the smallest contribution to science advances our understanding of life.Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field truly has my heart.One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward.

I see science as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Seeing that right now we’re living through a pandemic it truly shows a value in science and the research revolving around science. I feel like I were able to make even the slightest contribution to science I’d be content because I know that the even the smallest contribution to science advances our understanding of life.Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field truly has my heart.One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward.

The pandemic as a whole has affected me. I never thought that I’d see myself living through a pandemic and I saw a lot of things change. People close to me have passed away whether it be related to illness from the pandemic or not and that really made me realize the value in life. The pandemic has mentally affected me a lot and still does continue to affect me. I realized after a certain point in the pandemic nearing the end of my senior year that it’s time for me to reevaluate my life. I started seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I actively see my therapist to ensure that I am mentally and emotionally where I need to be so I can continue college. My mental health disorders didn’t deter me from accomplishing what I needed to get done such as graduating, applying for scholarships, and actually working enough to be able to provide myself with college funds other than the financial aid I received. I truly believed the pandemic has helped me realize that life isn’t easy but what makes your life better is you not giving up throughout your trials and tribulation and recognizing your weaknesses and strengths. I am now a biology major, and a pharmacy technician at a local pharmacy and in the future I want to be able to provide kids and other students with the insight that I lacked while growing up by making hospitals and public health areas safer environments for people of color beyond me. In terms of leadership I do see myself as a leader more than anything else. During my high school years I’ve witnessed countless people be bullied and rather than being a bystander I went out of my comfort zone to make sure that person was okay and didn’t feel out of place. During my years of working customer service and retail I’ve met countless different people with differing personalities and characteristics. Though I do not know sign language if I’ve encountered someone hard of hearing or deaf I will go out of my way to make sure they understand me and enjoy their experience. Whether it be me using a phone to translate what I’m saying into words or even pulling down my mask to allow the person to read my lips while I talk. Throughout the years as I’ve come to know myself and the way people interact around me going against the norms or having differing characteristics or traits from the people around you allow you to be different. Thus these attributes allow for you to be the person you are.

I see science as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Seeing that right now we’re living through a pandemic it truly shows a value in science and the research revolving around science. I feel like I were able to make even the slightest contribution to science I’d be content because I know that the even the smallest contribution to science advances our understanding of life.Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field truly has my heart.One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward. I am the youngest child of three. I’ve always looked up to my mother and sister and wanted to be like them in life. Both my mother and sister have taken the academic steps in wanting to specialize in fields that help people so in return I’ve grown to want to do the same. As an African American , I want to help redefine the stigma and stereotypes of black people and want people to see people of color and diversity within the medical field. Growing up and not seeing people who look like me around me made me wonder what boundaries people like me experienced, but now I want people to realize they shouldn’t conform to society’s perception of them, but rather exceed it and show that you are worthy and not just a stereotype or stigma created decades or centuries ago to oppress people like yours. Being able to see people who look like them within such a stressful, yet rewarding field allows people to recognize the benefits and the importance of science which will then promote the medical field even more. My fascination with science and public health prompted me to want to pursue a career in the medical field due to it not being the norm for African Americans and people of color. My pathway to becoming a radiologist is strenuous, but will be worth it in the long run. The medical field is very important and the thought of being able to work in tandem with different people continuously to help people in need is desirable. I found that after actually studying science as a major I’ve recognized how everything revolves around science but also the people studying the science.

I see science as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Seeing that right now we’re living through a pandemic it truly shows a value in science and the research revolving around science. I feel like I were able to make even the slightest contribution to science I’d be content because I know that the even the smallest contribution to science advances our understanding of life.Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field truly has my heart.One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward. I am the youngest child of three. I’ve always looked up to my mother and sister and wanted to be like them in life. Both my mother and sister have taken the academic steps in wanting to specialize in fields that help people so in return I’ve grown to want to do the same. As an African American , I want to help redefine the stigma and stereotypes of black people and want people to see people of color and diversity within the medical field. Growing up and not seeing people who look like me around me made me wonder what boundaries people like me experienced, but now I want people to realize they shouldn’t conform to society’s perception of them, but rather exceed it and show that you are worthy and not just a stereotype or stigma created decades or centuries ago to oppress people like yours. Being able to see people who look like them within such a stressful, yet rewarding field allows people to recognize the benefits and the importance of science which will then promote the medical field even more. My fascination with science and public health prompted me to want to pursue a career in the medical field due to it not being the norm for African Americans and people of color. My pathway to becoming a radiologist is strenuous, but will be worth it in the long run. The medical field is very important and the thought of being able to work in tandem with different people continuously to help people in need is desirable. I found that after actually studying science as a major I’ve recognized how everything revolves around science but also the people studying the science.

A happy memory of mine would be my niece being born. She gave me a better reason to live the life that I felt I no longer wanted to live during a dark time in my life. I’ve now seen people for my problems and every time I see her my day brightens just by her smile. I’ve finally recognized the value in making sure I’m mentally well, and when to seek help instead of believing my problems are only confined to myself.

1. I am the youngest child of three. I’ve always looked up to my mother and sister and wanted to be like them in life. Both my mother and sister have taken the academic steps in wanting to specialize in fields that help people so in return I’ve grown to want to do the same. As an African American , I want to help redefine the stigma and stereotypes of black people and want people to see people of color and diversity within the medical field. Growing up and not seeing people who look like me around me made me wonder what boundaries people like me experienced, but now I want people to realize they shouldn’t conform to society’s perception of them, but rather exceed it and show that you are worthy and not just a stereotype or stigma created decades or centuries ago to oppress people like yours. Being able to see people who look like them within such a stressful, yet rewarding field allows people to recognize the benefits and the importance of science which will then promote the medical field even more. My fascination with science and public health prompted me to want to pursue a career in the medical field due to it not being the norm for African Americans and people of color. My pathway to becoming a radiologist is strenuous, but will be worth it in the long run. The field of Radiology is very important and the thought of being able to work in tandem with different people continuously is desirable. I found that after actually studying science as a major I’ve recognized how everything revolves around science but also the people studying the science. 2. I see science as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Seeing that right now we’re living through a pandemic it truly shows a value in science and the research revolving around science. I feel like I were able to make even the slightest contribution to science I’d be content because I know that the even the smallest contribution to science advances our understanding of life. Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field specifically truly has my heart. One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward. 3. The pandemic as a whole has affected me. I never thought that I’d see myself living through a pandemic and I saw a lot of things change. People close to me have passed away whether it be related to illness from the pandemic or not and that really made me realize the value in life. The pandemic has mentally affected me a lot and still does continue to affect me. I realized after a certain point in the pandemic nearing the end of my senior year that it’s time for me to reevaluate my life. I started seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I actively see my therapist to ensure that I am mentally and emotionally where I need to be so I can continue college. My mental health disorders didn’t deter me from accomplishing what I needed to get done such as graduating, applying for scholarships, and actually working enough to be able to provide myself with college funds other than the financial aid I received. I truly believed the pandemic has helped me realize that life isn’t easy but what makes your life better is you not giving up throughout your trials and tribulation and recognizing your weaknesses and strengths. I am now a biology major, and a pharmacy technician at a local pharmacy and in the future I want to be able to provide kids and other students with the insight that I lacked while growing up by making hospitals and public health areas safer environments for people of color beyond me.

I see biology as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field truly has my heart.One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward. Being able to see people who look like them within such a stressful, yet rewarding field allows people to recognize the benefits and the importance of science which will then promote the medical field even more. My fascination with science and public health prompted me to want to pursue a career in the medical field due to it not being the norm for African Americans and people of color. My pathway to becoming a radiologist is strenuous, but will be worth it in the long run. The field of Radiology is very important and the thought of being able to work in tandem with different people continuously is desirable. I found that after actually studying science as a major I’ve recognized how everything revolves around science but also the people studying the science. In recent times it has become known that minorities have gone to doctors for help, but have encountered maltreatment which shows inequality in the medical field. As a medical professional it is your duty to care for individuals equally, but mistreating a patient is never right in any circumstance and is not warranted, especially if it’s based on their race or ethnicity. I hope that in the coming years we begin to see more people of color in the medical field so patients of color see medical professionals that look like they care for them and in result will be more comfortable in these types of settings.

I see biology as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field truly has my heart.One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward. The pandemic as a whole has affected me. I never thought that I’d see myself living through a pandemic and I saw a lot of things change. People close to me have passed away whether it be related to illness from the pandemic or not. The pandemic has mentally affected me a lot. I realized after a certain point in the pandemic nearing the end of my senior year that it’s time for me to reevaluate my life. I started seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I actively see my therapist to ensure that I am mentally and emotionally where I need to be so I can continue college. My mental health disorders didn’t deter me from accomplishing what I needed to get done such as graduating, applying for scholarships, and actually working enough to be able to provide myself with college funds other than the financial aid I received. I truly believed the pandemic has helped me realize that life isn’t easy but what makes your life better is you not giving up throughout your trials and tribulation and recognizing your weaknesses and strengths. I am now a biology major, and a pharmacy technician at a local pharmacy and in the future I want to be able to provide kids with the insight that I lacked while growing up by making hospitals and public health areas safer environments for people of color beyond me.

Legacy means being able to leave a better life than the generations before me. While growing up I’ve seen unhealthy relations, torn households, people give up, and I’ve also seen people’s health conditions deteriorate. I want for myself in the future to be able to be healthy mentally, physically, and emotionally. The sacrifices I’ve seen the people before me go through just shows that a little determination can go a long way. Whether it be anecdotal or seen through television, news, music, etc. I’ve seen people of color experience inequality, and let their stereotypes dictate their lives. I don’t want that life for myself or anyone in the coming generations. These stigmatizations need to be broken so people can live the lives they rightfully deserve without having to go through obstacles that are either unnecessary or break their spirit. I am the youngest child of three. I’ve always looked up to my mother and sister and wanted to be like them in life. Both my mother and sister have taken the academic steps in wanting to specialize in fields that help people so in return I’ve grown to want to do the same. As an African American , I want to help redefine the stigma and stereotypes of black people and want people to see people of color and diversity within the medical field. Growing up and not seeing people who look like me around me made me wonder what boundaries people like me experienced, but now I want people to realize they shouldn’t conform to society’s perception of them, but rather exceed it and show that you are worthy and not just a stereotype or stigma created decades or centuries ago to oppress people like yours. Being able to see people who look like them within such a stressful, yet rewarding field allows people to realize the benefits and the importance of the field which will then promote the medical field even more. My fascination with the medical field prompted me to want to pursue a career in the medical field due to it not being the norm for African Americans and people of color. My pathway to becoming a radiologist is strenuous, but will be worth it in the long run. The field of Radiology is very important and the thought of being able to work in tandem with different people continuously is desirable. I found that after meeting a professor who specializes in Radiology her insight on the Radiology field refined my decision on what field I wanted to study in medicine. In recent times it has become known that minorities have gone to doctors for help, but have encountered maltreatment which shows inequality in the medical field. As a medical professional it is your duty to care for individuals equally, but mistreating a patient is never right in any circumstance and is not warranted, especially if it’s based on their race or ethnicity. I hope that in the coming years we begin to see more people of color in the medical field so patients of color see medical professionals that look like they care for them and in result will be more comfortable in these types of settings.

Artist Name: Dazed Loner Playlist Name: More Confused than Expected Note to Self - Mariah The Scientist Are We Still Friends? - Tyler, The Creator (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano - Sampha Fireflies- Owl City 24/7- Kehlani Be Yourself- Frank Ocean November- Tyler, The Creator

The pandemic has mentally affected me a lot. I realized after a certain point in the pandemic nearing the end of my senior year that it’s time for me to reevaluate my life. I started seeing a therapist and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. My mental health disorders didn’t deter me from accomplishing what I needed to get done such as graduating, applying for scholarships, and actually working enough to be able to provide myself with college funds other than the financial aid I received. I truly believed the pandemic has helped me realize that life isn’t easy but what makes your life better is you not giving up throughout your trials and tribulation and recognizing your weaknesses in strengths. I am now a biology major and in the future I want to be able to provide kids with the insight that I lacked while growing up by making hospitals and public health areas safer environments for people of color beyond.

I am the youngest child of three. I’ve always looked up to my mother and sister and wanted to be like them in life. Both my mother and sister have taken the academic steps in wanting to specialize in fields that help people so in return I’ve grown to want to do the same. As an African American , I want to help redefine the stigma and stereotypes of black people and want people to see people of color and diversity within the medical field. Growing up and not seeing people who look like me around me made me wonder what boundaries people like me experienced, but now I want people to realize they shouldn’t conform to society’s perception of them, but rather exceed it and show that you are worthy and not just a stereotype or stigma created decades or centuries ago to oppress people like yours. I see biology as the foundation to everything involving life, without our understanding of science we would not be as advanced as we are currently. Whether it be engineering, chemistry, or biology, science is needed for essentially everything we do. Though I am truly passionate about science, the medical field truly has my heart.One thing I strive to do with my degree is try to eliminate the racial bias present in the medical field. After my undergraduate studies I plan on pursuing medical school, and trying to specialize in either radiology or cardiology. Once I do complete my residency I plan on establishing a career within the medical field that will allow me to be able to educate other medical personnel on the racial disparities faced by minorities within the medical field whether it be patients or medical professionals themselves. My plan is to ensure people are educated enough in the medical field to ensure that patients and professionals are comfortable in a space that is supposed to benefit their health and help them. I sincerely believe that within a society change is required for growth. Once the problems within the science and medical community are recognized whether it be gender or racial inequality we will be able to move forward. In recent times it has become known that minorities have gone to doctors for help, but have encountered maltreatment which shows inequality in the medical field. As a medical professional it is your duty to care for individuals equally, but mistreating a patient is never right in any circumstance and is not warranted, especially if it’s based on their race or ethnicity. I hope that in the coming years we begin to see more people of color in the medical field so patients of color see medical professionals that look like they care for them and in result will be more comfortable in these types of settings.

Marie Curie, essentially defied all odds out against her during her time. She was a woman and had to accept that she’d have to let her husband publish her works in order for her voice to be heard. She got through all the obstacles put against her and is now known as the pioneer of the research radioactivity. Without her additions to science some may still be unknown, but her work puts out the notion that regardless of the inequalities you face, you can do anything you put your mind to.