A Life of Service: Helping My Community Smile Again When I learned about Mrs. Marion Makins and her life of faith, education, and helping others, I felt connected to her story. I was not raised with a lot of money, but my parents always taught me to help people no matter what. As a Haitian family, we believe in working hard, staying strong, and giving back to others. My faith and my family taught me that service is not just something you do for school. It is a way of life. One of the biggest reasons I want to help others comes from a painful experience in my childhood. When I was young, I broke my front teeth after falling down. My family did not have dental insurance or enough money to fix them. Over time, my teeth became infected, and kids at school bullied me because of how I looked. I became very shy and embarrassed. I would cover my mouth when I talked or laughed because I did not want people to see my teeth. I felt lonely and invisible for many years. Everything changed when a kind dental professional decided to help me for free. They fixed my teeth and gave me my confidence back. That moment changed my life forever. I realized that helping someone is not only about fixing a problem. It is about giving them hope, confidence, and dignity again. Since then, I knew I wanted to spend my life serving others the same way. Today, I serve my school and community in many ways. At Hallandale High School, I am an ESOL Ambassador. I help immigrant students who do not speak English well. I understand how scary and confusing it feels because I remember my own first days in America. I help students find their classes, translate for them, and make them feel welcome. I want them to know they are not alone. I also serve as Treasurer of the Lab Manager Club and Class Ambassador in my EMT program. In EMT class, the work can be stressful and difficult, but I try my best to encourage and support my classmates. These leadership roles taught me that being a leader means helping others during hard times. After high school, I plan to become a dentist. I want to help families who cannot afford dental care, just like my family could not when I was younger. My dream is to open a community dental clinic that provides affordable care to children and working families. Through my EMT training, I learned that dental infections can become serious health problems if they are ignored. I want to help people before small problems turn into emergencies. My parents work very hard every day to provide for our family. Even though life has not always been easy, they never gave up, and neither will I. This scholarship would help me pay for school expenses, science textbooks, and lab costs that are difficult for my family to afford. More importantly, it would help me continue my education so I can give back to my community in the future. Like Mrs. Marion Makins, I want my life to be remembered for helping others. I want to use my education not for money or status, but to bring confidence, health, and smiles back to people who feel forgotten. My goal is to spend my life serving others with kindness, faith, and compassion.

​The Fire in My Smile ​If you saw me in my EMT gear or rushing through my high school hallways in Florida, you might think I have it all figured out. But the truth is, my journey started long before I ever picked up a stethoscope. I am a first-generation Haitian-American, and in my house, we don’t just talk about history—we live it. We have this "Phoenix" spirit that comes from 1804, the idea that no matter how hard things get, you can always rise back up. That fire is exactly what is pushing me toward dentistry. ​I’m passionate about teeth, but not for the reason most people think. I don’t care about making people look like movie stars; I care about keeping them healthy and out of the hospital. Being in my EMT course right now has changed how I see the world. I’ve seen how many medical emergencies start because someone couldn't afford a dentist or didn't understand that a tooth infection can travel to the heart. I want to be a "Diagnostic Detective. " I want to work in the neighborhoods where people are ignored, catching health issues early just by looking in a child’s mouth during a routine cleaning. To me, a smile is a shield, and I want to be the one who helps my community build it. ​Being a finalist and not winning in the past has been tough. It made me feel like I wasn't "perfect" enough or that my story wasn't fancy enough. But I’ve realized that I don’t need a complicated lab project to be worthy of a scholarship. My biggest obstacle is the "how." How am I going to pay for one of the most expensive degrees in the world when I’m self-funding my own path? It’s scary to look at those tuition numbers. My plan to overcome this isn't just "hoping" for the best; it’s working. I’m earning my EMT license right now so I can work my way through college and dental school. I’m not waiting for a door to open; I’m building the door with my own hands. ​Another challenge is just being the "first." When you’re the first one in your family to go this far, there’s no map. Sometimes I feel like an imposter, like maybe I’m dreaming too big for a kid from my background. But then I remember where I come from. If my ancestors could change the world in 1804, I can handle a dental clinic. I plan to use my career to prove that where you start doesn't decide where you finish. I want my legacy to be about grit, heart, and making sure the next kid who feels "invisible" knows that their fire is enough.

The Breath of Bravery ​"Don't make a scene. Just be patient." ​Growing up in a first-generation Haitian household, those were the rules. I was taught that if I stayed quiet and didn't ruffle any feathers, justice would eventually find me. But standing in the back of an ambulance for the first time, watching a patient struggle for a single breath, I realized that "being patient" wasn't going to save anyone. In healthcare, silence isn't a virtue—it’s a barrier. ​I used to think being the "heroine of my own movie" meant just getting a degree. Now, as an EMT student, I realize it means having the courage to speak up when someone else can’t. I still remember the first time a lead instructor looked at me during a drill and told me to take charge. My heart was thumping against my ribs, and my voice felt small, but I had to push past that "quiet girl" persona. I had to be the calm in someone else's storm. That transition—from the girl who waits for permission to the woman who takes action—is the most important journey of my life. ​This is why Sammy Hason’s story hit me so hard. He lived with a rare lung condition, a "silent" battle that most people couldn't see. In the medical field, it’s easy to focus on the obvious injuries, like a broken bone or a bleed. But Sammy’s life reminds me that we have to look deeper at the rare, chronic conditions that the world often ignores. ​Currently, I’m obsessed with a medical mystery that feels like a science fiction movie, but it’s real: microplastics in our lungs and blood. While I’m learning to treat immediate trauma in the ambulance, my research has led me to look at how these tiny, invisible toxins are building up in our respiratory systems. If 100% of lung tissue samples are now showing plastic particles, what does that mean for a patient who already has a rare condition like Sammy’s? ​My goal is to be a different kind of healthcare provider. I don't just want to be the person who shows up when you call 911; I want to be the advocate who asks why you got sick in the first place. I want to bridge the gap between the emergency room and environmental science. Whether I am checking a pulse or researching how polymers affect the human heart, I am driven by the idea that every patient deserves a hero who is brave enough to look for the "unseen" causes of their pain. ​Winning this scholarship isn't just about the money for me; it’s about proving that the quiet girl from a Haitian home has found her voice. I am ready to use my "fire" to protect the breath of patients like Sammy, ensuring that "rare" doesn't mean "forgotten."

The First Responder: Breaking Borders from Haiti to the Frontlines ​Growing up in a Haitian household, the concept of "resilience" wasn't something I read about in books; it was something I lived every day. My parents immigrated to the United States with a single goal: to provide me with the "cultural capital" and educational resources they never had. As a first-generation Latin American student of Haitian descent, I carry the weight of their sacrifices and the pride of being from the first free nation in Latin America. My identity is defined by the intersection of Caribbean strength and the American dream, a combination that has fueled my ambition to serve others as a medical professional. ​My passion for healthcare was born from witnessing the struggles within my own community. I saw how language barriers and a lack of resources could turn a minor health issue into a crisis. This inspired me to become an EMT student leader. In my training, I’ve learned that in an emergency, every second counts and every person deserves a high standard of care, regardless of their background. Whether I am practicing life-saving techniques or leading workshops through my involvement in Latino in Action, my goal is always the same: to be the bridge between a person in need and the help they deserve. ​Being a first-generation student has not been easy. I often felt like I was navigating a maze without a map. I had to learn how to apply for college, find scholarships, and understand financial aid entirely on my own. However, these obstacles didn't stop me; they gave me the drive to "break the borders" of what was expected of me. My identity as a BIPOC student has taught me that representation in medicine is not just important—it is vital. When a patient sees a healthcare provider who understands their culture and speaks their language, it builds a level of trust that can save lives. ​In my future career, I plan to make a positive impact by working in underserved communities, ensuring that being "low-income" never means "low-quality care." I want to use my education to advocate for better health resources for Latin American and Caribbean families who, like mine, are working hard to build a new life. ​Being "first-generation" means I am the first to go to a four-year university, but I refuse to be the last. I am dedicated to using my career to open doors for those behind me. This scholarship would not only help ease the financial burden of my education but would also serve as an investment in a future where healthcare is accessible, equitable, and compassionate for all. I am ready to take the next step, breaking every border in my way to become the doctor my community needs.

Advocating for Mental Well-being through Healthcare ​The mental health crisis often hides in the shadows of physical pain and language barriers. As a high school senior training to be an EMT and planning a career in dentistry, I believe healthcare must address the "whole person." My journey is driven by a desire to provide clinical treatment alongside the empathy patients need to feel safe. ​My commitment to mental health advocacy began in my school community. As an ESOL Ambassador, I work with students who have recently arrived in this country. Many struggle with the immense stress of a new culture and the anxiety of not being able to communicate. I have seen how isolation can lead to a decline in mental well-being. By serving as their translator and guide, I do more than just change words; I provide emotional support. I listen to their fears and help them find their voice. Being that bridge reduces their stress and fosters a sense of belonging, which is vital for mental health. ​Furthermore, my experience as an EMT trainee shows how mental health intersects with emergency medicine. On a call, I often meet people on the worst day of their lives. In those moments, providing "psychological first aid"—a calm voice and a compassionate presence—is as important as medical intervention. I have learned that a healthcare professional must be an advocate for the patient’s dignity, especially during a crisis. ​In my future career as a dentist, I plan to continue this advocacy. Many people experience high levels of anxiety regarding dental care due to past trauma. I want to change the narrative around dental health by creating an environment where patients feel emotionally supported rather than judged. By understanding the mental health needs of my community, I can provide care that is truly inclusive. ​I am driven by the belief that no one should face their health journey alone. Whether I am helping a new student navigate a high school hallway or helping a patient through a medical crisis, my goal is to build a healthcare system where emotional support is at the forefront. My education will be the "harvest" of my hard work, allowing me to serve as a compassionate advocate for my community.

My perspective on blood disorders is shaped by the high-stakes environment in the back of an ambulance. As an EMT trainee, I have witnessed firsthand how a seemingly "minor" injury—a small laceration or a bruised joint—can rapidly escalate into a life-threatening crisis for a patient living with a bleeding disorder like Hemophilia. In the field, every second counts, and the complexity of managing a patient whose blood cannot clot properly requires a level of precision and empathy that many people outside of the medical field do not fully grasp. ​These moments of crisis are often compounded by a profound lack of public understanding. I have seen the fear in a patient’s eyes when they realize that the people around them do not understand their condition or how to help. This silence around blood disorders creates a barrier to safety. It is not just about the physical illness; it is about the isolation that comes when your community doesn't understand your daily reality. Watching these struggles has fueled my drive to become a healthcare provider who does more than just treat symptoms—I want to be an advocate who changes how these disorders are perceived. ​My ultimate career goal is to become a Dentist, a field where the management of blood disorders is absolutely critical for safe and effective care. Many people do not realize that routine dental procedures, such as extractions or deep cleanings, carry significant risks for patients with bleeding disorders or severe iron deficiencies. Without a knowledgeable and prepared dentist, these patients often avoid necessary care out of fear of complications. I am committed to filling this gap in our healthcare system. I want my future clinic to be a sanctuary where patients with blood disorders feel safe, understood, and prioritized. ​Beyond the dental chair, I hope to use my practice as a platform for broad-scale community education. My goal is to partner with organizations like the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation to provide specialized care and to lead workshops for families. I want to teach parents and caregivers how to recognize the early, often invisible signs of internal bleeding and how to navigate the expensive, complex healthcare landscape. ​Awareness shouldn't just happen within the sterile walls of a hospital; it must start in the community, in schools, and in local clinics. As a future dentist and a current first responder, I plan to be a lifelong voice for those living with these invisible challenges. By raising awareness, I hope to ensure that no patient ever feels that their diagnosis is a shadow they must walk through alone.

Growing up in a low-income household in my home country taught me that health is a luxury many cannot afford. When I was a little girl, I fell and injured my mouth. Because we didn't have insurance or money for a dentist, the injury was ignored. A year later, it caused a smell that led to me being bullied and teased at school. I felt so lonely, but that pain became my motivation. ​Eventually, a relative helped me find an affordable clinic. The kindness of the dentist who fixed my smile changed my life. That experience taught me perseverance; I learned that your current situation doesn't have to define your future. Now, I plan to use that experience to make a positive impact by becoming a Dentist (DDS). My goal is to open a clinic that provides discounts for low-income families so that no child has to feel the shame or pain that I did. ​I am actively working toward this goal every day. I am currently an honors student and enrolled in my high school’s EMT program. I’ve already completed my first "ride-along," where I learned the courage it takes to be a first responder. By training as an EMT now, I am building the "service-first" foundation I need for the eight years of dental study ahead. This scholarship will help me cover the books and tools I need to turn my childhood struggle into a career of helping others smile.

Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." The underlying meaning of the Book of Job is that true loyalty is not a transaction based on rewards, but a profound spiritual endurance that remains steady even when life feels unfair and the reasons for suffering are hidden from us. The Book of Job, found in the Hebrew Bible, has always been my favorite piece of ancient literature because it explores a level of loyalty that is hard to imagine in our modern world. It is a study of how a human being reacts when they lose everything. In the beginning, Job had a life that everyone would envy. He was rich, respected, and successful. But the story suggests that faith is easy when things are going well. The real test begins when the "sinner angel," Satan, challenges God, claiming that Job only follows Him because he is wealthy and protected. ​When Job loses his ten children and all his wealth in a single day, and is then struck with a painful disease that makes him suffer mentally and physically, he reaches a point of total isolation. He ends up sitting on the cold ground, almost naked and forgotten by those he once helped. His friends, like Eliphaz and Zophar, try to convince him that he must have done something wrong to deserve this punishment. They tell him his words are "nonsense" and that he should just admit his guilt. ​However, the underlying meaning of Job’s response is found in his refusal to blame God. Even when he wishes he had never been born or had never seen the light of day, he maintains his integrity. When he says, "Naked I came... and naked shall I return," he is acknowledging a deep philosophical truth: we do not truly "own" anything in this life. Everything—our family, our health, our money—is a gift that can be taken back. This shows a high level of maturity; Job understands that he is just a guest on this earth and that everything comes from the sand and goes back to the sand. ​I feel a personal connection to this story because of my own upbringing. Growing up, my parents moved almost every year due to financial struggles. I was constantly the "new kid" who was behind in class, losing friends and starting over. I used to feel a sense of detachment, like I couldn't get close to people because I knew I would just have to say goodbye again. Like Job, I felt like I was losing things I valued through no fault of my own. However, I learned to find peace in small things, like helping my biology teacher with her school garden. Planting fruits and painting rocks to protect the plants taught me that even when you feel "naked" or empty, you can still produce something beautiful. Working in that garden until 5 p.m. gave me the same sense of quiet accomplishment that I see in Job’s endurance. ​As a teenager reflecting on this ancient writing, I find myself wondering if I could ever have Job's full strength. If I were in his position, I think I would immediately start blaming the world or God for the hardship. It is human nature to want to know "why" we are suffering. But Job teaches us that sometimes there is no immediate answer that we can see or touch. His endurance proves that his faith was not a "deal" he made for riches; it was a part of who he was. He was like a tree that stays standing even when the storm takes its leaves. ​In the end, Job is rewarded not just with more children and wealth, but with a deeper relationship with the Supreme. The story is extraordinary because it invites us to look at our own problems differently. It suggests that even in the middle of a "circle of sadness," there is a way to remain humble and faithful. Job’s story is a reminder that while we cannot control the tragedies that happen to us, we can control our loyalty to our principles. It shows that even in total darkness, a person can still choose to be a "servant of light."

My biggest dream is to be a first responder—an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)—and I am currently enrolled as a high school senior in the dual enrollment EMT program held by Barry University at Hallandale Magnet High School. ​My commitment began when Barry University visited my campus to present the new program. Not many students were interested; most seemed focused on becoming entrepreneurs or influencers, and I felt bad that this vital, human-centered work was overlooked. My values of service and perseverance were instantly engaged. I signed up, but the course was incredibly difficult. We started with 16 students, and quickly three gave up. I wanted to quit too, especially when facing confusing compliance paperwork and setbacks. ​But reflecting on our common goal—helping people—gave me the determination to push through. Now we are 13, and I hope we all succeed. This experience taught me that true health work requires patience and dedication, even when the path is hard. I am passionate about health because I want to dedicate my life to bringing relief, dignity, and calm to others, showing up when others look away. My first experience with true health-related bureaucracy—the endless paperwork, the repeated trips for compliance accounts, and the feeling of fighting the system just to start my EMT training—taught me exactly what empathy must look like in practice. To me, empathy is the relentless commitment to seeing a person as more than a problem, and recognizing their struggle, whether that struggle is an injury or a feeling of hopelessness. ​This quality is non-negotiable for my specific health career: Paramedicine. A first responder is often the first face a patient sees in a moment of extreme trauma. If I react only technically, I miss the chance to heal their fear. The patient must feel safe, respected, and seen before the life-saving work can begin. ​ I will ensure my efforts are done through a human-centered lens by prioritizing communication and dignity over speed and procedure:When I arrive, my first action won't be grabbing the advanced monitor, but making immediate eye contact and introducing myself. I will communicate calmly and clearly, explaining every step. The human-centered lens in paramedicine means treating the patient as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. If they are elderly, I will explain every procedure clearly and simply. My goal is to use my patience to create a small pocket of security amidst chaos. My initial frustration with the administrative requirements to start my EMT program was a defining experience. It instilled in me a deep understanding of what it feels like to be completely overwhelmed by a system. This experience fuels my perseverance not only for complex medical training, but for advocating for patients. I will always remember that the person I am treating may also be fighting battles that I cannot see—battles of fear, confusion, or lack of resources. I will ensure my compassion never runs out. While my job relies on technology, such as using digital tablets to chart patient info or GPS systems to coordinate transport, I will ensure the human-centered lens remains primary. For example, I know Paramedics in Broward County rely on specialized tools, but instead of rushing to input data, I will focus on the patient's immediate comfort and emotional state. The technology should be a tool that helps me treat the patient more effectively, not a barrier that separates me from them. ​In short, empathy will be the foundation for my decisions, allowing me to lead with my heart and deliver true human support when it is needed most.

Hi, my name is Melissa. I am from an impoverished country. My challenging step of hardships started when I was in kindergarten to have a good education back in my original country. I didn't have access to go to school frequently and access to the internet it was a big deal to have light in your home we could go months without electricity as a student I had to study and do my homework before the sunset rigth, its unbelievable here in America, so that kept me behind from other students that's in the same grade as me. That aggravated me about my education here because in this country, everybody has to speak English; in the United States, everything is in English. For immigrants like me, it is not easy. It was like listening to Chinese for me. I did not understand anything on my very first day of school because, compared to some children whose parents have the financial means to put them in an English course. I was kinda falling behind. But I reach out for aid from teachers by asking a lot of questions, trying to speak. I have always volunteered for my school activities. Eventually, here I am now writing in English. I can't believe it. I couldn't even introduce myself on the very first day. But I am an ambitious person, and I always take opportunities when they cross my path. This scholarship is worth a life change for me that will help me realize my childhood dream, because, since I was little, I have had this goal of becoming a future college student. As a person from a low background, I want to have the possibility to study the career of my dream and help my parents and my family, who are a part of my heart. And to give back something to the community that helped me along the way, I can't lie, I did meet a lot of nice people along my high school journey. That's what made me who I am today, a confident person with a goal and a dream, and I want to give back to society by becoming someone.