Mental health plays a great role in my academics, as well as my well-being. As I am now going back to school this fall to earn a graduate degree, I will be navigating multiple responsibilities as my life slowly goes back into “school” mode. Over the past year, I’ve come to deeply understand how essential it is to prioritize my mental health, not just to survive, but to grow and thrive in different areas of my life. 2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever experienced. Within the span of just four to five months, I had numerous factors contribute to the decline of my mental health. First, I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant, a position that tripled my responsibilities and required me to manage not only my own tasks, but also support and guide a team. This was pretty new to me, and I cracked under pressure initially. Around the same time, I lost my health insurance, my parents’ separation became increasingly overwhelming, and I lost my home, forcing me to move twice in just three months. All of this was happening while I was enrolled in three to four college classes per semester. Balancing academic demands on top of personal and professional instability was not just stressful—but it was emotionally draining and, at times, completely disorienting. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy. Speaking to a licensed professional helped me unpack the weight I was carrying and begin healing in real-time, rather than pushing everything aside until I burned out. Therapy gave me language for my stress, clarity in my goals, and a sense of stability during a period that felt anything but stable. In addition to therapy, I’ve developed practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized is key—I use planners, whiteboards, and mind maps to structure my days and break larger tasks into manageable steps. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the full scope of everything on my plate. Giving myself mini breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a quick walk, stretching, or a few moments to journal, helps reset my mindset and lower anxiety. Journaling has been especially helpful in sorting through my thoughts and regaining focus when things feel chaotic. Walking provides both mental and physical relief, and being outdoors helps me reconnect with the present moment. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also made me a more resilient and adaptable student. I’ve become more in tune with my limits, more patient with my progress, and more committed to setting boundaries that support long-term success. Rather than seeing mental health care as something “extra,” I now understand it as foundational to everything I do. Looking back on this past year, I’m proud of how I showed up for myself. The adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it's also about slowing down, reflecting, and taking care of the person doing the work. Mental health is now a non-negotiable part of how I live and learn, and I’ll continue using these tools as I pursue both academic and personal growth.

Mental health plays a great role in my academics, as well as my well-being. As I am now going back to school this fall to earn a graduate degree, I will be navigating multiple responsibilities as my life slowly goes back into “school” mode. Over the past year, I’ve come to deeply understand how essential it is to prioritize my mental health, not just to survive, but to grow and thrive in different areas of my life. 2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever experienced. Within the span of just four to five months, I had numerous factors contribute to the decline of my mental health. First, I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant, a position that tripled my responsibilities and required me to manage not only my tasks, but also support and guide a team. This was pretty new to me, and I cracked under pressure initially. Around the same time, I lost my health insurance, my parents’ separation became increasingly overwhelming, and I lost my home, forcing me to move twice in just three months. All of this was happening while I was enrolled in three to four college classes per semester. Balancing academic demands on top of personal and professional instability was not just stressful—but it was emotionally draining and, at times, completely disorienting. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy. Speaking to a licensed professional helped me unpack the weight I was carrying and begin healing in real-time, rather than pushing everything aside until I burned out. Therapy gave me language for my stress, clarity in my goals, and a sense of stability during a period that felt anything but stable. In addition to therapy, I’ve developed practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized is key—I use planners, whiteboards, and mind maps to structure my days and break larger tasks into manageable steps. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the full scope of everything on my plate. Giving myself mini breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a quick walk, stretching, or a few moments to journal, helps reset my mindset and lower anxiety. Journaling has been especially helpful in sorting through my thoughts and regaining focus when things feel chaotic. Walking provides both mental and physical relief, and being outdoors helps me reconnect with the present moment. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also made me a more resilient and adaptable student. I’ve become more in tune with my limits, more patient with my progress, and more committed to setting boundaries that support long-term success. Rather than seeing mental health care as something “extra,” I now understand it as foundational to everything I do. Looking back on this past year, I’m proud of how I showed up for myself. The adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it's also about slowing down, reflecting, and taking care of the person doing the work. Mental health is now a non-negotiable part of how I live and learn, and I’ll continue using these tools as I pursue both academic and personal growth.

My family migrated from Liberia, West Africa, during the Liberian War in 1997, a year before I was born. I visited twice and witnessed firsthand underdeveloped towns, with 3 in 5 citizens living in poverty, and the lack of resources, affordable and accessible healthcare, and providers. They were defenseless against conditions such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and more. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, I saw a similarity in the lack of access to many professionals. I found myself lucky to be treated by a Physician Assistant (PA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallstones, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My PA validated my symptoms and guided me through the surgery. Shadowing her years later, I learned how versatile, collaborative, detailed, and centered she was. This inspired me to pursue the PA profession. I worked as a medical assistant to further my pursuit. I assisted in bandaging patients’ wounds, developing X-rays, and prescribing medications. I also gravitated towards service work. I volunteered in Monrovia, Liberia, distributing meals, school supplies, and donations. There were so many community members presenting with untreated conditions, reinforcing my desire to serve these communities. Not just in Monrovia, but at retirement homes and homeless shelters, I have seen the devastating effects of limited access to not just healthcare resources, but any resources. These experiences fueled my commitment to be part of the solution. Towns like Monrovia and Philadelphia reflect these healthcare disparities. The PA profession aligns with my values of service, lifelong learning, bridging gaps, and diversity. I am drawn to this field because of its versatility and immediate impact that is everlasting. I plan to serve locally and globally, advocating for health equity and diversifying the field. With the experiences I have, I am beyond sure that being a PA will help me make a lasting difference. My passion for the healthcare field started when I earned a degree in Biology at Penn State University. Over the years, I have deepened that passion through over 6,700 clinical and healthcare hours and coursework across multiple institutions. True impact requires knowledge and action, which led me to pursue further education at Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. At Rowan, I’ll build a strong academic foundation and apply that knowledge as a future Physician Assistant, particularly in medically underserved communities. As an African American woman, in a field where we represent only 2–4% of healthcare providers, I recognize the role I play—not just as a provider, but as a voice for those often overlooked in the healthcare system. With women being a great backbone to the history of medicine, we are still somehow underrepresented. I aim to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and representation. By building trust with patients from all walks of life and providing culturally competent care, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact, while inspiring the future.

My family migrated from Liberia, West Africa, during the Liberian War in 1997, a year before I was born. I visited twice and witnessed firsthand underdeveloped towns, with 3 in 5 citizens living in poverty, and the lack of resources, affordable and accessible healthcare, and providers. They were defenseless against conditions such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and more. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, I saw a similarity in the lack of access to many professionals. I found myself lucky to be treated by a Physician Assistant (PA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallstones, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My PA validated my symptoms and guided me through the surgery. Shadowing her years later, I learned how versatile, collaborative, detailed, and centered she was. This inspired me to pursue the PA profession. I worked as a medical assistant to further my pursuit. I assisted in bandaging patients’ wounds, developing X-rays, and prescribing medications. I also gravitated towards service work. I volunteered in Monrovia, Liberia, distributing meals, school supplies, and donations. There were so many community members presenting with untreated conditions, reinforcing my desire to serve these communities. Not just in Monrovia, but at retirement homes and homeless shelters, I have seen the devastating effects of limited access to not just healthcare resources, but any resources. These experiences fueled my commitment to be part of the solution. Towns like Monrovia and Philadelphia reflect these healthcare disparities. The PA profession aligns with my values of service, lifelong learning, bridging gaps, and diversity. I am drawn to this field because of its versatility and immediate impact that is everlasting. I plan to serve locally and globally, advocating for health equity and diversifying the field. With the experiences I have, I am beyond sure that being a PA will help me make a lasting difference. My passion for the healthcare field started when I earned a degree in Biology at Penn State University. Over the years, I have deepened that passion through over 6,700 clinical and healthcare hours and coursework across multiple institutions. True impact requires knowledge and action, which led me to pursue further education at Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. At Rowan, I’ll build a strong academic foundation and apply that knowledge as a future Physician Assistant, particularly in medically underserved communities. As an African American woman, in a field where we represent only 2–4% of healthcare providers, I recognize the role I play—not just as a provider, but as a voice for those often overlooked in the healthcare system. With women being a great backbone to the history of medicine, we are still somehow underrepresented. I aim to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and representation. By building trust with patients from all walks of life and providing culturally competent care, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact, while inspiring future

My family migrated from Liberia, West Africa, during the Liberian War in 1997, a year before I was born. I visited twice and witnessed firsthand underdeveloped towns, with 3 in 5 citizens living in poverty, and the lack of resources, affordable and accessible healthcare, and providersThey were defenseless against conditions such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and more. Growing up outside of Philadelphia, I saw a similarity in lack of access to many professionals. I found myself lucky to be treated by a Physician Assistant (PA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallstones, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My PA validated my symptoms and guided me through the surgery. Shadowing her years later, I learned how versatile, collaborative, detailed, and centered she was. This inspired me to pursue the PA profession. I worked as a medical assistant to further my pursuit. I assisted in bandaging patients’ wounds, developing X-rays, and prescribing medications. I also gravitated towards service work. I volunteered in Monrovia, Liberia, distributing meals, school supplies, and donations. Many community members presented with untreated conditions, reinforcing my desire to serve these communities. Towns like Monrovia and Philadelphia reflect these healthcare disparities. The PA profession aligns with my values of service, lifelong learning, bridging gaps, and diversity. I am drawn to this field because of its versatility and immediate impact that is everlasting. I plan to serve locally and globally, advocating for health equity and diversifying the field. With my experiences, I am certain that being a PA will help me make a lasting difference.

My passion for pursuing programs in the STEM field began when I was driven to earn a degree in Biology at Penn State University. Over the years, I deepened that passion through over 3,500 clinical hours and 1,200 healthcare hours, along with coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences solidified my desire to work in healthcare, not just to understand illness, but to improve lives through clinical care, science, innovation, logic, and compassion. True impact requires both knowledge and action, which led me to pursue further education at Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. At Rowan, I’ll build a strong academic foundation and apply that knowledge as a future Physician Assistant, particularly in medically underserved communities. My volunteering efforts at retirement homes, homeless shelters, and in Monrovia, Liberia, have shown me the devastating effects of limited healthcare access. These experiences have fueled my commitment to be part of the solution. I cannot wait to blend science and service. The human body is complex, and with lifelong learning, I will be more than equipped to deliver great care to my patients. As an African American woman in a field where we represent only 2–4% of healthcare providers, I recognize the unique role I can play and the barriers that lie, not just as a provider, but as a voice for those often overlooked in the healthcare system. With women being underrepresented in STEM, I aim to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and representation. By building trust with patients from all walks of life and providing culturally competent care, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact, while inspiring future healthcare workers that they too can be seated at the table for critical thinking and innovative care. Looking up to my current Physician Assistant (specializing in Gastroenterology), I saw how nurturing she was, while also advocating for me (and many patients). This is what I strive for, and hope to cultivate as well. I want to ensure that every one of my patients feels seen, heard, and respected. Beyond working with patients, I would also like to use my platform for problem-solving. I am passionate about women’s health and women’s rights. I plan on using my voice to speak up on matters such as healthcare policies, gender inequalities, and more. This is more than an opportunity, but a responsibility. Advocating is dear and close to me, and too many women before us were left unheard. For me to pursue a healthcare career, it was a no-brainer. I will make a difference, not just with my background in medicine, but with my resilience, perseverance, and my presence. I cannot wait to bring multiple strengths and tools into this field where it is needed.

I recently discovered Chappell Roan in March 2024. Her music impacted me not just because of the sound, but because of the story behind it. Chappell Roan’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and staying true to your beliefs. Would you still pursue your dream if you knew it would take you years, maybe 10 years, to reach it? That is a question many inspired individuals should ask themselves. And after learning of her story, that was a question I asked myself. And the answer is still yes. For years, Chappell Roan was confined to a certain identity, one that she never believed in. I admired how true she stayed to her craft while sharpening her voice and embodying the true, bold, theatrical, dazzling queer that she is. She knew the type of artist she wanted to be, and she didn't shy away from it. Even before she became mainstream, she remained true to herself. This doesn't always grant you a seat in Hollywood, and that is something I can relate to in my field. My dream of pursuing the medical field has not been an easy one. For years, I have faced not only rejections, but some of my mentors and those I looked up to telling me to pursue a different field. I never once thought differently, though. I've always seen myself in this field, and like Chappell Roan, I remained true to myself. Not only that, but I came back 10 times stronger. That's not to say that I didn't take the criticism; I took it very well. I've improved my application, I have gained more clinical hours, shadowing hours, and have taken several courses after receiving my Bachelor's Degree. Through all of this, I remain true to myself and serve the community that I love most. Chappell Roan has done the same thing. She has embraced her true self after all of these years, serving her queer community and many more. Eventually, I learned that her authenticity is what I love most about her. That was her superpower. She has shown me that as I continue to move forward in the medical field, I don't need to be someone else to fit in the field. I need to embrace myself. This fall, I will be pursuing my Master's Degree in Biomedical Sciences to prepare for the rigors and academic foundations of Physician Assistant studies. Chappell Roan represents everything I strive to be: resilient, bold, passionate, and unapologetically me. She reminds me that you enjoy the journey a lot more when it is so much more meaningful. While music and Medicine are two different fields, what they have in common is staying true to yourself and living to that purpose. I will always thank Chappell Roan for reminding me that my perseverance, resilience authenticity do not separate me from success, but will soon enough, bring me to it.

In this game, the Islanders will play a fun and steamy game of Truth or Dare, but with a twist. In the game SINS & SECRETS, each Islander would take turns being told to take a truth or a dare. If they choose to tell the truth, they will be asked a steamy question that they must answer truthfully. If they select the dare, they will be dared to do something with an Islander that they are not coupled up with. For example 01: TRUTH - “Kenny, out of everyone in this villa, who would you want to make up with the most that is not your partner?” For example 02: TRUTH - “Aaron, who do you think is the messiest couple here in the villa?” For example 01: DARE - “Serena, you are dared to make out with someone who is not your partner for ten seconds!” For example 02: DARE - “Leah, which couple DOES NOT deserve to go to the hideaway next and why?” This is a typical game of Truth or Dare, but what makes it more steamy is the dramatic intention that comes with it. This is more than just a fun game, but this is being done in front of your partner in front of the one else in the bill. Some tension may rise as some people may not like the answers that are being given, which will then lead to confrontation and more drama to unfold.

Charli’s album “brat” was such a hit everywhere. It came when pop music needed it most. The album is chaotic in such a fun and beautiful way, while also giving us some deep cuts into Charli’s lifestyle. Out of all the songs on the album, I would like to discuss the song “Girl, so confusing”, but more specifically, I'm going to take a bit of a detour and refer to the remix, featuring Lorde. This song stands out in different ways, but for the most part, it is a cultural moment in the pop music community, healing some of the tension between some of our favorite pop artists. There's been some alleged speculation about there being a rivalry between Lord and Charli XCX. These are two pop artists who rose to fame around the same time, taking ownership in different parts of the alternative pop category. Lorde's music is seen as more of a Moody and minimal form of pop music, while Charli is very maximized and experimental. While they are different types of pop music artist, there was still speculation of jealousy between their Mutual relationship. And the original version of the song, Charlie says the following: “People say we're alike, they say we've got the same hair, we talk about music making music, but I don't know if it's honest.” --Charli confirmed in an interview that the song was about Lorde, and she planned on meeting with her for a couple of months (to a year), but a date never came to light. Lorde confirms this in her verse (on the remix): “You told me how you’d been feeling, let's work it out on the remix. You'd always say ‘let's go out’, but then I cancel last minute, I was so lost in my head, scared to be in your pictures.” -- Not only does Lord confirm these lyrics, but she also shows the very authentic side of her, showing a sense of accountability, humility, and the antisocial components that come with trying to make friendship work. Whether it is or isn't, it's an honest take and shows how complicated it can be to hold friendships not only in the music industry, but as a 20-to 30-something-year-old year old woman. The song makes a greater impact as a remix. In the solo version, you have Charli confessing to her audience (or fans), but in the remix, you have both artists talking to each other, and showing a lot of emotional maturity and accountability. Not only did the two artists hash out the alleged Feud privately, but confirmed it for their fans in the present time by reuniting for this song. The song sets the two artists apart because a lot of the pop artists tend to compete in a rehearsed setting or decide to hash things out privately, leaving fans to speculate. This song in no way promotes any drama, but growth and transparency. The song is very vulnerable because we see it in real time.

My definition of being a fan of Sabrina Carpenter means that I have been following an artist who has grown and evolved over the years she's been in the industry. Sabrina Carpenter has shown all of us that she's more than just a Disney star, but multi-talented for several reasons. My first impression of Sabrina Carpenter is when she played Maya Hart on the Disney show “Girl Meets World”. Maya was a side character, but she made more of an impression on me than the protagonist. She (Sabrina) had a spark in her that let me know Disney was going to set her up for another role. And they did. Not only does she have another role on Disney Channel, but they also been introduced into the Disney music realm. She had a lot of great hits on her debut EP, and this is where I was introduced to her vocal strength and range, considering she was as young as I was at the time. Sabrina went on to release a couple more albums after that debut EP, and though they were not my cup of tea, I truly admired her persistence and consistency. She dabbled and experienced different sounds, but they did not land on me, and that is okay, because a true fan doesn't have to like every single song. One of Sabrina’s latest albums, “Emails I Can’t Send” definitely made an impact on me. It reminded me of a little bit of Britney Spears with a little bit of Christina Aguilera, with a little bit of Ariana Grande. In other words, this album introduced us to a potential pop star. This album marks her turning point, as it felt more like her. This was the stepping stone. She then took a risk and released “Feather” and “Espresso”, which put her on the map as THE POP STAR. Left both of these songs, and they were such earworms. I was glad to see a lot of people tuning into Sabrina Carpenter, but it also made me so happy to see her get the fame and recognition she deserved. Sabrina's music is not only fun but very playful and authentic, and it's hard to find that in some pop artists nowadays. Being within Sabrina Carpenter's age range, I feel like I grew up with her. Because I'm starting the next part of my journey and career, I enjoyed watching her turn a point in her career. And though she has some problems that did not top the charts, that was still a part of her journey. Just like us regular people, we may have setbacks, but that's not our final destination. You cannot deny, she's worked and grinded to get to where she is now. Because of this, I will always consider myself a fan.

My love for math started at a young age. I found a lot of excitement and comfort in solving math problems. I used to love playing math games in elementary school, and was so competitive to be the winner. Math allows me to make logical decisions, find patterns, and solve complex problems. Once you find a solution, it feels like everything falls into place. My senior year of high school is when I completed AP Calculus and struggled for a good amount of time. I did ace the class, but with a lot of hard work, patience, and resilience. I felt accomplished towards the end of the school year. Math is a subject I believe you have to use in almost every career. It's used in the real world every day--whether that's money, time, or measuring. That is why I always put extra effort when it comes to mathematics. In college, I took more math courses than I was required to take. I took on about six different math courses throughout my four years at the Pennsylvania State University. I took Algebra 1 and 2, Trigonometry, Calculus 1 and 2, and Biostatistics. I also worked as a Mathematics Teaching Assistant for college freshmen at my campus. I also held office hours at the Learning Center and library for students who needed extra help in the same courses I took. Each course deepened my appreciation for math and how it is used in everyday life. I love math because it challenges me, inspires me, and equips me to be a better problem solver.

My name is Mercedes Wisner, and I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Biology. My family migrated from Liberia, West Africa, during the Liberian War in 1997, a year before I was born. I had the humbling experience of witnessing the underdeveloped towns of Liberia twice in my life, with 3 in 5 citizens living in poverty. With a lack of resources, affordable and accessible healthcare, and providers, I connected the pieces to the jigsaw puzzle of why regions of African countries and cities were defenseless against conditions such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and more. In my town, right outside of Philadelphia, there's a lack of access to many professionals. I found myself lucky to be treated by a Physician Assistant (PA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallstones, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My PA and I talked about my diagnosis and plans to treat, validating my symptoms and pain. When my symptoms worsened, we discussed surgery to remove my gallbladder. She assured me that I was under great care by her supervising surgeon, while also collaborating with my primary doctor. With the privilege to shadow her, I learned how collaborative, versatile, detailed, and centered PAs were with patient care. I worked as a medical assistant to further my pursuit in this profession. I played a great role in helping to deliver great patient care, assisting doctors in treating and bandaging patients’ wounds, developing X-rays, and prescribing medications. One component of the PA profession that I gravitated towards was service work, especially within underdeveloped communities. I contributed to Monrovia, Liberia, volunteering to prepare meals, supply resources to schools, and donate to churches—many community members presented with conditions that were graphic and physically untreated. Visiting Liberia filled me with the drive to advocate and serve these communities. Towns like Monrovia can be seen around the world, especially in the United States. Philadelphia is one of the leading areas that fall within the medically under-served population, like the town of Kensington; also known as the “City of Zombieland”, with a great population of the community suffering from opioid addiction and lack of healthcare. As I continue to further my studies and strengthen my career in the medical field. I am certain that the PA career is where I see myself. I’m dedicated to the act of high-quality patient care, attention to detail, and collaboration. While many experiences have strengthened and anchored my reasoning to pursue PA studies, I plan to dedicate my life to being a PA, as an underrepresented figure in medicine, and giving back to communities that lack the resources and access to healthcare, while also portraying great service work in my area and other areas that are in need. I am amazed at the trust and collaboration formed between a team of providers and patients, as well as the training provided to deliver high-quality care and attention. I plan to continue serving different communities no matter what the circumstances entail, advocate for adequate healthcare, fill in and diversify the provider shortage, and contribute to the lack of quality healthcare in these communities, establishing high-quality healthcare with a patient-centered approach. As a PA, I know I not only get the honor of being a lifetime learner, but with my passion in the different fields of medicine, I can treat and diagnose different conditions on the front line while being a part of a collaborative team. I strive to contribute to these communities, where I can strengthen the provider shortage and lack of access in underdeveloped areas, and provide diversity and representation to areas where it is limited.

Mental health plays a great role in my academics, as well as my well-being. As I return to school this fall to earn a graduate degree, I will be navigating multiple responsibilities as my life slowly transitions back into “school” mode. Over the past year, I’ve come to deeply understand how essential it is to prioritize my mental health, not just to survive, but to grow and thrive in different areas of my life. 2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever experienced. Within the span of just four to five months, I had numerous factors contribute to the decline of my mental health. First, I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant, a position that tripled my responsibilities and required me to manage not only my tasks, but also support and guide a team. This was pretty new to me, and I cracked under pressure initially. Around the same time, I lost my health insurance, my parents’ separation became increasingly overwhelming, and I lost my home, forcing me to move twice in just three months. All of this was happening while I was enrolled in three to four college classes per semester. Balancing academic demands on top of personal and professional instability was not just stressful—but it was emotionally draining and, at times, completely disorienting. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy. Speaking to a licensed professional helped me unpack the weight I was carrying and begin healing in real-time, rather than pushing everything aside until I burned out. Therapy gave me language for my stress, clarity in my goals, and a sense of stability during a period that felt anything but stable. In addition to therapy, I’ve developed practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized is key—I use planners, whiteboards, and mind maps to structure my days and break larger tasks into manageable steps. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the full scope of everything on my plate. Giving myself mini breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a quick walk, stretching, or a few moments to journal, helps reset my mindset and lower anxiety. Journaling has been especially helpful in sorting through my thoughts and regaining focus when things feel chaotic. Walking provides both mental and physical relief, and being outdoors helps me reconnect with the present moment. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also made me a more resilient and adaptable student. I’ve become more in tune with my limits, more patient with my progress, and more committed to setting boundaries that support long-term success. Rather than seeing mental health care as something “extra,” I now understand it as foundational to everything I do. Looking back on this past year, I’m proud of how I showed up for myself. The adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it's also about slowing down, reflecting, and taking care of the person doing the work. Mental health is now a non-negotiable part of how I live and learn, and I’ll continue using these tools as I pursue both academic and personal growth.

My passion for applying for programs in the STEM field started when I was driven to pursue a degree in Biology at Penn State University. Over the years, I deepened that passion through over 3,500 clinical hours and 1,200 healthcare hours, along with coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences solidified my desire to work in healthcare, not just to understand illness, but to improve lives through clinical care, science, innovation, logic, and compassion. True impact requires both knowledge and action, which led me to pursue further education at Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. At Rowan, I’ll be building a strong academic foundation and applying that knowledge as a future Physician Assistant, particularly in medically underserved communities. My volunteering efforts at retirement homes, homeless shelters, and in Monrovia, Liberia, have shown me the devastating effects of limited healthcare access. These experiences have fueled my commitment to be part of the solution. I cannot wait to blend science and service. The human body is complex, and with lifelong learning, I will be more than equipped to deliver great care to my patients. As an African American woman in a field where we represent only 2–4% of healthcare providers, I recognize the unique role I can play and the barriers that lie—not just as a provider, but as a voice for those often overlooked in the healthcare system. With women being underrepresented in STEM, I aim to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and representation. By building trust with patients from all walks of life and providing culturally competent care, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact, while inspiring future healthcare workers that they too can be seated at the table for critical thinking and innovative care. Looking up to my current Physician Assistant (specializing in Gastroenterology), I saw how nurturing she was, while also advocating for me (and many patients). This is what I strive for, and hope to cultivate as well. I want to ensure that every one of my patients feels seen, heard, and respected. Beyond working with patients, I would also like to use my platform for problem-solving. I am passionate about women’s health and women’s rights. I plan on using my voice to speak up on matters such as healthcare policies, gender inequalities, and more. This is more than an opportunity, but a responsibility. Advocating is dear and close to me, and too many women before us were left unheard. For me to pursue a healthcare career, it was a no-brainer. I will make a difference, not just with my background in medicine, but with my resilience, perseverance, and my presence. I cannot wait to bring multiple strengths and tools into this field where it is needed.

Coming from a low-income household shaped me into a grounded and resilient individual. Despite the financial challenges--such as limited access to educational resources, balancing school and work, and helping out at home -- my family still pushed me to excel. This pushed me to give back to others facing similar circumstances. My roots trace back to Monrovia, Liberia, where my family lived before immigrating to the U.S. during the Liberian War in the late 1990s. Visiting Monrovia twice, I witnessed firsthand the struggles the community faced--poverty (3 out of 5 citizens), limited healthcare, and scarce educational resources. Here, I saw easily treated conditions go unaddressed due to the scarcity, such as Malaria, pneumonia, and more. While this was a family vacation for me and my family, I volunteered by preparing meals, supplying resources to schools and churches, while still engaging with the community. This strengthened my drive to serve and advocate for underserved populations. I am returning to school in the fall with a clear goal to become a certified Physician Associate. I am committed to providing high-quality patient care and using my platform to represent underrepresented voices in medicine. I aim to create accessible spaces for those who lack resources--whether medically, academically, or personally. Growing up in a low-income family was challenging, but it gave me the empathy, resilience, determination, and purpose to keep going. I plan to uplift these communities and bring hope and care to them.

Mental health plays a great role in my academics, as well as my well-being. As I return to school this fall to earn a graduate degree, I will be navigating multiple responsibilities as my life slowly transitions back into “school” mode. Over the past year, I’ve come to deeply understand how essential it is to prioritize my mental health, not just to survive, but to grow and thrive in different areas of my life. 2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever experienced. Within the span of just four to five months, I had numerous factors contribute to the decline of my mental health. First, I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant, a position that tripled my responsibilities and required me to manage not only my tasks, but also support and guide a team. This was relatively new to me, and I initially cracked under pressure. Around the same time, I lost my health insurance, my parents’ separation became increasingly overwhelming, and I lost my home, forcing me to move twice in just three months. All of this was happening while I was enrolled in three to four college classes per semester. Balancing academic demands on top of personal and professional instability was not just stressful—but it was emotionally draining and, at times, completely disorienting. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy. Speaking to a licensed professional helped me unpack the weight I was carrying and begin healing in real-time, rather than pushing everything aside until I burned out. Therapy gave me language for my stress, clarity in my goals, and a sense of stability during a period that felt anything but stable. In addition to therapy, I’ve developed practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized is key—I use planners, whiteboards, and mind maps to structure my days and break larger tasks into manageable steps. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the full scope of everything on my plate. Giving myself mini breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a quick walk, stretching, or a few moments to journal, helps reset my mindset and lower anxiety. Journaling has been especially helpful in sorting through my thoughts and regaining focus when things feel chaotic. Walking provides both mental and physical relief, and being outdoors helps me reconnect with the present moment. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also made me a more resilient and adaptable student. I’ve become more in tune with my limits, more patient with my progress, and more committed to setting boundaries that support long-term success. Rather than seeing mental health care as something “extra,” I now understand it as foundational to everything I do. Looking back on this past year, I’m proud of how I showed up for myself. The adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it's also about slowing down, reflecting, and taking care of the person doing the work. Mental health is now a non-negotiable part of how I live and learn, and I’ll continue using these tools as I pursue both academic and personal growth.

Resilience has been my keyword for a few years, and for many reasons. Coming from parents who were born out of the country, and watching them sacrifice everything to build a life and future for me and my sisters, I know what it means to stay grounded and work hard. Being the first in my family to move out for college, this was a huge change. Financially, college was tough. There were many times I was close to having financial holds on my account because we could not afford the bill. This also includes textbooks, study prep sets, school supplies, and more. I did all I could do was focus on school and trust that everything would work out. While my grades did slip a bit, eventually, I did get a part-time job on campus, and this helped me a lot, financially. My GPA started to decline as I tackled harder courses full-time, with extracurriculars and working part-time. I had a hard time grasping skills for time management and multitasking. I graduated on time, but knew I wanted to improve my GPA. I continued taking courses part-time while working full-time as a medical assistant at two different offices. I retook courses I earned Cs in, as well as additional science courses I had not taken before, such as Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, and more. I improved my GPA and finally found a routine that worked for me. I then realized I could handle the academic rigor of graduate school. By 2024, my mental health had declined. Within a span of a few months, I was given more responsibilities at work, I lost my health insurance, was experiencing the separation of my parents, and I had to move twice. All while working full-time and taking classes part-time. I saw that my grades began to slip once again. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy and developing practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized was key. Using planners, whiteboards, and mind maps, I found structure in my schedules and broke larger tasks into manageable steps. I took things one step at a time and gave myself mini breaks throughout the day. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Looking back on the past few years, the adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through, but also about slowing down and taking care of the person doing the work. Throughout these trials, I never once thought quitting was the option. I knew that to get to where I needed to go, I had to keep showing up for myself. These trials have helped mold me into who I am today. As I start school again this fall, for my Master’s degree, I continue to remind myself that the power of resilience, persistence, perseverance, and endurance is key. I carry these tools everywhere I go, in everything that I do. Anyone facing similar struggles, my advice to them is that your background and lack of resources does not and will not make you weak. Never be afraid to ask for help or accommodations. Your progress is yours and only yours. Everyone is running their marathon at a different pace, because it is a marathon, and not a sprint. Always keep going, even when the finish line looks a little blurry. Eventually, you will reach it and be glad you did not give up.

Mental health plays a great role in my academics, as well as my well-being. As I am now going back to school this fall to earn a graduate degree, I will be navigating multiple responsibilities as my life slowly goes back into “school” mode. Over the past year, I’ve come to deeply understand how essential it is to prioritize my mental health, not just to survive, but to grow and thrive in different areas of my life. 2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever experienced. Within the span of just four to five months, I had numerous factors contribute to the decline of my mental health. First, I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant, a position that tripled my responsibilities and required me to manage not only my own tasks, but also support and guide a team. This was pretty new to me, and I cracked under pressure initially. Around the same time, I lost my health insurance, my parents’ separation became increasingly overwhelming, and I lost my home, forcing me to move twice in just three months. All of this was happening while I was enrolled in three to four college classes per semester. Balancing academic demands on top of personal and professional instability was not just stressful—but it was emotionally draining and, at times, completely disorienting. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy. Speaking to a licensed professional helped me unpack the weight I was carrying and begin healing in real-time, rather than pushing everything aside until I burned out. Therapy gave me language for my stress, clarity in my goals, and a sense of stability during a period that felt anything but stable. In addition to therapy, I’ve developed practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized is key—I use planners, whiteboards, and mind maps to structure my days and break larger tasks into manageable steps. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the full scope of everything on my plate. Giving myself mini breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a quick walk, stretching, or a few moments to journal, helps reset my mindset and lower anxiety. Journaling has been especially helpful in sorting through my thoughts and regaining focus when things feel chaotic. Walking provides both mental and physical relief, and being outdoors helps me reconnect with the present moment. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also made me a more resilient and adaptable student. I’ve become more in tune with my limits, more patient with my progress, and more committed to setting boundaries that support long-term success. Rather than seeing mental health care as something “extra,” I now understand it as foundational to everything I do. Looking back on this past year, I’m proud of how I showed up for myself. The adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it's also about slowing down, reflecting, and taking care of the person doing the work. Mental health is now a non-negotiable part of how I live and learn, and I’ll continue using these tools as I pursue both academic and personal growth.

Mental health plays a great role in my academics, as well as my well-being. As I am now going back to school this fall to earn a graduate degree, I will be navigating multiple responsibilities as my life slowly goes back into “school” mode. Over the past year, I’ve come to deeply understand how essential it is to prioritize my mental health and anxiety, not just to survive, but to grow and thrive in different areas of my life. 2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever experienced. Within the span of just four to five months, I had numerous factors contribute to the decline of my mental health. First, I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant, a position that tripled my responsibilities and required me to manage not only my own tasks, but also support and guide a team. This was pretty new to me, and I cracked under pressure initially. Around the same time, I lost my health insurance, my parents’ separation became increasingly overwhelming, and I lost my home, forcing me to move twice in just three months. All of this was happening while I was enrolled in three to four college classes per semester. Balancing academic demands on top of personal and professional instability was not just stressful—but it was emotionally draining and, at times, completely disorienting. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy. Speaking to a licensed professional helped me unpack the weight I was carrying and begin healing in real-time, rather than pushing everything aside until I burned out. Therapy gave me language for my stress, clarity in my goals, and a sense of stability during a period that felt anything but stable. In addition to therapy, I’ve developed practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized is key—I use planners, whiteboards, and mind maps to structure my days and break larger tasks into manageable steps. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the full scope of everything on my plate. Giving myself mini breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a quick walk, stretching, or a few moments to journal, helps reset my mindset and lower anxiety. Journaling has been especially helpful in sorting through my thoughts and regaining focus when things feel chaotic. Walking provides both mental and physical relief, and being outdoors helps me reconnect with the present moment. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also made me a more resilient and adaptable student. I’ve become more in tune with my limits, more patient with my progress, and more committed to setting boundaries that support long-term success. Rather than seeing mental health care as something “extra,” I now understand it as foundational to everything I do. Looking back on this past year, I’m proud of how I showed up for myself. The adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it's also about slowing down, reflecting, and taking care of the person doing the work. Mental health is now a non-negotiable part of how I live and learn, and I’ll continue using these tools as I pursue both academic and personal growth.

My name is Mercedes Wisner, and I am a future Assistant Physician. With purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service, I wake up every day, excited for the future I am working towards, to make a real difference in people’s lives through science, compassion, and meaningful action. My journey began at Penn State University, where I pursued a degree in Biology, driven by a deep curiosity about the human body and a strong desire to help others. Over the years, my passion for healthcare grew stronger, shaped by more than 5,000 hours of combined clinical and healthcare experience and enriched by diverse academic coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences confirmed that my purpose lies not only in understanding disease but in improving lives through evidence-based care, empathy, and innovation. I will be going back to school this fall, at the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, where I am building a solid foundation for my future as a Physician Assistant. My long-term goal is to serve medically underserved communities—populations that often go unseen or unheard in the healthcare system. Volunteering in retirement homes, homeless shelters, and during my time in Monrovia, Liberia, gave me a firsthand understanding of the painful consequences of limited access to care. These experiences deepened my commitment to becoming a provider who is not only skilled but also deeply attuned to the needs of marginalized communities. As an African American woman in healthcare, a space where we represent only 2–4% of providers, I know the power of representation. I plan to make a lasting impact by offering culturally competent, respectful care that makes every patient feel seen and heard. I want to be the provider that people trust, especially those who have historically felt invisible in the healthcare system. I’m also committed to inspiring future healthcare workers from underrepresented backgrounds by showing them that they belong at the table, where critical thinking, innovation, and leadership happen. The Physician Assistant I currently work alongside has shown me what it means to be an advocate for patients while delivering excellent, compassionate care. Her example motivates me to bring that same level of empathy and commitment into my own future practice. But my vision goes beyond the clinic—I plan to use my platform to advocate for systemic change. I am especially passionate about women’s health, reproductive rights, and eliminating racial disparities in care. I want to speak out on issues such as malpractice, bias in medical education, unequal access to care, and gender-based discrimination in medicine. To me, a healthcare career is more than a job—it is a calling and a responsibility. I bring with me not just academic knowledge and clinical experience, but also a deep well of perseverance, empathy, and purpose. I’m committed to blending science and service to improve health outcomes, uplift underserved communities, and advocate for lasting, structural change. Through my work, I aim to create a world where healthcare is more inclusive, compassionate, and equitable—and I am ready to be part of that change.

Living my dream means waking up each day knowing that I am making a real difference in people’s lives through science, service, and compassion. My journey toward this vision began when I pursued a degree in Biology at Penn State University, driven by a deep curiosity about the human body and a desire to help others. That passion only deepened over time, shaped by over 5,000 clinical and healthcare hours, as well as diverse coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences confirmed that my purpose lies in healthcare, not just in understanding disease, but in improving lives through innovation, logic, empathy, and action. This drive has led me to continue my education at the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, where I am building a strong academic foundation and preparing to become a Physician Assistant. I’m especially committed to serving medically underserved communities—people who often go unseen or unheard in our healthcare system. Volunteering in retirement homes, homeless shelters, and during my time in Monrovia, Liberia, gave me firsthand insight into the devastating impact of limited healthcare access. Those moments solidified my commitment to being part of the solution. As an African American woman in a field where we represent only 2–4% of providers, I understand the importance of not just being present but being a visible and vocal advocate. My dream includes being a provider who offers culturally competent, respectful care to patients from all backgrounds. I aim to build trust, break down barriers, and inspire the next generation of healthcare workers, especially those who don’t often see themselves reflected in this field. I’ve looked up to the Physician Assistant I currently work with—her advocacy, empathy, and clinical skill have shown me what compassionate, impactful care truly looks like. I strive to follow her example and cultivate those same values in my own practice. But my dream doesn’t stop at clinical care. I plan to use my platform to push for systemic change. I am passionate about women’s health, women’s rights, and addressing disparities in healthcare for minority communities. I want to speak up on issues such as malpractice, racial bias in medical education, inequities in healthcare policy, and gender disparities in access and treatment. This isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility. Too many voices have gone unheard, and I intend to help shift the conversation and bring lasting change. For me, pursuing a healthcare career was never a question—it was a responsibility and calling. I bring not only a background in science and medicine, but also a deep well of resilience, perseverance, and purpose. I cannot wait to bring these strengths into a field that needs diverse voices, compassionate leadership, and dedicated problem-solvers. Living my dream means serving, advocating, and creating a better, more inclusive healthcare system—and I’m ready to make that dream a reality.

Living my dream means waking up each day knowing that I am making a real difference in people’s lives through science, service, and compassion. My journey toward this vision began when I pursued a degree in Biology at Penn State University, driven by a deep curiosity about the human body and a desire to help others. That passion only deepened over time, shaped by over 5,000 clinical and healthcare hours, as well as diverse coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences confirmed that my purpose lies in healthcare, not just in understanding disease, but in improving lives through innovation, logic, empathy, and action. This drive has led me to continue my education at the Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, where I am building a strong academic foundation and preparing to become a Physician Assistant. I’m especially committed to serving medically underserved communities—people who often go unseen or unheard in our healthcare system. Volunteering in retirement homes, homeless shelters, and during my time in Monrovia, Liberia, gave me firsthand insight into the devastating impact of limited healthcare access. Those moments solidified my commitment to being part of the solution. As an African American woman in a field where we represent only 2–4% of providers, I understand the importance of not just being present but being a visible and vocal advocate. My dream includes being a provider who offers culturally competent, respectful care to patients from all backgrounds. I aim to build trust, break down barriers, and inspire the next generation of healthcare workers, especially those who don’t often see themselves reflected in this field. I’ve looked up to the Physician Assistant I currently work with—her advocacy, empathy, and clinical skill have shown me what compassionate, impactful care truly looks like. I strive to follow her example and cultivate those same values in my own practice. But my dream doesn’t stop at clinical care. I plan to use my platform to push for systemic change. I am passionate about women’s health, women’s rights, and addressing disparities in healthcare for minority communities. I want to speak up on issues such as malpractice, racial bias in medical education, inequities in healthcare policy, and gender disparities in access and treatment. This isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility. Too many voices have gone unheard, and I intend to help shift the conversation and bring lasting change. For me, pursuing a healthcare career was never a question—it was a responsibility and calling. I bring not only a background in science and medicine, but also a deep well of resilience, perseverance, and purpose. I cannot wait to bring these strengths into a field that needs diverse voices, compassionate leadership, and dedicated problem-solvers. Living my dream means serving, advocating, and creating a better, more inclusive healthcare system—and I’m ready to make that dream a reality.

Mental health plays a great role in my academics, as well as my well-being. As I am now going back to school this fall to earn a graduate degree, I will be navigating multiple responsibilities as my life slowly goes back into “school” mode. Over the past year, I’ve come to deeply understand how essential it is to prioritize my mental health, not just to survive, but to grow and thrive in different areas of my life. 2024 was one of the most challenging years I’ve ever experienced. Within the span of just four to five months, I had numerous factors contribute to the decline of my mental health. First, I was promoted to Lead Medical Assistant, a position that tripled my responsibilities and required me to manage not only my tasks, but also support and guide a team. This was pretty new to me, and I cracked under pressure initially. Around the same time, I lost my health insurance, my parents’ separation became increasingly overwhelming, and I lost my home, forcing me to move twice in just three months. All of this was happening while I was enrolled in three to four college classes per semester. Balancing academic demands on top of personal and professional instability was not just stressful—but it was emotionally draining and, at times, completely disorienting. Despite the pressure, I learned how vital it is to put my mental health first. One of the most important decisions I made was enrolling in therapy. Speaking to a licensed professional helped me unpack the weight I was carrying and begin healing in real-time, rather than pushing everything aside until I burned out. Therapy gave me language for my stress, clarity in my goals, and a sense of stability during a period that felt anything but stable. In addition to therapy, I’ve developed practical, daily tools to manage my mental health and stay on track academically. Staying organized is key—I use planners, whiteboards, and mind maps to structure my days and break larger tasks into manageable steps. I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, rather than letting myself get overwhelmed by the full scope of everything on my plate. Giving myself mini breaks throughout the day, whether that’s a quick walk, stretching, or a few moments to journal, helps reset my mindset and lower anxiety. Journaling has been especially helpful in sorting through my thoughts and regaining focus when things feel chaotic. Walking provides both mental and physical relief, and being outdoors helps me reconnect with the present moment. These small, intentional actions help me stay proactive, rather than reactive, even during periods of high uncertainty. Prioritizing mental health has not only improved my emotional well-being but has also made me a more resilient and adaptable student. I’ve become more in tune with my limits, more patient with my progress, and more committed to setting boundaries that support long-term success. Rather than seeing mental health care as something “extra,” I now understand it as foundational to everything I do. Looking back on this past year, I’m proud of how I showed up for myself. The adversity I faced taught me that strength isn’t just about pushing through—it's also about slowing down, reflecting, and taking care of the person doing the work. Mental health is now a non-negotiable part of how I live and learn, and I’ll continue using these tools as I pursue both academic and personal growth.

My passion for applying for programs in the STEM field started when I was driven to pursue a degree in Biology at Penn State University. Over the years, I deepened that passion through over 3,500 clinical hours and 1,200 healthcare hours, along with coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences solidified my desire to work in healthcare, not just to understand illness, but to improve lives through clinical care, science, innovation, logic, and compassion. True impact requires both knowledge and action, which led me to pursue further education at Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. At Rowan, I’ll be building a strong academic foundation and applying that knowledge as a future Physician Assistant, particularly in medically underserved communities. My volunteering efforts at retirement homes, homeless shelters, and in Monrovia, Liberia, have shown me the devastating effects of limited healthcare access. These experiences have fueled my commitment to be part of the solution. I cannot wait to blend science and service. The human body is complex, and with lifelong learning, I will be more than equipped to deliver great care to my patients. As an African American woman in a field where we represent only 2–4% of healthcare providers, I recognize the unique role I can play and the barriers that lie, not just as a provider, but as a voice for those often overlooked in the healthcare system. With women being underrepresented in STEM, I aim to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and representation. By building trust with patients from all walks of life and providing culturally competent care, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact, while inspiring future healthcare workers that they too can be seated at the table for critical thinking and innovative care. Looking up to my current Physician Assistant (specializing in Gastroenterology), I saw how nurturing she was, while also advocating for me (and many patients). This is what I strive for, and hope to cultivate as well. I want to ensure that every one of my patients feels seen, heard, and respected. Beyond working with patients, I would also like to use my platform for problem-solving. I am passionate about women’s health and women’s rights, especially for minorities. I plan on using my voice to speak up on matters such as malpractice, racial education in the medical field, healthcare policies, gender inequalities, and more. This is more than an opportunity, but a responsibility. Advocating is dear and close to me, and too many women before us were left unheard. For me to pursue a healthcare career, it was a no-brainer. I will make a difference, not just with my background in medicine, but with my resilience, perseverance, and my presence. I cannot wait to bring multiple strengths and tools into this field where it is needed.

My passion for applying to the STEM field started when I was driven to pursue a degree in Biology at Penn State University. Over the years, I deepened that passion through over 3,500 clinical hours and 1,200 healthcare hours, along with coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences solidified my desire to work in healthcare, not just to understand illness, but to improve lives through clinical care, science, innovation, logic, and compassion. True impact requires both knowledge and action, which led me to pursue further education at Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. At Rowan, I’ll be building a strong academic foundation and applying that knowledge as a future Physician Assistant, particularly in medically underserved communities. My volunteering efforts at retirement homes, homeless shelters, and in Monrovia, Liberia, have shown me the devastating effects of limited healthcare access. These experiences have fueled my commitment to be part of the solution. I cannot wait to blend science and service. The human body is complex, and with lifelong learning, I will be more than equipped to deliver great care to my patients. As an African American woman in a field where we represent only 2–4% of healthcare providers, I recognize the unique role I can play and the barriers that lie—not just as a provider, but as a voice for those often overlooked in the healthcare system. With women being underrepresented in STEM, I aim to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and representation. By building trust with patients from all walks of life and providing culturally competent care, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact, while inspiring future healthcare workers that they too can be seated at the table for critical thinking and innovative care. Looking up to my current Physician Assistant (specializing in Gastroenterology), I saw how nurturing she was, while also advocating for me (and many patients). This is what I strive for, and hope to cultivate as well. I want to ensure that every one of my patients feels seen, heard, and respected. Beyond working with patients, I would also like to use my platform for problem-solving. I am passionate about women’s health and women’s rights. I plan on using my voice to speak up on matters such as healthcare policies, gender inequalities, and more. This is more than an opportunity, but a responsibility. Advocating is dear and close to me, and too many women before us were left unheard. For me to pursue a healthcare career, it was a no-brainer. I will make a difference, not just with my background in medicine, but with my resilience, perseverance, and my presence. I cannot wait to bring multiple strengths and tools into this field where it is needed.

My passion for applying for programs in the healthcare field started when I was driven to pursue a degree in Biology at Penn State University. Over the years, I deepened that passion through over 3,500 clinical hours and 1,200 healthcare hours, along with coursework across multiple institutions. These experiences solidified my desire to work in healthcare, not just to understand illness, but to improve lives through clinical care, science, and compassion. True impact requires both knowledge and action, which led me to pursue further education at Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. At Rowan, I’ll be building a strong academic foundation and applying that knowledge as a future Physician Assistant, particularly in medically underserved communities. My volunteering efforts at retirement homes, homeless shelters, and in Monrovia, Liberia, have shown me the devastating effects of limited healthcare access. These experiences have fueled my commitment to be part of the solution. I cannot wait to blend science and service. The human body is complex, and with lifelong learning, I will be more than equipped to deliver great care to my patients. As an African American woman in a field where we represent only 2–4% of healthcare providers, I recognize the unique role I can play—not just as a provider, but as a voice for those often overlooked in the healthcare system. With women being a great backbone to the history of medicine, we are still somehow underrepresented. I aim to advocate for greater diversity, equity, and representation. By building trust with patients from all walks of life and providing culturally competent care, I hope to make a meaningful and lasting impact, while inspiring future healthcare workers that they too can be seated at the table for critical thinking and innovative care. Looking up to my current Physician Assistant (specializing in Gastroenterology), I saw how nurturing she was, while also advocating for me (and many patients). This is what I strive for, and hope to cultivate as well. I want to ensure that every one of my patients feels seen, heard, and respected. Beyond working with patients, I would also like to use my platform for good. I am passionate about women’s health and women’s rights. I plan on using my voice to speak up on matters such as healthcare policies, gender inequalities, and more. This is more than an opportunity, but a responsibility. Advocating is something and close to me, and too many women before us were left unheard. For me to pursue a healthcare career, it was a no-brainer. I will make a difference, not just with my background in medicine, but with my resilience, perseverance, and my presence. I cannot wait to bring multiple strengths and tools into this field where it is needed.

My introduction to "declining mental health" began in 2020. It's senior year, I was wrapping up my final semester of classes, serving on multiple student committees, and preparing for my graduation ceremony and party. Or, so I thought. The COVID-19 pandemic affected us all in different ways, there is no way to invalidate that. But, what I will validate and express, is how it affected my mental and emotional health. This was my first exposure to the toxicity social media can uphold. My social media pages were flooded with pandemic news death tolls, and, of course, politics. I couldn't escape it. While all of this was going on, I was slacking in my classes, I was losing sleep, I had developed GI complications due to my poor eating during this time, and I broke up with my boyfriend, not even 3-4 months into dating. Going through all this, while being trapped indoors, in a cramped apartment for two, yet 3 people were living, I thought I was losing my mind. I did graduate, but not with the grades I hoped for. I know I wanted to pursue the healthcare field, but I had to put that on hold and get my life together. I eventually did get back together with my boyfriend, but only to break up again a few years later. My mental health from 2020 to now has been an emotional rollercoaster. Last year, 2024, was a big year of stress for me. Within maybe 4 to 5 months of 2024, I got promoted at work, lost my health insurance, had some issues at home with my parents, and had to move twice within 3 of those months. This was happening while taking 3 to 4 classes per semester and working full-time. This was difficult. Some days were rough, some days were a little better than others. Some days my brain was a scary place to live. I eventually sought therapy because I knew how important it was to put my health first; my mental and emotional health. With therapy, I learned to take things one step at a time, I learned multiple tools that I use now in times of stress or "bad days", such as journaling, going for a walk, making a mind map, giving myself positive words of affirmation, listening to music, and more. This allowed me to be more proactive, and better adapt to uncertainty. Being in therapy for almost 9 months, I have learned a lot more about myself. I have spent a lot more time with myself, and am realizing the things that matter most to me. I have grown to understand the power of empathy, resilience, compassion, and more. Being in therapy and bettering my mental health also allowed me to be a better family member, friend, partner, and student. I have set healthier boundaries and have strengthened my communication skills. Because of this, my current relationship is stronger than ever, and the healthiest relationship I have right now. With bettering my mental health, I was able to delegate my tasks for school and plan out my next few years and long-term goals. After a few growth years and getting all my ducks in a row, I will finally be going back to school this fall for my next degree. My work-life balance has also improved and working in my current field has added more fuel to pursue the healthcare field. Mental health affects everyone, whether they realize it or not, but I refuse to let it consume me. I am a better individual overall now, because of the actions I took to improve the quality of my life. My mental health is a huge priority to me, and now that I understand the signs, I can now not only take better care of myself but others as well.

My introduction to "declining mental health" began in 2020. It's senior year, I was wrapping up my final semester of classes, serving on multiple student committees, and preparing for my graduation ceremony and party. Or, so I thought. The COVID-19 pandemic affected us all in different ways, there is no way to invalidate that. But, what I will validate and express, is how it affected my mental and emotional health. This was my first exposure to the toxicity social media can uphold. My social media pages were flooded with pandemic news death tolls, and, of course, politics. I couldn't escape it. While all of this was going on, I was slacking in my classes, I was losing sleep, I had developed GI complications due to my poor eating during this time, and I broke up with my boyfriend, not even 3-4 months into dating. Going through all this, while being trapped indoors, in a cramped apartment for two, yet 3 people were living, I thought I was losing my mind. I did graduate, but not with the grades I hoped for. I know I wanted to pursue the healthcare field, but I had to put that on hold and get my life together. I eventually did get back together with my boyfriend, but only to break up again a few years later. My mental health from 2020 to now has been an emotional rollercoaster. Last year, 2024, was a big year of stress for me. Within maybe 4 to 5 months of 2024, I got promoted at work, lost my health insurance, had some issues at home with my parents, and had to move twice within 3 of those months. This was happening while taking 3 to 4 classes per semester and working full-time. This was difficult. Some days were rough, some days were a little better than others. Some days my brain was a scary place to live. I eventually sought therapy because I knew how important it was to put my health first; my mental and emotional health. With therapy, I learned to take things one step at a time, I learned multiple tools that I use now in times of stress or "bad days", such as journaling, going for a walk, making a mind map, giving myself positive words of affirmation, listening to music, and more. This allowed me to be more proactive, and better adapt to uncertainty. Being in therapy for almost 9 months, I have learned a lot more about myself. I have spent a lot more time with myself, and am realizing the things that matter most to me. I have grown to understand the power of empathy, resilience, compassion, and more. Being in therapy and bettering my mental health also allowed me to be a better family member, friend, partner, and student. I have set healthier boundaries and have strengthened my communication skills. Because of this, my current relationship is stronger than ever, and the healthiest relationship I have right now. With bettering my mental health, I was able to delegate my tasks for school and plan out my next few years and long-term goals. After a few growth years and getting all my ducks in a row, I will finally be going back to school this fall for my next degree. My work-life balance has also improved and working in my current field has added more fuel to pursue the healthcare field. Mental health affects everyone, whether they realize it or not, but I refuse to let it consume me. I am a better individual overall now, because of the actions I took to improve the quality of my life. My mental health is a huge priority to me, and now that I understand the signs, I can now not only take better care of myself but others as well.

The lyric that I chose was: "And I despise my jealous eyes and how hard they fell for you/ Yeah, I despise my rotten mind and how much it worships you" These lyrics remind me of high school. High school was interesting, it was cliché, but almost not cliché at the same time. In high school, I was popular but felt very alone. I was smart, I graduated in the top 12 percent of my class but felt very stupid. My body and face did not look as attractive as the other popular girls, yet jocks and non-jocks would still give me craze attention and lure. I wasn't an overachiever, but still craved academic validation from those around me. These lyrics spoke to me because I almost felt jealous of those around me. Many cliché movies show the story of how the dork or bottom of the food-chain girl (or guy) dreams of fitting in with the popular crowd, or, the top of the food chain. But as for me? I was there, I was already there, yet felt so unseen and behind. I grew up so optimistic about high school, as the only idea I had about high school, was from watching the High School Musical trilogy and other Disney Channel Original Movies. May I say, no students were bursting out into song in classrooms, or jocks preparing up some crème brûlée in the cafeteria. My vision of high school was seared. But what was worse, was the feeling of not feeling accepted. The girls who had it all, or seemed to have it all, were on everyone's minds. I wanted that. Maybe it was trauma from feeling neglected, but I wanted it more than anything--maybe not as much that I would do something drastic for attention, but it lingered on me. I wanted to be the pretty girl, the effortless pretty girl, with the newest clothes, amazing hairstyles, great gifts she'd show off from Christmas, whose family was put together, the hot guy wrapped around her finger, who was also brilliant, funny, charismatic, and actually, wasn't a bully. you'd find her in extracurriculars, but also on the field in the Friday night lights. The Olivia Rodrigo lyrics resonated with me because I was unsure if I despised her, wanted to be her friend or be her. Everyone says high school was the best four years of your life, but I definitely would have to disagree.

I had the humbling experience of witnessing the underdeveloped towns of Liberia twice in my life. Liberia is a country in West Africa, where most of my family is from. I had the pleasure to visit Winter 2018 and Winter 2019. While I had a great experience, I left the trip with a lot of insight. There are about 3 in 5 citizens living in poverty. Liberia has a lack of resources, with a lack of affordable and accessible healthcare, and healthcare providers, I began to understand why regions of African countries and cities were defenseless against conditions such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and more. Not being told the cause of death of my grandparents, I began to wonder if this lack of resources and healthcare rapidly shortened their lifespan. These questions stuck with me for years. This is where I began to hold an interest in the healthcare field. In Monrovia, Liberia, I volunteered to prepare meals, supply resources to schools, and donate to churches. There, I saw several community members with conditions that were graphic and physically untreated. Visiting Liberia filled me with the drive to advocate and serve these communities. Towns like Monrovia can be seen around the world, especially in the United States. Philadelphia is one of the leading areas that fall within the medically under-served population, like the town of Kensington; also known as the “City of Zombieland”, with a great population of the community suffering from opioid addiction and lack of healthcare. With a dream to be a Physician Assistant (PA), I hope to work in diverse communities and bring diversity to the profession. As I continue to further my studies and strengthen my career in the medical field, I plan to dedicate my life to being a PA, as an underrepresented figure in medicine, and giving back to communities that lack the resources and access to healthcare, while also portraying great service work in my area and other areas that are in need. I plan to continue serving different communities no matter what the circumstances entailed, advocate for adequate healthcare, fill in and diversify the provider shortage, and contribute to the lack of quality healthcare in these communities, establishing high-quality healthcare, with a patient-centered approach. I strive to contribute to these communities, where I can strengthen the provider shortage and lack of access in underdeveloped areas, and provide diversity and representation to areas where it is limited.

My name is Mercedes Wisner and I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Biology. My family migrated from Liberia, West Africa, during the Liberian War in 1997, a year before I was born. I had the humbling experience of witnessing the underdeveloped towns of Liberia twice in my life, with 3 in 5 citizens living in poverty. With a lack of resources, affordable and accessible healthcare, and providers, I connected the pieces to the jigsaw puzzle of why regions of African countries and cities were defenseless against conditions such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, pneumonia, and more. In my town, right outside of Philadelphia, there's a lack of access to many professionals. I found myself lucky to be treated by a Physician Assistant (PA) for gastroesophageal reflux disease, gallstones, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. My PA and I talked about my diagnosis and plans to treat, validating my symptoms and pain. When my symptoms worsened, we discussed surgery to remove my gallbladder. She assured me that I was under great care by her supervising surgeon, while also collaborating with my primary doctor. With the privilege to shadow her, I learned how collaborative, versatile, detailed, and centered PAs were with patient care. I worked as a medical assistant to further my pursuit in this profession. I played a great role in helping to deliver great patient care, assisting doctors in treating and bandaging patients’ wounds, developing X-rays, and prescribing medications. One component of the PA profession that I gravitated towards was service work, especially within underdeveloped communities. I contributed to Monrovia, Liberia, volunteering to prepare meals, supply resources to schools, and donate to churches—many community members presented with conditions that were graphic and physically untreated. Visiting Liberia filled me with the drive to advocate and serve these communities. Towns like Monrovia can be seen around the world, especially in the United States. Philadelphia is one of the leading areas that fall within the medically under-served population, like the town of Kensington; also known as the “City of Zombieland”, with a great population of the community suffering from opioid addiction and lack of healthcare. As I continue to further my studies and strengthen my career in the medical field. I am certain that the PA career is where I see myself. I’m dedicated to the act of high-quality patient care, attention to detail, and collaboration. While many experiences have strengthened and anchored my reasoning to pursue PA studies, I plan to dedicate my life to being a PA, as an underrepresented figure in medicine, and giving back to communities that lack the resources and access to healthcare, while also portraying great service work in my area and other areas that are in need. I am amazed at the trust and collaboration formed between a team of providers and patients, as well as the training provided to deliver high-quality care and attention. I plan to continue serving different communities no matter what the circumstances entailed, advocate for adequate healthcare, fill in and diversify the provider shortage, and contribute to the lack of quality healthcare in these communities, establishing high-quality healthcare, with a patient-centered approach. As a PA, I know I not only get the honor of being a lifetime learner, but with my captivation in the different fields of medicine, I can treat and diagnose different conditions on the front line while being a part of a collaborative team. I strive to contribute to these communities, where I can strengthen the provider shortage and lack of access in underdeveloped areas, and provide diversity and representation to areas where it is limited.

A time I persevered through an obstacle would be the Summer of 2020. Graduating through a pandemic is one thing, but to move on after graduation, in a pandemic is another. I had always been told about post-graduation depression, and never thought it would hit me because I was always five steps ahead of myself, months ahead if anything. Easy, I would graduate college, work in healthcare, and then apply to medical school and become a Neurology-specializing doctor. But then, the pandemic came, and I experienced poor mental health like never before. Suddenly, I am experiencing loneliness, sadness, guilt, imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and anxiety. My plans post-graduation all came to a halt. I suddenly felt lost. What am I supposed to do now? What do I do while I wait for the world to open back up? How do I keep myself and the momentum I had going when all I can do is lock myself indoors while the world is going through a pandemic, racial brutality, and political conflicts? For a few weeks, I had given up on everything. My goals, my dreams, my plans. For weeks, I sat in the house all day, doing nothing, but allowing time to go by. And it hit me towards the end of the summer, that I did not come this far, to only come this far. Eventually, through more self-love and self-acceptance, and the help of others, I was able to pick myself back up. I enrolled in therapy, enrolled in a few online courses, and did find not one, but two jobs in the healthcare setting. I am very thankful that I did not allow doing anything to be my endgame, and that I was able to pick up where I left off.

One practical solution for helping people who are struggling with mental health is being there for them. We oftentimes misinterpret people with mental health, as well as their feelings. Not all of us have truly experienced what it means to suffer from these different types of mental health problems, whether that's in anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, anything. One way to help them is to be there for them. We oftentimes consider being there for them as giving them advice or telling them to” think positively” or “look on the bright side”. This can often be seen as insensitive, demeaning, and positive toxicity because not everything in life should have a positive outlook, and when going through these mental health problems, which can be hard to do as well. Telling someone going through depression or anxiety to “look on the bright side” disregards what that person may be going through and can be invalidating. Mental Health is a big issue that is not often talked about. We need to support our friends and family that are experience this and be there for them in any way that we can. If we are unable to get our friends to an expert, what we need to do is to recognize and acknowledge these emotions, and then support them, and be there for them in these rough times. We can even ask them before we lend them our shoulders or ears if they need a supportive friend right now, or a friend to give advice. Often time, we give advice on the matter when we have no idea what they're going through.

In March 2020, I was reaching out to photographers to book for my senior year portraits. I was drafting schools I was interested in applying to. I was planning trips to take with my boyfriend. But mid-March, we received news that started a huge moment in history. For students, schools were shutting down, MCAT exam dates were being postponed, and shadowing and volunteer opportunities were getting cancelled. Being locked indoor gave me so much more time to put a pause on being a pre-medical student, and to think about the things around me. All I had was my thoughts and being in there at first was so lovely. But the longer I stayed there, the more I realized how disturbing of a place it was. I put together too many pieces, and these pieces left me depression and anxious. Things about my childhood, past trauma, relationships, and everything else were making sense too perfectly. Being in my head was changing me. The things I enjoyed, I couldn't even think about without getting an uncomfortable feeling in my head and gut. I lost motivation to study for the MCAT, being a remote pre-med student was a total pain, and my boyfriend and I broke up, but were still fighting throughout the pandemic. From this pandemic, I lost my senior year, my boyfriend, my freedom, and myself. I thank the pandemic for giving me the time to process so much, so much that I would not have had the time to process at school. It wasn’t until after I graduated that I realized I was too involved in school. It was my entire life. While I did lose complete motivation the summer of the pandemic, I realized that I did not come this far, to only come this far. I kept pushing. By august, I enrolled myself back in school, I am currently studying for the MCAT once again, my boyfriend and I set up boundaries (and we’re happier than ever), and as of three weeks ago, I ended therapy. The pandemic destroyed me, but also allowed me to repair myself.

Society needs to love women. Women are becoming more dominant as the decades go on. We now have women serving as entrepreneurs, Ivy League graduates, doctors, athletes, and Vice Presidents. To effectively empower women, we first need to listen to them, and advocate for them. Women are constantly fighting for their rights, and we need to back them up on their fight. There are many professions, especially in politics, that are being held by men, so it is hard to create and establish laws and regulations without getting a woman's opinion or being in their perspective. This is not just to benefit women either, but the entire population together. Of course, with women's rights continuing to be looked at as a 'trend', this is not a trend, but a demand for the government, and really, the population to not only seen women's right as a necessity, but to respect it. Women are constantly being looked at as a last priority, while other parties are taking more control and media attention. I am not against these parties grabbing the media's attention. I am against us not fully supporting the attention that our women and their rights. Women are always first in line, to support any and every issue. It is pretty upsetting, when it times to support women's rights, whether that being reproductive rights, wages, rights to end discrimination and inequality, women need to be seen and heard What can be done is putting more women in power. We need to see more women in power and filling in these seats. Not only filling in these seats but being heard. Time and time again, women have fought to be heard, whether from abuse, discrimination, or anything else, and often, it led to undermining the issue and seeing it as a lesser priority. With adding more women to these seats, it will be easier to uplift and advocate for them. It will make working together and living in unity and harmony much easier. Just think, it's been about 150 years since the first woman ran for presidency. 50 years after that, women earned the right to vote. It has been about 60 years ago; we sent the first woman into space. 14 years ago, we received our first female Speaker of the House. And, lastly, we've received our first female Vice President of the United States. We are improving, but we still have a long way to go.