Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of gun violence on families. Therefore, I had been drawn to becoming a Physician Assistant because of my passion for healthcare and desire to improve the lives of others within underserved communities. My experiences living in Memphis shaped my determination to make a meaningful impact, both as a healthcare provider and as an advocate for my community. A defining moment in my pre-healthcare journey occurred in January 2022, when I lost my childhood best friend, Kashaka Jones, to gun violence. His passing made me realize how important it is to address systemic issues in healthcare, more specifically, the lack of access to quality healthcare facilities that give proper care in underserved communities. As an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, I hope to address these issues by collaborating with other healthcare professionals working in high-need areas where access to urgent care is limited. I also would aim to work with the community health programs to provide education to individuals about firearm safety and advocate for the distribution of funding within hospitals around the city to improve medical infrastructure. His passing continues to fuel my commitment to this work, not just as a career goal, but as a personal mission to honor his life by preventing similar losses in other families. Navigating college as a first-generation student has been one of my greatest challenges. Having always been at the top of my class in high school, I felt confident and secure in my studies, but entering college made me question whether I truly belonged. Being surrounded by students with more resources and experience, I struggled with impostor syndrome, doubting my abilities in such a competitive environment. To overcome this, I constantly reminded myself of my hard work, dedication, and work ethic that had brought me this far. Joining the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) connected me with a supportive community of pre-healthcare students who shared similar experiences and challenges. Through MAPS, I gained access to valuable resources and workshops, which allowed me to feel a sense of belonging that boosted my confidence in navigating through undergrad. These challenges have taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and have shown me the importance of turning my challenges into opportunities for growth. In my journey, I have learned that healthcare is not just about treating patients; it’s about understanding the factors that influence patients’ health and daily lives. This perspective will allow me to connect deeply with my patients, deliver compassionate care, and advocate for quality healthcare for everyone. By turning pain into purpose, overcoming my challenges with resilience, and using my passion for healthcare to serve under-resourced communities, I am committed to becoming a Physician Assistant who drives change and inspires future generations to create a more equitable world and healthcare system.

My name is Morgan Mills, and I am a first-year student at Spelman College on the Pre-Physician Assistant track. What's most important to me in life is God and my family. My family serves as my primary motivation for pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant. Being the first in my family to embark on this path carries significant weight and responsibility. My mother’s decision to pause her education at the University of Memphis after having me underscores the sacrifices made for my well-being. Witnessing her dedication to providing for our family despite the challenges she has faced has instilled in me a profound sense of purpose. I am driven by my desire to honor her sacrifices and positively contribute to our family’s legacy. My ultimate goal in life is to become an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant and open my own private practice clinic in Dallas, Texas. Becoming a Physician Assistant is not just about achieving personal success; it’s about breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations within my family. My interest in the emergency response specialty initially sparked in sixth grade while living in Memphis, Tennessee. Living in one of the most dangerous cities in America, the sound of wailing sirens and blue police lights frequently swarmed my neighborhood. As a young, innocent girl, my parents tried to shield me from the loud heart-dropping gunfire that sounded as if it had taken place inside our living room. Deep down I knew in my gut something wasn’t quite right. Despite not yet knowing how to carry it through, I felt I had to stop this brutality. The passing of my childhood best friend, Kashaka Jones, opened my eyes and influenced my interest in Emergency Medicine. Kashaka was a victim of gun violence in my hometown, Memphis, Tennessee, and unfortunately lost his life at the age of 16. As a first-generation college student with aspirations to become an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant, the Kalia D. Davis scholarship would be the beacon of opportunity illuminating my path to success. This scholarship would alleviate the financial burden that weighs heavily on the shoulders of first-generation college students like myself. It would not only ease the financial strain but also provide the freedom to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and clinical experiences. This financial stability is essential in enabling me to excel academically and clinically, laying a solid foundation for my success as a future PA. Moreover, this scholarship would not only open doors to academic excellence but also empower me to serve my community with compassion and dedication. As a first-generation PA, I am well aware of the disparities in healthcare access and the critical need for diverse healthcare providers who understand the unique challenges faced by underserved populations. With the support of this scholarship, I will be able to pursue specialized training and certifications, participate in outreach programs, and advocate for health equity initiatives that address the root causes of disparities and improve healthcare outcomes for all.

One of the leading causes of death in high-crime areas is due to gun violence. These communities contain broken individuals who lack guidance believing that using violence without provocation is appropriate. Being born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, I’ve experienced this firsthand. I would frequently hear the ear-bursting noise of gunfire that sounded as if it took place right inside my living room. I was well aware that this violence was wrong and that I needed to take action to end this violence in my community in some way. I’ve always considered a career in medicine, but I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to pursue. The passing of my childhood best friend, Kashaka Jones, opened my eyes and influenced my interest in Emergency Medicine. Kashaka was a victim of gun violence in my hometown, Memphis, Tennessee and unfortunately lost his life at the age of 16. My degree in Health Science I will obtain at Spelman College will allow me to work towards my goal of becoming an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant and educate me on the proper criteria needed to succeed in Physician Assistant Programs. I’ve experienced what it’s like to lose a loved one as I’ve lost my childhood best friend, Kashaka Jones, to gun violence in my hometown. Therefore, my goal as an Emergency Medicine PA is to provide healthcare benefits and treat those with life-threatening conditions in underserved communities, ensuring that they undergo proper care to return to their families safely. I hope to help countless families live better lives and establish myself as a respected PA known for improving her community through medicine. As a PA, I hope to inspire other black women to become medical professionals and increase the number of black nurses, doctors, physician assistants, and so much more while working together in underserved areas. We will not only make a difference in our community, the lives of families, or even our place of work but ultimately, in the world. As the first black president of the United States, Barack Obama has said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” I refuse to wait around for someone else to make Memphis' gun violence decrease. I won't sit back and watch as another mother loses her black sons and daughters to senseless acts of violence, nor will I wait for someone else to help them in the hospital when they are in danger of losing their lives.