Growing up, many people in my family assumed I would end up in nursing or healthcare. I loved science, and I wanted to help people, so direct patient care seemed like the obvious path. But during my senior year of high school, I had the privilege to job-shadow in the microbiology department at my local hospital, and everything shifted. Watching the microbiologists isolate pathogens and analyze cultures under the microscope opened up a completely different world. I realized that the work happening behind the scenes in the lab is where so many life-saving treatments actually begin. Being the first person in my family to attend a university, earning my Bachelor of Science in Biology is a huge milestone for me, but it is also my way of turning that early spark into a career dedicated to medical research. My real motivation comes from wanting to understand how microscopic organisms affect the human body and how we can treat them safely. Right now, I am building my technical foundation both in my classes and through my job as a laboratory assistant. Working in the lab has taught me that science isn't just numbers on a page or facts in a textbook; it directly impacts real people. Courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and pathophysiology have shown me how complex human biology really is. Everyone reacts to treatments differently, which means testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting medications is critical. My long-term goal is to become a pharmaceutical researcher specializing in microbiology, where I can help develop safe, effective vaccines and treatments for infectious diseases. Mastering everyday lab techniques, like sample preparation, plating cultures, and running detailed data analysis, is how I am preparing myself to do that work safely and accurately. To turn these goals into reality, I have built a step-by-step plan for my career. Right after graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I want to work as an entry-level lab technician. That step is important to me because I want real-world, hands-on experience handling samples, running assays, and learning from experienced research teams before jumping straight into graduate school. After gaining that industry experience, I plan to pursue my Master’s degree and eventually a Ph.D. in Biology with a focus on microbiology. I want to spend my career researching how different drugs interact with microbes so we can catch potential issues before medications ever reach a patient. On top of that, I want to make sure I am a scientist who knows how to communicate. Scientific discoveries do not mean much if everyday people cannot understand them, so I want to bridge the gap between complex research and the public. Getting to this point has not been easy. Being a first-generation student while navigating a heavy science major comes with constant financial and personal pressure. While I receive financial support from my university, it does not cover the full cost of tuition, housing, books, and lab fees. Staying in school requires me to be extremely organized with my money and time. Navigating the world of science and technology can be particularly daunting, especially when financial pressures loom overhead. There's an added layer of intimidation when stepping into science labs, where the representation of people who look like me is often sparse. However, during these moments of self-doubt, I frequently reflect on my high school job-shadowing experience in a hospital lab, where I was inspired by the remarkable women of color who were leading the work there. Their success resonated with me deeply, transforming my perception of my own potential and reinforcing the belief that I, too, belonged in those spaces. My journey in STEM is profoundly important to me, not only in achieving my own ambitions but also in paving the way for others who will follow. I’ve faced considerable academic and financial challenges, but I have worked diligently to overcome them by maintaining a strong commitment to my lab work, striving for excellent grades, and constantly reminding myself of my purpose – the reason I embarked on this path in the first place. As I look ahead to the culmination of my efforts in obtaining my doctorate and launching a career in pharmaceutical research, I’m driven by a deep desire to give back. I aim to actively mentor young women, particularly those from first-generation and underrepresented backgrounds, helping them navigate the often-complex process of college applications, introducing them to the exciting world of lab research, and instilling in them the confidence they need to pursue ambitious STEM careers. It is my goal to show these young girls that they have a rightful place in the field of science. I want to ensure that their journey is less daunting and that the path forward is a little easier for the next generation of women in STEM. Letting them know that they belong in this world is not just an aspiration for me; it is a commitment that I intend to uphold through my work and mentorship. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Young Women in STEM Scholarship .

Education is not just having a degree or going to a big school, but it is the ability to learn and to apply those applications to your daily life. In kindergarten, we learned to read, and then as we progressed in our studies, we read to learn. Being able to understand the content that teachers are offering is better than memorizing what is being taught. Education is the driving force behind new inventions, theories, and growth; without it, the world would be in chaos. Having a more highly educated population decreases the unemployment rate. Getting an education is important to me because it will allow me to further my personal growth, which will allow me to better support my community. By going to college, I will not only be receiving a degree but also developing new skills that will enhance my scientific endeavors. As a scientist, being involved in their community allows them to inform civilians about their research. Many times, the general public believes that science is a complex concept that only the most educated can understand. When revolutionary discoveries are made, if experts cannot translate ideas to the public, these discoveries are meaningless to them. Science can move faster when scientists or even representatives know how to translate their discoveries to the masses. The laboratory environment itself can be a collaborative ecosystem. I have had the opportunity to serve as a lab assistant at my school. With this position, I have seen many students learn more from each other than they have from their professors. When a student did not understand how to do an experiment, their first instinct was to ask one of their peers. This has empowered them to share their discoveries and help when variables or results are not completely accurate. While taking my theatre class, I noticed some similarities between productions and the laboratory environment. Being inspired by how a director looks at a production as a whole, recognizing that there is an end goal and that everything must work harmoniously together to complete it. This approach will proactively move discoveries along. Lastly, by keeping my identity as a woman in STEM in my heart, a diverse perspective will be a top focus in my work. Having a diverse pool of ideas that can include underrepresented communities and variables defers time-consuming corrections. By bringing multidisciplinary thinking into the world of science, discoveries will be translated more effectively, laboratories will be harmonious, and results will be inclusive of even underrepresented groups. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the LeadHer Learning Scholarship.

I chose to pursue a degree in biology because I realized there is a vital necessity for humanity and the world. While taking my biology classes, I have learned that everything is connected, albeit it may seem there is no relation between species in different ecosystems. When I attended high school, I wanted to become a doctor; however, after being introduced to different careers enabled with a biology degree, I found a profession that suits my interests and ideal working conditions. While taking my classes over the years, I found working in a laboratory environment was ideal for me. I wanted to study a subject where I could visualize the effects of my work in real time, and that also piqued my interest. One thing that I really like about biology is that it is a broad subject that can be broken down into precise sub-subjects that work together. Many scientists spend their entire lives focused on one subdiscipline, hoping to gain as much knowledge as possible for the betterment of human society. To me, all of biology is important, but like many scientists, I find joy and passion in only a few subdisciplines that work together, such as microbiology and virology. An impact I aspire to have is managing the quality assurance and safety of pharmaceuticals through extensive research, discovery, and connection. A major challenge I have faced in my life recently is being newly diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease called scleroderma. Scleroderma is a condition in which the body begins to attack itself and produces excessive collagen. This excess collagen can cause the skin to thicken and become tight, and it can also affect internal organs. Some symptoms I have experienced include joint stiffness, particularly in my fingers, as well as Raynaud's disease. Raynaud's causes my fingers and toes to turn blue and become numb or painful when exposed to cold, even in mild temperatures. Before my diagnosis, I noticed that I struggled to keep warm during the winter months. Whenever I was outside, my fingers would turn blue, regardless of the actual temperature. This was concerning, so I visited my primary doctor. Initial diagnostic tests were performed to check for anemia and low iron levels, but both came back negative. Given my family medical history and persistent symptoms, my doctor referred me to a rheumatologist for further evaluation. After several more tests, I received my diagnosis of scleroderma. Living with this disease has been a significant challenge because it limits my ability to participate in certain activities, especially those that require fine motor skills or prolonged use of my hands. As a college student, I spend long hours working on my computer, which can cause my fingers and wrists to stiffen and sometimes become nearly unusable. Despite these obstacles, I have learned to adapt and manage my symptoms. For example, I now take frequent breaks while working on assignments to give my hands time to rest and recover. I also make sure to dress warmly, especially in situations where I know I will be exposed to cooler temperatures. Through trial and error, I have developed strategies to help me cope with the daily realities of living with Scleroderma and Raynaud's disease. This experience has had a profound impact on my perspective and my future goals. Dealing with my diagnosis has not only challenged me physically and emotionally but has also motivated me to pursue a career where I can make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply to the Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship.

My name is Moriah, and I am a first-generation college student. The reason I decided to pursue a higher education was to create a better life for my future and family. I am a biology major currently working toward my bachelor's degree and will further my education by obtaining a master's in the future. My most significant experience in biology so far was being able to visualize the impact of my classroom studies in real time. The ability to learn about a specific topic or even an organism in the classroom is important, but being able to observe it in action makes the lesson come together. My first experience with this was when I was studying for my chemistry class, discussing chemical bonds and equilibria. While we were in the middle of our unit, my professor brought some chemicals so that we could actually see how equilibria work in real life. My professor also used household chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol, to demonstrate that chemistry is present in everyday life, not just in laboratories. I also experienced this during my pathophysiology class; I had the opportunity to execute projects on different illnesses and their treatments. This class made an impact on me; although many of the diseases I studied were common, many details expanded my knowledge and understanding of human health. What I really learned from this class as a whole was that not everyone's body responds the same way to medications and treatments. There should be precautions for every individual, including looking at the medical history and also round-the-clock monitoring for any abnormalities. I will use this realization and other STEM principles as a foundation for medication success confirmations. I plan on pursuing a career in medication troubleshooting to determine if they are effective at destroying harmful microbes and keeping the patient healthy at the same time. Being able to connect my education to real-life occurances will launch my research and discovery at a faster rate. Realizing that not every patient infected with an illness requiring a specific medication is the same, this brings human empathy back into the scientific world. In my education curriculum, I am taught not only to understand complex concepts but also to explain them to a broad audience. Comprehending the complexity of science is important, but if the general population cannot understand it, then it serves no purpose. The capability to convey these concepts beyond college ensures that my community is informed about scientific conversations that may affect them. I will demonstrate inclusion in my career by encouraging my colleagues during independent and collaborative work. This also plays a significant role in strengthening my community, but I can strengthen the community outside of scientific research by communicating complex principles to a broad audience. I plan to inspire and motivate other first-generation students to pursue higher education by obtaining not only a bachelor's but also a master's. Being an example of how, while I am the first in my family to obtain higher education, I can better give advice and also resources to those who feel as if they are out of place at their university. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the First Generation Scholarship for Underprivileged Students.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and being interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a healthcare worker, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the years, I volunteered at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with tasks that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. I can see myself working in this environment to gain experience in the scientific workforce as a short-term goal. While job shadowing in the microbiology department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. Being an underrepresented minority in the STEM field of Biology has strongly affected my academic and career goals by being a part of the other African-American women who have their degree in higher education. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black women in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I hope to continue my education after college to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work and make a lasting impact. After graduating, a long-term goal of mine is to work in a pharmaceutical company researching how medications interact with microbes and how it influences patients' health. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to apply to the Sigala Education Scholarship, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

Financial peace is the ability to create wealth by budgeting and living without any financial stress. It is important to me because it is the ability to build a financial future that is more stable and independent from outside resources. Being able to live a life that is both within your means and also enjoyable is the end goal for many people's lives around the world. To me, finding this peace means that there is no need for credit cards or any other type of financial assistance to obtain both wants and needs. Instead of loans and aid as the primary income, it is used as a stepping stone to better budget and also be a start to a more wealthy future. If I had no financial stressors, the decisions that I would make differently today for my current and future life would be establishing investments and also pursuing academia that impacts my current and future life. The investments that I would begin with would be opening savings accounts, such as money market accounts that have higher return interest rates than regular savings accounts. These accounts accumulate interest gradually over a greater amount of time. For many of them, the interest goes up monthly instead of yearly, which means that the longer your money sits in the account and the more that you add into the account, the more the account will add to your starting monetary value. In comparison to regular savings accounts, which may only add interest at the end of the year, the interest rates in money market accounts, for example, are much higher. Another type of investment would be investing in the stock market, buying bonds, or CDs. Investing in the stock market as a younger person would mean investing in either a specific company or a larger portfolio, such as the S&P 500. Beginning young means that you can put more money into these types of investments because there is more time to earn that money back. One big reason why it is recommended to start investing in stocks at a young age, which is also shared in opening high-yield savings accounts, is that there is compound interest. Compound interest is interest that goes towards your beginning value and also accumulates based on the last interest value. This causes savings to rise at a higher rate, and then it gets added at the end of the year. By beginning to invest in stocks early, you are able to build confidence and knowledge about finances at a younger age. I would also invest in life choices, such as programs and certifications from a community college. While I already obtained my associate's degree, being able to have a certification in either lab work or pharmacy tech would greatly expand my experience in the field that I would like to go into. Having a certification and a associates degree can open doors to gaining a professional job while obtaining an undergrad degree. I would look into finding certifications that would expand both my knowledge and my work skills in the lab work and in pharmaceuticals, because that is the environment that I plan on working in after obtaining my bachelor's degree. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Sowing Season Scholarship.

During my junior year of high school, I began to experience some discoloration in my fingers during the winter season. This was not fully a problem for me because the winters where I live can get cold, so I would put my hands in my pockets or wear mittens. I began to worry a bit when I would be in rooms or areas that were colder than the regular temperature, and there would be some discoloration. This would cause stiffness in my joints, making them painful to move. This happened for a few months until I told my primary doctor. Before my diagnosis, I noticed that I struggled to keep warm during the winter months, leading to tests for anemia and low iron. Both came back as negative, and given my family medical history and persistent symptoms, my doctor referred me to a rheumatologist for further evaluation. When I went to my appointment, there was an uncertainty about what my prognosis could be. During the first appointment, the doctor wanted to know mainly about my family history and the symptoms I had been exhibiting for around a year. Because both of my parents have been affected by an autoimmune condition called lupus, I was mainly tested for that condition as well as additional blood tests. After a few weeks, I attended my follow-up appointment. While my lupus results came back negative, I was diagnosed with another autoimmune condition called scleroderma and Raynaud's disease. Scleroderma is a condition in which the body begins to attack itself and produces excessive collagen. This excess collagen can cause the skin to become thickened and tight, and it can also affect internal organs. Raynaud's causes my fingers and toes to turn blue and become numb or painful when exposed to cold, even in mild temperatures. Living with this disease has been a significant challenge because it limits my ability to participate in certain activities, especially those that require fine motor skills or prolonged use of my hands. As a college student, I spend long hours working on my computer, which can cause my fingers and wrists to stiffen and sometimes become nearly unusable. Additionally, my overall comfort is affected by temperature sensitivity, making it difficult to be in environments that are even slightly cold. Despite these obstacles, I have learned to adapt and manage my symptoms. For example, I now take frequent breaks while working on assignments to give my hands time to rest and recover. I also make sure to dress warmly, especially in situations where I know I will be exposed to cooler temperatures. Through trial and error, I have developed strategies to help me cope with the daily realities of living with scleroderma and Raynaud's disease. I plan to make a positive impact using my career by testing medications in all stages of their development to ensure that they meet state and federal standards. This process fortifies the safety of our consumers and patients, so that patients receive the best results. Working at a pharmaceutical company would have many responsibilities. With this career comes the responsibility of communicating with colleagues from around the world to collaborate on standards that should be upheld by our department. Being able to work in an environment that is driven by not only the health of the community in which it is located, but also by the health of everyone around the world is what inspires me to work harder for my goals. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care.

I am a first-generation university student from North Carolina who is majoring in Biology. I decided to pursue STEM because science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. Being in a science lab environment was where I felt the most comfortable. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after undergrad to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy, healthy life. I will make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history, STEM-related careers have been dominated by men, and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital, all the microbiologists were women, and they were so encouraging to each other and others. When I had questions, they took their time to explain things to me. I believe seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think, is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I want to be a light to many of those interested in the field I am pursuing while I am working in my career. I thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Women in STEM Scholarship.

Science has always been one of my favorite subjects in school, and being in a scientific environment was where I thrived the most. I have had experience working with working in both laboratory and engineering environments. What I found to be common with both was that I enjoyed being able to explain why certain causes had different effects and tweaking them to best work for various circumstances. For example, when programming for a piece of machinery, different rates of rotation for each wheel would make the machine move in different directions. During high school, I was fortunate to shadow skilled lab technicians and microbiologists. These experiences significantly deepened both my understanding and fascination with complex biological processes and their real-world applications. After completing my Bachelor's degree, I plan to further my education by pursuing both my Master's and PhD degrees in biology to gain a deeper understanding of the topic I will be working with. My career goal is to become a quality control technician at a pharmaceutical facility. I would be testing medications in all stages of their development to ensure that they meet state and federal standards, to fortify the safety of our consumers and patients. With this career comes the responsibility of communicating with colleagues from around the world to collaborate on standards that should be upheld by our department. For an institution that is based on making products focused on the health of the consumer, ensuring that the products that go out do not have deadly side effects is crucial in the development stage of medicine. I feel that going into this field of work is not only important to the company for which I will be working in but overall for the patient I will be working for. The main goal of any pharmaceutical company is to have the patient's best health in mind. I have volunteered at multiple organizations, such as food banks, schools, and my local hospital, for around 4 years. The only difference that these locations had was the way in which they helped their community. Whether by feeding the mind or helping heal the body, their main objective was to have those who came into their walls either feel healthier or knowledgeable than when they entered. I feel that this is not different in the realm of pharmaceuticals; while the patient is not physically entering the facility, their needs are at the forefront of the company's mind. Being able to work in an environment that is driven by not only the health of the community in which it is located but also by the health of everyone around the world is what inspires me to work harder for my goals. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Dorothy Walker Dearon Scholarship

I am a first-generation college student who loves science. Growing up, I have indulged in various hobbies from music to engineering. I am attending Gardner-Webb University, which is a Christian college in North Carolina. From an early age, my innate curiosity about what drives everyday phenomena propelled me toward the field of science, namely, Biology. Science has always been one of my favorite subjects in school, and being in a scientific environment was where I thrived the most. I have had experience working in both laboratory and engineering environments. What I found to be common with both was that I enjoyed being able to explain why certain causes had different effects and tweaking them to best work for various circumstances. For example, when programming for a piece of machinery, different rates of rotation for each wheel would make the machine move in different directions. During high school, I was fortunate to shadow skilled lab technicians and microbiologists. These experiences significantly deepened both my understanding and fascination with complex biological processes and their real-world applications. After completing my Bachelor's degree, I plan to further my education by pursuing both my Master's and PhD degrees in biology to gain a deeper understanding of the microbial topic I will be working with. My career goal is to become a quality control technician at a pharmaceutical facility. I would be testing medications in all stages of their development to ensure that they meet state and federal standards, to fortify the safety of our consumers and patients. With this career comes the responsibility of communicating with colleagues from around the world to collaborate on standards that should be upheld by our department. Being able to work in an environment that is driven by not only the health of the community in which it is located but also by the health of everyone around the world is what inspires me to work harder for my goals. This scholarship will influence my journey in becoming a scientist, as it will provide me with the financial support needed to focus on my coursework and pursue valuable research opportunities without the constant worry of funding my education. Being able to focus more of my time on coursework and also a research opportunity opens me up to going to networking events to open doors for further research and academic opportunities. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Willie Louis Pegues Science Scholarship.

I am a first-generation college student who has always been fascinated with the why of questions. Growing up, I have indulged in various hobbies from music to engineering. I am attending Gardner-Webb University, which is a Christian college in North Carolina. From an early age, my innate curiosity about what drives everyday phenomena propelled me toward the field of science, namely, Biology. Science has always been one of my favorite subjects in school, and being in a scientific environment was where I thrived the most. I have had experience working in both laboratory and engineering environments. What I found to be common with both was that I enjoyed being able to explain why certain causes had different effects and tweaking them to best work for various circumstances. For example, when programming for a piece of machinery, different rates of rotation for each wheel would make the machine move in different directions. During high school, I was fortunate to shadow skilled lab technicians and microbiologists. These experiences significantly deepened both my understanding and fascination with complex biological processes and their real-world applications. After completing my Bachelor's degree, I plan to further my education by pursuing both my Master's and PhD degrees in biology to gain a deeper understanding of the topic I will be working with. My career goal is to become a quality control technician at a pharmaceutical facility. I would be testing medications in all stages of their development to ensure that they meet state and federal standards, to fortify the safety of our consumers and patients. With this career comes the responsibility of communicating with colleagues from around the world to collaborate on standards that should be upheld by our department. For an institution that is based on making products focused on the health of the consumer, ensuring that the products that go out do not have deadly side effects is crucial in the development stage of medicine. I feel that going into this field of work is not only important to the company for which I will be working in but overall for the patient I will be working for. The main goal of any pharmaceutical company is to have the patient's best health in mind. I have volunteered at multiple organizations, such as food banks, schools, and my local hospital, for around 4 years. The only difference that these locations had was the way in which they helped their community. Whether by feeding the mind or helping heal the body, their main objective was to have those who came into their walls either feel healthier or knowledgeable than when they entered. I feel that this is not different in the realm of pharmaceuticals; while the patient is not physically entering the facility, their needs are at the forefront of the company's mind. Being able to work in an environment that is driven by not only the health of the community in which it is located but also by the health of everyone around the world is what inspires me to work harder for my goals. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship.

I have chosen to major in the life sciences of Biology because I have a passion to better understand how life can illuminate pathways toward improving the health and well-being of others. Biology represents a bridge that connects with individuals worldwide, transcending barriers of distance and cultural differences. Enabling a more unified approach to addressing global health challenges. After completing my BS in Biology, I plan to pursue a career as a biological technician. This position plays a vital role in assisting scientists with their laboratory research projects, which encompass a range of biological studies, from genetics to microbiology. Hands-on experience will allow me to engage directly with sophisticated laboratory equipment, conduct experiments, and analyze data, all of which are essential for advancing my understanding of biological processes. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, furthering and enriching my knowledge and skills in the field. This experience will be invaluable as I aim to contribute to significant scientific discoveries that impact healthcare and environmental sustainability. Delving deeper into the understanding of microbial processes offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research initiatives that could pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in health management and disease prevention. With a strong commitment to amplifying my expertise, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate in Biology, with a specialization in microbiology. I aspire to alleviate suffering by ensuring that patients have access to the medications that they urgently require. I am driven by a profound desire to effect meaningful change in the healthcare landscape, especially within the realm of microbiology, where my efforts may have a lasting impact. My research focus will be on investigating the complex relationships between microbes and their environments, an area that remains only partially understood by scientists today. Gaining insights into how microbes interact with their hosts can be pivotal in the development of new therapeutic agents. By innovating antimicrobial compounds specifically designed to combat resistant pathogens, an escalating threat to public health, I aim to contribute to the formulation of targeted therapies and preventive strategies that address critical health issues, ensuring that advanced treatments are accessible to all those in need. In addition to my research pursuits, I commit to addressing medical inequities within my community. A pivotal aspect of my plan involves serving as an educator, as knowledge is a powerful tool in combating health disparities. Disease occurrence refers to the frequency of illness within a population. It's often tied to socioeconomic and environmental factors, resulting in what is known as a health disparity. Preventable cases of illness frequently highlight these disparities due to underlying factors such as inadequate health education and unsafe living conditions. It's vital to work in supportive environments, but community awareness of available resources is equally important. By educating individuals about health threats and prevention strategies, I aim to build a more informed and resilient community. This approach can help create a stronger, healthier society for everyone to thrive. While volunteering at food pantries, I had the opportunity to assist with the stocking of shelves, cleaning, and making care packages for those in need. Also while volunteering at a local school, I worked with students who were mentally disabled. During this time, students learned about different subjects such as science and history. I would support them while they worked on assignments, with encouraging words and guidance when needed. Being able to assist others brought me out of my comfort zone to where I became more confident in making connections with others. Helping my community was an aspect that I enjoyed.

I have chosen to major in the life sciences of Biology because I have a passion to better understand how life can illuminate pathways toward improving the health and well-being of others. Biology represents a bridge that connects me with individuals worldwide, transcending barriers of distance and cultural differences. This enables a more unified approach to addressing global health challenges. After completing my BS in Biology, I plan to pursue a career as a biological technician. This position plays a vital role in assisting scientists with their laboratory research projects, which encompass a range of biological studies, from genetics to microbiology. Hands-on experience will allow me to engage directly with sophisticated laboratory equipment, conduct experiments, and analyze data, all of which are essential for advancing my understanding of biological processes. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, furthering and enriching my knowledge and skills in the field. This experience will be invaluable as I aim to contribute to significant scientific discoveries that impact healthcare and environmental sustainability. Delving deeper into the understanding of microbial processes offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research initiatives that could pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in health management and disease prevention. With a strong commitment to amplifying my expertise, I plan to pursue advanced education culminating in a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate in Biology, with a specialization in microbiology. I aspire to alleviate suffering by ensuring that patients have access to the medications that they urgently require. I am driven by a profound desire to effect meaningful change in the healthcare landscape, especially within the realm of microbiology, where my efforts may have a lasting impact. My research focus will be on investigating the complex relationships between microbes and their environments, an area that remains only partially understood by scientists today. Gaining insights into how microbes interact with their hosts can be pivotal in the development of new therapeutic agents. By innovating antimicrobial compounds specifically designed to combat resistant pathogens, an escalating threat to public health, I aim to contribute to the formulation of targeted therapies and preventive strategies that address critical health issues, ensuring that advanced treatments are accessible to all those in need. In addition to my research pursuits, I am committed to addressing medical inequities within my community. A pivotal aspect of my plan involves serving as an educator, as I believe that knowledge is a powerful tool in combating health disparities. Disease occurrence refers to the frequency of illness within a population. It's often tied to socioeconomic and environmental factors, resulting in what is known as a health disparity. Preventable cases of illness frequently highlight these disparities due to underlying factors such as inadequate health education and unsafe living conditions. It's vital to work in supportive environments, but community awareness of available resources is equally important. By educating individuals about health threats and prevention strategies, I aim to build a more informed and resilient community. This approach can help create a stronger, healthier society for everyone to thrive. An adversity that I had to overcome was a past diagnosis of scleroderma. Scleroderma is a long-term autoimmune disease that hardens the skin and connective tissue. This condition makes me sensitive to cold, causing my fingers to turn blue and my joints to stiffen, which can be quite painful. Although there's no cure for scleroderma, treatments exist. Despite these challenges, I've continued to pursue my education and hobbies, focusing on learning how to help relieve others' pain. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Emerging Leaders in STEM Scholarship

I have chosen to major in the life science of Biology because understanding how life can illuminate pathways improves the health and well-being of others. Biology represents a bridge that will connect me with individuals worldwide, transcending barriers of distance and cultural differences. This allows for a more unified approach to global health challenges. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital, all of the microbiologists were women. They were so encouraging to each other and others. By seeing their collaboration with their colleagues, I was largely inspired. Though often regarded as a concrete science, biology encompasses an array of subjects, particularly when explored within the medical field. After completing my Bachelor of Science in Biology, I plan to pursue a career as a biological technician. In this position, I will play a vital role in assisting scientists with their laboratory research projects, which encompass a range of biological studies, from genetics to microbiology. This hands-on experience will allow me to engage directly with sophisticated laboratory equipment, conduct experiments, and analyze data, all of which are essential for advancing my understanding of biological processes. Additionally, I will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team of researchers, further enriching my knowledge and skills in the field. This fundamental experience will be invaluable as I aim to contribute to significant scientific discoveries that impact healthcare and environmental sustainability. This position offers a unique opportunity to delve into the understanding of microbial processes and contribute to innovative research initiatives that could pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries in health management and disease prevention. With a strong commitment to amplifying my expertise, I plan to pursue advanced education culminating in a master’s degree and a doctorate in Biology, with a specialization in microbiology. I aspire to alleviate suffering by ensuring that as many patients as possible have access to the medications that they urgently require. Being driven by a profound desire to effect meaningful change in the healthcare landscape, especially within the realm of microbiology, where my efforts may have a lasting impact. My research will focus on investigating the complex relationships between microbes and their environments, an area that remains only partially understood by scientists today. Gaining insights into how microbes interact with their hosts is pivotal in the development of new therapeutic agents. By innovating antimicrobial compounds specifically designed to combat resistant pathogens, an escalating threat to public health, I aim to contribute to the formulation of targeted therapies and preventive strategies that address critical health issues, ensuring that advanced treatments are accessible to everyone in need. In addition to my research pursuits, I am committed to addressing medical inequities within my community. A pivotal aspect of my plan involves serving as an educator, as I believe that knowledge is a powerful tool in combating health disparities. Disease occurrence, refers to the frequency of illness within a population, often tied to socioeconomic and environmental factors, resulting in what is known as a health disparity. Preventable cases of illnesses frequently highlight these disparities due to underlying factors such as inadequate health education, and unsafe living conditions. Environments that are supportive and nurturing are critical, yet this alone is not enough if the community lacks awareness of the resources available to them. By educating individuals about specific health threats and actionable prevention strategies, I aim to foster a more informed and resilient community. Through this comprehensive approach, I hope to contribute to the creation of a stronger, healthier society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Byte into STEM Scholarship.

I am worth the dreams that I aspire to achieve because they are not just dreams but goals and a path that I am actively upon. I am committed to pursuing the best version of myself. This version is not for personal growth alone, but so that I may make a lasting positive impact on the world around me. My utmost dream in both direction and motivation is to become a microbiologist. This dream is fueled by my curiosity to understand the microscopic world around us. Those living in the microscopic world can be categorized as microbes. Long recognized as the foundation of modern medical treatments, the utilization of them goes from antibiotics to probiotics. However, their extensive potential within the field of microbiology remains largely untapped. To begin my journey, I will be majoring in biology. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, I am determined to become a biological lab technician. By beginning this entry-level position, I will be equipping myself with essential hands-on experience. Learning laboratory techniques outside of the classroom will allow for repetition, permitting cohesive understanding. Honing my technical skills and deepening my understanding of microbial processes, which are fundamental in the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools, provides a better understanding of the environment I am pursuing. Having this experience will considerably strengthen my grad school application, as it showcases my dedication and passion for microbiology. By going to obtain my master's and Ph.D in biology with a concentration in microbiology, I will expand my horizons. I am particularly passionate about engaging in transformative research aimed at combating infectious diseases, innovating breakthrough antimicrobial agents, and delving into the intricate role of microbiomes in promoting human health. While microbes have been used in medical treatments for centuries, many of their properties are not fully understood. My goal is to work with a team of researchers to better understand how microbes interact with their environment. With this research, the amount of time it takes for medicine to be developed becomes shorter. This means that treatments may possibly become more accessible to those in underrepresented communities. My objective is to help as many patients as possible by alleviating their symptoms. I truly believe that improving access to medications is immensely crucial for fostering health equity across diverse populations around the world. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the This Woman's Worth Scholarship.

Microbes have long been recognized as the cornerstone of numerous medical treatments, including antibiotics that combat bacterial infections and probiotics that promote digestive health. Although our understanding of microbes has significantly advanced, their vast potential within the realm of microbiology remains largely untapped. This field offers countless opportunities for innovation and discovery that have yet to be fully realized. Driven by a profound dedication to furthering my career in the sciences, I am eager to delve into the intricate complexities of microbial life, exploring their applications in health, environmental sustainability, and biotechnology. By harnessing the unique capabilities of these microorganisms, we could unlock new pathways for scientific breakthroughs and solutions to pressing global challenges. I am determined to become a biological lab technician upon completing my bachelor's degree in Biology. This entry-level position is of great importance, as it will immerse me in vital hands-on experience across a wide array of laboratory techniques, including sample preparation, microbial culture, and genomic analysis. I will also have the opportunity to work with advanced instrumentation such as spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and automated pipetting systems. Furthermore, engaging in thoughtful experimental design will enhance my ability to formulate hypotheses, develop protocols, and analyze data. Together, these experiences will lay a solid foundation for my ultimate goal of becoming a microbiologist, equipping me with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of microbiological research and analysis. I am deeply convinced that embarking on this scientific journey will profoundly enrich my understanding of the complex microbial processes that govern our planet. This endeavor will equip me with the advanced skills and comprehensive knowledge necessary to engage in groundbreaking research. Such research holds the promise of catalyzing transformative breakthroughs in health and disease management, ultimately elevating the quality of life for countless individuals around the globe. To complement my hands-on experience, I am committed to furthering my education by pursuing both a master's and a Ph.D. in microbiology. This academic pathway was solidified after an enlightening experience during a job shadowing opportunity at the microbiology laboratory in my local hospital. There, I observed firsthand the pivotal role that biological technicians play in supporting researchers and enhancing patient care. Their meticulous work in analyzing microbial samples and interpreting data not only aids in the development of new treatments but also plays a crucial role in controlling and preventing infections. This exposure inspired me to delve deeper into the field, as I recognize the potential impact that rigorous scientific inquiry can have on public health and safety. The field of microbiology is dynamic, offering a vast array of techniques that are directly applicable to various research initiatives. Working with microbes to investigate innovative vaccines, develop novel cures, and create effective treatments is truly inspiring. Moreover, the chance to engage in research that provides essential healthcare solutions to underprivileged communities is particularly meaningful to me. This mission resonates deeply, as I believe that access to life-saving treatments should not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford traditional medical care, but rather a fundamental right accessible to all. I aspire to make a meaningful impact through my work, dedicated to fostering a healthier and more equitable world for everyone. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Tanya C. Harper Memorial SAR Scholarship.

As a child, I remember being captivated by the world of medicine and was always curious about the background work of medical investigations. While at first, I wanted to pursue criminal justice as a career, I noticed that biology piqued my interest more as I dove deeper into my high school biology class. As a result, I decided to pursue a degree in the sciences. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. Biology is an expansive field that encompasses an array of sub-disciplines, each with its own set of fascinating topics. I found myself particularly drawn to microbiology. Given the opportunity of job shadowing and volunteering at my local hospital, further cemented my interest in this field. This gave me the chance to learn about the diverse types of bacteria and viruses that exist, as well as the unusual ways they can affect our health. I also got to see firsthand how microbiology is used to diagnose and treat diseases. In the microbiology unit, STEM is used in many aspects and not just the use of science. Technology is utilized to help test medicine that could be the best treatment for illnesses. Mathematics is used for counting the colonies in Petri dishes to identify the intensity of the disease or infection. While majoring in Biology, I will enroll in as many microbiology-specific courses as possible. By doing this, I can gain knowledge without majoring in the subject. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history STEM related careers have been dominated by men and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital, all of the microbiologists were women. They were so encouraging to each other and others. By seeing their collaboration with their colleagues, I was largely inspired. I believe that seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter a STEM-related field. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think, is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing while in the depths of my career. Thank you for the opportunity to apply for the Women in STEM Scholarship

Faith plays a large role in my life. During the last school year, I attended a calculus college class. While I was doing relatively well in the class, I was not confident in my ability to continually pass the class because of the difficulty of the subject. I studied many hours independently and even attended tutoring sessions in preparation for my assignments. Still nervousness took over to the point where it seemed as if passing the class was impossible. As the semester went on, the last two exams got closer on my calendar. Constantly having faith, I prayed to God that my nerves would be steady and my knowledge would linger. I peacefully passed both of my exams. By keeping faith in the Lord's abilities, I passed my last two tests with the highest scores that I have ever had. My future goals have also been impacted by faith. I plan to major in biology. With this degree, I intend to work in a lab and continue my education to earn my Ph.D to become a microbiologist. In my career, I will be doing research on how microbes interact with their host and each other. With this research, I want to be able to aid in speeding up medicine manufacturing. This will allow patients all over the world to be able to access medication in a timely fashion. I trust that the Lord will guide and direct my path. While those are my plans, I do not want to be outside of the will of the Lord. Without his direction, the life plans that I do possess will not work in my favor. In the Book of Proverbs, King Solomon exclaims, “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without right. A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” While I would like to go into a career that I will enjoy doing if the Lord does not see fit, it is not for me. Faith also plays a role in how I am going to pay for school. While my university gave me funding, it was not enough to cover the entire year. As I fill out scholarships, I continually keep the faith that God blesses me with the funds that are much needed for my education. My mom plays a significant role in me pursuing a higher education. With her encouragement, I can go big with my plans because I know that I can accomplish them. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to the Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation - Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education scholarship. I will continue to have faith that God will direct my path to his glory and continue my endeavor of helping others.

I embody the act of selflessness by helping those in need in any way that I can. Whether in school or my community, I have found a way in which I can be of benefit to those around me. During my high school term, I’ve volunteered at food pantries, making sure that those who mainly helped could easily identify what needs to be brought, as I stocked the shelves. I have also volunteered at a local school, working with students who were mentally disabled. During this experience, I connected with their special needs by working on homework and learning about how photosynthesis works. Over the summer, I served my community at the local hospital in my county every Thursday for four hours each week. I had been volunteering there for a few months, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve worked in a variety of departments, assisting the staff with tasks that they did not have time to complete. By working at the front desk, I provided patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. Having volunteered in the registration center as well, I assisted patients in signing in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months, I have had the privilege to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Birthplace, and Orthopedic Center of the hospital. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, also known as the NICU, I made sure that all of the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so that the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. Laundry was also done to make sure that the unit had enough linen that it needed. Mainly, I was at the front desk, making sure that everyone who entered was authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I gave snacks out to moms and dads as they enjoyed their time with their newborn. In the Orthopedic unit, I made care baskets for patients who were coming from surgery. Alongside stocking the rooms with gloves, I made sure that the patients were as comfortable as they could be by giving them water and warm blankets. Helping my community was an aspect that I really enjoyed. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to the Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship, and I look forward to continuing to help my community.

When reflecting on my journey into Christianity, I look back on my childhood. Ever since I can remember, I have been in church. Whether we were on vacation, my family found a church to go to. During the summers, I would stay with my grandparents. My grandfather was a pastor, so as children we would be close to the front and in the children's choir. When I got older and we were not spending time with our grandparents over the summer. There were other ways in which my parents kept me in the Word of God. At the church I was attending, we had Sunday school for all ages before the service started. During these, we would learn about bible lessons and how they applied to our daily lives. After I grew older, going to Sunday school was a thing of the past. I found myself missing it, but found other ways in which I could stay in God's word. I began high school and was trying to adjust to the difference in the environment. I began to get more into the word on my own. I found that God was the only thing that could ever bring peace and that with his guidance, life would not always be easy, but it would be peaceful in the end. During my last year of high school, I found it hard to get through some of my schoolwork. I got deeper into my walk with the Lord and have found so much peace in his word. With prayer and his guidance, I graduated with honors, above what I thought I could do. I thank God for his grace and his mercy. Now I know that I can not do anything without him. Microbes have long been recognized as the foundation of various medical treatments, with their applications ranging from antibiotics to probiotics. However, their extensive potential within the field of microbiology remains largely untapped. Driven by a profound dedication to advancing my career in the sciences, I am determined to become a biological lab technician upon completing my bachelor's degree in Biology. This entry-level role will not only equip me with vital hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and experimental design, but it will also serve as an invaluable stepping stone toward my ultimate ambition of becoming a microbiologist. I envision this path will allow me to deepen my understanding of microbial processes and contribute to innovative research that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in health and disease management. By immersing myself in the practical aspects of laboratory work outside of the classroom, I will be able to hone my technical skills and deepen my understanding of microbial processes, which are fundamental in the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools. This experience will significantly enhance my application to graduate schools and impress future employers; while also showcasing my dedication and passion for microbiology. As I embark on my journey as a biological lab technician, I visualize a future in which I can expand my horizons through advanced education, aiming for a master’s degree followed by a doctorate in Biology with a focus on microbiology. This academic pursuit will provide me with profound understanding and specialized skills that are essential for making significant contributions to the ever-evolving field of microbiology. I am particularly passionate about engaging in transformative research aimed at combating infectious diseases, innovating breakthrough antimicrobial agents, and delving into the intricate role of microbiomes in promoting human health. My adventure in this dynamic and vital realm is just beginning, and I am filled with enthusiasm to explore and unlock the potential of microbes to enhance health outcomes on a global scale. As I embark on my professional journey as a biological lab technician, I am committed to advancing my education by pursuing a master’s degree, ultimately culminating in a doctorate in Biology with a concentration in microbiology. This comprehensive educational path will equip me with a deep understanding of cellular processes, genetic mechanisms, and the diverse roles played by microorganisms in various ecosystems. I am particularly excited to immerse myself in pioneering research dedicated to the fight against infectious diseases. My goal is to create innovative antimicrobial agents specifically designed to tackle resistant pathogens, which pose a significant threat to public health. Additionally, I have a deep fascination with the intricate interactions within microbiomes and the profound impact they have on human health. From influencing gut health to modulating immune responses, the complex dynamics of these microbial communities reveal a captivating narrative that I am eager to explore. Exploring these intricate relationships has the potential to revolutionize our approach to disease prevention and treatment. My journey in this dynamic and impactful field has only just begun, and I am driven by a profound desire to unlock the vast potential of microbes to improve health outcomes worldwide. Through rigorous study and dedicated research, I aspire to contribute meaningful insights that will advance our understanding of microbiology and its critical applications in medicine and public health. I aspire to become a microbiologist to help make medications more accessible to all people. Ensuring medical equity fosters healthier communities and generations. In my career, I plan to address health equity by developing medications that can be made available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or ethnicity. The study of microbes can lead to significant breakthroughs in accessible treatments, such as the discovery of penicillin. Collaborating with a team of like-minded scientists can provide comfort to millions of individuals suffering from various ailments. My goal is to help as many patients as possible by alleviating their symptoms. I am passionate about becoming a microbiologist because I believe that improving access to medications is crucial for fostering health equity across diverse populations. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity, has access to effective treatments can lead to healthier communities and future generations. In my career, I am dedicated to the development of innovative medications that prioritize affordability and accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The field of microbiology presents a remarkable landscape for breakthroughs in treatments for a wide array of diseases. I draw inspiration from historical milestones, such as the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which not only transformed medical practices but also paved the way for the antibiotic revolution that has saved millions of lives worldwide. By harnessing the latest advances in microbial research, I aim to contribute to the creation of targeted therapies and preventive measures that address pressing health challenges, ensuring that cutting-edge treatments are within reach for everyone in need. Collaborating with a dedicated team of scientists will be essential in this endeavor, as teamwork can drive significant advancements in healthcare. Together we can conduct research that not only addresses prevalent health concerns, but also identifies new solutions tailored to belittled populations. Ultimately, my goal is to alleviate suffering by ensuring that as many patients as possible can access the medications they urgently need. I am deeply passionate about making a tangible difference in the healthcare landscape, particularly in the field of microbiology. The opportunity of receiving the Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship would be an invaluable boon in my pursuit of this mission. It would enable me to acquire the advanced knowledge and specialized skills necessary for impactful research and practice. With this support, I would be equipped to contribute to innovative solutions that address the complexities of microbial diseases, improve patient outcomes, and promote public health on a broader scale. This scholarship would not only further my education but also empower me to fulfill my commitment to improving lives through improved healthcare access and treatment efficiency. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply for your prominent scholarship.

Being the first in my family to obtain a college degree means bringing pride to myself, my parents, and my descendants. As the first in my immediate family to attend a four-year university, I have a longing to succeed in a new realm of scientific education. Although I’m journeying into a different environment, with the instilled values from my parents, and the passion that is within me, my goal of being a help to all those in need is stronger than my fear of new things. As an only child, going to college is seen as an opportunity to further create a better life for future descendants. With a degree, there is a higher probability of creating a more comfortable life, sense of financial security and stability, and peace of mind to your parents. First-generation college students have both benefits and setbacks. Some challenges presented could be connecting with peers whose families have experience with college or identifying resources for navigating university life. While these can dampen the collegiate experience, knowing that those who have supported you to this point are still there diminishes the worry. Breaking the barrier of higher education at times brings pressure, but by keeping the goal in mind the adrenaline for success remains. I do not only plan to be the first to attain a bachelor's degree in Biology but also to continue my education and become a microbiologist. As a microbiologist, I aim to create innovative antimicrobial agents specifically designed to tackle resistant pathogens, which pose a significant threat to public health. I aspire to help make medications more accessible to all people. Ensuring medical equity fosters healthier communities and generations. Not only am I bringing honor to my future descendants, but also dignity to my parents. They have been with me since the very beginning, looking over my papers and listening to how education has changed since they were in school. After graduating from high school, it seemed that they were also getting a part of my diploma. Being the first in my household to attain a bachelor's degree serves as a social step forward for my family, both present and future. As being a graduate from a university is not something that I take lightly, as I will be a positive inspirational example to those who are younger than me. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to apply for the Dr. Christine Lawther First in the Family Scholarship. I am very grateful.

Microbes have long been recognized as the foundation of various medical treatments, with their applications ranging from antibiotics to probiotics. However, their extensive potential within the field of microbiology remains largely untapped. Driven by a profound dedication to advancing my career in the sciences, I am determined to become a biological lab technician upon completing my bachelor's degree in Biology. This entry-level role will give me hands-on experience in lab techniques, instrumentation, and experimental design, and help me become a microbiologist. By immersing myself in lab work, I'll hone my technical skills and deepen my understanding of microbial processes for new therapies and diagnostic tools. This experience will significantly enhance my application to graduate schools and impress future employers; while also showcasing my dedication and passion for microbiology. As I embark on my journey as a biological lab technician, I visualize a future in which I can expand my horizons through advanced education, aiming for a master’s degree followed by a doctorate in Biology with a focus on microbiology. I am particularly passionate about engaging in transformative research aimed at combating infectious diseases, innovating breakthrough antimicrobial agents, and delving into the intricate role of microbiomes in promoting human health. I am particularly excited to immerse myself in pioneering research dedicated to the fight against infectious diseases. My goal is to create innovative antimicrobial agents specifically designed to tackle resistant pathogens, which pose a significant threat to public health. Additionally, I have a deep fascination with the intricate interactions within microbiomes and the profound impact they have on human health. My goal is to help as many patients as possible by alleviating their symptoms. I am passionate about becoming a microbiologist because I believe that improving access to medications is crucial for fostering health equity across diverse populations. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity, has access to effective treatments can lead to healthier communities and future generations. In my career, I am dedicated to the development of innovative medications that prioritize affordability and accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The field of microbiology presents a remarkable landscape for breakthroughs in treatments for a wide array of diseases. I draw inspiration from historical milestones, such as the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which not only transformed medical practices but also paved the way for the antibiotic revolution that has saved millions of lives worldwide. By harnessing the latest advances in microbial research, I aim to contribute to the creation of targeted therapies and preventive measures that address pressing health challenges, ensuring that cutting-edge treatments are within reach for everyone in need. Ultimately, my goal is to alleviate suffering by ensuring that as many patients as possible can access the medications they urgently need. I am deeply passionate about making a tangible difference in the healthcare landscape, particularly in the field of microbiology. The opportunity of receiving the Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship would be an invaluable boon in my pursuit of this mission. It would enable me to acquire the advanced knowledge and specialized skills necessary for impactful research and practice. With this support, I would be equipped to contribute to innovative solutions that address the complexities of microbial diseases, improve patient outcomes, and promote public health on a broader scale. This scholarship would not only further my education but also empower me to fulfill my commitment to improving lives through improved healthcare access and treatment efficiency. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to you prominent scholarship.

Microbes have long been recognized as the foundation of various medical treatments, with their applications ranging from antibiotics to probiotics. However, their extensive potential within the field of microbiology remains largely untapped. Driven by a profound dedication to advancing my career in the sciences, I am determined to become a biological lab technician upon completing my bachelor's degree in Biology. This entry-level role will not only equip me with vital hands-on experience in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and experimental design, but it will also serve as an invaluable stepping stone toward my ultimate ambition of becoming a microbiologist. I envision this path will allow me to deepen my understanding of microbial processes and contribute to innovative research that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in health and disease management. By immersing myself in the practical aspects of laboratory work outside of the classroom, I will be able to hone my technical skills and deepen my understanding of microbial processes, which are fundamental in the development of new therapies and diagnostic tools. This experience will significantly enhance my application to graduate schools and impress future employers; while also showcasing my dedication and passion for microbiology. As I embark on my journey as a biological lab technician, I visualize a future in which I can expand my horizons through advanced education, aiming for a master’s degree followed by a doctorate in Biology with a focus on microbiology. This academic pursuit will provide me with profound understanding and specialized skills that are essential for making significant contributions to the ever-evolving field of microbiology. I am particularly passionate about engaging in transformative research aimed at combating infectious diseases, innovating breakthrough antimicrobial agents, and delving into the intricate role of microbiomes in promoting human health. My adventure in this dynamic and vital realm is just beginning, and I am filled with enthusiasm to explore and unlock the potential of microbes to enhance health outcomes on a global scale. As I embark on my professional journey as a biological lab technician, I am committed to advancing my education by pursuing a master’s degree, ultimately culminating in a doctorate in Biology with a concentration in microbiology. This comprehensive educational path will equip me with a deep understanding of cellular processes, genetic mechanisms, and the diverse roles played by microorganisms in various ecosystems. I am particularly excited to immerse myself in pioneering research dedicated to the fight against infectious diseases. My goal is to create innovative antimicrobial agents specifically designed to tackle resistant pathogens, which pose a significant threat to public health. Additionally, I have a deep fascination with the intricate interactions within microbiomes and the profound impact they have on human health. From influencing gut health to modulating immune responses, the complex dynamics of these microbial communities reveal a captivating narrative that I am eager to explore. Exploring these intricate relationships has the potential to revolutionize our approach to disease prevention and treatment. My journey in this dynamic and impactful field has only just begun, and I am driven by a profound desire to unlock the vast potential of microbes to improve health outcomes worldwide. Through rigorous study and dedicated research, I aspire to contribute meaningful insights that will advance our understanding of microbiology and its critical applications in medicine and public health. I aspire to become a microbiologist to help make medications more accessible to all people. Ensuring medical equity fosters healthier communities and generations. In my career, I plan to address health equity by developing medications that can be made available to everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status or ethnicity. The study of microbes can lead to significant breakthroughs in accessible treatments, such as the discovery of penicillin. Collaborating with a team of like-minded scientists can provide comfort to millions of individuals suffering from various ailments. My goal is to help as many patients as possible by alleviating their symptoms. I am passionate about becoming a microbiologist because I believe that improving access to medications is crucial for fostering health equity across diverse populations. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity, has access to effective treatments can lead to healthier communities and future generations. In my career, I am dedicated to the development of innovative medications that prioritize affordability and accessibility for all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The field of microbiology presents a remarkable landscape for breakthroughs in treatments for a wide array of diseases. I draw inspiration from historical milestones, such as the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928, which not only transformed medical practices but also paved the way for the antibiotic revolution that has saved millions of lives worldwide. By harnessing the latest advances in microbial research, I aim to contribute to the creation of targeted therapies and preventive measures that address pressing health challenges, ensuring that cutting-edge treatments are within reach for everyone in need. Collaborating with a dedicated team of scientists will be essential in this endeavor, as teamwork can drive significant advancements in healthcare. Together we can conduct research that not only addresses prevalent health concerns, but also identifies new solutions tailored to belittled populations. Ultimately, my goal is to alleviate suffering by ensuring that as many patients as possible can access the medications they urgently need. I am deeply passionate about making a tangible difference in the healthcare landscape, particularly in the field of microbiology. The oppurtunity of receiving the Pastor Thomas Rorie Jr. Furthering Education Scholarship would be an invaluable boon in my pursuit of this mission. It would enable me to acquire the advanced knowledge and specialized skills necessary for impactful research and practice. With this support, I would be equipped to contribute to innovative solutions that address the complexities of microbial diseases, improve patient outcomes, and promote public health on a broader scale. This scholarship would not only further my education but also empower me to fulfill my commitment to improving lives through improved healthcare access and treatment efficiency. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply to you prominent scholarship.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I can always remember that in my early childhood I never really saw black women who were in the medical field that was not in nursing. All of the adults around me told me that black people, especially women, had to work harder than anyone else to get to the same position. When I was in clubs and organizations, I was one of the only black individuals there. I had to work hard even though I was a part of the group so that it did not seem I was slacking. As a black student, working the extra mile became necessary to be seen as a respectable student. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible to have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world in finding treatment for dangerous diseases by studying the microorganisms that cause them. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to mentor students as a professor or having an intern, I think, is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year, I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job-shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to realize my academic potential fully. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and will do everything I can to make the most of it.

As a child, I was fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctor's office I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information, I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year, I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans they still took care of their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy healthy life. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history, STEM-related careers have been dominated by men and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital all the microbiologists were women, and they were so encouraging to each other and others. When I had questions, they took their time to explain things to me. I believe seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think, is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. An event that highlights my determination is the start of this college semester. While most of my classes were manageable, my calculus course presented significant challenges. I chose to take it at a two-year college to avoid it at a larger university. Math has never been my strongest subject, and this class felt more complex than anything I'd faced before. Though I wanted to give up at times, I persevered, knowing improvement required effort. I sought tutoring, which helped, and I ended the semester with a high B. This experience shifted my perspective on education; I realized that perfection isn't necessary—what matters is learning. Previously, I'd breezed through my classes, earning A's with ease, but calculus taught me the value of struggle and growth.I plan to use this education to positively impact my community by being an advocate for growth and not perfection. It seems as if today's education system is mostly built on who is the greatest and not how the students are progressing in their studies. While competition can be a good starting point in which students can get better, competition can instead hinder young minds. As a first-generation college-bound student, I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility to excel academically. Growing up in a family where higher education was not a common path, I understood that achieving some of the best grades in my class was crucial for paving the way toward my college aspirations. I spent countless hours studying, seeking help from teachers, and collaborating with classmates to ensure that my grades reflected my dedication and hard work. This drive not only motivated me to perform well academically but also fostered a deep appreciation for the opportunities that education could provide for me and my family.

As a child, I was fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctor's office I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information, I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year, I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. Seeing patients' smiling faces would bring me joy when I asked them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job-shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans, they still took care of their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after Undergrade to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy, healthy life. As a woman in STEM, I want to be an advocate for women pursuing STEM careers. Historically, STEM has been male-dominated, and even successful women faced criticism. In my local hospital's microbiology unit, all the encouraging female microbiologists helped me see more representation. I want to mentor young girls in STEM and be a guiding light to those interested in my career field.

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the world of medicine and the investigations that support it. Every visit to my local doctor’s office sparked curiosity about how doctors reached their diagnoses and handled the samples provided. Many friends and family members envisioned me as a nurse, but I have always seen my future differently, drawn instead to the background medical field and the desire to help others. During my early high school years, I was the kind of student who stayed within my comfort zone. I focused solely on my schoolwork and went straight home afterward. However, my junior year marked a significant change for me. I began to connect more with my classmates and actively participate in class discussions. I noticed my self-confidence growing when I decided to run for a position in the student government. I started to invest more time in helping my school community, which eventually extended to my involvement in the broader community. I began volunteering at community gardens, centers, and more. The most impactful volunteer work I did was at my local hospital. My volunteering at a local hospital has allowed me to assist patients in ways that seem small but have a significant impact. I find joy in their smiles when I check in and ask how they are doing. My experience job shadowing in the Microbiology department further ignited my passion. There, I witnessed how microbiologists cared for samples, treating them with the same importance as the patients they represent. The diversity I encountered, particularly the impactful presence of black women thriving in the field of science, was profoundly inspiring. Their achievements resonated deeply with me, especially as a first-generation college student navigating my academic journey. Their examples of resilience and excellence not only motivated me but also reinforced the importance of representation in fields that have historically lacked it. Science has always been my favorite subject, and I believe that visible representation can encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers. I have chosen to pursue a degree in Biology, aiming for a PhD while focusing on microbiology to prepare for my future as a microbiologist. My goal is to conduct independent research on diseases like AIDS and explore how microorganisms can contribute to treatments. I also aspire to advocate for women in STEM, breaking through historical barriers in the field. During my job shadowing, I found encouragement from the women microbiologists, which reinforced my belief in the importance of representation. I hope to mentor young girls, guiding them as they pursue their interests in science and helping to open doors for their future careers.

My involvement in my local church has contributed to the service I do for my community by uplifting my community. Since I was a young girl in Sunday school, I have learnt that we should help others in any way possible. We were taught that we arGod gives us gifts to help the world and to be light. At my local church, I am involved in playing the bass guitar for the song service. I uplift the congregation's spirits so that they will feel revived. I have also been able to revive the spirits of those who are looking for help outside of the church. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at my local hospital. I have worked in a variety of departments, assisting the staff with tasks that need to be done but that they do not have the time to complete. I have also worked at the front desk, providing patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. I have volunteered in the registration center of the hospital by helping patients sign in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months, I have spent time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Birthplace, and the Orthopedic Center of the hospital. In the neonatal intensive care unit, or the NICU, I made sure all the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. Done some laundry to make sure that the unit has enough linen that it needs. I am at the front desk, making sure that everyone who enters is authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I give snacks out to moms and dads as they are enjoying their time with their newborn. In the Orthopedic unit, I make care baskets for patients coming from surgery and stock the rooms with gloves; making sure that the patients are as comfortable as they can get by giving water and warm blankets is an aspect I enjoy. My involvement in my local church and being able to help uplift the spirits of those in a religious environment has encouraged me to also help those who are in a medical environment. Where can I?

As a child, I was fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I stepped into my local doctor's office, I was always interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information, I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year, I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients ' smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although the Microbiologists did not see full humans, they still took care of their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy, healthy life. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by advocating for women pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history, STEM-related careers have been dominated by men, and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While I was job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital, all the microbiologists were women, and they were so encouraging to each other and others. When I had questions, they took their time to explain things to me. I believe seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think, is an important part of a student's career. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career.

As a child, I was fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctor's office, I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information, I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year, I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients' smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans, they still took care of their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible to know how to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy, healthy life. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career.

My family has always served as a source of motivation in my pursuit of higher education. From my earliest memories, they instilled in me a deep-seated belief that education is not merely advantageous but essential for unlocking the doors to success in life. I can vividly recall countless evenings gathered around the glow of our dining table, engaging in discussions about the virtues of hard work and the steadfastness that perseverance requires. My parents instilled in me a pursuit of excellence, urging me to pour my heart into every endeavor, work tirelessly, rise above setbacks, and embrace the learning opportunities that emerge from even the most challenging experiences. I found solace in the world of academia, often dedicating my evenings to immersing myself in textbooks. The satisfaction of concepts was my reward, and the steadfast support from my family fortified my academic ambitions. Their encouragement transformed the journey to college into a seamless and natural progression for me, making it feel less like a mere opportunity and more like an inevitable destiny waiting to be fulfilled. I am determined to draw upon that same wellspring of motivation, keeping my ultimate goals firmly in sight. Throughout my educational journey, I have learned that viewing each assignment and project as a stepping stone toward my long-term aspirations fuels my focus and determination. This mindset will be important as I navigate the challenges ahead. Science has always fascinated me, leading me to pursue a degree in Biology. I aim to obtain a PhD in this field, focusing on microbiology to prepare for my career as a microbiologist. I aspire to conduct independent research to impact the medical world, especially studying dangerous diseases like AIDS and exploring how microorganisms can help in their treatment.

My family has always served as an unwavering source of motivation in my pursuit of higher education. From my earliest memories, they instilled in me a deep-seated belief that education is not merely advantageous but essential for unlocking the doors to success in life. I can vividly recall countless evenings gathered around the warm glow of our dining table, engaging in animated discussions about the virtues of hard work and the steadfastness that perseverance requires. My parents instilled in me a relentless pursuit of excellence, urging me to pour my heart into every endeavor, work tirelessly, rise above setbacks, and embrace the learning opportunities that emerge from even the most challenging experiences. While many of my peers pursued athletic pursuits and leisurely pastimes, I found solace in the world of academics, often dedicating my evenings to immersing myself in textbooks and essays. The quiet satisfaction of unraveling complex concepts was my reward, and the steadfast support from my family fortified my academic ambitions. Their encouragement transformed the journey to college into a seamless and natural progression for me, making it feel less like a mere opportunity and more like an inevitable destiny waiting to be fulfilled. As I contemplate my future career, I am determined to draw upon that same wellspring of motivation, keeping my ultimate goals firmly in sight. Throughout my educational journey, I have learned that viewing each assignment and project as a stepping stone toward my long-term aspirations fuels my focus and determination. This mindset will be paramount as I navigate the challenges ahead. To turn my career aspirations into reality, I plan to surround myself with individuals who share my ambitions and values. Cultivating a supportive network is vital, as the encouragement and insights gained from like-minded peers can inspire me to push my boundaries and strive even harder. I also recognize the necessity of minimizing distractions in my life. While carving out moments for relaxation and enjoyment is important, I understand that discipline and diligence are the cornerstones of achievement. By establishing a structured routine that balances focused study sessions with periods of leisure, I will alleviate feelings of being overwhelmed and maintain my trajectory toward success. Guided by the wisdom imparted by my parents throughout my childhood, I am resolute in my commitment to achieve my future career goals. I am determined not only to forge a path for myself but to build a brighter future for my family—creating opportunities that will echo across generations and leave a lasting legacy.

As a child, I was always fascinated by the world of medicine and intrigued by the investigative work behind it. Every time I stepped into my local doctor's office, I was captivated by what the doctors said. While they provided my parents with important information, I often wondered how they arrived at their diagnoses and whether they were responsible for analyzing the samples given to them. Many friends and family members have suggested that I would make a good nurse, but I have never envisioned myself in that role. Although nursing isn’t my calling, I appreciate the medical field and have always wanted to help others. Over the past year, I have been volunteering at my local hospital. This experience has allowed me to assist patients with small, yet significant tasks. It brings me joy to see their smiling faces when I check in on them and ask if they need anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I also had the opportunity to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital, where I was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In this department, I experienced what it feels like to be part of the behind-the-scenes efforts in the medical field. Even though microbiologists do not work directly with patients, they treat their samples with the utmost care, as if they were full human beings. During my time there, I witnessed a great deal of diversity and found it inspiring. Seeing young Black girls represented in science, especially as a first-generation college student, motivated me even more. Science has always been a part of my life, as it was the subject I was most passionate about. I believe that increasing the representation of Black girls in science can encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I find the subject both fascinating and enjoyable. My goal is to continue my education after high school and obtain a PhD in Biology, taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible to gain comprehensive knowledge in the field. After graduation, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my research, I hope to make an impact in the medical world by studying dangerous diseases like AIDS and exploring how different microorganisms may serve as treatments, helping victims lead happy, healthy lives. As a woman in this field, I aim to advocate for other women pursuing careers in STEM. Historically, STEM-related careers have been male-dominated, and even women who have made significant strides often face criticism regarding their capabilities. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital, I noticed that all the microbiologists were women, and they were incredibly supportive of each other and those around them. They took the time to explain things to me whenever I had questions. I firmly believe that increased representation will encourage more young girls to enter STEM fields. I hope to become a mentor to young girls in similar situations to where I was when I was younger and guide them in achieving their goals. Being a mentor, whether as a professor or by supervising interns, is a crucial aspect of a student's career progression. Having an expert in the field as a guide can open doors to new opportunities and connections. I aspire to be a source of inspiration for many individuals interested in the career path I am pursuing as I advance in my professional journey.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I stepped into my local doctor's office I was always interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans they still took care of their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping study dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy healthy life. I aim to advocate for women in STEM and make a difference in this male-dominated field. During my job shadowing in the microbiology unit, I was inspired by the support and encouragement of the female microbiologists. Their willingness to help motivates me and I believe increased representation can encourage more young girls to pursue STEM careers. I aspire to mentor young girls, just as I once needed guidance, to help them achieve their goals. Being a mentor or professor is crucial for students, as experts in the field can open doors to valuable opportunities. I hope to be a guiding light for those interested in my career path. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to apply for this scholarship, and I will do everything possible to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I stepped into my local doctor's office, I was always interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information, I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and want to help people. Throughout the year, I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans, they still took care of their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy healthy life. I aim to make a difference as a woman in STEM by advocating for those pursuing a career in this field. Historically, STEM careers have been male-dominated, and even successful women faced criticism about their capabilities. During my job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital, I noticed that all the microbiologists were women who supported each other and took the time to answer my questions. I believe that increased representation can inspire young girls to enter STEM. I aspire to mentor girls in similar situations to help them achieve their goals. Being a mentor, whether as a professor or intern, is crucial as it can provide valuable opportunities and connections. I hope to guide and inspire those interested in my career field throughout my journey.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and work. While I was in the department, I saw the diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to realize my academic potential fully. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of essential materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

My plans for the future are to become a microbiologist and help work toward developing a treatment for different diseases. I would love to study microorganisms and observe the way that they function in their environments. While many of my immediate family have had dreams of going to a four-year institution it was not made a reality. I intend not only to dream but also to turn that dream into a reality. I discovered my passion for helping others when I entered high school. Starting high school during COVID-19 made it difficult to connect with my peers, and I felt isolated. However, when I finally stepped into the school building for the first time, I was nervous but eager to succeed. Every Friday, our dedicated high school volunteers engage in community service, contributing to various local initiatives. We helped beautify community gardens, worked with students who had intellectual disabilities in schools, and supported operations at food pantries, all of which made a positive impact in our neighborhood. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to job shadow a microbiologist at my local hospital. This experience deepened my passion for helping others, particularly through lab work. My parents had always taught me that education was one of the most important things. They have always implanted in me that with education comes bigger opportunities. My parents were not as fortunate to attend a 4-year university. They have always wanted me to do better than they did and make a difference in the world. While I know that receiving a higher education is important, having the money for it makes a difference in how much prospect you can get. Winning the Bright Lights Scholarship would relieve some of the financial burden of attending a university. This scholarship would also allow me to further the amount of education I get outside of a high school classroom. It will also allow me to purchase essential textbooks, attend conferences, or pay for travel expenses that may come up. In addition, I may have the opportunity to expand my network circle better by going to more events specific to my major and career of choice. This would be a much-appreciated burden taken away from my financial college worries. I will also be able to attend school with less stress. I am grateful for the consideration and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply. My career goal is to first graduate with my Bachelor of Science in Biology. With that, I plan to get an entrance job as a research assistant or biological technician. While working in that field, I plan to return to school to get my master's in Microbiology. Working as a biology technician and taking many microbiology-related classes while working on my bachelor's will help me build a foundation in the microbiology field even before the focused education. After receiving my Master I will go into getting my PhD while doing that I will be looking for a job in development and research at companies or a microbiologist position in the hospital.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and wore. While I was in the department, I saw the diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my localdoctor'ss office I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and work. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans, they still cared for their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household.

My family is one of my motivations to attend college. Ever since I could remember they have instilled in me that education was the way to make it in this world. From my early days in elementary, I was pushed to do my best, work harder, never give up, and take everything as a lesson. While many of my peers were in sports or doing activities that seemed fun I was more academically inclined. While they pushed me to be great academically they also encouraged me to be active in my interest. With their encouragement, going to college was not much of a thought but a normal step in life. I plan to stay motivated to accomplish my future career goals by always keeping the end goal in mind. For all of my years in school, I stayed motivated to complete a task if I remembered that it was a stepping stone to success. Steps that I will take to stay focused to accomplish my future career goals are to stay surrounded by people who also have their end goals in mind. Having a support group with the same values can push you toward working harder. I also plan to limit distractions to a minimum. While there is time for fun there is also time for work. By identifying those times early on and making habits of keeping a schedule I will not feel delayed. Taking my parents' advice from my early childhood, I will be prepared to accomplish my future career goals and create a better life for them and myself. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history, STEM-related careers have been dominated by men and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital all the microbiologists were women, and they were so encouraging to each other and others. When I had questions, they took their time to explain things to me. I believe seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life.

My plans for the future are to become a microbiologist and help work toward developing a treatment for different diseases. I would love to study microorganisms and observe the way that they function in their environments. While many of my immediate family have had dreams of going to a four-year institution it was not made a reality. I intend not only to dream but also to turn that dream into a reality. I discovered my passion for helping others when I entered high school. Starting high school during COVID-19 made it difficult to connect with my peers, and I felt isolated. However, when I finally stepped into the school building for the first time, I was nervous but eager to succeed. Every Friday, our dedicated high school volunteers engage in community service, contributing to various local initiatives. We helped beautify community gardens, worked with students who had intellectual disabilities in schools, and supported operations at food pantries, all of which made a positive impact in our neighborhood. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to job shadow a microbiologist at my local hospital. This experience deepened my passion for helping others, particularly through lab work. My parents had always taught me that education was one of the most important things. They have always implanted in me that with education comes bigger opportunities. My parents were not as fortunate to attend a 4-year university. They have always wanted me to do better than they did and make a difference in the world. While I know that receiving a higher education is important, having the money for it makes a difference in how much prospect you can get. By winning the Bright Lights Scholarship it would relieve some of my financial burden of attending a university. This scholarship would also allow me to further the amount of education I get outside of a high school classroom. It will also allow me to purchase essential textbooks, attend conferences, or pay for travel expenses that may come up. In addition, I may have the opportunity to expand my network circle better by going to more events specific to my major and career of choice. This would be a much appreciated burden taken away from my financial college worries. I will also be able to attend school with less stress. I am grateful for the consideration and thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply.

An event in my life that best demonstrates my determination and perseverance is the beginning of the college semester this year. While most of my classes have been going well my calculus class was giving me a hard time. I decided to take it because I did not want to take it at a bigger school when I could take it for free at a two-year college. I had never been all that strong in math but for this class, it seemed to be a bit more complex than anything I had taken. While there were times in which I wanted to give up I kept going because I could only get better. I took steps to better my understanding, such as receiving tutoring. Tutoring helped me in the class and at the end of the semester I completed the course with a high B. This experience influenced my outlook on education by helping me understand that I will not be perfect with everything. Before this experience, I had always sailed through my classes with ease, consistently earning A's without breaking a sweat. My academic journey felt effortless as if I were gliding along a smooth path, comfortably mastering the material and impressing my teachers with my performance. With my calculus class, I got to experience what it was like to struggle for the first time. While it did take a toll on my mental health for a bit, I soon came to realize that it didn't matter whether I was perfect but if I was learning. I plan to use this education to positively impact my community by being an advocate for growth and not perfection. It seems as if the education system today is mostly built on who is the greatest and not how the students are making growth in their studies. While competition can be a good starting point in which students can get better, competition can instead be a hindrance to young minds. As a first-generation college-bound student, I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility to excel academically. Growing up in a family where higher education was not a common path, I understood that achieving some of the best grades in my class was crucial for paving the way toward my college aspirations. I spent countless hours studying, seeking help from teachers, and collaborating with classmates to ensure that my grades reflected my dedication and hard work. This drive not only motivated me to perform well academically but also fostered a deep appreciation for the opportunities that education could provide for me and my family.

Many people in my family have health conditions without cures. I want to pursue a field that helps understand their suffering. I decided to pursue an education in healthcare because I have always wanted to help others in one way or another. During my senior year of high school, I got the opportunity to job shadow a microbiologist. I was fascinated with the working space of the scientist. Although it was not as big as most of the spaces in the hospital it was the balance of machine and human workstation. While there was technology to assist there was still a human touch. After having the opportunity of job shadowing in that department I have turned my educational focus to pursuing a career in that field. So far I have been taking entry-level sciences and math college courses such as Biology and Calculus. While taking these classes I have also been looking into scientific discoveries that have been made to stay up-to-date with scientific breakthroughs. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. While attending school I would try to get internships and go to events that resonate with my major. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy healthy life. My future career goal is I am aiming to become a microbiologist and with my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by finding treatments for dangerous diseases by studying the microorganisms that cause them. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything possible to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctor's office I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I like the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity, I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department, I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans they still took care of their samples as if they were full humans. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy healthy life. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

In my everyday life, I support others by volunteering at the hospital in my county every Thursday for four hours each week. I have been volunteering there for a few months and thoroughly enjoy it. I have worked in various departments, assisting the staff with tasks that need to be done but that they do not have the time to complete. I have also worked at the front desk, providing patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. I have volunteered in the registration center of the hospital by helping patients sign in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months, I have been in the Neonatal intensive care unit, Birthplace, and Orthopedic center of the hospital. In the neonatal intensive care unit or the NICU, I made sure that all of the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so that the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. I have also done some laundry to make sure that the unit does not have the linen that they need. Mainly, I am at the front desk making sure that everyone who enters is authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I distribute snacks to mothers and fathers as they enjoy their time with their newborns. In the Orthopedic unit, I prepare care baskets for patients recovering from surgery and stock the rooms with gloves. I take pleasure in ensuring that patients are as comfortable as possible by providing them with water and warm blankets. I plan to continue this volunteer work at the local hospital whenever my schedule permits. Additionally, I aspire to pursue a healthcare career, which will allow me to help people in various ways. Becoming a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and helping them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctor's office, I would always be interested in whether the doctors got the details of their diagnosis. While I had never seen myself being a nurse, I was drawn to the research side of things through on-site observation in the microbiology department. Throughout the year, I have had the opportunity of volunteering at my local hospital. While there I have helped people with small tasks that have made a significant impact. It brings me joy to see patients’ smiling faces when I ask them how they are doing and if they need anything. I am passionate about community service because it allows me to make a positive impact on others' lives. I also had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. Although Microbiologists do not work directly with patients, they still take care of their samples as if they were the entire human in front of them. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology-related courses as possible so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment for victims to live a happy healthy life. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history, STEM-related careers have been dominated by men and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital all the microbiologists were women, and they were so encouraging to each other and others. When I had questions, they really took their time to explain things to me. I believe seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctors office I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans they still took care of their sample as if they were a full human. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDS and how different microorganisms may be the treatment to victims to live a happy healthy life. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history STEM related careers have been dominated by men and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital all the microbiologists were women, and they were so encouraging to each other and others. When I had questions, they really took their time to explain things to me. I believe seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctors office I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans they still took care of their sample as if they were a full human. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDS and how different microorganisms may be the treatment to victims to live a happy healthy life. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Every time I would step into my local doctors office I would always be interested in what the doctors had to say. While the doctors were telling my parents important information I always wondered how they came up with the diagnosis they had and also if they were the ones who had to take a deep dive into the samples that were given. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. It would bring me joy to see patients smiling faces when I would ask them how they were doing and if they needed anything. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. In the Microbiology department I got to experience how it felt to be in the background of the medical field. Although Microbiologists did not see full humans they still took care of their sample as if they were a full human. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world by helping with the study of dangerous diseases such as AIDs and how different microorganisms may be the treatment to victims to live a happy healthy life. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. Biology is an expansive field that encompasses an array of sub-disciplines, each with its own set of fascinating topics. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I have worked in a variety of departments, assisting the staff with tasks that need to be done but that they do not have the time to complete. I have also worked at the front desk, providing patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. I have volunteered in the registration center of the hospital by helping patients sign in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months, I have been in the Neonatal intensive care unit, Birthplace, and Orthopedic center of the hospital. In the neonatal intensive care unit, or the NICU, I made sure all the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. Done some laundry to make sure that the unit is not out of linen that they need. I am at the front desk making sure that everyone who enters is authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I give snacks out to moms and dads as they are enjoying their time with their newborn. In the Orthopedic unit, I make care baskets for patients coming from surgery and stock the rooms with gloves; making sure that the patients are as comfortable as they can get by giving water and warm blankets is an aspect I enjoy. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. Biology is an expansive field that encompasses an array of sub-disciplines, each with its own set of fascinating topics. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I have worked in a variety of departments, assisting the staff with tasks that need to be done but that they do not have the time to complete. I have also worked at the front desk, providing patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. I have volunteered in the registration center of the hospital by helping patients sign in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months, I have been in the Neonatal intensive care unit, Birthplace, and Orthopedic center of the hospital. In the neonatal intensive care unit, or the NICU, I made sure all the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. Done some laundry to make sure that the unit is not out of linen that they need. I am at the front desk making sure that everyone who enters is authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I give snacks out to moms and dads as they are enjoying their time with their newborn. In the Orthopedic unit, I make care baskets for patients coming from surgery and stock the rooms with gloves; making sure that the patients are as comfortable as they can get by giving water and warm blankets is an aspect I enjoy. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

Three things that I would like to promise a future version of myself that I will commit to enable an older "me" to have a better life is to continue to study until I am fully confident in the material, continue to go for opportunities that will launch my career, and to be kind to people no matter what. Continuing to study will help me be more conscious in the subjects that I may need extra help with and also I can be the best student I can be. I will continue to go for opportunities that will launch my career by taking classes that seem to be a good fit to the major/ career that I am pursuing. Taking as many science and also math classes can enlarge my knowledge for a career in Biology. I will also continue to volunteer at my local area throughout my life. I have volunteered for sometime through my school but I have continued even after feeling that there is more to be done and that people will always need help in different ways. Being kind to others even when you do not feel the best yourself can be a revived experience. To me seeing a smile on others faces after saying good morning is great because you never know what someone is going through and they may need a good pick me up. This scholarship will make a difference in the education of my life by helping pay for books and room and board. Instead of paying out of pocket, the scholarship will ease some of the burden of having to take out loans and pay for them even after graduating from university. Having a decent night's sleep in university will matter because instead of working to make money for loans I could be studying or getting ready for a test/exam. When coming out of school and entering the workforce full-time I could focus my financial energy on living a comfortable life for myself and my family. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship I can focus more on my studies and less on financial circumstances. I can put my energy into being a student and also a volunteer and fighter for causes that I find to be important to me and my community. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to apply to this scholarship, and I will do everything possible to make the most of it.

My involvement in my local church has contributed to the service I do for my community by uplifting my community. Ever since I was a young girl in Sunday school, I have learnt that we should help others in any way possible. We were taught that we are given gifts by God to help the world and to be a light. At my local church I am involved in playing the bass guitar for the song service. I uplift the congregation's spirits so that they will feel revived. I have also been able to revive the spirits of those who are looking for help outside of the church. I have had the opportunity to volunteer at my local hospital. I have worked in a variety of departments, assisting the staff with tasks that need to be done but that they do not have the time to complete. I have also worked at the front desk, providing patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. I have volunteered in the registration center of the hospital by helping patients sign in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months, I have been in the Neonatal intensive care unit, Birthplace, and Orthopedic center of the hospital. In the neonatal intensive care unit, or the NICU, I made sure all the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. Done some laundry to make sure that the unit is not out of linen that they need. I am at the front desk making sure that everyone who enters is authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I give snacks out to moms and dads as they are enjoying their time with their newborn. In the Orthopedic unit, I make care baskets for patients coming from surgery and stock the rooms with gloves; making sure that the patients are as comfortable as they can get by giving water and warm blankets is an aspect I enjoy. My involvement in my local church and being able to help uplift the spirits of those in a religious environment has encouraged me to also help those who are in a medical environment where I can.

Adversity is not a roadblock but a stepping stone to perseverance despite the circumstance. Looking back, adversity makes us stronger than when we started. I can always remember that in my early childhood I never really saw black women who were in the medical field that was not in nursing. All of the adults around me told me that black people, especially women, had to work harder than anyone else to get to the same position. When I was in clubs and organizations, I was one of the only black individuals there. I had to really work hard even though I was a part of the group so that it did not seem I was slacking. As a black student working the extra mile became necessary to be seen as a respectable student. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. With going the extra mile I have gotten the opportunity to be enrolled in a school that offers dual enrollment for four years. At this school I had the opportunity to volunteer from my sophomore year to my senior year. I have also worked at the front desk, providing patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. I have volunteered in the registration center of the hospital by helping patients sign in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months I have been in the Neonatal intensive care unit, Birthplace, and Orthopedic center of the hospital. In the neonatal intensive care unit, or the NICU, I have made sure that all of the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so that the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. I have also done some laundry to make sure that the unit is not out of linen that they need. Mainly, I am at the front desk making sure that everyone who enters is authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I give snacks out to moms and dads as they are enjoying their time with their newborn. In the Orthopedic unit, I make care baskets for patients who are coming from surgery and also stock the rooms with gloves; making sure that the patients are as comfortable as they can get by giving water and warm blankets is an aspect that I enjoy. I plan to continue this throughout my career by volunteering my time at the local hospital in the area, when my schedule allows. I wish to help my community in the future by giving back time and also with the help of a career. I am aiming to become a microbiologist and with my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world in finding treatment for dangerous diseases by studying the microorganisms that cause them. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything possible to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world in finding treatment for dangerous diseases by studying the microorganisms that cause them. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I can always remember that in my early childhood I never really saw black women who were in the medical field that was not in nursing. All the adults around me told me that black people, especially women, had to work harder than anyone else to get to the same position. When I was in clubs and organizations, I was one of the only black individuals there. I had to really work hard even though I was a part of the group so that it did not seem I was slacking. As a black student working the extra mile became necessary to be seen as a respectable student. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world in finding treatment for dangerous diseases by studying the microorganisms that cause them. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember being captivated by the world of medicine and was always curious about the background work of medical investigations. While at first, I wanted to go into the criminal justice field as a career but when I entered my high school biology, it really piqued my interest. As a result, I decided to pursue a degree in Biology, as I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. Biology is an expansive field that encompasses an array of sub-disciplines, each with its own set of fascinating topics. I found myself particularly drawn to microbiology, and the opportunity to job shadow and volunteer at my local hospital further cemented my interest in this field. I had the chance to learn about the diverse types of bacteria and viruses that exist, as well as the unusual ways they can affect our health. I also got to see firsthand how microbiology is used to diagnose and treat diseases. I saw that in the unit there was the use of STEM in many aspects and not just the use of science. Technology was used to help test medicine that could be the best treatment for illness. Mathematics was used in the counting of the colonies in Petri dishes to identify the intensity of the disease or infection. While I will be majoring in Biology in taking as many microbiology specific classes as possible, I can gain knowledge without majoring in the topic. I hope to make a difference as a woman in this field by being an advocate for women who are pursuing a career in STEM. Throughout history STEM related careers have been dominated by men and even when women made a name for themselves, they still had to go through the criticism of not being capable. While working as a job shadowing in the microbiology unit at my local hospital all the microbiologists were women, and they were so encouraging to each other and others. When I had questions, they really took their time to explain things to me. I believe seeing more representation will encourage other young girls who want to enter STEM. I hope to become a mentor to young girls who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world in finding treatment for dangerous diseases by studying the microorganisms that cause them. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. With my independent research, I hope to impact the medical world in finding treatment for dangerous diseases by studying the microorganisms that cause them. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. Being able to be a mentor to students as a professor or having an intern, I think is an important part of a student's career. Having someone who is an expert in their field as a leading hand can open doors to opportunities and connections. I hope to be a light to many of those interested in the career field I am pursuing in the depths of my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

As a child, I remember always being fascinated with the world of medicine and have been interested in the background work of investigations. Many of my friends and family have said that they could see me being a nurse, but I have never seen myself doing that type of work. Although I do not see myself as a nurse, I liked the medical field and have also wanted to help people. Throughout the year I have been volunteering at my local hospital. With this opportunity I have helped people with insignificant things that make a significant impact. I am passionate about community service because it benefits those around me. I had the chance to job shadow in the Microbiology department at my local hospital and was immediately drawn to the atmosphere and the work being done. While I was in the department, I saw the amount of diversity and was inspired by it. Seeing young black girls being represented in fields such as science is truly inspiring, especially coming from a first-generation college student household. Science has always been a part of my childhood, as it was always the subject that I had the most interest in. I believe that seeing more representation of black girls in science can help to encourage other young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. I decided to pursue a degree in Biology because I have always found the subject to be both fascinating and enjoyable. Even when the work became challenging, I was always willing to put in the necessary effort to learn and expand my knowledge. I hope to continue my education after high school to obtain a PhD in Biology while taking as many microbiology related courses as possible, so that I can have the knowledge to do the most work. After graduating, I aspire to become a microbiologist and conduct independent research. I also hope to become a mentor to students who are in a similar position to where I was when I was younger and help them achieve their goals in life. This scholarship will provide me with the financial resources necessary to fully realize my academic potential. With this scholarship, I will be able to cover the costs of necessary materials such as books and other educational resources, which will allow me to focus more on my studies and less on my finances. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and I will do everything in my power to make the most of it.

In my everyday life, I support others by volunteering at the hospital in my county every Thursday for four hours each week. I have been volunteering there for a few months now and I thoroughly enjoy it. I have worked in a variety of departments, assisting the staff with tasks that need to be done but that they do not have the time to complete. I have also worked at the front desk, providing patients with directions to their appointments and loved ones with directions to the rooms they would like to visit. I have volunteered in the registration center of the hospital by helping patients sign in for their appointments. There have also been times in which I have had to take patients to their appointments because of the condition that they were in. For the past few months I have been in the Neonatal intensive care unit, Birthplace, and Orthopedic center of the hospital. In the neonatal intensive care unit, or the NICU, I have made sure that all of the rooms' carts were stocked with towels and blankets so that the nurse would not have to go around looking for them. I have also done some laundry to make sure that the unit is not out of linen that they need. Mainly, I am at the front desk making sure that everyone who enters is authorized to be there. In the Birthplace, I give snacks out to moms and dads as they are enjoying their time with their newborn. In the Orthopedic unit, I make care baskets for patients who are coming from surgery and also stock the rooms with gloves; making sure that the patients are as comfortable as they can get by giving water and warm blankets is an aspect that I enjoy. I plan to continue this throughout my career by volunteering my time at the local hospital in the area, when my schedule allows. I also want to pursue a career in healthcare, which will allow me to continue helping people in a variety of ways.

This scholarship will help me with my career goals because it will reduce the chance of not focusing on my studies and also maximize the amount of opportunities that I can achieve. My career goals are to go to a 4-year university and graduate with a Bachelors of Science in Biology. I want to major in biology because I enjoy learning about the function of living beings on planet Earth. I am fond of being in a laboratory environment from times that I have job shadowed, as I see it as a staple in the ability to help people, even though it is behind the scenes. With this degree I can go into an entry level job in research or in some sort of lab to further my experience, and while at the same time going back to school to get my Masters and PhD. Working an entry level job, can help me network in the company or hospital in which I am located to move up the ladder for a better opportunity of hiring after I have accomplished my PhD. Post Doctorate wise, I hope to work as a microbiologist. With this scholarship it would help pay for books and also room and board that I would have to pay for at university. I would not have to get a job to pay for those expenses and could focus on studying for my classes. Instead of paying out of pocket the scholarship will ease some of the burden of having to take out loans and pay for them even after graduating university. There is also the point of having the ability to go to a better school that offers better opportunities for their students to get internships and residencies. Graduating in the minimum amount of time would allow for me to strive for other opportunities, while making sure that my education is not delayed due to financial restrictions. This would allow me to take on more classes during the semesters because I am financially secure to do so, while also giving me the flexibility to take fewer classes during semesters when I am experiencing financial restraint. Although the number of classes a semester would fluctuate I would still be on track to graduate in the minimum amount of time. This way, I would be on time to complete my degree and have the liberty to strive for other opportunities.These other opportunities could be taking on a larger research project or giving back to my community in a larger way.

My name is Moriah Wallace, I am the kind of person who likes to learn about new things and find out different sides of stories whether they are from history or in a novel. I like to read diverse types of books, mostly mysteries and action novels. Other than fiction I enjoy reading about influential figures in history and how their up comings influenced what they stood for. I like listening to and performing music. Lately, I have found interest in music from different countries. While listening to music from other places I find myself looking into their culture and entertainment. I enjoy learning about black history and how it has impacted the United States. I value a world where everyone is treated equally no matter who they are and what they do. It is important to me that I live in an environment where others feel comfortable to be themselves. Some of my passions are traveling the world and taking in the beauty of how different people around the world view things. My goal is to become the best person I can be and be a positive example to others. My educational goals are to graduate with my high school diploma along with obtaining my associate degree in science at the time of graduation. After graduating I plan to attend a university and study for my bachelor's in biology. I will also strive to have a minor in either chemistry or biochemistry. While I could just obtain a degree in Biology, I look forward to entering medical school to become a pediatrician. This is the main goal and what I will strive to do but if for some reason the plan does not work out that way, I will go to get my certification for a career in biochemistry to become a biochemist. Career-wise my main goal is to become a pediatrician and work to help kids become their best healthy selves. While it will take a lot of schooling and a lot of sleepless nights it will be worth it. This scholarship will make a difference in the education of my life by helping pay for books and room and board. Instead of paying out of pocket, the scholarship will ease some of the burden of having to take out loans and pay for them even after graduating from university. Having a decent night's sleep in university will matter because instead of working to make money for loans I could be studying or getting ready for a test/exam. When coming out of school and entering the workforce full-time I could focus my financial energy on living a comfortable life for myself and my family.