My passion for animals began with my backyard flock of chickens, they were originally only meant to provide my family with fresh, hormone-free eggs. What started as a basic practical idea quickly morphed into something far more meaningful, especially for me. My chickens became more than a source of nourishment, but a large part of my family. Over time, I began to understand that animals require the same kind of love, dedication, and attention that people do. Caring for them sparked a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, and caring that has shaped who I am today. Every morning, I wake not to the blare of an alarm clock, but to the gentle crow of my rooster, Drake. His call is more than just a sound—it’s the start of a routine that grounds and centers me. As I step outside, I’m greeted by cheerful clucks and flapping wings of my chickens. Their presence brings me joy, calm, and a sense of connection to nature that few other things do. These simple yet powerful moments have helped me manage my anxiety and uncover the kind of person I want to become. The daily care of my flock, feeding, cleaning, and checking for health issues, has taught me the importance of consistency and attentiveness to the needs of others. I have learned to notice subtle signs in their breathing, walking, or behavior that reveal their health status. This careful observation has sparked my curiosity about biology, health, and animal science. I realized that caring for animals isn’t just emotional, it’s scientific, which has given me a purpose. This realization inspired my decision to pursue a degree in biomedical science, with the ultimate goal of becoming a veterinarian. I chose biomedical science because it provides a strong foundation in human and animal biology, allowing me to explore the interconnectedness of health across species. Through this major, I’ll study the mechanisms of disease, treatments, and preventative care that is essential in veterinary medicine. My long-term goal is to become a vet who not only treats animals but also advocates and cares about their well-being in a broader sense, through public health, food safety, or wildlife conservation. Being a veterinarian isn’t just about treating animals, it’s about protecting communities, educating pet owners, and making ethical decisions that will affect individual animals and entire ecosystems. It means showing up when it’s hard and doing your best for those who can’t speak for themselves. I’ve already begun to embody that kind of commitment through my care for my chickens. They’ve taught me that responsibility isn’t something to fear. it’s something that empowers. Going to college means leaving my chickens behind, which will be difficult. But I know the lessons they’ve taught me, about routine, reliability, and resilience, will come with me. They’ve given me confidence, direction, and a powerful sense of purpose. With a degree in biomedical science and a future in veterinary medicine, I plan to honor their impact by dedicating my life to animals everywhere.

My name is Myla Lombardo, and I am a high school senior who has dedicated my time to both academics and athletics throughout high school. I am an honor student and spend a lot of my time helping take care of my grandmother and younger sister while my mother works. As I looking toward my future, my career goal is to work in the medical field, as a geriatrician. My passion for the elderly stems from an honest and deep love and respect I have for my grandmother. Over the years, I've had a chance to witness the disparities towards the elderly, along with the emotional and physical toll of aging firsthand. I lost my grandfather to a massive heart attack at a young age, and more recently, I have watched my grandmother's health rapidly decline. Despite her struggles, I have seen how the medical care she’s received has more often than not been impersonal, focusing on medication and not addressing her complex needs. Being a part of her personal struggles, have profoundly shaped my decision to pursue a career in geriatrics. I feel that the field of geriatrics is where I will be able to make the greatest impact. Geriatrics demands not just medical expertise but empathy and a holistic approach to care. As a geriatrician, my main goal would be to care for the whole person, integrating various medical disciplines to address the physical, social, and psychological aspects of aging, and not going directly to giving a prescription for medicine that will only mask the issue. Elderly patients often present with multiple, complex conditions that require nuanced care and attention. I want to be at the forefront, ensuring that our aging population has the opportunity to receive the comprehensive and best care, that they deserve, not just in terms of extending life but improving the quality of their years. My focus will be to advocate on their behalf and give them back as sense of independence, dignity, and access to resources that will empower them to live a better, more fulfilling life in their later years. My motivation is rooted deeply in personal experiences and the desire to make a difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked. As a geriatrician I would like to also improve the quality of life and be a major part of a healthcare team that not only addresses the physical aspects but also supports patients mentally, improve mobility, cognitive function, and their overall well-being. I want to focus on the holistic care of elderly patients, offering them not just treatment but also emotional support as they face the realities of aging. I want to be the kind of physician who sees beyond the diagnosis. One who listens with empathy, treats with care, and respects the full story behind every patient. Geriatrics isn’t just about treating conditions, it’s about helping people age with dignity and purpose. I want to ensure that older adults feel seen, supported, and empowered to live meaningful lives, even in the face of health challenges.

I've always had a natural curiosity and ease with mathematical formulas, creating order, and how logic leads to life-changing solutions. STEM speaks to me and my dreams. Math has always been my most passionate subject. allowing me to work through problems with ease, and pushing me to think in both a creative and critical way while having a deep sense of confidence, determination, and a special purpose. As a high school senior, I see math as a tool that will help push me further and make a difference in my future. I have realized that I am not just good at this subject; it is an edge that will help guide me into my future career in biomedical science and a career as a geriatrician. This career choice has been honed over many years and comes from experiences in my life that have shaped how I view the world, especially watching my grandmother navigate the healthcare system that wasn't built for the needs of our elders. Being privy to the struggles she faces firsthand, constant loads of medication she is prescribed without thought of long-term wellness support has opened my eyes to a system that has many gaps within the care for our elders. The people we should revere are the ones being forgotten and left behind. I hope to be a doctor who listens and takes the time to see the bigger picture. Combining compassion for our elders and science can be a start, while building a strong foundation in STEM. Math is the backbone of medicine and science, and I realize my strength in math has given me an advantage that will allow me to make decisions that will catapult my future in STEM and the medical field. Math has a hand in calculating, interpreting, and measuring that make outcomes possible. With this knowledge, I know that my decisions will be well informed, and the evidence will only help to foster my contributions to the research and innovation of elder health. But I know that these are still far-reaching dreams, and being a Black female in STEM will not come easy, or without hard, determined work. Growing up, I've been the only one who looked like me in my classrooms many times. I've had to work twice as hard just to be seen or heard. There have been many moments when I looked around me and that nagging feeling of anxiety pushed me to believe that I didn't belong, but my mother saw me and pushed me to keep going. Those moments have been used as my motivation, and I give that same advice while mentoring my younger sister and others, especially those who aren't sure of their math abilities. I know what it's like to need someone who believes in you, and I have had that in a strong mother, but I want other black and brown girls to know and understand that feeling as well. STEM should have voices like mine, young women who look like me who will bring a different perspective with empathy and greatness. We deserve a future that gives us a seat at the table and an opportunity to lead the conversation. This scholarship would help me take that next step and help to solidify a future I know I deserve, one that will allow me to serve and change a world through STEM.

Living with anxiety has never been easy. It’s a quiet, invisible challenge that follows me through my daily life—one that most people don’t see but that I feel in everything I do. Whether I’m walking into a classroom, stepping onto a court, or hanging out with friends, there’s always that little voice in the back of my mind questioning if I’m good enough, if I belong, or if I’ll fall short. But over time, I’ve learned that the very things that once held me back have also shaped me into the strong, focused, and driven person I am today. Academically, anxiety has made me work twice as hard just to feel “normal.” Simple things like participating in class or taking a test can feel overwhelming, even when I know I’m prepared. But instead of letting that hold me back, I’ve learned to face it head-on. I’ve developed strategies to stay grounded, and I’ve pushed myself to keep showing up, even on the hardest days. It hasn’t been easy, but each time I overcome a tough moment, I grow stronger and more confident in my ability to keep going. In sports, anxiety shows up too—whether it’s the fear of making a mistake in front of a crowd or putting too much pressure on myself to be perfect. But sports have also been my outlet. Playing volleyball, basketball, and running track has helped me release the stress I carry and reminded me what I’m capable of. It’s taught me that failure doesn’t define me—how I respond does. Anxiety can also make me second-guess my place in people’s lives or worry about being misunderstood. But it’s also made me a more thoughtful and empathetic friend—someone who listens deeply and cares about others' feelings and experiences. One of the biggest motivators in my life is my mom. She’s a single parent who works tirelessly to provide for my sister and me. I’ve seen her sacrifice so much—working long hours, giving up her own needs, and constantly putting us first, especially when it comes to our education. There were times when money was tight, and she still found a way to make sure we had what we needed for school, sports, and everything in between. Financially, things haven’t always been stable. There have been moments where I had to turn down opportunities because we just couldn’t afford them. But those experiences have only made me more grateful, more determined, and more committed to building a better future. I see education as my path forward. Receiving this scholarship would help ease the financial burden on my family, but it would bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a doctor and eventually opening my own geriatric practice. With your support, I can take this next step with confidence knowing that all the sacrifices, struggles, and hard work are leading me exactly where I’m meant to be.

Growing up in a world of technology, surrounded by social media and the stresses of everyday life, the books I’ve read have profoundly impacted my aspirations and helped shape me, particularly in my goal of becoming a geriatrician or agricultural veterinarian. Although they are at polar opposite ends of the spectrum, reading has helped me to capture and reveal new insights into the world of healthcare, patient care, and the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals and animals alike. What I’ve taken from these books goes far beyond just medical knowledge—it’s a deeper understanding of compassion, empathy, and the essential role that care plays in improving the lives of others. Through books about the aging process, the intricacies of geriatrics, and the profound human-animal bond, I’ve better understood the unique challenges these groups face. The elderly, for instance, often experience not only physical decline but also emotional and mental health struggles that require a careful, sensitive approach. Similarly, animals, especially as they age, experience a vulnerability that demands professional care and emotional understanding. These insights have inspired me to dedicate my career to providing more than just treatment—my focus will be on enhancing the overall well-being of those under my care, whether humans or animals. In particular, reading about the complexities of patient-centered care has reinforced the importance of treating the whole person (or animal). It’s not just about diagnosing and curing; it’s about creating a therapeutic environment where the emotional, psychological, and social factors are just as important as the physical treatment. This approach has motivated me to focus on personalized care, offering patients a sense of dignity, comfort, and hope during their most vulnerable times. I want to embody in my practice as a geriatrician or veterinarian, offering care that goes beyond just the physical symptoms but addresses the deeper needs of the individual or pet. The ethical considerations in healthcare, discussed in several of the books I’ve read, have also helped shape my goals. The importance of making compassionate and thoughtful decisions, respecting patient autonomy, and being mindful of the difficult decisions that often arise when treating those nearing the end of their lives are all lessons I hold dear. I want to approach each patient with respect and understanding, while creating a relationship of trust for both their health and emotional needs. My readings have ignited an interest in holistic care—an approach that considers the person or animal as a whole. The more I read, the more passionate I become about blending my knowledge of science and medicine with a desire to serve. These books have shown me the power of combining medical expertise with the emotional and ethical responsibilities when caring for others. It’s clear to me now that my purpose is not just to treat illness but to provide the type of care that makes a lasting, positive impact on patients’ lives. Whether caring for the elderly or animals, my goal is to contribute to their health and happiness, and by doing so, give back to my community in a way that reflects the values I hold most dear. Reading has shaped my understanding of the kind of healthcare provider I want to be, one who balances medical knowledge with compassion, treats not just the body but the soul, and always strives to give back to the community with love and dedication.

I’m a high school senior who’s always tried to live a life rooted in purpose, passion, and balance. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or spending time with my family and friends, I give everything. Sports—especially volleyball, basketball, and track and field—have shaped my mindset and taught me lessons I carry with me every day. I’ve learned how to stay disciplined, how to lift my teammates, and how to keep going even when things get hard. That same drive fuels my biggest dream: becoming a doctor. But I’m not just pursuing medicine because it sounds good on paper—this calling is deeply personal. My heart is set on geriatrics because I’ve lived firsthand what it means to care for someone you love as they grow older, and how broken the system can feel when all they’re offered is medication instead of real care. For years, I’ve watched my grandmother live with chronic pain. I saw how quickly she was handed pills instead of real solutions, how often her comfort and dignity were overlooked. It hurt to feel so powerless. I remember thinking, there has to be more we can do. That moment planted a seed that has only grown stronger with time. Then, in 2019, everything changed again. My mom—my rock, my role model, my biggest supporter—had her first stroke. And then, another. I was still just a teenager, but I had to grow up fast. Watching her relearn basic tasks, seeing the emotional toll it took on her, and trying to stay strong while processing my fears—it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. But it also opened my eyes to the power of empathy in medicine. We didn’t just need doctors who could explain test results—we needed someone who saw her, who listened to our concerns, who treated her like more than just a patient. As I watched her slowly rebuild her life, I made myself a promise: I would become the kind of doctor I wished we had—one who combines knowledge with compassion, who treats aging not as a decline, but as a chapter worth honoring and supporting. I want to specialize in geriatrics because I believe elderly patients deserve more than they often receive. They deserve to be seen, heard, and truly cared for—not rushed through appointments or overlooked because of their age. I want to change the way we approach elder care. To help older adults live their lives with dignity, to be present for their families, and to advocate for care that goes beyond prescriptions. Because aging isn’t just a medical issue, it’s an emotional, physical, and spiritual journey. This dream is deeply personal. I want to be there for my mom as she continues to age, to make sure she gets the care she deserves. I want to give back to her for everything she’s poured into me for all the times she showed up for me, believed in me, and fought for me. In the future, I want my path to allow me to fight for my mother as she ages and for every elderly patient who will need someone in their corner. Becoming a geriatric physician isn’t just a job, it’s my way of turning love into action and pain into purpose. I want to be a voice for those who often go unheard, and a steady hand for those who need one. I’m not just chasing a career. I’m following my heart.

Success, to me, has always been a blend of persistence, growth, and hard work. Growing up in a middle-class home, I quickly learned that balancing the challenges of academics and athletics was key to making the most of the opportunities I had. My family made significant sacrifices to ensure I received a quality education, even when financial resources were limited. Attending a private school on financial aid, I felt different from some of my classmates, who had access to resources I couldn’t afford. Despite this, I chose not to view these differences as barriers, but as challenges to overcome. Their determination to give me the best possible opportunities, regardless of the financial burden, became the driving force behind my desire to succeed. Early on, I understood that success wasn’t just about having the best resources—it was about making the most of what I had. I worked tirelessly to keep up with my studies, often staying up late to get ahead or work through difficult subjects. The road wasn’t always easy, but the thought of making my family proud kept me going. I realized that success didn’t rely solely on talent or intelligence—it came from perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to push through obstacles. Balancing academics with sports further shaped my understanding of success. Athletics became my outlet, not just to stay active, but to build resilience and character. I learned valuable life skills, such as time management, leadership, and teamwork, that extended far beyond the playing field. The lessons I learned in sports taught me that success was about improving yourself, not just winning. Whether I was the first to arrive at practice or the last to leave, I understood that success meant putting in the effort to reach my full potential—every single day. My definition of success also grew as I realized it was about the small victories along the way. Getting into my dream college was a major milestone, but so was earning the respect of my peers and teachers, and witnessing the pride in my parents’ eyes when I achieved something significant. Success wasn’t simply about grades or athletic achievements—it was about the journey, and the effort I invested in getting there. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with sports was no easy task, but I learned how to be resourceful. When my family couldn’t afford private tutors or expensive test prep programs, I turned to free resources, reached out to my teachers, and studied independently. These experiences taught me the importance of persistence, self-reliance, and maximizing every opportunity that came my way. When I reflect on my path, I see that success was never about comparing myself to others or seeking external validation. It was about learning to push past my limits, face setbacks, and continue moving forward, no matter the challenges. My family instilled in me the values of integrity, perseverance, and humility. Through their sacrifices and my own experiences, I learned that success is not just about accolades, but about growth. It’s about striving to be the best version of yourself, even when the road isn’t easy. Today, my definition of success is more focused on personal growth than recognition. It’s no longer just about achieving a goal or earning a trophy. Instead, success is about the lessons learned through determination, grit, and resilience. It’s about knowing that the work you put in today will eventually lead to greater opportunities tomorrow. My family's sacrifices and obstacles have shaped me into who I am, and I am grateful for the journey. Receiving a scholarship would be a critical step in my pursuit of success. It would alleviate some of the financial burdens my family faces and allow me to focus more on my education and personal development without the constant stress of financial strain. A scholarship would allow me to fully dedicate myself to my studies, while continuing to grow as an athlete and as a person. It would enable me to attend a college that aligns with my academic and athletic goals, and empower me to build a future that reflects the hard work and sacrifices my family has made for me. Ultimately, receiving this scholarship would not just support me financially—it would further reinforce the values of perseverance, hard work, and resilience that have guided me throughout my life. It would allow me to continue building on the foundation of success that I have already established, and help me reach new heights, both academically and athletically. Success, to me, is about growth, resilience, and never giving up, and this scholarship would be an important tool in helping me achieve that.