I’m Na'Andra Davis, a 17-year-old student from Orangeburg, SC, attending Edisto High School with a GPA of 3.4. As a first-generation, low-income student, I am passionate about health sciences and aim to make a significant impact in the healthcare field. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse and eventually a doctor. My love for chemistry and urge to help the community, combined with my interest in health sciences, drives me to excel and make a difference. From about 11 to 14, I struggled with separation anxiety, which often left me feeling isolated even when I was surrounded by people. Despite having friends, I frequently experienced a deep sense of loneliness. My siblings and my parents even though they were emotionally available played a crucial role in helping me overcome this isolation. Especially my sister, it wasn't until I leaned on her that I realized how much I needed that connection, even though I didn’t fully understand the root of my anxiety taught me the importance of mental health and the profound impact that loss can have on well-being. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue a career in healthcare After a while, my sister became the person I leaned on, making me realize just how much I needed her, even though we had always been close. Even though we shared a room until I reached sixth grade, I still felt this separation within myself that I couldn’t quite understand or overcome. Over time, I’ve grown to love spending time alone, but I occasionally get anxious about the idea of growing up lonely if I don’t reach out and connect with others. While the intensity of my social anxiety has lessened, its remnants still linger. The loss of my great-grandmother Jeanette, my grandmother Lily, and my aunt, Pastor Spagner, in the same year left a lasting impact on me. It hurt deeply and caused me to withdraw even further. I stopped talking to everyone for a while . Sometimes, I would go days without speaking even in school. I felt terrible about it causing me to end friendships and even losing connection with my cousins, but the pain and isolation were overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling or how to reach out for support to emotionally unavailable parents growing up in a church is also becoming difficult to express mental illnesses These experiences, although challenging, have shaped my path toward a career in healthcare. I understand the importance of connection, mental health, and the impact of loss on an individual’s well-being. I am determined to use my experiences to help others who might be facing similar struggles, ensuring that they do not feel alone. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me the strength and motivation to pursue a career and my love for music so many artists and other people go through the same thing where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Leadership and science are two powerful forces that shape our future, each playing a critical role in advancing society and improving lives. In my case, science has been the driving force behind my passion for health sciences, while leadership has guided my commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on my community. Science, particularly biology and chemistry, has always fascinated me. These subjects reveal the intricate workings of nature, from the origins of life on Earth to the complex systems that keep us alive. My interest in health sciences, especially the cardiovascular system, stems from a deep curiosity about how our bodies function. The cardiovascular system, with its vital role in transporting oxygen and nutrients through our blood, represents a perfect example of the incredible design found in nature. Recently, I began taking Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) courses, which has provided me with hands-on experience in health science. This experience has deepened my love for the field, reaffirming my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. Science is not just about understanding the world; it’s about using that knowledge to improve it. My studies in chemistry and biology have equipped me with the tools to contribute meaningfully to healthcare, where science is applied every day to save lives and improve patient outcomes. Whether it’s understanding the chemical processes that underpin life or learning about the biology of the human body, science has been a guiding force in my education and career aspirations. Leadership, on the other hand, has shaped my journey by instilling in me a sense of responsibility and a drive to make a difference. My involvement in various community service events has taught me that leadership is not just about taking charge but about stepping up when it matters most. Leadership, for me, means being proactive—seeing a need and addressing it rather than waiting for someone else to take the lead. One of the most significant leadership experiences I’ve had was being one of the first members of a community service group that I’ve been involved with for the past two years. This group has allowed me to contribute to a wide range of initiatives, from participating in Narcan training and CPR training to engaging in search and rescue operations. Each of these experiences has reinforced the importance of leadership in real-world situations. Whether it was cutting open a car to rescue trapped individuals or assisting during a storm in South Carolina, I’ve learned that leadership is about action, commitment, and making a tangible difference. Leadership has also played a role in my academic journey, particularly through my participation in Upward Bound at Claflin University. This program has provided me with opportunities to develop my leadership skills further while continuing to engage in community service. As I prepare for the next steps in my education, including my upcoming participating in the Upward Bound Bridge Program, hopefully after my freshman year of college I will come back to South Carolina to become a TC for upward bound providing guidance for the upcoming children I’m excited about the opportunities to take on more leadership roles and continue giving back to my community. Life can be sure if you have no story to prove of it Both leadership and science are essential in shaping our future. Science provides the knowledge and understanding necessary to solve problems and advance human well-being, while leadership ensures that this knowledge is applied effectively to make a positive impact. Together, they drive progress and create a better world, and I am committed to harnessing both in my pursuit of a career in healthcare.

I’m Na'Andra Davis, a 17-year-old student from Orangeburg, SC, attending Edisto High School with a GPA of 3.4. As a first-generation, low-income student, I am passionate about health sciences and aim to make a significant impact in the healthcare field. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse and eventually a doctor. My love for chemistry and urge to help community, combined with my interest in health sciences, drives me to excel and make a difference. From about 11 to 14, I struggled with separation anxiety, which often left me feeling isolated even when I was surrounded by people. Despite having friends, I frequently experienced a deep sense of loneliness. My siblings anf my parents even though they were emotionally available played a crucial role in helping me overcome this isolation. Especially my sister it wasn’t until I leaned on her that I realized how much I needed that connection, even though I didn’t fully understand the root of my anxiety. The loss of my great-grandmother, grandmother , and Aunt causing my depression in the same year intensified my feelings of separation, taught me the importance of mental health and the profound impact that loss can have on well-being. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue a career in healthcare After a while, my sister became the person I leaned on, making me realize just how much I needed her, even though we had always been close. Even though we shared a room until I reached sixth grade, I still felt this separation within myself that I couldn’t quite understand or overcome. Over time, I’ve grown to love spending time alone, but I occasionally get anxious about the idea of growing up lonely if I don’t reach out and connect with others. While the intensity of my social anxiety has lessened, its remnants still linger. The loss of my great-grandmother Jeanette, my grandmother Lily, and my aunt, Pastor Spagner, in the same year left a lasting impact on me. It hurt deeply and caused me to withdraw even further. I stopped talking to everyone for a while, . Sometimes, I would go days without speaking even in school. I felt terrible about it causing me to end friendships and even losing connection with my cousins, but the pain and isolation were overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling or how to reach out for support to emotionally unavailable parents growing up in a church is also becoming difficult to express mental illnesses These experiences, although challenging, have shaped my path toward a career in healthcare. I understand the importance of connection, mental health, and the impact of loss on an individual’s well-being. I am determined to use my experiences to help others who might be facing similar struggles, ensuring that they do not feel alone. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me the strength and motivation to pursue a career and my love for music so many artists and other people go through the same thing where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I’m Na'Andra Davis, a 17-year-old student from Orangeburg, SC, attending Edisto High School with a GPA of 3.4. As a first-generation, low-income student, I am passionate about health sciences and aim to make a significant impact in the healthcare field. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse and eventually a doctor. My love for chemistry and urge to help community, combined with my interest in health sciences, drives me to excel and make a difference. From about 11 to 14, I struggled with separation anxiety, which often left me feeling isolated even when I was surrounded by people. Despite having friends, I frequently experienced a deep sense of loneliness. My siblings anf my parents even though they were emotionally available played a crucial role in helping me overcome this isolation. Especially my sister it wasn’t until I leaned on her that I realized how much I needed that connection, even though I didn’t fully understand the root of my anxiety. The loss of my great-grandmother, grandmother , and Aunt causing my depression in the same year intensified my feelings of separation, taught me the importance of mental health and the profound impact that loss can have on well-being. These experiences have fueled my desire to pursue a career in healthcare After a while, my sister became the person I leaned on, making me realize just how much I needed her, even though we had always been close. Even though we shared a room until I reached sixth grade, I still felt this separation within myself that I couldn’t quite understand or overcome. Over time, I’ve grown to love spending time alone, but I occasionally get anxious about the idea of growing up lonely if I don’t reach out and connect with others. While the intensity of my social anxiety has lessened, its remnants still linger. The loss of my great-grandmother Jeanette, my grandmother Lily, and my aunt, Pastor Spagner, in the same year left a lasting impact on me. It hurt deeply and caused me to withdraw even further. I stopped talking to everyone for a while, . Sometimes, I would go days without speaking even in school. I felt terrible about it causing me to end friendships and even losing connection with my cousins, but the pain and isolation were overwhelming, and I didn’t know how to express what I was feeling or how to reach out for support to emotionally unavailable parents growing up in a church is also becoming difficult to express mental illnesses These experiences, although challenging, have shaped my path toward a career in healthcare. I understand the importance of connection, mental health, and the impact of loss on an individual’s well-being. I am determined to use my experiences to help others who might be facing similar struggles, ensuring that they do not feel alone. My journey has not been easy, but it has given me the strength and motivation to pursue a career and my love for music so many artists and other people go through the same thing where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

I’m Na'Andra Davis, a dedicated 17-year-old student from Orangeburg, SC, currently attending Edisto High School with a GPA of 3.4. As a first-generation, low-income student, I am deeply passionate about health sciences and aspire to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse and eventually a doctor. My love for chemistry, coupled with my interest in health sciences, drives my desire to excel in this field and make a difference. To prepare for a career in healthcare, I have pursued several certifications to enhance my skills and knowledge. These include CPR for all ages, OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour courses, Stop the Bleed training, and FEMA classes. Additionally, I have completed the National Summer Transportation Institute, which has broadened my understanding of healthcare-related fields. My commitment to community service is reflected in my volunteering with the Community Emergency Response Team, suicide crisis lines, and local nursing homes. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in need of medical care and have reinforced my dedication to the healthcare field. I am actively involved in Upward Bound, where I develop my artistic, robotic, and academic skills, and I am a proud member of the National Honor Society and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) at Edisto High. These roles have not only helped me develop valuable skills but have also provided me with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects and community initiatives. My inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field stems from a profound desire to help others and address healthcare disparities within my community. Many individuals, particularly those from backgrounds similar to mine, often feel uncomfortable or distrustful when seeking medical care. This reluctance can lead to delayed treatment and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. I have witnessed firsthand how waiting too long for medical attention, often due to cultural remedies or mistrust, can have dire consequences. This has driven me to become part of the solution by providing compassionate, accessible, and trustworthy healthcare. Growing up, I observed a significant lack of representation and trust in the healthcare system within my community. Conversations with my grandmother and aunts, who are educators and nurses, highlighted a pressing need for more Black professionals in healthcare. Their experiences and the gaps in trust they encountered further fueled my commitment to this field. By pursuing a career in nursing and later as a doctor specializing in cardiovascular health, I aim to bridge these gaps and provide a reassuring presence for those who may feel marginalized or distrusting of the healthcare system. I am committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels confident and well cared for when seeking medical help. Helping my community feels natural and fulfilling to me, and I am dedicated to addressing these disparities. My goal is to create a more inclusive and empathetic healthcare environment where everyone can receive the care they need and deserve. By continuing my education and professional development, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare within the Black community and beyond, ensuring that quality, accessible, and compassionate care is available to all.

I’m Na'Andra Davis, a dedicated 17-year-old student from Orangeburg, SC, currently attending Edisto High School with a GPA of 3.4. As a first-generation, low-income student, I am deeply passionate about health sciences and aspire to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field. My ultimate goal is to become a nurse and eventually a doctor. My love for chemistry, coupled with my interest in health sciences, drives my desire to excel in this field and make a difference. To prepare for a career in healthcare, I have pursued several certifications to enhance my skills and knowledge. These include CPR for all ages, OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour courses, Stop the Bleed training, and FEMA classes. Additionally, I have completed the National Summer Transportation Institute, which has broadened my understanding of healthcare-related fields. My commitment to community service is reflected in my volunteering with the Community Emergency Response Team, suicide crisis lines, and local nursing homes. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in need of medical care and have reinforced my dedication to the healthcare field. I am actively involved in Upward Bound, where I develop my artistic, robotic, and academic skills, and I am a proud member of the National Honor Society and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) at Edisto High. These roles have not only helped me develop valuable skills but have also provided me with opportunities to engage in meaningful projects and community initiatives. My inspiration to pursue a career in the medical field stems from a profound desire to help others and address healthcare disparities within my community. Many individuals, particularly those from backgrounds similar to mine, often feel uncomfortable or distrustful when seeking medical care. This reluctance can lead to delayed treatment and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. I have witnessed firsthand how waiting too long for medical attention, often due to cultural remedies or mistrust, can have dire consequences. This has driven me to become part of the solution by providing compassionate, accessible, and trustworthy healthcare. Growing up, I observed a significant lack of representation and trust in the healthcare system within my community. Conversations with my grandmother and aunts, who are educators and nurses, highlighted a pressing need for more Black professionals in healthcare. Their experiences and the gaps in trust they encountered further fueled my commitment to this field. By pursuing a career in nursing and later as a doctor specializing in cardiovascular health, I aim to bridge these gaps and provide a reassuring presence for those who may feel marginalized or distrusting of the healthcare system. I am committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, feels confident and well cared for when seeking medical help. Helping my community feels natural and fulfilling to me, and I am dedicated to addressing these disparities. My goal is to create a more inclusive and empathetic healthcare environment where everyone can receive the care they need and deserve. By continuing my education and professional development, I aspire to contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare within the Black community and beyond, ensuring that quality, accessible, and compassionate care is available to all.

Growing up, my love for math and science was taught to me by my grandmother and aunt, both of whom were teachers. They introduced me to the wonders of math and science from an early age, and I quickly developed a passion for these subjects. Chemistry and trigonometry, in particular, became my favorites. Trigonometry stood out as my preferred type of math, along with geometry, thanks to the early guidance I received from my grandmother. So I kind of was often ahead of the people who were in my grade Despite my struggles with ADHD, my foundational love for math never faded. In school, math felt intuitive to me—an area where if you took your time, added up what was needed, and carefully checked your work, it often became much easier. Over time, as I learned strategies to manage my ADHD, my enthusiasm for math grew stronger. I discovered techniques that helped me focus better and engage more deeply with the subject, turning what was once a challenge into a renewed passion. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of persistence and finding the right methods to succeed in areas I care deeply about. My passion for math and science has not only shaped my academic interests but also led to meaningful connections with others. Friends and classmates frequently turn to me for help or tutoring in these subjects. This has allowed me to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. These interactions have not only reinforced my own understanding but have also fostered a sense of community and support within my school. These bonds and experiences are valuable, as they contribute to a network of relationships that could be beneficial in my future academic and professional endeavors.

I’m Na'Andra Davis, a dedicated 17-year-old student from Orangeburg, SC, currently attending Edisto High School with a GPA of 3.4. As a first-generation, low-income student, my journey has been defined by a profound passion for health sciences, community service, and robotics. My love for these fields has guided my academic and extracurricular pursuits, shaping my aspirations for the future. Health sciences are at the core of my ambitions. I aspire to become a nurse and eventually a doctor, driven by my fascination with chemistry and my desire to make a tangible difference in the healthcare field. To prepare for this path, I have earned several key certifications, including CPR for all ages, OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour courses, Stop the Bleed training, and FEMA classes. Additionally, I completed the National Summer Transportation Institute and passed the National Health Science Assessment with NCHSE. These credentials not only enhance my healthcare skills but also demonstrate my commitment to excellence in this field. My dedication to community service is evident through my active involvement with the Community Emergency Response Team, suicide crisis lines, and local nursing homes. I am also deeply engaged in extracurricular activities at Edisto High School. As a member of Upward Bound, I develop my artistic, robotic, and academic talents. My involvement in the National Honor Society and HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) reflects my commitment to leadership and professional development. Beyond these, I participate in the book club, computer club, culinary club, and Christian sports club, all of which contribute to my personal growth and sense of community. Family is incredibly important to me. As the first daughter and be the best person in the world to my older brother and little sister, I cherish my role within my family and enjoy the unique bond I share with my siblings. Being the funniest and the favorite sibling often brings joy and laughter to our home. Balancing my academic and extracurricular interests with family responsibilities has been a rewarding challenge, and I take pride in my ability to contribute positively to both. Looking ahead, my career goal is to obtain a doctoral degree and make a meaningful impact in the hospital and healthcare field. I am also interested in pursuing future opportunities in advocacy, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, aiming to further my impact on both the local and global communities. My diverse interests and experiences have prepared me to approach these goals with passion and dedication, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

Growing up, I never really noticed ADHD affecting me until around 7th grade, right before COVID hit. When we transitioned to online learning, things started to change. Before then, people would just say I wasn’t interested in learning or that I was upset with the material. It was frustrating because no one saw what was really going on, and I felt misunderstood.Growing up with ADHD, I often felt like I was being looked at differently from my siblings, especially when it came to academics. My siblings were frequently rewarded for their good grades, and while I knew I was just as intelligent, my struggles with focus and organization often while was capable of understanding the material just enable to focus Because of my frustration, they put me in anger management for 2 to 3 months. But it felt like we weren’t addressing anything meaningful. We weren’t really learning how to manage anger;and frustration it was more like we were just talking about random things. I didn’t feel like I was getting any help or understanding. Then, when I returned to in-person school in 9th grade after COVID, one of my teachers called my parents and mentioned that her own daughter had ADHD. She saw similarities in how I was struggling and recommended that I get tested. At first, it felt strange to hear the term ADHD. Growing up in church,it was look at as an mental illness and was often viewed negatively, sometimes even as "devil activity." Because of that, I was uninterested and even scared by the idea that I might have ADHD. When I was finally diagnosed by a doctor, my first thoughts were about what my family would think of me, rather than feeling relieved to have an explanation for my struggles also not being a big fan of medications they were offering.It was a mix of emotions—on one hand, I finally understood what was going on and ways to fix it , but on the other hand, I was worried about how it would be looked at by my family I’ve always been able to focus well on things I’m passionate about. For example, in my chemistry classes class and health science, I excelled gaining A's and B's because I was genuinely interested in the material. The same goes for subjects like history and science, where I’m generally a strong student. But when it came to math gaining Midway C’s, as a subject I struggled to enjoy, my focus would slip entirely. In English class, it was hit or miss—if we were discussing something I liked, I could focus just fine, but if the topic didn’t interest me, it was hard to stay engaged. My teachers noticed these patterns, and it became clear that my focus was directly tied to my interest in the subject. At first I felt as if certain subjects overshadowed my abilities, and it was disheartening to see my hard work go unnoticed simply because my struggles were different but now I look into other people who are content creators on simple tips that can help with things like ADHD or ADD and it has helped me I can at least say getting better in subjects that I tend not to be able to focus in such as math and sometimes English but now that I'm on my senior year I feel like I used to feel like it was just too late to use those tips but now I was like I still have four more years to go in college hopefully

Hello, I am Na'Andra Davis dedicated 17-year-old student from Orangeburg, SC, currently attending Edisto High School with a GPA of 3.4. hoping to gain scholarships for college i highly appreciate highly appreciate I really appreciate this essay topic personal I feel like vegan options aren't spoke about enough For the past 5 years I've been living a vegan lifestyle has profoundly impacted my life, offering numerous benefits that have strengthened my connection to the planet and its inhabitants. For me, veganism is more than just a diet; it’s a commitment to sustainability, compassion, and health. I firmly believe that the consumption of animals contributes significantly to environmental issues like deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. By choosing a vegan diet, I am actively supporting a more sustainable future for our planet. Transitioning to this lifestyle was an easy decision but was a little difficult being that my family isn't vegan so some nights I am left out of the circle when it comes to family gatherings, dinners ,church gatherings but knowing that knowing that a well-planned vegan diet can provide all the essential nutrients needed for a healthy life. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of various health issues, many of which are linked to the consumption of animal products raised in conditions that prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. These animals are often seen merely as commodities, but they are sentient beings who deserve a chance at life, just like the rest of us I'm totally fine with being be on my own when it comes to my food preference . Looking ahead, I plan to pursue a career in nursing with the goal of eventually becoming a doctor specializing in cardiovascular studies. If my career path leads me into research, I want to focus on exploring the benefits of plant-based diets and finding ways to make vegan options more accessible and appealing, especially to underserved communities. Growing up, I attended schools where vegan options were never offered or even discussed, and it wasn’t until I made the switch to veganism that I realized how limited the awareness and availability of this lifestyle truly are in lower-income areas. I am passionate about changing this narrative. I want to work towards integrating plant-based especially into school. I started going vegan my 6th grade year I stopped doing little bit then didn't pick again till my 7th grade year to now and not once have I ever seen and vegan option in school so hopefully they lean more towards vegan options in cafeteria menus, ensuring that every student, regardless of their regardless if they're vegan or just want something healthier, has the opportunity to learn about and experience the benefits of a vegan diet. Being that I already volunteer I would sometimes have to be the someone to say "is there any vegan options" when I go to a shelters with with my search and rescue team I think a lot of people don't consider or think about vegan options because they're not vegan. Which is totally fine because not everybody believes in the lifestyle but to have someone consider that just makes things more comfortable so I definitely will be contribute to a future where healthy, sustainable eating is a norm rather than an exception, making it possible for more people to enjoy the numerous advantages of a vegan lifestyle.