When asked about a disadvantaged background, I think of how from the day I was born I became a ward of California. My biological mother lost custody while my biological father was incapable of taking care of me. My father was an inmate spending his time working as a first responder and putting his body on the line to help others. His exposure to gases, smoke, and other chemicals caused irreversible damage to his respiratory and immune systems. At the age of twelve, I met him for the first time, and within a year he passed away due to complications and the deterioration of his immune system. After seeing him the night of his passing, I went back home to Georgia with my adopted dad (also my uncle) and thought about any way I could help others like me. Collaborating with others, I plan to research and develop cures for common diseases affecting children worldwide. I envision myself helping children who face illness and lack the necessary resources for assistance. Every child deserves a chance to grow as a person; and as a medical provider, policy maker, researcher, and advocate I can make a significant contribution. Children are the most vulnerable population, and just as I needed support when I came into the world, I plan to do the same for other children. This scholarship will help pay for my tuition at Saint Mary’s College of California and help me focus on my studies and research. My contribution to research will help me reach my goals and ambitions to be one of the best pediatricians.

Thinking back when asked how I have faced and overcome adversity made me think deeply about how my life has been a struggle. From the day I was born, I became a ward of California. My birth mother lost custody that day, and my biological father was not capable of taking care of me. As an inmate, my father was a first responder battling California wildfires with the CA Department of Forestry. In the line of duty, for over a decade, he experienced occupational exposure to gases, smoke, and chemicals resulting in damaging long-term deterioration of his respiratory system. His exposure included toxicants including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and phosgene, which left him bedridden, immobile, and weighing less than 65 pounds at his death. After spending the first year and a half of my life in foster care with a low-income family in Oak Park Sacramento, an elderly single mother cared for me until social services made preparations for my entry into the adoption system. By this time, my uncle and his wife heard about my situation and jumped into action. He and his wife took classes to become foster parents and upon completion of satisfying all the legal requirements took custody of me as a toddler. At twelve I met my father for the first time, and to this day I have never met my biological mother. We never formed a relationship, and within one year of our meeting, he passed away. I will never forget the day my dad (also my uncle) and I flew to California to see my father hospitalized on his deathbed. The family waited for our arrival before terminating life support. I found it hard to grasp everything happening, and the flight back to Georgia was long and sad. This experience, above all others, motivated me to live a purpose-driven life, and to make a positive impact on society. Collaborating with others, I plan to conduct research and develop cures for common diseases affecting children worldwide My grandfather told stories of how my biological father saved many homes, properties, and businesses. In the process of helping others as a first responder, he sacrificed his own life and the ability to raise me while serving time in the California Department of Corrections. I recognized I was given a second chance, and that Summer I decided to prepare for a life-long career that integrates medicine, research, and engineering. I envision myself helping children who face illness and lack the necessary resources for assistance. Every child deserves a chance to grow as a person; and as a medical provider, policy maker, researcher, and advocate I can make a significant contribution. Children are the most vulnerable population, and just as I needed support when I came into the world, I plan to do the same for other children. I shadowed a local physician at Peachtree Intermediate Care for 10 hours per month to see first-hand what day-to-day life was like for a physician. Since starting last year, I assisted with over 50 patient examinations. I also helped my dad as a student research intern on one of his projects at work—the Advanced Molecular Detection project funded by the Centers for Disease Control. This project involved designing and implementing a Bioinformatics classroom using AWS HealthOmics and Nextflow, utilizing AWS Cloud Services.

My father has been the biggest motivation for me to achieve my goals. He has taught me how to lead others and countless other qualities that are needed to pursue my dreams. He helped pave the way for me by showing anything can be done and leading by example. Along with the many lessons I have learned from watching my dad, he has also taught me invaluable things with our conversations. He explained to me that my peers were not only my friends but my competition as well. The same kids I grew up with in the gifted and accelerated classes are fighting me for the better class rank. With his words and support in mind, I realized that the best path for me was one where I would have a healthy lifestyle and love the work I did. With his aid, I discovered that the best path for me is for me to become a pediatrician. I have been academically invested in biology since my eighth-grade year when I was in the only biology class in the school. I was eager to learn and use the skills I learned in numerous science camps. I learned countless facts in Biology, but one thing that piqued my interest was learning about diseases. Many diseases are fascinating in their work, but even more interesting was a bioengineering company called Crispr, which was actively fighting those diseases with innovative research. The company works in gene editing and is finding cures for diseases worldwide. Learning about this world-changing company excited me because it inspired me to become someone who could help anyone in the world. During my search for the best application of my abilities, I researched the numerous courses and programs that are being offered at an abundance of Colleges. After a substantial amount of research, I am confident that there is a vast number of areas that I will explore, though most of them will reside in STEM. With science as one of my strongest areas of study, I will excel with a double major in Biology and Health Science during my time at Saint Mary’s College of California. With full courseloads every semester, I anticipate enjoying the many courses along this path because of my thirst for knowledge in the areas of medicine. With a plan underway, I have taken opportunities given to me in hopes of being adequately prepared for my future in research. I have taken a research opportunity for Advanced Molecular Detection funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another experience that solidified my dream was a shadowing opportunity at a local clinic called Peachtree Immediate Care. These occasions have allowed me to encounter the possibility of my future, and I do not doubt that I will love the road I have chosen to take. I am preparing for a career that integrates medicine, research, and engineering, aspiring to positively impact society. I plan to use the money received from this scholarship to pay for my tuition, books, and funding my continued research to provide children with a healthy lifestyle.

Thinking back when asked how I have overcome adversity made me think deeply about how my life has been a struggle. From the day I was born, I became a ward of California. My birth mother lost custody that day, and my biological father was not capable of taking care of me. As an inmate, my father was a first responder battling California wildfires with the CA Department of Forestry. In the line of duty, for over a decade, he experienced occupational exposure to gases, smoke, and chemicals resulting in damaging long-term deterioration of his respiratory system. His exposure included toxicants including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and phosgene, which left him bedridden, immobile, and weighing less than 65 pounds at his death. After spending the first year and a half of my life in foster care with a low-income family in Oak Park Sacramento, an elderly single mother cared for me until social services made preparations for my entry into the adoption system. By this time, my uncle and his wife heard about my situation and jumped into action. He and his wife took classes to become foster parents and upon completion of satisfying all the legal requirements took custody of me as a toddler. At twelve I met my father for the first time, and to this day I have never met my biological mother. We never formed a relationship, and within one year of our meeting, he passed away. I will never forget the day my dad (also my uncle) and I flew to California to see my father hospitalized on his deathbed. The family waited for our arrival before terminating life support. I found it hard to grasp everything happening, and the flight back to Georgia was long and sad. This experience, above all others, motivated me to live a purpose-driven life, and to make a positive impact on society. Collaborating with others, I plan to conduct research and develop cures for common diseases affecting children worldwide My grandfather told stories of how my biological father saved many homes, properties, and businesses. In the process of helping others as a first responder, he sacrificed his own life and the ability to raise me while serving time in the California Department of Corrections. I recognized I was given a second chance, and that Summer I decided to prepare for a life-long career that integrates medicine, research, and engineering. I envision myself helping children who face illness and lack the necessary resources for assistance. Every child deserves a chance to grow as a person; and as a medical provider, policy maker, researcher, and advocate I can make a significant contribution. Children are the most vulnerable population, and just as I needed support when I came into the world, I plan to do the same for other children. I am currently shadowing a local physician at Peachtree Intermediate Care for 10 hours/month to see first-hand what day-to-day life is like for a physician. Since starting last year, I have assisted with over 50 patient examinations. I also helped my dad as a student research intern on one of his projects at work - the Advanced Molecular Detection project funded by the Centers for Disease Control. This project includes designing and implementing a Bioinformatics classroom using AWS HealthOmics, and Nextflow, using AWS Cloud Services.

Thinking back when asked how I have overcome adversity made me think deeply about how my life has been a struggle. From the day I was born, I became a ward of California. My birth mother lost custody that day, and my biological father was not capable of taking care of me. As an inmate, my father was a first responder battling California wildfires with the CA Department of Forestry. In the line of duty, for over a decade, he experienced occupational exposure to gases, smoke, and chemicals resulting in damaging long-term deterioration of his respiratory system. His exposure included toxicants including sulfur dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and phosgene, which left him bedridden, immobile, and weighing less than 65 pounds at his death. After spending the first year and a half of my life in foster care with a low-income family in Oak Park Sacramento, an elderly single mother cared for me until social services made preparations for my entry into the adoption system. By this time, my uncle and his wife heard about my situation and jumped into action. He and his wife took classes to become foster parents and upon completion of satisfying all the legal requirements took custody of me as a toddler. At twelve I met my father for the first time, and to this day I have never met my biological mother. We never formed a relationship, and within one year of our meeting, he passed away. I will never forget the day my dad (also my uncle) and I flew to California to see my father hospitalized on his deathbed. The family waited for our arrival before terminating life support. I found it hard to grasp everything happening, and the flight back to Georgia was long and sad. This experience, above all others, motivated me to live a purpose-driven life, and to make a positive impact on society. Collaborating with others, I plan to conduct research and develop cures for common diseases affecting children worldwide My grandfather told stories of how my biological father saved many homes, properties, and businesses. In the process of helping others as a first responder, he sacrificed his own life and the ability to raise me while serving time in the California Department of Corrections. I recognized I was given a second chance, and that Summer I decided to prepare for a life-long career that integrates medicine, research, and engineering. I envision myself helping children who face illness and lack the necessary resources for assistance. Every child deserves a chance to grow as a person; and as a medical provider, policy maker, researcher, and advocate I can make a significant contribution. Children are the most vulnerable population, and just as I needed support when I came into the world, I plan to do the same for other children. I am currently shadowing a local physician at Peachtree Intermediate Care for 10 hours/month to see first-hand what day-to-day life is like for a physician. Since starting last year, I have assisted with over 50 patient examinations. I also helped my dad as a student research intern on one of his projects at work - the Advanced Molecular Detection project funded by the Centers for Disease Control. This project includes designing and implementing a Bioinformatics classroom using AWS HealthOmics, and Nextflow, using AWS Cloud Services.

My name is Nathaniel Abrams, and I am a senior at Brookwood High School, pursuing a BS degree in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Bioinformatics/Computer Science. I aim to graduate from medical school and obtain my Medical Doctorate, ultimately becoming a pediatrician. I am confident that I will excel during my undergraduate and graduate experience while also contributing to the workforce. Once I achieve my goal, I will spend my career helping as many children as possible. Throughout my high school journey, I have prioritized making a positive impact on my peers and teachers, demonstrating leadership, integrity, and honesty. I am honored to have been elected Senior Class President of BHS, overseeing a student body of over 3,800 students. I actively engage in various school activities, such as sports, academic clubs, and student research, including participation in events organized by clubs like the Student Government Association, DECA, Hispanic Organization Promoting Education, and more. Additionally, I am involved in a research project called Advanced Molecular Detection, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This experience aligns with my aspirations for a future career that combines clinical practice and research. I am currently wrestling for my school, and my extracurricular involvement extends to events and initiatives that I find compelling. I am also dedicating my next three months to learning about clinical practices by shadowing a doctor at a local clinic. As I continue along this path, I am preparing for a career that integrates medicine, research, and engineering, aspiring to create a positive impact on both individuals and the broader field. I plan to take advantage of the knowledge given and become an innovative leader who will help change the world. Looking ahead, I envision starting a charity for children facing illness and lacking the necessary resources for assistance. Every child deserves a chance to grow as a person, and as a pediatrician, I can contribute to their well-being. However, by establishing a charity, I aim to broaden my impact globally. Children, being the most vulnerable population in today's society, deserve the support of many as they grow and shape the world. Through children, we would be able to aid the world and give later generations a wonderful world to thrive in. Initially focusing on low-income areas in the United States, the charity will provide aid to children in need. As the organization expands, we will extend our reach to other countries facing significant challenges and medical needs. Collaborating with others, we can conduct research and develop cures for common diseases affecting children worldwide. I am driven by the belief that countless children across the globe require someone to care for them, and through collective efforts, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

My father has been the biggest motivation for me to achieve my goals. He has taught me how to lead others and countless other qualities that are needed to pursue my dreams. He helped pave the way for me by showing anything can be done and leading by example. Along with the many lessons I have learned from watching my dad, he has also taught me invaluable things with our conversations. He explained to me that my peers were not only my friends but my competition as well. The same kids I grew up with in the gifted and accelerated classes are fighting me for the better class rank. With his words and support in mind, I realized that the best path for me was one where I would have a healthy lifestyle and love the work I did. With his aid, I discovered that the best path for me is for me to become a pediatrician. I have been academically invested in biology since my eighth-grade year when I was in the only biology class in the school. I was eager to learn and use the skills I learned in numerous science camps. I learned countless facts in Biology, but one thing that piqued my interest was learning about diseases. Many diseases are fascinating in their work, but even more interesting was a bioengineering company called Crispr, which was actively fighting those diseases with innovative research. The company works in gene editing and is finding cures for diseases worldwide. Learning about this world-changing company excited me because it inspired me to become someone who could help anyone in the world. During my search for the best application of my abilities, I researched the numerous courses and programs that are being offered at an abundance of Colleges. After a substantial amount of research, I am confident that there is a vast number of areas that I will explore, though most of them will reside in STEM. With science as one of my strongest areas of study, I will excel with Biomedical Engineering as my major. I anticipate enjoying the many courses along this path because of my thirst for knowledge in the areas of medicine and biology. With a plan underway, I have taken opportunities given to me in hopes of being adequately prepared for my future in research. I have taken a research opportunity for Advanced Molecular Detection funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another experience that solidified my dream was a shadowing opportunity at a local clinic called Peachtree Immediate Care. These occasions have allowed me to encounter the possibility of my future, and I do not doubt that I will love the road I have chosen to take. I am preparing for a career that integrates medicine, research, and engineering, aspiring to positively impact society. I plan to use the money received from this scholarship to pay for my tuition, books, and funding my continued research at a top-tier University.

The dream version of myself is a father, husband, and the best Pediatrician in America who can help any family in need through any kid who deserves the best life possible.

I love math because it is a subject everyone learns early in life and is a part of our lives forever. Since elementary school, I have always been great at math because it is a subject I understand exceptionally well, and I found that I liked it better than other subjects. I love math because it will always be a large and significant part of my life. Many of my interests, like basketball, coding, and bodybuilding, all involve being able to understand math to a certain degree. I plan on majoring in biomedical Engineering in college, which will require me to learn new information and apply previous knowledge of math so that I can excel. I have been allowed to meet great teachers that love teaching math, who then passed their ambition of teaching over to me in the form of love for the subject. I have been able to connect with them over it, which caused us to grow closer as a teacher who loves what they do and a student who loves to learn. I have also connected with many of my peers over a shared fondness for certain topics we learned together. I also love being able to intake knowledge given to me and reciting it when I need it at a later date. This will connect several people I have known and several things I will do to each other in the future.

I have many aspirations and goals for my future, both during my college and professional career. My dream school is Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, and I plan to major in Biomedical Engineering or Bioengineering. I currently attend Brookwood Highschool as a senior graduating in May of 2024. I am making a positive impact on my peers and teachers around me today by being a leader in my school and keeping myself at a standard of high integrity and honesty. Many of my peers look up to me, and I have helped several of my fellow students with solving problems involving school as well as their personal lives. Brookwood HS has a student body of over 3,700 students, and I am proud to have the honor of being elected Senior Class President. Leading one of the most diverse groups of students in the state of Georgia is a significant position that holds a lot of responsibility now and well into the future. I am close to many individuals and responsible for events to bring those individuals in my community together. I love making an impact on those around me today, and I look forward to making an impact on the world and not just my neighborhood. As a high school senior, I have the opportunity of being able to choose and dedicate myself to being enrolled at a college of choice. My dream school is Stanford University because it allows me to take my love for helping others and apply it to a different community. I will continue my leadership here and be involved with students and faculty so that I can continue my standard of making a positive impact on others. Stanford has over four times the enrollment of students enrolled than Brookwood, so that gives me a larger community to apply myself. After my college career, I plan on entering the medical field so that I can become a pediatrician. I have always dreamt of becoming a pediatrician because I always believed every kid deserves a great doctor to care for them. I aspire to be one nation’s leading pediatricians that kids can see because I believe that kids deserve the opportunity of having the best life which includes having an awesome doctor in charge of their health. I can make a positive impact on every child I help, as well as their parents, friends, and family members.