One of the greatest obstacles I have faced in pursuit of higher education was being diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. As a collegiate athlete and pre-medical student, my life was built around structure, discipline, and high performance — both on the court and in the classroom. So, when my body began to betray me with symptoms I didn’t understand, everything I had worked for felt like it was slipping away. Before my diagnosis, I experienced extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, anxiety, and irregular heart rates. Simple tasks like walking to class or completing an assignment became overwhelming. I struggled to focus, lost confidence in my abilities, and for the first time, questioned whether I was strong enough to continue chasing my goals. The uncertainty was terrifying. I worried about my health, my future in basketball, and my ability to stay on track academically. At one point, a doctor even told me that if I didn’t get the disease under control, continuing to play could put me at risk for a heart attack or stroke. It felt like everything I had built my life around was being threatened. What helped me navigate this difficult season was the unwavering support of my family and my therapist. My family became my anchor. My mother, in particular, reminded me daily that my diagnosis did not define me. She stood by me during hospital visits, medication adjustments, and days when I couldn’t get out of bed. My father encouraged me to keep my long-term goals in sight, reminding me of the strength I had shown through other challenges. My siblings made it their mission to make me laugh on the hardest days and remind me of who I was beyond my diagnosis. Equally important was the role my therapist played in helping me navigate not only the physical but also the emotional toll of chronic illness. For the first time, I had a safe space to process my fears, frustrations, and grief over the temporary loss of the life I knew. Through therapy, I learned to give myself grace, prioritize my mental health, and redefine what strength looked like for me. It wasn’t about pretending everything was fine — it was about being honest, asking for help, and continuing to move forward, even in small steps. This journey taught me resilience in a way that no textbook or basketball practice ever could. It deepened my empathy for others battling invisible illnesses and reinforced the importance of community, faith, and mental health support. While my diagnosis altered my path, it also gave me a new sense of purpose. I became even more committed to pursuing medicine, knowing firsthand the power of compassionate care and mental health advocacy. Today, I am managing my condition, continuing my studies, and preparing for medical school. I am grateful for the village that surrounded me when I needed them most and for the lessons this challenge taught me about resilience, self-worth, and the importance of leaning on others. That experience made me a stronger student, a better future physician, and a more compassionate human being.

I chose to pursue a career in healthcare because it represents the perfect intersection of my passions, personal experiences, and purpose. At nine years old, I shot my first basketball and instantly fell in love with the game. For over a decade, the court was where I found identity, discipline, and community. I envisioned a future built around sports — until life introduced a challenge that shifted my perspective. When my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, my world changed. I didn’t fully understand the diagnosis, but I felt its weight. Fear and helplessness consumed me as I faced the terrifying possibility of losing the person who first introduced me to basketball. What gave me hope during that difficult time was witnessing the healthcare professionals who cared for him. Their skill and compassion didn’t just save my father’s life — they inspired me. I realized I wanted to be part of a profession that offers hope, heals families, and stands beside people in their toughest moments. That pivotal experience planted a seed, but my journey into healthcare continued to evolve. A car accident involving my mother and me years later introduced me to orthopedics and sports medicine — a field that beautifully blended my love for athletics with my growing interest in healing and recovery. Through my orthopedic treatments, I saw firsthand how physicians and therapists could restore not just mobility but confidence and peace. That experience helped me discover my true calling: to become an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. Since then, I’ve pursued opportunities to deepen my understanding of healthcare. At EmergOrtho, I gained valuable hands-on experience working in orthopedic urgent care. From documenting patient histories to assisting in fracture reductions and analyzing X-rays, I saw the importance of teamwork and precision in delivering quality care. Each patient interaction reaffirmed my desire to make this my life’s work. My most transformative experience came during the Finding Your Future program at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Over four weeks, I shadowed physicians across various specialties, observed surgeries, participated in simulation labs, and engaged in mentorship with medical students and staff. This experience broadened my perspective, reinforcing that healthcare is about more than clinical skills — it’s about empathy, teamwork, and leading with compassion. The ultimate goal of my degree is to provide high-quality, culturally competent care to underserved and underrepresented communities. I plan to specialize in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, offering care to young athletes and patients who may lack access to specialized services. Beyond clinical practice, I hope to launch mentorship programs for minority students pursuing healthcare careers and advocate for mental health resources for athletes. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Those words have guided my journey. From the basketball court to the hospital room, my life has been shaped by resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. Every setback has strengthened my resolve, and every opportunity has brought me closer to my dream of becoming a physician who makes a lasting, positive impact on others’ lives.

If there’s one person who embodies resilience, grit, and passion in my life, it’s my mother. Growing up, our relationship wasn’t always perfect. Like many mothers and daughters, we faced our share of challenges, misunderstandings, and moments of distance. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand her strength, her sacrifices, and the way she quietly paved the path for me and my sisters to have a life filled with opportunities she never had. My mother raised me in a world where nothing was handed to her. She didn’t come from wealth or privilege, but she made sure our home was rich in love, faith, and determination. As a first-generation college student, I realize now how many doors my mother held open for me without recognition or applause. She worked long hours, sacrificed her own dreams, and still managed to show up for us in every way she could. What inspires me most is how my mother never gave up on herself, even while giving so much to everyone else. As she got older, she reignited her passion for fashion and creativity, opening her own business designing custom clothing. Through every stitch and every fabric she chose, she poured love and joy into her work, bringing confidence and beauty to others. Watching her build something from nothing, especially after years of life’s hardships, taught me that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. Her resilience is not just something she preaches — it’s something she lives. She showed me what it looks like to be knocked down by life and rise back up ten times stronger. I carry that spirit with me every day. When I faced my own challenges, including a health scare that once kept me off the basketball court and threatened the future I was building, it was my mother’s example that reminded me who I am. Like her, I learned to stand up again, fight harder, and pursue my aspirations with unwavering faith. My mother also taught me the importance of community, of pouring into others and creating spaces of love and belonging. That’s what she does with her business, and it’s what I strive to do in medicine. I want to create spaces where people feel seen, valued, and cared for — where they leave better than they came. If awarded this scholarship, I would use the funds to invest in my future as a physician. As a first-generation college student, financial burdens often feel heavier, but this opportunity would lighten that load and allow me to focus on continuing my education, pursuing medical school, and eventually giving back to communities like the one I grew up in. It would also honor my mother’s sacrifices and her belief in chasing new aspirations, no matter the obstacles. In everything I do, I carry the lessons my mother taught me: resilience in the face of adversity, the courage to chase your dreams, and the power of lifting others as you rise. This isn’t just my journey — it’s ours.

Economic empowerment and social equity are deeply intertwined. For underrepresented communities to thrive, they need more than financial resources; they require access to quality healthcare, education, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities for upward mobility. My vision is to use my career in medicine not only to heal individuals but also to help dismantle the structural barriers that limit both health outcomes and economic potential in marginalized communities. As a first-generation college student and pre-medical major at Benedict College, I have witnessed firsthand how disparities in healthcare create ripple effects far beyond the clinic. Poor health outcomes reduce workforce participation, increase financial strain, and perpetuate cycles of poverty in underrepresented communities. Communities that lack access to affordable, culturally competent healthcare face higher rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges, and preventable deaths — all of which directly affect economic empowerment. This is why my career goals extend beyond patient care. I aspire to become a physician who not only treats patients but also advances health equity through community health initiatives, advocacy, and education. One of the most effective ways to uplift underrepresented communities is by investing in accessible, community-centered healthcare systems that create local jobs, educate future healthcare professionals, and improve the well-being of entire neighborhoods. Healthier communities are economically stronger communities. During my internships with EmergOrtho and the USC School of Medicine’s Finding Your Future Pre-Medical Program, I saw the importance of healthcare systems that prioritize both clinical excellence and community impact. I shadowed physicians who collaborated with social workers, case managers, and local leaders to address not just medical needs but also social determinants of health such as housing, nutrition, and employment. These experiences reinforced my belief that business innovation in healthcare — from community clinics to telehealth programs and mobile outreach units — can be a powerful tool for economic uplift. Additionally, I am passionate about increasing representation within the medical field. When young people from underrepresented backgrounds see healthcare professionals who look like them and understand their cultural experiences, it inspires them to pursue similar paths. By mentoring future healthcare workers, creating scholarship programs, and leading medical pipeline initiatives, I hope to contribute to a healthcare workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. My vision also includes using business innovation to make healthcare more accessible and affordable. I am interested in exploring partnerships between medical institutions, nonprofits, and private-sector organizations to bring mobile health services, preventative care programs, and mental health resources directly into underserved neighborhoods. These initiatives can reduce emergency care costs, improve long-term health outcomes, and empower communities to prioritize their own well-being. Ultimately, my career in medicine is driven by a desire to uplift others — not just through physical healing, but by creating opportunities for economic, educational, and social advancement. Business and healthcare are not separate worlds; they intersect in meaningful ways that can shape the future of underrepresented communities. By leveraging both economic empowerment strategies and healthcare innovation, I hope to be part of a generation of changemakers who address inequities at every level and leave a lasting, positive impact.

My name is Nyree Bell, and I am a senior Biology Pre-Medicine major at Benedict College. As a first-generation college student, collegiate athlete, and aspiring physician, my journey has been one of perseverance, purpose, and passion for service. Every experience I’ve encountered — from the basketball court to the lab, and from shadowing physicians to supporting my peers — has shaped the way I view healthcare, community, and leadership. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the disparities that exist in healthcare, especially in underserved communities of color. These moments were not distant headlines but personal experiences, as I navigated my own health challenge that temporarily forced me to step away from the sport I loved. Being told I was at risk for a heart attack or stroke as a young athlete was a wake-up call — not just about my health, but about the larger systemic barriers that often leave people without answers, resources, or hope. Through proper care and determination, I was able to return to the court, but the experience left an undeniable mark on my heart: I knew I wanted to be part of the change. As a pre-medical student, I have intentionally sought opportunities to deepen my understanding of patient care and community health. Through programs like the Finding Your Future Pre-Medical Program at USC School of Medicine and my clinical internship with EmergOrtho, I gained exposure to a range of medical specialties and witnessed the importance of compassionate, culturally competent care. I didn’t just observe surgeries and patient consultations — I learned how to listen, how to advocate, and how to ensure each person feels seen, heard, and valued. My commitment to service extends beyond the clinic. I have served as a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and an active participant in community outreach initiatives, from feeding the homeless to advocating for mental health awareness in Black and Brown communities. Mental health, in particular, is a cause close to my heart. In 2023, I became certified in Mental Health First Aid, equipping myself with the skills to support individuals in crisis and help break the stigma surrounding emotional well-being. In addition to clinical and community service experiences, I have cultivated my passion for research and academic inquiry. My senior capstone defense, “Advancements in ACL Surgical Techniques: A Comparative Study of Biological vs Synthetic Grafts for Professional Athletes,” allowed me to merge my interests in sports medicine and health equity. I explored the implications of surgical choices on athlete recovery, long-term outcomes, and access to care — especially for athletes from underrepresented backgrounds. Looking ahead, I plan to continue serving my community as a physician dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to quality care. I envision myself not only treating patients but also advocating for systemic change, conducting community health education workshops, and mentoring students like myself who may not have seen many doctors who look like them or share their story. Eventually, I hope to participate in global health initiatives such as Doctors Without Borders, providing care to communities often overlooked by the mainstream healthcare system. Ultimately, I believe our greatest impact comes not just from our titles or degrees, but from how we uplift others. I intend to lead with empathy, courage, and an unwavering commitment to equity — using every lesson I’ve learned along the way to make a lasting difference in the lives of those I serve.

In the future, I aspire to be an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. This career path combines my passion for medicine with my love for sports, enabling me to make a tangible difference in athletes' lives by helping them recover from injuries and enhancing their performance. Through this specialization, I aim to push the boundaries of medical science and contribute to the advancement of orthopedics, ensuring athletes receive the best possible care. Being Black to me means embodying greatness. It signifies a bond with others who look like me, share similar experiences, and understand the unique challenges we face. This connection fosters a sense of unity and empowerment, enabling us to grow together and uplift one another. Despite the world's often limited perceptions, we consistently demonstrate our resilience, creativity, and excellence across various fields. Our collective potential far exceeds the stereotypes imposed upon us. Choosing to attend an HBCU was a deliberate decision to be part of a transformative community that celebrates Black excellence and fosters a supportive environment. HBCUs play a crucial role in rewriting the narratives about Black students, proving that our capabilities are not confined to the expectations set by predominantly white institutions (PWIs). At an HBCU, I am surrounded by peers and mentors who inspire me to strive for greatness and break barriers. I am proud to attend the illustrious Benedict College, an HBCU that not only nurtures my academic and professional ambitions but also strengthens my identity and commitment to contributing positively to society.