Various experiences over time have shaped my medical career aspirations by strengthening my commitment to caring for vulnerable people at their most critical moments. Driven by my passion for medical work I first achieved certification as a Nursing Assistant and then advanced to Emergency Medical Technician both experiences delivering real-world patient care insights. My life experiences have molded me into a physician who demonstrates both compassion and decisive action while fully committing to treating patients as whole persons beyond their medical conditions. My role as a CNA involves providing essential assistance to patients who need help with basic functions like eating and washing while maintaining their dignity. Through direct observation I find that basic compassionate gestures like holding hands and attentive listening create impressive positive changes. Family members stay with numerous patients to provide support yet some patients navigate their medical experiences alone. I recognized the power to make patients feel valued and appreciated during our brief interactions. My responsibility towards patients stays constant even when my care delivery changed due to my EMT role. The EMT training taught me to make critical choices during crises while maintaining my composure in chaotic situations and to show empathy when medical treatment was unavailable. Working with trauma victims and unconscious patients taught me that medical emergencies involve physical aspects as well as deep emotional and psychological components. The combination of emergency medicine and mental health care became an essential aspect of my career. Doctors and nurses regularly overlook or misunderstand those who suffer from mental health issues. The emotional needs of patients in mental health crisis situations were often ignored during hospital transfers. I wish to alter that. The psychological research I conducted revealed connections between mental well-being and physical health which I plan to use during my medical career. I aspire to become an expert in emergency medicine or psychiatry and wish to combine mental health advocacy with patient care. During my hospital tenure I will make sure crisis patients receive immediate medical treatment along with necessary psychological assistance. I plan to champion the development of mental health training programs for emergency responders to improve patient care beyond physical needs through empathetic and knowledgeable support. The dedication to pursue medicine has stayed constant from my first experience as a CNA to my latest EMT assignment which confirmed that my true purpose is in medicine. The scholarship would enable me to achieve my goal of becoming a physician and simultaneously continue my community work to support those who need help.

I wanted to become a doctor because I wanted to understand how things worked instead of being attracted to medical status or professional clothing. I began exploring the relationship between body functions and mental states through my persistent questioning about bodily phenomena from a young age. One of my cherished childhood memories was when I would pretend to examine my family members as an amateur doctor. The television shows I viewed enabled me to identify dehydration as the cause of my brother's headaches. As soon as my mother displayed any exhaustion I would dramatically tell her she needed “at least eight hours of sleep or else”. I developed a strong urge to understand medical science and diagnostic professionals as my natural curiosity grew with age. My observations taught me that stress had negative effects on my friends' physical health but also revealed the powerful impact of mental wellness on physical well-being and how basic acts of kindness delivered relief that surpassed medical treatments. Without access to healthcare services people were unable to receive necessary mental health treatment despite their legitimate need for it. My choice to volunteer for a crisis helpline significantly reinforced my understanding. I started my position to provide a listening ear and comfort to those sharing their stories but experienced unexpected personal growth through these interactions. I engaged with individuals who lived in complete isolation and experienced profound inner torment that traditional medical assessments were unable to identify. The work I performed in healthcare revealed that true patient care requires understanding people beyond their medical symptoms. The healthcare system must focus on understanding patients through active listening and confirming their experiences to ensure everyone receives personalized medical attention. Studying psychology before medical school aligned with my healthcare vision because it teaches medical professionals to understand patients beyond their physical health issues. In my medical practice, I prioritize listening to patients so I can understand their needs which enables me to deliver comprehensive care beyond just diagnoses and prescriptions. I treat physical health combined with emotional and mental health challenges as one comprehensive process during my practice whether I specialize in psychiatry, neurology, or another interdisciplinary field. Of course, this journey isn’t easy. My way forward demands significant determination because I need to spend long hours studying and tackle both the unique challenges of being the first college student in my family as well as the financial difficulties that come with higher education. I understand my purpose behind this endeavor. My goal is to join the next wave of healthcare professionals who transform patient care beyond traditional disease treatment. In medical practice, I strive to unite compassionate care with my childhood curiosity and extensive knowledge to give every patient the recognition and respect they deserve. The scholarship will provide the essential monetary assistance required for me to achieve my ultimate goal. The scholarship supports the education of a future physician committed to delivering compassionate patient care and expanding healthcare access for everyone. People need to feel valuable since healing extends beyond medical treatments alone.

The sacrifices my parents made form a motivational weight that propels me toward excellence rather than acting as a burden. Growing up with Caribbean immigrant parents provided firsthand exposure to their attempts at building their lives in a new country through long work days and financial difficulties in addition to their experience with uncertainty. My family's journey demonstrated relentless determination and a firm belief in education's power to transform lives. In pursuit of better opportunities for their children which they never had, my parents chose to leave behind everything they knew as they created a new existence in the United States. Education formed the essential foundation of our existence and embodied both our prospects and promises. I faced distinctive challenges when I became the first member of my family to go through the college application process. First-generation students face numerous obstacles that extend beyond their schoolwork. My parents could not offer any help with college applications or guidance on FAFSA and SATs because they were unable to provide support. Every stage of our journey offered new lessons but remained uncertain throughout. I frequently felt out of place in settings where individuals from my background were seldom present. I refused to let self-doubt control the direction of my progress. The desire to honor my parents' sacrifices compelled me to actively pursue mentorship resources and new opportunities. The difficulties of managing volunteering duties alongside my studies and part-time work taught me important lessons about discipline and resilience and made me realize the significance of community contribution. The volunteering experience showed me the educational access barriers and healthcare and financial challenges that immigrant and first-generation families including my family deal with. Through my experiences, I developed a passionfor helpingp others facing similar challenges and committed to using my knowledge to create improved futures for people. I strive to finish my degree so I can generate opportunities for myself and develop a path for upcoming generations within my family and local community. I plan to utilize my academic qualifications and professional skills to mentor upcoming generations while helping first-generation students navigate educational systems successfully. I support fellow students through mentorship programs and rights advocacy while building career pathways that help them overcome challenges to achieve success. My strong interest in psychology and medicine motivates me to develop a healthcare framework that accommodates immigrant populations and minority groups along with underserved communities. My objective is to integrate mental health services with medical care so those who have made substantial life sacrifices can receive thorough support. I am dedicated to removing healthcare access disparities to ensure that socioeconomic status and language or cultural barriers do not stop anyone from receiving necessary care. My hardworking parents gave me opportunities that allowed me to stand tall today while they forged their future based on their ancestors' achievements. The person I became today developed through their dreams and sacrifices together with their resilience. Beyond just earning a degree this academic journey represents my family's legacy which shows education as the route from struggles to success. The scholarship will ease my monetary burdens while recognizing the hard work and sacrifices that brought me to this opportunity. The achievement confirms that my path demonstrates resilience and ambition through many challenges while staying hopeful about creating a better future. My drive to succeed reaches beyond my success because it represents a tribute to my family and community while motivating future students who will follow my journey.

Healthcare extends past disease management as it works to restore patients to their complete human essence. Healthcare professionals who utilize this technique must assess patients through a broader perspective that recognizes their complete personhood beyond mere medical conditions. A successful medical practice requires listening to patient concerns because true health unites physical aspects with mental and emotional well-being along with spiritual fulfillment. My core beliefs inspired me to study psychology and now direct my journey toward becoming a physician dedicated to whole-person care. Since my childhood, I have been fascinated by how emotions and thoughts blend with experiences to form our identities. People actively searched for conversations with me because they were looking for more than someone who would just listen to them. My strong desire to understand human behavior and help others led me to psychology studies where I found out about mind-body connection power. My academic studies enabled me to see firsthand how mental health conditions significantly impacted physical health. Long-term stress reduces immunity effectiveness while traumatic experiences alter brain structure and emotional distress shows physical symptoms. Patients showed me how they controlled their physical health conditions even as they battled unseen emotional difficulties. Today's healthcare system prioritizes disease treatment but fails to address patients' multifaceted human experiences. I want to change that. I learned more about whole-person care through my experience with a doctor who employed unconventional medical practices. The doctor wrote prescriptions based on patient life challenges rather than exclusively examining medical charts. She began our consultation quietly and tentatively but eventually revealed her severe anxiety to me which she had never shared with any doctor before. I discovered that genuine healing for patients happens when doctors recognize and show respect towards them. Through my research experiences, I developed projects that combine mental health services with physical health care treatment. Through my volunteer work with mental health awareness initiatives, I helped advance the incorporation of psychological care into medical treatment centers. Studies demonstrating the connection between mental toughness and recovery rates show that healthcare needs to address both mental and physical aspects for comprehensive treatment delivery. Through my professional journey, I have developed a strong determination to provide medical care that recognizes the multifaceted nature of human health. My medical school preparation extended beyond textbooks through real human experiences and their challenges as well as the moments of connection I shared. My goal as a physician is to provide precise diagnoses and suitable treatments by centering care around patients and building trust through careful listening and empathetic understanding. My dedication to patient care continues regardless of whether my specialization becomes psychiatry, neurology, or another medical domain that merges psychological expertise with medical treatment. Traditional medical concepts will evolve into broader healing practices in future medicine. Medical practice must focus on improving life quality instead of merely extending patients' lifespan. Medical practice should go beyond disease treatment to focus on restoring hope for patients. I intend to pursue a medical career characterized by compassion and integrity which focuses on treating patients as complete individuals to promote holistic healing beyond just symptom management.

Community service requires actions that positively change people's lives regardless of their scale. Our assistance to others stems from authentic concern about their challenges instead of a sense of duty. When people combine kindness and generosity with service actions, they start a chain reaction prompting others to do the same. Empathy serves as the starting point for service because effective support needs awareness of others' perspectives before responding to their needs. My fundamental belief inspires me to help others by donating necessary clothing to patients discharged from hospitals and repairing bicycles for Aurora youth who cannot afford to do so themselves. The true strength of community service reveals itself when people access necessary support during personal hardships through acts of kindness. The most memorable experience I had was when I handed out clothing to individuals who were departing from the hospital. Hospitals often discharge patients without appropriate clothing since these individuals face financial constraints or emergency situations. People who received basic clothing items expressed their gratitude through smiles which demonstrated to me how simple actions can restore both dignity and hope. My experience of repairing bicycles for youth in Aurora developed my comprehension of service. Young people use their bikes as their main transportation method while also regarding them as symbols of freedom which become vital parts of their everyday routines. The bicycle repairs I completed for these young people expanded their transportation capabilities so they could explore different areas and commute to various places while providing them with a reliable personal asset. My purpose became clearer as I observed their joy while riding their repaired bikes. My commitment to serving others will stay strong as I develop my career further. I aim to deliver meaningful contributions through my professional work to benefit my community regardless of my chosen career path. The primary goal of my healthcare career path will be to deliver essential medical services to populations who lack proper healthcare access. If I move into education throughout my career I pledge to mentor young people who need support while establishing opportunities that guide their development. My mission is to use my skills and time in any area of work to help raise those around me. My commitment to community involvement extends beyond my work responsibilities. Through my involvement in local projects and donation drives, I can support volunteers while helping those in need. My identity relies heavily on community service. Giving back triggers personal transformation while positively impacting those around us. Any act of kindness generates a chain reaction that inspires additional service and leads to worldwide improvement. I work to sustain this ripple effect throughout my professional life and in every aspect of my existence. The true indicator of successful living comes from how much we help others rather than what we achieve for ourselves.

My commitment to helping others has always guided my life. Through bicycle repair services for low-income commuters, I found meaningful work in unexpected places while teaching outdoor survival skills to foster youth and assisting elderly individuals with memory recovery using music therapy. My unique service experiences have allowed me to find new ways to improve people's lives that go beyond typical community service work. My most significant project was repairing abandoned bicycles so they could serve as primary transportation for users who needed them. People without vehicles or reliable public transportation need bicycles to keep their jobs. My family helped repair donated bicycles during my community program involvement before distributing them to low-income workers who previously walked many miles to get to work. The skills required to repair gears and calibrate brakes extend beyond technical expertise to empower individuals to achieve independence through transportation. Once, a woman who received her repaired bike took control of the handlebars and announced that she would no longer need to start her workday before sunrise, which showed how even small contributions can greatly affect people's lives. This community service program emerged as my defining experience. The repeated movement throughout their lives stopped participants from gaining the stability and self-confidence that comes with mastering skills. As I helped with survival workshops to teach life skills such as shelter construction and fire-starting I found that resilience was the key element of our learning experience. Teaching an inexperienced camper how to start a fire without matches went beyond basic survival skills by developing their patience and self-confidence. A former foster system resident told me, “I’ve never felt control over anything before.” Their newfound understanding of self-reliance demonstrated how empowerment can develop from surprising origins. My most distinctive professional experience involved working with elderly patients through music therapy in memory care where I work as a CNA. During my volunteer work at a dementia care facility, I helped create individualized song playlists that featured music from the patient's formative years. Music therapy showed me how familiar songs enabled people with memory difficulties to experience clear thinking and joy. One of my residents who rarely speaks performed all the lyrics of a decades-old song she hadn't heard in a long time. The room was filled with her voice when she sang and her daughter wept because she hadn’t heard her mother perform since she got diagnosed. The event highlighted human emotional power through relationships while showing music to bridge memory with current experiences. My experiences have fueled my passion for psychology and advocacy and reinforced my belief that support needs to be both creative and adaptable to truly meet people's needs and help them achieve success. This scholarship will allow me to advance my academic pursuits and expand my ability to deliver impactful support using creative methods. Investigating non-traditional service models provides opportunities for significant impact which I strive to discover and create to expand support to a wider audience.

Mental health plays a crucial role in total health but remains neglected and socially stigmatized in healthcare services for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) groups. The persistent generational trauma experienced by BIPOC populations represents a genuine condition that stems from historical patterns of systemic oppression and social inequalities. The effects of these struggles become apparent through mental and spiritual distress as well as physical and economic problems which lead to fear-based cycles and self-destructive actions including substance misuse and eating disorders alongside chronic stress. Lack of mental health services enables harmful patterns to continue through multiple generations which results in persistent negative effects for both individuals and their communities. I was originally a biology major, but I decided to earn a psychology degree because I want to stop these cycles of suffering and promote equal access to mental health care for people. During my childhood I witnessed many mental health difficulties being neglected or misinterpreted within groups that have traditionally encountered obstacles to receiving proper care. Stigma alongside financial barriers and a shortage of culturally aware mental health practitioners prevented many people from accessing therapy. I don’t even think there’s such a thing as therapy in my country. Through my journey to become a psychologist I aim to connect these divides and establish mental health care that embraces inclusivity and accessibility while also affirming diverse patient needs. The unique challenges of generational trauma faced by BIPOC individuals underscore the necessity for mental health services for all people. All people experience stress, anxiety, depression and trauma regardless of their backgrounds which makes quality mental health care a universal right instead of a privilege. People who receive necessary support to understand their emotions and learn healthy coping skills can succeed better in every area of their lives. Through therapy individuals gain the ability to manage personal challenges while healing emotional scars and developing resilience which results in fortified families and communities. Society at large gains advantages when mental health services become more widely available. People who maintain good mental health make valuable contributions to both their local communities and their professional settings as well as their interpersonal relationships. The success of schools, businesses and healthcare systems depends on prioritizing mental wellness. When we tackle mental health challenges at both personal and societal levels, we create a community that is more empathetic and supportive toward its members. This scholarship provides a chance to advance meaningfully toward the envisioned future. My psychology studies aim to offer direct support to individuals who need it while also seeking to reform policies to improve mental health system access for marginalized populations. I want to work to eliminate stigma and extend resources while promoting mental health to enable people especially in BIPOC communities to regain their power and escape traumatic cycles. Mental health affects everyone which is why I am dedicated to making sure no individual misses out on discussions about mental wellness. The future will welcome mental health support when we provide proper resources and representation with advocacy.

I initially pursued biology as my major because students preparing for medical school tend to select difficult majors to stand out. During the second semester of my first year, I received an invitation from a friend to join her club as they had arranged for several individuals to speak about medical school experiences and specialties. An actual representative from my country had been invited to speak. No doctor I had ever meteor shadowed during that time had an authentic understanding of the difficulties faced by people they were taking care of. I was amazed to see someone talk about something I had experienced myself and even shine a light on it. He explained that medical professionals frequently neglect mental health concerns especially in underserved areas. He said that they usually care more about healing what the patient came into the hospital with but don’t take the time to listen to how they feel. He explained that treating psychological well-being holds the same importance as addressing physical health problems. His speech made a significant impact on me which led me to ask if pursuing biology was my right choice. My passion to assist others and help my community back home has shown me that my interests extend past physical health. I started developing a keen interest in how mental health affects physical health outcomes and the decision-making processes that shape patient well-being. Through my experiences I I discovered that proper mental health care remained inaccessible to numerous communities from my country and even all-around Africa. I want to learn about human thoughts and feelings to assist individuals beyond what medical interventions could achieve. My research from Uganda reveals how society stigmatizes mental health issues and neglects them. I’ve also seen first-hand how immigrant communities here in the US face difficulties with trauma and cultural transition but lack necessary support systems. I want to support those communities by assisting them through mental health challenges while working to eliminate stigma and enhance their overall quality of life here and back home. I aim to use my psychology degree to support mental health advocacy and clinical work for underserved populations. I plan to achieve licensure as a psychologist so I can offer therapeutic services to people experiencing trauma, anxiety disorders, and challenges with cultural transition. My future plans include participating in mental health disparity research and developing policies to enhance mental health service accessibility. I look forward to sharing my knowledge by promoting mental health education and resources in my native land while making sure psychological care receives equal respect as physical health treatment. My goal is to give my patients comprehensive whole care healthcare experiences.

My family struggled constantly with financial problems but love and determination helped us stay strong. My parents dedicated their lives to work and continually put our needs before their own so my siblings and I could survive. The fridge frequently contained only empty shelves as overdue bills cast a storm cloud of stress throughout the house. My early experiences with financial struggles taught me that it reached beyond just missing physical items to influence all aspects such as relationships and future opportunities. During school hours I experienced the full intensity of our family hardships. I used to make excuses to skip field trips and dodged talks about summer vacations since my life circumstances were different. I dedicated myself to studying because I believed education would provide my escape from difficult circumstances. I maintained my motivation with the belief in a brighter future ahead despite circumstances making it seem impossible. The difficulties I faced helped me develop into a person who appreciates resilience as well as empathy and community values. Adversity serves as a powerful catalyst for transformation rather than just an obstacle to overcome. I feel compelled to contribute positively to both my school environment and my local community. I aim to provide the guidance I need during my childhood by mentoring students and advocating for their access to unknown resources. My life perspective has been molded through experiences of socioeconomic adversity. I have learned to value how adversity builds strength along with recognizing the support from those who offer assistance during difficult times. The events of my life have created a strong urge in me to assist others in overcoming obstacles while I simultaneously pursue this goal for myself. My goal for the future is to establish opportunities for low-income students so financial barriers don't prevent them from reaching their full potential. My experiences above all have revealed to me how impactful kindness can be. During difficult times people supported me in various ways like teachers who encouraged me and friends who shared their lunch while neighbors provided quiet support. The kindness shown to me taught me that people who face challenges never do so by themselves. I intend to support others on their journey forward while showing them that financial difficulties do not limit their potential. My journey was not simple but it revealed a meaningful purpose. My goal is to transform my challenges into meaningful experiences that help both me and those who face similar difficulties.

This happened a couple of days ago when a patient of mine had a stroke. I faced a harsh reality when I noticed that while the doctors and nurses in the room were attending to the patient’s physical needs, they focused on emergency care and not the emotional and psychological needs of the patient. This was partly due to the urgency of the situation because time in brain. The patient was scared but unable to express it, and the clinical team only concentrated on medical assessments, not her emotional state. When a rapid response is called, patients are often frightened, and everyone is focused on making them feel better, but no one takes the time to talk to them or explain what’s happening. After the CT scan, I knew she was scared, so I sat with her, held her hand, and told her she was in great hands, even though no one else was talking to her. The reason I decided to sit with her goes beyond calming her down. I have recently started a job at AdventHealth. During orientation, they explained their values and mission. Their mission is to help people create a life of whole health by healing their bodies, strengthening their minds, and lifting their spirits. The concept of whole health stuck with me. I had never heard of that before, although I had heard of honesty, integrity, and fairness. In my experience, while working at a Level One trauma hospital, I haven’t seen patients being cared for wholly. The team is more concerned with healing what they came in for, and how they got it, and sometimes I hear them not asking, “How are you feeling emotionally? Can I sit with you? Tell me more.” It’s not that they don’t want to, but they never have the time, as healthcare often prioritizes speed and profitability. I showed humility by understanding the limits of my training and recognizing that real care goes beyond the clinical setup without overstepping my position. Although I couldn’t prescribe medications or assess patients like a doctor or nurse, I could offer emotional support and champion her mental and emotional health. This humility helped me acknowledge what I could and couldn’t do to meet a critical need in the patient’s care. I reflected on myself and asked, “How can I start providing whole health care to my patients?” Thankfully, God provided an opportunity. I knew the lady couldn’t talk, walk, or express how she felt with words, but I knew she felt, and that is important. At that moment, I realized that providing whole health care means offering compassion and comfort alongside clinical expertise. It’s about seeing the person, not just the patient. By holding her hand and offering reassurance, I was able to bring her peace in a way that no medication could. Whole person care is about understanding that emotional and psychological well-being are just as vital as physical recovery. No matter the severity of the diagnosis, every patient deserves to feel heard, understood and cared for holistically.

A few days ago I had a patient with stroke-like symptoms so we took her to the CT The neurologist and stroke team were not there. We called a stroke alert twice but the doctors did not come for almost 30 minutes. We went ahead and did the CT scan because time is brain for strokes and it was after that that the neurologist came on camera and did a rushed evaluation of the patient. When I followed up with my fellow nurses, I asked them why the doctors arrived late to take care of her. A colleague of mine pointed out that in critical care settings, we tend to rely a lot on the doctors’ timelines and fail to appreciate when the patient needs urgent attention. Such cases are time-sensitive, but you may forget about the time when you are waiting for the next person to show up, At that moment I felt powerless and frustrated for I wanted to do more but had no practice or means. As a pre-med student, I know that the future of medicine is not just about creating new cures, it is about creating new ways of delivering care. This stroke case in particular showed me one big problem: the delays and the lack of sense of urgency in our hospital’s handling of critical cases also thought about how much they’re going to charge her for that scan and the evaluation from the neurologist that was less than a minute. It made me angry because there was nothing I could do for the patient at that time. She has been here for a while so I just stayed with her as a CNA but she couldn’t speak and I felt that those who came to see her didn’t connect with her or make her feel better at her heart. One of my goals, when I become a doctor, is to reduce the cost of healthcare by designing cheaper medical technologies like diagnostic platforms and improving the effectiveness of hospitals. Focusing on data and resources could help in avoiding wastage and enhancing the quality of services delivered to the patient. This experience also made me realize the need for teamwork and leadership in the healthcare field. I would like to see the integration of new medical solutions that would improve coordination and the system’s readiness for critical events. In the end, I wish to be a part of a revolution that is based on science and translates scientific knowledge into daily healthcare practice. In the future, I wish to contribute to the improvement of medical technologies and make sure that they are not only innovative but also cost-effective and used at the right time to save lives. I would like to contribute to science by addressing real-world problems in the healthcare system. This experience has particularly taught me the need for early intervention, compassion, and advocacy. I will seek to practice and excel at medicine but also to further the cause of science and the systems that support life-saving healthcare.

If I could give advice to young Patience, I would tell her to stop worrying about having a clear destination and to simply follow her passion, embracing the uncertainty of the journey. When I came to the United States at 13, I was hopeful and optimistic for a better future. The pressure of success, along with the fear of failing, was especially intense for me, especially when I was aware that my parents had invested so much in order for me to have a chance at such opportunities. I didn’t want to let them down, but in doing so, I had set very high expectations for myself, fearing that I would not be good enough to meet the standards that I thought were expected of me. Now at 22 years old I have some experience working in healthcare and learned that while in my quest for perfection I have limited myself from some important learning experiences that I could have gained as a pre-med student. I have missed some of the experiences that would have made my journey as a medical student more meaningful. When I started college, I understood that some opportunities come around once in a lifetime. There were chances to do patient care workshops, make foolish mistakes, and even have a fun adolescent life but I missed out on them. I was too concerned with creating the perfect me. Looking back, I think that my perfectionism did not help me to be more motivated to learn. I was so preoccupied with grades, getting into the right clubs that I really did not take the time to find out what really makes medicine fun and worth doing. I didn’t take the time to figure out what my passions were within medicine, how a patient goes through the care process, or how it’s ok to fail. I have learned that medicine is not about being perfect. It is about people, it is about understanding their pain, and it is about learning how to assist them. It is through mistakes and difficulties that we actually grow. The failures are the experiences that mold us, build our resilience and make us the doctors that we become later on. If I could give some advice to my younger self, I would tell her that the pursuit of perfection may be necessary, but the opportunity to fail and make mistakes is worth it and it is how we grow. I would tell her to remain receptive to the changes, to step outside her comfort zone, and to consider failure as a part of the learning process. In retrospect, I have come to understand that the path that I once thought was supposed to be without a hitch was actually supposed to be a difficult one, filled with lessons and personal changes. To the young Patience I would say this: believe in the process, seize every chance to change, and do not be scared of failing. Every step you take, every mistake you make, and every success you achieve will help to make you the person and the doctor you want to be.

As a Certified Nursing Assistant in a Level One trauma hospital, the phrase “time is brain” has been ingrained in me because there are many situations where we have to act quickly to benefit the patient. In the last 24 hours, a patient of mine exhibited signs of a stroke. We used the BE FAST acronym to assess the need for a scan from the on-call doctor and neurologist. We called a rapid response, but the doctor who came was not her physician, he was just on the floor and helped out. Her doctor did not show up. After we assessed her, we called a stroke alert, and we took her for a CT scan. When we got to the CT room, we thought a team would be waiting for us, including a neurologist on a tele-camera, the doctor in charge, the nurse, and other stroke team members. But nobody was there. The CT techs had no idea we were coming, and we waited for about 20 minutes while they realized they had to do the scan because time was of the essence. The neurologist showed up on the camera only after the CT scan was done and gave a rushed assessment that failed to capture what the patient required. This is a major gap in a hospital’s communication and response system that I have identified. However, delays occurred because information was not conveyed effectively. I’ve seen people’s lives change forever and have relearn how to talk, speak, and walk because of a stroke. The lack of a real-time system to inform doctors, monitor the availability of beds, and ensure that patients get timely care is a big issue, especially in level one trauma hospitals. Despite all the electronic improvements in healthcare, the response to this wasn’t great when it was most needed. I know doctors have a lot of patients to take care of and that is why there is a need for fast and efficient ways of ensuring that critical cases are handled as soon as possible. It is attainable to apply the concepts of AI in enhancing communication and decision-making in emergency care. In this case, it can arrange the cases by severity, call the medical staff, and reveal possible complications that may not be noticed in the emergency room, with real-time information for better and quick decision-making. It is also possible to use AI for care coordination to check on the patient’s condition, take vital signs, and even do an initial assessment when doctors are not yet available. Under the feedback and recommendation mode, the AI can be used to inform the patient how they are going to be treated while they wait for the full team to come in. There is a lot of medical staff who choose to end their lives because of the overload at their jobs and even being understaffed at work sometimes. Although it is impossible to fully replace medical professionals, the above examples show how technology can help them work faster and reduce their overload. AI can help doctors by providing them with the necessary information at the right time, which will in turn help them make the right decisions regarding their patients. The various healthcare systems can be enhanced by the integration of AI, and this can help in avoiding delays in treatment and ensuring that time is well managed. Since hospitals are allowed to demand a high price from patients for scans and procedures, it is only right that we invest/invent systems that will guarantee the right treatment at the right time.

My name is Patience Mukiise, and I'm currently in my sophomore year at Metropolitan State University of Denver, studying pre-med. My family moved from Uganda to the United States when I was 13 years old for a better living and opportunities. However, I had to pause my education to support my family financially. I have been working tirelessly to cover our expenses and help pave the way for my siblings' education. In my role as a Certified Nursing Assistant, I've gained insights into the world of patient care that go beyond the surface-level tasks involved in healthcare work. One particular encounter that stands out to me is when I cared for a patient who had recently undergone hip surgery and was dealing with not only pain but also emotional turmoil. Besides helping them with their activities, I also listened to their frustrations and concerns. Providing support during this time allowed me to witness their recovery and rebuilding of self-assurance. This experience highlighted for me the significance of empathy in the field of healthcare. Deepened my dedication to supporting communities, where such compassionate care is often scarce. Working as an emergency technician has put me in situations where I've had to make decisions under pressure many times before. Once there was a call about a man having a heart attack; he was homeless, and a bystander called 911 for him. We got there in time to provide him with CPR and rush him to the hospital. Seeing how prompt medical attention saved his life made me realize the importance of access to healthcare. At the time it made me think about how lacking resources in communities can cause crucial delays in getting help when needed most. The moments I've encountered drive my passion to enhance emergency assistance in areas lacking services where timely care can truly change lives. My passion for medicine motivates me to tackle any obstacles in my journey toward a career in healthcare and making a difference in people's lives. After I finish my studies, my goal is to bring professionals home to offer free healthcare services and life-saving surgeries and procedures to those who need it. Additionally, I am dedicated to improving the healthcare system in my homeland and extending these advancements to developing nations. With your help, I aim to contribute to society by serving underserved communities, especially those who struggle to access proper healthcare. Seeing firsthand the repercussions of services, particularly in rural and low-income regions, I am dedicated to bridging the gap in healthcare disparities. Coming from Uganda, I have observed healthcare obstacles both in my homeland and among groups in the United States, which has ignited my commitment to this issue. As a physician assistant (PA), my commitment lies in delivering care that respects the diversity of individuals and acknowledges the difficulties various communities encounter in accessing essential healthcare services without bias towards anyone's background.

This Black History Month, I’d like to celebrate a woman who is often forgotten, but an extremely important role model for inspiration: Bessie Coleman. Coleman was born in 1892 in a small town in Texas. She was keenly aware of the racism and misogyny of the time and when she was able to, used these to her advantage. She overcame these barriers and became the first black woman, and Native American, to hold a pilot’s license. Bessie Coleman’s was scarcely even a zigzag into aviation. In the first decades of the 20th century, when race relations were at a high pitch of tension, she worked as a laundress, saved up every penny possible, and watched flying displays while dreaming of becoming a pilot. She was turned down by all US flight schools on account of her race and gender, so she learned French and moved to France where she earned her pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale in 1921. The fact that she was the first black woman to do anything in aviation is undoubtedly a tremendous accomplishment – but it’s the specifics of how she powered through to get there that speak deeply to me. Upon her return to the US, she embarked upon barnstorming aerial stunts and airshow acts. Working to break down the color barrier, she flew and performed at shows across the country. Being called a ‘spy in the service of Negroes’ didn’t deter her – she continued to use her celebrity to push aviation among black people and refused to perform at venues that discriminated against African Americans. She stayed true to doing her part for civil rights. But Coleman’s place in aviation history is greater than her daring aeronautical achievements. She has broken the color barrier that prevented other black pilots from flying at the end of the 30s and encouraged countless others to live their dreams against all odds. She is a perfect example of the strength of persistence and the strength of the change that one person can start. As I begin to build my career in healthcare, Coleman’s story reads like a precision-crafted guide to the power of identity; a tale of survival that reminds me what matters most and how to survive it when healthcare senses you’re slipping. I see the promise of being resilient, courageous, and steadfast – even when healthcare won’t give you a break. I am reminded to stay and to stay myself. Remembering Coleman means remembering her as one of the pioneers of aviation. It also means acknowledging her as one of the early advocates for gender equality and representation. Her life and legacy serve as an example of true leadership, demonstrating the limitations individuals may face and the skills they need to attain to achieve greatness.

Growing up in Uganda has had a significant impact on who I am today. One of my fondest childhood memories is when I found a stray dog in a garbage bag on my way to school. Despite initial hesitation, my father allowed the dog, named Kaki, to become part of our family. Kaki taught me empathy, responsibility, and the importance of connecting with both humans and animals. My migration experiences from Uganda to the USA gave me a whole new life landscape. It came with much news to my sensory processing. Learning, adapting, and transitioning to an American culture made my interest in healthcare noble. After obtaining my CNA certification, I felt like I was beginning a new life of serving my community, and caring for their loved ones in peace and dignity. I credit my introversion with fostering my unwavering interest in my family and my community; in fact, it’s served as a foundation for meaningful connection with others, particularly in my own family. I’ve always been a surrogate ear within the household bolsters people’s spirits and ensures they’re OK in all the small, important ways. The result is a feeling of unity and strength in my family. It proves that quiet contributions can have a lasting effect on those around you. I have been to many local shelters and initiatives in sports and in health care where I have volunteered and tried to make a difference. As I have grown, I have found that I love helping other people, and this continues to inspire me. My goals for continued community service after my undergraduate career include using my education and skills to provide care and develop programs to address healthcare disparities and promote wellness in underserved communities. I intend to care for patients and advocate for them and their healthcare in areas where many people have no equal voice. I also hope to develop programs that will help improve health and health education in underserved communities so that people can play an active role in promoting their health. Apart from its value as a personal endeavor, education is also a means by which I aspire to bring about positive change for others. I am attracted to STEAM due to the synergy that its multiple approaches to development foster. By combining these diverse fields, I hope that I can contribute to the design and delivery of sustainable medicine that will positively impact both the local and global populations. In conclusion, this is about what it’s like to grow up in a marginalized family in Uganda and the US and to have a profound sense of responsibility to family and community – through continued learning, active involvement, and commitment to always make a difference both inside and out of the classroom.