One of the issues I am deeply passionate about is addressing disparities in healthcare access, particularly among underserved communities. My experiences with food insecurity and my work at the HOPES Free Clinic have profoundly shaped my understanding of these inequities and my dedication to finding sustainable solutions. As the food pantry chair during my undergraduate years, I witnessed the devastating impact of food insecurity on individuals and families. Many of those we served faced compounding challenges, including financial strain and limited access to healthcare, which further perpetuated cycles of poor health. In this role, I focused on creating meaningful change by engaging with community members and volunteers to better understand their needs and concerns. One of my proudest accomplishments was establishing a satellite pantry to expand access to nutritious food in underserved areas. This required careful planning, collaboration, and outreach to ensure the program was effective and sustainable. This experience taught me the importance of addressing social determinants of health and inspired me to continue working toward equitable access to resources. My commitment to addressing healthcare disparities deepened as I began volunteering at the HOPES Free Clinic, where I now serve as a continuity coordinator with a focus on ophthalmology. Through this role, I have worked closely with uninsured patients, many of whom have limited or no access to specialty care. Coordinating care for these patients has taught me how to navigate systemic barriers and advocate for those who might otherwise go unseen. I’ve collaborated with peers to streamline processes, improve follow-up care, and ensure that patients receive timely, high-quality services. Beyond improving access to care, this role has reaffirmed my passion for building meaningful connections with patients and addressing their needs holistically. These experiences have profoundly influenced my perspective as a future physician. They’ve taught me that healthcare extends beyond the clinic walls and into the communities we serve. As I continue my medical education, I aim to combine my passion for service with my growing knowledge and skills to create innovative solutions to address healthcare inequities. Whether by developing community-focused initiatives, advocating for policy reform, or advancing specialty care access, I am committed to improving health outcomes for underserved populations. My journey has shown me that impactful change begins with empathy and collaboration. I hope to carry these values forward, using my education and experiences to create a future where equitable access to essential resources and healthcare is not a privilege but a reality for all.