Randa Mohamed
285
Bold Points1x
FinalistRanda Mohamed
285
Bold Points1x
FinalistEducation
SUNY at Albany
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Human Biology
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Dr. Michael Paglia Scholarship
From a young age, I have held a deep admiration for healthcare workers and the transformative role they play in people’s lives. Their ability to provide care and hope to those in need has always stood out to me as a profound and meaningful calling. Growing up with immigrant parents, I often found myself puzzled by their insistence that my siblings and I pursue careers in the healthcare field. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the weight behind their encouragement. As I’ve matured, however, I’ve come to appreciate the critical importance of healthcare and its role in shaping lives and communities.
Health is something many of us take for granted. In our pursuit of wealth, beauty, or status, we often fail to recognize that health is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Without it, our ambitions and dreams can quickly fade into the background. This understanding grew more personal for me during my childhood in Sudan, my beloved home country. Each morning on my way to school, I would walk past the local hospital. Outside its gates, I saw long lines of people, including children, waiting patiently for care. Many of them were visibly distressed, not only because of their ailments but because they knew they might not afford the treatment they desperately needed.
Witnessing these moments left a deep impression on me. It was heartbreaking to see so many people, especially young children, grappling with the harsh reality of limited access to healthcare. These experiences planted a seed in my mind, sparking an awareness of how vital it is to address inequities in health services. Over time, this awareness grew into a strong sense of purpose. I began to see healthcare not just as a profession but as a pathway to create meaningful change and provide support to those who need it most.
My childhood experiences in Sudan also gave me a broader perspective on how health systems operate and the challenges they face in different parts of the world. In many places, access to healthcare is a privilege rather than a right, and the consequences of that disparity are devastating. Seeing this firsthand inspired me to want to make a difference—not just as an observer, but as someone actively working to bridge the gap. I have come to understand that even small actions can have a ripple effect, improving not only an individual’s life but also the well-being of entire families and communities.
With this realization, I have decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant. This role stands out to me because of its balance between medical expertise and personal connection with patients. Physician assistants work closely with individuals, not only diagnosing and treating illnesses but also educating and empowering them to take charge of their health. It is a role that allows for both clinical impact and human connection, which aligns perfectly with my aspirations.
Ultimately, my journey toward a healthcare career is rooted in gratitude and a desire to make a difference. The values instilled in me by my parents, combined with the lessons I learned from my childhood experiences, have given me a clear sense of purpose. I am excited to dedicate my future to a field where I can contribute to the well-being of others and leave a lasting impact on the world around me.