For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Rayion Smith

1,085

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am Rayion Smith, a freshman at Illinois Wesleyan University. I am studying Biology and Secondary Education. There is a shortage of Stem teachers. As a Black woman, I did not see many teachers who looked like me. In my future classroom, I want my students to feel represented in the classroom.

Education

Illinois Wesleyan University

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Education, General
    • Biology, General

Kipp Booker T Washington Hs

High School
2018 - 2022

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Biology, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Education

    • Dream career goals:

      STEM Teacher

    • Team member

      Saddles Blazin, LLC
      2022 – 2022

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Touro Infirmary LCMC Health — Junior Volunteer
      2019 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Community Service is Key Scholarship
    My high school is named after the historic orator Booker T. Washington. When I was a freshman, I saw his quotes throughout the school like, "I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him." When I'm reminded of this quote, I begin to control my temper and move on with life instead of dwelling on negative emotions. Similarly, Booker T. Washington's quote, "those who are happiest are those who do the most for others,” has also influenced my character. After my freshman year at Booker T. Washington, I volunteered during the summer. During June and July of 2019, I volunteered at Touro Infirmary LCMC Health for six weeks. By the end of those six weeks, I completed 97 community service hours. As a junior volunteer, I was able to pick a department. My departments were Pre-Operations and One Day Surgery. In Pre-Operations, I answered phone calls so patients can schedule an appointment for their surgery. In One Day Surgery, I helped the nurses fold patients' gowns for when they were out of surgery, and I paired blue, disposable polypropylene bonnets and shoe covers for surgeons. Because of this experience, I learned many things about the inner workings of a hospital. I learned that doctors and surgeons aren't the only people to be thankful for. The nurses and other staff were the gears, or the backbone, of the hospital. I learned about HIPPA laws and hospital codes like a code pink means a child abduction. I learned the importance of vaccinations and taking antibiotics properly. I learned that the hospital is similar to foodservice. By greeting people with a positive demeanor, you can make their visit a positive or negative experience. I was proud when I walked into Touro at 8 AM to greet people. This has shown me you are your happiest when you help your community. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, I couldn't volunteer at a hospital again because we should always put the patients' health first. However, I look forward to volunteering in another department after the pandemic. This experience has helped solidify my career in the medical field.