Being raised in a rural, medically underserved town allowed me to see the privilege in accessible health care. Not only was I raised in a rural setting, but I was also raised in a family of low-socioeconomic status. Because of this, we were unable to afford health insurance, which resulted in us only seeking medical attention in absolute emergencies. We relied heavily on free clinics, but when those were not an option, and we had to seek care at a regular clinic, I experienced the bias some physicians had toward patients like myself and my family. Casting judgements towards us because we were unable to obtain regular physicals and did not have the best dental hygiene. It was experiences like this that inspired me to pursue a career in the medical field. From that day forward I promised myself I was going to do everything in my power to promote health equity while decreasing health disparities and never make a patient feel as ashamed about themselves as I was made to feel by some medical providers. Because of the situations I endured growing up, I currently volunteer weekly at Neighborhood House, a food pantry located in downtown Milwaukee. Growing up we were on government assisted programs to pay for food, but a lot of times we would go to food banks to get our groceries. Because of this, I know what it is like first hand to face food insecurity, and I believe this gives me a unique perspective and allows me to connect with the individuals who are coming to Neighborhood House. I am also a weekly volunteer at BESTD Clinic and Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured. These free clinics resemble the clinics we sought treatment at growing up. Without these clinics there would have been many times we wouldn’t have been able to afford treatment and would have just suffered through our sicknesses. Volunteering at these free clinics is my way of giving back. I know personally how much these clinics can make a difference in a person’s or family’s life. Even though I decided early in life that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, reaching this goal was not easy. I faced many obstacles growing up. Over the course of 7 years we moved a total of 13 times, most times being due to eviction. There were times in my life where we were even homeless, resulting in my brother and I sleeping over at family members' homes since we did not have a place of our own to call home. Throughout the summers in high school, I would pick up odd jobs to help my family pay for small bills. When I turned 17, I became financially independent and worked multiple jobs at a time to pay for my college tuition and other expenses. Receiving this scholarship would relieve me of the anxiety and stress I have endured my whole life as a result of money, or lack thereof. I would be able to use this scholarship towards my tuition and dedicate all of my time and energy into my studies. Thank you for your time and consideration. Although the journey through my life was not easy, I believe it has allowed me to connect and relate to a broad spectrum of people/patients that have experienced similar circumstances. I am currently half way through medical school, and when I graduate I hope to be a physician that makes a difference in my patients' lives and allows them to feel open and comfortable when seeing me.

The change I want to see in my community, the country, and the world is improving the access to healthcare. I grew up in a rural, medically underserved town where we had to drive 30 minutes just to get to the nearest clinic. However, since we were uninsured we only sought medical attention in absolute emergencies. I remember so vividly the day when I cut open my forehead and blood was streaming down my face. I was only 6 years old, and my parents knew I needed to get stitches, but they were hesitant since they also knew that along with my treatment came a medical bill that they would struggle to pay. Growing up with this lifestyle and mindset inspired me to further my education and give back to my community by providing affordable healthcare to those in need. I am a first-generation student that attended the University of Missouri in Columbia. While earning my undergraduate degree there, I began volunteering at Spectrum After Dark. This clinic provided free STI diagnosis and treatment to high-risk patients. While volunteering there I tested hundreds of individuals who were at high risk for contracting gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and syphilis. Most of these individuals also struggled with poverty and were uninsured. Spectrum After Dark not only provided free testing to them but also free treatment and resources if their test results came back positive. Volunteering at Spectrum After Dark further justified my desire to improve access to healthcare, and while volunteering at the clinic I decided that the best way to improve the system was to become a part of it. Because of my childhood experiences, and the experiences I had while volunteering with my community, I decided to apply to medical school. I am now a first-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Now that Milwaukee is my new community, I wanted to continue giving back and help improve the access to affordable healthcare. I am currently volunteering at the Saturday Clinic for the Uninsured. Every Saturday the clinic is open to individuals who are not insured. We provide them with free vaccines, prescriptions, and physical examinations. Patients are even able to see specialists such as Neurologists and Dermatologists during clinical hours if needed. Growing up without health insurance and in a medically underserved community inspired me to help those struggling with the same circumstances. I know my contributions to my community are just a drop in the bucket, but I hope as a future physician I can continue making an impact on health disparities and provide affordable care to those in need.