One meaningful way I contributed to my community was by volunteering during a local school board campaign in the spring of 2026. Although I had already left the school district, I remained concerned about the educational challenges facing students and wanted to help create positive change for those who would continue attending the district’s schools. My motivation came from seeing the need for stronger advocacy for students and improved academic outcomes. I believed that effective leadership on the school board could help address longstanding issues and create better opportunities for students and families. To support this effort, I went door-to-door throughout the community speaking with residents about the importance of participating in local elections and the impact school board decisions have on students’ lives. I shared why I believed my mother would be a strong advocate for educational improvement and handed out palm cards to share more information about the position my mom was taking. I also informed residents about another candidate, Jonathan Davison, who was running for Library Trustee and shared more resources. I believe both the school system and library are institutions worth saving for kids’ sake. One of the biggest challenges was speaking with people who I did not know, who were angry, who had become discouraged or disengaged from local governance. Some residents felt their vote would not make a difference, while others simply did not trust our community institutions’ leaders. These conversations helped me to understand the impact of civic engagement and the importance of the school system and library in a community. The experience taught me that meaningful change often begins with individual conversations. I learned the importance of civic engagement, community organizing, and helping people understand how their voices can influence the future of my town. I also learned that leadership is more than holding a formal position. I learned that it can involve supporting causes and people who are committed to serving others. I am happy that both candidates were elected and while no one person can solve every problem facing a community, their wins demonstrated that residents were willing to support leaders focused on improvement and accountability. In the future, I plan to continue contributing to my community through volunteer service, civic engagement, and educational advocacy. Two weeks ago I attended a Lions Club meeting to learn more about the organization. I hope to remain involved in efforts that support students, strengthen community institutions, and encourage residents to become more involved. This experience reinforced my belief that positive change happens when ordinary people become actively involved in helping others to make their communities better.

Growing up as a Black Jamaican American student, I learned early that healthcare is not experienced the same way by everyone. I watched the women in my community carry strength and responsibility yet many of them faced adversity when it came to receiving the care they deserved. These experiences shaped how I see the world and inspired the path I am now committed to pursuing in becoming an Obstetrician who works to improve healthcare for women of color. Learning about important figures like Booker T. Washington helped to shape how I look at education. The saying knowledge is power meant so much more to me when seeing how the lack of education was weaponized against African Americans. Education is a way to create change that can help uplift communities whose voices are often silenced in health care. My academic goal is to pursue a biology major while study Sociology. This is because I believe understanding both the human body and the social realities that marginalized people face is a crucial yet overlooked aspect of health. I believe these tools will arm me with compassion for other and make me strive to do better for Women of Color. Getting my education in this field will shape me into the kind of doctor I strive to be. One with an open heart and mind to other's needs. Outside of academics, activities like the classical piano and teaching myself to play instruments has given me the discipline to succeed. Over a summer I worked helping teach young students with autism to play the piano. I always had a knack for music so when my piano teacher presented me with this opportunity, I was excited to begin. It felt good to spread my passion with people and watch them blossom into their own. Becoming a doctor is no easy task but music has taught me focus and perseverance. But most of all, it taught me to be patient and to trust my process no matter how difficult. These skills will manifest as attention to detail, empathy, and resilience in my career and the steps it will take to get me there. My long-term goal is to create a positive space where Black Women don't dread going to the Doctor. I want to make an impact on people's lives for the better. This scholarship will help support me in more than my education. It will help me continue to chase my wildest dreams. I am committed to using my experiences to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone. Through dedication and services, I hope to make history for Women who look like me.

Growing up as a Black Jamaican American student, I learned early that healthcare is not experienced the same way by everyone. I watched the women in my community carry strength and responsibility yet many of them faced adversity when it came to receiving the care they deserved. These experiences shaped how I see the world and inspired the path I am now committed to pursuing in becoming an Obstetrician who works to improve healthcare for women of color. Learning about important figures like Booker T. Washington helped to shape how I look at education. The saying knowledge is power meant so much more to me when seeing how the lack of education was weaponized against African Americans. Education is a way to create change that can help uplift communities whose voices are often silenced in health care. My academic goal is to pursue a biology major while study Sociology. This is because I believe understanding both the human body and the social realities that marginalized people face is a crucial yet overlooked aspect of health. I believe these tools will arm me with compassion for other and make me strive to do better for Women of Color. Getting my education in this field will shape me into the kind of doctor I strive to be. One with an open heart and mind to other's needs. Outside of academics, activities like the classical piano and teaching myself to play instruments has given me the discipline to succeed. Over a summer I worked helping teach young students with autism to play the piano. I always had a knack for music so when my piano teacher presented me with this opportunity, I was excited to begin. It felt good to spread my passion with people and watch them blossom into their own. Becoming a doctor is no easy task but music has taught me focus and perseverance. But most of all, it taught me to be patient and to trust my process no matter how difficult. These skills will manifest as attention to detail, empathy, and resilience in my career and the steps it will take to get me there. My long-term goal is to create a positive space where Black Women don't dread going to the Doctor. I want to make an impact on people's lives for the better. This scholarship will help support me in more than my education. It will help me continue to chase my wildest dreams. I am committed to using my experiences to make healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone. Through dedication and services, I hope to make history for Women who look like me.