Growing up as the child of two Haitian immigrants, I learned early that legacy is built through sacrifice, service, and perseverance. I watched my parents work tirelessly to create opportunities for my siblings and me while carrying the responsibility of building a life in a new country. Their resilience taught me that success is not only about personal achievement, but about uplifting others and creating opportunities for future generations. Because of them, I have developed a passion for service and a desire to leave behind a legacy rooted in advocacy, compassion, and empowerment. My future legacy will be centered on healthcare equity and creating spaces where women feel heard, respected, and cared for. My dream is to become an OB-GYN physician and advocate for women who often feel voiceless, especially Black women, who are too often dismissed or overlooked in healthcare settings. I want to leave behind a legacy of trust, representation, and improved healthcare experiences for women who may have previously felt unseen. I hope my impact extends beyond medicine by inspiring young Black girls to pursue careers in healthcare and leadership, showing them that they belong in spaces where they may not always see themselves represented. One day, I hope to start my own women’s healthcare practice focused on compassionate and equitable care. However, I want it to be more than a traditional clinic. My vision is to create a space that combines medical care with education, advocacy, and emotional support. I would love for patients to have access to women’s health workshops, mental health resources, prenatal support, and mentorship opportunities for young women interested in medicine. I want every patient who walks through the doors to feel listened to, respected, and empowered to advocate for their own health. In addition, I hope to expand my work into community outreach by partnering with underserved neighborhoods to increase education about reproductive health and maternal wellness. Black women continue to experience disparities in maternal healthcare, and I want my future business to be part of changing that reality through accessible, patient-centered care. I believe I already shine my light through service. Volunteering at two hospitals has shown me the importance of compassion during vulnerable moments in people’s lives. Serving in children’s ministry at my church has taught me patience, leadership, and how meaningful encouragement can be for young people. Participating in Serve Saturdays has reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference in a community. To me, shining your light means using your gifts to serve others with intention and love. My light shines through compassion, resilience, and my commitment to advocating for those who feel unheard. I hope my future legacy reflects not only professional success, but a life dedicated to helping others heal, grow, and feel seen.

Growing up as the child of two Haitian immigrants, I learned early what sacrifice, resilience, and faith look like. I watched my parents work tirelessly to create opportunities for me and my siblings while carrying the weight of building a life in a new country. Their strength shaped the person I am today and inspired my passion for serving others. Whether volunteering at two hospitals, helping in children’s ministry at my church, or participating in Serve Saturdays to support my community, service has become one of the most important parts of my life. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep passion for helping people during vulnerable moments in their lives. Volunteering in hospitals has allowed me to witness firsthand the importance of compassion in healthcare. I have seen how much comfort can come from simply feeling heard, respected, and cared for. My experiences have also inspired my dream of becoming an OB-GYN physician. I want to advocate for women who feel unheard, especially Black women, who are too often dismissed or overlooked in healthcare settings. I want to be the kind of doctor who not only treats patients medically, but also listens to them, supports them, and makes them feel seen. Black women continue to face significant disparities in maternal healthcare and medical treatment, and I want to be part of changing that reality by creating an environment where women feel safe, understood, and empowered to speak openly about their health concerns without fear of being ignored. Serving in children’s ministry and participating in community outreach through Serve Saturdays has also taught me the value of empathy, leadership, and consistency. Making a positive impact does not always require grand gestures; sometimes it begins with simply showing up for people, listening to them, and reminding them they matter. These experiences have shaped not only my career aspirations but also the kind of person I strive to be. As a Black woman pursuing higher education and a future career in medicine, I hope to become an example for other young women who may question whether they belong in spaces where they are underrepresented. Representation matters, and I want future generations to see that their dreams are possible regardless of the obstacles they face. My goal is not only to succeed personally, but to use my education, experiences, and voice to uplift others, advocate for equitable healthcare, and create lasting change in my community and beyond.

Taylor Swift’s career is filled with performances that feel less like concerts and more like shared emotional experiences, but the one that moves me the most is her performance of “All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” during The Eras Tour. It is not just because of the song itself, but because of the way she carries the weight of memory, growth, and vulnerability every time she performs it live. When Taylor sings “All Too Well,” it feels like she is opening a journal entry she was never supposed to read out loud. There is something deeply human about the way she revisits a past relationship with such clarity and honesty, without bitterness but also without pretending it didn’t leave a mark. During The Eras Tour, that performance stands out because the entire stadium changes. Thousands of people go from singing loudly to becoming completely still, like everyone is remembering their own version of loss at the same time. What moves me most is not just the lyrics, but Taylor’s control over emotion on stage. She doesn’t rush through the pain or try to soften it. Instead, she sits in it. When she reaches lines like “You call me up again just to break me like a promise,” there is a quiet strength in how she delivers it—like she has transformed something once painful into something powerful enough to share with the world. I also think this performance reflects who Taylor has become as an artist. She is no longer just telling stories; she is reclaiming them. Performing “All Too Well” at this stage in her career feels like her taking ownership of her past and showing that even heartbreak can become art, legacy, and connection. As a viewer, it reminds me that vulnerability is not weakness. It is impact. The reason this performance stays with me is because it doesn’t just entertain—it validates emotions that people often struggle to express. In a stadium full of fans, it somehow still feels personal, like she is singing directly to every individual experience of love and loss. That is what makes it the most moving performance to me. It is not just a song—it is a shared memory, rewritten with strength.

New Love Island Challenge: “Trust or Twist” My new Love Island challenge is called “Trust or Twist.” This challenge is designed to test communication, loyalty, and emotional connection between couples while also creating the kind of unpredictable drama and excitement that makes Love Island so addictive to watch. Objective: The goal is for couples to prove how well they truly know each other while resisting temptation, miscommunication, and strategic twists introduced throughout the challenge. How It Works: Each couple is separated into two different villas for the day: the “Truth Villa” and the “Twist Villa.” In the Truth Villa, one partner answers a series of deep, personal questions about their relationship, preferences, and feelings about other islanders. These questions are filmed and recorded. In the Twist Villa, the other partner is given a different set of questions—but here’s the catch: they are also shown “decoy clips” of other islanders reacting to their partner, including exaggerated compliments, flirtatious comments, or misleading statements designed to test jealousy and trust. After both partners complete their rounds, they reunite for the final phase. The Reunion Phase: When couples come back together, they watch each other’s responses on a large screen in front of the group. However, only half of what they see is fully truthful—some clips are labeled “Twist Clips” and contain edited or misleading context. Couples must then decide: Do they fully trust what they saw? Do they believe their partner’s answers were honest? Or do they think the “Twist” changed their perception? Final Decision Round: Each couple privately chooses one of three options: Trust – They believe their relationship is strong and unaffected. Twist – They feel uncertain and want clarity from their partner. Switch – They believe the challenge revealed incompatibility and choose to explore other connections. Why This Challenge Works: “Trust or Twist” adds emotional depth and psychological tension while staying true to what makes Love Island exciting—romance, temptation, and unexpected drama. It forces islanders to confront insecurity, communication gaps, and genuine emotional bonds, rather than just surface-level attraction. It also creates powerful viewing moments, as audiences see how perception can change when emotions and edited reality collide. Ultimately, this challenge doesn’t just test attraction—it tests trust, which is the foundation of every real relationship in the villa.

My name is Sabrina Fils-Aime, and I am a college student pursuing my dream of becoming a physician. I come from a family of Haitian immigrants who have sacrificed more than I could ever repay. Their resilience, faith, and work ethic have shaped who I am today and continue to push me forward, even during the most difficult seasons of my life. Throughout my academic journey, I have always strived for excellence, not only in the classroom but in the way I carry myself and support others. Like Kalia D. Davis, I value hard work, perseverance, and being a source of encouragement to those around me. Whether through my studies, my interactions with peers, or my long-term goals in medicine, I aim to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. However, my journey has not been without challenges. Over the past year, my family has faced significant hardships. My mother has been in and out of the hospital due to serious health complications, leaving her unable to work for an extended period of time. This has placed financial strain on my family and required me to take on greater responsibility for my education and future. At the same time, I have been navigating my own mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, while continuing to stay committed to my academic goals. Despite these obstacles, I have not given up. I recently returned to school after a medical withdrawal, determined to rebuild and continue pursuing my dream. I am currently taking rigorous science courses that will prepare me for medical school, and although the path has been difficult, I remain focused and driven. My experiences have strengthened my empathy, resilience, and passion for helping others—qualities that I know will make me a compassionate and dedicated physician in the future. This scholarship would provide more than just financial assistance; it would be a source of relief and encouragement during a time when I need it most. With limited financial support and ongoing family challenges, every resource matters. This support would allow me to focus more fully on my studies, reduce the stress of financial burdens, and continue striving toward my goals without constant worry. Kalia D. Davis’s legacy of excellence, leadership, and kindness deeply resonates with me. Like her, I aspire to live a life of purpose, impact, and service. I want to uplift others, give back to my community, and honor the sacrifices made for me by becoming the best version of myself. Receiving this scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also remind me that perseverance, faith, and hard work do not go unnoticed. I am committed to carrying forward the values that Kalia embodied—living, loving, laughing, learning, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Kevin’s story is a powerful reminder of how meaningful it is when someone discovers a passion that truly inspires them. The way welding sparked something in him reflects the importance of finding work that gives a person purpose, pride, and motivation. Seeing someone take pride in creating something with their own hands and developing a skill that requires focus, discipline, and dedication is inspiring. While my academic and career path is different, I deeply connect with the idea of discovering a field that challenges you, motivates you, and gives you a strong sense of direction for the future. Although I am not pursuing welding, I have found a similar passion through my education and my goal of working in healthcare. I am currently studying Biomedical Sciences with the long-term goal of becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist. Much like welding, medicine requires patience, precision, and years of practice to master important skills. Both fields require individuals to stay committed to learning, improving, and developing their craft over time. I admire the level of skill and discipline that welding requires, and I have great respect for the individuals who pursue careers in the skilled trades because they contribute so much to building and maintaining the communities we live in. My passion for healthcare comes from a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I am particularly interested in women’s health because it allows physicians to support patients during some of the most important and vulnerable moments of their lives. Providing care in this field requires not only strong scientific knowledge but also empathy, communication, and the ability to build trust with patients. My goal is to become a physician who helps patients feel heard, respected, and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Throughout my educational journey, I have faced challenges that have tested my determination and resilience. I have experienced financial hardships, including losing my job, losing reliable transportation, and navigating family medical challenges while trying to remain focused on my studies. These experiences have required me to take on the responsibility of supporting my education largely on my own. Despite these obstacles, I have remained committed to continuing my education and working toward my long-term goals because I know how important it is to pursue a career that allows me to make a positive impact. Kevin’s story represents the power of passion and the pride that comes from developing a meaningful skill. While my passion lies in healthcare rather than welding, I share the same ambition, drive, and determination to build a future where I can use my education, dedication, and compassion to help others and contribute positively to my community.

The Voice She Gave Me By Sabrina Fils-Aime When I think about who has inspired me most to pursue higher education, it’s not a celebrity or historical figure—it’s my godmother. A doctor, a mentor, and a second mother to me, she has been a constant example of what it means to live with purpose, compassion, and strength. Her journey as a woman in medicine—especially as someone who overcame both personal and professional challenges—taught me to never settle for silence, and to always speak up for what I believe in. My godmother grew up in a neighborhood where opportunities were scarce, but she never let that limit her vision. Through long nights of study, financial hardship, and years of training, she became a physician dedicated to caring for vulnerable communities. I’ve watched her not only treat patients but also speak out at town halls, advocate for healthcare reform, and empower young women like me to use our voices for change. She’s living proof that education is the bridge between who you are and who you want to become. Because of her, I knew I wanted to pursue higher education—not just for a degree, but to gain the knowledge and skills to make a real impact. My godmother encouraged me to join speech and debate when I was unsure of myself. I was shy and afraid of public speaking, but she reminded me that confidence comes with practice—and that no one becomes powerful by staying quiet. At her urging, I joined the speech and debate team in high school. At first, I stumbled through my speeches and second-guessed every word. But with time and mentorship, I learned how to craft arguments, analyze evidence, and speak with clarity and conviction. I found that debate wasn’t just a competition—it was a way to sharpen my thinking, to advocate for causes I cared about, and to stand in my truth. It gave me the courage to speak up in class, lead student discussions, and even volunteer with voter registration efforts in my community. Through speech and debate, I found my voice—and with it, a deeper understanding of the world around me. My motivation for continuing my education stems from a desire to build on the foundation I’ve already started. I want to study political science or pre-law and work toward becoming a public advocate, using policy and public speaking as tools to serve others. I know that I’ll carry everything I’ve learned in speech and debate into every classroom, internship, and courtroom I step into in the future. The Dan Leahy Memorial Scholarship speaks directly to the power of communication, advocacy, and education—values that my godmother instilled in me from an early age. Winning this scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial strain of attending college, but it would also be a tribute to her influence in my life and a confirmation that I am on the right path. Thanks to her, I learned that our words have power. And now, because of speech and debate, I know how to use that power for good.

Answering the Call: My Commitment to Emergency Services and Community Care By Sabrina Fils-Aime Growing up in Orlando, I witnessed both the beauty and challenges of living in a fast-growing city. While most people think of Orlando as the home of theme parks and sunshine, I saw something deeper—a community that relied on the bravery and dedication of first responders to stay safe and connected. Whether it was hurricane seasons, medical emergencies, or car accidents on busy roads, I watched EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement officers show up every time, often unseen, always essential. That sense of quiet service inspired me from a young age. What truly solidified my calling came when I was 16 and witnessed a serious car accident near my neighborhood. I remember the chaotic scene, the confusion of bystanders, and then the arrival of EMTs who brought order, calm, and care. That day, I saw what it means to truly serve—to be the steady hands in someone’s worst moment. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in emergency services. Currently, I am studying Emergency Medical Services in New York, working toward becoming a certified paramedic. Transitioning from Orlando to New York has been a major change, but one driven by my ambition to grow, serve, and be trained in diverse and demanding environments. I’ve begun volunteering with a local ambulance service here, gaining hands-on experience that has only deepened my commitment. Each call reminds me of why I chose this path: every person deserves care, dignity, and someone willing to step in when things go wrong. This career is not easy—physically, emotionally, or financially. Balancing school, clinical hours, and part-time work has tested my endurance and my time management skills. But I embrace those challenges. They are part of the training, and I welcome every lesson that brings me closer to being a dependable and compassionate provider. Receiving the Gregory A. DeCanio Memorial Scholarship would allow me to devote more time to clinical education and community service, helping to relieve the financial pressure of tuition and materials while advancing the quality of care I can offer. What draws me most to Gregory DeCanio’s legacy is his blend of professional excellence and deep community involvement. That’s the model I want to follow. Emergency services is not just about saving lives in critical moments—it’s about building trust before and after the crisis. One of my long-term goals is to start an outreach program that brings CPR and first aid education to underserved neighborhoods, especially immigrant and low-income communities that are often the most vulnerable in emergencies. Additionally, I plan to stay involved in community education around substance abuse, mental health crisis response, and disaster preparedness. So many emergencies can be prevented—or better managed—if people have the knowledge and confidence to act early. I want to help create a more empowered public, one that feels supported by and connected to its first responders. Eventually, I also hope to teach and mentor students entering the EMS field, particularly those who, like me, didn’t grow up with a family history in emergency services. Representation matters. I want young people to know that no matter where you're from—even a theme park city like Orlando—you can become someone who makes a difference in critical moments. I am honored to apply for this scholarship in memory of someone who embodied the spirit of service I aspire to uphold. If awarded this opportunity, I will carry Gregory’s values forward in my education, in my future work as a paramedic, and in every person I have the privilege of helping. Thank you for your time, your belief in future emergency professionals, and your dedication to building stronger communities—one responder at a time. Let me know if you'd like to mention a specific program or town in New York, or if you'd like to add letters of recommendation as part of your application package.

Keeping the Bells Ringing: My Journey and Aspirations in Handbell Music From the moment I first picked up a handbell in middle school, I was captivated—not just by the shimmering sound, but by the teamwork, discipline, and joy that handbell ringing fosters. I started my musical journey at age seven with piano lessons and later joined my school’s band as a flutist. But it was in our small church handbell choir that I truly found my voice. The unity required for handbell performance—where every ringer plays just a few notes yet is vital to the entire piece—taught me the value of precision, trust, and collective artistry. Since then, handbells have become my primary musical passion. I currently ring with a community ensemble composed of high school and college students, and I serve as co-section leader for our treble bells. This role has deepened my appreciation for the technical skill and expressive nuance involved in bell performance. I’ve helped organize sectional rehearsals and have mentored newer ringers, sharing tips for damping, bell changes, and score marking. It’s not just about playing the notes—it's about making music together, and I love being part of that collaborative process. One of my favorite pieces I’ve ever performed is "Exultate" arranged by Kevin McChesney. The energy and rhythm of the piece demand full engagement, and its layered texture builds to a joyful climax that always leaves audiences breathless. Another standout is Cynthia Dobrinski’s arrangement of "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." The haunting harmonies and controlled dynamics taught me how to convey deep emotion through subtle expression. These pieces—and many more—have inspired me to explore arranging handbell music myself, and I’ve started experimenting with simple arrangements using MuseScore, focusing on hymn tunes and folk melodies. As I look ahead to college, I am actively researching schools that offer handbell choirs or student-led ensembles. I am determined to continue ringing at the collegiate level and to advocate for handbells in the broader music community. In a time when many programs are being cut, I want to help reverse that trend. My dream is to found a collegiate handbell choir if one doesn't exist at my future school, and to collaborate with local churches or community centers to expand awareness and appreciation of handbell music. Beyond college, I hope to keep ringing and possibly direct a handbell choir myself. Whether as a church musician, community ensemble leader, or composer, I want to be part of ensuring that this beautiful art form not only survives but thrives. Handbells have given me a sense of belonging, a creative outlet, and a deeper understanding of music’s power to bring people together. I want to give that same gift to others. The River City Ringers’ mission to support young ringers deeply resonates with me. This scholarship would not only ease the financial strain of pursuing music in college but also affirm my dedication to handbell ringing as a lifelong pursuit. Thank you for considering my application—and for helping keep the bells ringing for the next generation.

Essay Title: From Survivor to Advocate: Turning Pain Into Purpose Surviving intimate partner violence changes a person forever. It doesn’t just leave bruises on the body—it affects how you see yourself, how safe you feel in the world, and whether or not you believe your voice matters. For a long time, I didn’t believe mine did. I lived in fear. I lost my sense of self-worth. I isolated myself, struggled with anxiety, and questioned if I would ever feel “normal” again. I couldn’t even leave the house without fearing something terrible would happen to someone I loved. I was drowning in the emotional aftermath of abuse, barely able to do basic things like brush my teeth or go to school. But slowly—through prayer, support, and my own resilience—I began to believe that maybe I deserved better. That belief changed everything. It led me to pursue a path where I could one day help others reclaim their lives too. I’m currently a Certified Medical Assistant working in a pediatric pulmonology specialty practice, and I plan to become an OB-GYN. I chose this path because I want to walk alongside women during some of the most critical, vulnerable, and beautiful moments of their lives—especially those who have experienced trauma. I believe that being a physician is not just about treating a body. It’s about creating a safe space for healing and advocacy. I’ve volunteered at two different hospitals in four unique positions and serve in the children’s ministry at my church. In every one of these roles, I’ve seen the desperate need for trauma-informed care, for doctors and leaders who can recognize when someone is silently suffering, and for voices in medicine who advocate for those who feel forgotten. Through my work, I want to provide more than just medical support—I want to bring hope. I want to build bridges between survivors and the resources they need to escape, heal, and rebuild. Education is what gave me a second chance. It gave me structure when everything felt chaotic, it gave me goals when I felt directionless, and it gave me the knowledge and confidence to believe that I can make real change. Education is not just a path to a career—it’s a way to break cycles. It teaches us to challenge systems, to speak out, and to care better. With my degree, I plan to open or partner with women's health clinics that integrate OB-GYN care with mental health support, domestic violence advocacy, and safe housing referrals. I want my clinic to be a refuge—where no woman feels judged, rushed, or invisible. Being a survivor taught me the value of empathy, persistence, and purpose. I never want another woman to sit alone wondering if she’s worth saving. I want to be the doctor who reminds her that she is. I want to use my story not as something to hide, but as a source of strength that guides my care, my leadership, and my advocacy. This scholarship would help ease the financial burden of my education, but more than that—it would help amplify a survivor’s voice that was once silenced. It would empower me to keep rising, so that I can lift others along the way.

Essay Title: Breaking Cycles, Building Futures Domestic violence doesn’t just leave physical scars—it leaves emotional and spiritual wounds that echo through generations. I know this because I’ve seen it up close. I’ve seen the way it silences strong women. I’ve seen how it steals their confidence, their stability, and sometimes their lives. I have loved ones who have survived abusive relationships—women who endured years of control, pain, and fear before they were finally able to escape. And I’ve seen the lifelong trauma that substance abuse causes in families trying to cope with that pain. These experiences opened my eyes from an early age. I watched people I love go silent when they should’ve spoken out. I saw them become shadows of themselves. I also saw how lack of support—especially for African American women—made things worse. There were no safe places to turn, no affordable counselors, no shelters that felt welcoming. And too often, silence was encouraged over survival. These early experiences are the reason I’ve chosen to become a doctor. My goal is to specialize as an OB-GYN and provide compassionate care to women—especially Black women—through some of their most vulnerable and powerful life moments. I want my exam room to be a safe space where women feel heard, respected, and supported. I believe that healthcare is not just about treating illness—it’s about restoring dignity, safety, and hope. In my current role as a Certified Medical Assistant at a pediatric pulmonology practice, I already interact with mothers and families facing difficult circumstances. I listen. I reassure. I offer kindness in every interaction. But I want to do more. I want to be the kind of physician who recognizes the signs of abuse, who isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions, and who knows what resources to offer. I want to build bridges between healthcare and community services so no woman has to choose between her safety and her survival. I’ve also volunteered in four hospital roles and serve regularly in the children’s ministry at my church. In these spaces, I’ve seen the power of support and the importance of consistent, trauma-informed care. I believe that African American women deserve providers who look like them, understand their experiences, and are committed to breaking generational cycles of violence, silence, and addiction. My plan is to use my medical education to not only provide care but also to innovate how we train future providers. I want to work with interdisciplinary teams to improve the coordination of care between hospitals, shelters, counselors, and legal services. I want to push for policies that protect vulnerable women, improve mental health access, and create real change in how we talk about—and respond to—domestic violence and substance abuse in Black communities. This scholarship would help me continue this journey. It would relieve financial pressure so I can focus more fully on my calling to care. But more than that, it would honor the women in my life who survived what could have broken them—and it would help me become the kind of doctor who makes sure no woman walks alone through abuse ever again.

Essay Title: Silent Fights, Loud Dreams Anxiety has been an unwelcome companion for as long as I can remember. For most of my life, I’ve felt like I was stuck behind an invisible wall—watching others live freely while I was trapped by fear, doubt, and shame. Social anxiety made everyday moments—like raising my hand in class, speaking in public, or even walking through crowded hallways—feel like climbing a mountain with no end in sight. There were many days, weeks, even months where anxiety held me hostage. I couldn’t go to school. I couldn’t get out of bed. I couldn’t even brush my teeth. I cried constantly, asking God, “Why me?” Why couldn’t I be normal? Why did I panic at the thought of going outside? Why did my brain convince me that something terrible would happen if I didn’t go out with someone I loved? I lived in constant fear of losing the people I cared about, and my anxiety distorted every part of my reality. Eventually, I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety. The diagnosis was both a relief and a wake-up call. I wasn’t just lazy or dramatic—I was struggling with something real, something powerful. With therapy, support, and faith, I began to slowly crawl out of the darkness. But the healing journey hasn’t been linear. It’s ongoing, and I still fight daily battles in silence. What’s kept me going is my dream. Despite the noise in my head, I’ve always wanted to be a doctor—specifically an OB-GYN. I love children, and I’m passionate about helping mothers bring life into the world safely and with dignity. I’ve heard too many traumatic birth stories, including those of my own mother and aunts, and I want to be part of the change. I want women, especially Black women, to feel seen, heard, and cared for. To move toward that goal, I earned my Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification and currently work at a pediatric pulmonology specialty practice. Being in this role has been a dream come true—and also a daily challenge. Talking to parents, collaborating with providers, and staying calm under pressure are not easy when you have social anxiety. But I do it. I push through. Because I know my “why,” and I’m committed to it. I also volunteer in four different hospital roles and serve in the children’s ministry at my church. Every time I step into these spaces, I have to confront the anxious voice that tells me I’m not good enough. And every time I show up anyway, I silence that voice just a little more. Pursuing a college education is not just a career move for me—it’s a lifeline. It’s proof that I am more than my anxiety. It’s how I’ll break generational barriers, inspire the next young Black girl afraid to speak up, and become the doctor I once thought I could never be. This scholarship would help me keep fighting. Not just for my future, but for the future of every patient, child, and mother I will one day serve.

Essay Title: Building a Healthier Future Through STEM From a young age, I’ve been drawn to science—not just for the facts and figures, but for its power to heal, connect, and transform lives. Choosing a STEM path, specifically in the medical field, was not just a decision—it was a calling. Today, I’m an undergraduate student preparing to become a doctor, with the goal of specializing as an OB-GYN. My mission is to build a better world by protecting and empowering women and families through healthcare—especially in communities where disparities are most severe. My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve struggled with mental health challenges that at times left me unable to get out of bed, go to school, or even brush my teeth. I questioned if someone like me—so “broken” and afraid—could ever be the one to help others. But I discovered that my pain could fuel my purpose. I now understand how important it is for patients to be met with empathy, and I carry that with me as I walk into every exam room. I recently earned my Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification and now work in a pediatric pulmonology specialty clinic. Each day, I care for children battling complex respiratory conditions, and it’s one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. This experience has not only confirmed my love for medicine, but also taught me the responsibility of leadership and the impact of consistency in care. I see STEM not just as a field of study, but as a way of giving families hope, comfort, and strength when they need it most. My long-term goal is to become an OB-GYN. I’ve heard far too many traumatic birth stories, including those of my own mother and aunts, who didn’t always feel safe or supported during labor. I want to change that. I want to bring life into the world while protecting the women who carry it, especially Black women, who face significantly higher maternal mortality rates in the U.S. I aim to be both an advocate and a provider—someone who ensures that every woman is treated with respect, dignity, and excellent care. Outside of academics and work, I’m deeply committed to service. I volunteer at two hospitals in four different positions and serve at my church in the children’s ministry. These experiences allow me to give back, but also to stay connected to the people I hope to serve in my future career. Whether it’s comforting a child in the ER or leading activities in Sunday school, I’ve seen how kindness, patience, and presence can be as healing as medicine. Financial barriers have made this journey harder, but they have not stopped me. This scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my degree without the constant pressure of how to pay for it. More importantly, it would empower me to focus more time on community work and leadership development as I grow into the doctor I’ve always dreamed of becoming. Through STEM, I’ve found not just a career path—but a way to build a future where more people feel seen, safe, and cared for. That’s the kind of world I want to help create.

Essay Title: Lifting As I Climb My name is Sabrina Fils-Aime, and I am a proud Black woman pursuing a degree in medicine with the dream of becoming an OB-GYN. I am a first-generation college student, a daughter, a believer, and a young woman who understands deeply what it means to struggle—but also what it means to rise. I plan to make a lasting difference not just through my future profession, but by standing as a living example that Black women can, and do, overcome and lead. There were times I didn’t think I would make it this far. I’ve battled mental health struggles that left me bed-ridden for days, even weeks—unable to eat, to get up, to go to school. I felt paralyzed by depression, terrified to leave my house, and wracked with fears that if I didn’t go out with someone I loved, they might die. Every night, I cried out to God, begging to be “normal.” At times, I felt like a failure for even dreaming of becoming a doctor. How could I help others when I couldn’t even help myself? But through therapy, prayer, and perseverance, I’ve learned that my experiences don’t disqualify me—they give me purpose. I now understand the depths of fear, pain, and shame, and I carry those lessons with me not as burdens, but as tools for healing. These struggles have shaped my deepest mission: to become a compassionate OB-GYN who serves with empathy, especially in Black communities where maternal healthcare outcomes remain devastatingly unequal. I want to be part of the change. I want to be the kind of doctor who sees, hears, and stands beside Black mothers—so they don’t feel dismissed, neglected, or unsafe. I've heard too many horror stories, including those of my own mother and aunts, to sit back. I want to advocate for safer, more respectful birthing experiences and bring life into the world while preserving the lives of the women who carry it. I’m not waiting until I become a doctor to start making a difference. I recently earned my Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification and now work in a pediatric pulmonology specialty practice, where I assist in caring for children with complex respiratory needs. This role has deepened my skills, strengthened my resolve, and shown me the impact compassionate healthcare can make—especially for children and families navigating chronic illness. It reminds me every day of the responsibility and privilege that come with caring for others. Beyond my professional path, I’m committed to service in my community. I volunteer at two hospitals in four different roles and serve faithfully in my church’s children’s ministry. Working with kids constantly fuels my passion and reminds me why I chose this journey. My heart is with the next generation—especially Black children who need to see strong, kind, successful Black women in leadership and in healthcare. Winning the Michele L. Durant Memorial Scholarship would mean more than financial support—it would mean carrying on the legacy of a woman who lived her life in service, who believed in education, and who knew what it meant to be a Black woman navigating higher education and systemic obstacles. I am committed to honoring her memory by not just earning my degree, but using it to uplift those around me. I plan to make a difference by being visible, by being present, and by never forgetting who I am or where I came from. I’m not just working for myself—I’m working for the women before me, beside me, and after me.

Essay Title: A Calling to Care My name is Sabrina Fils-Aime, and I am an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in healthcare with the goal of becoming an OB-GYN. I have a deep passion for medicine, but more than that, I have a calling to care. This calling comes from both personal experience and a strong desire to be a source of support for others—especially for women and children during one of the most vulnerable and beautiful moments of their lives: childbirth. I have struggled with my mental health in ways that nearly silenced my dreams. There were long periods where I couldn’t get out of bed, couldn’t go to school, couldn’t even manage the basics like brushing my teeth. I cried daily, wondering why I was like this and begging God to make me “normal.” At times, I questioned how someone like me—who felt like a mess—could possibly become a doctor. I feared that my struggles made me unworthy of helping others. But over time, I’ve come to realize that my pain has shaped me into someone who deeply understands what it means to suffer quietly. I now see my journey not as a disqualification but as preparation. My compassion is rooted in real experience, and that’s what will make me not just a doctor, but a healer. I want to walk with others through their pain and joy, especially mothers preparing to bring new life into the world. My dream is to become an OB-GYN because I believe every woman deserves compassionate, skilled care during pregnancy and birth. I’ve heard so many horrifying birth stories—including those of my own mom and aunts—that left women feeling scared, unheard, and mistreated. I want to change that. I want to be a voice of comfort and advocacy in those critical moments when women need someone they can trust. My love for children fuels this dream even further. I currently serve in the children’s department at my church, and I also volunteer at two different hospitals, holding four distinct positions across both institutions. These roles have taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of showing up for people—especially kids and families—during their most difficult days. Volunteering isn’t just something I do; it’s something that constantly reminds me of why I chose this path in the first place. This scholarship, honoring Christina Taylese Singh, means so much to me because I feel a deep connection to her legacy. Like Christina, I’m driven by a desire to care for others and to make a difference in healthcare. I understand the weight of dreams that feel too big in the face of adversity—but I also understand the power of perseverance. I am pursuing this field not just to wear a white coat, but to walk into delivery rooms, emergency situations, and everyday appointments as someone who listens, supports, and truly sees the people in front of me. I want to bring new life into this world with care, skill, and love—and I want to honor Christina’s memory by doing it with heart. Thank you for considering my application and supporting students like me who carry both dreams and wounds, but continue moving forward anyway.

Essay Title: A Prayer for Normalcy There were months when I couldn’t get out of bed. Days blurred together, and the simplest things—brushing my teeth, taking a shower, even getting dressed—felt impossible. I would lie in the dark, tears soaking my pillow, asking myself over and over: “Why me? Why can’t I be normal?” Mental health has never been some distant topic to me—it’s lived in my body like a weight I couldn’t set down. I’ve spent entire weeks stuck in a fog of sadness and fear, wondering what was wrong with me, why I was like this. I wasn’t lazy. I wasn’t dramatic. I was in pain. But the world around me couldn’t always see that. I feared stepping outside my own front door. My mind told me terrifying things—that if I didn’t go out with someone I loved, something bad would happen to them. I carried guilt for things that hadn’t even happened. I didn’t feel safe in the world, but I didn’t feel safe in myself either. Every night I would pray to God, begging for a bargain: “Please let me be normal. Please let this go away.” But over time, I began to feel like God was getting farther and farther from me. And that made everything feel even heavier. And yet, even in the darkest moments, one dream stayed alive in me: I want to become a doctor. But that dream, too, began to feel like a cruel joke. I remember lying in bed, unable to even brush my teeth, and thinking, “How can I help kids one day if I can’t even help myself?” That shame nearly broke me. How could I lead others to healing if I was still searching for my own? But I’ve come to realize something: struggling with mental health doesn’t disqualify me from being a doctor. If anything, it prepares me for it in a way nothing else could. My pain has given me empathy. My fears have made me listen more closely. And my survival—however messy and nonlinear—has given me the strength to walk with others through their own pain. I am not “fixed.” But I am healing. I have started therapy. I have begun reaching out. I have started to use my voice to talk about things I used to be ashamed of. And I know now that this dream of becoming a doctor is still possible—not in spite of what I’ve been through, but because of it. Applying for the Elijah’s Helping Hand Scholarship is more than just a way to pay for school—it’s an act of hope. It’s a declaration that people like me—people who cry, who pray, who feel broken—still deserve to grow, to be seen, and to succeed. I want to be a doctor who understands. A doctor who doesn’t just treat symptoms but sees people. If I can turn my pain into purpose, then maybe one day a young person sitting in a dark room will know: you’re not alone, and you’re not beyond help. I’ve been there—and I’m still here.

If I were to win this scholarship, what I would do with the $1,000 is save it for my school tuition for the Spring Semester. I graduated high school this May. I am the second child of my parents to attend college. I come from a low-income family; my dad has not been able to keep a steady job for years. Making my parents unable to help me pay for college, I am relying heavily on scholarships to help me in paying for college alongside what I make from my part-time job. I am studying to become a doctor. I have always wanted to help people with the art of medicine because I find it fascinating and because I like helping people. I know all the schooling I will be doing will put me in a lot of debt. That is why I am saving everything I have for school because getting an education and achieving my goals are important to me. My dream goal would be to have the least amount of debt once I finish medical school and become a doctor. Winning this scholarship could bring me one step closer to my goal and lessen the stress I have with paying for school.

Education is important to me because I know how hard my parents worked for me to get one. I am my parent's second child of four. For the past seven years, my dad has been struggling to keep a job consistently. We are a low-income family mainly living off one paycheck. I have always appreciated all my parents have done for me to have a private school education and wanted to do my best in school to make sure that all the sacrifices they made for me were worth it. I also love the art of learning. I love to learn new things every day. One of my favorite quotes is “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela. I learned that nothing in life will come to me on a silver platter. If I want something in life, I am going to have to work hard to achieve my goals. This has taught me the importance of a good work ethic, dedication, and education. When I was in the 9th grade, I was determined to be either the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian when I graduate. I studied and work hard. If I was confused about something or didn’t understand something I would always ask the teachers for help during and after class. I spend a lot of time studying after school and surrounding myself with goal-oriented people like myself whom I know will encourage me to do my best and I became the Salutatorian. When things may seem impossible, I will just have to remind myself of why I am working hard. I am working hard to not only make my parents proud but also to make myself proud. This experience made me strong as a person because it taught me not to sell myself short. I can do anything, and it is not impossible just because a person tells me I can't do anything. This has also made me stronger in the aspect of my life because I feel more confident now that I believe in myself more. I feel like I can conquer the world and anything that will come to my path, I know I can do anything I set my mind to. I know that I will become a doctor with lots of hard work, studying and education and that is why education is so important to me.

I am passionate about receiving my education because I know how hard my parents worked for me to get one. I am my parent's second child of four. For the past seven years, my dad has been struggling to keep a job consistently. We are a low-income family mainly living off one paycheck. I have always appreciated all my parents have done for me to have a private school education and wanted to do my best in school to make sure that all the sacrifices they made for me were worth it. I also love the art of learning. I love to learn new things every day. One of my favorite quotes is “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela. I learned that nothing in life will come to me on a silver platter. If I want something in life, I am going to have to work hard to achieve my goals. This has taught me the importance of a good work ethic, dedication, and education. When I was in the 9th grade, I was determined to be either the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian when I graduate. I studied and work hard. If I was confused about something or didn’t understand something I would always ask the teachers for help during and after class. I spend a lot of time studying after school and surrounding myself with goal-oriented people like myself whom I know will encourage me to do my best and I became the Salutatorian. When things may seem impossible, I will just have to remind myself of why I am working hard. I am working hard to not only make my parents proud but also to make myself proud. This experience made me strong as a person because it taught me not to sell myself short. I can do anything, and it is not impossible just because a person tells me I can't do anything. This has also made me stronger in the aspect of my life because I feel more confident now that I believe in myself more. I feel like I can conquer the world and anything that will come to my path, I know I can do anything I set my mind to. I know that I will become a doctor with lots of hard work, studying and education and that is why education is so important to me.

An important life lesson I have learned is that nothing in life will come to me on a silver platter. If I want something in life, I am going to have to work hard to achieve my goals. This has taught me the importance of a good work ethic and dedication. Without having a good work ethic and dedication to push you to get out of bed and work toward your goals, how are you going to expect to get anything done. When I was in the 9th grade, I was determined to be either the Valedictorian or the Salutatorian when I graduate. I studied and work hard. If I was confused about something or didn’t understand something I would always ask the teachers for help during and after class. I spend a lot of time studying after school and surrounding myself with goal-oriented people like myself whom I know will encourage me to do my best. I had time for fun because I believe that for the brain to work at the top performance it needs a healthy balance between learning and taking some rest, but school and my education have always been a top priority of mine. I would constantly get mad at myself if I didn’t get a good grade or a grade I expected. All the people in my life say that I am too harsh on myself, but I do not think I am hard enough. Being dedicated for four years I achieved my goal of being the salutatorian. I will use this life lesson moving forward to remind myself that everything will not come easy. When things may seem impossible, I will just have to remind myself of my 9th-grade self. How she constantly doubted herself, but she ended up making her dreams come true. So, future me can just about do anything I set my mind to. This experience made me strong as a person because it taught me not to sell myself short. I can do anything, and it is not impossible just because a person tells me I can't do anything. This has also made me stronger in the aspect of my life because I feel more confident now that I believe in myself more. I feel like I can conquer the world and aynthing that will come to my path, I know I can do anything I set my mind to.

This year I lost my aunt unexpectedly. She had a seizure in the middle of the night in her sleep and sadly passed. My mom took it the hardest because she was one of her closest cousins. She was like a sister to my mom; my mom already lost one of her sisters years ago from cancer. I never experience a loss before, I haven't seen my aunt for a few years because she lives in New Jersey, and I live in Florida. This made me realize that you do not know when it will be your last day on this Earth. That when you lose someone, it makes you realize how much we do not connect to other parts of our family that are not immediate. Tomorrow is not guaranteed; every time I say I'll do something, I remember that I am not promised a tomorrow. Also, to stay more connected to all of my family members because you never know what could happen. I do not want to regret not spending time with someone or not doing something because I pushed it off. I want to live life to the fullest. I want to have the full college experience, but with not as much partying. I will work hard so that I can work at my dream job to be able to support my parents and myself. Losing my aunt made me buckle down and work on my studying habits. I would always wait till the last to submit things or even study. Now I am improving and waiting till the last second to complete all my assignments. It is sad to lose anyone whether it is a friend or a family member life is life and it is not easy to lose anyone. Through this tragedy, I learned and improve in many aspects of my life.

“Better to be the poorest servant of a poor master, and to endure anything rather than think as they do and live after their manner” -Homer. What this quote means to me is that we see far too many people live for money. They let this green piece of paper turn them into something unrecognizable. In this day and age, you see little kids as young as ten years old dressing and wearing makeup that makes them look twenty-five. It is all because of social media and looking up to people they should not be looking up to. This quote is special to me because I connect with it. I would rather be a poor person than be like most people who have a lot of money and allow it to change my character and my worth.

My mom has always been my role model. She is the strongest woman I know and the most generous. She is more like my best friend than my mom; we have so many fun memories together. She has four kids and makes time for all of us to feel special. As I get older, I come to realize just how much my mom has sacrificed for me to have a good education. She is always telling me the importance of getting a good education. She provided for me to have a private school education. Because she wants the best for me, she tells me all the time; that all the hard work I am doing in school will pay off in the future. This is one of the things that inspired me to go to college because I want to be able to provide for my family by doing something that I love. My mom has always been the rock of our family; we all rely on her. I've seen her struggle and want to make all she has done for me to get an education, so I can pursue something I am passionate about worth it. I also want to be stable; so I do not have to worry about money so much in the future. My mom also tells me that I would want to work at a job doing things I enjoy because then it would not feel like work as much, plus I would be getting paid it's a two for one. I am most passionate about creating things. That is why I want to be an architect; the thought of creating something out of just an idea I had and seeing it all come together makes me happy. In the future, I would want to design a house for my mom and have it built to show her how grateful I am for everything. There was this time when a hurricane hit us and ruined our roof and wood floor. Once we fixed our roof and floor a pipe burst and ruined the floor and roof all over again. My mom was such a strong rock I wished I could do more to help, but she told me that getting good grades, going to college, and getting a good job, is all she could ask for. That is why she does not regret any of the sacrifices she made for my siblings and me. That is what influenced my decision to attend college.

When I was doing volleyball before the pandemic, I was losing determination. I had self-doubt that I would not get any better. Thinking I would not be able to run faster or hit the ball harder. People say that I tend to be hard on myself, but sometimes I don’t think I am hard enough. After watching the animated show Haikyu seeing how determined everyone was, especially Hinata. Even though he was the shortest player, he did not let that stop him. Seeing how hard he pushed himself to be the best inspired me to think; I can do anything I set my mind to. Whenever I have self-doubt, I watch Haikyu to remind myself that anything is possible. Mistakes are a part of growth; I can’t let them hang over my head forever. If I have the right mindset and enough determination, I can conquer anything.