An impactful PA is someone who makes patients feel safe when everything in their life feels uncertain. People walk into a clinic often scared, tired or in pain. They don't just remember the diagnosis, but also how they were treated in that vulnerable moment. I learned this first hand while watching my mother fight breast cancer. For years, my family and I were in and out hospital rooms and waiting areas. I saw how a provider's kindness was able to bring a sense of peace in the middle of fear, while its absence could make everything feel heavier. Some days just a small little smile made a huge difference for my family and I. These moments taught me that medicine goes beyond treatment, it is also about caring for the person who is hurting. Seeing my mother go through this showed me how meaningful it is when a provider truly listens and explains with care. Empathy is the quality I actually value most in a PA. I don't just hear what people say, I try my best to understand how they feel as well. Whether I am working with children I teach or helping customers, I pay attention to who feels overwhelmed, who feels unheard, and who needs reassurance. My experiences with vulnerability have shaped my ability to connect with others with empathy. Resilience is something I have earned. Showing up everyday while managing financial pressures, family issues, and long work hours has taught me to push with purpose. Even on difficult days, I taught myself to remain calm and to be focused when things feel overwhelming. The ability to stay present and dependable is exactly what patients need from their providers. An impactful PA is someone who shows up for people who may feel invisible in the healthcare system. Growing up as a first- generation student from a Nigerian immigrant family, I know how confusing, expensive, and intimidating medical care can be at times. Barriers such as language and culture can make it harder. That is why I view medicine as a form a service. I want to be a provider who takes time to explain, who listens without judgement, and who makes patients feel respected. To me, serving others in healthcare means making no sure no one feels small, ignored, or ashamed when they are at their most vulnerable. Being an impactful PA means earning a patient's trust through compassion, consistency, and presence. My journey has taught me how powerful it is to feel seen, and that is the kind of care I want to give to every patient.

My name is Sarah Joseph and I am a first-generation Nigerian-American student. I'm majoring in Biology at USF! Growing up was hard on my family, both my parents immigrated here with nothing. They worked tirelessly to help provide for my sister and I. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, my dad worked two jobs to keep us afloat. Her diagnosis deeply impacted me. She hid her diagnosis for a while, not wanting us to worry. Even though she went through multiple treatments that put her out from work she still made a way to put our needs before her own. When she finally told us, I felt a mix of emotions, but part of me felt inspired. I was inspired by the strength and resilience my mom had which eventually led to me to pick a career in healthcare. This scholarship will lift the weight off my shoulders. I currently have two jobs now so this scholarship would help me focus more on my education! Since, I was young I've been wanting to be a dermatologist and someday opening up a clinic in underserved communities back in Nigeria. After traveling there and seeing how much people lacked basic medical care it saddened me, and I made myself a promise that I'll do something to fix this problem. This scholarship will help me continue my studies and eventually serve those who need care the most. My goal is to become a dermatologist an open a clinic that provides affordable care to those in underserved communities. I am extremely passionate about that as well as improving representation in STEM and medicine! In highschool I consistently volunteered at Give Kids the World. There I was able to work with children who were battling critical illness. I truly enjoyed making their stay memorable and putting a smile on their face. More recently, I became a substitute teacher in my district and I'm using this role to inspire and mentor young students! I know first hand how underrepresented students of color are in STEM fields and I want to be that extra push in their life, hopefully giving them the encouragement they need. By mentoring and supporting these kids, my goal is to help create opportunities for future generations who have gone through major challenges in their life but refuse to let that define them! Throughout my life I have failed multiple times. My first semester in college, I felt completely unprepared because I automatically fell behind, especially in chemistry. No matter how much time I spent studying I always struggled on grasping the material and the first exam grade I had made me feel extremely discouraged with myself. I refused to let my failure make me feel a type of way. Instead, I tried everything to make sure for the next test that did not happen again. I spent hours in tutoring and changed my study methods. I was persistent and not only did I pass my next exam, I passed that class. Now I am currently in Organic Chem 2 and I kept that same mentality with me! That experience taught me that failure is not the end, in a sense I am glad I failed because it gave me an opportunity to learn and grow! My greatest strength is perseverance, compassion, and dedication! Balancing school and work helped me strengthen these abilities, as well as my parents! I truly look up to them as they were the push I needed in my life. My passion for dermatology and mentoring inspires me to support underserved communities and promote diversity in STEM.

My journey to this point has been marked by numerous challenges that have tested my resilience, determination, and drive to succeed. Both of my parents are Nigerian immigrants who moved to the United States not too long ago to allow their children to obtain an easier life. When my mom was diagnosed with cancer our family suffered not only financially but emotionally. Witnessing my father take on two jobs to provide for our family while my mom recovered showed me the sacrifices that come with pursuing a better life. I wouldn't see my father for days at a time and when he was gone I had to help my mother and take care of my little sister. I missed days of school to make sure my mother was okay, though I am thankful I never fell behind. This quickly made me learn the importance of strength and adaptability. As a first-generation college student, the path to higher education has been paved with obstacles. Juggling two part-time jobs at Amazon and Zaxby's alongside my studies has been both physically and mentally demanding. The financial burden of tuition fees and other expenses has been a constant concern for me and my family. My father has recently gotten sick and there is an issue with my scholarship which led me to take out more loans than I intended to. Even in times of doubt and concern, I know I cannot and will not drop out of college due to financial reasons and instead continue to keep on going. Moreover, I faced another challenge that left a lasting impact on my self-esteem. In school, I was always the odd one out, which led to bullying that made me feel uncomfortable in my own skin for a long time. This struggle with self-acceptance taught me the importance of embracing my individuality and valuing my unique qualities. The pursuit of my dream to become a dermatologist has required perseverance and sacrifices. The rigorous classes and demanding schedule are quite overwhelming, though my passion for this field is strong. One of my biggest goals is to open a clinic for underserved communities because everyone deserves to have access to quality healthcare regardless of financial standing. Despite the obstacles, I've maintained a strong academic record throughout my years and even became a consistent volunteer at the organization, Give Kids the World. This scholarship would represent more than just financial assistance; it would be a blessing to know that my efforts don't go in vain. Financial aid would alleviate the burden of working multiple jobs, allowing me to dedicate more time to my studies. This scholarship would also provide me with the resources to invest in my education and serve as a source of inspiration and validation. In essence, the challenges I've overcome have molded me into a resilient young woman. This scholarship would not only alleviate financial stress but also empower me to continue striving for excellence. With your support, I am confident that I can further my education and ultimately give back to my community. My journey, shaped by both triumphs and adversities, has fueled my determination to create a positive impact.

Walking into college as a first-generation student has my mind running in circles. I feel like college life will introduce me to a new dimension of leadership. My parents both immigrated from Nigeria to the United States not too long ago. My family has had its many battles like when my mother battled breast cancer and my father worked relentlessly to support us, which has transformed my understanding of leadership. In Nigerian culture, the eldest daughter carries much of the responsibility in the family, and as a first-gen college student, I have embraced this dual responsibility of excelling in my studies while alleviating the financial strain on my family by helping to pay my school fees. As of right now I currently work two jobs in order to support myself, one at Amazon and another at Zaxby's which so happens to be the first job I got and I have been there for almost two years. My goal to become a dermatologist isn't only about achieving personal success but it's about creating an impact. My biggest dream is to establish a clinic in underserved communities, making quality healthcare accessible to everyone. I first-hand understand how heartbreaking it is to see those health deteriorate because they are unable to afford to be taken care of. I want to make a change. I also want to motivate young women of color interested in science, showing them that they too can thrive in STEM fields. In 2019-2020 Black women who had STEM degrees only made up 3.0% of the population. Leadership is the art of igniting inspiration in others and I want to help bridge the gap. Volunteering at Give Kids the World during my limited free time has taught me that leadership is important. Engaging with families facing challenges while dedicating my time to activities with them has shown me that leadership is more about authority but about empathy and selflessness. Through interactions with other volunteers and families with children battling illnesses, I've come to understand that leadership fosters a sense of community and compassion. My experience here taught me that leadership is proactive and about inspiring positive change. In my college journey, leadership is sort of like a companion that guides my decisions and actions. My family's history, my academics, and my involvement in my community shape my leadership narrative. I lead by example, proving that adversity can be a stepping stone for growth. My father's relentless work ethic, sustaining our family serves as light through the challenges of academics and personal sacrifices. As I strive toward my goal of becoming a dermatologist, I recognize the significance of representation. Through this vision, I aspire to leave a legacy that my children will remember me for and hopefully pass on. My experiences, aspirations, and actions converge to illustrate leadership. I will continue to show determination, selflessness, and a strong desire to uplift those around me. Through my journey, I hope to be the example that inspires others to lead with purpose, resilience, and compassion.

In a world filled with challenges, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of STEM. My personal experiences, including my mother's battle with cancer, the struggles faced by my Nigerian immigrant parents, and the disparities in healthcare access I observed during trips to Nigeria, have made me passionate enough to pursue a career in STEM. Through my dedication to studying biology, attending medical school, becoming a dermatologist, and establishing my own clinic, my goal is to uplift underserved communities, mentor young girls in STEM, and address the underrepresentation of Black women in these fields. I strive to create positive change and foster a more inclusive and equitable society. From a young age, I was fascinated by engineering and dreamed of a career in that field. However, my journey took a different path when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Trips to the hospital made me realize the impact healthcare has on people's lives. I saw firsthand the challenges faced by patients, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, who struggle to access the care they need. These experiences inspired me to study biology in hopes of making a difference in healthcare. As I start pursuing my degree, my plan is to attend medical school and specialize in dermatology. I am drawn to this field because it allows me to combine my passion for science with my obsession with skincare. I also used to struggle with my skin a few years back and in search of a dermatologist, I was unable to find one who looked like me. I wanted to embark on that change. Moreover, my aspirations extend beyond the walls of a clinic. I am driven to establish my own practice that focuses on serving underserved communities. Having witnessed the lack of access to healthcare in Nigeria, I am committed to bringing quality medical services to those who need it most. By establishing a clinic in an underserved area, I hope to provide extensive care to individuals who need it. In addition, I am passionate about empowering young girls to pursue careers in STEM. Throughout my journey, I have observed the underrepresentation of Black women in these fields. According to statistics from the National Science Foundation, as of 2019, Black women accounted for only 2.9% of the science and engineering workforce in the United States. This disparity demonstrates the need for increased support and mentorship to encourage more Black women to enter and succeed in STEM fields. I aspire to be a mentor to these young women by sharing my own experiences and providing guidance to embrace their potential in STEM. In conclusion, my personal experiences, including my mother's battle with cancer, the challenges faced by my immigrant Nigerian parents, the disparities in healthcare access I witnessed, and my passion for empowering young girls, have shaped my determination to pursue a career in STEM. Through studying biology, attending medical school, becoming a dermatologist, establishing a clinic for underserved communities, and mentoring aspiring young girls, I strive to make a lasting impact on healthcare outcomes and address the underrepresentation of Black women in STEM. With my dedication, I am committed to creating a more inclusive society where access to quality healthcare and opportunities in STEM are widely available.

Life has a way of shaping our perspectives and inspiring us to make a difference. Speaking from my own experiences, such as my mother's battle with cancer, the challenges faced by my immigrant Nigerian parents, and the disparities I witnessed in healthcare access not just in the United States but in my home country, I am inspired to trying my best improving the lives of everyone around me. Through personal growth, volunteering, education, and advocacy, I know I am able to inflect positive change in my community, in healthcare, and in encouraging young girls in STEM fields. As the child of immigrant Nigerian parents, I witnessed firsthand the struggles they faced in providing for our family. My father worked tirelessly handling two jobs because my mother's battle with cancer had put us in a state of hardship. Sometimes I had to miss days of school and was unable to hang out with friends to be by my mother's side. These experiences instilled in me a deep appreciation for the importance of family and gratitude. I am also a consistent volunteer at Give Kids the World, an organization dedicated to providing magical experiences for children with illnesses. Interacting with families facing challenging circumstances, I witnessed how compassion and support help in bringing joy and hope to their lives. I appreciate all the other individuals who take the time out of their day to volunteer at GKTW to make sure these families have a great stay. Volunteering here has made me more open-minded, I am grateful to be able to serve in my community and I also plan to volunteer at more organizations in the future. Motivated by my mother's health struggles and the inequalities I observed during my last visit to Nigeria, I was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare. I plan to study biology at the University of South Florida and then head to medical school to study dermatology. My dream is to open my own clinic, particularly in underserved communities, where I can provide quality healthcare and address the disparities in access that I witnessed firsthand. Through my work, I hope to contribute to a world where healthcare is accessible to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. Healthcare should be a human right but unfortunately in some communities/countries, it's not and I want to do the best I can do to change what I can. There are disparities that exist within the STEM workplace, especially for women of color. When I was younger, I didn't get any type of mentoring when I showed interest in STEM careers. I want to be the one mentoring young women who are interested in STEM about STEM careers and the workplace. By sharing my own experiences and highlighting the challenges they may face, I aim to inspire them to pursue their dreams. Through mentoring, I hope to create a supportive environment where girls feel encouraged and confident in their abilities to excel in STEM fields. In my personal journey to make the world a better place, I draw strength from the challenges that I have faced and the experiences that have shaped me. By supporting my family, volunteering, pursuing a career in healthcare, and empowering young girls in STEM, I aim to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate society. I believe that every individual deserves access to healthcare, opportunities, and encouragement to pursue their passions.

One night, I was at a local fast-food place catching up with some old friends of mine. An hour passed by, and it was getting quite dark so we decided to head back home. On the way out of the restaurant, I spotted a homeless man straggling in, he walked up to the cashier and I overheard him asking her the cheapest thing on the menu. I refused to watch that encounter and leave, so I decided to walk up to him and offer to pay for his meal. He was so hesitant to order anything but I insisted. Once he got his food and thanked me and let me know that he appreciated what I had done for him. I talked to him a bit and he told me his story and that his name was Kevin. After our chat, I parted ways with him and went home. My friends were curious about what had happened, so I told them the whole story. They questioned why I decided to pay for his food and talk to him and I responded with "Why wouldn't I?". It made me realize, that there are not that many kind people in the world. I must say, you also do not need to gift/spend money on others in order to show kindness. From that day, I realized that I value kindness in myself and in others. I started to spend more time volunteering at my church and organizations such as Give Kids the World. Spreading kindness brought joy to my life. Being kind, led me to connect with new people and develop lasting friendships. Hopefully, I made an impact on individuals that led them to do the same, which can lead to a domino effect. It does not take much to help another person out. I also, still try to look out for Kevin to make sure he is doing alright. Be the change.

My mother took the day off work to complete the tedious task of working on my hair to perfect it for picture day. I rested my head between her knees while she raised the volume on the television and the sound of our favorite show filled the living room. She began to part my hair into sections with the plai na comb her mother had once used on her and began to oil my tender head. Feeling the sharp end of the comb scraping my scalp was a pain words simply could not describe. I tried my best to hold back the immense amount of tears that had to begin to well up in my eyes. We both hated hair days. My mom because of the stress from constantly tugging on my stupid, stubborn hair, and me, because of the pounding headache that made me want to ask my mother for a relaxer. Once she was done, she added pretty pink ballies into my thick 4c hair and held a mirror to my face, and exclaimed, “It looks so pretty!” I disagreed. It was our class’s turn for pictures. I scanned the space praying intensely that I would find someone who looked like me. Well, that prayer did not work. Fine strands of straight blonde-haired children crammed into the room, then there was me, being encircled by them, each one pestering me with a different comment or question about my hair that I felt forced to answer. Growing up, it was quite hard being the only kid with a dark complexion and big coily hair. I tried my best to be left unnoticed by others and to seamlessly blend in with my classmates but I never succeeded. That is why diversity in the workplace is extremely important to me. Working with coworkers, who not only look like me but also have similar ethnic backgrounds as me, makes me feel a connection that would help me communicate with them better. Since, I did not grow up with kids who shared the same ethnic background as me so, at times, it was hard for us to understand each of our struggles. Diversity in the workplace also provides countless different perspectives when it comes to certain challenges and problems. In a diverse workplace, coworkers are more likely to grow and learn from one another which demonstrates effectiveness. I am pursuing a degree in biology! I plan to either go to medical school in plans of being an orthodontist or a dermatologist. During my pre-teen years, I faced skin problems, such as severe acne. In search of a dermatologist, I tried my best to look for one who was a POC but I was unsuccessful. I wanted to put my trust in someone who has similar skin as me because they are more likely to be familiar with it. So, I am doing my best to break that. I want to make POC patients at ease when they go to a dermatologist because I understand that some things simply look different on darker skin tones.

Ever since I was a kid my Nigerian parents' goal for me was to either become a doctor or a lawyer, now that I am a senior I am conflicted on whether to follow their academic goals for me or my own. My goal in life is to be content with myself because I have struggled so much with self-love and to be financially stable. I know how to manage my money now but once I go off to college or even have my own family, I want to feel confident enough to not worry about bill payments or groceries.