In the Fall I’ll be attending Howard University as a biology major. I’ve been working at a doctors office since the age of 15 and recently got my CNA license. One day I hope to become a physician. I’ve learned so much from working in a doctor’s office for the past 2 years. I’m excited to go to college and combine my learning from the clinical setting with the classroom setting. If I’m awarded this scholarship I’ll have the opportunity to focus on studying and volunteering instead of working to pay for college expenses. I have had a fascination with science since I was little. I drove my parents crazy because I was always conducting my own science experiments in the kitchen and creating a huge mess. When I was about nine, my parents jumped at the opportunity to sign me up for a subscription service and I began receiving science experiments in the mail. Those early at-home experiments are why I’ve never felt intimidated by science. I’ve always loved how science helps you understand the world around you. As a young child growing up in Atlanta, I was regularly exposed to the plight of the underprivileged. During the winter, my father and I would frequently feed and blanket the homeless. We started doing this as part of a community service program at the hospital where my mom worked. When you see how people’s faces light up when you hand them a bag of toiletries, a blanket, food, or a bottle of water, it’s hard not to be impacted. Not only did this exposure awaken me to the needs of others, but it made me grateful for all that I have and inspired me to give back to those less fortunate. In middle school, I explored every aspect of science available to me, from robotics to raising chickens. However, my eighth-grade CPR class was where I first discovered my passion for health sciences. I was fascinated by the science behind CPR, the equipment, and everything about the experience. I had an epiphany when I realized I could utilize science to help people and I knew it was something that I wanted to do. Too often individuals are denied basic human needs simply because they cannot afford them. I want to be a doctor and help the underserved because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. I can't help but notice the large number of people living in impoverished communities with few healthcare resources and physicians. In my own hometown of Atlanta, one of the two level 1 trauma centers closed this year. That hospital served many impoverished people, and now there is only one level 1 trauma center left to care for them. I want to be a doctor so that I can serve and advocate for those in need in my community and communities around the world.

I've had a fascination with the natural sciences since I was little. I drove my parents crazy because I was always conducting my own science experiments in the kitchen and creating a huge mess. We could never keep baking soda, vinegar, or food coloring in the kitchen when I was young, as they were used regularly in my at-home science experiments. When I was about nine, my parents jumped at the opportunity to sign me up for a subscription service and I began receiving science experiments in the mail. I have always been a hands-on learner, and because of my early science experiments, I never felt intimidated by science. I’ve always loved how science, particularly Biology and Chemistry, help you understand the world around you. I've spent my entire life attending schools with a low minority student population. From grades one through eight, I was one of two black students in my entire grade. This had a significant impact on my identity as a child. I felt awkward and I often felt like I was at a disadvantage in comparison to my peers. I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be black. Despite living in Atlanta and the cultural history and significance of the city, and everything my parents did to instill in me a sense of pride and gratitude for my heritage, I saw being black as a burden. In my daily life, it was a burden. I felt uncomfortable in my learning environment and I dreaded going to school. I spent more time focused on fitting in with my white peers rather than on learning. However, all of that changed in my fifth-grade Biology lab. I was so engrossed when conducting experiments and I enjoyed what I was learning in class so much that nothing else mattered. In middle school, I took every science elective they had. I’ve done robotics and even taken care of chickens. By the time I got to CPR class in eighth grade, I was definitely hooked on science and found that I was particularly interested in how science can be used to help people. My overall goal in life is to become a doctor and help others. I was able to get a job at a pediatric office when I was fifteen. I started out scanning documents into the medical chart, but within six months I’d worked my way up to patient care technician intern. I’m currently an intern because I don’t have any medical credentials, but in January I will begin courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Even though I have a very small role to play in their care, I love talking with the patients as I take their vitals and record the reason for their visit. I love hearing about their conditions and watching the doctors take care of them. I’ve learned so much from the physicians I work for and I know that’s what I want to do with my life.

I have had a fascination with science since I was little. I drove my parents crazy because I was always conducting my own science experiments in the kitchen and creating a huge mess. When I was about nine, my parents jumped at the opportunity to sign me up for a subscription service and I began receiving science experiments in the mail. Those early at-home experiments are why I’ve never felt intimidated by science. I’ve always loved how science helps you understand the world around you. As a young child growing up in Atlanta, I was regularly exposed to the plight of the underprivileged. During the winter, my father and I would frequently feed and blanket the homeless. We started doing this as part of a community service program at the hospital where my mom worked. When you see how people’s faces light up when you hand them a bag of toiletries, a blanket, food, or a bottle of water, it’s hard not to be impacted. Not only did this exposure awaken me to the needs of others, but it made me grateful for all that I have and inspired me to give back to those less fortunate. In middle school, I explored every aspect of science available to me, from robotics to raising chickens. However, my eighth-grade CPR class was where I first discovered my passion for health sciences. I was fascinated by the science behind CPR, the equipment, and everything about the experience. I had an epiphany when I realized I could utilize science to help people and I knew it was something that I wanted to do. I was able to get a job at a black owned pediatric practice when I was fifteen. I started out scanning documents into the medical chart, but within six months I’d worked my way up to patient care technician intern. In January I will begin courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Even though I have a very small role to play in their care, I love interacting with the patients as I take their vitals. I love hearing about their conditions and watching the doctors care for them. Working with the physicians has been an amazing opportunity. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the healthcare field and my experience has strengthened my determination to become a doctor. Too often individuals are denied basic human needs simply because they cannot afford them. I want to be a doctor and help the underserved because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. I can't help but notice the large number of people living in impoverished communities with few healthcare resources and physicians. In my own hometown of Atlanta, one of the two level 1 trauma centers closed this year. That hospital served many poor and needy people, and now there is only one level 1 trauma center left to care for them. I want to be a doctor so that I can serve and advocate for those in need in my community and communities around the world. As an aspiring black female doctor, I plan to use my degree to open up affordable health centers in Atlanta. Eve r since the trauma center closed, there has been a large population of black people who are in need of quality health care.

I have had a fascination with science since I was little. I drove my parents crazy because I was always conducting my own science experiments in the kitchen and creating a huge mess. When I was about nine, my parents jumped at the opportunity to sign me up for a subscription service and I began receiving science experiments in the mail. Those early at-home experiments are why I’ve never felt intimidated by science. I’ve always loved how science helps you understand the world around you. As a young child growing up in Atlanta, I was regularly exposed to the plight of the underprivileged. During the winter, my father and I would frequently feed and blanket the homeless. We started doing this as part of a community service program at the hospital where my mom worked. When you see how people’s faces light up when you hand them a bag of toiletries, a blanket, food, or a bottle of water, it’s hard not to be impacted. Not only did this exposure awaken me to the needs of others, but it made me grateful for all that I have and inspired me to give back to those less fortunate. In middle school, I explored every aspect of science available to me, from robotics to raising chickens. However, my eighth-grade CPR class was where I first discovered my passion for health sciences. I was fascinated by the science behind CPR, the equipment, and everything about the experience. I had an epiphany when I realized I could utilize science to help people and I knew it was something that I wanted to do. I was able to get a job at a pediatric practice when I was fifteen. I started out scanning documents into the medical chart, but within six months I’d worked my way up to patient care technician intern. In January I will begin courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Even though I have a very small role to play in their care, I love interacting with the patients as I take their vitals. I love hearing about their conditions and watching the doctors care for them. Working with the physicians has been an amazing opportunity. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the healthcare field and my experience has strengthened my determination to become a doctor. Too often individuals are denied basic human needs simply because they cannot afford them. I want to be a doctor and help the underserved because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. I can't help but notice the large number of people living in impoverished communities with few healthcare resources and physicians. In my own hometown of Atlanta, one of the two level 1 trauma centers closed this year. That hospital served many poor and needy people, and now there is only one level 1 trauma center left to care for them. I want to be a doctor so that I can serve and advocate for those in need in my community and communities around the world. I'm applying to this scholarship because, as an aspiring black female doctor, I know that it can contribute to funding my education which will enable me to achieve my dream of becoming a physician. I am willing to prepare for the many challenges in life and my chosen career path so that I can use my skills to serve the communities that need it most.

I believe that everyone deserves a chance to be seen. No matter where we're from, we all deserve the opportunity to be seen and heard. Too often people are overlooked or ignored simply because they don’t meet some social standard. I have advocated for positive social change in my community by shining a spotlight on groups that are seen but unseen. Since my freshman year of high school, I have been using my hobbies of photography and journalism to highlight the homeless and mentally disabled; people who are often viewed as inferior to the rest of society. In my freshman year, I created an art gallery of homeless people around the Metro Atlanta area. I interviewed them and took their photos. I enjoyed doing this and had planned to grow this project outside of school. Weeks later the Covid-19 pandemic shut everything down, including my plan. I knew I wanted to continue highlighting others, so I pivoted to advocacy that didn’t require me to be physically present. I began working for my grandmother submitting Medicaid claims at the age of 13 and Graham’s House of Hope was one of the customers I submitted claims for. When covid-19 hit in 2020, I partnered with Graham’s House of Hope, a group home for the developmentally disabled, and that partnership continues today. I create quarterly newsletters that highlight the activities and accomplishments of the residents. Those newsletters are shared with their families and the community. It helps others see that they’re just like the rest of us. With my newsletters I tell their stories, share recent photos and demonstrate the importance of recognizing that our commonalities are greater than our differences. My bond with the Graham’s House of Hope residents has grown so strong simply because I see them how I see everyone else. I’m relatively new to social change and advocacy. For most of my life, I was a shy, quiet kid who wouldn’t even stand up for herself. However, as I mature, so does my sense of responsibility to positively impact the world around me. I can't help but notice that too often individuals are denied basic human needs simply because they cannot afford them. I want to be a doctor and help the underserved because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. I can't help but notice the large number of people living in impoverished communities with few healthcare resources and physicians. In my own hometown of Atlanta, one of the two level 1 trauma centers closed this year. That hospital served many poor and needy people, and now there is only one level 1 trauma center left to care for them. I want to be a doctor so that I can serve and advocate for those in need in my community and communities around the world.

I have had a fascination with science since I was little. I drove my parents crazy because I was always conducting my own science experiments in the kitchen and creating a huge mess. When I was about nine, my parents jumped at the opportunity to sign me up for a subscription service and I began receiving science experiments in the mail. Those early at-home experiments are why I’ve never felt intimidated by science. I’ve always loved how science helps you understand the world around you. As a young child growing up in Atlanta, I was regularly exposed to the plight of the underprivileged. During the winter, my father and I would frequently feed and blanket the homeless. We started doing this as part of a community service program at the hospital where my mom worked. When you see how people’s faces light up when you hand them a bag of toiletries, a blanket, food, or a bottle of water, it’s hard not to be impacted. Not only did this exposure awaken me to the needs of others, but it made me grateful for all that I have and inspired me to give back to those less fortunate. In middle school, I explored every aspect of science available to me, from robotics to raising chickens. However, my eighth-grade CPR class was where I first discovered my passion for health sciences. I was fascinated by the science behind CPR, the equipment, and everything about the experience. I had an epiphany when I realized I could utilize science to help people and I knew it was something that I wanted to do. I was able to get a job at a pediatric practice when I was fifteen. I started out scanning documents into the medical chart, but within six months I’d worked my way up to patient care technician intern. In January I will begin courses to become a certified nursing assistant. Even though I have a very small role to play in their care, I love interacting with the patients as I take their vitals. I love hearing about their conditions and watching the doctors care for them. Working with the physicians has been an amazing opportunity. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the healthcare field and my experience has strengthened my determination to become a doctor. Too often individuals are denied basic human needs simply because they cannot afford them. I want to be a doctor and help the underserved because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. I can't help but notice the large number of people living in impoverished communities with few healthcare resources and physicians. In my own hometown of Atlanta, one of the two level 1 trauma centers closed this year. That hospital served many impoverished people. I want to be a doctor so that I can serve and advocate for those in need in my community and communities around the world.

Throughout elementary school and middle school, it was unknown to everyone that I have ADHD, and because of this, I struggled a lot. I absolutely hated school, simply because I wasn’t good at it. I had a habit of comparing myself to my classmates, who were all very competitive, fast-paced learners, so naturally, I couldn’t keep up with them. Every day after school I would cry in the car on the way home because I felt inarticulate. I knew I was intelligent, but I could never express it. It felt as if my classmates were sailing away and I was left on the dock. As I watched my friends make honor roll and principal's list, I would always sit in the crowd and ask myself, “what is wrong with you?”. . My teachers often treated me as if I were below average, and it embarrassed me in class. For instance, I was publicly praised for receiving grades over 75 percent. I became extremely depressed. Thankfully, my parents recognized that there was a chance I had a learning difference, so they got me tested. I was diagnosed with ADHD at age thirteen and was prescribed medicine. Days after I started my medication, my grades instantly improved. I was switched to advanced courses and began receiving academic awards. At eighth-grade graduation, I went home with academic awards and certificates. Since my diagnosis, I learned that there is nothing wrong with having ADHD. At first, I was embarrassed to tell my friends and teachers, but now I have learned to embrace it. It is a part of me, but it does not define who I am. At first, I thought medicine was making me more intelligent, but as I grew older, I learned that it aids me in bringing out my intelligence. Once I receive my degree in biology, I plan to continue to medical school. My overall goal is to become a practicing physician. As I am becoming a young woman, I am starting to gain an understanding of who I truly am. I have a natural passion for helping others. Whether the gesture is small or large, it is reassuring to know that you can offer a helping hand to those in need. Though I have ADHD, I have learned that it does not define who I am and the person I want to become. Ever since I embraced my ADHD I have had more confidence in myself which has guided me closer to achieving my goals. I began working in a pediatric office as a medical record intern at the age of fifteen. Now, at the age of seventeen, I am a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant in the state of Georgia. Too often people with ADHD and other learning disabilities are looked past. There have been many instances where I wasn’t given opportunities due to my diagnosis. Many people don’t realize that we are capable of the same things as everyone else, and I want to help prove that we are more than a learning disability. Especially as a young black woman I want to be and influence other black girls around the world. There is a lack of black representation in medicine and I want to help fill that gap. Through this scholarship, I can pay for my education and follow my dreams. I want to become a physician so I can help others just like me feel comfortable in their shoes.

I have had a fascination with science since I was little. I drove my parents crazy because I was always conducting my own science experiments in the kitchen and creating a huge mess. When I was about nine, my parents jumped at the opportunity to sign me up for a subscription service and I began receiving science experiments in the mail. Those early at-home experiments are why I’ve never felt intimidated by science. I’ve always loved how science helps you understand the world around you. As a young child growing up in Atlanta, I was regularly exposed to the plight of the underprivileged. During the winter, my father and I would frequently feed and blanket the homeless. We started doing this as part of a community service program at the hospital where my mom worked. When you see how people’s faces light up when you hand them a bag of toiletries, a blanket, food, or a bottle of water, it’s hard not to be impacted. Not only did this exposure awaken me to the needs of others, but it made me grateful for all that I have and inspired me to give back to those less fortunate. In middle school, I explored every aspect of science available to me, from robotics to raising chickens. However, my eighth-grade CPR class was where I first discovered my passion for health sciences. I was fascinated by the science behind CPR, the equipment, and everything about the experience. I had an epiphany when I realized I could utilize science to help people and I knew it was something that I wanted to do. I was able to get a job at a pediatric practice when I was fifteen. I started out scanning documents into the medical chart, but within six months I’d worked my way up to patient care technician intern. In March, I received a Certified Nursing Assistant License. Even though I have a very small role to play in their care, I love interacting with the patients as I take their vitals. I love hearing about their conditions and watching the doctors care for them. Working with the physicians has been an amazing opportunity. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the healthcare field and my experience has strengthened my determination to become a doctor. Too often individuals are denied basic human needs simply because they cannot afford them. I want to be a doctor and help the underserved because I believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. I can't help but notice the large number of people living in impoverished communities with few healthcare resources and physicians. In my own hometown of Atlanta, one of the two-level 1 trauma centers closed this year. That hospital served the majority of the impoverished population, and now there is only one level 1 trauma center left to care for them. My dad and I still take time to give resources to those in need. Every time we go out, a mass number of people request medicine which is something we can't provide. I want to be a doctor so that I can serve and advocate for those in need in my community and communities around the world. I'm applying to this scholarship because, as an aspiring black female doctor, I know that this scholarship will fund my education and enable me to achieve my dream of becoming a physician. I know I will be prepared for challenges in life and my chosen career path so that I can use my skills to serve communities that need it most.