@saumya0070

At seven years old I remember sitting on the couch and staring out the window. All my friends were playing outside in the grass. I heard laughter and I felt so sad that I wasn’t able to go play with them. All of the kids had their new bikes out and were zooming around with their parents off on the sidewalk talking and watching. All I knew then was that my mom would not go out with me, and I was too young to go off alone. What I didn’t see back then, was how much that killed my mom, how much pain she was in to not even be able to get out of bed to play with her kid. What I didn’t know was that my mother was clinically depressed. This hopeless ignorance of mine would continue until I turned 15. By the miracle of Therapy and Doctors, by the time I had hit 13 my mom was back to being her cheery excitable self, but one day she sat me down and told me her struggles. How when I was too young to care, she had battled the demons of depression - and most of all how her doctors and therapists had helped pull her out. It was then that I looked at my upbringing differently, I thought long and hard about how my most meaningful relationship in the world was not only touched but saturated in mental health issues. This was the catalyst for the woman I am today. I took that spark I felt at hearing my mom talk about who saved her and I channeled that into my education - using it to fuel my passions to where I stand today. I am now a student at the University of Virginia studying Global Public Health and working my way to an application to Medical School. As a First Generation American, a woman in STEM, and a person of color, I will not lie and say it was easy to find my place in this world, but the strength with which I not only watched my mom recover herself but in the countless women I have watched in my family battle things from mental health to Breast Cancer with empathy in their hearts for others has inspired me to forge on forward. My life has been touched by many more than just my mother’s, but her struggles, her challenges, have taught me to care for others. My new goals in life are to save others from the pain she felt that is all too real in this world. These experiences have also brought on a sort of compassion and empathy that is hard-earned in my personal relationships. Medical school is an aspiration for me, but the path to medical school is nowhere near easy, and it is most definitely an expensive one. This scholarship would do a world of helping in supporting me by covering my living costs as well as giving me the time to dedicate to my outreach and my academics. I have always wanted to save others - the only difference is that at seven years old I wanted to be a superhero. Now I want to become a Doctor.

Leadership is a cornerstone of any enterprise. As a multifaceted young woman, I have tried to put on the hat of leadership in a variety of ways to help swears not just my organizations, but also my society towards the direction I want it to be in. As Miss India Maryland and Miss India USA 1st RU, I have learned the humbling strength of sisterhood. I have been able to stand as a leader in my area for young women of South Asian descent and advocate for them. Through my STEM presentations at local schools and my interviews, I have tried to make my mission of bridging the gap between Scientific learning and Scientific understanding stand at the forefront of my actions. As the Under Secretary General of Media for Model UN at the University of Virginia, I have taken on the responsibility of creating social media posts for the Virginia International Crisis Simulation (VICS) and handling all communication with other colleges attending the conference. Additionally, I have been involved in merchandise design, website management, and updates, ensuring effective promotion and engagement with participants. As a writer for the Cavalier Daily newspaper at the University of Virginia (UVA), I have utilized my leadership skills to provide a student perspective on UVA-centered developments in Health and Sciences. Through my articles, I try to inform and engage readers while presenting a well-rounded view of the core science. Looking toward the future, I aim to continue honing my leadership abilities by taking on challenging roles that allow me to make a positive impact. I currently volunteer at my local animal shelter as well as at the Crisis Textline to help humans and pets alike and strive for a more harmonious world. Whether it is through research, advocacy, or community initiatives, I aim to make a difference in improving healthcare access, equity, and overall well-being. By leading by example and encouraging others to join in these efforts, I envision creating a lasting impact that positively influences individuals and communities. Ultimately, my goal is to utilize my leadership skills to drive positive change, empower others, and contribute to the advancement of public health on a global scale. To do so, my goals include going to Medical school to wear a white coat and aid people when they need it most. As a Public Health student and aspiring doctor, I want to bring change into the Healthcare world and not only advocate for patients, but change the system to keep them in mind.

I realize that my passion for superheroes ignited a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by real-life heroes—the everyday individuals battling their inner demons. As a little girl, I was waiting for a radioactive spider to bite me and make me a web-slinging Superhero. As I got older, I recognized being a true hero was not in possessing superhuman abilities but in lending a compassionate ear and offering unwavering support to those who need it most. So one day, I chose to trade in dreams for a cape for a comfy pair of sweatpants and became a Crisis Textline Counselor. As a Crisis Textline Counselor, I am privileged to walk alongside people during their darkest hours. Texters come to me with dark thoughts that weigh down their hope, convincing them that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. With heartfelt conversations, I am able to guide them toward a place of hope, helping them rediscover their inner strength and resilience. Watching as my texters are able to take our conversations and pick themselves up gives me so much hope and joy for the world. Humanity has come so far because each and every one of us is resilient and driven. Every now and then, there are also conversations that weigh heavily on my soul, where my words are not enough to pull some light into their lives. In those moments, I have to remind myself that my role is to be there, to listen, and to extend empathy. As a Pre-Medical Student at the University of Virginia and a First Generation American from Northern Virginia, I am driven to shatter the mold. My goal is to continue saving lives by becoming a doctor. This goal requires unwavering perseverance, unyielding dedication, and unfortunately, financial resources. This is where this scholarship will be able to help cover some living costs and textbook prices. Every cent will help me work towards my goals and be able to dedicate more of my brainpower to my academics and volunteering. Financial worries are a constant in adult life, but having someone look at me and believe in me and my mission is enough to not only support me financially but also validate that my goals are worthy of support and prospering. With the backing of this scholarship, I can confidently march forward, knowing that a community of individuals recognizes and believes in my potential to bring about positive change in the world.

As an aspiring physician and a current Crisis Textline counselor, my goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and their families by becoming a compassionate and approachable medical professional. I believe that healthcare is a fundamental human right and that everyone deserves access to quality care regardless of their socioeconomic status. I have committed to work hard to achieve this goal and have since enrolled at The University of Virginia. My experience as a Crisis Textline counselor has been transformative. I have had the opportunity to listen to people's pain and be there for them in their time of need. One particular moment that stands out to me was when a young girl texted in with suicidal thoughts. Through a series of text messages, I was able to offer her support, encouragement, and resources. It was a powerful moment when she realized that she was not alone and that there were people who cared about her. This experience not only helped her but also helped me acknowledge my own struggles and heal myself through helping her. This scholarship would be a significant help in covering the expenses of my classes, but it would also be an affirmation that my hard work is recognized and valued. Pre-medical students often face significant academic and emotional pressure, and it can be challenging to maintain motivation and optimism. Receiving this award would be a source of encouragement and motivation for me to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a physician. I believe that being a physician is not just about medical knowledge but also about interpersonal skills, empathy, and compassion. As a physician, I want to be approachable and create a safe and welcoming environment for my patients. I want to take the time to listen to their concerns, fears, and hopes and help them make informed decisions about their health. I am committed to lifelong learning and to keeping up with the latest research and advances in medicine to provide the best care for my patients. I am passionate about healthcare, and I believe that by working hard and being compassionate, I can make a positive impact on the lives of my patients and their families. To continue my impact on my community at the university, I have been volunteering at the local animal shelter as well as started writing health and science-based articles for my school paper. This paper helps me take large research leaps and communicate them to every student at the university.

“How?” That one word has been something that have fueled me to take on more and excel in everything I pick. The fascination in my parents eyes when they see just now much I am taking on in my life. My drive has been the key thing to push my this far. I set my mind to something and once I do, I never pivot away. This comes hand in hand with my constant curiosity which has made me into a diversified person who enjoys everything from volunteering with animal shelters to robotics. I always had a desire to explore and learn, and a determination to succeed, and these qualities are valuable in the field of medicine, where dedication and lifelong learning are essential for success. I hope to become a physician to give back to my community while pushing the field to grow into a more inclusive place. As someone who is driven and curious, I have always been committed to academics and personal growth. I love to learn and have a natural curiosity about everything around me. This has led me to do research at my university while also taking hobbies and skills. My cup is never empty because I find joy in learning so many new things. My newest skillset has been learning how to do sound mixing to create soundtracks that can be backdrops for anyone. A side effect of my varied interests has been the pushback I receive from people who are quick to generalize. This past year I competed in a beauty pageant and found some success there. Standing on the stage gave me comfort and I felt so free while I spoke to hundreds of people about my passions. Unfortunately, many people were quick to judge that I could either be beauty or brains. Using my education to do Chemistry experiments as my talent, I was able to show the world that those are not mutually exclusive, and as a result, I have grown far more resilient. My determination to be true to myself and explore all of my interests have grown and now I love meeting young girls and showing them that liking make-up and gears is not a bad thing. My desire to give back to my community through medicine is a daunting goal. As one of the longest educational paths, I have a long road ahead of me, but with my qualities I know I will achieve my dreams. As a doctor, I will have the opportunity to provide medical care to people who might otherwise not have access to it while advocating for the causes I believe in within the community. As a woman of color, I have firsthand seen the health disparities in this world and I want to become a part of the solution.

As a first-generation American, generational wealth has been something I had thought about a lot. My parents are from India and they immigrated to the United States before I was born. The fundamental part of generational wealth is the idea that multiple generations have had the opportunity to exist and grow. In my case, I am the first in my family to be born on American soil, and anything that may remotely be considered "generational" that I might inherit is oceans away in a place where I do not feel at home. I have been fortunate enough that my parents were able to find success here and we have lived a comfortable life, so my few of generational wealth is something I want to be able to create on my own to leave for my children to help them thrive. My personal idea of generational wealth is both concrete and subjective. On one hand, the monetary assets that I can leave for my children are something I think about as a bit of "wealth," but on the other hand, I also think that the connections, resources, and people I'll get to know in my life will also serve as resources for my children. A major hurdle for many first-generation Americans like myself is the fact that we don't have a support system or connections that our family can use to help guide us on our path. I see the power of those connections far more than any money I can leave for my descendants. In many ways, generational wealth is just a parent's attempt at giving their child the best foot forward in life. Whether that comes in the form of money, assets, or connections, generational wealth is something that I can do to make my life more impactful for the coming generations. Being at a university has opened countless doors for me and has encouraged me to strive further in life so that someday my children will have the same chances to meet new people and forge connections that can help them learn about the world. My aspiration to become a physician will give me a stepping stone to help my children push further in life. The beauty of life is that every generation wants to do better than the last and in the end, my small steps will be part of the generations of grit and determination before me.

As a first-generation South Asian American, my AAPI has shaped almost everything about me. From growing up with lentils and rice to hearing my mom’s prayers every morning. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the values of respect, hard work, and integrity, which have become the guiding principles of my life while my western surroundings in America taught me to trust my intuition and stay true to who I am. Both of these colliding environments coexist and find peace in me. One of the things that I appreciate most about my culture is the emphasis on community and family. As with many eastern traditions, family and community are the key central pillar of life. Through this, I have been able to create and maintain some remarkably close ties with friends and family while also supporting and uplifting one another. Another part of my culture that I value the rich religion and spirituality. As a Hindu, I grew up with the fantastical stories of the gods and goddesses which helped shape my morals and how I have learned to find solace and strength in my faith, and it has been a source of comfort and guidance throughout my life. My religion has taught me to treat all beings with compassion and respect, and to strive for the greater good. I have also come to embody integrity and personal strength as a Judge and Investor at the University Judiciary Committee at the University of Virginia (UJC at UVA) and as a writer for The Cavalier Daily newspaper. As a member of UJC, I am responsible for helping create a university system that truly reflects the student body while maintaining the safety and integrity of all students who are held to the highest ethical standards. This role has taught me to understand and implement fairness, transparency, and impartiality. As a writer for the Cavalier Daily, I have the responsibility to understand the weight of my words and how to best use them to help my community. Despite the challenges of being a first-generation South Asian American, I am proud to be a brown woman. My AAPI heritage has taught me to be resilient in the face of adversity, to value education and hard work, and to always strive for excellence in all that I do. From the vibrant traditions of South Asia to the rich cultural heritage of the Pacific Islands, AAPI culture is immensely diverse and creates room for everyone. It has helped me find who I am while still honoring my western upbringing, and will continue to thrive and encourage others to find themselves. Overall, my AAPI culture has taught me to be proud of who I am, embrace my history, and apply myself in ways that can help my community. Whether I am serving on UJC, reporting for The Cavalier Daily, or hanging out with friends, I am trying to implement integrity for my community. AAPI culture is not just a set of customs or beliefs that create spirituality – it is a diverse and beautiful way of living life that gives rise to integrity, honesty, and depth.

Science is much like the all pervasive narrative of rules that makes our reality what it is today. The apple must fall down due to gravity and the neuron must fire forwards due to the axon flow. These fundamental rules are ones we live with every day even if we are not aware of them, but knowledge is power, and when it comes to humanity’s progress, knowledge is our best chance at survival. As a Pre-Medical sciences student with a background in Engineering studies, I stand at the cusp of life and science in the most literal way possible, but it is truly my fascination with the human mind that has shown me the real importance of science. My perspective has helped me seek and understand other people’s experiences while learning more about what is and isn’t possible with our current means. This also means that I have had to know people whom science has failed. The cancer patients who lost their breath, the mother’s who felt nothing but anguish for their newborn who was no more. All of these moments - the moments where all hope feels lost - are exactly where I have seen science save us. The pain and anguish fuel our need to learn more about the world around us. It fuels us until we hit the wall and then it fuels us over and over until we break that wall and succeed. Love took Nurse Caroline Hampton from ripped hands to gloves. Rage took us from guns to atomic weapons. And regret took us from atomic weapons to nuclear power to light homes instead of missiles. Science has never been an unfeeling beast of equations, but instead if a label for the irrefutable progress that humanity carries at it’s heart. Science’s importance to society is just as inconspicuous as it is blatant. Innovation’s killer affects stem from it’s ability to be just as glamours as Silicone Valley’s finest while simultaneously existing in the basement box of an 8th grader. Science is inevitable innovation due to the rage of a curiously hopeful mind and somehow, by some miracle, humanity has founds wheels, medicine, space ships, and millions of other innovations that have helped us thrive. All of this, called my any name, is still fundamentally science, and without it we would still be lost on a planet that we just happened to be lucky enough to be on.

*beep* The flatline. The one sound no one ever wants to hear. The one sound that a doctor will do anything to prevent. No matter how many years of training, organic chemistry exams passed, or even sleepless nights spent in the ER - sometimes it is impossible to put off the inevitable. As the doctor comes out with a solemn expression and eyes of care, the family begins to grieve what could have been - regrets, memories, and frustration come pouring out. The preparations for a funeral, a cremation, a burial. So much comes down not only to the life of the patient but also to the culture of the family. Many times this culture, this inner meaning is left at the door of the white-washed hospital. All personality whipped from a family with the intent to health the body but ending up stifling the soul. As an aspiring Global Public Health Major with dreams of applying to medical school, those few moments drive my passion. Patients come from all socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds, so to ensure that their treatment and their family’s grief are understood and valued, so should most doctors. Global Public Health pulls back the curtain on medical infrastructure and policies to show the workings of this system that was not built for minorities - allowing an opportunity to make it more inclusive and holistic. Diversity is one of the many cogs needed to create a healthcare environment that values every patient and family and allows understanding and empathy. It is with diversity that a system as expansive as healthcare can truly help everyone it is built to help. An important scope I have learned about is the idea that it is hard to help heal someone who does not trust you. Unfortunately, too many times, patients feel a power imbalance with their physicians which can result in important symptoms and feelings not being expressed. This is a key issue that increased diversity would help prevent. As a student still in my undergraduate years, I am a far way from the halls of a hospital, but I know that diversity is something I need to see in my workplace because too often I see myself as the only woman - the only person of color - at a table. If I can be there for others like me, I can help provide for others what I have not always found. I can help be the difference. The tireless nights I spend preparing for the MCAT are all spent in hopes that I too can someday be a part of this system and help bring another perspective to the table - because diversity is not something to want from a workplace. It is something to demand.