Since childhood, I have been aware of the significant effect that neurological disorders may have not just on the individual, but on the entire family unit. My younger brother's autism diagnosis exposed me to the field of neuroscience and sparked an interest that has only grown stronger over time. Throughout his experiences and struggles, I came to understand the difficulties that many neurodivergent children have to face, especially those from underserved minority communities who lack access to proper treatment and support. Watching my brother navigate therapies, school, and everyday social interactions showed me that neurological disorders affect far more than a diagnosis. They influence a child's confidence, education, relationships, and future opportunities while also placing emotional and financial burdens on families. These experiences inspired me to pursue a career dedicated to improving both the quality of healthcare and the quality of life for children with neurological conditions. All too frequently, Black and Brown children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and many other neurological disorders remain underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or forgotten because of systemic healthcare inequities that are part of a broader pattern of discrimination. These injustices hinder the development of many children by denying them the early detection and personalized care they need. As a future neurologist, it is my intention to contribute toward addressing these disparities through research on new methods of diagnosis and intervention. I also hope to work alongside hospitals, schools, and community organizations to improve outreach and educate families about available resources so that advances in neuroscience benefit every community, not just those with the greatest access to care. In addition to medical intervention, I believe it is essential to incorporate art as a means of supporting cognitive and emotional development. Art, whether through drawing, music, or movement, has played a pivotal role in my own life and has served not only as an emotional outlet but also as a means of exploration and self-expression. Because of these experiences, I have come to appreciate that healing is not limited to medicine alone. Creative expression can help children develop fine motor skills, strengthen communication, improve sensory processing, and build confidence in ways that complement traditional medical treatments. I hope to incorporate these artistic approaches into my future work so that children are treated as whole individuals rather than defined solely by their diagnosis. My vision is to contribute positively to the world by combining scientific discovery with compassionate care. Through research, mentorship, advocacy, and collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, I hope to help create a future where all children, regardless of race, background, or diagnosis, have access to high-quality care and the opportunity to reach their full potential. By helping children thrive and supporting the families who stand beside them, I believe I can make a lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others.

From an early age, I witnessed the profound impact that neurological conditions can have, not just on individuals but on entire families. My younger brother’s autism diagnosis introduced me to the world of neuroscience, sparking a passion that has only grown stronger with time. Through his journey, I saw the challenges that many neurodiverse children face, especially those in underserved and minority communities where access to specialized care is limited. These experiences shaped my mission to use my STEM education, and in this case, STEAM, to advance neurological research and improve healthcare accessibility for children with neurological disorders. But my passion for helping others isn’t limited to the future, it’s something I act on now. As a member of the DeKalb County Youth Commission, I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with my community to create meaningful change. The most impactful initiative I’ve led was focused on addressing homelessness in DeKalb County. Through in-depth research and outreach, I came to understand how deeply systemic and often invisible this issue is, especially in Atlanta, where nearly 3,000 individuals are unhoused. Our policy initiative aimed to raise awareness and explore real solutions. By proposing partnerships with local businesses to offer rehabilitation resources, employment, and etiquette training, and structured month-long programs for progress assessments and long-term security, we designed a framework that was actionable and sustainable. When we presented our plan, the review board recognized the potential for real impact. Since then, I’ve seen how that policy has sparked more efficient and compassionate responses to homelessness within our county. These two paths, working with neurodiverse youth and advocating for unhoused populations, may seem different, but they are connected by a common goal: building a world where no one is overlooked. Too often, Black and brown children with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and other neurological conditions go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to systemic healthcare biases. Without early intervention and personalized support, they are left to navigate a world that doesn’t fully understand or support them. As a future neurologist, I plan to address these disparities by researching early diagnostic tools and intervention strategies while advocating for more inclusive healthcare practices. My goal is to bridge the gap between research and real-life community needs. I also want to integrate artistic therapies into my approach. Art has always been a meaningful outlet for me, and I believe creative expression can be a powerful tool for cognitive and emotional development. Whether through music, movement, or drawing, art therapy can help children improve motor skills, sensory processing, and social interactions in a way that feels empowering and joyful. After college, I will combine my scientific knowledge, creative interests, and community service experience to make lasting change. I envision creating holistic care programs that prioritize both medical advancement and human connection. By leading mentorship programs, advocating for equitable healthcare, and continuing policy work that uplifts the underserved, I plan to be a force for positive change in both my local community and the world at large. Through my commitment to service, I will continue working toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background, diagnosis, or current circumstances.