Age
18
Gender
Female
Ethnicity
Prefer Not To Answer
Hobbies and interests
Art
Volunteering
Shandy Williamson
425
Bold Points1x
FinalistShandy Williamson
425
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Current Full time student and employee at the University of Central Florida pursuing a Bachelors in Health Sciences. I previously earned my Associates degree in general studies through a high school dual enrollment program at Florida SouthWestern State college. Labelle High School in Hendry county has the lowest graduation rate in the state of Florida I did not let this stop my effort in education as a first-generation student.
Education
University of Central Florida
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
Florida SouthWestern State College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Volunteer Activities Director
Labelle Health and Rehabilitation Center2022 – 20231 yearTeam Member/ Trainer/ Prep Chef
Chick-Fil-A2020 – Present5 years
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Dr. Michael Paglia Scholarship
Healthcare chose me when my grandmother was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer four years ago. I had no plans of going to college or any knowledge of how to apply, but that changed when I began to see my education as a privilege. Instead of listening to classic rock on the way to school each morning with her, I started walking and making sure to text her before I made it inside to wish her a good day, knowing she would experience pain for the next week after her chemo appointment.
During my junior year, I was introduced to a three-year Biomedical program through Biotility at UF, where I excelled and completed the program within two years. This accomplishment inspired me to do more research into further education. However, I was stopped in my tracks when the question arose, "How will I afford college?" This led me to discover that my high school had a dual enrollment partnership with Florida SouthWestern State College.
Over the course of my last two years at LaBelle High School, I earned over 60 credit hours through dual enrollment. The mile-long walks to that small college building ultimately helped me earn my Associate’s degree at no cost. Knowing my family did not have the finances to support my education, I made do with what I was dealt and found programs like dual enrollment to support me. Despite not having family or friends to seek guidance from, I pushed through and applied to several universities in Florida.
I was accepted to seven universities with my application, and out of those, I chose the University of Central Florida to study Health Sciences on the pre-clinical track. After graduating in Spring 2027, I plan to apply to medical schools and eventually focus on neurological and oncological health. I also plan to make healthcare more accessible in my small community. LaBelle has one small family clinic that only serves certain illnesses due to financial constraints, as well as a lack of equipment and staff. Many patients with cancer and chronic illness must drive themselves an hour into the next town to receive treatment and checkups. By finishing my education, I hope to bring a new clinic to serve people like my grandmother. When already worried about one's health, the last thing they should have to think about is whether they can make it to their treatment center. With your support, I can continue to pay for my education at the University of Central Florida and serve my community.