My mind clicked into focus as I grabbed the next patient's folder "You're going to need two masks, good luck," a more experienced coworker scoffed, barley hiding her disdain. I looked over to find that behind her a glass window acted as the only separation between that comment and the patient. An elderly man sat alone, sniffling and avoiding eye contact, his eyes traced the tiled clinic floor. In that moment, I reminded myself of the importance of humility in healthcare. It was my first day working unpaid as a medical assistant intern. Rather than allowing the comment to influence my attitude and perception, I chose to lead with empathy. Walking into the lobby waiting area I held a warm smile and greeted the patient, leading him to Exam Room 1. As we entered the room, he immediately began apologizing "I'm sorry I took a nap earlier... and this bag on my stomach... I had to get a ride. I know I smell terrible..." His voice trailed off. I could sense his embarrassment and discomfort. Suppressing any frustration from my coworker's words, I focused entirely on the patient. I kept a compassionate tone and reassured him, "I appreciate your honesty. Don't feel ashamed we all have hard days. I'm just happy to see that you came into the clinic today." He looked up at me with glassy eyes, and I began to realize how much these simple words meant to him. That moment of connection opened the door for deeper conversation. He confided in me about his struggles with home care, and I later was able to work with the team and bring attention to this patient. Together, we coordinated a referral that could better meet his wound care needs. To some, this might seem like a routine clinical encounter. To me, it was a very significant experience. Being a humble care provider means treating every person with dignity, no matter their circumstances. To feel that being humble is not just a task but a mindset. I believe that when patients are met with humility, they are more likely to trust providers, share important information, and ultimately receive better care. This experience reinforced my belief that humility isn't just about a sense of quiet confidence, it's about active listening, sincere empathy, lifting others up, and leading by example, even when others don't. That day, I didn't just meet expectations, I chose to embody the kind of provider I aspire to be everyday.

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.