Going to college would mean I’d be the third person in my family to graduate from a 4-year college. This is meaningful to me as a second generation immigrant because of hearing and seeing the hardships my family has been through. I watched my single mother struggle with working and furthering her education while taking care of two kids. Although it was very hard on my family, she did whatever she could to make sure my sister and I weren’t aware of her struggles and kept us happy. Furthering my education by going to college would be a way of honoring my mother who set the stepping stone by immigrating to the U.S at the age of 18 and completing her college education. My mother being the first child out of six to complete a college education entails her being the motivator of the family. She constantly encourages her nieces, nephews, neighbors and even strangers on the street to stay in school and get their degree. She has always believed in receiving higher education, and so do I, because I’ve seen what it has done for my family. Watching my mother go from working part time in a kitchen to becoming a full time staff accountant is truly amazing. Although we still don’t have it all and some struggles still reside, I'm grateful for how far we have come in life and that we have enough to get by. If it hadn’t been for my mother using her pain as motivation, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and thanks to that college degree, she has even been able to put me through private school, something she always dreamed of but wasn’t able to do. I’m glad that she was able to reach her dream and I know by going to college and putting in the necessary work I’ll be able to reach mine. Although many people have heard of scoliosis, few understand patellar instability, which occurs when the kneecap slips out of the groove in the femur, potentially leading to dislocation. I first experienced this while sitting cross-legged, I stood up and felt something pop. I screamed—not just from the pain but because a parent passing by suggested my kneecap might be broken. Kudos to her. From that day on, my life changed completely. My experiences with pain, physical therapy, and learning to manage my conditions have fueled my desire to enter the medical field. I want to help others the way doctors have helped me, and the lack of female black professionals in the field has only motivated me more. I’m determined to be part of that change and serve as a role model for those who don’t often see themselves represented. Thanks to physical therapy, I can now live an almost normal teenage life without constant discomfort or back pain. Scoliosis not only affected me but also my mother, who was extremely worried and still is at times—that I’d be bullied because of my spinal deformity. Her fear of me wearing a back brace was heightened, but didn’t last long since we couldn’t afford one. Overall, I hope to also become the motivator that my friends, family, and strangers need who will tell them education matters and having a degree is valuable. A degree may not define you but it can certainly open up many doors you didn’t even know existed. I can say so because I've seen the value of education on a personal level. Going to college means that I'll be able to support my household and be an example for those around me.

Going to college would mean I’d be the third person in my family to graduate from a 4-year college. This is meaningful to me as a second generation immigrant because of hearing and seeing the hardships my family has been through. I watched my single mother struggle with working and furthering her education while taking care of two kids. Although it was very hard on my family, she did whatever she could to make sure my sister and I weren’t aware of her struggles and kept us happy. Furthering my education by going to college would be a way of honoring my mother who set the stepping stone by immigrating to the U.S at the age of 18 and completing her college education. My mother being the first child out of six to complete a college education entails her being the motivator of the family. She constantly encourages her nieces, nephews, neighbors and even strangers on the street to stay in school and get their degree. She has always believed in receiving higher education, and so do I, because I’ve seen what it has done for my family. Watching my mother go from working part time in a kitchen to becoming a full time staff accountant is truly amazing. Although we still don’t have it all and some struggles still reside, I'm grateful for how far we have come in life and that we have enough to get by. If it hadn’t been for my mother using her pain as motivation, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and thanks to that college degree, she has even been able to put me through private school, something she always dreamed of but wasn’t able to do. I’m glad that she was able to reach her dream and I know by going to college and putting in the necessary work I’ll be able to reach mine. Although many people have heard of scoliosis, few understand patellar instability, which occurs when the kneecap slips out of the groove in the femur, potentially leading to dislocation. I first experienced this while sitting cross-legged, I stood up and felt something pop. I screamed—not just from the pain but because a parent passing by suggested my kneecap might be broken. Kudos to her. From that day on, my life changed completely. My experiences with pain, physical therapy, and learning to manage my conditions have fueled my desire to enter the medical field. I want to help others the way doctors have helped me, and the lack of female black professionals in the field has only motivated me more. I’m determined to be part of that change and serve as a role model for those who don’t often see themselves represented. Thanks to physical therapy, I can now live an almost normal teenage life without constant discomfort or back pain. Scoliosis not only affected me but also my mother, who was extremely worried and still is at times—that I’d be bullied because of my spinal deformity. Her fear of me wearing a back brace was heightened, but didn’t last long since we couldn’t afford one. Overall, I hope to also become the motivator that my friends, family, and strangers need who will tell them education matters and having a degree is valuable. A degree may not define you but it can certainly open up many doors you didn’t even know existed. I can say so because I've seen the value of education on a personal level. Going to college means that I'll be able to support my household and be an example for those around me.

Going to college would mean I’d be the third person in my family to graduate from a 4-year college. This is meaningful to me as a second generation immigrant because of hearing and seeing the hardships my family has been through. I watched my single mother struggle with working and furthering her education while taking care of two kids. Although it was very hard on my family, she did whatever she could to make sure my sister and I weren’t aware of her struggles and kept us happy. Furthering my education by going to college would be a way of honoring my mother who set the stepping stone by immigrating to the U.S at the age of 18 and completing her college education. My mother being the first child out of six to complete a college education entails her being the motivator of the family. She constantly encourages her nieces, nephews, neighbors and even strangers on the street to stay in school and get their degree. She has always believed in receiving higher education, and so do I, because I’ve seen what it has done for my family. Watching my mother go from working part time in a kitchen to becoming a full time staff accountant is truly amazing. Although we still don’t have it all and some struggles still reside, I'm grateful for how far we have come in life and that we have enough to get by. If it hadn’t been for my mother using her pain as motivation, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and thanks to that college degree, she has even been able to put me through private school, something she always dreamed of but wasn’t able to do. I’m glad that she was able to reach her dream and I know by going to college and putting in the necessary work I’ll be able to reach mine. Although many people have heard of scoliosis, few understand patellar instability, which occurs when the kneecap slips out of the groove in the femur, potentially leading to dislocation. I first experienced this while sitting cross-legged, I stood up and felt something pop. I screamed—not just from the pain but because a parent passing by suggested my kneecap might be broken. Kudos to her. From that day on, my life changed completely. My experiences with pain, physical therapy, and learning to manage my conditions have fueled my desire to enter the medical field. I want to help others the way doctors have helped me, and the lack of black professionals in the field has only motivated me more. I’m determined to be part of that change and serve as a role model for those who don’t often see themselves represented. Thanks to physical therapy, I can now live an almost normal teenage life without constant discomfort or back pain. Scoliosis not only affected me but also my mother, who was extremely worried and still is at times—that I’d be bullied because of my spinal deformity. Her fear of me wearing a back brace was heightened, but didn’t last long since we couldn’t afford one. Overall, I hope to also become the motivator that my friends, family, and strangers need who will tell them education matters and having a degree is valuable. A degree may not define you but it can certainly open up many doors you didn’t even know existed. I can say so because I've seen the value of education on a personal level. Going to college means that I'll be able to support my household and be an example for those around me.

Going to college would mean I’d be the third person in my family to graduate from a 4 year college. This is meaningful to me as a second generation immigrant because of hearing and seeing the hardships my family has been through. I watched my single mother struggle with working and furthering her education while taking care of two kids. Although it was very hard on my family she did whatever she could to make sure my sister and I weren’t aware of her struggles and kept us happy. Furthering my education by going to college would be a way of honoring my mother who set the stepping stone by immigrating to the U.S at the age of 18 and completing her college education. My mother being the first child out of six to complete a college education entails her being the motivator of the family. She constantly encourages her nieces, nephews, neighbors and even strangers on the street to stay in school and get their degree. Although times have changed, she still believes in receiving higher education and so do I, because I’ve seen what it has done for my family. Watching my mother go from working part time in a kitchen to becoming a full time staff accountant is truly amazing. Although we still don’t have it all and some struggles still reside, I'm grateful for how far we have come in life and that we at least have enough to get by. If it hadn’t been for my mother using her pain as motivation, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and thanks to that college degree, she has even been able to put me through private school, something she always dreamed of but wasn’t able to do. I’m glad that she was able to reach her dream and I know by going to college and putting in the necessary work I’ll be able to reach mine. Overall, I hope to also become the motivator that my friends, family, and strangers need who will tell them education matters and having a degree is valuable. A degree may not define you but it can certainly open up many doors you didn’t even know existed. I can say so because I've seen the value of education on a personal level. Going to college means that I'll be able to support my household and be an example for those around me.

Going to college would mean I’d be the third person in my family to graduate from a 4-year college. This is meaningful to me as a second generation immigrant because of hearing and seeing the hardships my family has been through. I watched my single mother struggle with working and furthering her education while taking care of two kids. Although it was very hard on my family, she did whatever she could to make sure my sister and I weren’t aware of her struggles and kept us happy. Furthering my education by going to college would be a way of honoring my mother who set the stepping stone by immigrating to the U.S at the age of 18 and completing her college education. My mother being the first child out of six to complete a college education entails her being the motivator of the family. She constantly encourages her nieces, nephews, neighbors and even strangers on the street to stay in school and get their degree. Although times have changed, she still believes in receiving higher education and so do I, because I’ve seen what it has done for my family. Watching my mother go from working part time in a kitchen to becoming a full time staff accountant is truly amazing. Although we still don’t have it all and some struggles still reside, I'm grateful for how far we have come in life and that we at least have enough to get by. If it hadn’t been for my mother using her pain as motivation, we wouldn’t be where we are today, and thanks to that college degree, she has even been able to put me through private school, something she always dreamed of but wasn’t able to do. I’m glad that she was able to reach her dream and I know by going to college and putting in the necessary work I’ll be able to reach mine. Overall, I hope to also become the motivator that my friends, family, and strangers need who will tell them education matters and having a degree is valuable. A degree may not define you but it can certainly open up many doors you didn’t even know existed. I can say so because I've seen the value of education on a personal level. Going to college means that I'll be able to support my household and be an example for those around me.

The Shayna most people know is happy, empathetic, a team player, determined, and wise. I’ve always been considered the “mother” of my friend group. My entire life, I’ve done everything I can to make others happy, even when I was suffering. What most people don’t know is that, since a young age, I’ve struggled almost daily with scoliosis and patellar instability. These health challenges have not only shaped me but also ignited my interest in becoming a surgeon. Though many people have heard of scoliosis, few understand patellar instability, which occurs when the kneecap slips out of the groove in the femur, potentially leading to dislocation. I first experienced this in fourth grade. While sitting cross-legged, I stood up and felt something pop. I screamed—not just from the pain but because a parent passing by suggested my kneecap might be broken. Kudos to her. From that day on, my life changed completely. My experiences with pain, physical therapy, and learning to manage my conditions have fueled my desire to enter the medical field. I want to help others the way doctors have helped me, and the lack of black professionals in the field has only motivated me more. I’m determined to be part of that change and serve as a role model for those who don’t often see themselves represented. Thanks to physical therapy, I can now live an almost normal teenage life without constant discomfort or back pain. My scoliosis not only affected me but also my mother, who was extremely worried and still is at times—that I would be bullied because of my spinal deformity. Her fear of me wearing a back brace was heightened, but that didn’t last long since we couldn’t afford one. Little did I know that the life science classes I took—like Biology and Chemistry—would play such a significant role in my life. I no longer see my physical condition as an obstacle; instead, it has become my path to dive deeper into healthcare studies after high school. If it hadn’t been for my outstanding teachers and the rigorous Cristo Rey curriculum, I might not have been exposed to those science classes. Now, as a young adult, I not only continue to pursue these critical subjects, but I’m excited to dive deeper and contribute to research and work toward improving treatments for patients with conditions like mine. At times, dealing with my health issues has made me feel weak, and I’ve questioned whether I’d reach my goal of becoming a surgeon. But the pain motivates me to keep going. This same determination fueled me to take part in Brown University’s Introduction to Medicine summer program. The three-week experience strengthened my resolve to become a physician by giving me a glimpse of what medical school and clinical work entail. It allowed me to dream of becoming a medical student. The experience gave fodder to my vision to make medicine my life's work. I won’t let my conditions dictate my future, and no matter what path my life takes, I know I’ll be successful. One day, I will be the surgeon I’ve always seen in my mind's eye, helping those who, like me, live with pain and uncertainty. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my struggles don’t make me weak—they’ve made me unstoppable, more resilient, and allergic to average. These challenges have shaped me into someone who understands the importance of perseverance and compassion. I no longer hide my pain or view it as a burden, but rather as a testament to my strength. I use it as fuel to lead, inspire, and serve others. I’m not just determined to succeed for myself; I want to pave the way for others who may doubt their potential. As I continue my path, I will lead by example, showing that no matter what life throws at me, I will always have the power to rise above it.

Growing up in an underprivileged family taught me creativity and resilience. Left to raise two kids alone, our hardships motivated my mother to pursue her degree and secure a job that met our needs. While tough, her perseverance inspired me to face all obstacles courageously. My childhood was different from my friends’ but it inspired me to aid those in circumstances similar to mine and inspired me to join my school’s social justice club. While other children binge watched shows on Disney and Nickelodeon, I binge watched couponing shows, trying to find ways to help my family get by. I missed out on extracurriculars, school events, and time with friends but it was all in sacrifice to help my mother take care of my sister. When there wasn’t hot water, we’d turn it into a race, carrying pots from the kitchen to the bathroom before the water cooled. It was actually a lot of fun. These moments taught me to transcend my environment's barriers by turning my negative situations into positive experiences. My childhood motivates me to be more than what my environment sets for me. I constantly reflect on my journey, which only pushes me to work harder so that one day my children will have everything I didn’t. I admire my mothers perseverance and her strength to turn her pain into motivation. Her perseverance drives me to overcome all barriers that I am presented with in the future. At the 2023 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, I delivered a speech to Senator Chuck Schumer’s representatives advocating for educational equality. My speech was deeply personal because I had faced the same barriers I addressed. Participating in a club that fights for equity matters to me because we are actively working towards change. I know what it feels like to see injustice happen and feel hopeless because you don’t believe there’s anything you can do about it. I want to show others that they, too, can use their voices to dare to grow our communities by advocating for necessary reform. I hope that I can bring these beliefs and values not only to Vanderbilt’s social justice organization but also to the community as a whole. At Vanderbilt, I know I can get my dedication to innovation, compassion, and determination to overcome obstacles to the school community. As I dare to grow at Vanderbilt, I will continue to use my personal experiences to empathize, connect with, and advocate for the communities I encounter. Through Vanderbilt’s social justice organization, I will deepen my understanding of various injustices and work with my peers to create solutions that help those affected. I hope my involvement shows others that they can also dare to use their voices to advocate for necessary reform and community development.