As a little girl, I knew that I had a passion for the medical field. I used to have a Fisher-Price doctor play set that I would play with every day. I still remember the bright teal bag that came with its own toy stethoscope, bandage, injection, blood pressure cuff, and thermometer. I remember how much joy I would have from "healing" my "patients", which were stuffed animals and various Barbie dolls. Growing up in Sidney, Nebraska, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience the quiet and peaceful lifestyle unique to Nebraskans. I am surrounded by different cultures and people from all walks of life, who all have a special story of their own. Being part of such a close-knit community allowed me to feel valued because I was comforted knowing that I had neighbors and friends who could rely on me, and I could rely on them. However, along with the advantages of living in a rural community, there are also its disadvantages. I know the hardships of growing up in a rural city. Word travels fast, and sometimes that is not good. Healthcare privacy can be hard to maintain in rural communities since everybody knows everybody, and sadly people can be judged just on their medical diagnoses, such as depression. I know women and fellow girls in my community who suffer from depression but are either too afraid to get a proper diagnosis for fear of being judged or just take some medication since we lack enough therapists and access to specialized healthcare in our area. In a city of 6,349+ people, we only have two therapists who stay in the city. They are booked for months, and many just live their lives without the help they need due to the high demand and shortage of therapists. Sometimes, in school, depression is made fun of by other kids and is not understood. Some friends in my school have been told by their peers to "stop being sad" or "toughen up". Just because a lady needs medical treatment, it does not mean that she is unable to thrive or that her worth goes down. I believe that women do not deserve this stigmatization. Unfortunately, in rural areas, women do not always receive the care they need because they need more specialized treatment, and that can be hard to access in rural areas. My ambition is to make a positive impact in rural areas and support the women of rural areas. I will achieve this by becoming a Physician Assistant. As a Physician Assistant, I can come back to my rural community and get women in touch with medical professionals that they need, while taking care of them. For example, if they need to see a therapist or need to get in touch with a gynecologist, I am there for them to get the help they need, while checking in on them as their possible primary physician. I plan to provide privacy for my patients, taking care of their wishes regarding how their health is monitored and shared. Growing up in a rural place, I can be an advocate for these women who need help, since I have seen it firsthand. I plan to provide care for them by being their physical and emotional support. With my drive to pursue education and with your scholarship, I will use it to further my education so I can one day help women in rural areas get the care they deserve. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to apply for your scholarship, and putting in time to consider my application.