
Hobbies and interests
Swimming
Acting And Theater
Movies And Film
Running
Reading
Self-Help
I read books daily
Stephanie Ayala
545
Bold Points1x
Finalist
Stephanie Ayala
545
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hi, my name is Stephanie. I am the first in my family to attend college and I am pursuing medicine in the near future. Let me tell you a little bit about myself I grew up in a two-parent low-income immigrant household in Queens, New York. I am very proud to be from Queens. It is the most diverse place in the world. Go Mets!!!! At a very young I learned what hard work and discipline were. My parents would take me to work with them from 4 am to 9 pm. I learned very quickly that discipline teaches you to stay focused on your goals and hard work teaches you to work 10x harder than anyone else who is achieving the same goal as you. My goal in life is to be the first one in my family to graduate from college and go pursue medical school. Becoming a doctor has always been my goal as a little kid. Every summer as a child, I would go to my mother's native country to visit my grandma. My grandma was a retired military doctor she would volunteer her weekends and help people who did not have access to medical care and would cure them with medicine or do surgical procedures for free. I would accompany her every weekend for 3 months straight. That's where my passion to study medicine started. I would be a great candidate for a scholarship because with this scholarship, I can finish school without worrying about how do I figure out how much money I need for next semester or if I can afford it. I am secure that I can finish college without the stress of worrying. With this scholarship it will not only change my life, but I can change hundreds or thousands in the future.
Education
University of Houston-Downtown
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biology, General
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:
surgeon
Dream career goals:
Front desk receptionist
Astoria Pediatrics2019 – 20223 years
Sports
Soccer
Varsity2017 – 20192 years
Track & Field
Varsity2016 – 20204 years
Volleyball
Varsity2019 – 20201 year
Research
Biochemical Engineering
student researcher2022 – Present
Arts
William Cullen Bryant High School Performance arts program
TheatreRent the musical2016 – 2017
Future Interests
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Artense Lenell Sam Scholarship
My name is Stephanie Mariel, and I have always believed in the power of helping others. From a young age, I saw how small acts of kindness could leave lasting impressions. Whether it was a teacher staying after school to tutor a struggling student or a nurse comforting a patient in pain, these moments showed me that compassion can make a real difference. Witnessing these examples inspired me to build a life and career focused on service, compassion, and giving back to the community.
Today, I am pursuing a degree in Biology with a pre-medical focus. I chose this path because it combines my love for science with my passion for helping people. Becoming a physician is not just about treating illnesses; it is about caring for the whole person—offering hope, support, and understanding during their most vulnerable moments. My ultimate goal is to work in underserved communities where access to healthcare is limited. I want to ensure that every individual, regardless of where they live or what resources they have, can receive quality medical care.
However, my ambitions go beyond a career title. I believe that true success comes from the impact we have on others, not just our own achievements. Outside of my future profession, I plan to stay involved in my community through volunteering at clinics, mentoring younger students who dream of careers in healthcare, and creating outreach programs that promote health education and wellness. I believe that healthcare and education are connected—when people are educated about their health, they are empowered to make better decisions for themselves and their families. By sharing knowledge and resources, we can help communities grow stronger and healthier.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that meaningful change does not happen overnight. It takes patience, hard work, and a willingness to show up, even when progress feels slow. I am committed to putting in the effort, not just in my career, but in my daily life. Whether it's offering my time, my skills, or simply listening to someone who needs support, I want to live my life in a way that reflects my values of service, compassion, and dedication.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the journey in front of me. I know there will be challenges and obstacles, but I believe that every experience will help shape me into the person and professional I aspire to become. My dream is to leave a positive mark on every community I serve, to lift others up, and to inspire the next generation to do the same.
I am proud of where I am today, and even more excited about the impact I can make in the future. My goal is simple: to leave every place and every person better than I found them, and to live a life dedicated to service, growth, and hope.