I have always been passionate about helping people, especially children. Growing up with two younger sisters made me their natural caregiver, protector, and nurturer. As a teen, my summers were filled with volunteering as a camp counselor and I received so much fulfillment from supporting, mentoring, and improving the well-being of the children around me. I was inspired to start my journey in healthcare a few years ago, when I was assigned to one camper who will always have a special place in my heart. Lucia was born prematurely, and because of complications, struggled with motor skills that affected her walking, running and using the stairs. She wore braces to support her legs and walked with an abnormal gait; it was obvious to see that she was uncomfortable and suffering at such a young age. She grew very attached to me and it was hard to watch her struggle to keep up with other kids. At that point in time, I couldn’t help Lucia with her handicap, and it was heart-wrenching to witness all that she had to miss out on because of her physical limitations. By the end of that summer, I realized my calling - I wanted to learn how to help and treat those who struggle with physical obstacles and other medical conditions. In the summer of 2021, I obtained my New York State EMT Certification from the Northwell Health Institute, along with a certification for BLS/CPR. I received a comprehensive education and training on patient care, trauma and medical emergencies, and more. With my certification, I have gained direct experience with patient care through my volunteer role at the Carle Place Fire Department, as well as through my EMT position at the YMCA summer camp. As an EMT, I have been able to care for patients and give back to my community in this early stage of my career. I have gained so much fulfillment from treating, caring, and transporting patients during medical emergencies. I have learned how to best individualize patient care, how to be empathetic and attentive to each patient, and how to collaborate and communicate with my team and coworkers. One of my family’s biggest financial burdens is the additional cost of care for my younger sisters. From specialty doctors, psychologists, therapists, tutors, and extra classes, the bills add up. Many of these practitioners do not accept insurance so the fees are out of pocket. We constantly have to pick and choose who we can afford for them to see. These financial obstacles in my own family have shone the light on larger issues which affect so many. They have taught me numerous lessons, many of which will influence my medical career. Specialized healthcare in the U.S is often too expensive for many to afford, as I've seen up close. Mental health issues have also been a rising concern in our country, and if untreated can severely affect the individual and family. As I continue on my pre-med journey, I hope to be part of the solution for those who can't afford medical care, whether it be through volunteering my time, setting up programs, or working at a practice that ensures all people receive quality medical care, no matter their social or economic circumstances. As a pediatrician, I hope to relieve the worry of parents who cannot afford to bring their children to an expensive doctor - no parent should have to worry about balancing their child's health needs with affordability. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship, and it would be an honor to carry on the dream of William Griggs.

I found myself incredibly passionate about and intrigued by the science courses I have been enrolled in throughout my undergraduate education. Genetics introduced me to the inner, detailed workings of our genes and patterns of inheritance - our unit on cancer cells especially interested me. Taking a molecular biology lab not only taught me useful lab skills, such as replica plating, PCR, and Western blotting, but enabled me to write a 16 page experimental paper on my findings. Organic chemistry lab allowed me to experiment with different compounds and lab techniques, and I was able to use my knowledge to design my own experiment to find the properties of an unknown compound. I greatly enjoyed the hands-on experience of working in these labs and I was inspired to continue my journey of studying science in a concrete, and even impactful way. I hope to continue gaining important research experience over the course of my career in biology, such as learning new techniques in the lab and foundational research skills. I hope to form meaningful relationships with my peers and mentors, and work alongside others to make important findings in our case studies. Research has the ability to bring real, meaningful change to the world, especially medical research, and I want to contribute to such findings as much as possible. My long-term goal is to graduate from Boston College with a Biology B.S degree, and continue my pre-med journey by attending medical school. I look forward to continuing my undergraduate education, gaining knowledge, real-life experience, and mentorship along the way. I hope to one day give back to my community in a meaningful way, by helping families and children in one of the most significant aspects of their lives: their health and well-being. I've always been passionate about working with children in the future, and the field of pediatrics allows me to use the knowledge I've gained as a woman studying biology in life-changing ways.

I hope to one day give back to my community in a meaningful way, by helping families and children in one of the most significant aspects of their lives: their health and well-being. My long-term goal is to graduate from Boston College with a Biology B.S degree, and continue my pre-med journey by attending medical school. I look forward to continuing my undergraduate education, gaining knowledge, real-life experience, and mentorship along the way. I have been working incredibly hard towards this goal for the past two years of my undergraduate experience, evidenced through my coursework, extracurriculars, and healthcare related experiences. I have picked up many studying strategies that have helped me achieve and overcome some of my most difficult courses, including genetics, organic chemistry, and molecular cell biology. Moreover, I am determined to be involved in as many extracurriculars as I can - this includes being a member of clubs such as Pre-Mendel Society and Women in STEM, treasurer for the Armenian Club, and even joining Women's Rugby. This past summer, I also gained first-hand experience of being an employee in the healthcare industry and was able to absorb a significant amount of information about the human body, medication and drugs, the hospital industry, and more. I am so grateful for my EMT education and experience for various reasons - not only did I end my summer feeling incredibly knowledgeable , I felt confident in my abilities to care for patients and my desire to pursue a career in healthcare was even stronger. Building on all of these experiences I have had, I will continue working towards my goal by staying dedicated to my education and taking as many opportunities as I can to gain hands-on experience, whether that be through meaningful research in a lab or direct patient care.

I have always been passionate about helping people, especially children. Growing up with younger sisters made me their natural caregiver, protector, and nurturer. As a teen, my summers were filled with volunteering as a camp counselor and I received so much fulfillment from helping, mentoring, and improving the well-being of the children around me. I was inspired to start my journey in healthcare a few years ago, when I was assigned to one camper who will always have a special place in my heart. Lucia was born prematurely, and because of complications, struggled with basic motor skills like walking, running and more. It was obvious to see that she was uncomfortable and suffering at such a young age. She grew very attached to me and it was hard to watch her struggle to keep up with other kids. At that point in time, I couldn’t help Lucia with her handicap, and it was heart-wrenching to witness all that she missed out on because of her physical limitations. By the end of that summer, I knew I wanted to to help and treat those who struggle with physical obstacles and other medical conditions. As the eldest sibling of three, I was the first child to go off to college. My family struggled with making the decision of which college I would attend, while also worrying that I would be in a program that prepared me for medical school. A huge part of our struggle is the enormous cost of undergraduate education coupled with years of medical school. Financially, we had to take out student and parent loans to cover the entire cost of my undergraduate schooling. By the end of just four years of college, we will have approximately $180,000 in loans before I even start med school. Coming from a family with two younger siblings, I am painfully aware of the financial limitations we are under. Both of my sisters have learning disorders (one is in special ed) which adds the burden of additional doctor’s visits, therapies, tutors, classes, medications. I have contributed what I can by babysitting, tutoring, summer jobs, and jobs on campus. One of my family’s biggest financial burdens is the additional cost of care for my younger sisters. From specialty doctors, psychologists, therapists, tutors, and extra classes, the bills add up. Many of these practitioners do not accept insurance so the fees are out of pocket. We constantly have to pick and choose who we can afford for them to see. These financial obstacles in my own family have shone the light on larger issues which affect so many. They have taught me numerous lessons, many of which will influence my medical career. Specialized healthcare in the U.S is often too expensive for many to afford; as I've seen up close. Mental health issues have also been a rising concern in our country, and if untreated can severely affect the individual and family. As I continue on my pre-med journey, I hope to be part of the solution for those who can't afford medical care, whether it be through volunteering my time, setting up programs, or working at a practice that ensures all people receive quality medical care, no matter their social or economic circumstances. As a pediatrician, I hope to relieve the worry of parents who cannot afford to bring their children to an expensive doctor - no parent should have to worry about balancing their child's health needs with affordability. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship, it would be an honor to carry on the dream of Manny & Sylvia Weiner.

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing, and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” -William Saroyan This quote refers to the 1915 Armenian Genocide, and how, despite the gruesome obstacles they’ve faced, the Armenian race will continue to live on and leave a legacy. More than one million Armenians were killed, starved, and beaten during the Genocide, and my great grandparents were extremely lucky to have escaped. Without their bravery, I wouldn't be here today. This speech evokes in me a feeling of love for my people and a desire to persevere. It inspires me because it reminds me of how strong and resilient my ancestors were in a time of crisis and unimaginable fear and pain. It proves that no matter what we Armenians go through, we will never give up, and we are determined to make our stories heard. It is my responsibility to educate the world on our history. Recently, we commemorated the 100th year anniversary of the Genocide. It was an indescribable feeling to see thousands of my people travel to New York City to stand in honor of those we lost, and to come together at such a painful time. We marched, sang, and danced to remind the world that you will never get rid of us, and we will continue to leave our mark on the world. I take pride in my heritage and in my people. My heritage has made me who I am; it has made me strong-willed and fierce, and eager to show off my culture to the rest of the world. It pushes me to reach my fullest potential in order to make this community of people proud. It shows me that determination and perseverance runs in my blood, and inspires me to be the best person I can be, and to always be involved in my Armenian community. I know I will always have the support of my friends, family, and Armenian community in any journey I undertake, and this quote is a constant reminder of how incredibly lucky I am to have been born into this beautiful and unique culture.