What sets me apart is not only my ambition to become a physician but also the resilience I've developed through learning responsibility, managing pressure, and persevering. I am currently in the final stage of my Master's degree in Biomedical Science—very close to the finish line. However, my journey has not been without obstacles. Over the past year, I have balanced rigorous coursework, MCAT preparation, volunteer commitments, and significant personal responsibilities, including caring for my family and managing my own health. At times, the weight of these responsibilities became overwhelming, stretching me physically and emotionally. Despite this, I persevered. I made the difficult but necessary decision to delay my graduation from May to August to ensure I could complete my thesis with the necessary depth and quality that showcases my skills. I considered this choice carefully—I recognized I needed extra time, not due to a lack of ability, but to maintain the integrity of my work and my well-being. It was a growth moment, prioritizing long-term success over immediate stress. As I approach the conclusion of my program, financial challenges have emerged as a major obstacle. I have put in immense effort to reach this stage and am committed to finishing my degree. Yet, without extra support, the costs of tuition and other expenses could jeopardize the progress I have worked so hard for. This scholarship would offer the stability needed for me to dedicate myself entirely to completing my thesis, graduating in August, and pursuing my goal of attending medical school. Outside of academics, my experiences have cultivated a deep sense of compassion and resilience in me. Volunteering at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM), I have assisted pediatric patients and their families during sensitive times. Whether engaging in playroom activities or interacting at the bedside, I've observed how even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact. These moments have strengthened my commitment to a career in pediatrics, where I can integrate scientific expertise with empathy and human connection. Simultaneously, I have assumed leadership and mentorship roles, helping peers through their academic and personal struggles. I know what it's like to bear pressure privately, and I aim to create an environment where others feel supported and motivated. My family has profoundly influenced my journey. Balancing their presence with my education has been challenging, yet it has instilled in me a strong sense of purpose. Their sacrifices inspire me to persevere through tough times. My efforts are not solely for personal success, but also to build a future where I can repay the support of the people and communities that have uplifted me. One of my greatest achievements is not only my academic progress but also my personal growth. I have learned to manage anxiety, recover from burnout, and develop a healthier, more sustainable approach to success. Now, I value resilience, growth, and the positive influence I can have on others, rather than perfection. What distinguishes me is my capacity to keep moving forward despite competing responsibilities and challenges. I have developed the ability to adapt, persevere, and stay committed to my goals while maintaining my well-being. Receiving this scholarship would enable me to finish this last phase of my graduate studies with concentration and stability. It would help reduce my financial stress and also confirm that my perseverance and commitment are recognized and appreciated. I'm very close to reaching my goal. With your support, I will be able to cross this finish line—more confident, better prepared, and ready to advance on my path to becoming a physician who combines expertise with compassion.

For a long time, I thought strength meant pushing forward regardless of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious. I carried this belief throughout college and into my graduate studies, setting an unrelenting standard of perfection for myself. On the outside, I appeared successful—I was working on a master's in biomedical science, preparing for medical school, volunteering in healthcare, and building a promising future. However, inside, I was struggling in ways I didn't fully realize. The pressure to always 'do everything right' weighed heavily on me. I kept doubting whether I studied enough, performed well, or did enough to secure my future. This constant anxiety affected every part of my life, making rest feel guilty and achievements less satisfying. I started to feel burnout—a mental exhaustion that no effort seemed to alleviate. Instead of relaxing, I worked harder, thinking that more effort would help me escape the feelings. At times, I felt overwhelmed by everything, with self-doubt and fear of failure dominating my thoughts. These moments made me realize how quickly people can resort to unhealthy coping strategies to silence such feelings. Although my experience didn't shape who I am, it revealed the vulnerability that comes with ignoring mental health. It highlighted the importance of support, awareness, and adopting healthier coping mechanisms. My turning point occurred when I understood I couldn't keep living under constant pressure and self-criticism. I needed to learn to care for myself as I someday hoped to care for others. That insight was both challenging and life-changing. I worked on restoring my relationship with myself by practicing self-awareness, such as acknowledging when I was overwhelmed rather than ignoring it. I grew more comfortable with establishing boundaries for my time and energy, which initially felt difficult but proved essential. I introduced a healthier structure into my life through routines that supported both my academic pursuits and mental health. Reflection and purposeful rest became important tools for processing my thoughts instead of pushing them aside. One of the key shifts involved developing self-compassion. For someone who had always equated success with achievement, this was challenging. I had to let go of the belief that my worth depended on productivity. I came to realize that growth results from balance, patience, and resilience, rather than relentless pressure. These experiences have significantly influenced my current self and my goal to become a compassionate physician. Volunteering in healthcare environments has revealed to me how many people silently fight mental health issues. My personal journey has deepened my empathy—not only for patients' physical health but also for their emotional struggles. I aspire to be a doctor who sees the patient as a whole person, beyond just their medical condition. My educational goals are still driven by my passion for medicine. I plan to keep progressing academically, perform well in my studies, and prepare for medical school. Yet, my idea of success has shifted from aiming for perfection to focusing on growth, purpose, and making a difference. I am particularly eager to contribute to a healthcare system that emphasizes mental health awareness in patient care and works to diminish stigma. As I progress in my recovery, I stay dedicated to the habits and mindset that have contributed to my growth. I focus on structure and routines, now aimed at fostering balance instead of causing burnout. I keep a close eye on my mental health, identifying early signs of stress and taking actions to manage them. I remain engaged with supportive networks—be it through mentorship, peers, or healthcare communities—ensuring I never face challenges alone. For me, recovery isn't a final goal but a ongoing choice for growth, even during tough days. It involves showing up for myself with the same compassion I wish to extend to others. Although my journey has been challenging, it has strengthened me, increased my self-awareness, and deepened my empathy. I have learned that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but rather the basis of resilience. This resilience will remain with me as I continue my recovery and pursue my future career as a physician.

Adversity quietly crept into my life, not as a sudden event but as a gradual, persistent change within my body. Receiving diagnoses of PCOS and hypothyroidism felt like my body was no longer in my control. My energy levels fluctuated unpredictably, my weight shifted despite my efforts, and fatigue settled over my days like a heavy shadow I couldn't escape. It was deeply frustrating to put in effort and feel like my body was working against me. I couldn't keep up with my schedule or responsibilities, and it slowly left me feeling disappointed and angry with myself. Initially, I internalized this struggle, questioning my discipline, motivation, and worth. In a world that often equates productivity with value, I felt like I was falling behind. Juggling graduate coursework, MCAT prep, and volunteer work while coping with these feelings was like climbing a mountain on unstable ground. Some days, just completing my tasks demanded more strength than I believed I possessed. I realized that overcoming adversity isn't about pushing my body to meet unrealistic standards; it's about understanding it. I started caring for my health intentionally rather than out of frustration. I learned about my conditions, modified my routines, and prioritized rest without feeling guilty. I built sustainable habits that aligned with my body's needs instead of fighting against them. My progress shifted from striving for perfection to maintaining consistency. I stopped waiting for perfect clarity and moved forward steadily, trusting that every step was important. This adversity transformed me in unexpected ways. It taught patience in a world that values quick results and fostered self-compassion during times of doubt. It enhanced my resilience—not by ignoring difficulties but by adapting and persisting. Most crucially, it grew my empathy. Volunteering at CHAM allows me to connect more genuinely with patients facing uncontrollable conditions. I grasp what it feels like to be limited and understand the significance of being acknowledged, listened to, and supported. My journey has reinforced my commitment to becoming a physician. Living with chronic conditions has highlighted the importance of healthcare providers listening, validating, and adopting a holistic approach to their patients. I aim to be a physician who not only treats symptoms but also understands the person behind them. To anyone dealing with similar difficulties, I would say: your body isn't your foe, even if it seems like it. Challenges might reduce your speed, but they don't dictate where you're headed. Be gentle with yourself. Set your own standards of progress. Strength isn't always loud or obvious—it's in the quiet resolve to persist, especially on tough days. Living with PCOS and hypothyroidism has been a journey of overcoming resistance, uncovering a profound inner strength. I've discovered that despite a body that often feels unpredictable, I can create stability, find purpose, and maintain forward progress—one step at a time.

Growing up in a single-parent household, I saw my father carry the weight of our future on his shoulders. As a mechanic working two jobs, he came home each night exhausted—his clothes stained with paint, his hands etched with black dust, and his energy drained. Despite the fatigue he felt, he never let it defeat him. To me, those worn hands were not just a sign of his hard work; they were proof of his love, sacrifice, and belief in my capabilities to achieve my dreams. There were times when I doubted myself and questioned whether the path I envisioned for myself was worth it. But my father's perseverance became my blueprint. Watching him show up every day, despite exhaustion, taught me about resilience and commitment. I learned to transform pressure into strength like a diamond formed under immense pressure. His sacrifices gave me more than opportunity—they gave me purpose. I realized that my success was not mine alone; it was the result of his long hours, his quiet endurance, and his persistence in seeing me succeed. Even when I face challenges, his understanding and faith in me have always given me the courage to push through. I am currently working towards becoming a physician by earning a Master's in Biomedical Science and preparing for the MCAT. During my volunteer work at CHAM, I support children and families through difficult times, providing the same care and reassurance I once needed. My father's dedication inspires my drive, and his sacrifices define my goal: to help others with kindness, stand up for those facing obstacles, and transform hardship into resilience for the communities I aim to support. I strive to achieve my dream of becoming a physician so that my father's years of hard work and sacrifices are rewarded.

From the moment I looked into a microscope, I was captivated by the unseen worlds that science reveals. STEM, to me, is more than just experiments or numbers – it's about discovery, a way to understand the complexities written into our DNA, in the air we breathe, and the steady beat of my heart. As a woman pursuing a career in medicine, I have learnt that curiosity lies in the courage to find answers even when the journey is difficult and uncertain. My journey, having begun with wonder, has also been strengthened through perseverance. When I first started, I felt like an impostor, as everyone else seemed to have it all figured out so easily. I struggled with self-doubt about whether I truly belonged in such a demanding field. Was I good enough? I would ponder. But every moment of doubt was met with a reminder that I started this journey to use my knowledge to help others heal. The fear that once paralyzed me was the thing that became my motivation. I began to see the challenges as opportunities to grow, and my mistakes were part of the process to learn and build resilience. Like they said, if it were easy, everyone would do it. Throughout my studies from undergraduate to graduate school, my curiosity was deepened with purpose. I slowly saw how my knowledge could directly impact lives. I saw how small discoveries and commitments to research could lead to life-changing treatments. It brought everything into perspective. My curiosity and compassion drove my pursuit of research and medicine. Outside of my academics, I found strength in service. Volunteering at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. I learnt that science is not restricted to the labs, but it is also in the compassion we offer. Whether distracting a child from the weight of their illness or comforting an anxious parent, I found that empathy is a form of healing, too. These experiences reminded me that, being a woman in STEM, I can lead with both intelligence and compassion. Volunteering in other programs, such as Bottomless Closet, I also have the opportunity to help empower other women. Seeing this transformation, as I help rebuild their confidence and discover their potential, reminds me why representation matters in every field, especially STEM. When women uplift each other, we create a continuous effect of progress and possibilities. My goal is to become a physician who bridges research and patient care. I hope to involve myself in the development of therapies for hormonal and autoimmune disorders like PCOS and thyroid disease—conditions I personally understand. My struggles with these illnesses have shown me how deeply science and empathy intertwine. I hope to use knowledge to improve care and use compassion to restore dignity. To me, knowledge has always meant power. Power over things that you felt you had no control over. Knowledge gives you the power to face your fears and defy the odds. STEM is not only about making scientific discoveries and advancements, but it is also about creating a community where we feel capable and unstoppable. This world needs us, women, to question, challenge, imagine, and build. I am determined to be one of those women who challenge the unknown and come back with answers.

Selflessness, to me, is patient, quiet, and often unseen. Selflessness is showing up when it’s inconvenient, comforting when you have nothing to give, and choosing kindness even when nobody is watching. My understanding of selflessness has been shaped over years of caring for others — at home, in the hospital, and within my community. When my grandmother was ill, I learned how important it is to simply be there. I can still remember the nights my grandmother groaning in agony and the uncertainty that filled the air. In those moments, I became more than a granddaughter — I became a caregiver. I managed medications, prepared meals, and learned to comfort. Some nights, I would sit beside my grandmother’s bed for long hours into the night, whispering silent prayers that she would get better. She helped raise me, and when she passed away, it left behind a quiet emptiness and a loneliness I didn’t know how to fill. Those experiences taught me that selflessness is often born from love — the kind that chooses to stay even when it hurts. That same compassion guided me into my volunteer work at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, where I began volunteering with the Child Life Program. I remember I was conducting my daily check-ins and inquiring if patients needed any items to fill their empty time when I walked into a room that was heavy with fear and haunting silence. The patient was waiting to be transferred for surgery, and his parents were anxious. They asked for a stress ball — a small but highly sought-after comfort that was always out of stock. Determined to make them smile, I searched everywhere until I finally found and secured the very last one. I stood with them as their eyes filled with tears and offered gentle reassurances, in an attempt to steady their hearts and ease their minds. I learnt that the smallest acts, whether a smile, a moment of play, or a listening ear cause make all the difference. I took that same selflessness into my community through organizations like Bottomless Closet, where I worked with women to rebuild their confidence after hardships. Helping them find professional attire, practice interview skills, and instilling them with confidence to conquer their fears. Selflessness isn’t only in the material things you give, but it’s about restoring hope. With each experience, it deepened my belief that selflessness is defined by one’s sincerity. Selflessness is in the encouragement you give to a stranger to tackle their goals, it's in the support you give to someone afraid, and in the time you choose to give even when you don't have any to spare. It connects us all and reminds us that we are capable of touching each other's lives in profound ways, no matter how big or small the gesture. I take these lessons with me as I continue my journey towards becoming a physician. Medicine should be rooted in empathy, patience, and understanding. Selflessness is about finding the truest parts of yourself through serving others. Looking back, the moments that define me are the ones where I made someone’s day a little easier and their heart a little lighter.

Living with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and prediabetes has not only influenced the way I see my own health but has also impacted the way I envision my future in medicine. Enduring the burden of having these conditions has taught me patience, resilience, and self-advocacy. It has given me greater empathy for those who go through the same struggles. My experiences have made me more deeply committed to my career in healthcare, aiming to assist those who struggle with chronic autoimmune conditions so they can live healthier and more manageable lives. The fatigue clung to me like a heavy cloak, while acne—something I thought I had left behind in adolescence —returned to scar my adult skin. The weight gain piled on stubbornly, refusing to leave, no matter how hard I tried. The darkness that hugged the folds of my neck became more than just patches on my skin—it became a shadow on my confidence, leaving me to see myself as less than beautiful. I watched helplessly as the hair on my head thinned, even as unwanted strands spread across the rest of my body, a cruel contradiction that weighed on me both physically and mentally. I spent countless nights lying awake, as I wrestled with the fog of depression and was weighed down by the looming fear of infertility. I know the predicament of patients with these conditions, teaching me to prioritize empathy and understanding towards them. I have experienced how these illnesses can drain my energy, chip away at my confidence, cloud my mental health, and cast a shadow over my quality of life. My physician has been a great support, and I plan to do the same, taking the time to listen to my patients and validating their concerns. My goal is to treat my patients as individuals, never dismissing or overlooking them. Chronic autoimmune conditions require long-term lifestyle changes that can feel overwhelming and disheartening when you can’t seem to get it right. As a physician, I will help my patients understand their conditions, treatment options, nutrition, exercise, and self-care, drawing on my own awareness of how daunting lifestyle changes can feel and how challenging the transition can be. Each meal and movement can help steady blood sugar and restore hormonal balance. I envision contributing to clinical research in autoimmune and metabolic health, as well as spreading the awareness of the advances in treatment and management. Many patients are unaware or lack access to these resources and information, so I hope to bridge this gap. My experience in biomedical science and research analysis has provided me with the foundation to evaluate and apply to patient care. I hope to advocate for PCOS awareness, which is often misunderstood or underdiagnosed. People like me carry the weight of their symptoms for years, struggling in silence without knowing why they feel this way. I walked through life thinking my struggles were universal, never realizing that what I felt wasn’t normal. I hope by advocating and educating my community, I can increase awareness and open up conversations about chronic illness so that patients are able to have adequate support, feel less isolated, and encouraged to find solutions that allow them to be their best selves. My journey has given me great purpose and perspective. My own struggles have shown me that chronic illnesses need empathy, education, advocacy, and immense support. My background and experiences empower me to help others manage their conditions with confidence and resilience. I hope to stand beside my patients, reassuring them that the weight of their struggles, both mental and physical, is real and that their feelings are valid.

My healthcare journey is rooted in both personal experience and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of others. From an early age, I saw how illness touched my family through frequent doctor visits and hospital stays, while also managing my own health struggles. One of the most defining experiences for me was caring for my grandmother when she contracted COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic. At a time when hospitals were overwhelmed and resources were stretched thin, I became one of her primary caregivers. I spent sleepless nights monitoring her breathing, helping her with medications, and comforting her through the pain. Although I often felt helpless, the experience solidified my decision to dedicate my life to healthcare and fueled an even greater persistence to pursue the field, so that I can one day have the knowledge and skills to bring comfort, care, and relief to others facing similar struggles Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s in Biomedical Science, which has further deepened my understanding of the human body and strengthened my commitment to the healthcare field. My studies have shown me how intricate and resilient the body is, but also how fragile it can become when illness strikes. This balance between resilience and vulnerability inspires me to pursue a career where I can directly impact patient care while also contributing to the advancement of medical science. The field I plan to enter is medicine, with a particular focus on becoming a physician. I am especially drawn to internal medicine, where I can address a wide range of health issues and build long-term relationships with patients. I am fascinated by the diagnostic process—how physicians piece together symptoms, test results, and patient histories to uncover the root cause of illness. Internal medicine allows me to combine my analytical skills with compassion, ensuring that each patient feels heard, respected, and cared for. Beyond treating immediate conditions, I want to focus on preventive care, helping patients adopt healthier lifestyles and manage chronic conditions so they can enjoy a better quality of life. My interest in medicine is driven by a commitment to serving underserved communities. I witnessed how limited access to healthcare disproportionately affected families like mine. Long wait times, financial strain, and lack of resources often meant that people delayed seeking care until conditions worsened. I want to change that by not only providing medical care but advocating for improved healthcare access and equity. My goal is to become a physician who not only treats but also educates and empowers patients, giving them the tools to take charge of their own health. Alongside my academic preparation, I have sought out volunteer experiences in healthcare settings that have reaffirmed my passion. Whether assisting patients and families to reduce stress during difficult times or working alongside healthcare professionals, I have seen firsthand the impact that kindness, patience, and clear communication can have on someone’s healing journey. These experiences taught me that healthcare is not just about science and treatment plans—it is also about humanity, empathy, and connection. In the future, I envision myself as a physician who bridges the gap between science and service. My academic background will provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of disease, while my personal experiences and volunteer work will guide the way I connect with patients on a human level. Ultimately, my decision to pursue a career in medicine is about more than fulfilling a dream; it is about answering a calling to serve others, to stand beside them in their most vulnerable moments, and to contribute to a healthier, more equitable world.

The future I aspire to build bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and community well-being. I envision contributing to the medical and scientific fields by pursuing a career in healthcare while simultaneously fostering health education and outreach. This dual focus will not only shape my personal and professional growth but also create a lasting positive impact on my community. One of my primary goals is to build a career in medicine, integrating my knowledge with patient-centered care. I aim to become a physician who not only treats diseases but also educates patients about preventive healthcare. Many health issues stem from a lack of awareness and accessibility to reliable medical information. By prioritizing patient education and advocacy, I hope to empower individuals to take charge of their health, ultimately reducing the prevalence of preventable conditions. Building this career will require continuous learning, hands-on experience, and dedication to scientific advancements, but I am committed to the process, knowing that the impact will be profound. Beyond my personal career, I also want to build a platform for health education that reaches students and aspiring professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Many students shy away from STEM fields due to misconceptions about difficulty or a lack of mentorship. I hope to develop initiatives such as mentorship programs, science workshops, and accessible educational resources that simplify complex concepts and make science more engaging. By sharing my journey, struggles, and strategies for overcoming challenges, I hope to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and researchers. Additionally, I want to cultivate a culture of collaboration and support within academic and professional settings. As someone who has navigated rigorous coursework and competitive environments, I understand the importance of a strong support system. I aim to contribute to academic communities that encourage teamwork over competition, fostering an environment where students uplift one another in their pursuit of excellence. This vision will positively impact both my personal growth and my community. By building a strong foundation in medicine, I will be able to provide direct healthcare services and advocate for public health awareness. Simultaneously, by developing educational initiatives, I can inspire and equip future scientists and medical professionals with the tools they need to succeed. The combination of these efforts will create a ripple effect—improving individual lives while strengthening the overall healthcare and scientific landscape. In the end, what I want to build is more than a career—it is a commitment to lifelong learning, service, and empowerment. Through medicine and education, I aim to leave a lasting legacy that benefits both my own aspirations and the well-being of the communities I serve.

My favorite hobbies would have to be reading and traveling because both are able to take you to strange new places and allow you to have life-changing adventures. Since I was a little girl, I loved the sensation of reading a new book. Growing up, I was the only child of my parents and my storybooks gave me friends that made me laugh and smile through their odd adventures. As I got older, my fascination grew and I wanted to have adventures of my own. In my junior year of high school, I got the opportunity to travel to South Korea to participate in an International Poetry competition with students from Korea and Japan. I just couldn't get enough of this feeling that traveling gave. The culture was beyond beautiful that even the air felt different. Korea was my first step toward experiencing the world beyond my neighborhood in the Bronx. In the same year, I got the chance to travel to Denmark to participate in a student debate on slavery and reparations. Both of my trips were extremely fulfilling, inspiring, and eye-opening experiences that made my passion for traveling the world grow. After the pandemic occurred, I was unable to travel for a long time so I had to find solace in my books. The pandemic gave me a chance to return to reading where I could fall back in love with the works of Dickens, Austen, and even, J.K. Rowling. My two hobbies have opened me up to beautiful ideas, nurtured my creativity, and opened my mind to beautiful, diverse cultures. I can not wait to experience travel to other countries and experience more cultures in the future. As for reading, I will always love the smell of a new book and the journey of new characters.

Guyana, the land of many waters but a country unknown to many. I can not list the many times that people have asked me where I am from and then when I answer to get a look of confusion or mistaken to be from Africa. Guyana may not be a very well-known country or a popular vacation spot but it is the place where I was born and grew up for a big part of my life. I can say that I am extremely proud to be Guyanese because reflecting on where I have come from and what many around me did not have has given me a sense of great appreciation for what I do have and have been blessed with. I moved from Guyana to New York with my father in 2008 with the great hope to pursue a better life and greater opportunities through obtaining a quality education. But I have continued to return to Guyana yearly because my mother and family live there but being able to return every year has really opened my eyes as to how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity I had and who I was. I often rave about being Guyanese and how mixed the culture is with the fusion of the Caribbean and Indian cultures. Our food, our music, the way our people speak, the festivals and atmosphere is unlike any other place. Guyana is my home and I have pride in who I am as well as where I come from. It is expressed in the way I dress, the way I speak, and my favorite foods. Being from a place that has beautiful forests, waters, and immense cultural life. There is absolutely no way to describe the feeling of being back home in Guyana and drinking fresh sweet coconut water or satisfying the cravings for some spicy salt and pepper mangoes. The experience of being back home in Guyana is unmatched because the food tastes better, the weather is heavenly and the atmosphere is free when compared to the fast-paced New Yorker life. It is a place where you clear the crazy rampaging thoughts in your head by swinging in a hammock under beautiful blue skies that are covered in fluffy clouds that look so soft to touch and it seems like all your worries could melt away as you feel the wind brushing past your face that it soothes you to sleep. Even the rain is so refreshing that I remember my childhood days of playing in the rain and splashing in our flooded out yard. Remembering those days and the progress I have made means a lot because I have worked my hardest to pursue my goals in education especially because they were not available to my parents so I appreciate the chance. I have had so much unbelievable support from my parents and family so it makes me incredibly happy when I hear them express their pride in me. Being Guyanese has reminded me of my fortune and taught me appreciation as well as acceptance for people of different backgrounds or walks of life. In the future, I would like to share the chance that I was fortunate to receive with others who have the same ambition by funding another student's education and mentoring them in their goals. It was a great surprise to me to see a scholarship dedicated to Caribbean students that included Guyanese because I had never come across one before but I hope that I can make this opportunity available to more students like myself in the near future.

My favorite film would have to be "A Walk to Remember". It is all about a simple Christian girl, Jamie who has reoccurring meetings with Landon, a popular guy who is reckless and has no goals but even though they are vastly different, they fall in love. Jamie is soft-spoken and depicted as an outcast because of the way she dresses and her reassuring trust in her faith or God. But she is not afraid to express what she believes and is confident about who she is even though she is ridiculed about it all the time by others. Jamie doesn't try to change herself for acceptance or suffer from self-doubt but she does what she wants without caring what others think of her because it makes her happy. As the movie progresses, Jamie and Landon develop a friendship after Landon is involved in a prank that sends someone to the hospital. Landon is punished by being forced to tutor a young student in an afterschool program and participating in the theatre club's play. At first, he is ashamed of his friendship with Jamie and tries to hide it from his friends and even treats her differently when she approaches him at school. But the movie shows how people can change because Landon changes so much throughout the movie. Landon changes his lifestyle for Jamie and he comes to understand her passion for life is because she is suffering from cancer. Landon learns so much from Jamie as she suffers from leukemia but doesn't blame God but instead lives her life to the fullest and achieves her goals/dreams. Landon becomes serious about his life and becomes a doctor in the end. It is a great movie with deep meaning that makes you understand about making the most of your dreams.