My name is Tatiyana James, and from the moment I realized that medicine had the power to both heal and transform lives, I knew it was the path I was destined to follow. I am a high school senior from South Carolina with a passion for pursuing a career in trauma surgery. Growing up in the South, I was always fascinated by the traditional African-American medical practices that my family used, such as herbal remedies and home-based treatments. These practices highlighted the importance of care, compassion, and understanding when it comes to health, which inspired me to seek ways to merge these traditions with modern medicine. I am particularly drawn to trauma surgery because of the immediate impact it can have on a patient’s life, and I aspire to provide care that blends medical expertise with empathy, much like the physicians I’ve encountered throughout my life. One defining experience that strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in medicine was my internship at Hue University Hospital in Vietnam. While there, I had the unique opportunity to observe doctors and medical professionals in action, seeing firsthand the critical role they played in both saving lives and providing comfort to patients during their most vulnerable moments. It was a humbling experience that cemented my belief in the power of medical care to heal not just physically, but emotionally as well. I learned that medicine is about more than just prescriptions and procedures; it’s about understanding and alleviating the suffering of others. Through this experience, I realized that a career in medicine is not just about skill and knowledge, but about heart. It’s about advocating for patients, offering support in their times of need, and contributing to a system of care that ensures everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, has access to the medical attention they deserve. Another major source of inspiration for me has been the Queer Eye series. While it may seem unconventional, the show has shown me the importance of resilience, empathy, and the drive to become the best version of oneself. It reminded me that personal identity and the desire to uplift others should guide every professional journey. In medicine, just like in life, it is essential to approach every situation with an open heart, to advocate for inclusion, and to never underestimate the power of empathy in healing. In addition to these experiences, I have been blessed with a strong support system, especially my mother, who raised me to be independent and to always pursue my dreams with determination. Her unwavering belief in me has been a driving force behind my ambition. She instilled in me the understanding that the pursuit of knowledge and the willingness to help others are the foundation of any successful medical career. The financial challenges of pursuing higher education are significant, and this scholarship would provide invaluable support as I take the next step in my journey. I plan to attend the University of South Carolina to major in pre-med and eventually pursue a career in trauma surgery. With a commitment to bringing diverse perspectives and compassionate care to the medical field, I am determined to honor the memory of those like Norman C. Nelson IV by continuing the legacy of medical excellence.

Throughout my life, I have been deeply inspired by leaders who exhibit both strength and compassion, and I strive to embody those qualities every day. As a South Carolina native with a passion for education, leadership, and service, I have had numerous opportunities to demonstrate these values. One experience that stands out to me, where I truly displayed my leadership abilities, was during my time as a tutor for students with disabilities. It is through this role that I realized the importance of patience, adaptability, and empathy in leadership. As the owner of Tutoring with Tati, a business I have run for five years, I took on the responsibility of not only helping students achieve academically but also mentoring them through personal challenges. One particular student, who had been struggling with both confidence and comprehension in math, became my primary focus. Initially, they felt discouraged and isolated due to their disabilities. However, I knew that leadership was not just about instructing but also about creating a space where they could feel empowered to learn and grow. I made it my goal to build a relationship founded on trust and encouragement. I adapted my teaching methods to cater to their learning style, incorporating visual aids, hands-on exercises, and regular check-ins to assess their understanding. Slowly, I saw a transformation: not just in their grades, but in their attitude toward learning. By creating a safe and supportive environment, I was able to cultivate confidence and resilience in my student, helping them recognize their potential. This experience taught me the true essence of leadership, being a guide, a source of encouragement, and a role model. Additionally, during my time as District 4 Chairwoman for the South Carolina Association of Student Councils, I organized and hosted a leadership rally that brought together schools from Richland County, Lexington-Richland, and Fairfield County. The event was a mix of educational workshops and leadership activities designed to foster growth and collaboration among student leaders. This experience reinforced my belief that leadership is not only about personal growth but also about bringing others together, empowering them to lead, and creating opportunities for mutual learning. Hosting this event also showed me the impact of fostering community, where everyone could benefit from sharing knowledge and experiences. This leadership experience not only impacted my student but also positively influenced my peers, who observed my approach and the tangible difference it made. By demonstrating patience and an unwavering belief in their ability to succeed, I inspired others to approach their roles with similar dedication. It reinforced the idea that leadership is not about being in the spotlight, but about lifting others up and helping them discover their strengths. As I continue my academic journey and pursue my goals in higher education, I plan to carry these lessons with me. I am passionate about advocating for underrepresented voices, especially in fields such as healthcare and education, where empathy and inclusivity are critical. My experiences have shown me the importance of leading by example, and I intend to use my platform to inspire others to embrace their potential. Whether as a future medical professional, educator, or advocate, I will remain committed to leading with integrity, compassion, and resilience, just as Larry A. Montgomery did throughout his life. In closing, my leadership journey is rooted in the belief that true leadership stems from a commitment to others and a desire to make a positive impact. I am honored to be considered for the Larry A. Montgomery Memorial Scholarship, and I am eager to continue serving my community while striving for excellence in all that I do.

My name is Tatiyana James, and my path to STEM has been shaped by a deep curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world. From a young age, I was fascinated by the intricate workings of the human body and the ways that knowledge and innovation could be used to improve lives. This led me to pursue a career in medicine, specifically as a trauma surgeon. However, my journey to this point has not been a simple one. It has been shaped by my own experiences, my desire to help others, and my ambition to contribute to a field that can change lives. Growing up in South Carolina as an African-American female, I was aware of the challenges faced by underrepresented communities in healthcare. These challenges motivated me to explore how I could blend the rich history of traditional Southern African-American medical practices with modern science to create a more inclusive and holistic approach to healthcare. I am particularly interested in the intersection of culture, medicine, and innovation and how understanding diverse health practices can enhance patient care. In this way, my passion for STEM is rooted in a desire to bring about positive change by improving how we approach healthcare and ensuring that no community is left behind. My experiences have further strengthened my commitment to STEM. I was fortunate to intern at Hue University Hospital in Vietnam, where I had the opportunity to see healthcare from an entirely different perspective. My internship gave me the chance to work closely with doctors and patients, and the recognition I received for my style and dedication to the role, culminating in the nickname “Starburst” for my vibrant scrub fashion, was a testament to my commitment to blending professionalism with authenticity. That experience reinforced my belief in resilience and the importance of empathy in healthcare, which I plan to carry with me as I continue my education and career. My planned field of study is pre-med with a focus on trauma surgery, but I also want to use my education to explore how traditional healing methods can complement modern medical practices. As a future doctor, I plan to conduct research and contribute to advancements in medical treatments, particularly in trauma care, which often requires quick and innovative solutions to save lives. However, I am also determined to make a broader impact by advocating for the inclusion of cultural awareness in medical curricula, ensuring that the healthcare system is not only advanced in technology but also compassionate and inclusive of all traditions. The $5,000 scholarship would provide me with the resources to pursue my academic goals at the University of South Carolina Columbia, where I plan to build a strong foundation in medicine and research. The support would not only help me achieve my career goals but also allow me to contribute to the future of healthcare, particularly for those from underserved communities. Harry Anderson’s legacy of ambition, drive, and diverse knowledge inspires me to pursue a life where I can blend practical skills with a deep understanding of humanity, and this scholarship would help me continue that journey. In conclusion, my passion for STEM is fueled by the ambition to make a lasting difference in healthcare. I am determined to continue learning, innovating, and working toward a future where medical care is inclusive, compassionate, and effective for all. This scholarship will allow me to build the necessary tools to bring that vision to life, and I am excited to carry on Harry Anderson’s legacy of ambition and drive through my own journey in STEM.

The Giles family motto, "the two most important things are to be nice and hardworking," has shaped my approach to both my academic pursuits and my personal life. As a student who has completed dual enrollment courses, I have developed not only a deep commitment to my studies but also an understanding of the importance of kindness and hard work. These courses have not only challenged me academically but also refined my character in ways that align closely with the values that the Giles family holds dear. Dual enrollment courses have been instrumental in preparing me for the challenges of higher education. These classes, which allowed me to experience the rigor of college-level work while still in high school, taught me how to balance demanding coursework with my extracurricular commitments. Managing both high school responsibilities and the expectations of college classes required me to refine my time management skills and learn how to prioritize tasks effectively. These experiences have instilled in me a strong work ethic and the understanding that academic success is a result of consistent effort, dedication, and the willingness to embrace challenges. Through my dual enrollment courses, I also learned the importance of being nice and supportive of others. Many of the courses were collaborative in nature, requiring me to work closely with classmates from various backgrounds. These experiences taught me the value of empathy, as I often took on leadership roles, helping my peers understand difficult concepts or organizing study groups to ensure we all succeeded. I’ve come to understand that being hardworking is not just about pushing through academic challenges on my own, but also about lifting others along the way. Whether through group projects or class discussions, I learned that true academic growth comes from both individual and collective effort. However, despite the academic success I have achieved, my financial background has posed significant barriers to my educational aspirations. As a student from a single-parent household, I have witnessed firsthand how financial limitations can make it difficult to pursue higher education. My mother has always worked tirelessly to support me, but the costs associated with college, from tuition fees to textbooks, are still beyond our reach. I have done my best to mitigate these costs by taking advantage of dual enrollment opportunities, but the financial burden remains a challenge that I must confront. This scholarship would provide me with the financial assistance I need to continue my education without the constant worry of how I will afford it. It would allow me to focus more on my studies, including my goal of pursuing a career in medicine. The opportunity to attend the University of South Carolina would enable me to build on the foundation I have developed through my dual enrollment courses and work toward making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. My journey thus far has been shaped by the dual enrollment courses I have taken and the financial obstacles I continue to face. These experiences have taught me that success is a combination of ambition, resilience, and the willingness to support others. I am committed to up broadening my knowledge and becoming someone who not only excels in academics but also helps others overcome challenges along the way. With the support of this scholarship, I will be one step closer to achieving my dreams and honoring the values of hard work and kindness that have guided me.

I’ve always believed that obstacles are simply opportunities to demonstrate resilience and faith. I’ve learned that overcoming challenges often requires both perseverance and the support of those who believe in you, and my journey has been full of moments that tested both. Growing up as an African-American young woman in the South, I encountered many instances where I didn’t feel like I belonged. Whether it was in the classroom or in other social settings, I often felt different from my peers. I found comfort in the values that my mother instilled in me. She emphasized the importance of self-reliance and always encouraged me to push past barriers and pursue excellence, no matter how difficult the journey might seem. My experience at Hue University Hospital in Vietnam as an intern was one of the most defining moments of my life. It was there that I learned how to combine my passion for medicine with the importance of community and connection. However, during my time there, I faced an unexpected challenge. The language barrier was difficult, and I often felt disconnected from the medical team. Despite these challenges, I chose to use my discomfort as a source of strength. I focused on learning as much as I could through observation and communication, relying on my determination to bridge the gaps. That trip not only shaped my professional aspirations but also reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and the importance of overcoming obstacles in unfamiliar situations. Back home, I also faced challenges that tested my faith. There were times when my academic journey seemed impossible, times when I questioned my abilities and my worth. I struggled with self-doubt, but through each struggle, I remembered the values that my mother had taught me: to trust in myself and to remain grounded in my faith. Whether it was my involvement in community projects, my tutoring business, or my academic pursuits, I carried my faith in my ability to succeed, even when it seemed difficult. In my future, I know that I will continue to face obstacles. There will always be challenges in any career, particularly in a field like medicine. But through faith and resilience, I believe that I will continue to rise above them, using my experiences to fuel my determination. It’s not about avoiding obstacles but embracing the opportunity to learn from them. Every obstacle I face is simply another chance to prove that faith in oneself and in a greater purpose is the key to overcoming adversity.

Timeless Inscription by Tatiyana James Before I knew it, Hitler came and took us all. No time to spare. All over our success. My precious 7-carat ring now covered in feces-. At that moment I didn't care about my health, only about my wealth. I didn't know much about what was going on outside. I had no idea where to go. I didn't even have time to mourn that my baby boys were gone. Just enough time to watch my neighbors get flung out into the street at my door. I looked up needing god but, he didn't seem to be there. The clouds that day were gray - deep, dark gray. There was no sun. All of a sudden my vision turned black. A tall, slender man who looked quite healthy blocked my vision. He dragged me to the ground and threatened to shoot me. I tried to escape and luckily I wasn't pinned with a star yet. Until a SS officer roughly forced a bright yellow cloth on my shawl. It was my favorite, but that didn't matter anymore. I soon figured out when I arrived at what they called a "camp". This symbol would be what I would be hated for, The thing that I would die for. They stripped me of all my clothing. I waited in line to get this painfully marked tattoo on my wrist, It read: "A-96240." They shoved me so hard I was knocked unconsious. Luckily enough, a kind spirit carried me to my bunk; I asked to thank this kind spirit, bur no one spoke. All skinny to the bone and pale, I found out shortly I would look just like the others. If only my life was so simple, If only I didn't hear gunshots day in and day out, If only I didn't have to prick my finger to release blood just to look ripe, Ripe enough not to be sent to the slaughterhouse. I was very sick one day, I gave up. I had no family, no blood, and no ripeness left in me. I looked up to the sky looking for my god's answer. He finally spoke to me,"It's time." They placed me on a wooden stool. They wrapped a rope around my neck. No more trauma. No more suffering. I can now be free. - A Survivor