oing to college means much more to me than earning a degree. It represents an opportunity to build the future I have imagined for myself, gain the knowledge needed to help others, and become someone who can make a meaningful difference in my community. Attending Florida A&M University as a Biology major on the pre-med track is one of the first major steps toward accomplishing my goal of becoming a physician, specifically a dermatologist. My interest in medicine has grown from both my family and my own experiences. Growing up with parents who work in healthcare showed me how much of an impact medical professionals can have on people's lives. Their careers taught me that working in healthcare requires dedication, compassion, and a willingness to continue learning. Seeing their example motivated me to create my own path in medicine. My experiences in healthcare have made that goal even stronger. During a paid health internship, I was able to gain hands-on exposure to the medical field and even learned how to assist with procedures such as a lumbar puncture. Being in a healthcare environment showed me that medicine is more than something that interests me academically. It is a career in which I can see myself growing, serving others, and making a lasting impact. Experiences like these have encouraged me to challenge myself academically and continue working toward medical school. College is also teaching me independence, discipline, and perseverance. As a first-year college student, I am learning how to balance demanding science courses, assignments, extracurricular opportunities, and responsibilities outside of the classroom. There are times when college is challenging, but those challenges remind me why I am here. Every chemistry lesson, biology assignment, late night studying, and difficult exam is preparing me for the responsibilities I will eventually have as a physician. Through my education, I hope to accomplish more than simply becoming successful for myself. As a future dermatologist, I want to help patients feel confident and comfortable in their skin while also treating conditions that can affect their physical and emotional well-being. I also want to serve communities where access to quality healthcare and specialty care may be limited. I hope that my education will put me in a position where I can educate, encourage, and eventually mentor other students who dream of entering medicine. Ultimately, going to college means turning my goals into something real. I know that becoming a doctor will require years of hard work, but I am willing to put in that work. My education at FAMU is giving me the foundation I need to continue toward medical school, become a dermatologist, and use my career to positively impact the lives of others. College is not simply where I am earning my degree; it is where I am building the person and physician I hope to become.

I have learned that having a dream is only the beginning. What matters most is what you are willing to do to reach it. My goal is to build a career in healthcare, and every experience I have pursued has been another step toward becoming the kind of medical professional who not only treats patients, but also makes them feel seen, heard, and cared for. My interest in healthcare became stronger when I began experiencing medicine outside of the classroom. I became a Certified EKG Technician and earned CPR and Basic Life Support certifications. Through Broward Health's Desk to Docs Program, I shadowed physicians in different specialties, observed healthcare teams, and gained hands-on experience such as learning how to apply splints. At Cleveland Clinic, I supported clinical staff and patients while observing medical procedures. I also participated in Broward College's Health Careers Opportunity Program, where I was exposed to clinical rotations, laboratory work, healthcare careers, and medical ethics. These experiences did more than confirm that I enjoy science. They showed me the responsibility that comes with caring for another person's health. Today, I am continuing that journey as a student at Florida A&M University. Attending a university and pursuing a STEM education is an opportunity I value deeply because I understand the amount of work and sacrifice required to get here. I challenged myself academically before college, graduating with a 4.33 weighted GPA while taking dual-enrollment, honors, AICE, AP, health science, and electrocardiography courses. College is now giving me the scientific foundation I need to move closer to a career in medicine. However, reaching my goals is not only an academic challenge; it is a financial one. Tuition, housing, textbooks, supplies, and the many other expenses of attending college add up quickly. I am determined not to allow financial barriers to limit how far my education can take me. Receiving this scholarship would lessen that burden and allow me to put more of my energy into my education, professional development, and opportunities that prepare me for my future career. I see financial assistance not simply as money toward school, but as an investment in everything I hope to accomplish with my education. Service has also shaped the person I am becoming. I have volunteered extensively through my church's children's ministry and participated in organizations including HOSA, Key Club, the National Spanish Honor Society, and community service programs. Serving others has taught me that success means more when it creates opportunities for people beyond yourself. As I continue my education at FAMU, I want to use STEM and medicine to improve people's lives, especially in communities where quality healthcare and representation can sometimes feel out of reach. In the future, I hope to provide excellent patient care while also mentoring younger students who are interested in healthcare and STEM. I want them to see someone who worked hard, accepted help when it was available, and then used her success to help someone else move forward. This scholarship would help me continue becoming that person. I have the ambition to reach my goals, the drive to continue when they become difficult, and, most importantly, the desire to make my education mean something beyond myself.

I chose to pursue STEM because I have always been interested in understanding how science can be used to improve someone’s life. For me, science is not just something that happens in a classroom or laboratory. It can be seen in a heartbeat on an EKG monitor, in the decisions doctors make while treating a patient, and in the medical discoveries that give people a better quality of life. My experiences in healthcare have made me even more certain that I want my future to be centered around medicine and helping others. Throughout high school, I intentionally looked for opportunities that would allow me to explore healthcare beyond my textbooks. I became a Certified EKG Technician and received CPR and Basic Life Support certifications. Through Broward Health’s Desk to Docs Program, I was able to shadow physicians in different specialties, observe how healthcare teams worked together, and even learn skills such as applying splints. I also volunteered at Cleveland Clinic, where I assisted clinical staff, supported patients, and observed medical procedures. Those experiences showed me that working in healthcare requires more than intelligence. It requires compassion, patience, teamwork, curiosity, and a willingness to continue learning. My interest in STEM has also pushed me academically. I challenged myself with dual-enrollment courses such as Biology, College Algebra, and Precalculus, along with honors and advanced courses in health science and electrocardiograph technology. I have also participated in HOSA, including healthcare skills competitions, because I wanted opportunities to challenge myself and grow around other students who were passionate about healthcare. As a woman entering STEM, I hope to make a difference not only through the patients I will eventually serve, but also through the example I set for other young women. Representation matters. When girls see women succeeding as doctors, scientists, researchers, engineers, and healthcare professionals, those careers begin to feel possible for them too. I want to be someone who encourages other young women to confidently walk into spaces where they may be underrepresented and know that their ideas, abilities, and perspectives belong there. Service has already become an important part of who I am. Through organizations including my church’s children’s ministry, Key Club, the National Spanish Honor Society, and other community programs, I have spent hundreds of hours helping others. I want to carry that same commitment to service into my STEM career. My goal is not simply to earn a degree or have a successful career. I want to use my education to improve lives, continue learning, and eventually give other young women the same encouragement to pursue STEM that helped me believe I could do it.

The impact I want to make begins with helping people feel cared for, understood, and supported. My goal is to build a future in healthcare where I can use my education not only to treat patients, but also to serve communities that may not always have equal access to quality care, education, and resources. I have always been drawn to medicine because it combines science with compassion, and I want my career to reflect both. My experiences throughout high school have helped shape that vision. I became a certified EKG technician, earned CPR and Basic Life Support certifications, and participated in healthcare programs that allowed me to learn directly from professionals. Through Broward Health’s Desk to Docs Program, I shadowed physicians and gained hands-on exposure to patient care. I have also volunteered at Cleveland Clinic, where I supported clinical staff and observed how important communication, teamwork, and empathy are in healthcare. These experiences taught me that being a healthcare professional is about much more than knowing the science. It is also about making people feel safe, respected, and heard. Two of the people who inspire me most are my mother and father. They are both pharmacists, and growing up around their careers has shown me what it means to dedicate your life to helping others. Watching them work in healthcare has inspired me to pursue my own path in medicine and has taught me the importance of responsibility, compassion, and using your education to serve people. Their example has helped me understand that a successful career is not only about what you accomplish for yourself, but also about the difference you make in the lives of others. Service has already become an important part of my life. I have completed more than 400 volunteer hours through healthcare programs, school organizations, community events, and service projects. One of my most meaningful commitments has been volunteering with the Children’s Ministry at Church by the Glades, where I have contributed more than 200 hours since ninth grade. I have also served through the National Spanish Honor Society, Key Club, HOSA, food drives, community cleanups, and leadership programs. As I continue my education, I want to use what I learn to create opportunities for others. My long-term goal is to become a physician and use my education to improve both health and confidence in the communities I serve. I want to mentor younger students who are interested in healthcare, especially students who may not know where to begin, and I hope to participate in community health programs that provide education, screenings, and resources to people who may have limited access to care. The future I want to help create is one where a person’s background does not determine the quality of opportunities or care they receive. My parents have shown me what it looks like to build a career around helping others, and I hope to carry that same spirit into my own future. My education will give me the knowledge to build a career, but service will give that career its purpose.

To me, having a spirit of excellence means giving my best effort even when no one is watching. It is not about being perfect, but about being disciplined, dependable, and willing to continue growing. Throughout high school, I have challenged myself academically while also making service, leadership, and healthcare an important part of my life. Balancing rigorous classes, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and preparation for college has taught me that excellence comes from consistency and having a purpose behind what I do. Academically, I have always pushed myself to take advantage of opportunities that would prepare me for my future. I graduated with a 4.33 weighted GPA while completing dual-enrollment courses, honors classes, AICE and AP coursework, and healthcare-related training. I also became a certified EKG technician and earned CPR and Basic Life Support certifications. Because I plan to pursue a career in medicine, I have participated in programs that allowed me to experience healthcare beyond the classroom. Through Broward Health's Desk to Docs Program and volunteering at Cleveland Clinic, I was able to observe healthcare professionals, interact with patients, and learn the importance of teamwork and compassion. These experiences reminded me that excellence is not only measured by knowledge, but also by how you use that knowledge to serve others. Giving back to my community has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. Since ninth grade, I have volunteered more than 200 hours with the Children's Ministry at Church by the Glades. Working with children has taught me patience, responsibility, and the importance of being someone younger people can depend on. I have also volunteered through food drives, community cleanups, libraries, school organizations, and leadership events. Overall, I have completed more than 400 hours of community service. Each experience may have been different, but they all taught me that service does not have to be something extraordinary to make an impact. Sometimes giving your time, helping with a small task, or simply being present for another person can make a meaningful difference. I also try to serve through the organizations I participate in. Through the National Spanish Honor Society, I have completed more than 30 service hours through tutoring and cultural events and was elected Service Hour Officer. In HOSA, Key Club, track and field, and Mentor Leadership of Tomorrow, I have learned how leadership and service often go hand in hand. Whether I am helping organize an event, supporting teammates, tutoring another student, or preparing to mentor younger students, I try to approach every responsibility with care. As I enter college and continue toward a career in healthcare, I want service to remain part of who I am. I hope to exemplify the same values of excellence and selfless giving that Harriett Russell Carr represented by working hard, treating others with compassion, and using my education and abilities to improve the lives of people around me.

Mental health is important to me as a student because I have learned that success is about more than grades, awards, or accomplishments. A student can appear to be doing well on the outside while privately feeling overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted, or unsure of themselves. As someone who has always pushed myself academically while balancing extracurricular activities, volunteering, and preparing for a future in healthcare, I understand how easy it can be for students to put pressure on themselves. Taking care of your mental health allows you to continue working toward your goals without losing yourself in the process. My interest in healthcare has also strengthened the way I view mental health. Through volunteering and participating in healthcare programs, I have seen how important compassion is when caring for another person. Physical health may be easier to notice, but emotional struggles are not always visible. My experiences have taught me that simply treating a condition is not enough; people also need to feel heard, respected, and supported. As I continue my education and work toward a career in medicine, I want to carry that mindset with me and treat people as whole individuals rather than focusing only on what can be seen on the surface. I advocate for mental health in my community through the way I support and communicate with the people around me. I believe advocacy does not always have to involve leading a large organization or giving a speech. Sometimes it means checking on a friend who seems unusually quiet, allowing someone to talk without immediately judging them, or reminding someone that asking for help is nothing to be embarrassed about. Through volunteering with children, participating in service organizations, and preparing to mentor younger students, I have learned how meaningful it can be when someone knows they have a person who genuinely cares about them. I try to be that person whenever I can. I also believe conversations about mental health need to become more normal, especially among students. Young people are constantly exposed to academic pressure, social expectations, comparisons on social media, family responsibilities, and uncertainty about their futures. When everyone feels like they have to look as though they have everything together, people can become afraid to admit when they are struggling. Creating an environment where students can speak openly without feeling weak or ashamed can make a real difference. As I begin the next chapter of my education, I want to continue encouraging empathy, balance, and openness in the communities I am part of. My goal is not only to become successful in healthcare, but also to become someone others feel comfortable turning to. Mental health matters to me because behind every student is a person first, and every person deserves to feel supported while becoming the best version of themselves.

To me, empowering women means inspiring women and girls to believe that they can more than they think. I have done my part in empowering women through volunteering, being a leader and being a role model for younger generations. During my high school years, I have worked to complete over 400 hours of service, while still focusing on my studies, medical training, sports and everything else. I believe that being empowered is not always about doing big things, but also about small things like cheering someone up, helping them learn, boosting their confidence and demonstrating them that anything they want to do is possible. One of the ways I have made an impact is through tutoring and mentorship. As a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, I completed more than 30 service hours tutoring students and supporting cultural events, and I was elected Service Hour Officer. I am also involved in Mentor Leadership of Tomorrow, where I have been preparing to mentor younger students. These opportunities have allowed me to become someone others can look to for encouragement and support. When I help another student understand something they once struggled with or encourage a younger student to believe in herself, I am helping create the confidence that is necessary for women to pursue education, leadership positions, and ambitious careers. My commitment to women’s empowerment is also connected to my goal of building a career in healthcare. Through experiences with Cleveland Clinic, Broward Health, healthcare programs, and my training as a Certified EKG Technician, I have learned how important compassion, communication, and representation are in medicine. As a young woman pursuing science and healthcare, I want other girls to see that they can enter challenging fields, become leaders, and make a difference in the lives of others. I want my education to eventually place me in a position where I can care for patients while also encouraging young women who are interested in medicine to confidently pursue their own goals. I believe empowerment begins when we use our own ambition to create opportunities and encouragement for others. Whether I am volunteering in my community, tutoring a student, preparing to become a mentor, or pursuing my education in healthcare, I want my actions to show other young women that dedication and service can open doors. As I continue my education, I plan to keep growing as a leader and mentor while using what I learn to uplift the women and girls around me. My goal is not only to become successful myself, but to make my success meaningful by helping other women believe that they can succeed too.

There was not one single moment that shaped who I am today, but rather a series of experiences that confirmed the path I was meant to follow. Growing up in Coral Springs, Florida, I always knew that I wanted my life to have a purpose greater than myself. However, it was through my experiences serving others, volunteering in healthcare settings, and overcoming challenges that I discovered what truly drives me: becoming a physician who can make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Throughout high school, I have challenged myself academically, professionally, and personally because I understand that success is built through hard work, perseverance, and faith. Maintaining a strong academic record while completing dual enrollment, honors, AP, and AICE coursework taught me discipline and resilience. At the same time, I sought opportunities outside the classroom to gain firsthand experience in healthcare and service. One of the most impactful experiences in my journey was participating in Broward Health's Desk to Docs program. For the first time, I was able to observe physicians caring for patients and witness the teamwork, compassion, and dedication required in medicine. Shadowing doctors and interacting with patients reinforced something I had always believed: medicine is not just about science; it is about serving people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Every patient interaction, every lesson, and every experience strengthened my commitment to becoming a doctor. My commitment to service extends beyond healthcare. Since ninth grade, I have dedicated over 200 hours volunteering through my church's children's ministry, where I learned the importance of leadership, patience, and giving back to my community. Through organizations such as HOSA, Key Club, the National Spanish Honor Society, and community service initiatives, I have developed a deep appreciation for mentorship and service. These experiences have taught me that leadership is not about recognition; it is about showing up for others and making a positive impact wherever you can. As an African-American student pursuing medicine, I understand the importance of representation and advocacy within healthcare. I want to become a physician who not only provides excellent medical care but also inspires and supports future generations of students who may not always see themselves represented in the field. My goal is to use my education and experiences to help reduce healthcare disparities and provide compassionate care to every patient I encounter. My family's support and encouragement have been one of my greatest sources of motivation throughout this journey. Although pursuing a career in medicine requires years of sacrifice and hard work, I have never viewed these challenges as obstacles. Instead, I see them as opportunities to grow stronger, work harder, and prove to myself that I am capable of achieving my dreams. This fall, I will begin the next chapter of my educational journey as a biology pre-med student at Florida A&M University. I know the road ahead will not be easy, but I also know that every experience I have had has prepared me for this moment. I am committed to continuing to serve my community, pursuing excellence in medicine, and creating a future defined by compassion, leadership, and purpose. I have spent my entire life working toward this dream, and I intend to turn that dream into a legacy of service for others.

As I grew up, I never thought about being in the medical field, but after experiencing how devastating skin conditions can be on one's self-esteem, I have changed my opinion. Several of my friends have suffered from acne and eczema as well as many other skin diseases. I have witnessed how they suffer from a lack of self-confidence due to their condition. Most people do not feel that these types of skin conditions are a major problem; however, they can have a great impact on an individual's self-image as well as mental health. From my experiences with this aspect of life, I decided to pursue a career in dermatology because I want to help provide patients with confidence and comfort in their own skin. My interest in skin care products has lasted a long time, and I have always been interested in the body, especially the skin. Through my life and the experiences I have had to this point, my interest as grown into a career choice. I am drawn to dermatology because it has so many components, including science, problem-solving, and helping people. In addition to treating patients with skin diseases, dermatologists also help to build patients' confidence and improve their overall health. I want to be a part of that experience for my patients in my career as a dermatologist. Because I was also an awkward adolescent, I realize that your appearance is really important when you are a teenager. Many teenagers have lower self-esteem, and skin problems usually add to that. My hope is to be a doctor who listens to their patients and makes them feel that they understand them, rather than judge them. Sometimes people just want someone to care enough to help them feel better about themselves. To achieve this goal, I intend to be a great student and continue my studies of medicine and skin care. I know it will take years of hard work and commitment to become a dermatologist, but I’m willing to do so for the sole purpose of helping others. I plan to volunteer in the community, where I can help to educate people about skin care and health. While moving into the future, I wish to positively impact others by helping them heal from their physical and emotional ailments. I aspire to improve confidence levels in others via my treatment methods, so they leave my office feeling better about themselves than before coming in. Becoming a dermatologist would provide me the opportunity to focus on both of my interests, skin care and helping other people, which is why I am enthusiastic about entering medicine as a career path.