I’m motivated to pursue advanced education because of my passion for medicine and my upbringing. I didn’t always have a stable home or people supporting me, and moving around a lot was just part of my life. Money was tight, and I had to figure things out early on. There were many times when I felt out of place or different from everyone else, and that wasn't always easy. But looking back, those experiences really formed me. They taught me how to be strong, how to understand people better, and how to show up for others, especially the ones who feel overlooked or like they don’t belong. As a child, I naturally connected with people who were often overlooked, friends with visible differences like extra fingers or skin conditions. Being around them showed me how deeply confidence and self-image can affect a person’s life. It made me want to be someone who helps others feel comfortable in their own skin, both physically and emotionally. That is where my passion for healthcare, specifically dermatology, began. My biggest inspiration is my grandmother, who was a physician. Even though I did not grow up close to her, I had the opportunity to care for her during my summer breaks in college when she developed dementia. That time meant everything to me. Even as her memory faded, her nature never changed. She would constantly remind me that I was beautiful and that I would do great things in this world. Those words stayed with me. A year later, when she passed, I carried that encouragement with me and turned my mourning into motivation. Shortly after, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant. Working as a CNA has allowed me to care for patients hands-on, showing me the significance of patience, dignity, and compassion in healthcare. It confirmed that this is not just something I am interested in; it is what I am meant to do. I aspire to become a dermatology nurse practitioner or dermatologist so I can help people feel confident, seen, and comfortable in their own skin, regardless of age or condition. This scholarship would have a significant impact on my journey. As someone without strong financial support, pursuing higher education comes with a lot of pressure. I am balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while keeping focused on my goals. This support would ease that burden and allow me to focus more on my education and clinical growth, rather than constantly worrying about finances. It would also bring me one stride closer to building a stable future, not just for me but for my family as well. More than anything, this scholarship is an investment in my purpose. I am determined to use my education to give back, help others, and provide care that makes people feel appreciated and confident. My experiences have influenced me, but they will not limit me; they will drive me to make a difference.

My road toward a career in medicine hasn’t been easy, but it has been meaningful, and I’m still growing through it. As a student at an HBCU, I’ve learned that this path isn’t only about grades or achievements. It’s about pushing through the parts people don’t always talk about, grief, setbacks, financial struggles, and learning how to keep going anyway. Growing up, college wasn’t something my family talked about much. I can count on one hand the number of people who actually graduated. Still, healthcare was always around me: family members who were nurses and medical assistants, and my grandmother, who was a doctor. Even as a child, I knew I wanted to do something hands-on and meaningful. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but I knew I wanted to make an impact. My childhood wasn’t stable. I moved between households, constantly adjusting to new environments and schools. That came with being judged for what I didn’t have, my clothes, my living situation, and things beyond my control. Because of that, I found myself connecting with people who were also going through something. Over time, I started observing things more deeply, friends with skin conditions, physical differences, and insecurities that made them feel like they didn’t belong. That curiosity stayed with me. In middle school, I started getting into skincare and helping people feel more confident. It began simply, giving advice, doing mini facials, but it meant something to me. By high school, I began researching dermatology, HBCUs, and the steps to becoming a doctor. That’s when everything made sense. I decided that no matter what I had been through, I wasn’t going to let it limit where I was going. Getting accepted into college as a first-generation student meant everything to me. Now that I'm attending Alabama A&M University, I’ve found a space where I truly feel noticed and supported. Being at an HBCU has molded me in ways that I didn’t expect; it’s given me confidence, community, and a stronger understanding of the significance of representation. I’ve joined organizations, given back through service, and pushed myself to grow even when things felt intense. And truthfully, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve dealt with loss, mental health struggles, distance from family, and financial hardships including moments where I didn’t know how I was going to pay rent or stay in school. There were times I had to choose between basic needs and my education. Receiving the Junie Project Scholarship would take a huge weight off my shoulders. It would allow me to focus more on my education and less on how I’ll make ends meet. More than that, it would be a devotion to my future as a physician. I want to become a cosmetic dermatologist who serves communities that are often overlooked. Many people of color experience gaps in care, especially in dermatology, in which conditions on darker skin are often misdiagnosed or ignored. I want to be part of changing that. I want my patients to feel noticed, understood, and cared for. My experience is still unfolding, but everything I’ve been through has made me into someone who refuses to quit. This scholarship would support me in continuing forward, not solely for myself, but for my family and my community.