I am a second-generation African immigrant, shaped by faith, service, and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift others. Growing up in a household that straddled two cultures, I learned early what it meant to persevere, to translate, to advocate—for myself, for my family, and eventually, for my community. These experiences ignited in me a passion for healthcare, where I saw the potential not just to treat illness, but to empower lives, restore dignity, and bridge disparities that continue to affect underserved populations. My interest in healthcare is rooted in both personal and communal experience. I’ve watched loved ones struggle with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, not due to negligence, but because of systemic obstacles—lack of access, language barriers, and minimal culturally competent care. These early observations were painful, but they were also clarifying. They revealed the urgent need for healthcare providers who are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and committed to equity. I decided I wanted to be one of those people. Throughout college, I sought opportunities to serve and lead in ways that reflect these values. I volunteered at community clinics, where I supported patients navigating medication regimens and health education. I also served as president of Mortar Board, where I led initiatives that combined academic mentorship with community outreach. One of our most impactful programs connected university students with local high schoolers from underrepresented backgrounds, offering guidance, support, and college preparation resources. It reminded me that leadership is not about status—it’s about service, compassion, and creating space for others to grow. Now, as I pursue a career in pharmacy, my vision is rooted in impact. I want to work in underserved areas where I can improve access to medication, provide education about chronic disease management, and advocate for culturally competent care. I believe pharmacists are in a unique position to build trust, particularly in communities where healthcare institutions have often failed to do so. I want to be a familiar and reliable presence in my community—someone who not only fills prescriptions, but listens, explains, encourages, and supports. Long term, I also hope to establish mentorship and scholarship programs for first- and second-generation students interested in healthcare careers. Representation matters, and I want to help pave a path for others like me—those who may feel unseen, uncertain, or underprepared, but who carry the potential to lead and serve with excellence. I see my future career not just as a profession, but as a calling. A calling to bring hope where there is doubt, clarity where there is confusion, and healing where there is pain. I carry with me the stories of my family, the lessons of my faith, and the resilience of my community. Through every patient I serve, every student I mentor, and every barrier I help break, I plan to make a positive and lasting impact—one rooted in purpose, justice, and love.