Medicine has always been a big deal for me. I knew that it would be the career to pursue ever since I wrote it down on my “Where do you see yourself in 20 years” assignment in the second grade. I absentmindedly followed this path, but it was only strengthened when entering high school. I became fully aware with all the barriers projected against the Black community. I quickly found a way to link advocacy for the Black Community within my profession and was given the answer when constructing my research project during my sophomore year of college. There is so much talent within the Black community that is being obstructed from developing because of all the obstacles presented against us. It is imperative that the Black community defends itself as the system was designed against us. This is evident in the Black Infant Mortality rate. Black infants are dying at a higher rate in comparison to their white counterparts. This is due to racial practices that exist within the medical system. The best way to dismantle the injustice that lies within is to infiltrate it and propose better practices. This is why it is highly important that I continue higher education. This way, I can continue the research behind the Black Infant Mortality Rate in order to garner more attention behind it. As I do enjoy some of the courses I have taken in support of Medicine, I have found something else that also holds my interest. My roommate was apart of the Arts program at my university, I was exposed to all her projects and assignments, and this captured my interest. I quickly found that I enjoy editing and producing videos. I started becoming invested in video editing and even went so far as to create my own YouTube Channel in which I introduced the struggles of the black community on it. I want to be able to share Black creatives and their products with my subscribers. In addition, I joined the Forensics Science Club within my major and this too has captured my attention. I quickly learned about the many Black individuals that have been incarcerated unjustly. There are many faults that exist within matching DNA and also capturing suspects. Due to these faults, Black males are incarcerated at higher rates in comparison to other demographics. Once again, I find that infiltrating the system and introducing programs against these incidents is important. I am very passionate about the Black Community being able to showcase their talent without any hindrances and the only way that I will be able to fully support and dismantle all the obstacles that exist against us, would be to pursue higher education.

As an African American woman, I long for the space in which my community is able to showcase its potential. There is so much talent and potential that lies within the Black community that is being obstructed due to the many barriers that are placed against us. One of the many obstacles presents itself as the faults that lie within the health care system. It is a known fact that Black patients are susceptible to neglect within medical institutions. Several misconceptions and racial undertones exist within medical practices that continues to sustain the rising cases of mistreatment within the Black community. Incidents of mistreatment goes so far as to put the lives of Black patients at risk. This is evident in the black infant mortality rate. Black mothers face many egregious practices that puts their pregnancy at risk often resulting in the death of their infant. There must be change and change must occur expeditiously. All patients should be assured of quality care irrespective of their skin tone or background. In addition, health care should be more affordable in the United States. The right to health care is a recognized human right and because of this it should be more affordable yet, many patients are discouraged from receiving care because of their financial background. In other cases, patients refuse further care as they are aware of how continuous treatment would only increase their bill. In no instance is it acceptable for a patient to be worried about their quality of care upon their expensive bill. Change must be initiated. Patients should be afforded with the luxury of knowing they will be taken care of during the duration of their stay. Health care should be efficient in all areas of the world. Each facility should be provided with the necessary resources that allows for quality care for each patient. The lack of efficiency within healthcare facilities in Africa resulted in the loss of both my uncle and cousin. Lack of resources lead to inaccurate diagnoses, resulting in their deaths. Change needs to happen. If I had my way, I would have medical facilities be given the appropriate resources to treat patients. Patients should be confident in receiving the right diagnosis and the appropriate treatment for it. Change occurs when actions are taken. Although I do not have much of a platform, doing what I can with what I have is enough to incur a tide. I worked at the hospital, within the COVID unit and made it my priority to provide the best care for patients who were in fear of tomorrow. In the COVID unit, visiting hours were restricted which in turn further isolated the patients. They were in desperate need of someone to listen and to pay attention and I made sure I was there to provide this service. I wanted to be able to support them even though support was restricted. All patients should feel heard. I am also looking into more volunteer opportunities to help alleviate the heavy burden on health care workers. When hospitals are in short of employees, it places a huge workload on the ones already there. Therefore, patients aren’t provided with rounded care and support. I am looking into sitting in on patients who need hourly support so as to alleviate the heavy workload on employees and also give full attention to their needs. Change begins somewhere and I am hoping that I can be able to spread more awareness and garner more attention behind the change our health care system so desperately needs.

My name is Tolani Olaosebikan, yes there are 17 whole letters in my name. I am the first generation to be born into U.S. citizenship. My parents won the Green Card Lottery and were able to move from Nigeria to America. They both struggled to provide and maintain their stay here in America which structured my upbringing. I was always taught to strive for the best and to never forget who I was as a person. I would soon struggle with this mentality, being my identity, entering middle school. I was torn between two worlds. Entering a predominantly black school shook my world entirely. I found it extremely difficult to fit in especially since my last name gave everyone a reason to believe I was very different. I didn’t know much about my Nigerian background to be fully proud, nor did I understand the African American culture to want to join (not that I could even if I wanted to). Students soon caught on to my internal divide and pushed me out. This was both a blessing and a curse. I did not enjoy my middle school years, but I did learn a lot from afar. There is so much history behind being an African American along with talent and potential, it is just difficult to tap into it because of all the barriers presented against us. This is where it all began. I am now twenty years old, entering the fall semester as a junior. I have learned so much about the Black community and its immense potential just waiting to break through. This has been the driving force in my career choice. I am now on the Pre Med track to soon become an OBGYN to black mothers. Many black infants as well as black mothers are being lost to the increasing mortality rate. To reinforce the potential we have as Black individuals we must eliminate any barriers that are intruding on our younger generations, and this is the rising case of infant mortality. Black mothers are being heavily affected by systemic racism and this is then exacerbated by the health care system that turns their back on them. Preterm birth negatively impacts the infant’s chance at survival. I want to be able to turn that around, to create an environment, maybe even a chain of hospitals dedicated to helping out Black patients, especially Black mothers so as to mend the mortality gap. I also want to be able to give back to Nigeria and help mothers in need of medical support so they too can enjoy safe deliveries. I recently lost a cousin of mine and her baby, back in Nigeria, for this very reason. Change must be sought out. In the end, I want us to have a chance to tap into our potential.

It is inconceivable the effects of smartphones in our world today. This device could be the cardinal factor in the breakthrough towards inventions. It can also be the reason why I am in bed all day scrolling through social media for hours upon hours. In other words, smartphones can either be extremely beneficial or detrimental towards growth depending on the user. Concerning my experience towards smartphones, I would say that it is extremely convenient and is important in day to day activities. Since smartphones are highly convenient, it has somewhat eliminated the need for face to face interaction as everything is almost one click away. I find that I often prefer limiting my interactions to over the phone basis just so that I will not have to leave the house. This is dangerous in that it keeps individuals isolated in their emotions and can often lead to lack of empathy or regard for others’ emotions. This is troubling as it becomes a struggle to express your ideas and opinions when it comes time for face to face interactions. In my experience, I found it difficult to open up and express my innermost thoughts as I became so use to distracting myself from all my emotions and thoughts with my phone. Although smartphones limit social interactions, it is a great way to meet new people, connect and construct ideas. It is through my smartphone that I learned the foundation of editing videos and building a social platform and now I have found a new hobby that I enjoy. As mentioned before, smartphones are extremely convenient which is why it is important that I have it along with me at all times. Society has progressed to become entirely dependent on smartphones and other similar devices. I store all forms of important information on my smartphone which allows me to contact friends, relatives, and job related activities. I am also able to record which is a major component in being able to edit videos in which I find I am always doing. I am also able to create notecards needed to study for the MCAT in the future. One device allows me to get through the day and without it I am afraid all activities on my agenda are halted. This level of dependency is alarming. I find that being dependent of my smartphone creates a form of addiction that requires a higher level of discipline. I think I am more disciplined than others when it comes to using my phone while driving, to a certain extent. I still find that I need to pick up my phone to change my music selection which is very dangerous while driving. I am slowly mastering the addictive pull by using voice enabling tactics that keeps my focus on the road. Smartphones are very helpful in progress, but it also comes with its destructive characteristics that must be mastered by its user.

I am greatly inspired by the amount of potential that lies within the African American community. Each individual within this community is greatly capable of breaking barriers, when given the chance. In a way this is what drives me. I am aware that it will be difficult for me to unlock and share my potential with the rest as the system isn’t designed in support of this. I have made it my priority to ensure that no matter what obstacles stand it my way, it must be torn down in order for the world to benefit from what we have to offer. From my perspective, this begins with the Black Infant Mortality Rate. This is one element designed to limit the Black community. Black Infants are dying at birth at higher rates in comparison to their white counterparts along with their mothers. I am currently on the Pre-Medical track and after receiving my degree, I am working to alleviate the Black Infant Mortality gap. Thus far, I have conducted research concerning the increasing mortality rate and the factors that are propelling its high numbers. I want to be the Physician that Black mothers look forward to meeting, the one they know will understand their ailments and the one they will trust to utilize all efforts towards a successful delivery. This is one step in protecting the Black community and its excellence. This is what drives me.