I spent much of my life in the upper-middle class suburbs of Dallas, TX until I auditioned for and was accepted to Booker T. Washington High School, the #1 performing arts high school in the state of Texas. It is renowned yet exclusive, competitive but relentless. We are challenged amongst one another, having to "battle" for our place weekly, especially in the Dance Conservatory. It is truly the survival of the fittest, to say the least. Somedays, I may shine alone, others, we win as a team. Cheerfully, friends clique up, usually by age, culture, or creed but mostly by race and ethnicity. It happens day after day after day. This has been my public school experience for several years. Ooh and let me add these quick, yet relevant fun facts: - Dallas ISD racial makeup is 70% Hispanic, 21% African-American, 6% White, and 3% Other. - Booker T. Washington HSPVA student body population of 999 students, 37% White, 35% Hispanic, 20% African-American and 9% Other. I am concerned with today’s lack of equality and diversity and the fundamental principles that schools do not place in their pursuit of multiculturalism and inclusion in our educational foundation. We are a society so divided in terms of race, disability, sexual orientation, equality, and diversity, which should be supported, and celebrated in middle and high schools, especially in public education. The lack of racial disparity in our school, causes some students to feel isolated and discouraged to continue their education. Here are some additional hard facts:  25% of white adults say they interact with Black people  26% of Black people say they have a lot of interaction with Hispanic people, while 20% of Hispanics say they have frequent interaction with people who are Black.  10% of Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics say they interact with Asians a lot in their daily life.  59% of Asians say they have frequent daily interaction with whites, more than the share of Black people  27% of Asians say they have a lot of interaction with Hispanic people  48% of Hispanics are less likely than Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics to verbalize their relationships. Understanding this all, my mom explains that college is an educational haven that promotes diversity awareness, which creates a culturally responsive academic environment for upward mobility. She stresses that connecting, communicating, and collaborating effectively, unifying in an inclusive world, through the enrichment of educational and psychological experiences and perspectives from different lenses, creates lessons taught best in an emotional, intellectual, and social environment, becoming the greatest opportunity afforded to us on a college campus. I am committed to inclusion and combatting racism and sexism within the medical community, especially where children are involved. Having the privilege of serving, supporting, and mentoring BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. I want to set the tone for a healthy society, where we love and celebrate people for their uniqueness, removing all barriers and borders, and eliminating divisive labels and stereotypes. Beginning in Fall 2023, my leadership & legacy experiences will begin at Louisiana State University, being a part of the solution, creating a safe space for everyone, with us always winning as a team.

1) Now, I understand ALL the times my mom would say, "Enjoy your childhood now, you only have 18 years of it". In February I turned of LEGAL age, a Grown-up, AKA "ADULTING" and I am terrified!! Why, you ask? Because seventeen was a blessing and a curse, like I am ALMOST an adult, able to "fly solo,” and make decisions that affected the future that I wanted, ones were creativity met responsibility, fun but functional, and challenging but rewarding at the same time. So why isn’t this the happiest time of my life? Because, although, I attend the #1 performing arts high school in Texas, have a 4.13 GPA, am a member of the National Honor Society, work 20+ hours a week at McAlister’s Deli, have completed 90+ hours of community service, and take care of my dog Romeo solo, with plans of becoming a pediatric oncologist, with the honor of making children happy as they heal through what may be a very traumatic time in their lives, I am kind of afraid of SOLELY being ACCOUNTABLE for myself, without the loving and supportive guidance of my family, where my lack of life experience may blur my commitment to accomplishing greatness. Attending LSU will be that directional “ray of light” needed to know that everything will be ok early in my academic journey towards adult greatness, making my mom's heart heavy with pride now and my hoping my educational debt lighter if awarded academic scholarships for my persistent dedication and hard work. 2) When I was in the 4th grade, my mother said, "Vallee math comes so easy for you that you overlook how blessed you are, STEM isn’t always PUSHED like sports & dance with our kids". I just shrugged it off and did not understand until I got into middle school and then high school and reality set it that none of my Black friends were in any of my core classes, which were all Honors and AP. So when people ask me WHY is STEM so important to me...it is because I was raised with Luke 12:48, "To whom much is given, much is required", I have a personal responsibility to grow my gift and pay it forward, becoming a BIPOC Pediatric Oncologist, serving minority children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again with someone who looks like them. I am choosing LSU, for its philosophy on "a community and a culture. Through learning, research, and community engagement, we are dedicated to changing lives, whether it’s a student in the classroom or the citizens of Louisiana and the world." My brain is multi-dimensional, so I plan to double minor in Spanish & Film Studies continuing my love for the arts, being creative and dramatic, and hopefully as impactful, and inspiring by becoming a Film Director after medicine, competing with Steven Spielberg, Jordan Peel, or Shonda Rhimes. It would be an honor to create a film chronology of one of my patient’s survival, after battling cancer. They say if you can see it, you can achieve it! 3) COVID and the BLM movement occurred during my sophomore year. My school's leadership began hosting weekly Zoom calls between the students, teachers, and mental health professionals, keeping our student body conversations and connections engaged and inspired. I was awakened to a student body so divided in terms of race, disability, sexual orientation, equality, and diversity; the tilted racial disparity in my school causes these "less than perfect" students to feel isolated and sometimes discouraged to continue their education. For six months until we returned to campus as a collective student body, I processed how I may be able to affect change within my clasp of capabilities. As an SGA and Yearbook leader, I took this momentum and asked specific questions uncovering biased perspectives from differing diasporas. The information received was eye-opening, leading me to create the "Booker T. Bookies", where students can express themselves through creative speech, reading, and writing, funneling their feelings into dramatic works of art, music, dance, and/or bonding moments. I also became the Sr. Photographer so that I could capture the student's moments and emotions in "live time", placing them in our time capsule (yearbook) never forgetting life events that will change us emotionally and mentally. My overall hope was to advocate for a healthy campus, where we love and celebrate creatives for their uniqueness, removing all barriers and borders, and eliminating divisive labels and stereotypes. I became a small part of the overall final solution, or at least this is what I tell myself, hoping that it may be true.

When I was in the 4th grade, my mother would say, "Vallee math & science comes so easy for you that you overlook how gifted you are; STEM isn’t always acknowledged or pushed like sports & dance in our communities". I just shrugged it off and did not think twice about it. As I grow into middle school, then high school reality set in, with me seeing my friends less and less throughout the school day; finally recognizing that none of my minority friends were in my core classes, (which were all Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses). This revelation pushed me, no, actually drove me to do some research, captured by the notion of just how “gifted” I was. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, we graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and 3.9% of undergraduate engineering degrees. - 2.5% of Black people are physics majors - Less than 1% of all mathematicians are Black - 15% of Black Mathematicians do mathematics research - Black students earned 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 - Fewer than 1 percent of doctorates in math are awarded to African Americans. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, discourages many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recollect numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to ‘positive discrimination, to being hassled by university guards and police for no reason while at work and experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants.’ Renowned science journal, Nature, said, "We recognize that nature is one of the white institutions that are responsible for bias in research and scholarship. The enterprise of science has been — and remains — complicit in systemic racism, and it must strive harder to correct those injustices." So, when I’m asked why math & science is so important to me, it is because my mother always told me that I had a special gift and, in our family, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required" is a principle. It requires a responsibility to grow and pay it forward. My gift has driven me since elementary school to seek more, beyond what my ancestors accomplished. I feel obligated and privileged to carry this torch of possible achievement. Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. And hopefully, my friends will also be proud of me, knowing that I am representing them too while attending a university that thrives on being globally impactful. I thrive on their motto “educating students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times”. The only thing I feel that needs to be added due to today’s climate is CULTURE…we must learn to live and love all diversity of beings, to create a wonderful world of inclusion for future sustainability.

I am absolutely in love with Hidden Figures, a 2016 nonfiction book written by Margot Lee Shetterly, then released on December 25, 2016, as a movie. Hidden Figures explores the biographies of three African-American women who worked as computers to solve problems for engineers and others at NASA. When I was in the 4th grade, my mother would say, "Vallee math & science comes so easy for you that you overlook how gifted you are; STEM isn’t always acknowledged or pushed like sports & dance in our communities". I just shrugged it off and did not think twice about it. As I grow into middle school, then high school reality set in, with me seeing my friends less and less throughout the school day; finally recognizing that none of my minority friends were in my core classes, (which were all Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses). This revelation pushed me, no, actually drove me to do some research, captured by the notion of just how “gifted” I was. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, we graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and 3.9% of undergraduate engineering degrees. - 2.5% of Black people are physics majors - Less than 1% of all mathematicians are Black - 15% of Black Mathematicians do mathematics research - Black students earned 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 - Fewer than 1 percent of doctorates in math are awarded to African Americans. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, discourages many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recollect numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to ‘positive discrimination, to being hassled by university guards and police for no reason while at work and experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants.’ Renowned science journal, Nature, said, "We recognize that nature is one of the white institutions that are responsible for bias in research and scholarship. The enterprise of science has been — and remains — complicit in systemic racism, and it must strive harder to correct those injustices." So, when I’m asked why math & science is so important to me, it is because my mother always told me that I had a special gift and, in our family, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required" is a principle. It requires a responsibility to grow and pay it forward. My gift has driven me since elementary school to seek more, beyond what my ancestors accomplished. I feel obligated and privileged to carry this torch of possible achievement. Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. And hopefully, my friends will also be proud of me, knowing that I am representing them too while attending a university that thrives on being globally impactful. I thrive on their motto “educating students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times”. The only thing I feel that needs to be added due to today’s climate is CULTURE…we must learn to live and love all diversity of beings, to create a wonderful world of inclusion for future sustainability.

When I was in the 4th grade, my mother would say, "Vallee math & science comes so easy for you that you overlook how gifted you are; STEM isn’t always acknowledged or pushed like sports & dance in our communities". I just shrugged it off and did not think twice about it. As I grow into middle school, then high school reality set in, with me seeing my friends less and less throughout the school day; finally recognizing that none of my minority friends were in my core classes, (which were all Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses). This revelation pushed me, no, actually drove me to do some research, captured by the notion of just how “gifted” I was. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, we graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and 3.9% of undergraduate engineering degrees. - 2.5% of Black people are physics majors - Less than 1% of all mathematicians are Black - 15% of Black Mathematicians do mathematics research - Black students earned 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 - Fewer than 1 percent of doctorates in math are awarded to African Americans. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, discourages many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recollect numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to ‘positive discrimination, to being hassled by university guards and police for no reason while at work and experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants.’ Renowned science journal, Nature, said, "We recognize that nature is one of the white institutions that are responsible for bias in research and scholarship. The enterprise of science has been — and remains — complicit in systemic racism, and it must strive harder to correct those injustices." So, when I’m asked why math & science is so important to me, it is because my mother always told me that I had a special gift and, in our family, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required" is a principle. It requires a responsibility to grow and pay it forward. My gift has driven me since elementary school to seek more, beyond what my ancestors accomplished. I feel obligated and privileged to carry this torch of possible achievement. Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. And hopefully, my friends will also be proud of me, knowing that I am representing them too while attending a university that thrives on being globally impactful. I thrive on their motto “educating students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times”. The only thing I feel that needs to be added due to today’s climate is CULTURE…we must learn to live and love all diversity of beings, to create a wonderous world of inclusion for future sustainability.

Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who looks like them on a purpose to heal...

When I was in the 4th grade, my mother would say, "Vallee math & science comes so easy for you that you overlook how gifted you are; STEM isn’t always acknowledged or pushed like sports & dance in our communities". I just shrugged it off and did not think twice about it. As I grow into middle school, then high school reality set in, with me seeing my friends less and less throughout the school day; finally recognizing that none of my minority friends were in my core classes, (which were all Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses). This revelation pushed me, no, actually drove me to do some research, captured by the notion of just how “gifted” I was. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, we graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and 3.9% of undergraduate engineering degrees. - 2.5% of Black people are physics majors - Less than 1% of all mathematicians are Black - 15% of Black Mathematicians do mathematics research - Black students earned 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 - Fewer than 1 percent of doctorates in math are awarded to African Americans. So, when I’m asked why math & science is so important to me, it is because my mother always told me that I had a special gift and, in our family, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required" is a principle. It requires a responsibility to grow and pay it forward. My gift has driven me since elementary school to seek more, beyond what my ancestors accomplished. Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. And hopefully, my friends will also be proud of me, knowing that I am representing them too while attending a university that thrives on being globally impactful. I thrive on their motto “educating students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times”. The only thing I feel that needs to be added due to today’s climate is CULTURE…we must learn to live and love all diversity of beings, to create a wonderous world of inclusion for future sustainability.

When I was in the 4th grade, my mother would say, "Vallee math & science comes so easy for you that you overlook how gifted you are; STEM isn’t always acknowledged or pushed like sports & dance in our communities". I just shrugged it off and did not think twice about it. As I grow into middle school, then high school reality set in, with me seeing my friends less and less throughout the school day; finally recognizing that none of my minority friends were in my core classes, (which were all Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses). This revelation pushed me, no, actually drove me to do some research, captured by the notion of just how “gifted” I was. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, we graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and 3.9% of undergraduate engineering degrees. - 2.5% of Black people are physics majors - Less than 1% of all mathematicians are Black - 15% of Black Mathematicians do mathematics research - Black students earned 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 - Fewer than 1 percent of doctorates in math are awarded to African Americans. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, discourages many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recollect numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to ‘positive discrimination, to being hassled by university guards and police for no reason while at work and experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants.’ Renowned science journal, Nature, said, "We recognize that nature is one of the white institutions that are responsible for bias in research and scholarship. The enterprise of science has been — and remains — complicit in systemic racism, and it must strive harder to correct those injustices." So, when I’m asked why math & science is so important to me, it is because my mother always told me that I had a special gift and, in our family, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required" is a principle. It requires a responsibility to grow and pay it forward. My gift has driven me since elementary school to seek more, beyond what my ancestors accomplished. I feel obligated and privileged to carry this torch of possible achievement. Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. And hopefully, my friends will also be proud of me, knowing that I am representing them too while attending a university that thrives on being globally impactful. I thrive on their motto “educating students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times”. The only thing I feel that needs to be added due to today’s climate is CULTURE…we must learn to live and love all diversity of beings, to create a wonderous world of inclusion for future sustainability.

"Certain people – men, of course – discouraged me, saying [science] was not a good career for women. That pushed me even more to persevere." - Francoise Barre, a virologist who won the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine I spent much of my life in the upper-middle class suburbs of Dallas, TX until I auditioned for and was accepted to Booker T. Washington High School, the #1 performing arts high school in the state of Texas. It is renowned yet exclusive, competitive but relentless. We are challenged amongst one another, having to "battle" for our place weekly, especially in the Dance Conservatory. It is truly the survival of the fittest, to say the least. I am often asked, "Why medicine, don't you want to do something easier, with less schooling and more money?" My answer is no. While researching my major, Biological Sciences, I learned there is a HUGE shortage of BIPOC and women in this field. I also discovered additional hard truths about cultural diversity in the STEM field collectively. Although Black and African American persons make up approximately 13% of the US population, they only graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and/or 5.7% of undergraduate chemistry / pre-med track degrees. My mom says that college is a foundation for where the real world begins. If this is the case, my priorities upon graduation are to promote and support uniformity of healthcare cost, care, and commission; support diversity, promotion, and inclusion of gender in the medical field, along with uplifting the pride of BIPOC kids by volunteering and networking with organizations whose passions align with mine in the STEM arena. By educating to improve healthcare for marginalized patients, I hope to right as many wrongs with positive outcomes this time around. I am committed to inclusion and combatting racism and sexism within the medical community, especially where children are involved. Having the privilege of serving, supporting, and mentoring BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. I want to set the tone for a healthy society, where we love and celebrate people for their uniqueness, removing all barriers and borders to eliminate divisive labels and stereotypes. I know that as a diverse zillennial, I can be a part of the solution, creating a safe space for everyone. And beginning in Fall 2023, my leadership & legacy experiences will begin at Louisiana State University.

I spent much of my life in the upper-middle class suburbs of Dallas, TX until I auditioned for and was accepted to Booker T. Washington High School, the #1 performing arts high school in the state of Texas. It is renowned yet exclusive, competitive but relentless. We are challenged amongst one another, having to "battle" for our place weekly, especially in the Dance Conservatory. It is truly the survival of the fittest, to say the least. Somedays, I may shine alone, others, we win as a team. Cheerfully, friends clique up, usually by age, culture, or creed but mostly by race and ethnicity. It happens day after day after day. This has been my public school experience for several years. Ooh and let me add these quick, yet relevant fun facts: - Dallas ISD's racial makeup is 70% Hispanic, 21% African-American, 6% White, and 3% Other. - Booker T. Washington HSPVA student body population of 999 students, 37% White, 35% Hispanic, 20% African-American and 9% other. COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement occurred during my sophomore year. The school's leadership began hosting weekly Zoom calls between the students, teachers, and mental health professionals, keeping our student body conversations and connections engaged and inspired. I was awakened to a student body so divided in terms of race, disability, sexual orientation, equality, and diversity; the tilted racial disparity in my school causes these "less than perfect" students to feel isolated and sometimes discouraged to continue their education. For six months until we returned to campus as a collective student body, I processed how I may be able to affect change within my clasp of capabilities. I am concerned with today’s lack of equality and diversity and the fundamental principles that schools do not place in their pursuit of multiculturalism and inclusion in our educational foundation. We are a society so divided in terms of race, disability, sexual orientation, equality, and diversity, which should be supported, and celebrated in middle and high schools, especially in public education. The lack of racial disparity in our school, causes some students to feel isolated and discouraged to continue their education. As an SGA and Yearbook leader, I took this momentum and asked specific questions uncovering biased perspectives from differing diasporas. The information received was eye-opening, leading me to create the "Booker T. Bookies", where students can express themselves through creative speech, reading, and writing, funneling their feelings into dramatic works of art, music, dance, and/or bonding moments. I needed to advocate for a healthy campus, where we love and celebrate creatives for their uniqueness, removing all barriers and borders, and eliminating divisive labels and stereotypes. I became a small part of the overall final solution, or at least this is what I tell myself, hoping that it may be true.

I have spent most of my years in the white suburbs of Dallas until entering my magnet performing arts high school, which is small, diverse, and exclusive but it is also cliques, judgmental and competitive. In my dance conservatory, we are pitted against each other, having to "battle" for our positions weekly. It is truly the “survival of the fittest,” to say the least. I have learned the essentials of being independent but a team player, focused and coordinated, and to round it out, collaborating and always displaying sportsmanship. My dance director compares our classes to a "holistic life". I am often asked, "Why medicine, don't you want to do something easier, with less schooling and more money?" My answer is no, inner-city Black Americans have less access to wealth, housing, education, and health care, meaning that Black students interested in becoming physicians have more barriers to overcome, entering and staying in the healthcare field. I am committed to inclusion and combatting racism and sexism within this circle, especially with becoming a pediatric oncologist. Being accepted into a top university and progressing to a premier medical program will remind me of what I endured in high school. When researching my major, which is Biological Sciences / Biochemistry / Biomedicine, I learned there is a HUGE shortage of BIPOC and women in this field. I also discovered additional hard truths about cultural diversity in the STEM field. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, they graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and/or 5.7% of undergraduate chemistry / pre-med track degrees. • 2.5% of Black people are physics majors • Only 36% of doctors are women of any race • Less than 1% of all biologists are Black • <8% of Black biologists do biology/botany research in the U.S. • 5% of all active physicians are Black/African American • Black students earned 7% of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 • Fewer than 1% of doctorates in math/biology are awarded to African Americans • Black women make up 2.6% of all active physicians in the United States. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, could also discourage many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members often recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recall numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to positive discrimination, to experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants. My mom says that college is a foundation for where the real world begins. If this is the case, my priorities upon graduation are to promote and support uniformity of healthcare cost, care, and commission; support diversity, promotion, and inclusion of gender in the medical field, along with uplifting the pride of BIPOC kids by volunteering and networking with organizations whose passions align with mine in the STEM arena. By educating to improve healthcare for marginalized patients, I hope to right as many wrongs with positive outcomes this time around.

I have spent most of my years in the white suburbs of Dallas until entering my magnet performing arts high school, which is small, diverse, and exclusive but it is also cliques, judgmental and competitive. In my dance conservatory, we are pitted against each other, having to "battle" for our positions weekly. It is truly the “survival of the fittest,” to say the least. I have learned the essentials of being independent but a team player, focused and coordinated, and to round it out, collaborating and always displaying sportsmanship. My dance director compares our classes to a "holistic life". I am often asked, "Why medicine, don't you want to do something easier, with less schooling and more money?" My answer is no, inner-city Black Americans have less access to wealth, housing, education, and health care, meaning that Black students interested in becoming physicians have more barriers to overcome, entering and staying in the healthcare field. I am committed to inclusion and combatting racism and sexism within this circle, especially with becoming a pediatric oncologist. Being accepted into a top university and progressing to a premier medical program will remind me of what I endured in high school. When researching my major, which is Biological Sciences / Biochemistry / Biomedicine, I learned there is a HUGE shortage of BIPOC and women in this field. I also discovered additional hard truths about cultural diversity in the STEM field. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, they graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and/or 5.7% of undergraduate chemistry / pre-med track degrees. • 2.5% of Black people are physics majors • Only 36% of doctors are women of any race • Less than 1% of all biologists are Black • <8% of Black biologists do biology/botany research in the U.S. • 5% of all active physicians are Black/African American • Black students earned 7% of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 • Fewer than 1% of doctorates in math/biology are awarded to African Americans • Black women make up 2.6% of all active physicians in the United States. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, could also discourage many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members often recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recall numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to positive discrimination, to experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants. My mom says that college is a foundation for where the real world begins. If this is the case, my priorities upon graduation are to promote and support uniformity of healthcare cost, care, and commission; support diversity, promotion, and inclusion of gender in the medical field, along with uplifting the pride of BIPOC kids by volunteering and networking with organizations whose passions align with mine in the STEM arena. By educating to improve healthcare for marginalized patients, I hope to right as many wrongs with positive outcomes this time around.

I have spent most of my years in the white suburbs of Dallas until entering my magnet performing arts high school, which is small, diverse, and exclusive but it is also cliques, judgmental and competitive. In my dance conservatory, we are pitted against each other, having to "battle" for our positions weekly. It is truly the “survival of the fittest,” to say the least. I have learned the essentials of being independent but a team player, focused and coordinated, and to round it out, collaborating and always displaying sportsmanship. My dance director compares our classes to a "holistic life". I am often asked, "Why medicine, don't you want to do something easier, with less schooling and more money?" My answer is no, inner-city Black Americans have less access to wealth, housing, education, and health care, meaning that Black students interested in becoming physicians have more barriers to overcome, entering and staying in the healthcare field. I am committed to inclusion and combatting racism and sexism within this circle, especially with becoming a pediatric oncologist. Being accepted into a top university and progressing to a premier medical program will remind me of what I endured in high school. When researching my major, which is Biological Sciences / Biochemistry / Biomedicine, I learned there is a HUGE shortage of BIPOC and women in this field. I also discovered additional hard truths about cultural diversity in the STEM field. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, they graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and/or 5.7% of undergraduate chemistry / pre-med track degrees. • 2.5% of Black people are physics majors • Only 36% of doctors are women of any race • Less than 1% of all biologists are Black • <8% of Black biologists do biology/botany research in the U.S. • 5% of all active physicians are Black/African American • Black students earned 7% of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 • Fewer than 1% of doctorates in math/biology are awarded to African Americans • Black women make up 2.6% of all active physicians in the United States. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, could also discourage many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members often recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recall numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to positive discrimination, to experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants. My mom says that college is a foundation for where the real world begins. If this is the case, my priorities upon graduation are to promote and support uniformity of healthcare cost, care, and commission; support diversity, promotion, and inclusion of gender in the medical field, along with uplifting the pride of BIPOC kids by volunteering and networking with organizations whose passions align with mine in the STEM arena. By educating to improve healthcare for marginalized patients, I hope to right as many wrongs with positive outcomes this time around.

When I was in the 4th grade, my mother would say, "Vallee math & science comes so easy for you that you overlook how gifted you are; STEM isn’t always acknowledged or pushed like sports & dance in our communities". I just shrugged it off and did not think twice about it. As I grow into middle school, then high school reality set in, with me seeing my friends less and less throughout the school day; finally recognizing that none of my minority friends were in my core classes, (which were all Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses). This revelation pushed me, no, actually drove me to do some research, captured by the notion of just how “gifted” I was. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, we graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and 3.9% of undergraduate engineering degrees. - 2.5% of Black people are physics majors - Less than 1% of all mathematicians are Black - 15% of Black Mathematicians do mathematics research - Black students earned 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 - Fewer than 1 percent of doctorates in math are awarded to African Americans. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, discourages many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recollect numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to ‘positive discrimination, to being hassled by university guards and police for no reason while at work and experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants.’ Renowned science journal, Nature, said, "We recognize that nature is one of the white institutions that are responsible for bias in research and scholarship. The enterprise of science has been — and remains — complicit in systemic racism, and it must strive harder to correct those injustices." So, when I’m asked why math & science is so important to me, it is because my mother always told me that I had a special gift and, in our family, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required" is a principle. It requires a responsibility to grow and pay it forward. My gift has driven me since elementary school to seek more, beyond what my ancestors accomplished. I feel obligated and privileged to carry this torch of possible achievement. Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. And hopefully, my friends will also be proud of me, knowing that I am representing them too while attending a university that thrives on being globally impactful. I thrive on their motto “educating students to think deeply about and engage in the social, scientific, economic, and professional challenges of our times”. The only thing I feel that needs to be added due to today’s climate is CULTURE…we must learn to live and love all diversity of beings, to create a wonderous world of inclusion for future sustainability.

Now, I understand ALL the times my mom would say, "enjoy your childhood now, you only have 18 years of it". I am less than 4 months away from the LEGAL age of "ADULTING" and I am terrified!! WHY, you ask? Because seventeen is a blessing and a curse, like I am ALMOST an adult, able to "fly solo,” and make decisions that affect the future that I want, ones that are creative but responsible, fun but functional, and challenging but rewarding at the same time. So why isn’t this the happiest time of my life? Because, although, I attend the #1 performing arts high school in Texas, have a 4.13 GPA, am a member of the National Honor Society, work 20+ hours a week at McAlister’s Deli, have completed 90+ hours of community service, and take care of my dog Romeo solo, with plans of becoming a pediatric oncologist, with the honor of making children happy as they heal through what may be a very traumatic time in their lives, I am kind of afraid of SOLELY being ACCOUNTABLE for myself, without the loving and supportive guidance of my family, where my lack of life experience may blur my commitment to accomplishing greatness. When I was in the 4th grade, my mother would say, "Vallee math & science comes so easy for you that you overlook how gifted you are; STEM isn’t always acknowledged or pushed like sports & dance in our communities". I just shrugged it off and didn’t’ think twice about it. As I grow into middle school, then high school reality set in, with me seeing my friends less and less throughout the school day; finally recognizing that none of my minority friends were in my core classes, which were all Honors, Pre-AP, and AP courses. This revelation pushed me, no, actually drove me to do some research, captured by the notion of just how “gifted” I was. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, we graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and 3.9% of undergraduate engineering degrees. - 2.5% of Black people are physics majors - Less than 1% of all mathematicians are Black - 15% of Black Mathematicians do mathematics research - Black students earned 7 percent of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 - Fewer than 1 percent of doctorates in math are awarded to African Americans. So, when I’m asked why math & science is so important to me, it is because my mother always told me that I had a special gift and, in our family, Luke 12:48, "to whom much is given, much is required" is a principle. It requires a responsibility to grow and pay it forward. Becoming a Pediatric Oncologist serving BIPOC children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again from someone who may look like them is a torch that I am eager to carry. And hopefully, my friends will also be proud of me at the same time knowing that I am here representing them too!

I spent most of my life in the suburbs of Dallas, TX until I auditioned for and was accepted to Booker T. Washington High School, the #1 performing arts high school in the state of Texas. It is renowned yet exclusive, competitive but relentless. We are challenged amongst one another, having to "battle" for our place weekly, especially in the Dance Conservatory. It is truly the survival of the fittest, to say the least. Somedays, I may shine alone, others, we win as a team. Cheerfully, friends clique up, usually by age, culture, or creed but mostly by race and ethnicity. It happens day after day after day. This has been my public school experience for over 4 years. Ooh and let me add these quick, yet relevant fun facts: • Dallas ISD racial make is 70% Hispanic, 21% African-American, 6% White, and 3% other. • Booker T. Washington HSPVA student body population of 999 students, 37% White, 35% Hispanic, 20% African-American and 9% other. I am concerned with today’s lack of equality and diversity and the fundamental principles that schools do not place in their pursuit of multiculturalism and inclusion in our educational foundation. We are a society so divided in terms of race, disability, sexual orientation, equality, and diversity, which should be supported, and celebrated in middle and high schools, especially in public education. The lack of racial disparity in our school, causes some students to feel isolated and discouraged to continue their education. Here are some hard facts: • 25% of white adults say they interact with Black people • 26% of Black people say they have a lot of interaction with people who are Hispanic, while 20% of Hispanics say they have frequent interaction with people who are Black. • 10% of Whites, Black people and Hispanics say they interact with Asians a lot in their daily life. • 59% of Asians say they have frequent daily interaction with whites, more than the share of Black people • 27% of Asians say they have a lot of interaction with people who are Hispanic • 48% of Hispanics are less likely than Whites, Black people, and Hispanics to verbalize their relationships. Understanding these dynamics, my mom tells me that college is a haven that promotes diversity awareness, which creates a culturally responsive learning environment. If this is the case, I am here for these teachable moments. I'm a believer that there is a safe space for everyone. That we should be able to connect, communicate and collaborate effectively, uniting in an inclusive world, enriching our educational experiences and perspectives from different lenses, and creating lessons that can be taught best in an emotional, intellectual, and social environment. I want to set the tone for a healthy society, where we love and celebrate people for their uniqueness, removing all barriers and borders to eliminate divisive labels and stereotypes. I know that as a BIPOC zillennial, I can be a part of the solution. We do not have to start at the same place at the same time, but by moving in the same direction, we will get there at some point. And that is all that matters to me.

I have spent most of my years in the white suburbs of Dallas until entering my magnet performing arts high school, which is small, diverse, and exclusive but it is also cliques, judgmental and competitive. In my dance conservatory, we are pitted against each other, having to "battle" for our positions weekly. It is truly the “survival of the fittest,” to say the least. I have learned the essentials of being independent but a team player, focused and coordinated, and to round it out, collaborating and always displaying sportsmanship. My dance director compares our classes to a "holistic life". I am often asked, "Why medicine, don't you want to do something easier, with less schooling and more money?" My answer is no, inner-city Black Americans have less access to wealth, housing, education, and health care, meaning that Black students interested in becoming physicians have more barriers to overcome, entering and staying in the healthcare field. I am committed to inclusion and combatting racism and sexism within this circle, especially with becoming a pediatric oncologist. Being accepted into a top university and progressing to a premier medical program will remind me of what I endured in high school. When researching my major, which is Biological Sciences / Biochemistry / Biomedicine, I learned there is a HUGE shortage of BIPOC and women in this field. I also discovered additional hard truths on cultural diversity in the STEM field. While Black and African American people make up around 13% of the US population, they graduate with 9% of bachelor’s degrees in science and/or 5.7% of undergraduate chemistry / pre-med track degrees. • 2.5% of Black people are physics majors • Only 36% of doctors are women of any race • Less than 1% of all biologists are Black • <8% of Black biologists do biology/botany research in the U.S. • 5% of all active physicians are Black/African American • Black students earned 7% of STEM bachelor's degrees as of 2018 • Fewer than 1% of doctorates in math/biology are awarded to African Americans • Black women make up 2.6% of all active physicians in the United States. The treatment of Black and African American college students in STEM fields, and more general academia, could also discourage many from pursuing academic and research careers. Not only do Black scientists and faculty members often recall being the only Black person in the room, but they also recall numerous moments of racial discrimination. These range from having their achievements belittled and attributed to positive discrimination, to experiencing negative bias when applying for research grants. My mom says that college is a foundation for where the real world begins. If this is the case, my priorities upon graduation are to promote and support uniformity of healthcare cost, care, and commission; support diversity, promotion, and inclusion of gender in the medical field, along with uplifting the pride of BIPOC kids by volunteering and networking with organizations whose passions align with mine in the STEM arena. By educating to improve healthcare for marginalized patients, I hope to right as many wrongs with positive outcomes this time around.

When I was in the 4th grade, my mother said, "Vallee math comes so easy for you that you overlook how blessed you are, STEM isn’t always PUSHED like sports & dance with our kids". I just shrugged it off and did not actually understand until I got into middle school and then high school and reality set it that none of my Black friends were in any of my core classes, which were all Honors and AP. So when people ask me WHY is STEM so important to me...it is because I was raised with Luke 12:48, "To whom much is given, much is required", I have a personal responsibility to grow my gift and pay it forward, becoming a BIPOC Pediatric Oncologist, serving minority children through what may be a low moment in their life, making it bright again with someone who looks like them. My brain is multi-dimensional, so I plan to minor in Film Studies continuing my love for the arts, being creative and dramatic, and hopefully as impactful, and inspiring by becoming a Film Director after medicine, competing with Steven Spielberg, Jordan Peel, or Shonda Rhimes. It would be an honor to create a film chronology of one of my patient’s survival, after battling cancer. They say if you can see it, you can achieve it!