Honestly, I’ve always had a weird relationship with how I look. Like, from elementary school all the way through 9th grade, I was pretty chubby. I hated it. I would compare myself to everyone — friends, kids at school, and especially people I saw online. Everyone looked better than me. Even now, I still have a little stomach, and sometimes I catch myself just… staring in the mirror, wondering if something’s wrong with me. Sometimes, before I get in the shower, I just stop and look at my body. It’s like I’m trying to find what I did wrong. But the truth is, I didn’t do anything wrong. This is just the way I am. It took me a while to get that. I’ve been learning to accept that this is how God made me. It’s not easy, but I’m trying. Social media definitely made it harder. You go on TikTok or Instagram and all you see are people with perfect skin, flat stomachs, clear faces, crazy outfits… and you’re just sitting there like, “Why don’t I look like that?” It messes with your head. You know deep down that a lot of it’s fake or filtered or posed, but still — it makes you feel like you’re not enough. I’m not the only one. A lot of my friends have said the same stuff. Some won’t even post pictures anymore unless they use a filter or FaceTune or whatever. And if a post doesn’t get enough likes? Delete. It’s like everything we do online has to be approved by other people. But I also think social media isn’t all bad. Sometimes it can help people open up, share what they’re going through, or just feel less alone. I think the problem is how much we let it affect how we see ourselves. Like, we care more about what strangers online think than how we actually feel. So, what can we do? First, schools should talk more about this. Not just “don’t use your phone,” but real conversations about mental health and social media. We need to know it’s okay to not be perfect. I also think apps could help by hiding likes, or at least letting people know when a photo’s been edited. Me? I’ve started taking breaks from social media. I try not to check it first thing in the morning, and when I do go on, I remind myself that not everything I see is real. I still struggle sometimes, I won’t lie. But I’m starting to feel a little better about myself. Day by day. I may not be perfect, but I’m learning that I don’t have to be.

My Journey Toward Becoming an Ultrasound Technician and Promoting Diversity in Healthcare When I was in middle school, I went with my aunt to one of her prenatal checkups. The room was dim, and the only light came from the screen showing her ultrasound. The technician pointed out the baby’s heartbeat, and I stared in awe. I had never seen anything like that before. More than the image itself, I remember how kind and gentle the technician was. She explained everything so clearly, and my aunt left feeling comforted. That moment stayed with me, and it’s what first made me want to work in healthcare. One of my biggest goals is to become an ultrasound technician. I want to work with patients who might be nervous or worried and help them feel calm and cared for. This role matters because ultrasound can give people answers without the need for surgery. It helps doctors detect problems early, but more importantly, it gives patients peace of mind. Being part of that process would mean a lot to me. Another major goal of mine is to help improve the way healthcare serves people of all backgrounds. I strongly believe that we need more racial diversity in the medical field. Many patients don’t feel fully seen or heard when they don’t share anything in common with their providers. As a result, they may not open up or ask questions, which affects their care. For example, someone from a different cultural background might feel uncomfortable with certain procedures unless the provider takes time to explain them in a respectful and understanding way. If the provider shares that background or just shows cultural awareness, the patient is more likely to trust them. That trust leads to better care, better communication, and healthier outcomes. Adding more diverse voices to healthcare doesn’t just help individual patients—it helps whole communities. People who understand the traditions, languages, or concerns of a group can help that group feel less alone in the medical system. I want to be one of those people. I want patients to know they’re not just being treated—they’re being understood. Looking ahead, I hope to work in a hospital or clinic that serves people from all walks of life. Whether I’m showing a mother her baby for the first time or helping someone figure out what’s causing their pain, I want to be known for my kindness, skill, and care. I also hope to inspire others from my community to follow similar paths. If younger kids can see me working in healthcare and think, “I can do that too,” then I’ve already made a difference. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to reaching these goals. It would help me focus on my education, build the skills I need, and take my place in a field that truly needs more representation.