My Vision is Clear My Purpose is Defined My Future is Planned My Steps are Ordered Attending college means breaking generational curses to me. From the outside looking in, I should not be here. Thus far, I have the highest educational level in my family. I am the youngest of 3 boys, my dad is a self-employed (Barber), a single parent, and is the caregiver for his elderly mother. Attending college is important because education is a gateway to better career opportunities and economic mobility, which can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. It will provide opportunities and the necessary tools to reach my full potential. Attending college is a valuable investment in my future that will lead to valuable connections, lifelong learning, and friendships. Neither my mom nor dad are college graduates and I want nothing more than to break generational curses by becoming a college graduate. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical schools was decreasing. This experience made my dream of attending college even more important. Both of my grandfathers passed away, one had liver cancer and did not see a doctor until it was too late. My mother’s dad died at 65 years old, Papa Robert had been feeling ill for about 2 weeks and refused to go to the doctor saying it would just create more medical bills. My passion for science has shaped my plan to pursue a medical career, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on the Pre-Medical track with a minor in Business Administration. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Socially, attending college will provide a platform for me to meet and interact with diverse individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. I understand the advantages college can provide, by enhancing my critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These skills are essential for identifying and addressing community issues effectively. Becoming involved in student organizations, and clubs will expose me to different perspectives and allow me to see life through many different lenses. Attending college would be my first time living away from home, which will help me become more independent and responsible. Learning to manage my finances and make decisions for myself, this independence and self-discovery can greatly contribute to my personal growth and help me become more confident and a greater asset to my community. A college education will impact my financial situation by increasing my earning potential, job stability, and networking opportunities. While attending college is important to me for many reasons, pursuing my passion and making an impact is at the top of the list. Earning this scholarship can help me fulfill my dreams of becoming a college student. Thank you for your time and consideration, Wakem B. Wells

My dedication and commitment to service have been my greatest achievements to date and are rooted in my passion for making a positive impact and lending a hand to others. I love math and science, last year I had the chance to share my passion with a group of children for a week at the Heritage Kids Science Camp. My service experiences have had a huge impact on my life. Participating in community service initiatives and volunteering has shaped my perspectives, values, and priorities. My cousin Amiyah has Trisomy 21 and an Atrioventricular septal defect. Each year we raise money and volunteer at the Annual Buddy Walk to support her and her foundation Hearts for Amiyah. Since my freshman year of high school, I have volunteered to help run the EKS Special Olympics. I am a football player, so it was a no-brainer that I wanted to run the flag football portion of the EKS games. Seeing the pride and determination of the athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities as they competed in the sport I love, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my life. Service to others has given me a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the blessings I have that others may not have. My commitment to service is much more than just giving back, it's a true passion that pushes me to go above and beyond. Throughout my service experiences, I have gained a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. Service is not just a responsibility for me, but a privilege that has allowed me to grow as a person and make a tangible difference in the lives of others. My hope for my future is to begin my journey toward pursuing a medical career, which my passion for science has shaped, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on the Pre-Medical track with a minor in Business Administration. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Underserved communities often face bias and discrimination within healthcare systems, leading to lower-quality care and an unwillingness to seek medical attention. I aim to alleviate this issue by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, and addressing health disparities. Thank you for your time and consideration, Wakem Wells

My Vision is Clear My Purpose is Defined My Future is Planned My Steps are ordered I am Wakem Wells, a North Central High School senior from Indianapolis, IN. I have a 3.87 GPA and was accepted into the Howard Thurman Honors Program at Morehouse College. I am the youngest of 3 boys, my dad is a self-employed (Barber), a single parent, and is the caregiver for his elderly mother. My oldest brother who is 28 has since gone into the military and left his girlfriend and 3 kids to move in with us. A lot has happened these last few weeks and has left my future questionable regarding being able to afford college. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realized this is an issue that not only affects the black male population but had a profound effect on my own family. Both of my grandfathers passed away, one had liver cancer, and it was like he went to the doctor one day and was dead the next week. My mother’s dad died at 65 years old, Papa Robert had been feeling ill for about 2 weeks and refused to go to the doctor saying it would just create more medical bills. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track with a minor in Business Administration. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. In addition to my passion for medicine, I have always had a calling to help others. I am currently in a program called Beautillion Militaire through the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, this program empowers young men of color throughout the year, providing us with personal and professional development and mentorship. I want to be that positive example for my family, friends, and community. I have volunteered for several organizations to assist others. My family and I participate with Hearts 4 Amiyah Foundation- My cousin Amiyah has Trisomy 21 and an Atrioventricular septal defect. Each year we raise money and volunteer at the Annual Buddy Walk in support of her and many more. I love sports, so helping with the EKS Special Olympics Games each year is always fun. My Goals: 1. To Graduate a Morehouse Man 2. Attend Medical School 3. Become the CEO of A hospital, a position only held by 6% of people who look like me in the US. This scholarship will help me stay on track to achieve my goals without creating more hardship for my family.

I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realized this is an issue that not only affects the black male population but had a profound effect on my own family. Both of my grandfathers passed away, one had liver cancer, and it was like he went to the doctor one day and was dead the next week. My mother’s dad died at 65 years old, Papa Robert had been feeling ill for about 2 weeks and refused to go to the doctor saying it would just create more medical bills. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track with a minor in Business Administration. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Tackling Racial Disparities is one of the many factors that need to be addressed in order to start to making a change in the healthcare system. So many people do not have affordable and quality housing, access to reliable transportation, or access to nutritious, affordable food. Lack of access to quality health care, health insurance, but more people at higher risk for preventable diseases. Having access in lower income area helps with prevention. If we are able to get primary care doctors connecting a patient to mental health services or nurse diabetic educators or arranging for home health visits would allow physicians to have fewer patients to care for and allows them to spend more time with high-risk patients, allowing them to get upstream of potential health problems. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities.

I am Wakem Wells, a North Central High School senior from Indianapolis, IN. I have a 3.87 GPA and was accepted into the Howard Thurman Honors Program at Morehouse College. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realized this is an issue that not only affects the black male population but has had a profound effect on my own family. Both of my grandfathers passed away, one had liver cancer, and it was like he went to the doctor one day and was dead the next week. My mother’s dad died at 65 years old, Papa Robert had been feeling ill for about 2 weeks and refused to go to the doctor saying it would just create more medical bills. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track with a minor in Business Administration. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. In addition to my passion for medicine, I have always had a calling to help others. I am currently in a program called Beautillion Militaire through the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, this program empowers young men of color throughout the year, providing us with personal and professional development and mentorship. I want to be that positive example for my family, friends, and community. I have volunteered for several organizations to assist others. My family and I participate with Hearts 4 Amiyah Foundation- My cousin Amiyah has Trisomy 21 and an Atrioventricular septal defect. Each year we raise money and volunteer at the Annual Buddy Walk in support of her and many more. I love sports, so helping with the EKS Special Olympics Games each year is always fun. I also help with the Heritage Kids Science Camp and the Celebrate Science Indiana Festival. My Goals: 1. To Graduate a Morehouse Man 2. Attend Medical School 3. Become the CEO of A hospital, a position only held by 6% of people who look like me in the US. This scholarship will help me stay on track to achieve my goals without creating more hardship for my family.

I am Wakem Wells, a North Central High School senior from Indianapolis, IN. I have a 3.87 GPA and was accepted into the Howard Thurman Honors Program at Morehouse College. I am the youngest of 3 boys, my dad is a self-employed (Barber), a single parent, and is the caregiver for his elderly mother. My oldest brother who is 28 has since gone into the military and left his girlfriend and 3 kids to move in with us. A lot has happened these last few weeks and has left my future questionable regarding being able to afford college. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realized this is an issue that not only affects the black male population but had a profound effect on my own family. Both of my grandfathers passed away, one had liver cancer, and it was like he went to the doctor one day and was dead the next week. My mother’s dad died at 65 years old, Papa Robert had been feeling ill for about 2 weeks and refused to go to the doctor saying it would just create more medical bills. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track with a minor in Business Administration. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. In addition to my passion for medicine, I have always had a calling to help others. I am currently in a program called Beautillion Militaire through the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, this program empowers young men of color throughout the year, providing us with personal and professional development and mentorship. I want to be that positive example for my family, friends, and community. I have volunteered for several organizations to assist others. My family and I participate with Hearts 4 Amiyah Foundation- My cousin Amiyah has Trisomy 21 and an Atrioventricular septal defect. Each year we raise money and volunteer at the Annual Buddy Walk in support of her and many more. I love sports, so helping with the EKS Special Olympics Games each year is always fun. I also help with the Heritage Kids Science Camp and the Celebrate Science Indiana Festival. My Goals: 1. To Graduate a Morehouse Man 2. Attend Medical School 3. Become the CEO of A hospital, a position only held by 6% of people who look like me in the US. This scholarship will help me stay on track to achieve my goals without creating more hardship for my family.

When I was 7 years old, my mother worked full-time at a hospital while attending school to become a surgical technician. I remember helping her with her anatomy and physiology flashcards. As I grew older, my interest in science intensified. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never seen a black male doctor. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realized this is an issue that affects not only the black male population but people of color across the nation and it has had a profound effect on my own family. Both of my grandfathers passed away, one had liver cancer, and it was like he went to the doctor one day and was dead the next week. My mother’s dad died at 65 years old, Papa Robert had been feeling ill for about 2 weeks and refused to go to the doctor saying it would just create more medical bills. Healthcare diversity is a social justice issue because, across the nation communities of color, populations with lower socioeconomic status, and people with cognitive and physical disability are often disproportionately exposed to conditions and environments that negatively affect health risk. The African American community has endured a long history of healthcare discrimination, including unethical medical experimentation and denial of basic care. These experiences have undoubtedly contributed to the deep-rooted distrust and reluctance to seek medical attention among African Americans. Access to quality healthcare is an ongoing issue in the African American community. Gaps in health insurance coverage, medical deserts in predominantly Black neighborhoods, and racial biases within healthcare systems all hinder timely and appropriate medical care. The lack of access exacerbates health disparities, hindering early detection, proper treatment, and prevention efforts. African Americans often face bias and discrimination within healthcare systems, leading to lower-quality care and an unwillingness to seek medical attention. Implicit biases, stereotypes, and racial profiling affect the physician-patient relationship, contributing to mistrust and dissatisfaction within the healthcare system. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. In addition to my passion for medicine, I have always been driven by a desire to help others and positively impact society. This is why I feel it is important to be involved and advocate for healthcare diversity.

When I was 7 years old my mother worked full-time at a hospital while attending school to become a surgical technician. I remember helping her with her anatomy and physiology flashcards. As I grew older, my interest in medicine only intensified. I flipped through her Anatomy books, and we watched movies and documentaries about various medical specialties. I wanted to learn as much as I could about each field. My journey of researching medical careers since the age of 7 has not only solidified my ambition to enter the field but has also shown me the incredible impact doctors can have on the lives of others. It has taught me the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and compassion. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realize this is an issue that not only affects the black male population but also the nation. I believe it is important to have healthcare professionals who reflect the diversity of the population they serve. This can lead to better communication, increased patient satisfaction, and ultimately better health outcomes. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. In addition to my passion for medicine, I have always been driven by a desire to help others and to make a positive impact on society. I have volunteered for several organizations to assist others. My family and I participate with Hearts 4 Amiyah Foundation- My cousin Amiyah has Trisomy 21 and an Atrioventricular septal defect. Each year we raise money and volunteer at the Annual Buddy Walk in support of her and many more. I love sports, so helping with the EKS Special Olympics Games each year is always fun. Each year I help my aunts with the Legacy Foundation- Each year we adopt a family for Christmas. My mother works at a company called the Heritage Group and each year I help with the Heritage Kids Science Camp and the Celebrate Science Indiana Festival. Thank you for your time, Wakem Wells

When I was 7 years old my mother worked full-time at a hospital while attending school to become a surgical technician. I remember helping her with her anatomy and physiology flashcards. As I grew older, my interest in medicine only intensified. I flipped through her Anatomy books, and we watched movies and documentaries about various medical specialties. I wanted to learn as much as I could about each field. My journey of researching medical careers since the age of 7 has not only solidified my ambition to enter the field but has also shown me the incredible impact doctors can have on the lives of others. It has taught me the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and compassion. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realize this is an issue that not only affects the black male population but also the nation. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. In addition to my passion for medicine, I have always been driven by a desire to help others and to make a positive impact on society. I have volunteered for several organizations to assist others. My family and I participate with Hearts 4 Amiyah Foundation- My cousin Amiyah has Trisomy 21 and an Atrioventricular septal defect. Each year we raise money and volunteer at the Annual Buddy Walk in support of her and many more. I love sports, so helping with the EKS Special Olympics Games each year is always fun. Each year I help my aunts with the Legacy Foundation- Each year we adopt a family for Christmas. My mother works at a company called the Heritage Group and each year I help with the Heritage Kids Science Camp and the Celebrate Science Indiana Festival.

I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. This program's mission is to increase the number of black men in medicine by exposure, inspiration, and mentoring. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think about how many male black doctors I had encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. This experience made my dream of becoming a doctor even more important. I realize this is an issue that not only affects the black male population but also the nation. My journey toward pursuing a medical career has been shaped by my passion for science, my values of inclusivity and diversity, and the potential to make a difference. As I embark on my college journey, I intend on majoring in Biology on a pre-medical studies track. As a doctor, I want to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to help alleviate this stigma, by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that help with disease prevention, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. In addition to my passion for medicine, I have always been driven by a desire to help others and to make a positive impact on society. I have volunteered for several organizations to assist others. My family and I participate with Hearts 4 Amiyah Foundation- My cousin Amiyah has Trisomy 21 and an Atrioventricular septal defect. Each year we raise money and volunteer at the Annual Buddy Walk in support of her and many more. I love sports, so helping with the EKS Special Olympics Games each year is always fun. Each year I help my aunts with the Legacy Foundation- Each year we adopt a family for Christmas. My mother works at a company called the Heritage Group and each year I help with the Heritage Kids Science Camp and the Celebrate Science Indiana Festival. My Goals: 1. To Graduate a Man of Morehouse 2. Attend Medical School to become an MD 3. Become the CEO of A hospital, a position only held by 6% of people who look like me in the US

In my pursuit of academic excellence, I have encountered numerous challenges that have tested my perseverance and determination. One of the most significant challenges I have faced is time management. Balancing my academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, work, and personal commitments has often struggled. There have been times when I have felt overwhelmed by the amount of work I had to do and the limited time I had to complete it. I have always participated in multiple sports activities and just tried to be a typical kid. Once I got into middle school this became increasingly hard because I had more of a school demand because of the school I attended. Some days I would leave one practice, and go directly to another practice or training. I spent long hours studying or working on assignments, neglecting my mental well-being in the process. Finding the time to relax, and socialize was a constant struggle for me. There were moments when I doubted my abilities and felt like I was not capable of achieving the level of success I desired. Overcoming these feelings of self-doubt required a great deal of self-reflection and self-confidence. To maintain my academic coursework, I attended summer school each year to be able to get a couple of my classes done. This allowed me to have study halls on my schedule so that I was able to complete homework assignments and not be up all hours of the night studying and completing homework assignments. Despite these challenges, I have persevered and continued to strive for academic excellence. I have learned to develop effective time management skills, overcome self-doubt, and prioritize my well-being. While the path to academic excellence may not always be easy, facing and overcoming these challenges has made me stronger and more resilient. I am confident that I will continue to push myself to achieve my academic goals and overcome any obstacles that stand in my way. Since the age of 7, I always had a fascination with medicine. My mother was working full-time while attending school to become a surgical technician. I remember helping her with her anatomy and physiology flashcards. As I grew older, my interest in medicine only intensified. My journey of researching medical careers since the age of 7 has not only solidified my ambition to enter the field but has also shown me the incredible impact doctors can have on the lives of others. It has taught me the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and compassion. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think back to how many male black doctors I have encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. HBCUs have a rich history and legacy of empowering African American students and promoting diversity and inclusion on campus. I will have the opportunity to learn about my history and heritage while being able to celebrate and embrace my culture in a supportive and nurturing environment without judgment. HBCUs have a long history of producing successful and influential graduates who have significantly contributed to society. Attending an HBCU would allow me to be a part of this legacy and continue the tradition of excellence.

Since the age of 7, I always had a fascination with the field of medicine. My mother was working full-time while attending school to become a surgical technician. I remember helping her with her anatomy and physiology flashcards. As I grew older, my interest in medicine only intensified. I immersed myself in books, read journal articles, and watched documentaries about various medical specialties. I found myself captivated by everything from surgery to neurology, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about each field. My journey of researching medical careers since the age of 7 has not only solidified my ambition to enter the field but has also shown me the incredible impact doctors can have on the lives of others. It has taught me the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and compassion. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. In this program, I learned that the already low number of black male applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think back to how many male black doctors I have encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encountered one. Now, as I embark on my college journey, I intend to major in pre-medical studies, further immersing myself in the realm of medicine. My dream of becoming a doctor is stronger than ever, and I am excited to embark on this lifelong journey of making a positive difference in the lives of individuals. Providing high-quality, empathetic care to patients is crucial. Doctors can work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to alleviate this stigma by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that can help prevent diseases, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and addressing health disparities. I plan to teach and mentor by sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise with future generations of medical professionals. Educating and mentoring medical students and aspiring healthcare workers can have a lasting impact on shaping the future of healthcare and improving patient care standards. I will advocate to influence public health policies, health insurance systems, and healthcare accessibility. Raising awareness about healthcare disparities or working on initiatives to provide better access to healthcare for underserved populations, can make a difference on a larger scale. Public health initiatives: Participating in public health campaigns and initiatives can help prevent diseases, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being. Medical professionals can educate communities about preventive measures, and immunizations, and address health disparities.

Since the age of 7, I always had a fascination with the field of medicine. My mother was working full time while attending school to become a surgical technician. I remember helping her with her anatomy and physiology flashcards. As I grew older, my interest in medicine only intensified. I immersed myself in books, read journal articles, and watched documentaries about various medical specialties. I found myself captivated by everything from surgery to neurology, and I wanted to learn as much as I could about each field. My journey of researching medical careers since the age of 7 has not only solidified my ambition to enter the field but has also shown me the incredible impact doctors can have on the lives of others. It has taught me the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and compassion. I recently participated in a program called Black Men in White Coats. In this program I learned that the already low number of black men applicants to medical school was decreasing. This fact made me think back to how many male black doctors I have encountered in my life and the sad reality was I had never encounter one. Now, as I embark on my college journey, I intend to major in pre-medical studies, further immersing myself in the realm of medicine. My dream of becoming a doctor is stronger than ever, and I am excited to embark on this lifelong journey of making a positive difference in the lives of individuals. By providing high-quality, empathetic care to patients is crucial. I aspire to work towards improving healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction by treating individuals with respect, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. There is already a stigma that black men do not like to go to the doctor. My goal is to alleviate this stigma by participating in public health campaigns and initiatives that can help prevent diseases, promote healthy behaviors, and improve overall well-being in high-risk communities with education about preventive measures, immunizations, and address health disparities. I plan to teach and mentor by sharing knowledge, skills, and expertise with future generations of medical professionals. By educating and mentoring medical students and aspiring healthcare workers, I hope to have a lasting impact and shape the future of healthcare and improve patient care standards. I will advocate to influence public health policies, health insurance systems, and healthcare accessibility by raising awareness about healthcare disparities and working on initiatives to provide better access to healthcare for underserved populations, that can make a difference on a larger scale.