Growing up in a low-income, immigrant family in Washington, D.C., I faced numerous challenges that shaped my resilience and determination to overcome adversity. My parents, who immigrated from Ethiopia, worked laborious jobs with minimal pay, constantly striving to provide for our family of seven in a one-bedroom apartment. Both of my parents had limited education and no formal understanding of the language or culture of their new country. They were focused solely on survival, which meant my vision impairment went largely unnoticed. As a child, I didn't realize that my difficulty seeing clearly wasn't "normal." I struggled to read the board and recognize things from a distance, but I had no way to express these issues, especially since I could barely understand English. My teachers noticed something was wrong in second grade and suggested a vision screening, which revealed severe nearsightedness. However, glasses were an unaffordable luxury for my family, and my parents were focused on survival, leaving my vision impairment unaddressed. As a result, I continued to suffer silently, unable to reach my academic potential, and only learned later in life that I was legally blind. In high school, I faced additional challenges, including analysis paralysis, which made it difficult for me to process information efficiently. Even though I worked harder than my classmates, I struggled to keep up. When my school shifted to remote learning in 11th grade, the lack of access to clear visuals compounded the problem. I could not see the screen, read the material, or follow along with the lessons. I felt isolated and frustrated, convinced that my intellect was insufficient because of my inability to keep up with my peers, despite my efforts. The turning point came when I turned 18 and got my first job. I used the money to seek medical help and learned that I was legally blind, diagnosed with severe nearsightedness and astigmatism. This revelation helped me understand why I had struggled for so long, but it also gave me the opportunity to see clearly for the first time in my life. While releaved, it also made me think about how many years of struggle could have been avoided if I had received proper care earlier. This experience sparked my desire to pursue a career in healthcare and advocacy, which led me to pursue a double major in Healthcare Management and Business Management with a minor in Economics. In addition to these fields, I am also studying Psychology, aiming to combine healthcare knowledge with an understanding of the emotional and psychological toll that medical errors and inequities can have on patients. A significant personal experience also motivated my career path: when my father became a victim of medical malpractice. After a routine surgery went wrong, my family struggled to navigate the healthcare system due to language barriers and limited knowledge of their rights. The emotional and physical toll on my father, coupled with the lack of resources to advocate for him, cemented my desire to specialize in medical malpractice law. This scholarship will empower me to continue my education and pursue my passion for advocating on behalf of underserved individuals, particularly those facing systemic barriers to healthcare and legal resources. With my personal experience of limited access to care and the injustices that can follow, I am committed to specializing in medical malpractice law and working towards a healthcare system that ensures justice and proper care for all, regardless of background or financial status.