Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked, whether it was taking apart clocks in my house, or even attempting to fix broken bicycles. I found interest in understanding the deeper mechanics of things and fixing basic functions. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of hard labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. I was raised in a low income household with no access to healthcare or aid, I experienced firsthand the consequences of the unequal system. The helplessness I felt as a child watching my parents avoid medical care due to cost inspired me to seek solutions through science. My first, real exposure to engineering came from a STEM class in elementary school. The hands-on projects gave me a glimpse into how innovation could bridge gaps in real world problems. I was particularly drawn to biology and engineering, fascinated by their collaboration and the ability of technology to enhance medical solutions. Volunteering at my church's food drive further opened my eyes to the healthcare inequalities and deepened my drive. Every month we prepared warm meals and passed them out to the homeless in downtown Detroit. I saw that the large demographic of people shared a similar issue, most of them were injured or had untreated conditions that they couldn't seek proper help for because of their inability to afford it. I remember seeing veterans and victims of accidents who never received proper rehabilitation care which affected their lives forever. They were unable to work without treatment, trapping them in the endless cycle of poverty and pain. These encounters forced me to see the harsh reality that healthcare, rather than being a universal right, was a privilege that many simply could not afford. These experiences have shaped who I am today and have reinforced my determination to pursue biomedical engineering. I wish to work in research programs that focus on regenerative cells and tissues, in hopes to help those like my parents and the people I saw suffering in Detroit. Beyond regenerative medicine, I hope to work on designing tools that help with improving diagnostics, herniated disks, and affordable physical therapy options. Through biomedical engineering, I want to work to become part of the solution and bring equitable healthcare to all. My goal in life is to not only dream of these aspirations, but to work and actively contribute to make a difference. I am determined to use my education and future career in biomedical engineering to break down the barriers preventing underrepresented communities from receiving proper medical care. I dream that my memories of hesitancy when seeking medical care is not a burden that anyone else has to carry, and rather create a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

My parents immigrated from Korea to take a shot at the American dream, growing up though, it was hard to say I understood what they meant. We are a very low income family, and my parents worked long, hard hours to make a living for us. My dad spends 10-12 hours a day standing in front of a hot stove and my mom juggled raising my sister and I while managing small side jobs to make ends meet. Growing up, education became a major part of my identity as my mom made sure I understood the phrase “Education is my lifeline.” Over the years I grew fond of that phrase and realized that my future was in my own hands. Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked. I found joy in understanding the deeper mechanics of things. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. In my situation, we had no access to healthcare or aid, so I experienced firsthand the consequences of the unequal healthcare system. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of hard labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. These experiences ignited my passion for change in the healthcare system. Biomedical engineering merges science, technology, and healthcare to develop solutions for unfair medical access. I aspire to pursue research programs focused on regenerative medicine to help families like mine. My goal is to create innovations in the field, like stem cell therapies for treating spinal cord injuries or heart disease, and develop affordable solutions for people who face the same healthcare inequities that my family has. Through biomedical engineering, I want to bring equitable healthcare to all. This scholarship is not just financial help; it’s an opportunity for me to continue my education and work toward my goal of changing healthcare accessibility. With this support, I can focus on research, gain hands-on experience, and ultimately contribute to a field dedicated to improving lives. My goal is not just to dream, but to work and actively contribute to make a difference. I'm determined to use my education to break down the barriers preventing underrepresented communities from receiving proper medical care. This scholarship will help me take one step closer to that reality, allowing me to focus on my studies and, eventually, use my education to drive meaningful change. With your support, I can turn my passion into action, ensuring that my memories of hesitancy when seeking medical care is not a burden that anyone else has to carry, and rather create a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

A college degree represents far more than an academic achievement to me, it’s a gateway to freedom, a key to breaking cycles of struggle, and a symbol of my parents’ sacrifices. To me, freedom is the ability to pursue a career that allows me to uplift my family, contribute to my community, and ensure that no one has to endure the same struggles my parents faced. My parents decided to immigrate from Korea to take a shot at the American dream. Growing up though, it was hard to say I understood what they meant. We were a very low income family and my parents worked long, hard hours to make a living for us. My dad spends 10-12 hours a day standing in front of a hot stove and my mom juggled raising my sister and I while managing small side jobs to make ends meet. Without financial stability, basics became luxuries, and healthcare was out of reach. A degree will not only transform my own life but will create new opportunities for future generations of my family, opportunities my parents never had. My success and degrees will prove that hard work pays off for future generations. . Growing up, education became a major part of my identity as my mom made sure I understood the phrase “Education is my lifeline.” Over the years I grew fond of that phrase and took it to a deeper level once I realized that my future was in my own hands. I’ve spent years dedicating myself to my studies, pushing myself academically, and seeking new opportunities to grow. Whether through late-night study sessions, advanced classes, or extracurricular activities, I’ve worked relentlessly to ensure that my family’s sacrifices were not in vain. My achievements are not just for me, but they’re for my parents, who gave everything to provide me with the chance to succeed. However, my path has not been without challenges. From a young age I became a translator for my parents, reading documents, emails, and interpreting conversations at doctor's offices and parent-teacher conferences. “You are our ears and mouth”, my mom would say. At times, I resented this responsibility, jealous of my friends who didn’t carry the same weight. Yet, over time, my perspective changed. Speaking Korean allowed me to connect with my parents on a deeper level, more than words could express. It gave me a window into their sacrifices, their struggles, and their love. The late nights my dad spent working, the exhaustion in my mom’s eyes, the unspoken worry about medical bills; these moments became vivid reminders of why they endured so much. While I once viewed my role of a translator as an unfair burden, I began to see it as an honor. It was a way to give back to my parents, to be a part of their journey, just as they had been the foundation of mine. An important moment of my childhood was witnessing my parents avoid medical care due to costs. Watching my parents avoid medical treatment due to cost sparked a desire in me to seek a solution. I’ve pursued this passion while finding deep interest in STEM courses and engaging in research opportunities. I want to develop medical technologies that bridge the gap between affordability and accessibility, whether through prosthetics, biotechnology, or new medical devices. I want to ensure healthcare is a right, not a privilege, so families like mine never have to choose between survival and well-being. With my degree, I would further have the ability to understand, empathize, and advocate for those who are often unheard.

I immigrated from Korea to America when I was 8 months old. My parents took a shot at the American dream, growing up though, it was hard to say I understood what they meant. We are a very low income family, and my parents worked long, hard hours to make a living for us. My dad spends 10-12 hours a day standing in front of a hot stove and my mom juggled raising my sister and I while managing small side jobs to make ends meet. Growing up, education became a major part of my identity as my mom made sure I understood the phrase “Education is my lifeline.” Over the years I grew fond of that phrase and realized that my future was in my own hands. Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked. I found joy in understanding the deeper mechanics of things. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. In my situation, we had no access to healthcare or aid, so I experienced firsthand the consequences of the unequal healthcare system. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of hard labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. These experiences ignited my passion for change in the healthcare system. Biomedical engineering merges science, technology, and healthcare to develop solutions for unfair medical access. This field excites me because of the technological advancements it continues to make, and because of its real-world impact. I hope to work in research programs focusing on regenerative medicine to help families like mine. Stem cell therapy aligns with my visions and treats spinal cord injuries or heart disease with stem cells to regenerate nerve or heart tissue, challenges similar to those my mom faced. Tissue engineering also creates solutions for burn victims and can create artificial cartilage for joint repair, which can be helpful for those who take part in hard labor like my dad. Beyond regenerative medicine, I hope to develop diagnostic tools, improve herniated disk treatments, and enhance physical therapy options. Through biomedical engineering, I want to bring equitable healthcare to all. However, pursuing this dream comes with financial barriers. As a first-generation, low-income student, the cost of higher education is a significant challenge. My parents have worked tirelessly to provide for our family, but affording college expenses is beyond our means. This scholarship is not just financial help; it’s an opportunity for me to continue my education and work toward my goal of changing healthcare accessibility. With this support, I can focus on research, gain hands-on experience, and ultimately contribute to a field dedicated to improving lives. My goal is not just to dream, but to work and actively contribute to make a difference. I am determined to use my education to break down the barriers preventing underrepresented communities from receiving proper medical care. This scholarship will help me take one step closer to that reality, allowing me to focus on my studies and, eventually, use my education to drive meaningful change. With your support, I can turn my passion into action, ensuring that my memories of hesitancy when seeking medical care is not a burden that anyone else has to carry, and rather create a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked, whether it was taking apart clocks in my house, dissecting my food to examine every part, or even attempting to fix broken bicycles. I found joy and excitement in the deeper mechanics of things and trying to understand and fix basic functions. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of hard labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. I was raised in a low income household with no access to healthcare or aid, I experienced firsthand the consequences of the unequal system. There are lasting images of my mom’s pained face and my dad’s hands marred with scratches and blisters. The helplessness I felt as a child watching my parents avoid medical care due to costs inspired me to seek solutions through science. My first, real exposure to engineering came from a STEM class in elementary school. The hands-on projects gave me a glimpse into how innovation could bridge gaps in real world problems. I was particularly drawn to biology and engineering, fascinated by their collaboration and the ability of technology to enhance medical solutions. My situation and life ignited my passion for change in the healthcare system. Particularly in the biomedical engineering field, I am drawn to the concept of merging science, technology, and healthcare to develop innovative solutions that can be used to address the unfair medical access. This field not only excites me because of the technological advancements it continues to make, but also because of its potential to create a real-world impact. I wish to work in research programs that focus on regenerative cells and tissues, in hopes to help those like my parents. Stem cell therapy aligns with my visions and treats spinal cord injuries or heart disease with stem cells to regenerate nerve or heart tissue, challenges similar to those my mom faced. Tissue engineering also creates solutions for burn victims and can create artificial cartilage for joint repair, which can be helpful for those who take part in hard labor like my dad. Beyond regenerative medicine, I hope to work on designing tools that help with improving diagnostics, herniated disks, and physical therapy options. Through biomedical engineering, I want to work to become part of the solution and bring equitable healthcare to all. My goal in life is to not only dream of these aspirations, but to work and actively contribute to make a difference. I am determined to use my education and future career in biomedical engineering to break down the barriers preventing underrepresented communities from receiving proper medical care. I dream that my memories of hesitancy when seeking medical care is not a burden that anyone else has to carry, and rather create a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

I immigrated from Korea to America when I was 8 months old. My parents decided that they wanted to take a shot at living the American dream. Growing up though, it was hard to say I understood what they meant. We were a very low income family and my parents worked long, hard hours to make a living for us. My dad spends 10-12 hours a day standing in front of a hot stove and my mom juggled raising my sister and I while managing small side jobs to make ends meet. Growing up, education became a major part of my identity as my mom made sure I understood the phrase “Education is my lifeline.” Over the years I grew fond of that phrase and took it to a deeper level once I realized that my future was in my own hands. Korean was my first language, and I spoke it exclusively at home. This skill, while valuable, came with a great responsibility. From a young age I became a translator for my parents. It would be my job to translate any documents, read their emails, and interpret conversations at doctor's offices and parent-teacher conferences. “You are our ears and mouth”, my mom would say. At times, it would irritate me knowing I had this responsibility that took over a large part of my life. I angrily questioned why I couldn’t be as carefree like my friends and hated the burden of being the voice for my parents. I struggled with the weight of knowing my parents depended on me in ways most children never had to experience. Yet, over time, my perspective changed. Speaking Korean allowed me to connect with my parents on a deeper level, more than words could express. It gave me a window into their sacrifices, their struggles, and their love. The late nights my dad spent working, the exhaustion in my mom’s eyes, the unspoken worry about medical bills; these moments became vivid reminders of why they endured so much. While I once viewed my role of a translator as an unfair burden, I began to see it as an honor. It was a way to give back to my parents, to be a part of their journey, just as they had been the foundation of mine. An important moment of my childhood was witnessing my parents avoid medical care due to costs. I was always curious about how things worked and understanding the deeper mechanics of things. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. The helplessness I felt as a child watching my parents avoid medical care due to cost inspired me to seek solutions through science. Post-graduation, I hope to contribute to the field of biomedical engineering by developing medical technologies that bridge the gap between affordability and accessibility. Whether through medical devices, prosthetics, or biotechnology, I want to work to become part of the solution and bring equitable healthcare to all. My journey as a bilingual immigrant has shaped not only my identity but also my aspirations. While speaking Korean once felt like a responsibility I resented, I now see it as a gift, one that has given me the ability to understand, empathize, and advocate for those who are often unheard.

Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked, whether it was taking apart clocks in my house, or even attempting to fix broken bicycles. I found interest in understanding the deeper mechanics of things and fixing basic functions. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of hard labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. I was raised in a low income household with no access to healthcare or aid, I experienced firsthand the consequences of the unequal system. The helplessness I felt as a child watching my parents avoid medical care due to cost inspired me to seek solutions through science. My first, real exposure to engineering came from a STEM class in elementary school. The hands-on projects gave me a glimpse into how innovation could bridge gaps in real world problems. I was particularly drawn to biology and engineering, fascinated by their collaboration and the ability of technology to enhance medical solutions. Volunteering at my church's food drive further opened my eyes to the healthcare inequalities and deepened my drive. Every month we prepared warm meals and passed them out to the homeless in downtown Detroit. I saw that the large demographic of people shared a similar issue, most of them were injured or had untreated conditions that they couldn't seek proper help for because of their inability to afford it. I remember seeing veterans and victims of accidents who never received proper rehabilitation care which affected their lives forever. They were unable to work without treatment, trapping them in the endless cycle of poverty and pain. These encounters forced me to see the harsh reality that healthcare, rather than being a universal right, was a privilege that many simply could not afford. These experiences have shaped who I am today and have reinforced my determination to pursue biomedical engineering. I wish to work in research programs that focus on regenerative cells and tissues, in hopes to help those like my parents and the people I saw suffering in Detroit. Beyond regenerative medicine, I hope to work on designing tools that help with improving diagnostics, herniated disks, and affordable physical therapy options. Through biomedical engineering, I want to work to become part of the solution and bring equitable healthcare to all. My goal in life is to not only dream of these aspirations, but to work and actively contribute to make a difference. I am determined to use my education and future career in biomedical engineering to break down the barriers preventing underrepresented communities from receiving proper medical care. I dream that my memories of hesitancy when seeking medical care is not a burden that anyone else has to carry, and rather create a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked, whether it was taking apart clocks in my house, dissecting my food to examine every part, or even attempting to fix broken bicycles. I found joy and excitement in the deeper mechanics of things and trying to understand and fix basic functions. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of hard labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. I was raised in a low income household with no access to healthcare or aid, I experienced firsthand the consequences of the unequal system. There are lasting images of my mom’s pained face and my dad’s hands marred with scratches and blisters. The helplessness I felt as a child watching my parents avoid medical care due to costs inspired me to seek solutions through science. My first, real exposure to engineering came from a STEM class in elementary school. The hands-on projects gave me a glimpse into how innovation could bridge gaps in real world problems. I was particularly drawn to biology and engineering, fascinated by their collaboration and the ability of technology to enhance medical solutions. My situation and life ignited my passion for change in the healthcare system. Particularly in the biomedical engineering field, I am drawn to the concept of merging science, technology, and healthcare to develop innovative solutions that can be used to address the unfair medical access. This field not only excites me because of the technological advancements it continues to make, but also because of its potential to create a real-world impact. I wish to work in research programs that focus on regenerative cells and tissues, in hopes to help those like my parents. Stem cell therapy aligns with my visions and treats spinal cord injuries or heart disease with stem cells to regenerate nerve or heart tissue, challenges similar to those my mom faced. Tissue engineering also creates solutions for burn victims and can create artificial cartilage for joint repair, which can be helpful for those who take part in hard labor like my dad. Beyond regenerative medicine, I hope to work on designing tools that help with improving diagnostics, herniated disks, and physical therapy options. Through biomedical engineering, I want to work to become part of the solution and bring equitable healthcare to all. My goal in life is to not only dream of these aspirations, but to work and actively contribute to make a difference. I am determined to use my education and future career in biomedical engineering to break down the barriers preventing underrepresented communities from receiving proper medical care. I dream that my memories of hesitancy when seeking medical care is not a burden that anyone else has to carry, and rather create a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.

Growing up, I was always curious about how things worked, whether it was taking apart clocks in my house, dissecting my food to examine every part, or even attempting to fix broken bicycles. I found joy and excitement in the deeper mechanics of things and trying to understand and fix basic functions. But my fascination with science and technology took on a deeper meaning as I watched my parents struggle with their health. Sparked by my mom’s chronic back pain and heart condition, combined with my dad's deteriorating health from years of hard labor in a hot kitchen, I was painfully aware and saw how the lack of health care can strip away comfort and stability in one's life. I was raised in a low income household with no access to healthcare or aid, I experienced firsthand the consequences of the unequal system. The helplessness I felt as a child watching my parents avoid medical care due to cost inspired me to seek solutions through science. My first, real exposure to engineering came from a STEM class in elementary school. The hands-on projects gave me a glimpse into how innovation could bridge gaps in real world problems. I was particularly drawn to biology and engineering, fascinated by their collaboration and the ability of technology to enhance medical solutions. My situation and life ignited my passion for change in the healthcare system. Particularly in the biomedical engineering field, I am drawn to the concept of merging science, technology, and healthcare to develop innovative solutions that can be used to address the unfair medical access. This field not only excites me because of the technological advancements it continues to make, but also because of its potential to create a real-world impact. I wish to work in research programs that focus on regenerative cells and tissues, in hopes to help those like my parents. Stem cell therapy aligns with my visions and treats spinal cord injuries or heart disease with stem cells to regenerate nerve or heart tissue, challenges similar to those my mom faced. Tissue engineering also creates solutions for burn victims and can create artificial cartilage for joint repair, which can be helpful for those who take part in hard labor like my dad. Beyond regenerative medicine, I hope to work on designing tools that help with improving diagnostics, herniated disks, and physical therapy options. Through biomedical engineering, I want to work to become part of the solution and bring equitable healthcare to all. My goal in life is to not only dream of these aspirations, but to work and actively contribute to make a difference. I am determined to use my education and future career in biomedical engineering to break down the barriers preventing underrepresented communities from receiving proper medical care. I dream that my memories of hesitancy when seeking medical care is not a burden that anyone else has to carry, and rather create a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege.