My name is Zahara Simmons, and I am a rising sophomore at Widener University, majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. I am part of the University Honors Program, a student-athlete on the track and field team, and a summer research assistant through Widener’s SURCA program. I am also a long-time community volunteer through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.'s Youth Auxiliary. What drives me is the vision of becoming a Physician Assistant, someone who can meet others at their most vulnerable and bring both science and empathy to the forefront of healing. For as long as I can remember, I was curious about how things worked, especially the human body. But the moment that truly shaped my passion for science wasn’t found in a textbook or lab. It happened at home. Growing up, I believed my mom had powers. She worked both a full-time and part-time job and still managed to keep food on the table and love in our home. I never noticed the stress she carried, until I got older. That’s when I started to see the toll it took on her. The long nights, the quiet sighs, the moments when she sacrificed her own needs so I could thrive. I realized she wasn’t a superhero, she was a Black woman doing what Black women have always done: carrying the weight of everyone around her. That truth lit a fire in me. I began to understand that survival shouldn’t be the standard. I wanted to thrive, not just for myself, but to break the cycle of generational struggle. I wanted to help others who, like my mom, were navigating systems that often overlooked them. That’s what led me to STEM, not just the love of biology, but the purpose behind it. One experience that deepened my interest in science was when I earned a 99 on my first college biology exam. I walked out of the classroom in tears, not because of the grade, but because I felt like I had finally stepped into the future my mother worked so hard for. It was the first time I saw myself not just as a student, but as a scientist. That moment was followed by others: late nights in the lab during the SURCA program, asking questions about cell signaling pathways and dreaming about how my work could lead to real change. I finally felt like I belonged in STEM, and more importantly, that I could make a difference in it. Science is my way of giving back. It’s how I plan to advocate for people who are often unheard in medical spaces. It’s how I’ll help build a healthcare system that sees the full person, not just the symptoms. My journey into STEM wasn’t shaped by privilege, it was shaped by resilience, love, and a desire to rewrite what’s possible. I carry that purpose into every classroom, lab, and community I’m part of.

1. My name is Zahara Simmons, and I’m a biology major and psychology minor at Widener University. I’m a first-year student in the University Honors Program, a student-athlete on the track and field team, and a research intern in the SURCA program. I’m also a dedicated volunteer, having served with Zeta Phi Beta’s Youth Auxiliary since 2018. What drives me is my mother’s quiet resilience and sacrifice. Growing up, I believed she had superpowers, working multiple jobs, keeping us afloat, and making sure I never felt the weight she carried. But as I got older, I saw the cracks. She wasn’t magic; she was surviving. That realization made me promise myself that I would do more than survive, I would thrive, and help others do the same. I’m committed to breaking generational cycles, increasing equity in healthcare, and making STEM spaces more inclusive for women like me. 2. I feel deeply connected to the issue of racial and gender inequity in medicine and research. Black women are underrepresented in medical professions, underfunded in research, and often unheard in their own healthcare experiences. These gaps don’t just reflect injustice, they lead to worse health outcomes and missed opportunities for innovation. As a young Black woman studying science, I feel the weight of this disparity every day. 3. I believe the key to change lies in representation, education, and empowerment. I would create a national mentorship and research access program for BIPOC girls interested in STEM, connecting them with scientists, doctors, and innovators who look like them. I would also advocate for mandatory implicit bias training in healthcare education and fund community-led health initiatives that address disparities from the ground up. Through policy, outreach, and representation, I’d build a pipeline that not only lets us enter the field, but lead it. 4. I chose biology because science gives me the tools to ask and answer the most pressing questions about life and health. I paired it with psychology because I believe healing isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, systemic, and cultural. I hope to become a Physician Assistant working in underserved communities. I want to be the kind of provider who listens deeply, sees patients as whole people, and uses both empathy and evidence to help them heal. 5. In the next five years, I plan to gain admission into a competitive Physician Assistant program with a strong research and community health focus. To get there, I’m maintaining my 3.86 GPA, gaining clinical experience, and continuing my involvement in research through Widener’s SURCA program. I’m also pursuing shadowing opportunities and certifications to build my patient care hours. Most importantly, I’m staying rooted in service, because I know the kind of provider I want to be starts with the kind of person I am now. 6. College has shown me that I belong in spaces I used to think weren’t for people like me. When I earned a 99 on my first biology exam, I cried, not because of the grade, but because it felt like I was becoming the version of myself my mom had sacrificed so much for. Education has helped me see myself not just as a student, but as a future leader, scientist, and healer. It’s helped me turn my family's story of survival into one of transformation. 7. Being a Black woman has taught me to navigate spaces with both strength and strategy. I’m often the “only” in the room, only Black woman, only first-gen student, only underrepresented researcher, but I carry that with pride. I know I’m not just representing myself; I’m paving a path for others. I move through the world knowing that everything I accomplish opens doors for someone else to walk through. 8. To me, leadership is about showing up, consistently, authentically, and with purpose. It’s being the person who doesn’t wait for change but becomes it. I’ve embodied leadership through mentoring younger students, being a role model on my track team, and volunteering in my community year-round. Whether I’m organizing food drives or conducting research, I lead with empathy and vision. 9. Juggling a full academic schedule, athletic training, and financial stress hasn’t been easy. I took on a job to help relieve some of the burden on my mother, even as I balanced Honors coursework and research. I learned how to prioritize, ask for help, and trust my ability to rise under pressure. That resilience isn’t just a skill, it’s a part of my identity. 10. This scholarship would allow me to continue my education without being constantly weighed down by financial stress. It would give me the breathing room to focus fully on my academics, research, and clinical experiences. It would be an investment not just in my education, but in my future impact. I know I’m meant to do meaningful work in this world, and this scholarship would help make that possible.

I grew up thinking my mom had powers. Somehow, despite working a full-time job and a part-time one, she made sure the lights stayed on, the fridge was full, and I never felt the weight of what she carried. But as I got older, I started noticing the cracks. That’s when I realized she wasn’t magic. She was just doing what Black women have done for generations, surviving for everyone but themselves. That truth changed me. It lit a fire in me to not only succeed, but to build a life where I’m not just surviving, I’m thriving. That’s what pushes me every day as a biology major and psychology minor at Widener. I juggle being a student-athlete on the track & field team, a member of the Honors Program, and an active community volunteer, because I know what’s at stake. I know what it costs to sacrifice everything for a future you may never see, but I also know I have the power to change the pattern. One moment that stands out is when I got a 99 on my first college biology exam. I remember walking out of that classroom with tears in my eyes, not because of the grade, but because I felt like I was finally stepping into the version of myself my mom had worked so hard for. I felt like I’m building something real. I'm working toward becoming a Physician because I love science and I want to be there for people during their most vulnerable moments. I know what it feels like to not be heard, to not have options, to navigate systems that weren’t made for you. I want to be a provider who listens, who advocates, who makes space for healing, not just medically, but emotionally. Research is also one of my passions. This summer I’m working in Widener’s SURCA program with my biology lab professor, trying to make real change. It's exciting to explore STEM in a way that makes me feel like I belong there. I used to think people like me didn’t do this kind of work. Now I know we can, and we should. Everything I do, on the track, in the lab, in my community, is driven by my dream to break cycles. To give my future family a life filled with more laughter than sacrifice. To make my mom proud. To be proud of myself. This isn’t just about school. It’s about becoming the woman I was meant to be. Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to that woman. It would ease the financial burden that has followed me throughout my education and give me the freedom to focus fully on my studies, research, and service. With this support, I can continue striving, not just to achieve for myself, but to uplift others like me. It would allow me to take hold of opportunities without hesitation, to stay in the spaces I’ve fought to enter, and to keep honoring the sacrifices that brought me here.

I grew up thinking my mom had powers. Somehow, despite working a full-time job and a part-time one, she made sure the lights stayed on, the fridge was full, and I never felt the weight of what she carried. But as I got older, I started noticing the cracks. That’s when I realized she wasn’t magic. She was just doing what Black women have done for generations, surviving for everyone but themselves. That truth changed me. It lit a fire in me to not only succeed, but to build a life where I’m not just surviving, I’m thriving. That’s what pushes me every day as a biology major and psychology minor at Widener. I juggle being a student-athlete on the track & field team, a member of the Honors Program, and an active community volunteer, because I know what’s at stake. I know what it costs to sacrifice everything for a future you may never see, but I also know I have the power to change the pattern. One moment that stands out is when I got a 99 on my first college biology exam. I remember walking out of that classroom with tears in my eyes, not because of the grade, but because I felt like I was finally stepping into the version of myself my mom had worked so hard for. I felt like I’m building something real. I'm working toward becoming a Physician because I love science and I want to be there for people during their most vulnerable moments. I know what it feels like to not be heard, to not have options, to navigate systems that weren’t made for you. I want to be a provider who listens, who advocates, who makes space for healing, not just medically, but emotionally. Research is also one of my passions. This summer I’m working in Widener’s SURCA program with my biology lab professor, trying to make real change. It's exciting to explore STEM in a way that makes me feel like I belong there. I used to think people like me didn’t do this kind of work. Now I know we can, and we should. Everything I do, on the track, in the lab, in my community, is driven by my dream to break cycles. To give my future family a life filled with more laughter than sacrifice. To make my mom proud. To be proud of myself. This isn’t just about school. It’s about becoming the woman I was meant to be. Receiving this scholarship would bring me one step closer to that woman. It would ease the financial burden that has followed me throughout my education and give me the freedom to focus fully on my studies, research, and service. With this support, I can continue striving, not just to achieve for myself, but to uplift others like me. It would allow me to take hold of opportunities without hesitation, to stay in the spaces I’ve fought to enter, and to keep honoring the sacrifices that brought me here.

My name is Zahara Simmons, and I am a proud African American woman, a first-generation college student, and a rising sophomore at Widener University. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Physician Assistant. My life has been shaped by both struggle and strength, by watching my mother fight for a better future for our family and learning how to do the same in my own way. Growing up, I didn’t know how close we were to the edge financially. My mother worked a full-time job and a part-time job just to make ends meet. She sheltered me from the stress, but I saw the bags under her eyes and the unpaid bills hidden in drawers. It wasn’t until I got older that I truly understood the sacrifices she made, especially as someone still burdened by student loan debt even after earning two master’s degrees. Her story showed me that education can open doors, but only if you can afford the key. Despite our challenges, my mother always encouraged me to dream big. Inspired by her resilience, I’ve maintained a 3.8 GPA while balancing a part-time job, athletics, and volunteer work. I’m a member of the Women’s Track and Field team, the University Honors Program, and several campus organizations including Active Minds and the Black Student Union. These commitments are not distractions, they are part of my mission to become a well-rounded leader who serves with both heart and purpose. I’ve always found power in giving back. Since 2018, I’ve been volunteering with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Youth Auxiliary, participating in food drives, charity events, and community outreach. One of the most powerful moments for me was volunteering during the MLK Day of Service in Chester, PA. We passed out hot meals and winter kits in below-freezing temperatures. I was bundled in a coat and gloves, but many of the people we served had nothing more than a hoodie. That experience changed me. It reminded me that compassion is about more than feelings, it’s about action. I’m now preparing to conduct summer research through the SURCA program at Widener, gaining hands-on lab experience that will one day inform my work as a Physician Assistant. I’m also pursuing certifications and clinical experience so I can begin building the hours required for PA school. Every step I take is about more than reaching a personal goal, it’s about breaking generational cycles of financial struggle, underrepresentation in medicine, and limited access to quality care. My vision is to eventually open a clinic or wellness center in an underserved area, where families like mine can get access to the care they deserve. I want to offer not just treatment, but dignity. To listen, to advocate, and to heal. This goal is rooted in compassion, shaped by integrity, and powered by the resourcefulness I’ve developed growing up with limited means. Receiving this scholarship would not only relieve some of the financial burden my family still carries, it would also be an investment in someone who’s committed to paying it forward. I want to be part of the solution, not just for myself, but for every child growing up thinking their dreams are too expensive. I’m proof that with perseverance and purpose, they’re not

My name is Zahara Simmons, and I’m a rising sophomore at Widener University majoring in Biology with a minor in Psychology. I’m a student-athlete on the Women’s Track and Field team, part of the University Honors Program, and a dedicated volunteer who’s been involved with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.’s Youth Auxiliary since 2018. These commitments are more than lines on a resume, they are a reflection of the values I live by: service, perseverance, and striving to uplift others even in the face of adversity. My mother always told me education could break cycles. I didn’t fully understand what that meant until I got older. She earned both a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, but she’s still paying off student loans, over $100,000 worth. She’s a public servant, working tirelessly to make a difference, but her journey has been heavy with financial obstacles. Watching her stretch herself thin to provide for me, all while chasing her own dreams, instilled in me a deep respect for sacrifice and a powerful motivation to succeed. Her resilience is part of my DNA. That’s why I don’t take my education lightly. I currently hold a 3.8 GPA, work part-time, and will be conducting research over the summer through Widener’s SURCA program with my Biology professor. I also actively participate in campus organizations like Black Student Union, Pride Activities Council, and Active Minds, because I believe in being part of the change I want to see in the world. I’m also pursuing certifications and experience to begin working toward my goal of becoming a Physician Assistant, a role where I can blend medical knowledge, compassion, and community service. One experience that truly shaped me was volunteering on MLK Day of Service in January 2025 with the Phi Tau chapter of Zeta Phi Beta at Widener. We served over 200 people in Downtown Chester, handing out hot food and winter kits filled with gloves, scarves, and hand warmers. The temperature was 24 degrees. Even though I came prepared with a coat, gloves, boots, and layers, I was still freezing. It was a wake-up call. I couldn’t stop thinking about those we served, how some had little more than a hoodie to shield them from the cold. It gave me perspective and reinforced my commitment to be someone who shows up for others. That’s the kind of healthcare provider I want to be: one who sees the whole person and understands the systemic struggles they may be facing. I believe I’m a strong candidate for the Mark Green Memorial Scholarship because I share Mr. Green’s values, resilience, determination, and a belief in the power of education to transform lives. Like him, I come from a background where opportunities weren’t handed to me. I’ve worked for every success, and I plan to use my education to break barriers, not just for myself, but for others. I want to one day open my own clinic or community wellness center, providing affordable, culturally competent care in underserved neighborhoods. I want young girls like me to see that with perseverance and purpose, they can rise. With your support, I’ll not only reach my dreams, I’ll bring my community with me.

The first time I saw my mother cry over a student loan bill, I was twelve. She had always made ends meet, working both a full-time and part-time job, but as I grew older, I started noticing the stress behind her smiles. That moment was the beginning of a shift in how I saw the world. It was when I realized that education is not only a privilege but a burden for many, and that I wanted to use mine to break generational cycles, not just in my own family, but for others, too. Now, I’m a biology major with a psychology minor at Widener University, pursuing the pre-physician assistant track. I’m a member of the University Honors Program, a student-athlete on the Women’s Track and Field team, and an active volunteer in both campus and community organizations. Every role I take on, whether it's leading through athletics or serving in my community, comes back to one central value, impact. My passion for healthcare and science comes from both personal and academic experiences. Seeing loved ones struggle to access quality healthcare inspired my interest in medicine, but it was my experience in biology labs and psychology courses that made me fall in love with the why and how behind the human body and mind. Participating in Widener’s SURCA summer research program, where I assist faculty in real-world biological research, confirmed my desire to work in healthcare not just to treat, but to understand and innovate. I want to be a Physician Assistant who brings both clinical excellence and compassionate care into underrepresented and underserved communities. One service project that deeply impacted me was volunteering with the Phi Tau chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. on MLK Day of Service 2025. We created and distributed over 200 winter care packages and served hot meals in freezing temperatures in Downtown Chester. I remember shivering in my winter coat and realizing that many of the people we served didn’t even have gloves. That moment hit me hard. It reminded me why service matters, not just in theory, but in action. That experience continues to fuel my drive to uplift those who have the least and give them access to the basics, whether it's warmth, food, or healthcare. Leadership and mentorship also guide much of what I do. As a student-athlete, I’ve learned to lead by example, balancing training, academics, and service with integrity and focus. I’ve mentored younger teammates and fellow students, especially those new to the demands of college life. My goal is always to make others feel seen, heard, and supported, values I will carry into every patient interaction in the future. The degree I’m pursuing is more than a pathway to a profession, it’s a foundation for change. With my education, I plan to work in underserved areas, where the need for quality healthcare is most urgent. I also plan to mentor young students of color who aspire to work in STEM and healthcare fields, helping them navigate the barriers I’ve had to face and overcome. In ten years, I see myself not only treating patients but also conducting research, educating future healthcare providers, and advocating for policy changes that promote health equity. Widener’s focus on hands-on learning, service, and leadership has already shaped me into someone who doesn’t just study problems, but actively works to solve them. At my core, I believe that science, service, and compassion must work together. I am determined to use everything I learn to create a career, and a life, defined by impact, equity, and empowerment.