1: To me, a "You Got It Girl" is someone who keeps going even when life gives her every reason to quit. That mindset was tested when I tore my ACL and lateral meniscus during a hurdle race in high school. In seconds, I went from training every day to being unable to walk without assistance. Recovery was one of the hardest periods of my life. Physical therapy was exhausting, and there were moments when I doubted I would ever run again. But I kept showing up. My family, friends, and coaches supported me every step of the way, including my coach, who attended some of my physical therapy appointments just to encourage me. After months of surgery, rehabilitation, and hard work, I returned to competition, qualified for championships, and earned the Most Improved Athlete award. That experience taught me that strength isn't about never falling, it's about getting back up every time you do. This scholarship would help me continue pursuing my education and my goal of becoming a physician by easing financial stress and allowing me to focus on academics, service, and career preparation. 2: I have competed in Track & Field since I was seven years old. What began as an outlet for my energy quickly became one of my greatest passions. My favorite event is hurdles because it requires much more than speed. It takes precision, timing, flexibility, and technique. I love that there is always something to improve. Throughout my career, I have earned numerous medals, qualified for finals, and consistently placed in competition. One of my proudest accomplishments was earning the Most Improved Athlete award after returning from a season-ending ACL and meniscus injury. Today, I continue balancing athletics with academics, leadership, community service, and my goal of pursuing medicine. 3: Tearing my ACL and meniscus was the greatest challenge I have faced. One moment I was preparing for a race, and the next I was facing surgery and months of recovery. Running had been part of my identity for so long that losing it felt like losing a piece of myself. Eventually, I stopped focusing on what I had lost and started focusing on what I could control. Every physical therapy session became a small victory, and every milestone reminded me I was moving forward. When I finally returned to the track, I wasn't just physically stronger, I was mentally stronger. The experience taught me resilience, patience, and gratitude. More importantly, it showed me that setbacks do not define us; our response to them does. 4: The person I admire most is my younger sister. She is one of my closest friends and biggest role models. What inspires me most is how unapologetically herself she is. She never changes who she is to make others comfortable, and she carries herself with confidence no matter the situation. For a long time, I struggled with making myself smaller to fit in. Watching my sister taught me that confidence isn't arrogance, it's knowing your worth. She inspires me to trust myself, take up space, and pursue my goals without fear. 5: This scholarship would provide financial relief as I continue my education and work toward becoming a physician. While I receive financial aid, it does not fully cover the cost of attendance, and my family and I have relied on loans to help bridge the gap. Pursuing medicine requires significant financial investment through undergraduate education, clinical experiences, and eventually medical school. This scholarship would help reduce that burden and allow me to focus more on academics, service, and career preparation. Most importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of serving others through medicine. 6: Track has taught me discipline, resilience, confidence, and perseverance. The lessons I have learned through athletics continue to shape how I approach challenges in school, leadership, and my future career. Running has played a major role in making me the person I am today. 7: To me, being a student-athlete means pushing yourself to grow both in the classroom and in competition. It requires discipline, resilience, and the ability to keep showing up even when things get difficult. The skills I developed through athletics extend far beyond sports. They have shaped how I approach academics, leadership, service, and my future career in medicine. Being a student-athlete has taught me that success comes from consistent effort, determination, and a willingness to keep improving.

My name is Zahara Simmons, and I am currently a junior at Widener University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology. I chose my field of study because I have always been passionate about understanding the human body, improving health outcomes, and using science to directly impact people’s lives. Over time, my interest in biology grew into a passion for medicine after experiencing firsthand how important representation and compassionate care are within healthcare. As a Black woman, I often felt overlooked and misunderstood in medical spaces, especially while struggling with my skin health and acne for years. I remember feeling discouraged and unseen during appointments until I finally found a Black female dermatologist who understood both my medical concerns and my experience as a young Black woman. For the first time, I felt heard, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. That experience changed my confidence, improved my relationship with healthcare, and ultimately inspired my career path. It showed me how powerful representation can be in STEM and medicine. Because of this, my long-term goal is to attend medical school and become a dermatologist who provides culturally aware, compassionate care to underserved communities. I want to create an environment where patients, especially young Black girls and women, feel represented, respected, and confident advocating for their health. I also hope to mentor minority students pursuing STEM careers and encourage greater diversity within medicine because I know how impactful it is to see someone who looks like you succeed in spaces where representation is limited. My short-term goals are to continue excelling academically, gain additional research and clinical experience, and strengthen my leadership and service work before applying to medical school. At Widener University, I currently maintain a 3.7 GPA while balancing the University Honors Program, Women’s Track and Field team, undergraduate research through the SURCA program, and leadership roles in service organizations. As Community Service Chairperson for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, a Bonner Scholar, a Biology Learning Assistant, and a Home Health Aide, I have worked to combine STEM, mentorship, and community service in meaningful ways. Being an underrepresented minority in STEM has strengthened my determination rather than discouraged it. In many academic and healthcare settings, there are still very few Black women represented in leadership, research, and medicine. That lack of representation has motivated me to work harder, not only for myself, but for the people who will come after me. I want to help create a future where young minority students feel that they belong in STEM fields and where patients feel understood by the people caring for them. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial burden that comes with pursuing a rigorous STEM education and preparing for medical school. Balancing academics, research, service, and clinical experience while managing educational expenses can be challenging. Financial support would allow me to focus more fully on opportunities that will strengthen my future career in medicine, including research, volunteer work, and clinical training. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of using science and healthcare to create lasting impact within underserved communities.

My name is Zahara Simmons, and like Harry Anderson, I believe STEM is about curiosity, creativity, and using knowledge to make a meaningful impact on others. I am currently a junior at Widener University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Psychology. My passion for STEM comes from both personal experiences and a deep desire to serve my community through science, healthcare, and education. I chose biology because I have always been fascinated by how the human body works and how science can improve people’s quality of life. Over time, that curiosity turned into a passion for medicine. As a Black woman, I often felt overlooked or misunderstood in healthcare settings, especially while struggling with my skin health and acne. Everything changed when I found a Black female dermatologist who not only understood my medical concerns, but also understood me. For the first time, I felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. That experience completely changed my perspective on medicine and inspired me to pursue a career in dermatology. My goal is to attend medical school and become a dermatologist who provides compassionate, culturally aware care to patients who may feel unseen in medical spaces. I want young Black girls to walk into my office and feel comfortable, represented, and confident that their concerns matter. I also hope to advocate for greater diversity and representation in healthcare because I know firsthand how life-changing that representation can be. At Widener, I have worked hard to challenge myself both academically and personally. I currently maintain a 3.7 GPA while balancing the demands of the University Honors Program and competing as a member of the Women’s Track and Field team. Through the Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, I gained hands-on research experience in ecology and biodiversity, which strengthened my problem-solving skills and taught me the importance of persistence and attention to detail in STEM fields. Outside of academics, service is a major part of who I am. As Community Service Chairperson for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated and as a Bonner Scholar, I have completed and coordinated over 100 hours of volunteer work focused on health awareness and community wellness. I also work as a Home Health Aide, where I provide direct patient care, and as a Biology Learning Assistant, where I mentor and support freshman students navigating STEM courses for the first time. Harry Anderson lived a life centered around innovation, learning, and helping others, and I hope to do the same through medicine and service. This scholarship would help support my undergraduate education and allow me to continue pursuing research, clinical experience, and leadership opportunities as I prepare for medical school. More importantly, it would help me continue working toward my goal of using STEM not only to heal patients, but to uplift and empower my community.

My name is Zahara Simmons, and my journey in STEM is rooted in a realization that in my community, healthcare is not only about treatment, it is about feeling seen. As a Black woman, a Biology major in the University Honors Program at Widener University, and a collegiate track athlete, I have spent my undergraduate years balancing rigorous academics with the discipline of sport. However, the heart of my ambition was shaped long before college, through the sacrifices I witnessed at home and the challenges I faced as a patient. Watching my mother’s resilience taught me that survival should not be the end goal for families like mine, flourishing should be. This drive led me to the sciences, but it was my own struggle with skin health that gave me a specific purpose. For years, I moved through medical spaces where I felt misunderstood and dismissed. It was only when I met a Black female dermatologist that I felt fully understood. She didn’t just treat my skin, she restored my confidence. That experience reshaped my path, leading me toward a career as a physician where I can provide that same sense of safety and representation. As I look toward the future of medicine, I recognize that the next frontier of representation isn't just in the doctor's office, it is in the code. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are currently revolutionizing diagnostics, yet a dangerous gap remains. Most dermatological AI models are trained on datasets that are overwhelmingly skewed toward lighter skin tones, leading to higher rates of misdiagnosis for the Black community. This is where my hands-on experience in biological research meets the world of tech innovation. Through the Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program at Widener, I worked alongside Dr. Bruce W. Grant on Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation research. This was my first deep dive into the power of data. I conducted detailed field surveys and species identification, which required meticulous data collection and the analysis of complex datasets. While my work was rooted in biology, the methodology was the same as that used in machine learning: identifying patterns, interpreting scientific trends, and ensuring the input of data is accurate to ensure the output of the conclusion is valid. I learned that data is not neutral, it is only as good as the diversity and accuracy of the information we provide. My vision for the field is to bridge this Data Gap. I can make an impact by advocating for, and eventually helping to develop, inclusive datasets for medical AI. I imagine a future where a Black woman can use a mobile health app to scan a skin concern and receive an accurate, AI-driven assessment because the underlying machine learning model was trained on skin like hers. My background in psychology further enhances this goal, as I understand that a diagnosis is not just a clinical data point, it is a moment that affects a patient’s mental health and sense of self. Beyond the lab, I have coordinated over 100 hours of community health initiatives. I also serve as a Biology Learning Assistant and Honors Mentor, guiding the next generation of minority students through the STEM pipeline. Representation in STEM matters because it changes the questions we ask and the problems we solve. By combining my biological research experience with a commitment to technological equity, I plan to ensure that the future of medicine is one where every patient, regardless of their skin tone, is recognized, respected, and accurately represented by the tools meant to heal them.

My name is Zahara Simmons, and I am a sophomore Biology major with a Psychology minor at Widener University. Much like Kayla Nicole Monk, who faced immense health challenges with a spirit of ambition and a "Steve Jobs" level of vision, I have dedicated my undergraduate career to a specific goal, becoming a physician who bridges the gap between clinical science and community dignity. I chose to further my education in the STEAM field of Biology because I believe science is the most powerful tool for social advocacy. My path was shaped by witnessing the sacrifices of my mother and navigating my own long struggle with skin health. For years, I felt dismissed in medical spaces until I met a Black female dermatologist who truly saw me. That experience was my visionary moment. I realized that my purpose was not just to practice medicine, but to innovate the patient experience for minority women, ensuring they feel safe, understood, and respected from the moment they walk into a clinic. This scholarship will be a critical important in helping me achieve a dual impact. First, it will support the academic rigor required to enter medical school. As a student in the University Honors Program with a 3.7 GPA, I balance the demands of upper-level science courses with collegiate Track and Field. The financial support from this scholarship allows me to maintain this level of excellence while continuing my hands-on clinical work as a Home Health Aide, where I provide daily care and dignity to patients in their most vulnerable moments. Second, this scholarship will help me carry on a legacy of service. Kayla had a passion for helping people and wanted others to flourish in her name. As the Community Service Chairperson for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and a Bonner Scholar, I have already coordinated over 100 hours of community health initiatives. My long-term goal is to lead a practice that serves as a sanctuary for culturally aware care and to mentor the next generation of minority girls in STEAM. I want to show them that their identity is not an obstacle to scientific achievement; it is the very thing that makes them visionary leaders. Kayla Nicole Monk set her mind to every goal despite the obstacles in her path. I am driven by that same tenacity. By supporting my journey toward becoming a physician, this scholarship will help me create a future where healthcare is defined by both scientific precision and the profound dignity of being seen.

My name is Zahara Simmons, and my decision to pursue medicine comes from a realization that in my community, healthcare is not only just treatment, it is about feeling seen. As a Black woman, a Biology major in the University Honors Program at Widener University, and a collegiate athlete, I have spent my undergraduate years balancing rigorous academics with the discipline of track and field. However, the heart of my ambition was shaped long before college, through the sacrifices I witnessed at home and the challenges I faced as a patient myself. My desire to uplift my community began with watching my mother. Growing up, I saw her as almost superhuman, dealing financial pressure and systemic barriers while making sure I had everything I needed. Her strength taught me that survival should not be the end goal for families like mine. It inspired me to pursue an education that creates stability and care that extends beyond myself. This same spirit of dedication is what I recognize in the legacy of Christina Taylese Singh. Like Christina, who committed herself to the demanding path of Occupational Therapy to help others, I am driven by a calling to serve those who are often overlooked by the systems meant to protect them. While my studies in biology and psychology have prepared me academically, my long struggle with acne and skin health gave me my specific purpose. For years, I moved through medical spaces where I felt misunderstood and dismissed. That changed when I began seeing a Black female dermatologist. For the first time, I felt fully understood without needing to explain my identity. She didn’t just improve my skin, she restored my confidence and sense of self. That experience reshaped my path. After graduation, I intend to attend medical school to become a dermatologist who provides both clinical care and emotional reassurance. I want Black girls and women to walk into my office and immediately feel safe, understood, and respected. I recognize that skin conditions are deeply tied to mental health, which is why my psychology training will be central to my practice. Much like Occupational Therapy aims to help patients reclaim their daily lives and independence, I believe dermatology is a tool for helping patients reclaim their wholeness and dignity. Beyond the clinic, I am already putting these values into practice. As a Home Health Aide and a Bonner Scholar, I provide compassionate care to those in their homes and lead health-focused initiatives through my leadership in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Whether I am conducting biodiversity research through the SURCA program or mentoring incoming students, I am committed to showing young people from backgrounds like mine that their identity is a strength within the world of science. Receiving the Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship would not only support my medical education but would also honor a woman who, like me, believed in the power of healthcare to change lives. I am committed to a future where representation is the standard, and where healing always includes both health and dignity.

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.