The desire to make a difference has been a driving force in my life, shaping my education, my career aspirations, and the way I engage with my community. I have always believed that true change begins with action, and I plan to use my passion for science, healthcare, and advocacy to make the world a better place both now and in the future. As a biology major at La Salle University, my ultimate goal is to pursue a career in nuclear medicine, where I can help patients in their fight against disease while advancing innovative medical solutions. Nuclear medicine focuses on early detection and treatment, using radioactive drugs to target and destroy cancer cells. My journey into this field became deeply personal when my grandmother was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer. Witnessing her experience fueled my determination to find better treatments, leading me to discover nuclear medicine, a field that not only aligns with my scientific curiosity but also allows me to directly impact the lives of patients. But my commitment to helping others extends beyond my career goals; it has been a core part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I volunteered alongside my mother for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, serving meals to those in need and providing support to underserved communities. This experience opened my eyes to the realities of food insecurity and homelessness, inspiring me to increase my community involvement throughout high school. My dedication led me to accumulate the most community service hours at my school, earning a service award for my commitment to advocacy. These experiences have shaped the way I see the world. They have reinforced the importance of actively contributing to positive change, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or leading initiatives. After college, I plan to continue serving communities by improving access to healthcare, particularly for BIPOC women, who often face systemic barriers in medical treatment. Representation in healthcare is critical, and I hope to be part of the effort to ensure life-saving nuclear medicine technologies reach underserved populations. By advocating for medical equity, raising awareness, and participating in policy discussions, I want to help eliminate disparities and empower individuals with better healthcare options. Additionally, I am excited to explore the intersection of faith and healthcare through my Religion Matters course, where I can gain insights into how cultural beliefs shape patient care. Understanding different perspectives will help me provide compassionate and inclusive medical services, ensuring that every patient feels seen, heard, and valued. This scholarship would provide me with the financial support needed to fully focus on my studies, research, and advocacy work. With this assistance, I can continue gaining hands-on experience, networking with professionals, and preparing to make an impact in healthcare and beyond. In every role I take on, whether as a student, volunteer, or future nuclear medicine technologist, my goal remains the same: to uplift communities, improve access to healthcare, and be an advocate for positive change. Thank you for allowing me to share my passion and vision for making the world a better place.

I have chosen to pursue biology as my field of study because of my deep-rooted passion for science and healthcare, particularly in nuclear medicine. This field allows me to combine advanced technology with compassionate patient care, offering life-saving solutions to those in need. Science has intrigued me since the beginning, but my dedication solidified when I attended a two-week medical camp at Emory University, where I gained hands-on experience in CPR, IV insertion, and emergency response procedures. That immersive experience reinforced my belief that medicine is more than a career, it’s my passion. However, my journey into nuclear medicine became even more personal when my grandmother was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer. As heartbreaking as the news was, my first instinct wasn’t sadness—it was determination. I kept asking myself, "How can I help? What options are available?" At thirteen, I was convinced that if I researched hard enough, I could find the best treatment options or even create a cure. While I didn’t discover a cure, my search led me to nuclear medicine, a field dedicated to early disease detection and radiotherapy treatments. The thought of helping patients fight illness while advancing scientific progress confirmed that this is the career I want to pursue. In the short term, I aim to gain hands-on experience through internships and shadowing opportunities while completing my studies at La Salle University. I will research certification requirements for nuclear medicine technology and enroll in a specialized program to earn the necessary credentials. Additionally, I will network with professionals by attending conferences and workshops. My long-term goal is to become a certified nuclear medicine technologist, continuously expanding my expertise through additional certifications in areas such as computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET). After securing a full-time position, I plan to further my education and potentially pursue a master’s degree in nuclear medicine or healthcare administration. By developing a diverse skill set, I will maximize my impact in the field and contribute to life-saving research. Being an underrepresented minority in nuclear medicine presents challenges but also fuels my determination. Many BIPOC individuals experience medical disparities, neglect, and limited access to innovative treatments. I want to help close this gap, ensuring that nuclear medicine reaches underserved communities. By being a voice for representation, I hope to uplift others, inspire future medical professionals, and advocate for systemic change in healthcare. Beyond medicine, I have always believed in serving my community. Growing up, I volunteered with my mother at Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, a program dedicated to helping those in need. This experience inspired me to dedicate time to service throughout high school, earning me a service award for accumulating the most community service hours. These moments reinforced my belief that true change begins with action, and I plan to apply that same mindset to my career in healthcare. This scholarship will significantly help me financially, reducing tuition burdens and allowing me to focus on my studies, research, and advocacy efforts. With this support, I can continue gaining hands-on experience, networking with professionals, and working toward healthcare equity in a meaningful, impactful way. Thank you for this opportunity to share my aspirations and commitment to the field of nuclear medicine.

I’m originally from Buford, Georgia, but I spent my last two years of high school in the Netherlands. That experience exposed me to different perspectives, shaping my understanding of how culture, healthcare, and societal structures vary across the world. Now, as a biology major at La Salle University, I am pursuing a field that excites me, a field where science becomes a powerful tool for healing and empowerment. My ultimate goal is to pursue a career in nuclear medicine, harnessing cutting-edge technology to improve lives and stand alongside patients on their journey to recovery. Science has always fascinated me, and as a child, I assumed everyone felt the same. However, in my senior year, I realized that not everyone shares the same enthusiasm. Rather than discouraging me, this realization deepened my appreciation for biology, reinforcing my desire to enter the medical field. As a hands-on learner, I thrive when I receive clear instructions, see examples, and put ideas into practice. Biology embraces exploration, observation, and creative problem-solving, making it the perfect fit for me. My passion for science grew even stronger after participating in a two-week medical camp at Emory University, where I gained hands-on experience in CPR, IV insertion, basic check-ups, and emergency response procedures. This immersive introduction to patient care gave me an insightful glimpse into the medical field, solidifying my belief that medicine is more than just a career path, it’s my passion. Shortly after this experience, my grandmother was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer. As heartbreaking as the news was, my first instinct wasn’t sadness, it was determination. I kept asking myself, "How can I help? What options are available?" At thirteen, I was convinced that if I researched hard enough, I could find the best treatment options or even create a cure myself. I started searching online, reading everything I could. And although I didn’t uncover the cure for cancer, I did discover an exciting and life-changing field: nuclear medicine. Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role in early disease detection and treatment, using radioactive drugs to target and destroy cancer cells through radiotherapy. The moment I learned about this field, I was captivated by its potential, drawn to its blend of patient interaction, advanced technology, and scientific problem-solving. The idea of helping patients grow stronger with each treatment and ensuring they receive the best possible care solidified my commitment to nuclear medicine. Beyond my personal ambitions, I am committed to healthcare equality, especially for BIPOC women, who often face systemic barriers in accessing medical care. Nuclear medicine offers life-saving treatments, and I am determined to make them more accessible to underserved communities. My drive to uplift and support others extends beyond medicine. Growing up, I volunteered with my mother at Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, a program dedicated to serving those in need. Witnessing the impact of service firsthand opened my eyes to the realities of homelessness and food insecurity, motivating me to take on more volunteer work throughout high school. These experiences reinforced my belief that true change starts with action, a lesson I plan to carry into my career in medicine. I firmly believe that progress begins with advocacy; whether through pushing for healthcare policies that promote fairness or raising awareness about medical disparities, I want to be part of the movement toward more equal, compassionate healthcare. More than anything, my journey in nuclear medicine is about ensuring fairness, accessibility, and empowerment in healthcare. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on engagement, I hope to uplift communities, amplify voices, and ensure BIPOC women receive the medical care they deserve.