Sheila A Burke Memorial Scholarship

Red roses are so habitual that people often forget the beauty white roses add to a bouquet. Growing up as a minority with dreams of becoming a healthcare provider is much like being a white rose. You face intimidation, doubt, and fear of not being good enough. Growing up, I was so used to seeing only red roses around me that it took me years to understand the value of diversity in healthcare. Whenever I stepped foot in a doctor's office and noticed that none of the medical professionals looked like me, I never questioned, "Why?" I just got my prescription and left. Over time, I realized how this lack of diversity in healthcare affected those around me. Although the doctors and nurses I saw were nothing short of impressive and intelligent, it seemed impossible for my family to avoid developing non-communicable diseases. After some reflection, I realized the reason why there is an increased correlation between people of color and these preventable diseases is because of patients' inability to attain proper health guidance that keeps their culture in mind.Whether due to a language barrier, price tag, or mistrust, millions of people are falling sick and dying of preventable diseases. Upon this realization, I felt a strong calling to help prevent these diseases as much as possible. That is why I joined the INSPIRE program at Rosalind Franklin University of Science and Medicine as a freshman in high school. This program taught me the value of diversity in healthcare and how I could make a difference in patients' lives. I want to be the person who gives patients hope in their darkest times. I want to show them that leading a better life is not as hard as society has made them believe. I want to be the light at the end of the tunnel. In other words, my dream is to be their nurse. Nurses are the kindest, most compassionate, and understanding healthcare workers ever. They stick with patients through all their struggles in life and teach them how to lead a healthier life. As a minority in medicine, I dream of getting to know my patients and offering them resources in any area they need. My goal is to go beyond serving my people as a provider; I want to embrace their culture, understand their way of life, and protect them against any discrimination they may face. I plan on making a difference in my community by reflecting the values of positivity, equality, and unity the white rose represents. As a bilingual nurse I will break down barriers and ensure everyone has access to the innate right of equal and equitable healthcare they were born with. No matter what type of rose they may be, I will help my patients thrive.