I have many academic passions, however, I truly enjoy Biology. Through the Project Lead the Way (PLTW) biomedical science program at my high school, I was able to get involved in many hands-on projects such as gel electrophoresis, DNA isolation and dissections. I enjoyed the exhilaration of using a micropipette, centrifuges and other specialized equipment; along with the opportunity to conduct scientific research and present my findings. My experience in AP Biology helped me not only understand the components of the world but also how to make helpful connections to the complexity of cells. I am now an alumnus of PLTW Biomed, however, I remember the research project I created and tested, and it is one of my proudest accomplishments. I researched the issue of agriculture runoff contaminating our drinking water with pollutants and chemicals and correlated it to human health. To perform this experiment, I created environments of distilled water versus ammonia-concentrated water and observed the effects on the invertebrates, and ghost shrimp's heart rates. Thinking back, science has always piqued my curiosity and I hold warm and vivid memories of “take your child to work day,” where I ventured to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and participated in extracting DNA from a strawberry at a young age. Through this opportunity, I was also able to discover various types of insects with an entomologist and speak with several interesting scientists. These short experiences help develop my lifelong interest in the field of science. I enjoyed asking questions about cars, and plants, but I was always specifically intrigued with animals; I enjoyed venturing to the zoo and aquarium, fascinated with the different species of animals and their various needs. I consumed books with random facts about animals, such as the gestation period of an elephant or exotic amphibians known as axolotls. I plan to contribute to the field of science as a medical doctor and a researcher; I want to use my love of science and medicine to help others and make a difference. In addition, I want to be able to teach others and by directly partaking in research, I can also understand many different scientific phenomenons and make groundbreaking discoveries. With a platform as a doctor, I would educate people about preventative health, and participate in outreach and volunteerism to make sure I can meet and help many people. I am very inspired by healthcare workers who provide their service to people in need and hope to one day pursue that as well because everyone deserves quality healthcare. As a future African American doctor, I look forward to joining a community of healthcare professionals who care for human health, prioritize their comfort and treat them holistically.

In the future, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field, as a pediatric dentist because of my interests. For example, I love interacting with people, especially kids, and I enjoy teaching others, and consider myself very creative and hands-on. I have excelled in my science courses, and have found interest in anatomy as well as human health. I enjoy helping others and making a positive impact in someone's life, and I have done just that in my past volunteering activities and jobs. I strongly believe if I focus on my goals, and achieve them, I can succeed and accomplish my biggest dreams. I take my academics seriously, and I am thrilled at the prospect of being a person of high trust that can administer help to patients and change the world one person at a time. I am a great candidate for scholarships because I am a life-long learner and a hard worker. I have an immigrant background with my parents being from Ghana, West Africa. I understand the sacrifices they made for my sister and I, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get an excellent education. Many people, especially girls do not have access to a good education or any education at all. I feel honored to have the opportunity to learn and build a special skill set. I want to be a leader for women and represent people of different backgrounds. My ultimate goal is to incorporate my love of writing, art, science, and kids as a pediatric dentist. I also want to inspire other minorities and people of ethnic backgrounds to find their passion and explore it. It is of utmost importance that everyone is given an equal chance to education, and to have access to resources such as scholarships, books, and internships. I am grateful for my parents and teachers who have made sure to help me with my academic journey. There are great opportunities for those who seek them, and I believe with hard work they can be found. I am most passionate about volunteering; I see myself pursuing many different service projects throughout the next four years at college and expanding my self created organization, Teen Youth Cares. I hope to connect with many like-minded people who look forward to making an impact in their communities as well and get involved in more volunteer organizations that I am passionate about such as: feeding the less fortunate, helping animals, and mentoring children. Furthermore, as an adult, I plan to get involved in community outreach through healthcare and provide pro bono services to those in need, since everyone deserves access to quality healthcare.

I plan to succeed in college by developing my study habits even more. As a high school senior, I have found it beneficial to stay organized by using a planner, notes and reminder app, as well as a whiteboard where I can update information as needed. I am excited for colleges' resources such as study hall, office hours, libraries and tutoring and plan to use these as needed to make sure I can succeed in college. I plan to major in Biology, and have taken a heavy courseload of honors and AP science classes to prepare me for the rigors of my major. I take education very seriously and am great at finding a healthy balance for studying and socializing. Attending College means I will be able to walk away with a degree in which I am an expert on, and be able to use the degree to achieve my next goals and so on. I plan to attend dental school after college, and a major in Biology can help prep me for my next steps and help me to achieve my goals. I see the benefits of a college degree because of the career opportunities that can come out of a college degree and the so many paths a person can choose. Choosing a career in Biology, helps me to pursue a career in the STEM and Health Science Field; I have many interests in medicine and research and a degree from college can help me pursue these passions. The Jaqaun Webb Scholarship will help me in my academic endeavors and help with the costs of college. I strongly believe we need more African- Americans in STEM and healthcare, especially women, and I look to be a role-model for many. My education is a big part of my identity and can never be taken away from me. I’m being honest, I could not live in a world without education. This is important on a much personal level and contributes to the person I am today.

Many songs convey emotions and experiences such as falling in love, celebrating a moment that's exciting, getting over a breakup, or build confidence. Songs are able to impact the listener through lyrics and the sound and tone of the music. A song that is very special to me is Taylor Swift's, "It's time to go," and the song is about getting out of bad situations, and recognizing the opportunities that may come from listening to your heart, For example this repetetive stanza, "Sometimes giving up is the strong thing, Sometimes to run is the brave thing, Sometimes walking out is the one thing, That will find you the right thing." This sends the message of how making the iportant choice to get out of a bad situation can help instead of hindering you. This song resonates with me, because in middle school, I found myself in a bad situation, as I was constantly bullied by two girls in my class and it started to feel trapped and helpless. I was stuck in a rut. As, I did not know what to do, and I was certainly not going to fight or retaliate. Although, this song wasn't created when I was in this situation, I decided to move on and decide they would no longer be apart of my life, I ignored them and acted more mature then I felt. I was able to find supportive friends who wanted to be around me and moved on and found opportunities.

I was inspired to start Teen Youth Cares (TYC), because I wanted to find a way to make a significant impact within my community, inspire others and take action in a way that positively supports others. I was able to quickly find out that it was a great way to encourage volunteerism and empathy in our community, while making a tangible difference. I was able to motivate neighbors, faculty, local businesses and other teens within our local Frederick community. It was even more motivating to see others joining my efforts to help. I researched issues and came up with solutions to them, by volunteering, and helping my community. For example, many healthcare workers were experiencing burnout and lack of supplies. By teaming with the hospital and gathering support from my school and community, I was able to set up donation collections within my community to present to the hard working health care workers in Frederick, MD. I was able to provide multiple donations to Frederick Health Hospital and make a difference in many healthcare workers' lives. In addition, I was able to provide educational learning opportunities for elementary students, and I was able to both create and distribute hand-made card donations to hospitalized children and teens. I was able to accomplish my initial goals to encourage kindness, and impact change, however I was also able to promote giving and volunteerism.

I'm passionate about volunteering because of the impact I am able to make in my community. I was inspired to organize service activities under the organization name, Teen Youth Cares, because I wanted to promote volunteerism and empathy among teens (the upcoming generation), and encourage others to make a difference in the process. I believe people should show more concern and my organization benefits others and helps them to do exactly that. Making the world a better place starts with us, and we can help create change by serving others. It is important to not turn a blind eye and stand by. Being proactive and volunteering is a great way to help make an impact. I have had the opportunity to demonstrate my care for others by arranging online activities for kids and volunteering within the community. As a future woman in medicine, it is important for me to advocate for people and their rights. Caring for others is important, since I can have a positive impact on their life, encouraging them to care as well. I hoped to accomplish many goals during this service activity; My primary goals is to encourage kindness, and make a positive impact on the world. We are all capable of starting a positive chain reaction of kindness. As a future leader in medicine, I strive for the well-being of people. People can do good deeds for others and look out for each other. I know we can someday be the change in the world. It starts with one person. I also want to make the world a better place by encouraging others to be kinder. It takes one small act of kindness to create a ripple effect and inspire other people to do something nice for someone. I strongly believe that people of all ages have the ability to perform an act of kindness no matter how small! There are many issues that need to be solved, and working together as a team we can start small, and pave the way for huge ideas and solutions. I want to see the world promote kindness and become role-models for future generations. I researched issues and came with solutions to them by volunteering, and helping my communities and world little by little. For example, many healthcare workers were experiencing burnout and lack of supplies. Therefore, I made sure to contact my local hospital and set up donations among my community to present to the hard working health care workers. I was able to provide mutiple donations to Frederick Health Hospital and make a difference in many people's lives. In addition, I was able to provide learning services for elementary students, organize card donations to hospitalized children and teens, and start a STEM blog to encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM. I have learned a lot about myself during my experience founding my organization, creating service projects, and encouraging others to participate. This experience has taught me the value of leadership, altruism, and volunteerism. I have also learned that I am happiest when I'm helping others, and seeing someone smile or express happiness and gratitude. Volunteering has also inspired me to become a physician, I look to exercise my volunteerism principles: kindness, altruism, and leadership as a future doctor. I would also like to continue to give back to the community, and be a role-model and voice of change for others.

Since I was a child, my mom made sure that I learned music from different times, meaning I heard a lot of James Brown and Aretha Franklin; She also showed some bands like Queen! I have come to love some classics and appreciate different genres of music. Something that is truly fascinating is how people from different eras all experienced the same emotions of people today, like getting married, getting over a breakup, or feeling euphoric. This inspires me because artists create songs that become classics and live on forever. Listening to songs by many influential greats is not only a great experience but it inspires me to think; many artists sang about current issues and these made a huge impact on people and helped to progress change. Lyrics seem to stick in my head, and I memorize songs quickly after a few listens. I love singing and the poetry and thought that goes into producing each component, the verses, chorus, and refrain. I have always admired great talent in popular singers; I vividly remember the dramatic stage lights, the creative costumes, and family feeling of a cast. I performed as Annie, in the musical Annie Jr. I also performed as Belle, in Beauty the Beast Jr. I greatly enjoyed singing, and would often write songs and poems in my free time. What I love about music is how there are different genres, and sounds that can project emotions and a story for the listener to understand. I love listening to music, and learning from it. I consider myself a very creative person, in most areas of arts, sculpting, drawing, and singing. I want to use my talent of singing to bring others happiness through singing and getting involved in musicals again. Music can bring people ease and people of all ages can come together and enjoy something. I remember how much happiness my family would experience when I had childhood christmas plays and songs in elementary school. I want to inspire people to stay creative and not hide their emotions inside. Music is such a great way to express yourself. Next Fall at college, I hope to get involved in theatre or choir as an extracurricular; I want to spread joy all times of the year and inspire people to be creative and step outside of their comfort zone. Music is something in which many people can relate to and love and I want to spark that!

In middle school, I found myself in a bad situation, as I was constantly bullied by two girls in my class and it started to change my perspective towards the bullies. I wanted to be rude back and tell them off but I was stuck in a rut. I did not know what to do, and I was certainly not going to fight or retaliate. Michelle Obama famously stated, “When they go low, we go high.” This quote has been applied to my daily life and has changed my perspective on situations. In fact, my mom shared it with me in some of my most difficult times. When I heard her initial speech, I felt as if I could relate and I wanted to stay honorable and take the high road. I firmly told the bullies what I did not like, and they simply laughed and continued day after day to say hurtful comments and in one instance, shove me into the wall. They told me to watch my back, and used their physical stature and status as a ploy to keep me silent. This was a particularly sad day for me, because I felt as if they were making me feel inferior to them and disrespecting me. When I got home, I cried, and told my parents about the problem. I vividly remember my mom, wanting to discuss this with my school principal. To that, I implored her not to, that we could handle it a different way. My parents talked with me, and helped to uplift me and I knew what I was going to do. I stopped feeling like I did not belong; I raised my hand in class and participated, and I continued to shine. When the bullies tried to break me down and spread rumors or say mean-spirited comments, I simply laughed it off, and acted like I was much more mature than I felt. I faked it, until I made it. I once again remembered the Michelle Obama quote, the same phrase that gave me strength in tough times. When I soon recognized the change in me, I think the bullies did as well; they no longer berated and teased me. They seemed unconcerned about me, and when I ran into one of them in high school, she offered a quick greeting and a hello, and while it would be easier to hold a grudge and roll my eyes, I greeted her back with a hello. I believe in not letting yourself be disrespected, but rather asserting your point respectfully and firmly even when being treated wrongly. I hold myself to a high standard, and this experience has made me a stronger person and has helped me communicate with all types of people. In the future, I will use my career in healthcare as a platform to raise people up and advocate for those who can’t. No one should be silenced.

Is it traditional for women to have a certain body type? Is it traditional for men to maintain a build? We often see influencers or celebrities who are in the limelight and showcase often narcissistic or egotistical personalities expressed by their actions and portrayal. Fountainhead discusses the atypical mentality a society carries. Roark would decipher people’s behavior on social media platforms as, “tradition worshiping society.” I strongly believe Roark would disapprove of the lack of individuality of people–especially on social media–throughout their physical characteristics and actions. Ayn Rand successfully championed the need for individuality by using common examples such as integrity, confidence, and self-respect throughout her famous novel, Fountainhead. Roark values integrity: “Integrity is the ability to stand by an idea.” (Rand 270). This statement shows the importance of self-confidence and courage by taking the road less traveled. Society is bound to specific ideas. A strong individual will not conform to the strict regulations of society. Honesty plays a big role in self-discovery, individuals should respectively express themselves without mindlessly following others. One should come to terms with what their interests, physical characteristics, and morals are. In the novel, Roark states, “no obligations toward men except one: to respect their freedom and to take no part in a slave society.” (Rand 607) This shows the type of society in which people conform to the standard that has been set for people to follow. People who become attached to the binding contract of society may find it hard to have original ideas and methods. It seems nowadays, people are influenced by well known figures such as celebrities or social media influencers. Society decides to act on a certain principle and has set trends and rules for people to eventually conform to. I would agree with Roark’s evaluation; it seems pointless for everyone to act, talk, and dress the same. People should be dynamic and different because we have different instances and backgrounds. Having a sense of individuality is important for one’s growth and development. People should be able to express ideas and opinions without condemnation of it and social ostracizing. One thing the society should fully follow is, embracing one’s character and values, although being coined, “selfish.” This quote shows the societal standard in his opinion, “He called upon architects to abandon their selfish quest for individual glory and dedicate themselves to the embodiment of the mood of their people.” (Rand 62). Roark suggests that society controls our decisions, “Listen to what is being preached today. Look at everyone around us. …He'd see that all his wishes, his efforts, his dreams, his ambitions are motivated by other men... Then he wonders why he's unhappy.” (Rand 540). Our society today focuses on perfection and looking a certain way. Having confidence in your value and respecting your choices in personal beliefs and mannerisms sets one person apart from the other. Roark expresses the value in standing firm in resolve in one’s beliefs and morals; he stands up for what he believes in and accepts the propelling consequences as they may. Roark has great strength and bravery as he persists against the society’s atrocities and is almost imagined as a hero. Knowing one’s self can help steer a personality away from the general society. “Self respect is something that can't be killed. The worst thing is to kill a man's pretense at it.”( Rand 371). It is evident that society wipes the natural personalities of people around them and destroys creativity and individuality. This produces the person’s innate sense of decisions and manners.“I don’t wish to be the symbol of anything. I’m only myself."(Rand 536) It is important to keep your morals and personality instead of being collectively grouped or associated with societal conformity. It is ethical to consider your feelings, morals, and personality without the pressure of holding a certain alter-ego that is novel from your personality. There is a clear struggle between individuals having their own ideas and dealing with rejections from the unaccepting society. In short, I agree that individuals are born different for a reason; it is okay to have similarities but conform to limiting beauty standards, and societal standards of a stereotypical man or woman. I see the value of being unique and embracing one’s creativity. This book goes deeper than deviating from society’s standards. It directly shows the struggle between the people being dominated by the force of society and the stark individualism of those who choose to follow their principles. Thus, having a strong personal integrity, confidence, and self-respect is important for maintaining your personality. No two people are the same, and Rand’s novel showcases the battle to be different and the stereotypical society that diminishes a person’s creativity and opinion. Moving forward our society should be a safer place, where different people can rekindle opinions and develop character without harsh judgment.

We've all heard of those sleep-deprived students who stay up to complete an essay for english---that they were given two weeks to work on--- chug energy drinks, and snack on greasy chips. There are consequences that come with letting your health slip. I maintain my mental, physical, and nutritional health while being in school with different methods and my adaptability. I strongly believe it can be possible to stay healthy in all aspects while being in school. It is important to take time for myself, so after studying for an hour, I often reward myself by doing something I enjoy, even if that's playing with my dogs for a bit or facetiming a friend. It can be very helpful for me to have a planner or "to-do list" on my phone that can put me at ease so I'm not having trouble remembering multiple tasks. It is very rewarding to check off items, and get started on more work, leading to a very effective working strategy. I try my best to take care of myself, and when I have questions, I advocate for myself by reaching out to my teachers and staying proactive. I have made it my utmost priority to develop a consistent workout routine; I strive to workout at least 3-5 days a week, after dinner and this serves as a great way to help me wind down, and prepare for the next day. If I am tired, I make sure to take the day off and use this time to relax, and try to get back on track the next day. Some days it can be very helpful to stretch and take a walk around the house after working on an assignment for awhile, reminding myself to stay moving helps me a great deal. It is so easy to eat an unhealthy snack, so I make sure to have a well-rounded balance. For example, I try my best to eat something healthy in the morning, such as overnight oatmeal or applesauce. As a teen, I know firsthand that sometimes, you're not that hungry in the morning so having a healthy breakfast such as a fruit or oats can really make the difference. When I come back from school, I always get a snack before working because it can help boost energy after a long day and get me back on track, thus making me more productive and efficient.

“Nothing is important to me,” said no one ever. Every dedicated person has something that is important to them. This could be their treasured pet or their relationship with their parents. Education is very important to me. My goal is to become a pediatric dentist; my dream will require a college degree and I am prepared to embark on this journey. I am an avid learner, and I enjoy covering new material and acing assignments. The importance of getting an education is real to me because I have had the amazing experience of being immersed in education at a very young age. I have been in school since I was four; I often recall memories of my younger self who was oblivious to the struggles and suffering that occurred for people around me and around the world. I saw the world through a rose-gold lens. Many people, especially girls do not have access to a good education or any education at all. I understand the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sister, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get an excellent education. I feel honored to have the opportunity to learn and build a special skill set. I want to be a leader for women and represent people of different backgrounds. My ultimate goal is to incorporate my love of writing, art, science, and kids as a pediatric dentist. Not only am I grateful to go to college and get an education, I take strong pride in how much I have learned over the years. I take my academics seriously; I believe I can push myself to do even more. Education is very versatile; knowledge can be applied in many different ways thus allowing me to express my creativity. Individuality is crucial, and choosing a major in science will allow me to expand my interests and delve into the intricacies of dental medicine. So far, I have obtained a lot of knowledge and I look forward to achieving my goals of becoming a future african-american woman in healthcare. I want to use my education to make good decisions and benefit the community. I feel happy knowing that my hard work in my studies now will help me in the future. College will be an opportunity for me to learn about the various areas of dental medicine, and prepare for the rigorous training in dental school. My goal after college is to become a pediatric dentist, and make a positive impact through dental medicine. Attending College means I will be able to walk away with a degree in which I am an expert on, and be able to use the degree to achieve my next goals and so on. I strongly believe that education is a crucial factor for success and prepares you for real life situations, such as forming positive relationships, being knowledgeable, and applying for opportunities. I intend to expand my education, because there is always an opportunity to learn and as knowledge is power, because it can never be taken from you. I hope to inspire many generations, especially women to get into STEM and healthcare. I hope to be a positive example for others looking to pursue these fields, and even provide help and guidance to kids to let them know they can be anything to put their mind to.

As a child I always found myself eager to go to the dentist, I loved how clean my teeth looked and felt, and the prize awaiting me after being a cooperative patient. When my tooth was very wiggly, I was never squeamish about pulling the tooth out, I was curious about the process of teeth falling out, and watched numerous educational Brainpop videos that explained how to care for teeth and how they fell out. Even when going shopping, I decided on toothbrushes that would work the best for my teeth and gums. Curiosity about anatomy, especially teeth, has been a normal occurrence for me, that I rediscovered. Although I have many interests such as writing, art, science, and kids, becoming a dentist combines those disciplines with everyday actions. For example, communicating with my patients, performing cleanings and making teeth more aesthetically pleasing, and the ability to teach kids and adults about their dental hygiene. My past experiences with various medical professionals, especially dentists, was my deciding factor in what I should become and motivated me to pay it forward to the amazing healthcare experience I was given. Healthcare is about not only treating the person’s ailments but also treating their concerns as a human. We all have feelings, and long to be heard and I recognize the stark importance of that. I strongly believe that many people’s healthcare experience would be greatly improved with that in mind. I believe it is a great honor to have someone in your care, and treat them holistically and look at the whole person rather than a list of diseases. More people would be more comfortable trusting healthcare professionals who make the patient feel at ease by getting to know them professionally and empathizing with them. I also think more diversity in the healthcare field would be monumental for people’s healthcare experience. Having a variety of medical professionals from different backgrounds would help people to relate to a medical professional culturally and diversify healthcare for all. It would work to help people with language barriers, and even help people of different backgrounds to trust healthcare professionals by having a diverse team complete with different strengths and abilities. Going to see a healthcare professional should bring people comfort even in their hardest times, if they are valued and respected. Having a more well-rounded team and improving our psychological and social interactions with patients will combat any barriers and make for an amazing healthcare experience.

As a child I always found myself eager to go to the dentist, I loved how clean my teeth looked and felt, and the prize awaiting me after being a cooperative patient. When my tooth was very wiggly, I was never squeamish about pulling the tooth out, I was curious about the process of teeth falling out, and watched numerous educational Brainpop videos that explained how to care for teeth and how they fell out. Even when going shopping, I decided on toothbrushes that would work the best for my teeth and gums. Curiosity about anatomy, especially teeth, has been a normal occurrence for me, that I rediscovered. Although I have many interests such as writing, art, science, and kids, becoming a dentist combines those disciplines with everyday actions. For example, communicating with my patients, performing cleanings and making teeth more aesthetically pleasing, and the ability to teach kids and adults about their dental hygiene. My past experiences with various medical professionals, especially dentists, was my deciding factor in what I should become and motivated me to pay it forward to the amazing healthcare experience I was given. Healthcare is about not only treating the person’s ailments but also treating their concerns as a human. We all have feelings, and long to be heard and I recognize the stark importance of that. I strongly believe that many people’s healthcare experience would be greatly improved with that in mind. I believe it is a great honor to have someone in your care, and treat them holistically and look at the whole person rather than a list of diseases. More people would be more comfortable trusting healthcare professionals who make the patient feel at ease by getting to know them professionally and empathizing with them. I also think more diversity in the healthcare field would be monumental for people’s healthcare experience. Having a variety of medical professionals from different backgrounds would help people to relate to a medical professional culturally and diversify healthcare for all. It would work to help people with language barriers, and even help people of different backgrounds to trust healthcare professionals by having a diverse team complete with different strengths and abilities. Going to see a healthcare professional should bring people comfort even in their hardest times, if they are valued and respected. Having a more well-rounded team and improving our psychological and social interactions with patients will combat any barriers and make for an amazing healthcare experience. As a future African American dentist, I look forward to joining a community of healthcare professionals who care for human health, and prioritize their hygiene and comfort. It is exciting to embark on a career in which I have strong passion, drive, and great work ethic. It is very important for me that I restore people's smiles and boost their confidence, and I will be in the right place to do so as a dentist I also long to bring the same sense of comfort and security I had when venturing to my dentist's office, and as the person my patients will first see, make them feel empowered to benefit their dental health. I want a career in which I am making a positive impact on others and following my passion, and I feel grateful to do that one day, making the world a better place for both people of all ages and bringing humanistic and diversifying medicine for all.

We've all heard of those sleep-deprived students who stay up to complete an essay for english---that they were given two weeks to work on--- chug energy drinks, and snack on greasy chips. There are consequences that come with letting your health slip. I maintain my mental health which benfits my physical and nutritional health while being in school with different methods and my adaptability. I strongly believe it can be possible to stay healthy in all aspects while being in school. It is important to take time for myself, so after studying for an hour, I often reward myself by doing something I enjoy, even if that's playing with my dogs for a bit or facetiming a friend. It can be very helpful for me to have a planner or "to-do list" on my phone that can put me at ease so I'm not having trouble remembering multiple tasks. It is very rewarding to check off items, and get started on more work, leading to a very effective working strategy. I try my best to take care of myself, and when I have questions, I advocate for myself by reaching out to my teachers and staying proactive. I have made it my utmost priority to develop a consistent workout routine; I strive to workout at least 3-5 days a week, after dinner and this serves as a great way to help me wind down, and prepare for the next day. If I am tired, I make sure to take the day off and use this time to relax, and try to get back on track the next day. Some days it can be very helpful to stretch and take a walk around the house after working on an assignment for awhile, reminding myself to stay moving helps me a great deal. It is so easy to eat an unhealthy snack, so I make sure to have a well-rounded balance. For example, I try my best to eat something healthy in the morning, such as overnight oatmeal or applesauce. As a teen, I know firsthand that sometimes, you're not that hungry in the morning so having a healthy breakfast such as a fruit or oats can really make the difference. When I come back from school, I always get a snack before working because it can help boost energy after a long day and get me back on track, thus making me more productive and efficient.

We've all heard of those sleep-deprived students who stay up to complete an essay for english---that they were given two weeks to work on--- chug energy drinks, and snack on greasy chips. There are consequences that come with letting your health slip. I maintain my mental, physical, and nutritional health while being in school with different methods and my adaptability. I strongly believe it can be possible to stay healthy in all aspects while being in school. It is so easy to eat an unhealthy snack, so I make sure to have a well-rounded balance. For example, I try my best to eat something healthy in the morning, such as overnight oatmeal or applesauce. As a teen, I know firsthand that sometimes, you're not that hungry in the morning so having a healthy breakfast such as a fruit or oats can really make the difference. When I come back from school, I always get a snack before working because it can help boost energy after a long day and get me back on track, thus making me more productive and efficient. It is important to take time for myself, so after studying for an hour, I often reward myself by doing something I enjoy, even if that's playing with my dogs for a bit or facetiming a friend. It can be very helpful for me to have a planner or "to-do list" on my phone that can put me at ease so I'm not having trouble remembering multiple tasks. It is very rewarding to check off items, and get started on more work, leading to a very effective working strategy. I try my best to take care of myself, and when I have questions, I advocate for myself by reaching out to my teachers and staying proactive. When I eat healthy I have more energy and I use this surge to develop a consistent workout routine; I strive to workout at least 3-5 days a week, after dinner and this serves as a great way to help me wind down, and prepare for the next day. If I am tired, I make sure to take the day off and use this time to relax, and try to get back on track the next day. Some days it can be very helpful to stretch and take a walk around the house after working on an assignment for awhile, reminding myself to stay moving helps me a great deal. Overall, eating healthy helps me to function healthily in many ways, and makes me feel good!

For most of life, I've had a love and hate relationship with math; I would love it when I would finally understand a difficult problem. I would be filled with much satisfaction and pride once I figured out a problem. However, I would be rather upset when I didn't understand a skill, or if I had made a minor error and it made my answer incorrect. Recently, I came to the realization that without math our world would be very strange. How would we use currency or calculate grades? How would we make food or cars? How would patients get treated with correct doses? How would Aladdin get three wishes? In all seriousness, I can say confidently I do love math because without it the world would be a very weird place, with no order. In short, I love math because of the necessary structure it gives us, and the satisfaction derived from solving an equation or math problem. Math can be complicated at times, but skills are built on from previous classes, so whenever I need help I make sure to seek help from my pattern of passionate teachers. As I venture into a university next fall, I hope to remember the amazing impact of math while I take Calculus!

Clean living is important because sustainable products can help preserve the earth; I incorporate clean living practices in my daily life by being attentive of best practices in using sustainable products and I preserve water in every opportunity given to do so. Water is used in many daily activities from consumption of water to maintaining cleanliness. Even though water is used for a variety of things, I strongly believe there is a way to condense water usage and recycle it through sustainable measures. There are many activities that utilize water, such as brushing teeth, showering, and washing cars. However, there are many ways to reduce our water footprint such as turning off the faucet when brushing teeth, and turning it back on to rinse. When showering or taking a bath, gallons of water goes down the drain, and a fix to save our water is recycling it. For instance, having all the shower water collected and then purified and cleaned for infinite uses, with the same process. This same process can work for car washes, and waterparks. I believe creativity and science makes for development of great ideas and new advancements for many people everywhere. It could be proposed to derive water from fruits, especially watermelon and cantaloupe which are both composed of more than 90 percent water. A creative solution to reducing our water footprint is having an alternative source, to avoid high consumption of our water sources. I believe extracting water from fruits with a high content of water can prove helpful in these endeavors. The water from fruits can be sold to manufacturers of bottled water, and be mass sold around the world and locally to encourage people to conserve natural water. Bottled water itself is not great for the environment, but fruit water sold in biodegradable containers can benefit our water footprint and the whole earth. There are many large bodies of water such as beaches and rivers, and many organisms and animals live within or around them, so I think water from the ocean should be filtered and purified so that the organisms can survive. Maintaining the water will go a long way in reducing our water footprint, because the water will be preserved and organisms can live and flourish. There are many creative ways to reduce our water footprint, and create a more sustainable and healthy earth. I look forward to many technological advancements that will work to protect our environment and build a more healthy water footprint. In addition to a water footprint, I would also like to make it a priority to reduce my carbon footprint and find creative solutions to help our earth, and preserve it for centuries to come. As I am from an immigrant background with my parents from west africa, ghana, I understand the importance of clean water and conserving water. I hope to advocate for the making of more conscious decisions surrounding water and finding solutions to reducing our use of it, thus reducing the world’s water footprint.

Pizza. Flip, Rotate, Toss This Pizza is truly Boss Popped into the oven to bake Comes out nice, ready to take Pick it up, or delivered to the door Either way you'll eat it, that's for sure Open the lid You're glad you did Instantly greeted by the aroma of flavors A pizza pie you'll try to savor Hot, Steamy and Cheesy Just a tad bit greasy. A perfect shaped pie, So many toppings to try Cut into pieces, and reach for a slice, It's look is guaranteed to entice Once you eat the Flavorful Italian Meal, Hopefully you got a good deal It's well-known taste, Eat slow, it's not a race Split between family sometimes friends Pizza isn't a fad or trend, This tradition is here to stay, Making smiles and sunshine rays!

I plan to major in Biology, so I can apply scientific concepts with medical application and learn about fascinating topics such as Immunology and anatomy and physiology. I selected this major because of my natural love of medicine. Attending College means I will be able to walk away with a degree in which I am an expert on, and be able to use the degree to achieve my next goals and so on. I strongly believe that education is a crucial factor for success and prepares you for real life situations, such as forming positive relationships, being knowledgeable, and applying for opportunities. Education is fundamental and it is important to me because I enjoy communicating with people and learning from them. My education is a big part of my identity and can never be taken away from me. I’m being honest, I could not live in a world without education. This is important on a much personal level and contributes to the person I am today. More people would be more comfortable trusting healthcare professionals who make the patient feel at ease by getting to know them professionally and empathizing with them. I also think more diversity in the healthcare field would be monumental for people’s healthcare experience. Having a variety of medical professionals from different backgrounds would help people to relate to a medical professional culturally and diversify healthcare for all. It would work to help people with language barriers, and even help people of different backgrounds to trust healthcare professionals by having a diverse team complete with different strengths and abilities. Going to see a healthcare professional should bring people comfort even in their hardest times, if they are valued and respected. Having a more well-rounded team and improving our psychological and social interactions with patients will combat any barriers and make for an amazing healthcare experience. As a future African American dentist, I look forward to joining a community of healthcare professionals who care for human health, and prioritize their hygiene and comfort. It is exciting to embark on a career in which I have strong passion, drive, and great work ethic. It is very important for me that I restore people's smiles and boost their confidence, and I will be in the right place to do so as a dentist I also long to bring the same sense of comfort and security I had when venturing to my dentist's office, and as the person my patients will first see, make them feel empowered to benefit their dental health. I want a career in which I am making a positive impact on others and following my passion, and I feel grateful to do that one day, making the world a better place for both people of all ages and bring the humanistic and diversfying dental medicine.

When I look at myself in a mirror, I picture myself from someone else’s perspective. Am I kind? Do I act approachable and respectful? My family has positively impacted my life, and I have especially my parents to thank for encouraging, motivating, and helping me to be the best version of myself; someone that I am proud of and can look back on 10 years from now with pride. They have taught me my morals and helped my best qualities flourish and stand out. I consider myself a leader; However, defining a leader is more deeper than what we think of ourselves, rather it’s what we become. The three characteristics of leadership I value most are altruism, understanding, and integrity because they connect together to create a true leader. Altruism is important for a leader because they may need to put their needs after someone else or they might have to give up something they wanted to help someone in need. There are many instances in which being altruistic would occur and develop. An individual may learn the importance of altruism through everyday relationships, depending on the circumstances. Being understanding is so fundamental as a leader because everyone has struggles and makes mistakes. A good leader will talk to others and make sure they are empathetic and a good listener to make the person more comfortable. Being understanding is something you develop when you have strong relationships with people such as your family. It can be helpful to hear your parent’s opinion on huge life decisions. Integrity is knowing who you are, it’s about being honest and standing by your morals. A leader must maintain this in order to be ethical and a role-model for others. When working in a group having integrity can mean taking the harder choice because it’s the honest and right thing to do. It could also mean standing up for someone who is vulnerable despite being made fun of or ridiculed. This skill will be developed as a person goes through life; it may take a circumstance or situation to occur before this becomes a person’s personality. In short, a leader comprises these three parts and more: Altruism, understanding, and integrity. I feel confident that I can incorporate these in my daily life and use it to help me in my endeavors to become a leader in healthcare; a leader isn’t exactly defined by what they are but rather who they are and the qualities they exhibit.

While there is a lot of room for change in the world, country, and cimmunity, I'd like to see people of all ages, especially teens taking iniative and helping others. I was inspired to start my organization, Teen Youth Cares (TYC), because I wanted to find a way to make a significant impact within my community, inspire others and take action in a way that positively supports others. I was able to quickly find out that it was a great way to encourage volunteerism and empathy in our community, while making a tangible difference. I was able to motivate neighbors, faculty, local businesses and other teens within our local Frederick community. It was even more motivating to see others joining my efforts to help. I found out that making the world a better place starts with each one of us, and it is possible to make a difference, no matter how small. One small act -can create another and another; continuing change by serving others. I discovered that being proactive and volunteering is a great way to help make an impact. I have had the opportunity to demonstrate support for others by arranging online activities for kids and volunteering within the community. I hoped to accomplish several goals during this service activity; My primary goal was to encourage kindness, and make a positive impact within the community. I researched issues and came up with solutions to them, by volunteering, and helping my community. For example, many healthcare workers were experiencing burnout and lack of supplies. By teaming with the hospital and gathering support from my school and community, I was able to set up donation collections within my community to present to the hard working health care workers in Frederick, MD. I was able to provide multiple donations to Frederick Health Hospital and make a difference in many healthcare workers' lives. In addition, I was able to provide educational learning opportunities for elementary students, and I was able to both create and distribute hand-made card donations to hospitalized children and teens. I was able to accomplish my initial goals to encourage kindness, and impact change, however I was also able to promote giving and volunteerism. I have learned a lot about myself and others, during my experience with TYC. From founding my organization, to creating service projects, and encouraging others to participate. This experience has taught me the value of leadership, compassion, and volunteerism. I have also learned that I am happiest when I'm helping others, and seeing someone smile or express happiness and gratitude. Volunteering has also inspired me to become a physician. I would also like to continue to give back to the community, and be a role-model and voice of change for others. I have learned that we can each make a positive difference in someone’s else's world, if we choose to. When we do, we change ourselves for the better in the process.

What excites me the most about college is the opportunity to work through a major filled with like-minded people who are passionate and have great aspirations! While there may be studious and orrganized students, there will also be, sleep-deprived students who stay up to complete an essay for english---that they were given two weeks to work on--- chug energy drinks, and snack on greasy chips. There are consequences that come with letting your health slip. I maintain my mental, physical, and nutritional health while being in school with different methods and my adaptability. I strongly believe it can be possible to stay healthy in all aspects while being in school. It is important to take time for myself, so after studying for an hour, I often reward myself by doing something I enjoy, even if that's playing with my dogs for a bit or facetiming a friend. It can be very helpful for me to have a planner or "to-do list" on my phone that can put me at ease so I'm not having trouble remembering multiple tasks. It is very rewarding to check off items, and get started on more work, leading to a very effective working strategy. I try my best to take care of myself, and when I have questions, I advocate for myself by reaching out to my teachers and staying proactive. I have made it my utmost priority to develop a consistent workout routine; I strive to workout at least 3-5 days a week, after dinner and this serves as a great way to help me wind down, and prepare for the next day. If I am tired, I make sure to take the day off and use this time to relax, and try to get back on track the next day. Some days it can be very helpful to stretch and take a walk around the house after working on an assignment for awhile, reminding myself to stay moving helps me a great deal. It is so easy to eat an unhealthy snack, so I make sure to have a well-rounded balance. For example, I try my best to eat something healthy in the morning, such as overnight oatmeal or applesauce. As a teen, I know firsthand that sometimes, you're not that hungry in the morning so having a healthy breakfast such as a fruit or oats can really make the difference. When I come back from school, I always get a snack before working because it can help boost energy after a long day and get me back on track, thus making me more productive and efficient. I am very excited for college, but also remember the responsibility to maintain my a healthy mind, body, and soul, and I look forward to working hard!

Higher education is very important to me. My goal is to become a pediatric dentist; my dream will require a college degree and dental school; I am prepared to embark on this journey. I am an avid learner, and I enjoy covering new material and acing assignments. The importance of getting an education is real to me because I have had the amazing experience of being immersed in education at a very young age. I have been in school since I was four; I often recall memories of my younger self who was oblivious to the struggles and suffering that occurred for people around me and around the world. I saw the world through a rose-gold lens. Many people, especially girls do not have access to a good education or any education at all. I understand the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sister, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get an excellent education. I feel honored to have the opportunity to learn and build a special skill set. I want to be a leader for women and represent people of different backgrounds. My ultimate goal is to incorporate my love of writing, art, science, and kids as a pediatric dentist. Not only am I grateful to go to college and get an education, I take strong pride in how much I have learned over the years. I take my academics seriously; I believe I can push myself to do even more. Education is very versatile; knowledge can be applied in many different ways thus allowing me to express my creativity. Individuality is crucial, and choosing a major in science will allow me to expand my interests and delve into the intricacies of dental medicine. The opportunity to take charge and become a life-long learner is appealing; I know that my choice to pursue a greater education will help make my dream career a reality. Attending College means I will be able to walk away with a degree in which I am an expert on, and be able to use the degree to achieve my next goals and so on. I strongly believe that education is a crucial factor for success and prepares you for real life situations, such as forming positive relationships, being knowledgeable, and applying for opportunities. I intend to expand my education, because there is always an opportunity to learn and as knowledge is power, because it can never be taken from you. I hope to inspire many generations, especially women to get into STEM and healthcare. I hope to be a positive example for others looking to pursue these fields, and even provide help and guidance to kids to let them know they can be anything to put their mind to.

Education is very important to me. My goal is to become a pediatric dentist; my dream will require a college degree and advanced degree; I am prepared to embark on this journey. I am an avid learner, and I enjoy covering new material and acing assignments. The importance of getting an education is real to me because I have had the amazing experience of being immersed in education at a very young age. I have been in school since I was four; I often recall memories of my younger self who was oblivious to the struggles and suffering that occurred for people around me and around the world. I saw the world through a rose-gold lens. Many people, especially girls do not have access to a good education or any education at all. I understand the sacrifices my parents made for me and my sister, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get an excellent education. I feel honored to have the opportunity to learn and build a special skill set. I want to be a leader for women and represent people of different backgrounds. My ultimate goal is to incorporate my love of writing, art, science, and kids as a pediatric dentist. Not only am I grateful to go to college and get an education, I take strong pride in how much I have learned over the years. I take my academics seriously; I believe I can push myself to do even more. Education is very versatile; knowledge can be applied in many different ways thus allowing me to express my creativity. Individuality is crucial, and choosing a major in science will allow me to expand my interests and delve into the intricacies of medicine. So far, I have obtained a lot of knowledge and I look forward to achieving my goals of becoming a future african-american woman in medicine. I want to use my education to make good decisions and benefit the community. I feel happy knowing that my hard work in my studies now will help me in the future. College will be an opportunity for me to learn about the various areas of medicine, and prepare for the rigorous training in medical school. My goal after college is to become a pediatric dentist, and make a positive impact through medicine. Attending College means I will be able to walk away with a degree in which I am an expert on, and be able to use the degree to achieve my next goals and so on. I strongly believe that education is a crucial factor for success and prepares you for real life situations, such as forming positive relationships, being knowledgeable, and applying for opportunities. I intend to expand my education, because there is always an opportunity to learn and as knowledge is power, because it can never be taken from you. I hope to inspire many generations, especially women to get into STEM and healthcare. I hope to be a positive example for others looking to pursue these fields, and even provide help and guidance to kids to let them know they can be anything to put their mind to.

My dream is to become a philanthropic african american pediatric dentist. I love interacting with people, especially kids, and I enjoy teaching others, and consider myself very creative. I have excelled in my science courses, and have found interest in anatomy as well as human health. I enjoy helping others and making a positive impact in someone's life, and I have done just that in my past volunteering activities and jobs.

We've all heard of those sleep-deprived students who stay up to complete an essay for english---that they were given two weeks to work on--- chug energy drinks, and snack on greasy chips. There are consequences that come with letting your health slip. I maintain my mental, physical, and nutritional health while being in school with different methods and my adaptability. I strongly believe it can be possible to stay healthy in all aspects while being in school. It is important to take time for myself, so after studying for an hour, I often reward myself by doing something I enjoy, even if that's playing with my dogs for a bit or facetiming a friend. It can be very helpful for me to have a planner or "to-do list" on my phone that can put me at ease so I'm not having trouble remembering multiple tasks. It is very rewarding to check off items, and get started on more work, leading to a very effective working strategy. I try my best to take care of myself, and when I have questions, I advocate for myself by reaching out to my teachers and staying proactive. I have made it my utmost priority to develop a consistent workout routine; I strive to workout at least 3-5 days a week, after dinner and this serves as a great way to help me wind down, and prepare for the next day. If I am tired, I make sure to take the day off and use this time to relax, and try to get back on track the next day. Some days it can be very helpful to stretch and take a walk around the house after working on an assignment for awhile, reminding myself to stay moving helps me a great deal. It is so easy to eat an unhealthy snack, so I make sure to have a well-rounded balance. For example, I try my best to eat something healthy in the morning, such as overnight oatmeal or applesauce. As a teen, I know firsthand that sometimes, you're not that hungry in the morning so having a healthy breakfast such as a fruit or oats can really make the difference. When I come back from school, I always get a snack before working because it can help boost energy after a long day and get me back on track, thus making me more productive and efficient.

Have I been slobbered on? Gotten jumped on as soon as I walked through the door? Had dog hairs over all my clothing? Yes, yes and yes! That is the result of two very loving and rambunctious english springer spaniels! As stereotypical as it may sound, I have always loved animals. As a child, I enjoyed venturing to the zoo and aquarium, fascinated with the different species of animals and their various needs. I consumed books with random facts about animals, such as the gestation period of an elephant or exotic amphibians known as axolotls. Growing up with dogs, and now living with my two excited English Springer Spaniels may make me a bit biased towards dogs! Having dogs teaches you to be selfless, and think for them because they can’t talk. My dogs communicate with me through nonverbal cues, movements and sounds, and I am able to adapt to them. It is a gift to step outside yourself, and empathize with animals. Over the years, I have learned my dogs' tendencies, behaviors, and temperament, and I able to adjust in situations if need be. While taking care of my two dogs is a team effort, consisting of my family and I, I am always happy to take on more responsibility to feed them, help them get exercise and mental stimulation, as well as clean and groom them. Having dogs is an experience many people should have because of the benefits and the opportunity to become a better person. I have my two dogs to thank for shaping me into the person I am today, I am more responsible, attentive, and empathetic to the needs of both people and animals. When I took my dogs out in the freezing rain or winter, and wiped their muddy paws, I unlocked patience and discipline. My dogs have taught me a lot about myself and the world, and I am grateful for that. I look forward to joining a community of veterinarians who care for animals, and prioritize their health. The bond between my dogs and I is very strong and affectionate; my dogs make feel happy when I'm upset and celebrate with me in some of my happiest times. I truly believe my dogs sense how I'm feeling and try their best to comfort me in every situation and never cease to make me laugh. My two english springer spaniels make my life brighter!

In the future, I plan to pursue a career as a pediatric dentist! As a child I always found myself eager to go to the dentist, I loved how clean my teeth looked and felt, and the prize awaiting me after being a cooperative patient. When my tooth was very wiggly, I was never squeamish about pulling the tooth out, I was curious about the process of teeth falling out, and watched numerous educational Brainpop videos that explained how to care for teeth and how they fell out. Even when going shopping, I decided on toothbrushes that would work the best for my teeth and gums. Curiosity about anatomy, especially teeth, has been a normal occurrence for me, that I rediscovered. Although I have many interests such as writing, art, science, and kids, becoming a dentist combines those disciplines with everyday actions. For example, communicating with my patients, performing cleanings and making teeth more aesthetically pleasing, and the ability to teach kids and adults about their dental hygiene. My past experiences with various medical professionals, especially dentists, was my deciding factor in what I should become and motivated me to pay it forward to the amazing healthcare experience I was given. Healthcare is about not only treating the person’s ailments but also treating their concerns as a human. We all have feelings, and long to be heard and I recognize the stark importance of that. I strongly believe that many people’s healthcare experience would be greatly improved with that in mind. I believe it is a great honor to have someone in your care, and treat them holistically and look at the whole person rather than a list of diseases. More people would be more comfortable trusting healthcare professionals who make the patient feel at ease by getting to know them professionally and empathizing with them. I also think more diversity in the healthcare field would be monumental for people’s healthcare experience. Having a variety of medical professionals from different backgrounds would help people to relate to a medical professional culturally and diversify healthcare for all. It would work to help people with language barriers, and even help people of different backgrounds to trust healthcare professionals by having a diverse team complete with different strengths and abilities. Going to see a healthcare professional should bring people comfort even in their hardest times, if they are valued and respected. Having a more well-rounded team and improving our psychological and social interactions with patients will combat any barriers and make for an amazing healthcare experience. As a future African American dentist, I look forward to joining a community of healthcare professionals who care for human health, and prioritize their hygiene and comfort. It is exciting to embark on a career in which I have strong passion, drive, and great work ethic. It is very important for me that I restore people's smiles and boost their confidence, and I will be in the right place to do so as a dentist I also long to bring the same sense of comfort and security I had when venturing to my dentist's office, and as the person my patients will first see, make them feel empowered to benefit their dental health. I want a career in which I am making a positive impact on others and following my passion, and I feel grateful to do that one day, making the world a better place for both people of all ages and bringing humanistic and diversifying medicine for all.

My confidence and intiative have grown over the past year; I notice myself stepping outside my comfort zone and being more open to new opportunities. I have remained a hard worker but on my journey, learned of my capability as a leader. When one thinks of a leader, we may think of a person bossing everyone around, or we might picture a person in the front whom everyone follows, maybe a person who makes the rules. When I picture a leader, I picture taking initiative, being fair, and taking responsibility for their actions. When I consider my qualities, this comes to mind. For example, when I joined the 1000 girls, 1000 futures STEM program, I was tasked with completing a 3-4 month challenge with a group virtually. I reached out to my team members and checked in with my mentor to give updates or perhaps ask questions. Taking initiative, organizing the project, listening and considering other’s ideas, and asking questions when I don’t understand something makes me a leader. One specific example of when I showed leadership, ws when I had to communicate effectively with different groups of people during the 1000 girls, 1000 futures STEM Program. I was in charge of overseeing our group's presentation about representing women in STEM and we had to adhere to submission deadlines. I made sure that our group divided all slides and completed each task on time. I found it helpful to communicate with my team members frequently, while staying organized and tracking progress. We had great communication and worked well to produce our end result. I currently demonstrate my leadership as the president of the National Honor Society. However, I also recognize that leadership includes responsibility, action, and honesty. I have practiced my leadership throughout my years of high school in various clubs and volunteer organizations, especially in my own volunteer organization, Teen Youth Cares. This is of utmost importance because as a future woman in healthcare, I want to advocate for others and take leadership in my community! Another example of leadership is when I created Spark Science Kids, a virtual volunteer educational program to teach elementary school students about science topics. Through this volunteer experience, I now have experience teaching young students, and have accomplished many of my goals in this role. I was able to produce a positive impact on students, and helped to make learning a positive, and fun experience. In short, there are many components that make up a leader, and I haveexperience in exercising it. I feel confident that I can incorporate these in my daily life, helping me in my endeavors to become a leader in healthcare as an african american pediatric dentist; a leader isn’t exactly defined by what they are but rather who they are and the qualities they exhibit.

Every once in a while, I am reminded of the world's potential to show kindness. I sat down on the warm concrete pavement in front of my neighborhood, selected a couple of colors, and began to draw. There were thick smudges of blue-green on my knees and elbows from my finished mermaid mural. I created an underwater scene of fishes and mermaids swimming. I used all of the chalk on this picture, but it was worth it. A kind neighbor walked by and requested to take photos of my mural, and the next day handed me a huge box filled with over 100 pieces of quality chalk. I was filled with great happiness and surprise as I thought of the creations I could start on. I thanked her profusely; she made me promise her that I would keep drawing. I promised her and made sure to update the sidewalk frequently and continue sketching on my drawing pad. That hot summer day renders mermaids and magic but also the attentiveness and kindness of a creativity-loving neighbor. My neighbor’s kindness has motivated me to do the same for others. My self-created humanitarian organization encourages kindness, and makes a positive impact within the community. The year of 2020 was a challenge for me because I had to get adjusted to staying home, and I could not visit my grandma. It also meant, I had to adjust socially, and I found myself lonely with no one to talk to. I researched issues and came up with solutions to them, by volunteering, and helping my community. But many healthcare workers were experiencing burnout and lack of supplies. By teaming with the hospital and gathering support from my school and community, I was able to set up donation collections within my community to present to the hard working health care workers in Frederick, MD. I was able to provide multiple donations to Frederick Health Hospital and make a difference in many healthcare workers' lives. In addition, I was able to provide educational learning opportunities for elementary students, and I was able to both create and distribute hand-made card donations to hospitalized children and teens. I was able to accomplish my initial goals to encourage kindness, and impact change, however I was also able to promote giving and volunteerism. I have also learned that I am happiest when I'm helping others, and seeing someone smile or express happiness and gratitude.

I am a life-long learner and a hard worker. I have an immigrant background with my parents being from Ghana, West Africa. I understand the sacrifices they made for me and my sister, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get an excellent education. Many people, especially girls do not have access to a good education or any education at all. I feel honored to have the opportunity to learn and build a special skill set. I want to be a leader for women and represent people of different backgrounds. My ultimate goal is to incorporate my love of writing, art, science, and kids as a pediatric dentist. I love interacting with people, especially kids, and I enjoy teaching others, and consider myself very creative and hands-on. I have excelled in my science courses, and have found interest in anatomy as well as human health. I enjoy helping others and making a positive impact in someone's life, and I have done just that in my past volunteering activities and jobs. I strongly believe if I focus on my goals, and achieve them, I can succeed and accomplish my biggest dreams. I take my academics seriously, and I am thrilled at the prospect of being a person of high trust that can administer help to patients and change the world one person at a time. I have a high emotional intelligence and can use my empathetic and caring nature to connect and learn more about others. With a scholarship from Blaine Sandoval Young American Scholarship , it can help me move on further in pursuing my goals and attending a 4-year university helping make attending school a smoother process. I have aspirations of getting into a combined BS/DDS program, which will allow me to complete my undergraduate education, and be guaranteed a spot in dental school. I want to use my education to make good decisions and benefit the community. I feel happy knowing that my hard work in my studies now will help me in the future. College will be an opportunity for me to learn about Biology extensively, and prepare for the rigorous training ahead. I also want to inspire other minorities and people of ethnic backgrounds to find their passion and explore it. It is of utmost importance that everyone is given an equal chance to education, and to have access to resources such as scholarships, books, and internships. I am grateful for my parents and teachers who have made sure to help me with my academic journey. There are great opportunities for those who seek them, and I believe with hard work they can be found. As a future African American dentist, I look forward to joining a community of healthcare professionals who care for human health, and prioritize their hygiene and comfort. It is exciting to embark on a career in which I have strong passion, drive, and great work ethic. It is very important for me that I restore people's smiles and boost their confidence, and I will be in the right place to do so as a dentist I also long to bring the same sense of comfort and security I had when venturing to my dentist's office, and as the person my patients will first see, make them feel empowered to benefit their dental health. I want a career in which I am making a positive impact on others and following my passion, and I feel grateful to do that one day, making the world a better place for both people of all ages and bringing humanistic and diversifying medicine for all.

As a person who absolutely loves Disney, I enjoy talking about Disney movies, dressing up as the characters for halloween and singing catchy songs. I adore so many Disney characters yet there is one who stands out to me significantly: Mickey Mouse Mickey Mouse is my favorite Disney character for the following reasons: he is an icon, nostalgic, and versatile. He marks the beginning of Disney, and holds great value to my Disney filled childhood. Walt, the creator of Disney, said "it was all started by a mouse," and Mickey Mouse starts the Disney Movies with a distinct animation, as he steers the boat and sings. I find the Disney creation so fascinating, and have an appreciation for the Disney symbol that is Mickey Mouse. As a child, I recall watching Disney Movies and giggling with delight when seeing Mickey Mouse animated, and over the years, it was so nostalgic to see him as a predecessor before the movie began. I enjoyed getting comfy in a fuzzy blanket, and snuggling on the couch with my Mickey and Minnie stuffed animals while watching a Disney Movie. Nowadays, I continue to watch Disney and encourage my younger sister to watch the older Disney movies as well; I was surprised at how many newer creations of original Disney movies and shows there are. For example, there are Mickey Mouse shorts that are a rather hilarious spin-off of traditional Mickey Mouse productions. I enjoy the new and old creations, and the versatility of Mickey Mouse is amazing! In short, Disney is an amazing company that produces hundreds of movies, shows, and characters that inspire, empower, and comfort people of all ages! Mickey Mouse is the character that jump started Disney, and for that I am grateful. He has brought many memories and I consider him my favorite Disney character!

In middle school, I found myself in a difficult situation, as I was constantly bullied by two girls in my class and it started to change my perspective towards them. I wanted to be rude back and tell them off but I was stuck in a rut. I did not know what to do, and I was certainly not going to fight or retaliate. Michelle Obama famously stated, “When they go low, we go high.” This quote has been applied to my daily life and has changed my perspective on situations. In fact, my mom shared it with me in some of my most difficult times. When I heard her initial speech, I felt as if I could relate and I wanted to stay honorable and take the high road. I firmly told the bullies what I did not like, and they simply laughed and continued day after day to say hurtful comments and in one instance, shove me into the wall. The bullies told me to watch my back, and used their physical stature and status as a ploy to keep me silent. This was a particularly sad day for me, because I felt as if they were making me feel inferior to them and disrespecting me. When I got home, I cried, and told my parents about the problem. I vividly remember my mom, wanting to discuss this with my school principal. To that, I implored her not to, that we could handle it a different way. My parents talked with me, and helped to uplift me and I knew what I was going to do. I stopped feeling like I did not belong; I raised my hand in class and participated, and I continued to shine. I even began to excel with straight A's and regained my confidence back. When the bullies tried to break me down and spread rumors or say mean-spirited comments, I simply laughed it off, and acted like I was much more mature than I felt. I faked it, until I made it. I once again remembered the Michelle Obama quote, the same phrase that gave me strength in tough times. When I soon recognized the change in me, I think the bullies did as well; they no longer berated and teased me. They seemed unconcerned about me, and when I ran into one of them in high school, she offered a quick greeting and a hello, and while it would be easier to hold a grudge and roll my eyes, I greeted her back with a hello. I believe in not letting yourself be disrespected, but rather asserting your point respectfully and firmly even when being treated wrongly. I hold myself to a high standard, and this experience has made me a stronger person and has helped me communicate with all types of people. In the future, I will use my career in healthcare as a platform to raise others up and advocate for those who can’t. No one should be silenced.

As a child I always found myself eager to go to the dentist, I loved how clean my teeth looked and felt, and the prize awaiting me after being a cooperative patient. When my tooth was very wiggly, I was never squeamish about pulling the tooth out, I was curious about the process of teeth falling out, and watched numerous educational Brainpop videos that explained how to care for teeth and how they fell out. Even when going shopping, I decided on toothbrushes that would work the best for my teeth and gums. Curiosity about anatomy, especially teeth, has been a normal occurrence for me, that I rediscovered. Although I have many interests such as writing, art, science, and kids, becoming a dentist combines those disciplines with everyday actions. For example, communicating with my patients, performing cleanings and making teeth more aesthetically pleasing, and the ability to teach kids and adults about their dental hygiene. My past experiences with various medical professionals, especially dentists, was my deciding factor in what I should become and motivated me to pay it forward to the amazing healthcare experience I was given. Healthcare is about not only treating the person’s ailments but also treating their concerns as a human. We all have feelings, and long to be heard and I recognize the stark importance of that. I strongly believe that many people’s healthcare experience would be greatly improved with that in mind. I believe it is a great honor to have someone in your care, and treat them holistically and look at the whole person rather than a list of diseases. More people would be more comfortable trusting healthcare professionals who make the patient feel at ease by getting to know them professionally and empathizing with them. I also think more diversity in the healthcare field would be monumental for people’s healthcare experience. Having a variety of medical professionals from different backgrounds would help people to relate to a medical professional culturally and diversify healthcare for all. It would work to help people with language barriers, and even help people of different backgrounds to trust healthcare professionals by having a diverse team complete with different strengths and abilities. Going to see a healthcare professional should bring people comfort even in their hardest times, if they are valued and respected. Having a more well-rounded team and improving our psychological and social interactions with patients will combat any barriers and make for an amazing healthcare experience. As a future African American dentist, I look forward to joining a community of healthcare professionals who care for human health, and prioritize their hygiene and comfort. It is exciting to embark on a career in which I have strong passion, drive, and great work ethic. It is very important for me that I restore people's smiles and boost their confidence, and I will be in the right place to do so as a dentist I also long to bring the same sense of comfort and security I had when venturing to my dentist's office, and as the person my patients will first see, make them feel empowered to benefit their dental health. I want a career in which I am making a positive impact on others and following my passion, and I feel grateful to do that one day, making the world a better place for both people of all ages and bringing humanistic and diversifying medicine for all

When I was younger, I had a dream of being a doctor; whether it was a papercut or a sore muscle, I was there to provide a bandage or an ice pack. I enjoyed the feeling of helping someone and making them happy. Curiosity would randomly spark me as well, so I asked questions about various subjects and topics, like machines, robots or and how vaccines work. When learning new concepts it felt like a magical quest to learn as many things as possible. My academics were looked at as a competition; I wanted to score high, prepare, and win the “race.” I enjoyed working hard and seeing great results that came from it. I would learn in and outside school, reading books, and learning about science subjects. I soon discovered my passion for science, when I participated in my middle school science fair and won 4th place from my research project about coffee grounds effect on mung bean growth. In the future, I plan to pursue a career in the medical field, as a dentist based on my personal interests. For example, I love interacting with people, especially kids, and I enjoy teaching others, and consider myself very creative and hands-on. I have excelled in my science courses, and have found interest in anatomy as well as human health. I enjoy helping others and making a positive impact in someone's life, and I have done just that in my past volunteering activities and jobs. I strongly believe if I focus on my goals, and achieve them, I can succeed and accomplish my biggest dreams. I take my academics seriously, and I am thrilled at the prospect of being a person of high trust that can administer help to patients and change the world one person at a time. I have a high emotional intelligence and can use my empathetic and caring nature to connect and learn more about others. As a future African American dentist, I look forward to joining a community of healthcare professionals who care for human health, and prioritize their hygiene and comfort. It is exciting to embark on a career in which I have strong passion, drive, and great work ethic. It is very important for me that I restore people's smiles and boost their confidence, and I will be in the right place to do so as a dentist I also long to bring the same sense of comfort and security I had when venturing to my dentist's office, and as the person my patients will first see, make them feel empowered to benefit their dental health. I want a career in which I am making a positive impact on others and following my passion, and I feel grateful to do that one day, making the world a better place for both people of all ages and bringing humanistic and diversifying medicine for all.

I was inspired to start Teen Youth Cares (TYC), because I wanted to find a way to make a significant impact within my community, inspire others and take action in a way that positively supports others. I was able to quickly find out that it was a great way to encourage volunteerism and empathy in our community, while making a tangible difference . I was able to motivate neighbors, faculty, local businesses and other teens within our local Frederick community. It was even more motivating to see others joining my efforts to help. I found out that making the world a better place starts with each one of us, and it is possible to make a difference, no matter how small. One small act -can create another and another; continuing change by serving others. I discovered that being proactive and volunteering is a great way to help make an impact. I have had the opportunity to demonstrate support for others by arranging online activities for kids and volunteering within the community. I hoped to accomplish several goals during this service activity; My primary goal was to encourage kindness, and make a positive impact within the community. I researched issues and came up with solutions to them, by volunteering, and helping my community. For example, many healthcare workers were experiencing burnout and lack of supplies. By teaming with the hospital and gathering support from my school and community, I was able to set up donation collections within my community to present to the hard working health care workers in Frederick, MD. I was able to provide multiple donations to Frederick Health Hospital and make a difference in many healthcare workers' lives. In addition, I was able to provide educational learning opportunities for elementary students, and I was able to both create and distribute hand-made card donations to hospitalized children and teens. I was able to accomplish my initial goals to encourage kindness, and impact change, however I was also able to promote giving and volunteerism. I have learned a lot about myself and others, during my experience with TYC. From founding my organization, to creating service projects, and encouraging others to participate. This experience has taught me the value of leadership, compassion, and volunteerism. I have also learned that I am happiest when I'm helping others, and seeing someone smile or express happiness and gratitude. I would also like to continue to give back to the community, and be a role-model and voice of change for others. I have learned that we can each make a positive difference in someone’s else's world, if we choose to. When we do, we change ourselves for the better in the process.

The Black Girl’s Anthem back to my roots, watch as my voluminous curls spiral and spread As my dark chocolate complexion radiates beauty singing' proudly for all to hear, and belting my power chant, Celebrating my culture and heritage Standing out like a sunflower among lilies embracing my marvelous melatonin Showing my powerful personality, Being special in myself and knowing it Raising my voice for all to hear Eliminating the approval of nay-sayers Building my castle and crown For my earned throne I am a true Queen