From a young age, the complex interplay of science and human compassion in healthcare has fascinated me. Growing up under the protective scrutiny of Child Protective Services, I experienced firsthand the profound impact of caring professionals in vulnerable lives. This early exposure planted the seeds for my decision to pursue a career in healthcare, where science and compassion meet to change lives. My journey toward this goal began earnestly at Rutgers, where I study biology. I've tailored my education to focus on human behavior and medical sciences, driven by a commitment to understanding the underlying mechanisms of health and disease. Beyond the classroom, my role as an emergency medical technician has been pivotal in shaping my aspirations. Each emergency call and each patient interaction has taught me about resilience, the importance of timely care, and the undeniable impact of empathetic service on patient outcomes. One particularly defining moment came during a late-night shift when I was first on the scene of a severe traffic accident. Amid the chaos, I treated a young mother whose gratitude, despite her pain, underscored the profound personal impact healthcare workers have. This experience solidified my resolve to continue in this field and strive toward a position where I can influence healthcare policies and practices to enhance patient care on a larger scale. Volunteering has also been a cornerstone of my preparation for a healthcare career. I have dedicated over 200 hours to the Montville First Aid Squad, where I provided immediate medical assistance and engaged with community outreach programs to educate the public on first aid and healthy living practices. Additionally, my time mentoring children with special needs at the TCA has enriched my understanding of the diverse challenges within healthcare, particularly in ensuring equitable care for all patients. Looking to the future, my goal is to specialize in pediatric care. I am particularly interested in the intersection of pediatric medicine and public health, aiming to work on initiatives that improve healthcare access and education for underserved communities. By integrating my clinical skills with public health knowledge, I aspire to develop programs that address the root causes of health disparities in children, from preventive care to mental health services. However, the financial burden of pursuing a rigorous academic and clinical education often forces me to make difficult choices. Balancing the cost of education with the need to gain respected qualifications has led me to consider community college courses despite concerns about how future employers and academic programs might perceive these choices. This scholarship would ease these financial pressures, allowing me to focus on continuing my education at institutions that best prepare me for a successful career in pediatric healthcare without compromising due to economic constraints. Receiving this scholarship would support my academic pursuit and my commitment to community health initiatives. It would empower me to dedicate more resources to developing comprehensive healthcare programs that can reach more children and families in need. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to a career that addresses immediate health concerns and contributes to a broader societal impact, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation. With this scholarship, I can further dedicate myself to becoming a healthcare provider who embodies the compassion, resilience, and expertise necessary to lead and innovate in the field.

In the tapestry of my life, threads of challenge and resilience intertwine, colored deeply by my early experiences under Child Protective Services. This background has instilled in me a profound empathy for those who feel marginalized and voiceless, resonating strongly with the compassionate legacy of Jayson Desmond Bailey. Known for his steadfast protection of the oppressed and his stand against bullying, Jayson's story echoes my actions and motivations. During my years as an undergraduate at Rutgers, where I study biology with a focus on human behavior, I've dedicated myself to addressing the social issue of bullying, a cause close to my heart. I see bullying not just as individual acts of aggression but as a systemic issue that can devastate lives and diminish the potential of young individuals. This perspective drives my commitment to advocacy and social change. My approach to combating bullying is rooted in education and active intervention. As a mentor with the TCA, I work with children who have special needs—children who are often targets of bullying due to their differences. Here, I provide academic support and foster a nurturing environment where these children can build confidence and assert their right to be respected and heard. Additionally, I channel my passion for advocacy through my role as a debate coach, where I teach over a thousand students the mechanics of debate and the profound impact of words. I remember a turning point during a session when a student brought up a neighborhood characterized as low-income during a debate on social policy. This discussion could have remained theoretical, yet it transformed into a powerful lesson on empathy and social responsibility. We explored how understanding and discussing such issues could lead to impactful actions beyond the debate platform. Inspired by this discussion, I initiated a community project that engaged my debate team in anti-bullying workshops at local schools. We didn't just talk about the harms of bullying; we equipped students with tools to stand up against it and foster an inclusive community. This project educated and empowered students to advocate for themselves and their peers. My journey through adversity has also taught me the value of resilience. I've faced situations requiring courage and compassion as an emergency medical technician. Each emergency call was a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the urgent need for kindness. These experiences have sharpened my resolve to pursue a career where I can continue to advocate for those in need, ensuring they have the support to overcome challenges just as I did. Receiving the Jayson Desmond Bailey Scholarship would greatly support my educational pursuits and advocacy work. It would alleviate financial pressures, allowing me to devote more energy to developing programs that tackle bullying and promote a culture of respect and peace, honoring Jayson's memory. Through every step of my journey, I've believed in the power of kindness and the importance of standing up for others, principles that Jayson lived by. With this scholarship, I aspire to extend my impact, fostering an environment where everyone is valued, and bullying finds no refuge. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to continuing Jayson's legacy and enriching it with my contributions, ensuring that my fight against bullying and advocacy for the oppressed leaves a lasting imprint on the world.

Every stride in a cross-country race is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles, much like the ones I faced growing up under the challenging watch of Child Protective Services. The perseverance required in these races resonates deeply with me, as does the story of Kalia D. Davis, whose legacy of resilience and ambition inspires me to continue my journey with an even greater purpose. Like Kalia, I found sanctuary in athletics, though my path led me to the role of an emergency medical technician where urgency meets care at critical moments. My experiences as an EMT taught me the importance of quick thinking and compassion under pressure—qualities that I see reflected in Kalia’s life. Her dedication to excelling as an athlete and student while nurturing a vibrant community life at the University of Illinois speaks volumes about her character, which I strive to emulate in my life. Moreover, Kalia’s involvement with the Black Student Union and her ambitions toward ROTC highlight a life lived in service to others—a life of meaningful impact that I aspire to lead—my journey through advocacy and service. The Tamil Catholic Association, where I mentor children with special needs, has shown me the profound effect of dedicated support on individual lives. My work here isn’t just about teaching; it’s about empowering young minds to see beyond their limitations, much like how Kalia encouraged her peers. Kalia’s love for dancing with her niece Aubrey reminds me of my time mentoring over a thousand children in debate, where I teach the structure of arguments and the ethics behind them. This experience has taught me the value of words and the impact of actions, driving home the point that excellence isn’t just what we achieve but how we help others along the way. A particularly poignant moment in my teaching career involved a discussion about neighborhoods classified as low-income. A debate student saw this topic as merely a potential win in a tournament. However, we explored deeper, discussing the real-world implications of such information. This conversation sparked my further research into the effects of socioeconomic status on postoperative outcomes, leading to two publications in a medical journal and the founding of a club at my high school. There, we raised funds to improve these outcomes, teaching students various suturing techniques I had learned myself. Receiving the Kalia D. Davis Scholarship would alleviate the financial strain of pursuing a biology degree at Rutgers, allowing me to focus more on my studies and continue my volunteer work without compromise. It would also symbolize a continuation of Kalia’s legacy through my efforts to blend academic excellence with community service. This scholarship would honor her memory and empower me to further my commitment to making a positive impact, just as she did. Kalia’s story is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of a legacy defined by love, laughter, learning, and leadership. With this scholarship, I am committed to advancing these ideals, ensuring that my academic and professional journey reflects my ambitions and my dedication to serving and uplifting others. Thank you for considering my application. I am inspired by Kalia’s story and driven to honor her memory by striving for excellence in every area of my life, committed to making a difference in the world, one step at a time.

Growing up under the watchful eye of CPS, I navigated a childhood marked by both uncertainty and frequent interventions. These early challenges fostered in me a profound sensitivity to the struggles of others and a strong desire to make a meaningful difference. This commitment has guided me through every step of my life, from my education at Rutgers to my role on the front lines as an EMT. As a child, the sight of emergency vehicles was simultaneously a symbol of fear and safety; it was during these formative years that I learned how critical compassion and support are during moments of crisis. This understanding deeply influenced my decision to become an EMT, where the opportunity to offer immediate comfort and aid became a tangible way to impact lives directly. Each call I responded to taught me more about human resilience and the critical role of empathy in healing. Holding the hand of a scared child or offering reassuring words to a distressed parent, I've seen how small gestures can significantly ease pain and fear. These experiences extend beyond physical aid; they are emotional lifelines for those involved. My work has not been just about medical responses but about being a pillar of support, a listener, and sometimes, a bearer of hope. At Rutgers, where I study biology with a focus on human behavior, my academic pursuits are fueled by these real-world interactions. Understanding the science behind human emotions and mental health doesn't just satisfy academic curiosity—it's a crucial step in my mission to better serve those facing mental and emotional challenges. Teaching debate to over a thousand children, I've had the unique opportunity to influence the next generation intellectually and ethically. Debate is more than an academic exercise; it's a platform for young voices to learn the power of words and the responsibilities that come with them. I strive to impart lessons on the ethical implications of public speaking and argumentation, emphasizing that their skills should be used to advocate for truth and justice. This part of my work is incredibly fulfilling, merging my love for teaching with my commitment to ethical leadership. One conversation about neighborhoods in the city classified as a low-income neighborhood stood out to me. My debate student thought of this "argument" as something that could win him a debate tournament. However, we talked about what we could do with the information we acquired from these tournaments. As someone with an interest in surgery, I went on to do research and published a paper about the effects of low socioeconomic status on post-operative outcomes. Additionally, I founded a club at my high school that raised money to improve those outcomes by teaching students different suturing techniques I taught myself. Additionally, my role at the TCA as a mentor for children with special needs has reinforced the importance of adapting and tailoring educational approaches to individual capabilities and circumstances. These interactions have enriched my understanding of the needs within our communities and have driven me to seek solutions that are both inclusive and effective. Through my journey, from a child in a system filled with challenges to an adult poised to enter the field of social work, I have been driven by a single goal: to ensure that no one feels as alone as I did. Seeking this scholarship is not just a financial pursuit; it's a step toward continuing my education and advocacy without the burden of economic constraints. It will allow me to focus fully on my studies and community outreach, expanding my capacity to make a difference. Thank you for considering my application.

Would you want to engage in a sport that involves grabbing other sweaty men? Does anyone not? This is how wrestling generally works. This is something that my peers have said to me multiple times, and every time, I find it hilarious. More than just a sport, wrestling is a way of life. More than just hard effort and determination are things I've learned from wrestling. One of those sports where your summer body shows up in the winter and vice versa is wrestling. You must shed pounds while wrestling, wait for hours in between matches, and are unable to celebrate Christmas or Thanksgiving. Wrestling is the world's toughest and most taxing sport, even though it initially seems like a horrible activity. Now, growing up with all my male cousins, my uncle peer-pressured my father into putting me into wrestling. A 50-pound girl going into 3rd grade would tackle other boys. My mom would be worried to death that I would get beat up, come home with a black eye and a bloody face, and cry that I lost every match. Yet realizing that gender doesn't matter and that I was easily beating these boys brought a smile to my face. But wrestling was so much more than that. Simply losing weight for wrestling has taught me a lot. I've discovered that you should always keep a little extra gas in the tank, no matter what. There is always a solution to the chaos in your life, therefore you must make the most of it whenever you feel depressed, lost, or hopeless. I also gained discipline and commitment through wrestling. These two qualities have demonstrated to me that I am unable to give up and that if I must accomplish something, I should give it my all. I believe that this sport has continuously taught me how to give or be given. I've learned how to devote everything I have to the people, things, and activities I love through the sport of wrestling. It has taught me to extend my generosity even when it seems impossible. I've learned through wrestling that sometimes you have to sacrifice everything to achieve your goals. A person needs to learn to give first before learning anything else. Because of the lesson of giving, the me-first culture in which we live is reversed. Giving need not involve an item either. You may contribute time, optimism, inspiration, love, support, strength, and dedication in both life and wrestling. On and off the mat, the capacity to give contributes to the greatness of oneself, of others, and of the world. I've discovered through wrestling that the little things add up. A word can be changed by changing a single letter. Gadson becomes Gadsen, or Walk becomes Talk. Taking care of the minor details will enable your ambitions and vision to materialize and be seen by people all over the world, which is the best thing you can do in life and as a wrestler. You cannot effectively grow and develop if you don't take care of the little things. Focus on the fundamentals of wrestling and life because they will help you become a better wrestler and person instead of trying to be showy.

Political movements, reform, the college application process, and medicine all have one thing in common: Collaboration, diversity, and the advancement of frontiers. In medicine, collaboration and diversity are important in advancing the healthcare and medical field because they bring a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the table. In regards to the language barrier, diversity allows for better communication and understanding between healthcare professionals and patients. When a healthcare team includes individuals who speak the same language as their patients, it can facilitate better communication and understanding between both parties. This can lead to improved patient satisfaction, better treatment outcomes, and a higher quality of care. In my future work in the healthcare field as a surgeon, I will prioritize collaboration and diversity by actively seeking out opportunities to work with and learn from people with different backgrounds and experiences. I will also make an effort to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members, and work to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. One experience that stands out to me in terms of working in a collaborative setting was during my clinical rotations in high school. My passion for healthcare pushed me to enter a highly selective program in which I would go to school half day, and then do clinical rotations in the hospital the other half of the day. What started as a seemingly normal situation ended with me unknowingly saving a life. A quiet hospital floor is music to any healthcare worker's ears; it means that patients are comfortable and that nobody is screaming in pain. It was 3 pm in the labor delivery unit. An Indian female comes screaming through the door on a stretcher. In an attempt to act quickly, I asked the EMT to “tell us the name, date of birth, medical history, and any other information.” I waited with my notepad ready to relay the information to the nurse midwife. I was shocked when the response was “the patient was unresponsive.” The patient did not have an altered mental status, the patient was conscious, and the patient was responding to verbal and physical stimuli. The answer to the unresponsiveness saddened me immediately: the language barrier. All the nurses in the room scurried around to prepare for a vaginal birth. I ran up to the patient and asked her one question in her native language of Tamil: “did your last child have a c-section or a vaginal birth?” Her answer established the importance of diversity in healthcare and the need to adapt to the language barrier. Suddenly, the entire room of nurses was now preparing to transport the patient to the operating room. When the OB surgeon was removing the baby from the uterus, the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby twice. Without someone who can speak Tamil present in the hospital, the baby would have died. We had to communicate effectively and coordinate our efforts to provide the best possible care for the patient. This experience taught me the value of collaboration in healthcare and the importance of bringing together a diverse team of professionals to work towards a common goal: saving innocent lives.