For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Joseph Velardi

1,775

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I am currently an undergraduate student at Nova Southeastern University studying biology with minors in pre-health and honors transdisciplinary studies. I would like to study and understand medicine and how it helps cure symptoms or diseases. I want to understand the body in order to prevent any harm along with passing on my knowledge. At a young age, I watched some of my role models and family members fall to degenerative neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. I don't want that to happen to any other person, have to watch someone important get torn down by these horrible disorders or themselves be affected. Along with that at a young age, I was prescribed an adult dosage when I was only a small child, which caused me to have frequent seizure episodes. Thankfully nothing chonric came from it. But this all motivates me to make recreate the trust in health care and to help the future understand and prevent horrible diseases and disorders.

Education

Nova Southeastern University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2027
  • Majors:
    • Biology, General
  • GPA:
    3.8

Egg Harbor Township High School

High School
2019 - 2022
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
    • Biology, General
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Cardiologist

    • Mechanic

      TSD Motorsports
      2024 – Present10 months
    • Packing and storing books

      National Libaray Relocation
      2024 – Present10 months
    • Cook

      Back Bay BBQ
      2021 – Present3 years
    • Window cleaner and replace. Siding and roofing replace

      Dan Stinzman LC
      2020 – 2020
    • Animal Caretaker and Parking Management

      Winding Creek Alpaca Farm
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Watch over, play, and care for children on beach

      Schmoopy's Beach Party
      2021 – 20221 year
    • Food Line

      Taco Bell
      2020 – 20211 year

    Sports

    Baseball

    Varsity
    2019 – 20234 years

    Awards

    • Gold Glove Infield
    • Stolen Base Record

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2020 – 20233 years

    Awards

    • Cape Atlatnic League Champs

    Football

    Club
    2012 – 20131 year

    Basketball

    Club
    2016 – 20182 years

    Basketball

    Varsity
    2017 – 20192 years

    Soccer

    Club
    2010 – 202212 years

    Baseball

    Club
    2010 – 202212 years

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2019 – 20212 years

    Research

    • Athletic Training

      Egg Harbor Township High School — Assist, help and observe athletic training procedures and techniques
      2022 – 2023
    • Physical Sciences, Other

      JAG-ONE Physical Therapy — Help physical therapists, learn from them, and interact with patients
      2022 – 2022

    Arts

    • Ceramics
      2020 – 2021

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Egg Harbor Township High School — Teach and demonstrate proper baseball techniques to children
      2019 – 2023
    • Volunteering

      N/A — Elderly caretaker
      2022 – Present
    • Volunteering

      Triple Crown Baseball — Demonstrate and teach proper baseball techniques to you children
      2020 – 2022
    • Volunteering

      Key Club — Sign people up and hand out bibs for marathon
      2019 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Shays Scholarship
    Throughout my life, I have been driven by a profound motivation to contribute positively to the well-being of others. To achieve this determination, I needed to pursue higher education and a career in pharmacy. My interest in this field began at a young age, inspired by the crucial role that pharmacists play in ensuring patient safety and effective healthcare. It reminds me of a time when I was a young child taking medication that was prescriped to me, handed from doctors to nurses to pharmacists. Throughout the chain of the medical professionals they all seemed to miss that I was only a small child prescriped adult dosgages. Unknowlingly my parents gave me my dosage which ultimalely caused frequent seizures that they could do nothing about but sit and watch. Thankfuly they did come to an end and there was no prminant damage done to me and my body. But that is one of the key factors that motivated me to pursue a higher education and pursue my passion for science and understanding how medications work. Along with making sure the saftey and trust are restored within the healthcare system. Furthermore, the complexity of pharmaceuticals and their impact on the human body fascinates me. Understanding how exactly certain chemicals react with parts of the body produces a positive outcome. This curiosity has fueled my dedication to learning and discovering more about the field of pharmacy. Pharmacists are vital in the healthcare system, often acting as the last line of defense against medication errors. This responsibility excites me because it offers an opportunity to directly influence patient outcomes. I am motivated by being able to ensure that patients receive the correct medication in the right dosage, thereby preventing harm and promoting health. Moreover, the field of pharmacy is constantly evolving with advancements in medical research and technology. The potential to be at the forefront of these developments is incredibly exciting. I am motivated by the idea of contributing to innovative solutions that improve patient care and expand the scope of pharmacy practice. My decision to pursue a career in pharmacy is also driven by a desire to advocate for patient safety and to be a trusted healthcare provider in my community. Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals, providing essential advice and support to patients. This accessibility and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives inspire me to commit to this field. My motivation to pursue higher education and a career in pharmacy stems from a deep-seated passion for science, a commitment to patient safety, and a desire to be at the cutting edge of medical advancements. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that a career in pharmacy will provide to make a positive impact on the healthcare system and the lives of individuals.
    Bulchand and Laxmi Motwani Memorial Scholarship
    Throughout my life, like all others, there will also be a chapter of adversity, a narrative of resilience, determination, and unwavering resolve. Not only was it a challenge in my life but it also forged my aspirations towards a career in pharmacy. When I was a child, I faced a challenge that not only tested my resilience but ignited something within me, a determination to advocate for others. I was diagnosed with a certain medication for a medical condition, my journey was soon ruined by unforeseen problems. The medication that was prescribed, which was meant to help me, became the source of my anguish—a troubling trail that would leave a mark on my life. The dosage of the prescribed medication put me into a number of frequent seizures. Nothing could be done, my parents were left in a terrifying state during these episodes. They felt helpless, they could not do anything but watch as I, their child, would suffer, all while they dealt with a sense of powerlessness. Among the chaos, there was a realization that the root of this problem came from multiple errors, the main being a dosage intended for an adult, leaving young me, vulnerable. In this time of adversity, my family confronted the reality, that through the chain of medical professionals, from doctors to nurses to pharmacists, the major error was never noticed. The oversight of this error by these medical professionals could have ended me, ruined my future, or taken a toll on my physical well-being, but not only that this mistake also broke the bridge of trust that binds patients to the healthcare system. Yet, during this time of chaos, a beacon of hope-a resolve to turn adversity into advocacy. Fuelled to help and prevent other people from going through what my family and I had to go through, I decided to take the journey of introspection and action. I used my experience to start a change, advocating for safeguards within the healthcare system. Pursuing a career in pharmacy became an extension of this resolve. There was a call to ensure the ethos of patient care and safety. I noticed that pharmacists take hold of an important role in healthcare, being the last line of defense against medication errors along with many other things. My aspiration to become a pharmacist is for the sanctity of patient welfare, ensuring that no individual suffers needlessly due to preventable errors. I would call my journey toward a career in pharmacy not a profession but a calling. A quest for me to positively affect others' lives, ensuring people receive the right medication and the right amount. This has now focused on my determination. As I follow on my journey to pharmacy, I will do it with a sense of purpose, knowing that my journey has meaning to it, a journey from adversity and advocacy from suffering to service.
    Frank and Nelcie Williams Memorial Scholarship
    As a first-year undergraduate student majoring in biology, my journey towards a future in medicine and cardiology has just begun. The path I've chosen is not merely a career choice; it's a lifelong passion fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Through my education, I aim to achieve several goals that will set me on the path to becoming a successful cardiologist. One of my foremost goals is to establish a strong foundation in the biological sciences. Biology is the cornerstone of medicine, and a deep understanding of this field is essential for any aspiring doctor. I'm excited about delving into subjects like genetics, microbiology, and physiology, as they provide the fundamental knowledge necessary to comprehend the intricacies of the human body and its functions. Beyond academics, I am committed to gaining practical experience. My undergraduate years will be filled with internships, volunteering opportunities, and research projects. These experiences will not only reinforce what I learn in the classroom but also allow me to witness the real-world application of medical knowledge. I envision myself working alongside experienced physicians, learning from their expertise, and contributing to patient care in a meaningful way. Another significant goal is maintaining a stellar academic record. Medical school is highly competitive, and I understand the importance of a strong GPA and MCAT scores in the application process. I am prepared to dedicate countless hours to studying and coursework, knowing that each grade earned is a step closer to my dream of becoming a cardiologist. Furthermore, I aim to cultivate essential interpersonal skills during my undergraduate years. Effective communication and empathy are critical qualities for a doctor. I plan to engage in extracurricular activities that promote teamwork, leadership, and empathy, such as joining clubs related to healthcare and participating in community service. Building these skills will not only help me excel in medical school interviews but also ensure that I can connect with and support my future patients. Envisioning my future, I see myself as a dedicated and compassionate cardiologist, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart diseases. My desire is to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals suffering from cardiovascular conditions, providing them with the highest quality of care and support. I hope to conduct research in the field, contributing to advancements in cardiology and improving treatment options for patients. Beyond my professional aspirations, I also envision a well-rounded life that includes a balance between my career and personal interests. I aim to maintain a healthy work-life balance, nurturing my physical and mental well-being, and enjoying time with family and friends. In conclusion, my journey as a first-year biology major with dreams of becoming a cardiologist is just beginning. Through my education, I hope to establish a solid foundation in biology, gain practical experience, maintain academic excellence, and develop essential interpersonal skills. My vision for the future is to be a compassionate and skilled cardiologist, making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients while enjoying a fulfilling personal life. With determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment, I am excited to embark on this transformative journey toward achieving my goals and fulfilling my lifelong passion for medicine.
    Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship
    This scholarship holds immense importance in my pursuit of a career in medicine, specifically, my aspiration to become a cardiologist. The financial support it provides will have a profound impact on my educational journey and future contributions to the field. First and foremost, this scholarship will alleviate the significant financial burden associated with pursuing a medical education. Medical school is known for its high tuition costs, textbooks, and various fees, not to mention the additional expenses like housing and medical supplies. With the financial assistance from this scholarship, I will be able to focus wholeheartedly on my studies, clinical experiences, and research opportunities, rather than constantly worrying about the financial aspects of my education. As I embark on the path to becoming a cardiologist, I recognize the importance of not only acquiring knowledge but also gaining practical experience. Cardiology is a specialized field that demands a deep understanding of the cardiovascular system and hands-on expertise in diagnosing and treating heart-related conditions. With the support of this scholarship, I will have the flexibility to participate in internships, externships, and medical missions that will broaden my clinical skills and expose me to a wide range of cardiac cases. These experiences will be invaluable in shaping me into a competent and compassionate cardiologist. Furthermore, this scholarship will empower me to make the most of opportunities for research and innovation in cardiology. The field of cardiology is continually evolving, with advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and preventive strategies. By having the financial resources to engage in research projects and attend conferences, I will stay current with the latest developments and contribute to the field's progress. I aspire to be a part of groundbreaking research that can potentially improve the lives of individuals with cardiovascular diseases. Beyond the financial support, this scholarship will serve as a motivating force, reminding me of the importance of my educational journey and my commitment to the field of medicine. It will reinforce my dedication to excellence and my desire to make a positive impact on patient's lives through my work as a cardiologist. In conclusion, receiving this scholarship would be a game-changer in my pursuit of a career in cardiology. It will ease the financial challenges associated with medical school, provide opportunities for hands-on experience and research, and serve as a constant reminder of my commitment to the field. With this support, I am confident that I can achieve my goal of becoming a skilled and compassionate cardiologist, dedicated to improving the cardiovascular health of individuals and contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in this critical field.
    Bulchand and Laxmi Motwani Memorial Scholarship
    One significant obstacle that occurred in my life was when I was very young but left a lasting effect on me and my family. When I was a child, I had some physical health issues that involved needing medication. The medicine was of course prescribed by healthcare professionals and pharmacists. Somehow, someone made a mistake in the preparation of my medication. This resulted in a dosage that was dangerously high for a young child like me at the time, leading to frequent episodes of seizures. Either during random times of the day or during my sleep. This unfortunate incident could have been a lot worse than it was and potentially affecting my long-term mental capabilities and overall well-being. Setting me back in school and other life aspects. It was a difficult time for my family, who had to witness my struggles and cope with the uncertainty surrounding my future. I chose to ignore that it ever happened and push on. Ignore that it could have messed with my mental capabilities. This whole incident inspired me to pursue becoming a pharmacist. I wanted to ensure that no other child or patient would ever have to go through the harmful effects of medication errors. I want to help them, feel safe when taking medicine and ultimately help whatever health defect they have. Allowing them to trust medicine again and have no thoughts of harm when taking medications. I want to provide care and support to the patients who are in need, offering them the correct and safe medications necessary to have a healthy and happy life. Allowing their families to be families again, not having any diseases or medication errors affecting their lives. By becoming a pharmacist, I aim to dedicate myself to the making sure preparation and distribution of medicine are entirely correct, ensuring that every patient receives the right treatment and dosage, and avoiding any harmful errors. My early troubles with medication errors did not set me back but inspired me towards a purpose-driven career path, where I want to make a positive difference in the lives of those who require medical assistance. I am aware that getting to this field of practice will take a lot of school, studying, and dedication. But I am willing to commit to all of that to keep the highest standards of pharmaceutical practice to safeguard the health and happiness of all patients, young and old.
    Keri Sohlman Memorial Scholarship
    Diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's grabbed my interest at a young age when I watched it destroy role models and heroes in my life. Including Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali, and my grandfather who served in the Air Force. It fascinated me, how these disorders affected the human brain and how they can cause a person to gradually lose their sense of self is both terrifying and intriguing. As I learned more about these conditions, I became increasingly interested in mental health and decided to pursue a career in this field or closely related. My interest in mental health began in high school when I shadowed at JAG-ONE physical therapy. There was a patient affected by one of these disorders. I was struck by how it impacted their quality of life. This patient was a once vibrant individual with a lifetime of experiences, but now they struggled to remember even the simplest things and it's sad to see. This experience solidified my desire to learn more about mental health and how I could help those affected by these debilitating diseases. As I started researching various career paths, I became interested in the part of trying to find or create a cure for those affected. Which in turn leads to pharmacology. I realized that pharmacology would allow me to have a significant impact on the treatment of mental illnesses like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. I hope to work with healthcare professionals to develop new and effective medications that can help slow the progression of these conditions or even prevent them altogether. I believe that by working in pharmacology, I can make a real difference in the lives of those struggling with mental illness. I envision myself contributing to the education and wellness of youth and adolescents in the future by using my expertise in pharmacology to create medications that can help treat mental illness in these populations. Mental health issues are becoming increasingly common among young people, and we must develop effective treatments to help them. I hope to work with medical professionals to identify the root causes of mental illness in young people and develop medications that can help alleviate their symptoms. I am particularly interested in working with disadvantaged youth and adolescents. Mental illness affects individuals from all walks of life, but it can be particularly devastating for those who lack access to proper healthcare. I hope to use my knowledge of pharmacology to help develop affordable and accessible treatments for these individuals. To achieve my goals, I plan to attend the University of Mississippi to study pharmacology. I am confident that this program will provide me with the knowledge and skills I need to become a leader in this field. Additionally, the university's commitment to community service aligns with my desire to give back to those in need. I believe that by attending the University of Mississippi, I can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by mental illness. I
    Growing with Gabby Scholarship
    Over the past year, I have personally grown in the area of self-confidence. This growth was inspired by a difficult work situation where I was passed over for a promotion I felt I deserved. It was a humbling experience, but it motivated me to take a closer look at myself and my abilities and to work on building my self-confidence. I realized that I needed to trust my judgment and to belive in the abilities I have, not under estimate those abilities and myself. I realized that I had been holding myself back by not fully believing in my capabilities. I had been afraid to speak up and share my ideas, and I had been hesitant to take on new challenges. I realized that I needed to be more assertive and have more faith in myself. I began to work on building my self-confidence by setting small goals for myself and then celebrating my successes. I also began to practice self-care and self-compassion, which helped me to be more kind and forgiving toward myself. I started to remind myself that failure is a part of life, and it is not the end of the world. Failure serves as a great teacher, allowing me to better myself. One of the most important things I learned through this journey of self-discovery is that personal growth is a lifelong process. I may have made significant progress in building my self-confidence, but there will always be more work to do. I have come to accept that I will continue to face challenges and obstacles, but I now have the tools and mindset to overcome them. What has remained the same is my passion for my work, my drive to achieve, and my desire to be the best version of myself. I have learned that personal growth does not mean changing who you are, but rather it means becoming more of who you truly are. In conclusion, my journey of self-discovery over the past year has taught me that self-confidence is key to achieving success and that personal growth is an ongoing process. I have learned that by being kind and compassionate towards myself, setting small and achievable goals, and facing my fears, I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Most importantly, I have learned that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible. On top of that, I am committed to continuing to work on building my self-confidence and to keep growing as a person.
    Kathryn Graham "Keyport's Mom" Scholarship
    I am an individual who possesses a unique combination of being athletic, humorous, and very determined. I believe that these characteristics are the most important and impactful qualities. But also they will help me achieve my goal of making a positive impact on the world through my career aspiration in pharmaceutical science. Along with those characteristics helping me through my social life. Pharmaceutical science is a field that is constantly evolving and offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals to make a positive impact on the world. As an athlete, I understand the importance of maintaining good health and the impact that disease can have on an individual physical and mental well-being. As a result, I have a strong desire to work toward improving human health by developing new drugs and therapies. One way in which I plan to make a positive impact in this field is by working to develop new treatments for diseases that currently have no cure. At a young age I watched some of my heroes and role models like Michael J. Fox and my grandfather get destroyed by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, This can include working on developing new drugs to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, along with other neurological degenerative disorders. But also other diseases or debilitating illnesses. I am determined to make a difference in the lives of individuals who are suffering from these diseases by dedicating my time and effort to finding a cure. Additionally, as a humorous person, I understand the importance of making a difference in people's lives positively. It gives me a good feeling to see other people smile, laugh, and be happy. I plan to improve access to essential medicines by working on reducing the cost of drugs, making sure that drugs are available to those who need them, and making sure that drugs are safe and effective. I believe that by making medicines accessible to more people, I can improve the quality of life for many individuals. Furthermore, I am interested in working to improve public health by developing new vaccines and therapies to prevent and treat infectious diseases. I believe that by developing new drugs to treat non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease, I can help to improve the health of populations. To achieve these goals, I will need to be able to work well with others and be able to communicate effectively with colleagues and other stakeholders. Additionally, I will need to be able to think critically and creatively to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions Overall, my career aspirations in pharmaceutical science, combined with my unique combination of being athletic, humorous and determined, positions me well to make a positive impact on the world. I am confident that by dedicating my time, effort, and skills, I can make a real difference in the lives of many people around the world.
    Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
    Having a sense of humor is what I think can be one of the most valuable characteristics a person can possess. It not only brings joy and laughter to oneself and those around them, but it can also serve as a coping mechanism in difficult situations. Humor can diffuse tension and help to put things in perspective, making it easier to find solutions to the problems. It can also be a great icebreaker and social lubricant, making it easier to form and maintain relationships with all different kinds of people. Humor is a universal laungue, everyone undertands it. It can come in different ways but everyone can relate and come together becuase of the laughter from humor. In my journey, my sense of humor has been invaluable. It has helped me navigate through difficult times and has brought me closer to the people in my life. For example, during my time in high school, I was struggling with the stress and pressure of work. However, my ability to find humor in my situation helped me keep my spirits up and push through. It also helped me connect with my classmates and form close friendships Similarly, in my job life, my sense of humor has been a great asset. It has helped me to build rapport with my co-workers and customers, making it easier to collaborate and achieve success. In meetings or interviews, my ability to inject some levity into the conversation has helped to keep the mood light and productive. It has also been a great way to diffuse tense situations and find common ground with people who may have different perspectives. Additionally, my sense of humor has also been a source of personal satisfaction and joy. I take pleasure in making people laugh, and it brings me great joy to see others smiling and happy. It's a way to connect with others and create positive memories. Overall, my sense of humor has been an incredibly valuable characteristic for me throughout my life journey. It has helped me to cope with difficult situations, build relationships, and find success in my personal and work life. It has also brought me a great deal of personal satisfaction and joy. It is my favorite thing to make people laugh, smile, and just overall making them happier. I am grateful for my ability to see the humor in life and appreciate the value it brings to my life.
    Craig Norrbom Baseball Scholarship
    My team is not just a team but a family, a brotherhood. It is a type of team where we can go to each other for anything and will are always there for each other. If we are close as a team we will perform well together. We push each other to become better teammates, players, and people. I love baseball because it is a game about failure, a mental game. It keeps me strong not only physically but mentally. To understand and play this game I need to be quick on my feet and quick or thinking ahead on the field. This game teaches me about failure and that it will happen, no matter how hard I work. It shows me that I should push through that failure, learn from it and not dwell on it. Work on those failures to minimize my failures and help the team towards winning. Along with the topic of failure, my father was usually my coach at a youngage. To be clear he was not the dad coach people usually think of, giving me playing time and treating me nicely. Whenever I made any kind of minor or major mistake he would be all over me for it. Not in a nice way, but I believe this shaped me into a good player and possibly a better person. Allowing me to work harder on myself and my game to not make many mistakes and avoid getting yelled at. My favorite player of all time is Derek Jeter, not only because he played on the greatest team of all time but because he was a switch-hitting shortstop like me. He did play amazingly defensively and offensively, but also he played the game right, respecting the game and its players. Teaching the game the right way. My favorite team is the Yankees, my dad is a big baseball guy and he is from north Jersey, that's how I became a fan. They are the most winningest and historical team ever. With a very nice stadium and has nice jerseys. My favorite position is shortstop, it is the type of position that challenges me to be able to react and move quickly, but also make good decisions and better plays. The shortstop has the challenge of covering a good amount of ground, being able to see the field and direct players to the right spots, and making good throws from reasonable distances. Shortstop is usually seen as one of the captain positions, which I like. I want to be able to lead my team and point them not only toward victory but also toward improving as a player, teammate, and person.