My father has had multiple surgeries on his knees throughout the years. The first surgery I remember, I was 5-years-old. I can still remember trying to help him by bringing him ice, moving his crutches to the wall, and getting him items that he needed. At the age of 5, I found that I loved to care for my dad, which started the beginning of my interest in healthcare. At the age of 14, my ultimate goal grew to become a Nurse Practitioner. I have always found the human body intriguing and enjoyed projects where I learned more about it. My favorite projects always included those that dealt with some variation of how a trait or illness affects people. One example was about a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta; also known as “Brittle Bone Disease.” This condition is due to not having enough protein and collagen in the bones and, therefore, being unable to withstand impact. The project was fairly simple, I needed to explain what the condition was, why it happened, and if there was a cure. A project that only needed a few hours of my attention turned into 4 days of research. I wanted to become an expert on the subject and be able to diagnose those who had the condition. I wanted to become a specialist in this area, all because of a simple project. During my junior year I pursued my interest in health science through a Sports Medicine class and I loved it. I loved learning about the types of fractures and seeing what could cause that specific break. I learned about Neuropraxia, what it feels like, and how to treat it. I learned about taking vitals and read a blood pressure cuff. And, as much work as it was to memorize muscles, where they were, and what movements used them, I loved it all. From my time volunteering in a hospital by my home, my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited for college. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and to learning all I can about medicine. Medicine is a field where everything can change in 10 years. The human body is constantly changing and evolving and so is the field that heals it. I want to learn how the body functions, how cancer can infiltrate the body, and how something such as the beating of the heart can keep the entire body functioning. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the only thing that has changed is how much more I want this for myself, and how much more I have to learn.

I spend my free time volunteering at a local hospital in the Emergency Department (ED). I have seen and heard a lot of things between those walls, especially the incredible people whose jobs are there to help all in need. My tasks include wiping down stretchers, restocking supplies, and other general duties. Few of the tasks that I complete involve talking to patients, but spending a lot of time in a hospital means that conversations are likely to occur. There are many conversations that I have had and forgotten, but some that I feel will be ingrained in my memory forever. One of these memories comes to mind most days when I think about my time in the hospital. This memory is of handing out lunches to some of the patients in the ED. When I found the room of a specific patient and knocked on the door, I was greeted immediately by the patient. I confirmed the patient’s personal information before handing out the tray and then I was met with a bright smile from the patient. They told me that I was their favorite person that they had seen so far while being that day since I was providing the first meal that they could have since entering the hospital. It had been almost a full day that they couldn’t eat anything and all they wanted was to have some food for nourishment. Even the liquid-only diet seemed like a welcome sight. I have not seen this patient since that day. They would probably not be able to recognize me again if they saw me, but I would immediately recognize them. By simply handing out food to this patient, I realized how much of an impact a simple act can have on another person. Something that seemed so mundane of a task for met, helped someone else, for at least a few minutes. Now, as I am in my last year of high school and my last year volunteering at this hospital before moving away to college to get my nursing degree, I will continue to look for these moments and experiences. Moments that will continue to remind me of why I chose this path. These moments have helped to solidify my plan to continue on this journey and pursue my nursing career so that I can continue to provide those small acts of kindness in a much greater way. If I can make a fraction of the difference between those I have had the privilege of working with this past year, I know I will be successful. I hope to take my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring together with science to make a difference for others. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to make the health care system an equitable one. I want to leave the world a little better.

When you’re young and underprivileged, you don’t always know it. Before the age of 5, I lived on the top floor of a duplex apartment with my mother, in a lower-income neighborhood with a terrible education system. As I look back on those days, I realize all the things that 4-year-old me didn’t understand. Luckily, with help, my mother was able to go to school, get an education, and find a way to get us into a better neighborhood with a better school district. With this change, I was able to end up in a school district without guards or metal detectors, worried about what was coming next. I don’t have to worry whether or not my power will be turned off or if I have food for next week. I don’t live every day wondering whether or not we will make it. I wonder what would have happened if my mother and I stayed in that duplex apartment. Would I be the one worried about whether it’s safe enough to walk to school? Would the job path that I want to go into even be a possibility for me to have? Looking at the difference between 4-year-old me and 17-year-old me, I can see why it's so important to be financially stable and independent. I've already lived the difference between poverty and middle-class and I know how important my education is in keeping me there. I am hoping to enroll in a dual degree program for Health Sciences and Nursing, with the end goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. First, I know that pursuing a graduate nursing degree as a Nurse Practitioner will allow me independence in my career and my finances. I am attempting to set myself up for success in college so that I can graduate with as little debt as possible. I hope that through scholarships and low-cost college options, I can come out of school with a secure job and little debt so that I can have financial freedom. However, more important, is my desire to help others through work in the medical field. I know how important it is to see representation in science and health care fields. As a woman of color, I hope to not only be that representation but to promote others to do the same. I hope to help reduce statistics of mortality rates of Black women due to medical neglect. I hope to make sure that minorities have the same health care options as others. I hope to take what I know and my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring, together with science, to make a difference for others. Knowing the difference between where I came from, where I am now, and where I am headed, I hope that I can be understanding and helpful to those who may experience similar circumstances. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to our health care system, and our society, a place where everyone can get what they need.

From a fairly early age, I always knew that I wanted to help people. Whether it be from pursuing law, or becoming a doctor, I always knew. Once I turned 12, my passion for medicine began and showed me where I wanted to be. At first I wanted to be a surgeon, fixing internal problems in an OR. Eventually over the next couple of years, I realized that my true goal was to become a nurse practitioner, and since then, that’s been my driving force. Since then, my choice has been solidified through time spent in my health science and sports medicine classes, as well as time spent volunteering in the hospital. The hospital emergency department is where I have learned the most about my future career and why I believe it is my future. Despite my previous knowledge of the field and the stories from my nurse family members, seeing the role in action in the emergency setting told me so much more. Doctors are often seen as the brain of the hospital. Doctors save lives. They are brilliant. The doctors in the hospital are the ones who walk in, look at a chart, and immediately give orders and explain next steps. But, the nurses are the ones who stay behind after. They stay and explain things in a way that patients can understand. They console. They hold hands. They make jokes. They get to know the patients and their needs. They are the heartbeat. And, while the brain is necessary for any life, the brain won’t function without the heart. I want to help others get through some of their worst moments. I want to be the heartbeat. However, more important, is my desire to help others through work in the medical field. I know how important it is to see representation in science and health care fields. As a woman of color, I hope to not only be that representation but to promote others to do the same. I hope to help reduce statistics of mortality rates of Black women due to medical neglect. I hope to make sure that minorities have the same health care options as others. I hope to take what I know and my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring, together with science, to make a difference for others. Knowing the difference between where I came from, where I am now, and where I am headed, I hope that I can be understanding and helpful to those who may experience similar circumstances. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to our health care system, and our society, a place where everyone can get what they need.

My father has had multiple surgeries on his knees throughout the years. The first surgery I remember, I was 5-years-old. I can still remember trying to help him by bringing him ice, moving his crutches to the wall, and getting him items that he needed. At the age of 5, I found that I loved to care for my dad, which started the beginning of my interest in healthcare. At the age of 14, my ultimate goal grew to become a Nurse Practitioner. I have always found the human body intriguing and enjoyed projects where I learned more about it. My favorite projects always included those that dealt with some variation of how a trait or illness affects people. One example was about a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta; also known as “Brittle Bone Disease.” This condition is due to not having enough protein and collagen in the bones and, therefore, being unable to withstand impact. The project was fairly simple, I needed to explain what the condition was, why it happened, and if there was a cure. A project that only needed a few hours of my attention turned into 4 days of research. I wanted to become an expert on the subject and be able to diagnose those who had the condition. I wanted to become a specialist in this area, all because of a simple project. During my junior year I pursued my interest in health science through a Sports Medicine class and I loved it. I loved learning about the types of fractures and seeing what could cause that specific break. I learned about Neuropraxia, what it feels like, and how to treat it. I learned about taking vitals and read a blood pressure cuff. And, as much work as it was to memorize muscles, where they were, and what movements used them, I loved it all. From my time volunteering in a hospital by my home, my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited for college. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and to learning all I can about medicine. Most important, is my desire to help others through work in the medical field. I know how important it is to see representation in science and health care fields. As a woman of color, I hope to not only be that representation but to promote others to do the same. I hope to help reduce statistics of mortality rates of Black women due to medical neglect. I hope to make sure that minorities have the same health care options as others. I hope to take what I know and my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring, together with science, to make a difference for others. Knowing the difference between where I came from, where I am now, and where I am headed, I hope that I can be understanding and helpful to those who may experience similar circumstances. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to our health care system, and our society, a place where everyone can get what they need.

I spend my free time volunteering at a local hospital in the Emergency Department (ED). I have seen and heard a lot of things between those walls, especially the incredible people whose jobs are there to help all in need. My tasks include wiping down stretchers, restocking supplies, and other general duties. Few of the tasks that I complete involve talking to patients, but spending a lot of time in a hospital means that conversations are likely to occur. There are many conversations that I have had and forgotten, but some that I feel will be ingrained in my memory forever. One of these memories comes to mind most days when I think about my time in the hospital. This memory is of handing out lunches to some of the patients in the ED. When I found the room of a specific patient and knocked on the door, I was greeted immediately by the patient. I confirmed the patient’s personal information before handing out the tray and then I was met with a bright smile from the patient. They told me that I was their favorite person that they had seen so far while being that day since I was providing the first meal that they could have since entering the hospital. It had been almost a full day that they couldn’t eat anything and all they wanted was to have some food for nourishment. Even the liquid-only diet seemed like a welcome sight. I have not seen this patient since that day. They would probably not be able to recognize me again if they saw me, but I would immediately recognize them. By simply handing out food to this patient, I realized how much of an impact a simple act can have on another person. Something that seemed so mundane of a task for met, helped someone else, for at least a few minutes. Now, as I am in my last year of high school and my last year volunteering at this hospital before moving away to college to get my nursing degree, I will continue to look for these moments and experiences. Moments that will continue to remind me of why I chose this path. These moments have helped to solidify my plan to continue on this journey and pursue my nursing career so that I can continue to provide those small acts of kindness in a much greater way. If I can make a fraction of the difference between those I have had the privilege of working with this past year, I know I will be successful. I hope to take my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring together with science to make a difference for others. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to make the health care system an equitable one. I want to leave the world a little better.

I consider successful career as one that leaves the world better than before. I spend my free time volunteering at a local hospital in the Emergency Department (ED). I have seen and heard a lot of things between those walls. I’ve seen those in the waiting room who have been sick and injured, family members sitting by the bedside of those they love, and loved ones rushing down the hallway with their faces full of worry and stress. But, I have also watched the incredible people whose jobs are to make a difference in the lives of others every day. My tasks include restocking supplies, running errands for the nurses, and other general duties. Not many of the tasks that I complete involve talking to patients, but spending a lot of time in a hospital means that the chances that conversations will occur are increased significantly. There are many conversations that I have had that I have forgotten, but some that I feel will be ingrained in my memory forever. One of these memories comes to mind most days when I think about my time in the hospital, which is when I was handing out lunches to some of the patients in the ED. The tray that I grabbed contained a meal that was different from the rest, as the lunch consisted entirely of liquid food. When I found the room of the patient and knocked on the door, I was greeted with a bright smile. They told me that I was their favorite person in the ED since I was providing the first meal that they could have since entering the hospital. It had been almost a full day since they could eat anything and all they wanted was to have some food for nourishment. Even the liquid-only diet seemed like a welcome sight. I have not seen this patient since that day and they would probably not be able to recognize me again, but I would immediately recognize them. By simply handing out food to this one patient, I realized how much of an impact a simple act can have on another. Something that seemed so mundane of a task for me, helped someone, for at least a few minutes. Now, as I am in my last year of high school and my last year volunteering at this hospital before moving away to college to get my nursing degree, I will continue to look for these moments and experiences. If I can make a fraction of the difference between those I have had the privilege of working with this past year, I know I will be successful. However, more important is my desire to help others is my desire to make a difference. I know how important it is to see representation in science and health care fields. As a woman of color, I hope to not only be that representation but to promote others to do the same. I hope to help reduce statistics of mortality rates of Black women due to medical neglect. I hope to make sure that minorities have the same health care systems as others. I hope to take what I know and my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring together with science to make a difference for others. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to make the health care system an equitable one. I want to leave the world a little better because I lived.

When you’re young and underprivileged, you don’t always know it. Before the age of 5, I lived on the top floor of a duplex apartment with my mother, in a lower-income neighborhood with a terrible education system. As I look back on those days, I realize all the things that 4-year-old me didn’t understand. Luckily, with help, my mother was able to go to school, get an education, and find a way to get us into a better neighborhood with a better school district. With this change, I was able to end up in a school district without guards or metal detectors, worried about what was coming next. I don’t have to worry whether or not my power will be turned off or if I have food for next week. I don’t live every day wondering whether or not we will make it. I wonder what would have happened if my mother and I stayed in that duplex apartment. Would I be the one worried about whether it’s safe enough to walk to school? Would the job path that I want to go into even be a possibility for me to have? Looking at the difference between 4-year-old me and 17-year-old me, I can see why it's so important to be financially stable and independent. I've already lived the difference between poverty and middle-class and I know how important my education is in keeping me there. I am hoping to enroll in a dual degree program for Health Sciences and Nursing, with the end goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. First, I know that pursuing a graduate nursing degree as a Nurse Practitioner will allow me independence in my career and my finances. I am attempting to set myself up for success in college so that I can graduate with as little debt as possible. I hope that through scholarships and low-cost college options, I can come out of school with a secure job and little debt so that I can have financial freedom. However, more important, is my desire to help others through work in the medical field. I know how important it is to see representation in science and health care fields. As a woman of color, I hope to not only be that representation but to promote others to do the same. I hope to help reduce statistics of mortality rates of Black women due to medical neglect. I hope to make sure that minorities have the same health care options as others. I hope to take what I know and my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring, together with science, to make a difference for others. Knowing the difference between where I came from, where I am now, and where I am headed, I hope that I can be understanding and helpful to those who may experience similar circumstances. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to our health care system, and our society, a place where everyone can get what they need.

From a fairly early age, I always knew that I wanted to help people. Whether it be from pursuing law, or becoming a doctor, I always knew. Once I turned 12, my passion for medicine began and showed me where I wanted to be. At first I wanted to be a surgeon, fixing internal problems in an OR. Eventually over the next couple of years, I realized that my true goal was to become a nurse practitioner, and since then, that’s been my driving force. Since then, my choice has been solidified through time spent in my health science and sports medicine classes, as well as time spent volunteering in the hospital. The hospital emergency department is where I have learned the most about my future career and why I believe it is my future. Despite my previous knowledge of the field and the stories from my nurse family members, seeing the role in action in the emergency setting told me so much more. Doctors are often seen as the brain of the hospital. Doctors save lives. They are brilliant. The doctors in the hospital are the ones who walk in, look at a chart, and immediately give orders and explain next steps. But, the nurses are the ones who stay behind after. They stay and explain things in a way that patients can understand. They console. They hold hands. They make jokes. They get to know the patients and their needs. They are the heartbeat. And, while the brain is necessary for any life, the brain won’t function without the heart. From my time volunteering in a hospital by my home, my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited for college. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and to learning all I can about medicine. Medicine is a field where everything can change in 10 years. The human body is constantly changing and evolving and so is the field that heals it. I want to learn how the body functions, how cancer can infiltrate the body, and how something such as the beating of the heart can keep the entire body functioning. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the only thing that has changed is how much more I want this for myself, and how much more I have to learn. I want to help others get through some of their worst moments. I want to be the heartbeat.

I spend my free time volunteering at a local hospital in the Emergency Department (ED). I have seen and heard a lot of things between those walls. I’ve seen those in the waiting room who have been sick and injured, family members sitting by the bedside of those they love, and loved ones rushing down the hallway with their faces full of worry and stress. But, I have also watched the incredible people whose jobs are there to help them all. I have watched them make a difference in the lives of others every day. My tasks include wiping down stretchers, restocking supplies, running errands for the nurses on the floor, and other general duties. Not many of the tasks that I complete involve talking to patients, but spending a lot of time in a hospital means that the chances that conversations will occur are increased significantly. There are many conversations that I have had that I have forgotten, but some that I feel will be ingrained in my memory forever. One of these memories, in particular, comes to mind most days when I think about my time in the hospital. When I look back on the moment, it may not seem that special to a lot of people, but it is for me. This memory is of when I was handing out lunches to some of the patients in the ED. The meal was different from the rest, as the lunch consisted entirely of liquid food. I still have no idea what medical issue occurred that required such a lunch, but I knew was that I needed to deliver the tray. I confirmed the patient’s personal information before handing out the tray and when I did, I was greeted with a bright smile from the patient. They told me that I was their favorite person that they had seen so far while being in the ED as I was providing the first meal that they could have since entering the hospital. Even the liquid-only diet seemed like a welcome sight. I have not seen this patient since that day. I could probably guess that they would not be able to recognize me again if they saw me, but I would immediately recognize them. I think about this interaction more than many would think. By simply handing out food to this one patient, I realized how much of an impact a simple act can have on another person. Something that seemed so mundane of a task for me, helped someone, for at least a few minutes. Now, as I am in my last year of high school and my last year volunteering at this hospital before moving away to college to get my nursing degree, I will continue to look for these moments and experiences. Moments that will continue to remind me of why I chose this path. These moments have helped to solidify my plan to continue on this journey and pursue my nursing career so that I can continue to provide those small acts of kindness in a much greater way. If I can make a fraction of the difference between those I have had the privilege of working with this past year, I know I will be successful.

My father has had multiple surgeries on his knees. For one of these surgeries I was about 5 years old, and I can still remember trying to help him. I would bring him ice, move his crutches to the wall, and give them back to him when he needed to get up. At 5 years old, I loved to care for my dad, and my passion for the medical field has continued to grow. I have always found the human body intriguing. My favorite projects always included ones that dealt with how a certain trait or illness affects people. One of these was about a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease.” This specific condition deals with the bones and how there is not enough protein and collagen in the bones of certain individuals to be able to withstand impact. The project was fairly simple; I needed to explain what the condition was, why it occurred, and if there was a cure. A project that only needed a few hours of my attention, turned into 4 days of research. I wanted to become an expert on the subject and be able to diagnose those who had the condition, on the spot. I wanted to become a specialist in this one condition, because of a simple project. I have also taken numerous classes in the health sciences field, including Sports Medicine. During my junior year, I took this class and I loved it. I loved learning about the different types of fractures, and seeing what could cause that specific break in a person. I learned about neuropraxia and how to treat such an injury. I learned about taking vitals, how to read a blood pressure cuff, and what to listen for in an exam. As much work as it was to memorize muscles, where they were, and what movements used them, I loved it all. From my time volunteering in a hospital and my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and learning all I can about medicine. Medicine is a field where everything can change in 10 years. The human body is constantly changing and evolving and so is the field that heals it. I want to learn how the body functions, how cancer can infiltrate the body, and how something such as the beating of the heart can keep the entire body functioning. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the only thing that has changed is how much more I want this for myself, and how much more I have to learn.

I spend my free time volunteering at a local hospital in the Emergency Department (ED). I have seen and heard a lot of things between those walls. I’ve seen those in the waiting room who have been sick and injured, family members sitting by the bedside of those they love, and loved ones rushing down the hallway with their faces full of worry and stress. But, I have also watched the incredible people whose jobs are there to help all of them. I have watched them make a difference in the lives of others in a big way. My tasks include wiping down stretchers, restocking supplies, running errands for the nurses on the floor, and other general duties. Not many of the tasks that I complete involve talking to patients, but spending a lot of time in a hospital means that the chances that conversations will occur are increased significantly. There are many conversations that I have had that I have forgotten, but some that I feel will be ingrained in my memory forever. One of these memories, in particular, comes to mind most days when I think about my time in the hospital. When I look back on the moment, it may not seem that special to a lot of people, but it is for me. This memory is of when I was handing out lunches to some of the patients in the ED. The tray that I grabbed contained a meal that was different from the rest, as the lunch consisted entirely of liquid food. Now, I still have no idea what medical issue had occurred that required such a lunch, but all I knew was that I needed to deliver the tray. When I found the room of the patient and knocked on the door, I was greeted by the patient and a member of their family. I confirmed the patient’s personal information before handing out the tray and when I did, I was greeted with a bright smile from the patient. They told me that I was their favorite person that they had seen so far while being in the ED since I was providing the first meal that they could have since entering the hospital. It had been almost a full day that they couldn’t eat anything and all they wanted was to have some food for nourishment. Even the liquid-only diet seemed like a welcome sight. I have not seen this patient since that day. I could probably guess that they would not be able to recognize me again if they saw me, but I would immediately recognize them. I think about this interaction more than many would think. By simply handing out food to this one patient, I realized how much of an impact a simple act can have on another person. Something that seemed so mundane of a task for me at that moment, helped someone, for at least a few minutes. As I enter into my last year of high school and my last year volunteering at this hospital before moving away for college, I will continue to look for these moments and experiences. Moments that will continue to remind me of why I chose this path. These moments have helped to solidify my plan to continue on this journey and pursue my nursing career so that I can continue to provide those small acts of kindness in a much greater way. If I can make a fraction of the difference between those I have had the privilege of working with this past year, I know I will be successful.

My father has had multiple surgeries on his knees in total, 2 on his right and 2 on his left. For one of these surgeries I was about 5 years old, and I can still remember trying to help him. I would bring him ice, move his crutches to the wall, and give them back to him when he needed to get up. At 5 years old, I loved to care for my dad, and my passion for the medical field continued to grow into a goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I have always found the human body intriguing. My favorite projects always included the ones that dealt with some variation of how a certain trait or illness affects people. One of these was about a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease.” This specific condition deals with the bones and how there is not enough protein and collagen in the bones of certain individuals to be able to withstand such impact. The project was fairly simple; I needed to explain what the condition was, why it happened, and if there was a cure. A project that only really needed a couple hours of my attention, turned into 4 days of research. I wanted to become an expert on the subject and be able to diagnose those who had the condition, on the spot, who had markers of the condition. I wanted to become a specialist in this one condition, all because of a simple project. This wasn’t the first time I have had a project take multiple days instead of the few hours needed. Ideas such as how one side of your brain controls the entire other half of your body or how a single illness can make a person's daily schedule a daunting task. Those are thoughts that take hold of me. This doesn’t include the numerous classes I have taken in the health sciences field, including Sports Medicine. During my junior year, I took the class and I loved it. I loved learning about the different types of fractures, and seeing what could cause that specific break in a person. I learned about neuropraxia and how to treat such an injury. I learned about taking vitals in a patient how to read a blood pressure cuff on someone, and what to listen for. As much work as it was to memorize muscles, where they were, and what movements used them, I loved it all. From my time volunteering in a hospital by my home, my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited for college. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and to learning all I can about medicine. Medicine is a field where everything can change in 10 years. The human body is constantly changing and evolving and so is the field that heals it. I want to learn how the body functions, how cancer can infiltrate the body, and how something such as the beating of the heart can keep the entire body functioning. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the only thing that has changed is how much more I want this for myself, and how much more I have to learn.

When most people turn 18 and graduate High School, they take on the feat of higher education. Some desire to travel and some decide that further education is not in the plans for them. Since I was 4 years old, I’ve known that what I wanted to do when I grew up was to help people. From my experiences with helping to take care of my father after his knee surgery along with my mother, to helping when he had his wisdom teeth removed, my path has been set in stone. Eventually, at the age of 11, I was able to downsize my job pool to something within the medical field, and finally to a nurse practitioner at 13. The same goal is still here at 17, and I have continued to strive towards it. In less than a year, I will be a freshman in college, extending my knowledge of the human body and learning all that I can to reach my goal. College has always been a plan for me, whether or not I knew the true career that I wanted to pursue. I have always wanted to experience being an adult, exploring and experiencing life and what it has to offer while learning at a high level so that eventually I could get a job. Even after college, I plan to continue my education in graduate school where I can receive a doctorate as a nurse practitioner. College is about experiencing trials and errors, failures and hardships, but also success and joy. College for me is being able to start life on my own and learn. Learn about myself and others, learn from outside of my home and with the help of my parents. Even though I have not graduated high school yet, I am already excited about what college will be like. The people and friends that I will meet, those who will be in my life forever. I wonder about those that I will meet in college that will challenge my thinking and make me ask myself important questions. College will be 4 years of my life spent away from my parents and on my own. A time where I will learn all sorts of things that I have been unable to learn at home, and continue to learn as time goes on. This scholarship will be just a small stepping stone that will help me achieve my goal. College is going to be what shapes me for the rest of my life, and I can’t wait.

When you’re young and underprivileged, you don’t always know it. Before the age of 5, I lived on the top floor of a duplex apartment with my mother, in a lower-income neighborhood with a terrible education system. As I look back on those days now, I realize all the things that 4-year-old me didn’t understand. Luckily with help, my mother was able to go to school, get an education, and find a way to get us into a better neighborhood with a better school district. With this change, I was able to end up in a school district without guards or metal detectors, worried about what was coming next; I don’t have to worry whether or not my power will be turned off and if I have food for next week. Unlike me, people do live in this situation every day. They constantly have to worry about whether or not it’s safe enough to even walk to school. In the end, I wonder what would have happened if my mother and I stayed in that duplex apartment. Would I be the one worried about whether it’s safe enough to walk to school? Would the job path that I want to go into even be a possibility for me to have? Looking at the difference between 4-year-old me and 17-year-old me, I can see why it's so important to be financially stable and independent. I've already lived the difference between poverty and middle-class and I know how important my education is in keeping me there. I am hoping to enroll in a dual degree program for Biology and Nursing, with the end goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. First, I know that pursuing a graduate nursing degree as a Nurse Practitioner will allow me independence in my career and my finances. I am attempting to set myself up for success in college so that I can graduate with as little debt as possible. I hope that through scholarships and low-cost college options, I can come out of school with a secure job and little debt so that I can have financial freedom. However, more important is my desire to help others through work in the medical field. I know how important it is to see representation in science and health care fields. As a woman of color, I hope to not only be that representation but to promote others to do the same. I hope to help reduce statistics of mortality rates of Black women due to medical neglect. I hope to make sure that minorities have the same health care systems as others. I hope to take what I know and my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring together with science to make a difference for others. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to make the health care system an equitable one. I know that I have a long and expensive road ahead for college and graduate school to reach my goals. I know that any bit of help will help me worry less about how I am going to pay for school and concentrate more on being the best student I can be. Thank you for the opportunity to help me get there.

My father has had multiple surgeries on his knees in total, 2 on his right and 2 on his left. For one of these surgeries I was about 5 years old, and I can still remember trying to help him. I would bring him ice, move his crutches to the wall, and give them back to him when he needed to get up. At 5 years old, I loved to care for my dad, and my passion for the medical field continued to grow into a goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I have always found the human body intriguing. My favorite projects always included the ones that dealt with some variation of how a certain trait or illness affects people. One of these was about a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease.” This specific condition deals with the bones and how there is not enough protein and collagen in the bones of certain individuals to be able to withstand such impact. The project was fairly simple; I needed to explain what the condition was, why it happened, and if there was a cure. A project that only really needed a couple hours of my attention, turned into 4 days of research. I wanted to become an expert on the subject and be able to diagnose those who had the condition, on the spot, who had markers of the condition. I wanted to become a specialist in this one condition, all because of a simple project. This wasn’t the first time I have had a project take multiple days instead of the few hours needed. Ideas such as how one side of your brain controls the entire other half of your body or how a single illness can make a person's daily schedule a daunting task. Those are thoughts that take hold of me. This doesn’t include the numerous classes I have taken in the health sciences field, including Sports Medicine. During my junior year, I took the class and I loved it. I loved learning about the different types of fractures, and seeing what could cause that specific break in a person. I learned about neuropraxia and how to treat such an injury. I learned about taking vitals in a patient how to read a blood pressure cuff on someone, and what to listen for. As much work as it was to memorize muscles, where they were, and what movements used them, I loved it all. From my time volunteering in a hospital by my home, my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited for college. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and to learning all I can about medicine. Medicine is a field where everything can change in 10 years. The human body is constantly changing and evolving and so is the field that heals it. I want to learn how the body functions, how cancer can infiltrate the body, and how something such as the beating of the heart can keep the entire body functioning. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the only thing that has changed is how much more I want this for myself, and how much more I have to learn.

When you’re young and underprivileged, you don’t always know it. Before the age of 5, I lived on the top floor of a duplex apartment with my mother, in a lower-income neighborhood with a terrible education system. As I look back on those days now, I realize all the things that 4-year-old me didn’t understand. Luckily with help, my mother was able to go to school, get an education, and find a way to get us into a better neighborhood with a better school district. With this change, I was able to end up in a school district without guards or metal detectors, worried about what was coming next; I don’t have to worry whether or not my power would be turned off and if I have food for next week. Unlike me, people do live in this situation every day. They constantly have to worry about whether or not it’s safe enough to even walk to school. In the end, I wonder what would have happened if my mother and I stayed in that duplex apartment. Would I be the one worried about whether it’s safe enough to walk to school? Would the job path that I want to go into even be a possibility for me to have? Looking at the difference between 4-year-old me and 17-year-old me, I can see why it's so important to be financially stable and independent. I've already lived the difference between poverty and middle-class and I know how important my education is in keeping me there. I am hoping to enroll in a dual degree program for Biology and Nursing, with the end goal of becoming a Nurse Practitioner. First, I know that pursuing a graduate nursing degree as a Nurse Practitioner will allow me independence in my career and my finances. I am attempting to set myself up for success in college so that I can graduate with as little debt as possible. I hope that through scholarships and low-cost college options, I can come out of school with a secure job and little debt so that I can have financial freedom. However, more important is my desire to help others through work in the medical field. I know how important it is to see representation in science and healthcare fields. As a woman of color, I hope to not only be that representation but to promote others to do the same. I hope to help reduce statistics of mortality rates of Black women due to medical neglect. I hope to make sure that minorities have the same healthcare systems as others. I hope to take what I know and my passion for medicine and apply it to helping others in the community. I hope to bring compassion and caring together with science to make a difference for others. I know where I am needed in the world and I intend to be a part of the change needed to make the health care system an equitable one.

I spend my free time volunteering at a local hospital in the Emergency Department (ED). I have seen and heard a lot of things between those walls. I’ve seen those in the waiting room who have been sick and injured, family members sitting by the bedside of those they love, and loved ones rushing down the hallway with their faces full of worry and stress. But, I have also watched the incredible people whose jobs are there to help all of them and seen them make a difference in the lives of others in a big way. My tasks include wiping down stretchers, restocking the medical carts in each room, running errands for the nurses on the floor, and other general duties. Not many of the tasks that I complete involve talking to patients, but spending a lot of time in a hospital means that the chances that conversations will occur are increased significantly. There are many conversations that I have had that I have forgotten, but some that I feel will be ingrained in my memory forever. One of these memories, in particular, comes to mind most days when I think about my time in the hospital. I realize it may not seem that special to a lot of people, but it is for me. This memory is of when I was handing out lunches to some of the patients in the ED. The tray that I grabbed contained a meal that was different from the rest, as the lunch consisted entirely of liquid food. Now, I still have no idea what medical issue had occurred that required such a lunch, but all I knew was that I needed to deliver the tray. When I found the room of the patient and knocked on the door, I was greeted by the patient and a member of their family. I confirmed the patient’s personal information before handing out the tray and when I did, I was greeted with a bright smile from the patient. They told me that I was their favorite person that they had seen so far while being in the ED since I was providing the first meal that they could have since entering the hospital. It had been almost a full day that they couldn’t eat anything and all they wanted was to have some food for nourishment. Even the liquid-only diet seemed like a welcome sight. I have not seen this patient since that day. I could probably guess that they would not be able to recognize me again if they saw me, but I would immediately recognize them. I think about this interaction a lot more than many would think. By simply handing out food to this one patient, I realized how much of an impact a simple act can have on another person. Something that seemed so mundane of a task for me at that moment, helped someone, for at least a few minutes. As I enter into my last year of high school and my last year volunteering at this hospital before moving away for college, I will continue to look for these moments and experiences. Moments that will continue to remind me of why I chose this path. These moments have helped to solidify my plan to continue on this journey and pursue my nursing career so that I can continue to provide those small acts of kindness in a much greater way. If I can make a fraction of the difference between those I have had the privilege of working with this past year, I know I will be successful.

Before I read the book "Looking for Alaska", the book sat in a drawer on my bedside table for 2 years. The only real reason I read it after so much time, was because it was one of the books assigned to me for summer reading. I don't usually put off reading. I love to read. I have loved reading for years. But sometimes when you have to read it makes the task seem more daunting. There are few books that I truly think of everyday, but this book is one of them. The thing about this book that affected me so much was that it reminded me how unfair and cruel the world can be, but also how beautiful life is. The idea is that the outcome of our lives is not only what we focus on, but what we make of it. People leave this earth with unfinished business every day, but we get to learn from them by making mistakes and finding out what we really want to make in life and the choices we make to get there. Did Alaska mean to crash her car, or was it all just a horrible accident? I choose to believe that it was an accident and that all she wanted to do was visit her mother’s grave with those flowers. Others may not agree with this, but just like life, there are multiple interpretations of the truth. Just like in life, the truth can have many sides and many versions. I think that this book is my Great Perhaps.

When most people turn 18 and graduate High School, they take on the feat of higher education. Some desire to travel and some decide that further education is not in the plans for them. Since I was 4 years old, I’ve known that what I wanted to do when I grew up was to help people. From my experiences with helping to take care of my father after his knee surgery along with my mother, to helping when he had his wisdom teeth removed, my path has been set in stone. Eventually, at the age of 11, I was able to downsize my job pool to something within the medical field, and finally to a nurse practitioner at 13. The same goal is still here at 17, and I have continued to strive towards it. In less than a year, I will be a freshman in college, extending my knowledge of the human body and learning all that I can to reach my goal. College has always been a plan for me, whether or not I knew the true career that I wanted to pursue. I have always wanted to experience being an adult, exploring and experiencing life and what it has to offer while learning at a high level so that eventually I could get a job. Even after college, I plan to continue my education in graduate school where I can receive a doctorate as a nurse practitioner. College is about experiencing trials and errors, failures and hardships, but also success and joy. College for me is being able to start life on my own and learn. Learn about myself and others, learn from outside of my home and with the help of my parents. Even though I have not graduated high school yet, I am already excited about what college will be like. The people and friends that I will meet, those who will be in my life forever. I wonder about those that I will meet in college that will challenge my thinking and make me ask myself important questions. College will be 4 years of my life spent away from my parents and on my own. A time where I will learn all sorts of things that I have been unable to learn at home, and continue to learn as time goes on. This scholarship will be just a small stepping stone that will help me achieve my goal. College is going to be what shapes me for the rest of my life, and I can’t wait.

My father has had multiple surgeries on his knees in total, 2 on his right and 2 on his left. For one of these surgeries I was about 5 years old, and I can still remember trying to help him. I would bring him ice, move his crutches to the wall, and give them back to him when he needed to get up. At 5 years old, I loved to care for my dad, and my passion for the medical field continued to grow into a goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I have always found the human body intriguing. My favorite projects always included the ones that dealt with some variation of how a certain trait or illness affects people. One of these was about a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease.” This specific condition deals with the bones and how there is not enough protein and collagen in the bones of certain individuals to be able to withstand such impact. The project was fairly simple; I needed to explain what the condition was, why it happened, and if there was a cure. A project that only really needed a couple hours of my attention, turned into 4 days of research. I wanted to become an expert on the subject and be able to diagnose those who had the condition, on the spot, who had markers of the condition. I wanted to become a specialist in this one condition, all because of a simple project. This wasn’t the first time I have had a project take multiple days instead of the few hours needed. Ideas such as how one side of your brain controls the entire other half of your body or how a single illness can make a person's daily schedule a daunting task. Those are thoughts that take hold of me. This doesn’t include the numerous classes I have taken in the health sciences field, including Sports Medicine. During my junior year, I took the class and I loved it. I loved learning about the different types of fractures, and seeing what could cause that specific break in a person. I learned about neuropraxia and how to treat such an injury. I learned about taking vitals in a patient how to read a blood pressure cuff on someone, and what to listen for. As much work as it was to memorize muscles, where they were, and what movements used them, I loved it all. From my time volunteering in a hospital by my home, my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited for college. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and to learning all I can about medicine. Medicine is a field where everything can change in 10 years. The human body is constantly changing and evolving and so is the field that heals it. I want to learn how the body functions, how cancer can infiltrate the body, and how something such as the beating of the heart can keep the entire body functioning. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the only thing that has changed is how much more I want this for myself, and how much more I have to learn.

My father has had multiple surgeries on his knees in total, 2 on his right and 2 on his left. For one of these surgeries I was about 5 years old, and I can still remember trying to help him. I would bring him ice, move his crutches to the wall, and give them back to him when he needed to get up. At 5 years old, I loved to care for my dad, and my passion for the medical field continued to grow into a goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. I have always found the human body intriguing. My favorites projects always included the ones that dealt with some variation of how a certain trait or illness affects people. One of these was about a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as “brittle bone disease.” This specific condition deals with the bones and how there is not enough protein and collagen in the bones of certain individuals to be able to withstand such impact. The project was fairly simple; I had needed to explain what the condition was, why it happened, and if there was a cure. A project that only really needed a couple hours of my attention, turned into 4 days of research. I wanted to become an expert on the subject and be able to diagnose those who had the condition, on the spot, who had markers of the condition. I wanted to become a specialist in this one condition, all because of a simple project. This wasn’t the first time I have had a project take multiple days instead of the few hours needed. Ideas such as how one side of your brain controls the entire other half of your body or how a single illness can make a person's daily schedule a daunting task. Those are thoughts that take hold of me. This doesn’t include the numerous classes I have taken in the health sciences field, including Sports Medicine. During my junior year is when I took the class and I loved it. I loved learning about the different types of fractures, seeing what could cause that specific break in a person. I learned about neuropraxia and how to treat such an injury. I learned about taking vitals in a patient and how to read a blood pressure cuff on someone, and what to listen for. As much work as it was to memorize muscles, where they were, and what movements used them, I loved it all. From my time volunteering in a hospital by my home, my classes dedicated to medical knowledge, to sleepover camps spent learning what it is like to be a nurse, my passion for nursing has only increased. The chance to go to college and learn more about diseases, health, and patient care, has made me more excited for college. I have spent high school thinking about how each day brings me closer to being a nurse. Every test, every paper, and every project has pushed me closer to college and to learning all I can about medicine. Medicine is a field where everything can change in 10 years. The human body is constantly changing and evolving and so is the field that heals it. I want to learn how the body functions, how cancer can infiltrate the body, and how something such as the beating of the heart can keep the entire body functioning. I have always wanted to be a nurse, and the only thing that has changed is how much more I want this for myself, and how much more I have to learn.

I spend my free time volunteering at a local hospital in the Emergency Department (ED). I have seen and heard a lot of things between those walls. I’ve seen those in the waiting room who have been sick and injured, family members sitting by the bedside of those they love, and loved ones rushing down the hallway with their faces full of worry and stress. But, I have also watched the incredible people whose jobs are there to help all of them. My own tasks include restocking supplies, taking items down to the lab to be tested, running errands for the nurses on the floor, and other general duties. Not many of the tasks that I regularly complete involve talking to patients, but spending a lot of time in a hospital means that the chances that conversations will occur are increased significantly. There are many conversations that I have had that I have forgotten, but some that I feel will be ingrained in my memory for as long as I live. One of these memories, in particular, comes to mind most days when I think about my time in the hospital. This memory is of when I was handing out lunches to some of the patients in the ED. The tray that I had grabbed contained a meal that was different from the rest, as the lunch consisted entirely of liquid food. Now, I still have no idea what medical issue had occurred that required such a lunch, but all I knew is that I needed to deliver the tray. When I found the room of the patient and knocked on the door, I was greeted by the patient and a member of their family. I confirmed the patient’s personal information before handing out the tray and when I did, I was greeted with a bright smile from the patient. They told me that I was their favorite person that they have seen so far while being in the ED since I was providing the first meal that they could have since entering the hospital. It had been almost a full day that they couldn’t eat anything and all they wanted was to have some food for nourishment. Even the liquid-only diet seemed like a welcome sight. Now, I have not seen this patient since that day. I could probably guess that they would not be able to recognize me again if they saw me, but I would immediately recognize them. I think about this interaction a lot more than many would think. By simply handing out food to this one patient, I realized how much of an impact a simple act can do for another person. Something that seemed so mundane of a task for me at that moment, helped someone, for at least a few minutes. As I enter into my last year of high school and my last year volunteering at this hospital before moving away for college, I will continue to look for these moments and experiences. Moments that will continue to remind me of why I chose this path. Giving back has affected how I see my actions and their outcomes, and how my simple act of giving can brighten someone’s day. It has helped to solidify my plan to continue on this journey and pursue my nursing career so that I can continue to provide those small acts of kindness in a much greater way. If I can make a fraction of the difference between those I have had the privilege of working with this past year, I know I will be successful.

My future self is a Nurse Practioner who can use what she has developed a passion for to directly impact lives.

In order to succeed in life, personally and professionally, certain requirements must always be met. From being a part of the community to focusing on academic excellence, these things have been a necessity for me to thrive. I have lived in Fort Mill for almost 5 years now, and it is due to the values and family-like community of this town that I can say that I have grown as a community member that holds these qualities. I have played lacrosse for almost 5 years now, and in such a sport, talking and communication are crucial. I have made mistakes while playing, but with the help of my coaches and teammates, I have realized that those mistakes are learning opportunities and ways for me to continuously learn and improve. As much as mistakes may hurt, I know now that they are needed more than I will ever know. Now that I am older, I have been able to take in more of a role than before, a teacher. From what I have learned, I try to help not only my teammates but my classmates as well. Learning isn’t always easy, but I know that having help makes it a less daunting task to face. When I can, I try to help others both in class and on the field, because everyone can always benefit from taking the time to work on a needed skill or studying for a test. A quote that I hear often that fits well is, "If you want to master something, teach it." From Richard Feynman. Continuing to help not only teaches others but myself as well. Some of the most important lessons I have learned have been from unexpected places, such as the service projects I have completed with my team. Any time I have done these projects, I know that I am helping others by putting in the time and effort to be there. Whenever I have done these projects, I always realize at the end that the joy of these acts is immeasurable. From working to help paint a house and restore the backyard of someone who needed help, I was able to make a difference in someone’s life and gain an unforgettable experience of hard work. The community that I am in, the friends I have made and the teachers who have taught me, have given me priceless lessons and values that I now aim to use every day.