As a pharmacist, my field of study is rooted in the scientific exploration of medicine and its practical applications in healthcare. However, the impact of African American Pillars on my profession cannot be overlooked, particularly in the context of the struggles and injustices faced by Black communities in America. In my opinion, one African American Pillar whose influence cannot be understated is Percy Julian. Percy Julian was an African American chemist and entrepreneur who is widely considered to be one of the most influential figures in the field of medicinal chemistry. Born in Alabama in 1899, Julian faced significant discrimination throughout his life, from being denied admission to the University of Alabama due to his race to having his home firebombed by the Ku Klux Klan. Despite these obstacles, Julian persisted in his pursuit of education, earning a bachelor's degree from DePauw University and a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Vienna. Julian's contributions to the field of pharmacy are numerous and groundbreaking. He is perhaps best known for his work in synthesizing cortisone, a hormone that has a wide range of medicinal applications. At the time, cortisone was incredibly expensive and difficult to produce, and Julian's work helped to make it more widely available to patients in need. He also made significant contributions to the synthesis of other important drugs, such as progesterone and testosterone, which have since been used to treat a range of medical conditions. However, Julian's influence extends far beyond his scientific achievements. Throughout his career, he faced significant racism and discrimination, both within academia and the corporate world. Despite this, he refused to be discouraged or silenced, advocating tirelessly for racial justice and equal opportunities for Black scientists and entrepreneurs. He founded his own pharmaceutical company, Julian Laboratories, in 1954, becoming one of the few Black business owners in the country at the time. Julian's legacy continues to inspire and influence the field of pharmacy today. His scientific contributions have paved the way for new treatments and therapies, while his advocacy for racial justice and equity serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields. As a pharmacist, I am constantly reminded of the impact that Julian's work has had on the profession, and I strive to carry on his legacy by advocating for equal access to healthcare and promoting diversity in the scientific community. In conclusion, Percy Julian's contributions to the field of pharmacy and his advocacy for racial justice and equality serve as an inspiration to pharmacists everywhere. His groundbreaking work in medicinal chemistry has helped to make lifesaving medications more widely available, while his resilience and determination in the face of discrimination serve as a testament to the importance of diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields. As a pharmacist, I am proud to stand on the shoulders of giants like Percy Julian and to carry on his legacy of scientific innovation and social justice.

As a pharmacist, I am aware of the crucial role that I play in the healthcare industry. With the knowledge and skills that I have gained through my higher education and training, I am committed to impacting my community positively. First and foremost, I plan to utilize my education and training by providing quality healthcare services to my patients. I will ensure that I stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field of pharmacy so that I can offer the best possible care to my patients. My goal is to help them understand their medications and treatment plans and to offer them personalized advice and recommendations. In addition to providing individualized care to my patients, I also plan to impact my community through community outreach initiatives. I believe that it is important for pharmacists to be involved in their communities and to educate the public about the importance of good health practices. For instance, I plan to organize health fairs and wellness events, where I can provide free health screenings, medication reviews, and other services to those in need. Another way that I plan to impact my community is by being an advocate for public health policies. As a pharmacist, I have a unique perspective on issues related to healthcare, and I believe that it is my responsibility to use my knowledge and expertise to help shape policies that will benefit my community. Whether it is advocating for better access to healthcare services or pushing for regulations that will ensure the safety of medications, I am committed to making a difference in this regard. Lastly, I plan to utilize my higher education and training to mentor and train the next generation of pharmacists. I believe that it is important to share my knowledge and experience with others who are just starting in the field. By serving as a mentor or preceptor to pharmacy students and interns, I can help them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers. In conclusion, my higher education and training have equipped me with the skills and knowledge I need to make a positive impact in my community. As a pharmacist, I plan to utilize these skills and knowledge to provide quality healthcare services to my patients, engage in community outreach initiatives, advocate for public health policies, and to mentor and train the next generation of pharmacists. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of others, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Coming to America was one of the most significant events in my life, but it was also one of the toughest. Being uprooted from the only place I'd ever known and feeling as if my identity had been ripped from me was a difficult experience. I was a Ghanaian who had grown up in my country, and I was proud of my culture and traditions. When I arrived in the United States, everything changed. I felt like a fish out of water. I had to start over at a new place, with little knowledge of how to speak English and understand the American ways. The first few months were challenging, and I felt isolated and alone. I had left behind my family, friends, and everything familiar to me. It was hard to adjust to a new way of life, and I struggled with homesickness. However, I knew that I had to keep going, and I began to work hard to learn the language and adapt to the American culture. One of the most significant challenges I faced was learning the English language. I had learned English in school in Ghana, but it was not the same as the language spoken in America. I had to start from scratch and learn everything from the beginning. I enrolled in an ESL program and spent hours every day studying, reading, and practicing my English skills. It was difficult, and I felt frustrated at times, but I persevered. Another challenge I faced was adjusting to the American way of life. In Ghana, the culture is very different, and people have different ways of thinking and behaving. I had to learn how to interact with people in America and understand their values and beliefs. I had to adapt to a new way of life and learn how to navigate a new environment. Despite the challenges, I never gave up. I knew that I wanted to succeed, and I was determined to make the most of my opportunities. I worked hard in school and focused on my education. I was able to make new friends and learn about different cultures, which helped me feel more connected to the community. Today, I am a senior in high school, and I am proud of everything that I have accomplished. I have overcome many obstacles, and I have grown as a person. I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had in America, and I am excited about my future. I hope to become a pharmacist shortly, and I know that my experiences have prepared me for this career. In conclusion, coming to America was a challenging experience, but it has also been a rewarding one. I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. I have overcome adversity and grown stronger as a result. I know that there will be more challenges ahead, but I am confident that I can face them head-on. I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and community, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Volunteering has been one of the most transformative experiences in my life. Before getting involved in volunteering, I had a very self-centered mindset. I was mainly focused on achieving personal success and advancing my interests, without much consideration for the needs of others. However, after getting involved in volunteering, my perspective on life has changed completely. Firstly, volunteering has taught me the value of empathy and compassion. Through my volunteer work, I have had the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. I have seen firsthand the struggles that people face, and the impact that even small acts of kindness can have. This has helped me develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others and has encouraged me to be more compassionate and supportive towards those around me. Additionally, volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Before volunteering, I often felt like my life lacked direction or purpose. However, through volunteering, I have been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s through volunteering at a local shelter, tutoring underprivileged children, or helping to clean up the environment, every act of volunteering has helped me feel like I am making a meaningful contribution to society. Finally, volunteering has helped me develop a greater sense of gratitude for the blessings in my life. Through my volunteer work, I have seen firsthand the struggles that others face, and have been reminded of the many privileges and advantages that I have been afforded in life. This has encouraged me to be more grateful for what I have and to use my blessings to help others. Despite the many benefits that volunteering has brought to my life, financial constraints have often made it difficult for me to continue my volunteer work. As a student, I have had to balance the demands of coursework and part-time work, leaving me with limited time and resources for volunteering. Additionally, the cost of transportation and other expenses associated with volunteering have often proved to be a challenge. This is why I am applying for this scholarship financially. With the scholarship funds, I would be able to dedicate more time and resources towards volunteering, which would in turn enable me to make a greater impact in my community. Additionally, the scholarship would help to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with volunteering, making it easier for me to continue my volunteer work without sacrificing other important areas of my life. In conclusion, volunteering has been a transformative experience in my life, teaching me the value of empathy, compassion, and gratitude. However, financial constraints have often made it difficult for me to continue my volunteer work. With this scholarship, I would be able to dedicate more time and resources towards volunteering and continue making a meaningful contribution to society.

Community service has always been an essential part of my life. I believe in helping others and making a positive impact in my community. There are many reasons why I am committed to community service, but one of the most significant is the feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment I get from helping others. As a child, I was raised to believe in the importance of giving back to the community. My parents instilled in me the value of helping others, and I have carried that lesson with me throughout my life. When I was in high school, I started volunteering at a local food bank. It was a small organization, but I was amazed at the impact it had on the community. I saw firsthand how the food bank was able to provide much-needed assistance to families who were struggling to make ends meet. That experience inspired me to continue volunteering, and I have been doing so ever since. One of the things that I love about community service is the diversity of opportunities available. There are so many different ways to help others, from volunteering at a homeless shelter to organizing a charity event. I have been involved in a variety of community service projects over the years, but one of my favorite experiences was volunteering at a local nursing home. I spent time with the residents, talking to them and playing games. It was amazing to see the joy on their faces and to know that I was making a difference in their lives. Another reason why I am committed to community service is that it allows me to develop important skills. When I volunteer, I am often working with a team of people, and I have to communicate effectively and work collaboratively to achieve our goals. These skills have been invaluable in other areas of my life, such as my career and personal relationships. Finally, community service is important because it helps to create a sense of community. When we work together to help others, we strengthen the bonds between us and create a more cohesive and supportive society. It is easy to feel disconnected from others in today's fast-paced world, but community service provides an opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life and to make a positive impact in their lives. In conclusion, community service is a passion of mine, and I am committed to helping others in my community. Whether I am volunteering at a food bank or spending time with residents at a nursing home, I know that I am making a difference in people's lives. Community service has also taught me important skills and has helped me to develop a greater sense of community. I believe that everyone should find a way to give back to their community, and I am grateful for the opportunities that I have had to do so.

As someone interested in becoming a pharmacist shortly, I am excited about the opportunities to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of others. The role of a pharmacist is critical in ensuring that individuals receive the right medication and treatment for their conditions, and I believe that I can make valuable contributions to improving the health of others in several ways. One of the most important contributions that I can make as a pharmacist is to help patients understand the medications that they are taking. Many people struggle to navigate the complex world of prescription drugs, and it can be challenging to understand the potential side effects and interactions with other medications. As a pharmacist, I can use my expertise to explain the benefits and risks of different drugs, ensure that patients are taking their medication correctly, and help them manage any adverse effects. Another key area where I can make a significant contribution as a pharmacist is in promoting preventive health measures. This can involve advising patients on lifestyle changes that can improve their overall health and well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management. It can also involve providing vaccinations and other preventive treatments to protect patients from diseases and infections. In addition to these direct patient care responsibilities, I believe that pharmacists can also play an important role in improving the health of communities more broadly. This might involve collaborating with other healthcare professionals and community organizations to develop and implement programs that promote health and wellness, such as educational campaigns, health screenings, and outreach efforts. Finally, I believe that as a pharmacist, I can contribute to improving the quality of healthcare more broadly by staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field. This means keeping abreast of new medications and treatments, as well as emerging trends in healthcare delivery and policy. By remaining informed and engaged, I can help ensure that patients receive the highest quality care possible. In conclusion, becoming a pharmacist represents a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to the health and well-being of others. Whether it involves working directly with patients to manage their medication regimens, promoting preventive health measures, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop community-based health programs, or staying informed and engaged with the latest developments in the field, there are countless ways that pharmacists can make a positive impact on the lives of others. I am excited about the possibilities that this profession presents, and I look forward to pursuing a career in pharmacy to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and communities.