Growing up in the diverse and dynamic environment of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., I’ve had the privilege of engaging with communities from all walks of life. My identity as a first-generation Kenyan-American and my experiences in public schools have shaped my commitment to service and creating safe spaces for others. I’ve channeled this passion into leadership roles, such as serving as an officer of the Minority Scholars Program and treasurer of my school’s Black Student Union. In these roles, I’ve helped organize fundraisers, community outreach events, and mentorship programs to support minority students. These initiatives not only enriched my peers’ experiences but also empowered me to become an advocate for equity and inclusion. Financially, my journey has not been without challenges. My mother, a single parent, has been my rock, supporting my education while also caring for my grandmother in Kenya. Despite her sacrifices, the rising costs of education present a significant hurdle. I’ve worked hard to secure scholarships and take advantage of opportunities, such as interning at AstraZeneca through the Summer RISE program, which cemented my aspiration to pursue pharmacology. However, even with scholarships, the gap between what my family can contribute and the cost of attending my dream school remains substantial. Additional financial support would be instrumental in helping me achieve my academic and career goals. My commitment to community safety, particularly for children and youth, stems from a deep understanding of the challenges they face in today’s interconnected world. As a mentor in the Minority Scholars Program, I’ve worked closely with younger students to build their confidence and resilience. These experiences have shown me how essential it is to address both in-person bullying and cyberbullying to create safe environments for learning and growth. To combat bullying, I’ve focused on fostering open communication and teaching empathy. I’ve led workshops where students discuss the impact of harmful behaviors and develop strategies to support peers facing bullying. Online, I’ve encouraged younger students to be mindful of their digital footprints, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect in virtual interactions. I also worked with school administrators to advocate for stronger anti-bullying policies and educational campaigns, ensuring that both students and staff are equipped to address these issues effectively. Keeping youth safe requires a community-wide effort, and I am committed to being part of that solution. By empowering others to stand against bullying and promoting inclusivity, I strive to create spaces where everyone feels valued and protected. As I enter higher education, I plan to continue this work by joining student organizations that focus on advocacy, mentorship, and outreach. In sum, my journey has been shaped by a dedication to serving others and overcoming obstacles with resilience. With additional financial support, I can continue my education and work toward a future where I can make an even greater impact in the healthcare field and my community

For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated with science. From the aerospace and astronomy club I was a part of in elementary school, to the STEM Scholars program in middle school, and now the two-week summer internship at AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Company. Science has always been something I gravitate towards. Among all the subjects in school, I was the most fascinated with how big the world of science is. Ever since I decided to pursue a career in science, I have changed my specific career aspirations almost every year. This demonstrates how diverse and broad the field of science is, which is one reason why I know I will thrive in a scientific career. With the myriad of jobs, areas of research, and fields of study, there are so many parts of science that I have yet to explore and learn about. What keeps me so passionate about science is the thrill of discovery combined with my desire to continually learn more about the world. Science is always evolving and changing the way humans approach various aspects of life. For example, the efficient development and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine around the world would not have been possible without the innovative technology that science has facilitated. This creates endless opportunities for learning and exploration, which intrigues me and draws me deeper into the field of science. Beyond the opportunities in STEM, this area of study has a significant impact on society. STEM has the potential to make substantial differences through advancements in medicine, technology, environmental solutions, and more. STEM continually helps society advance and evolve, improving the quality of life through innovations in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, the development of high-skilled jobs, and even boosting productivity. I want to be a part of this change and contribute to the world's improvement. Personally, I enjoy combining imagination with technical skills and being involved in groundbreaking research. The characteristics of STEM keep me motivated to learn more and gain a deeper understanding of how things work. After high school, I plan to major in chemistry and take prerequisite courses to study pharmacology. My goal is to build a strong foundation and solid understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts and principles. At the same time, I aim to identify my specific interests in chemistry, whether it be organic, inorganic, analytical, or biochemistry. Additionally, I plan to study other scientific subjects and incorporate mathematics to make my understanding of science even more well-rounded.