Hobbies and interests
Piano
Flute
Community Service And Volunteering
Research
Reading
Pharmacy
Band
Dance
Music Theory
Biology
Volunteering
Reading
Academic
Adventure
Art
Cultural
Politics
Science
Social Issues
I read books multiple times per week
Olivia DeVault
3,055
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
Finalist1x
WinnerOlivia DeVault
3,055
Bold Points3x
Nominee1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Hello! My name is Olivia DeVault. I am a Biology major and a pre-pharmacy student at Baylor University with a passion for the health and well-being of others! Born with Psoriasis, I find myself able to relate to others that are going through the same thing I have and I aspire to be the one that can lift them up physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Thank you for reading!
Education
Baylor University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Human Biology
Minors:
- Music
Central High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
Career
Dream career field:
Medical Practice
Dream career goals:
Pharmacist
Arts
Keller Central Band
MusicMarching band, WGI indoor winds, TMEA region and area competitions, BOA San Antonio, Solo and ensemble contests2018 – 2022Aspiring Minds Piano Organization
MusicBi annual recitals, Sonatina Festival, FWMTA Solo competition2009 – 2022Central High School Drill Team
DanceSpring preview/revue, Danceline competition,Crowd Pleasers Dance competiton2018 – 2020
Public services
Advocacy
Trailblazer Scholars — Member2023 – PresentVolunteering
Multicultural Association of Prehealth Students — Community Service Chair2023 – PresentVolunteering
Vacation Bible School — Music Coordinator2018 – 2023Volunteering
NHS — nhs member2020 – 2022Volunteering
CHS Interact Club — Student2021 – 2022Advocacy
Mental Health Awareness Club — Founder, President2021 – 2022Volunteering
Fort Sill Thrift Shop — Store Helper2018 – 2023Advocacy
Student Anti Racism Coalition — member2020 – 2022Volunteering
Charger Champions — member2021 – 2022
Future Interests
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Ward Green Scholarship for the Arts & Sciences
My name is Olivia DeVault and I am a sophomore this year at Baylor University. I am a biology major on the pre-pharmacy track and I am an aspiring clinical pharmacist. In high school, I completed a technical program to earn my CPhT and Sterile Compounding certifications; which allowed me to work as a pharmacy technician. Currently, I am involved in multiple organizations at Baylor that are geared toward serving the greater Waco community and fostering a community of driven, goal-oriented pre-health students. I am the Community Service Chair of the Multicultural Association of Prehealth Students, the secretary of HOSA, and I am a Trailblazer Scholar. Through serving my peers within these clubs and the Waco community at large, I have found a deeper love for service and commitment to a cause greater than myself.
After college, I plan on attending pharmacy school, earning my PharmD certification, attending residency, and working with patients within a clinical setting. Through simultaneous research in the field of pharmaceuticals, I hope to find more safe and effective ways to combat illness and heal people from within. Living with physical or mental imbalances can cause many hardships, and I hope to alleviate those by providing the best, sustainable care possible. I am striving to become a pharmacist because I want to give back the generosity and support I have been shown throughout my entire life. I not only want to treat patients, but have a lifelong impact on how they view their bodies and their health. I have struggled with Eczema and Psoriasis throughout my life and I know all too well the feelings of insecurity, pain, and self-doubt. I hope to one day be an inspiration to others with chronic diseases or health issues, and encourage them to build better lives for themselves and their families without doubting their capabilities.
As a well-rounded biology student, my compassion for the Earth and its many ecosystems has grown tremendously. The healthcare field has a major impact on our environment, and I hope to participate in research focusing on sustainability in the industry during my undergraduate and graduate career. I will use my education to shed light on the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being within a hospital setting. hope to participate in the field of biotechnology research, using green chemistry to create medications that are able to biodegrade into components that do not harm the environment. In the future, I hope to foster greater awareness of the effects of improperly disposed medications. You may have heard stories of people flushing expired pills down the toilet or pouring syrup down sink or shower drains. Many are unaware of the environmental impact that the active ingredients within those medications have on our Earth. More legislation needs to be put in place against this factor. Unfortunately, the accessibility of proper medication disposal can often be an issue for some. Many people are unaware of where and when they can take their expired medications because these “take-back” programs are not advertised as much as they should be, especially in lower-income areas.
I hope to become a living testimony that shows others that healing is always possible. I can assure you that I will stop at nothing to reach my fullest potential and that I will not settle for anything less than exemplary. My goal is to live a life that enriches and improves the lives of others and to leave a valuable legacy of service and love behind.
Bulchand and Laxmi Motwani Memorial Scholarship
I believe that serving others is at the core of my purpose. I have been served and helped tremendously by my wonderful family, friends, teachers, and mentors, and I hope to become a figure that others can count on one day. After college, I plan on attending pharmacy school, earning my PharmD certification, attending residency, and working with patients within a clinical setting. As I pursue a career in pharmaceutical studies, I will use my knowledge and ambition to counsel families about the many medicinal options to combat devastating diseases. I hold this dream dear to my heart because I truly feel passionate about serving my community and bringing the best possible care to those coping with any health ailments.
I am involved in multiple organizations at Baylor that are geared toward serving the greater Waco community and fostering a community of driven, goal-oriented students. I am the Community Service Chair of the Multicultural Association of Prehealth Students and the secretary of HOSA. Through serving my peers within these clubs and the Waco community at large, I have found a deeper love for service and commitment to causes greater than myself. Currently, my peers and I are developing a club to help cultivate a 12-week intensive program for student entrepreneurs who want to launch sustainable businesses in technology.
Maintaining mental and physical wellness has not always been easy for me. I have struggled with Eczema throughout my life and I was diagnosed with Psoriasis at 13. Even before my diagnosis, I would often find myself struggling with the way I viewed my body. I often felt jealous, insecure, and unworthy because I was not able to have confidence in my appearance. It was only when I began my transition to high school that I was forced to realize that change needed to happen; that I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and step into the person I was truly meant to be. It was difficult at first because I was in a depressive state, and I had begun to think nothing could be done to heal the inflammation in my body. Despite this, my family and friends supported me endlessly. Their support brought me out of a dark place into a light where I was able to love and appreciate my skin regardless of its imperfections. I began to realize that wellness begins within. Through self-discipline, I have seen considerable improvements in the way I view myself and the world. I am extremely grateful for the help and inspiration given to me by many medical professionals thus far.
Through research in the pharmaceutical realm, I hope to find more safe and effective ways to combat illness and heal people from within. Living with physical or mental imbalances can cause many hardships, and I hope to alleviate those by providing the best, sustainable care possible. I am striving to become a pharmacist because I want to give back the generosity and support I have been shown throughout my entire life. I not only want to treat patients but to have a lifelong impact on how they view their bodies and their health. There have been days when I didn’t feel qualified or worthy enough to study in this field, but I have been blessed with the help of many teachers and mentors who have inspired me to keep my faith and perseverance despite my insecurities. I hope to one day be an inspiration to others with chronic diseases or health issues, and encourage them to build better lives for themselves and their families without doubting their capabilities.
Barbara J. DeVaney Memorial Scholarship Fund
Hello scholarship committee,
My name is Olivia DeVault and I will be an incoming sophomore this year at Baylor University. I am a biology major on the pre-pharmacy track, and I am an aspiring clinical pharmacist. In high school, I completed a technical program to earn my CPhT and Sterile Compounding certifications; which allow me to work as a pharmacy technician. Currently, I am involved in multiple organizations at Baylor that are geared toward serving the greater Waco community and fostering a community of driven, goal-oriented pre-health students. I am a committee leader in the Multicultural Association of Prehealth Students, HOSA, and the Association of Prehealth Students. Through serving my peers within these clubs and the Waco community at large, I have found a deeper love for service and commitment to a cause greater than myself.
For a great majority of my life, I viewed my life and myself as largely insignificant within a vast world of fast-moving world changers. I had resorted to being self-centered, timid, and overall feeling ashamed of myself for just not doing enough. However, with the help, love, and support of my family, teachers, and mentors, I have cultivated a sense of my purpose in this life. I truly enjoy learning from others and I am forever grateful for the encouragement I received to not only pursue my dreams without shame or fear, but also to be shown the beautiful fruits of servant leadership. I hope to leave a lasting legacy of love to those around me because I have been given so much love throughout my life. Both of my grandmothers and grandfathers were strong people of color that paved their way to success through excellence in leadership, even after starting from essentially nothing and having to immigrate to America. I am forever grateful to be where I am today because of them and my wonderful parents, and I hope to reciprocate that love by carrying on their values and character.
After college, I plan on attending pharmacy school, earning my PharmD certification, attending residency, and working with patients within a clinical setting. I not only want to treat patients but to have a lifelong impact on how they view their bodies and their health. I have struggled with Eczema and Psoriasis throughout my life and I know all too well the feelings of insecurity, chronic pain, and self-doubt. There have been days when I don’t feel qualified and worthy to be studying in this field, but I have been blessed with the help of many teachers and mentors that have inspired me to keep my faith and perseverance. This money will bless us tremendously, and bring me one step closer to my dreams of giving back to my family and to my community. I hope to one day be an inspiration to others with chronic diseases or health issues, and encourage them to build better lives for themselves and their families without doubting their capabilities.
During my time at Baylor, I would love to study abroad for research, and this scholarship will help tremendously with my tuition for the program. I will use my future education to shed light on the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being within a hospital setting. I hope to become a living testimony that shows others that healing is always possible. I can assure you that I will stop at nothing to reach my fullest potential and that I will not settle for anything less than exemplary.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Christina Taylese Singh Memorial Scholarship
Hello, my name is Olivia DeVault and this year I will be a sophomore at Baylor University. I am studying biology in the honors program within the pre-pharmacy pathway. I am currently involved with many organizations at Baylor including the Multicultural Association of Prehealth Students, the Association of Pre-Pharmacy Students, and HOSA. I am continuing to grow my leadership and service abilities within these organizations, and I serve on committees that aim to serve the Waco community at large. After I receive my bachelor's degree I plan on attending pharmacy school where I will pursue my dream of becoming a clinical pharmacist. Once I earn my PharmD, I plan to become a BCPS pharmacist (Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist) and a member of the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy). Currently, I am a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) and I also have my sterile IV certification.
My educational goal is to become a pharmacist. Through research in the field of pharmaceuticals, I hope to find more safe and effective ways to combat sicknesses and heal people. Living with physical or mental imbalances can cause many hardships, and I hope to alleviate those by providing the best care possible. I am striving to become a pharmacist because I want to give back the generosity and support I have been shown throughout my entire life by teachers, mentors, friends, and family. I have struggled with Eczema and Psoriasis my whole life and I have experienced the struggles of feeling inferior and doubting myself. There have been days when I did not feel capable of studying what I do, and there have been days of pain that resonated both physically and mentally. I am still healing, but I hope to one day give back to my community with the love and service I've been shown throughout my life. I will use my future education to shed light on the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I will become a living testimony that shows others that healing is always possible and that physical or mental obstacles can be overcome with love and perseverance.
I aspire to be an entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical field. I would like to own and operate my own independent clinical pharmacy while pushing to expand my business to multiple locations. My company will be unique because it will place an emphasis not only on medicinal aspects but the importance of the patient's overall wellness in relation to the drug they are taking. Proper counseling and emphasis on both mental and physical health are not commonly seen in retail pharmacies today. My pharmacy will ensure that our patients have peace of mind and full understanding when it comes to why, how, and when they are taking the drug.
I can assure you that I will stop at nothing to reach my fullest potential and that I will not settle for anything less than exemplary. My goal is to live a life that enriches and improves the lives of others and to leave a valuable legacy of service and love behind. I am motivated by a passion for people and a desire to give love back to others in the same way that it has been given to me. I believe that I am a strong candidate for your memorial scholarship because I have ambitious educational goals and a firm dedication to giving back to my community in as many ways as possible as Christina did.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
I was diagnosed with Psoriasis when I was 13 and to this day my skin still affects my daily life. Psoriasis has left scars on my skin that I am still trying to heal, and it tends to flare up whenever I least expect it. In the summer, I often have to deny going swimming because of my insecurities. Whenever I go to school, I always have to wear leggings or jeans regardless of the weather, and I always make sure to bring a jacket just in case my arms get rashes. I have always felt so insecure, especially when all of my peers had such perfect skin and seemingly carefree lives. However, I haven’t let this disease get the best of me.
Being a leader within 5 organizations at my school while also living with an autoimmune disease has sometimes made me feel like a fish out of water or a turtle without its shell. I attempted to numb the pain of the “imposter syndrome” I had developed by overworking myself to exhaustion. I thought that it’d not only distract me from my shortcomings, both physically and mentally, but also make others see me as a leader who was worthy of her position. I had tirelessly tried to fit myself into the mold of the leaders that came before me, putting my own feelings and emotions aside for the betterment of the group. But I soon came to realize that my loneliness and my jumble of suppressed emotions had snowballed to the point where I no longer knew who I truly was. I always felt like I wasn’t enough and I was constantly worried that others would see me just as I saw myself; unworthy and undeserving. No matter what I did to prove myself, I’d constantly be reminded that I was different, and therefore I thought I could never measure up. I am a black female with an autoimmune disease, so I always had this sense of inferiority.
However, the relentless support of my family and close friends, I would have never been able to reverse those affirmations and think of myself as worthy and deserving. Ive grown to learn that I didn’t have to be alone and that asking for help wasn’t a sign of weakness, but a revelation that we as humans cannot be our best selves without the support of others. I have been taught that even through our ups and downs in life, our inherent worthiness is never shaken. We are all born worthy, important, and necessary, and nothing we could ever do can take that worthiness away from us.
I decided that something needed to be done for those who had been struggling in silence just like myself. Texas (where I live) is the state that provides the least amount of mental health materials available to its youth. I decided to establish the first Mental Health Awareness Club at my high school. After hearing so many stories of my student athlete friends that struggled with their mental health, and hearing about my best friend being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, I knew it was time to make a change. There are countless others who are afraid to reach out or don’t have a support system, and they live their lives as seemingly normal people. I created this club in an effort to help fight the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health at our school. Often we push it aside because we think it’s too personal or embarrassing, but it truly needs to be talked about because oftentimes we need some kind of help without realizing it. Teenagers today are afraid to reach out and start conversations about our emotions, so our club hopes to start those conversations and reach out to kids who need the resources in order to get the help they need for either themselves or others. Our club helps students feel welcome and validated while also bringing awareness to the many signs and symptoms of mental ailments that should be looked out for, both in themselves and their peers. Right now, my team of officers is beginning to help establish other clubs throughout our school district.
Psoriasis has made me stronger and has allowed me to grow into the empathetic person that I am today. I want to be a living testament to those that are living with any medical condition by showing people that they don’t need to be like everyone else to be successful. Success and beauty starts from within, and I believe that obstacles can be overcome with dedication and perserverance. I am determined to never again judge someone by their outward appearance or imperfections, and I want to teach others that as well. Everyone is affected differently by the weight of the world. Empathy is the key to a society where everyone is understood and welcomed, and I will strive to create that environment in my community. I want to show others that it is okay to be unapologetically themselves. I believe that our insecurities and imperfections bring meaning and purpose to our lives.
I want to be a light to those coping with any illness, physical or mental, that it is possible to prevail despite the magnitude of their circumstances. Psoriasis has made me stronger and has allowed me to grow into the empathetic person that I am today. I want to be a living testament to those that are living with any medical condition by showing people that they don’t need to be like everyone else to be successful. I aspire to be a clinical pharmacist, and I will use my future education to shed light on the importance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I will become a living testimony that shows others that healing is always possible.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Young Women in STEM Scholarship
1. Hello! My name is Olivia DeVault. I am an ambitious, open-minded dreamer with a drive to pursue excellence. I am driven by my passion for people and a desire to give love back to others in the same way that it has been given to me. My motivation stems from my love of the human experience and the world around me. I am inspired by the fact that my actions can leave a lasting legacy that will touch the lives of others in a deeply positive way. I am always looking for new things to learn from the people around me while simultaneously aspiring to better my inner self. If I could do anything with my life, I would use it to exemplify to others what it truly means to live life in the most fulfilling way possible. I would strive to give back to my community by upholding the importance of mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well being. I would like to heal and uplift others through my work and inspire the leaders of tomorrow to further the importance of health and wellness. I want to use my own story to show others that anything is possible with a strong and sound mind. My goal is to live a life that enriches and improves the lives of others, and to leave a legacy of love, service, and valuable importance behind.
2. STEM is a field with endless possibilities. There is always something new to be learned, improved upon, and talked about. It introduces a whole new world of understanding that is constantly challenging what we think we know. I am fascinated by the stark contrasts between the tangible and intangible in STEM. There are reliable formulas that have been around for decades that are continually used, while on the other hand there are many unknowns and possibilities that we haven’t scratched the surface of yet. The cutting edge technology and the intelligent researchers that work together to improve society are one of the many amazing reasons as to why I would like to work in this field. I would love to be able to help others through diligent research while collaborating with other bright minds that have differing perspectives than my own. I have always liked to delve deeper into the complexity of technology and the way that things operate. I could make a difference in the world through technological research in the medicinal field that will benefit the lives of millions that could be struggling with their health. I strive to be a living testament to those that are living with any medical condition by showing them that they don’t need to be perfect to be successful. Success and begins starts from within, and I believe that obstacles can be overcome with dedication and perseverance.
I want to do clinical research that will help medicine become safer, more effective, and more affordable for all that need it. Aiding in the development and improvement of certain medicines would help people to live their lives more freely, as they are able to focus on their goals and dreams without having to worry about illness.
3. Since I was diagnosed with eczema as a newborn, and then Psoriasis at 12, I remember constantly feeling discouraged because my skin would flare up no matter what I did. It felt like I was experiencing a never-ending cycle of hatred from the world; almost no one would want to spend time with me because they were afraid they’d be infected. Later on, however, I made the conscious decision that I would not live in misery just because my skin isn’t perfect. I’ve learned how society is quick to form unjust opinions of others based on surface-level assets. Beauty is not exclusively external; the constant reinforcement of my true friends and family have taught me that. I have overcome the obstacle of self hatred and I have been able to replace it with unconditional love. I have a more positive outlook on my body and my skin because I have constantly reaffirmed that my beauty shines from the inside out. Although I still can’t wear the clothes I want or go outside in certain weather, I will not let that hinder my gratitude. Having Psoriasis has been a blessing in disguise. I have learned a lot about myself, and I am more aware of the world around me. After experiencing the crushing weight of prejudice, I will never again form an opinion about someone without genuinely getting to know their story first, because everyone is fighting hidden battles. Thank you for your consideration.
Chronic Boss Scholarship
Winner Psoriasis has transformed my world into an outlet of newfound gratitude. Since I was diagnosed with eczema as a newborn and then Psoriasis at 12, I remember constantly feeling discouraged because my skin would flare up no matter what I did. It felt like I was experiencing a never-ending cycle of hatred from the world; almost no one would want to spend time with me because they were afraid they’d be infected. As I matured, however, I made the conscious decision that I would not live in misery just because my skin isn’t perfect. I’ve learned how society is quick to form unjust opinions of others based on surface-level assets. Beauty is not exclusively external; the constant reinforcement of my true friends and family have taught me that. Although I still can’t wear the clothes I want or go outside in particular weather, I will not let that hinder my gratitude. I have become more aware of how fortunate I am to participate in all of my school activities. I am alive, I can breathe, I am loved, I can walk and talk, and I will never take any of that for granted.
Instead of thinking, "why me?" I think, "why not me." Having Psoriasis has been a blessing in disguise.
I want to exemplify to people coping with an illness, whether physical or mental, that it is possible to prevail despite the magnitude of their circumstances. I know how horrible it feels to cope with an illness alone, to feel like no one in the world understands you. My goal is to pursue a career as a dermatologist so that I can empower others with dignity and strength, just as I have been. Psoriasis has transformed me into a mentally stronger person, and I have become more aware of the people around me. I have learned that everyone has a beautiful story to tell about themselves and their experiences, yet we don't allow them the chance to express themselves due to our own pride and judgment. Everyone has internal and external battles that we cannot see in their entirety. The ability to show empathy to others in today's society is so important, especially as mental health is becoming stigmatized more than ever.
For this very reason, I started the Mental Health Awareness Club at my school. After experiencing the crushing weight of prejudice, I will never again form an opinion about someone without genuinely getting to know their story first because everyone is fighting hidden battles. In our club, we aspire to create a safe space for students from all walks of life to talk about their experiences with their mental health. Our goal is to foster togetherness and collaboration within our student body by creating an uplifting community without judgment or invalidation. Making ourselves open to forming new relationships with unlikely people and starting new conversations is key to making the school into a place where many diverse ideas are exchanged and accepted. By spreading love and kindness to everyone we encounter, we plant a seed within them that will brighten their day and encourage them to show kindness to their peers as well.
Using the strength that I have found within myself due to Psoriasis, I want to empower others by letting them know it is okay to struggle. Healing on all levels is possible regardless of harsh circumstances. I always strive to be a friend to those who may struggle to find friends and to be a support system to anyone who doesn't have someone they can confide in.
Women in Music Scholarship
Hello! My name is Olivia Devault. I am a senior in high school and I have been playing the flute for 6 years and the piano for 13 years.
Music has played a vital role in my life ever since I turned 4 years old. I began playing the piano when my fingers were too small to even make a full chord. I cannot even begin to explain how many times music has supported me and lifted me up throughout my life, but it especially helped me when my parents were going through a divorce. Every time I heard them yelling and screaming at each other I just felt an endless pit of dread in my stomach. However, I discovered that whenever I sat down at the piano and began learning notes, it was like all of my fear disappeared for a while. Music became my escape at that time because I could focus on making beautiful sounds and perfecting my technique rather than having to listen to all of the bad things going on around me. My piano really helped me cope with my parent's divorce because I felt like I could rely on it as a source of comfort. It wasn't there to judge me or to pity me; it was there as an unspoken source of freedom that allowed me to express my feelings.
I hope to make an impact on the music industry by inspiring younger musicians to use music as a way to express themselves. I hope to show them all the wonderful physical, mental, and emotional wonders that music can do. Through the lens of my own experience, I would like to help younger musicians get over their fear of performing and trying new things because I was in the same boat once. I would like to share my passion to other musicians in the industry and bring a new sense of emotional depth to every piece I play. I am so passionate about music because it is such a universal language of love and acceptance. Music brings us all together on so many levels and it allows us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level as well as others. I am so thankfulthat music has instilled such a great passion in me to share my abilities with others. I love how it allows me to express my emotions without me having to utter a single word.
Thank you for reading!
Brandon Zylstra Road Less Traveled Scholarship
Passion is a mighty, fiery feeling that motivates us to get up and do better each day. I have found that my passion is driven by a desire to improve myself and a want to help foster a better quality of life for those around me. As I pursue a career in the medical field, I constantly think about what I can do to benefit my community. My drive to become a dermatologist is greatly fueled by my own struggles with Eczema and Psoriasis that have plagued me for almost my whole life. I have struggled with self-confidence, with insecurity, with bullying, and with everyone's eyes constantly on me; only because my skin isn't completely clear. My own experiences have given me a great aspiration to ensure that no patient of mine will ever have to experience what I had to experience. When I become a dermatologist, I want to empower kids with skin diseases by letting them know that they are beautiful no matter what. I want to help them in their healing process not only physically, but also mentally as they face the harsh prejudice of the world. Whenever a patient leaves my office, I want them to look and feel their best. Through my struggles, I have become greatly passionate about accepting others no matter how different they are. This is a key facet of society we must begin to change in order to bring up a new generation in which no one is judged by their appearance, skin color, or beliefs.
The steps I plan to take in order to become a dermatologist begin with getting my Bachelor's Degree in biochemistry. Then, I plan to attend Columbia University's medical school to further my studies and to take the USMLE in order to obtain residency. I will complete a year of dermatology residency as an intern and then complete another 3 years of a clinical residency. I will then obtain a license after passing the USMLE again, and become board certified while also doing fellowship.
I have had to overcome many physical and mental obstacles in my life that were not easy. So many times I have felt like giving up. I was born with eczema and I went through the entirety of primary school with rashes coming up on my skin every single day. I was always in intense pain due to my condition. I vividly remember no kids wanting to sit near me because they thought I would give rashes to them. I would also experience bullying throughout middle school, and my mental health began to spiral as I began to realize that everyone's menacing eyes were on me. I had become so self conscious and genuinely unhappy because of prejudice within the world around me. I would cry every single night because it felt like no one was really on my side except for my parents.
High school is where everything changed. As I left middle school and summer came about, I made the conscious decision not to let my eczema get in the way of my success. I would not continue to live within a shell like society wanted me to. With the help of self-reflection, and my loving family and friends: during my freshman year high school I blossomed into the confident, self-assured girl I am today. Now I aspire to show others that you don't have to look a certain way in order to be happy and successful. I still do have scars, but I would not change a single thing about myself.
Next Young Leaders Program Scholarship
Servant leadership-not just leadership-is how I like to lead my peers. Being a servant leader in my school and community has not only benefitted others, but also myself. The type of leadership in which I put others before myself has led to a blossom in character and a growing love for others around me. Serving others and leading by example are the two most important virtues to possess in order to be a strong and nurturing leader. In my school, I like to lead by example. I am a drum major and current president of my band program, so I am constantly striving to do the right thing. Every day I try my best to instill integrity into both myself and the people around me by doing the right thing even when no one is observing me. I want to be a great example to the younger kids in my program because I know I am nurturing future leaders that will rise up to take my place. I choose to humble myself each day because, even though I have received a very influential position, I must continue to work hard to fulfill the duties assigned to me and facilitate the assets within my program. My goal is to leave the program and my peers even better off than when I first joined it.
Being a leader is such a significant part of my life and it means a lot to me. Seeing other people blossom when i share with them my personal experience is such a fruitful reward. To me, being a leader means helping to nurture and bring up the people that you lead. It means being a supportive friend to them when they're having a bad day, not just reprimanding them and calling them out. Great leaders show others through actions, not just words, how to rise up and develop strong character. An important aspect of being a leader is respecting and trusting the people around you to help guide you through your journey. Showing respect and understanding to your peers goes a long way, and they will see you and treat you with respect as well. To me, being a leader means that I can gain an even deeper awareness about the people around me due to the mutual trust I am able to build with them. I love being able to make an impact on someone's life; constantly encouraging them to step out of their shell and unearth their true potential.
As I move beyond high school, I will utilize the valuable leadership skills that I have learned from those before me, the people around me, and my own personal experiences. I will apply this to my future career as a medical specialist by doing my absolute best to relate with my coworkers to build a strong team bond. I can't wait to do things like teaching aspiring medical professionals lessons in my field that I had to learn the hard way; or even small things like giving them advice or helping them manage their workload. "A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will all say: we did it ourselves" -Lao Tzu. I believe I can use these amazing skills I have harnessed throughout my life to make a positive pandemic in the medical field one day.
Thank you for your time, Olivia DeVault.