Hobbies and interests
Crocheting
Dance
Cooking
Reading
Romance
I read books multiple times per week
Rayion Smith
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FinalistRayion Smith
1,085
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FinalistBio
I am Rayion Smith, a freshman at Illinois Wesleyan University. I am studying Biology and Secondary Education. There is a shortage of Stem teachers. As a Black woman, I did not see many teachers who looked like me. In my future classroom, I want my students to feel represented in the classroom.
Education
Illinois Wesleyan University
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Education, General
- Biology, General
Kipp Booker T Washington Hs
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Biology, General
Career
Dream career field:
Education
Dream career goals:
STEM Teacher
Team member
Saddles Blazin, LLC2022 – 2022
Public services
Volunteering
Touro Infirmary LCMC Health — Junior Volunteer2019 – 2020
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Entrepreneurship
Community Service is Key Scholarship
My high school is named after the historic orator Booker T. Washington. When I was a freshman, I saw his quotes throughout the school like, "I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him." When I'm reminded of this quote, I begin to control my temper and move on with life instead of dwelling on negative emotions. Similarly, Booker T. Washington's quote, "those who are happiest are those who do the most for others,” has also influenced my character. After my freshman year at Booker T. Washington, I volunteered during the summer.
During June and July of 2019, I volunteered at Touro Infirmary LCMC Health for six weeks. By the end of those six weeks, I completed 97 community service hours. As a junior volunteer, I was able to pick a department. My departments were Pre-Operations and One Day Surgery. In Pre-Operations, I answered phone calls so patients can schedule an appointment for their surgery. In One Day Surgery, I helped the nurses fold patients' gowns for when they were out of surgery, and I paired blue, disposable polypropylene bonnets and shoe covers for surgeons. Because of this experience, I learned many things about the inner workings of a hospital.
I learned that doctors and surgeons aren't the only people to be thankful for. The nurses and other staff were the gears, or the backbone, of the hospital. I learned about HIPPA laws and hospital codes like a code pink means a child abduction. I learned the importance of vaccinations and taking antibiotics properly. I learned that the hospital is similar to foodservice. By greeting people with a positive demeanor, you can make their visit a positive or negative experience. I was proud when I walked into Touro at 8 AM to greet people. This has shown me you are your happiest when you help your community. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, I couldn't volunteer at a hospital again because we should always put the patients' health first. However, I look forward to volunteering in another department after the pandemic. This experience has helped solidify my career in the medical field.