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Riley Dove

555

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

My name is Riley, and I am an 18-year-old dedicated to pursuing a career in public health and public policy. I am passionate about addressing health disparities in underserved communities from a policy and government perspective. My journey began with internships in the Maryland state government, working with the Health and Government Operations Committee of the Maryland House of Delegates. Currently, I am taking a gap year through the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program, gaining valuable experience as a legislative assistant for the Department of Legislative Services. This role helps me understand the legislative process and how policies can improve public health outcomes. After my gap year, I plan to major in Global Health at the University of Maryland, College Park. My long-term goal is to obtain a Master’s in Public Health and potentially a Master of Public Policy or Public Administration. With these qualifications, I aspire to work for federal agencies like the CDC or NIH, or in the Maryland state government. My faith is a significant part of my identity and drives my commitment to service. As a Christian, I strive to lead with love, generosity, understanding, and service. I am a strong candidate due to my determination and commitment to public health and policy. My experiences have equipped me with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact, and I am eager to continue my education to further improve health disparities in underserved communities.

Education

Annapolis Area Christian School

High School
2018 - 2024

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Public Health
    • Public Policy Analysis
    • Political Science and Government
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Government Administration

    • Dream career goals:

      My goal is to get a MPH, & maybe a MPA. Then, get a job at either a Federal Government agency like the CDC or NIH or work for a State Department of Health.

    • Legislative Assistant through the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option

      Department of Legislative Services
      2024 – Present1 year
    • Summer Intern for Health and Government Operations Committee.

      Maryland House of Delegates
      2023 – 2023

    Sports

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2021 – 20243 years

    Taekwondo

    Club
    2018 – 20224 years

    Cheerleading

    Varsity
    2020 – 20244 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Anne Arundel County Board of Elections — I was a Voting Opereations Judge
      2022 – 2022

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Black Leaders Scholarship
    Growing up, my parents often reminded me, “You are one generation away from the outhouse. Don’t take anything for granted.” This phrase resonates deeply with me, especially when I reflect on the life and legacy of my grandmother, Patricia B. Caldwell. As we honor Black History Month, I am proud to share how my grandmother’s story has not only inspired me but also shaped my understanding of dedication, resilience, and service. Patricia Caldwell is the youngest of twelve siblings and currently the last one that is alive. She grew up in a segregated community, yet she broke barriers among one of the first Black teachers to integrate the public schools in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Her educational journey started in a one room Rosenwald School with 4 to 6 grades in that one room where children would go outside to cut wood to stay warm and teh outhouse to use the bathroom. She went to the only middle and high school for colored children in Anne Arundel County, Wiley H. Bates High School. the only high school for Black students in our county, Her siblings worked tirelessly to support her education, enabling her to attend Bowie State University, then known as Maryland Teachers College. She was also grounded in the word by her parents and her home church, which provided her with her spiritual resilience. Her favorite verse which she lives by is Matthew 5:16, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Her commitment to education and community service is immense. A member of the Anne Arundel Retired School Personnel Association, Patricia Caldwell has dedicated her life to serving others. Despite battling lung cancer, she remains an active and devoted member of her church, St. Mark United Methodist Church in Hanover, Maryland. She has overseen Vacation Bible School and managed numerous youth-focused programs, including plays and concerts, contributing significantly to the community's spiritual life. Additionally, she is a dedicated member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Anne Arundel County Chapter, a national non-profit organization that advocates for gender equity in health, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls of color.. Currently serving on their scholarship committee, she continues to influence positive change. As a founding member and current president of the Northern Arundel Cultural Preservation Society Inc., she tirelessly works to preserve and promote the cultural heritage and untold stories of African Americans in her community. Freetown, a historically Black community in Pasadena, Maryland, is also close to her heart. My grandmother’s involvement in various Freetown organizations showcases her continuous dedication to community service. Her devout Christian faith drives her values of service, and she believes in the power of community, love, and support. She is a pinnacle of service and leadership, an example for her family, her former students, and all she interacts with and serves. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of education, and the impact of unwavering commitment to one’s community. Her life inspires me every day to strive for excellence and to never take any opportunity for granted. As I look ahead to my future in public health and public policy, my grandmother’s legacy fuels my passion and commitment to making a difference. She embodies the values I hold dear and reminds me that through service and dedication, we can create a better world. My grandmother, Patricia Caldwell, is my hero and the epitome of grace, strength, and unyielding dedication to the greater good.
    Riley Dove Student Profile | Bold.org