Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem impossible. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. My Jamaican mom dug deep into her roots for prayers like she never did before. This transformative experience has provided clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has solidified my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. It has also taught me that golf is more than just a game. It is a sport that teaches you about life. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem impossible. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has provided clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has solidified my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. Golf for me is more than just a game. It is a sport that teaches you about life. The qualities that golf demands of you, such as integrity, honesty, and patience, are valuable traits that I have applied to my life. Golf has taught me to be mentally and physically focused, and I have found that these skills have helped me through my recovery journey as well as my studies. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked. For all of these reasons, believe I should be considered for the Samuel D. Hartley Memorial Scholarship. I am a true representation of strength, resilience and the love for golf. This award will assist me with completing mu undergraduate studies at Morehouse College.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has provided clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has solidified my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a very large unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me to meet my financial needs and allow me to focus on my studies. Attending Morehouse College is a dream come true for me. I am confident that with this support, I will be able to succeed academically while I prepare for post-graduate studies and Medical school.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has provided clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has solidified my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a very large unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me to meet my financial needs and allow me to focus on my studies. Attending Morehouse College is a dream come true for me. I am confident that with this support, I will be able to succeed academically while I prepare for post-graduate studies and Medical school.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has provided clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has solidified my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has provided clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has solidified my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a very large unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me to meet my financial needs and allow me to focus on my studies. Attending Morehouse College is a dream come true for me. I am confident that with this support, I will be able to succeed academically while I prepare for post-graduate studies and Medical school.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. This transformative experience has provided clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has crystallized my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. However, my attendance to Morehouse College has also left me with a considerable unmet financial burden of over $40K. This scholarship will aid with this financial struggle.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. This transformative experience has bestowed clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has crystallized my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has bestowed clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has crystallized my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has bestowed clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has crystallized my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked.

Idiopathic Scoliosis cast a shadow over my life, contorting my body and presenting an intricate web of challenges that made the simplest activities seem insurmountable. This condition not only jeopardized my life but also transformed my once-healthy, robust physique into something unrecognizable. The threat became not just physical, but also internal, as my spine inflicted pressure on my lungs and stomach. The inevitability of spinal corrective surgery loomed large, and in 2022, I underwent two formidable procedures – Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion – each marked by their own discomfort and pain. The journey to recovery was arduous, yet throughout, I held onto resilience, buoyed by the unwavering love and support of my family who aided me in conquering the physical and mental hurdles. This transformative experience has bestowed clarity upon my future aspirations. While I always harbored a passion for pursuing a career in medicine, the nature of my journey has crystallized my focus. As I embark on my academic journey at Morehouse College, I have chosen Biology/Pre-Medicine as my major with the ultimate goal of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My own orthopedic surgeon, who played a pivotal role in saving my life, has become my inspiration. Motivated by an innate altruism, I am determined to extend a similar lifeline to others facing severe deformities. A year post-surgery, I began paying it forward by sharing my experiences with a family about to tread a similar path. Serving as a source of solace and reassurance for their son, who faced scoliosis challenges akin to my own, allowed me to offer firsthand insights into the difficult yet rewarding journey that lay ahead. Today, I stand as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and medical intervention. Beyond the physical healing, this surgery has elevated my confidence and self-esteem, resulting in a noticeable physical transformation—I am now four inches taller, upright, and thriving in health. Despite once believing that my passion for golf would be forever altered, post-surgery determination and diligent physical therapy not only allowed me to resume playing golf but also granted me the opportunity to become a proud member of the Morehouse College golf team. As I continue living my best life, I remain steadfast in my commitment to seeking opportunities to pay it forward, both as a pre-medical student and, in the future, as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon, offering support and understanding to those traversing a road I have already walked.

Playing golf has been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate enough to have parents who loved the sport and introduced me to it at a young age. Watching golf tournaments with my family was a regular occurrence in our household, and I quickly developed a deep admiration for the sport. As I got older, my passion for golf only grew stronger. I joined my high school's golf team and had the opportunity to compete against other schools, which was a thrilling experience. Golf gave me a sense of purpose, and I always looked forward to practicing and playing with my teammates. I learned a great deal about the technical aspects of golf, such as proper swing mechanics and club selection. This knowledge has helped me improve my game significantly, and I feel more confident about the course than ever before. I was pleasantly surprised to discover the social benefits of golf. It has provided me with a unique opportunity to connect with others who share my passion for the sport. I have met many like-minded and successful people through playing golf, and building connections and relationships with them has been an unexpected benefit of the sport. The qualities that golf demands of you, such as integrity, honesty, and patience, are valuable traits that can be applied to other areas of your life. Golf has taught me to be mentally and physically focused, and I have found that these skills have helped me in other areas of my life. Idiopathic Scoliosis twisted and deformed my body, trapping me in a shell that made the simple things in life difficult. This disease turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. Not only was my life in danger but my spine turned against me, crushing my lungs and stomach. Spinal corrective surgery was inevitable as I was limited physically and mentally. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion, both very painful, uncomfortable procedures. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but I never gave up. This experience taught me resilience and to be grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. Today, I am a new person. Not only has this surgery increased my overall confidence and self-esteem but I am 4 inches taller, upright and healthy. I thought I would never play golf again. With physical therapy and extreme determination post-surgery, I was fortunate to not only continue my passion, but I am also a member of the Morehouse College golf team.

Idiopathic Scoliosis twisted and deformed my body, trapping me in a shell that made the simple things in life difficult. This disease turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. Not only was my life in danger but my spine turned against me, crushing my lungs and stomach. Spinal corrective surgery was inevitable as I was limited physically and mentally. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion, both very painful, uncomfortable procedures. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but I never gave up. This experience taught me resilience and to be grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. My journey has provided clarity for my future decision as I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. As I matriculate through Morehouse College, my chosen major is Biology/Pre-Medicine with aspirations of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life and because of my altruistic nature, I want to do the same for others. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like I had. A year following my surgery, I started to pay it forward as my surgeon asked me to speak to a family who was about to endure the same procedures. Their son had severe scoliosis almost as bad as I had and I was asked to share my experiences. I provided their son with peace of mind and assurance about the difficult yet rewarding road ahead. Having the lived experience of having endured scoliosis and corrective surgery will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through as I can relate. Today, I am a new person. Not only has this surgery increased my overall confidence and self-esteem but I am 4 inches taller, upright and healthy. I have always had a passion for playing golf but due to my scoliosis, I thought I would never play golf again. With physical therapy and extreme determination post-surgery, I was fortunate to not only continue my passion, but I am also a member of the Morehouse College golf team. I am now living my best life and will continue to look for opportunities to pay it forward by helping those who will walk the road I have already walked first as a pre-medical student and later as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon.

Idiopathic Scoliosis twisted and deformed my body, trapping me in a shell that made the simple things in life difficult. This disease turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. Not only was my life in danger but my spine turned against me, crushing my lungs and stomach. Spinal corrective surgery was inevitable as I was limited physically and mentally. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion both very painful, uncomfortable procedures. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but I never gave up. This experience taught me resilience and to be grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. My journey has provided clarity for my future decision as I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. As I matriculate through Morehouse College, my chosen major is Biology/Pre-Medicine with aspirations of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life and because of my altruistic nature, I want to do the same for others. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like I had. A year following my surgery, I started to pay it forward as my surgeon asked me to speak to a family who was about to endure the same procedures. Their son had severe scoliosis almost as bad as I had and I was asked to share my experiences. I provided their son with peace of mind and assurance about the difficult yet rewarding road ahead. Having the lived experience of having endured scoliosis and corrective surgery will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through as I can relate. Today, I am a new person. Not only has this surgery increased my overall confidence and self-esteem but I am 4 inches taller, upright and healthy. I have always had a passion for playing golf but due to my scoliosis, I thought I would never play golf again. With physical therapy and extreme determination post-surgery, I was fortunate to not only continue my passion, but I am also a member of the Morehouse College golf team. I am now living my best life and will continue to look for opportunities to pay it forward by helping those who will walk the road I have already walked first as a pre-medical student and later as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon.

Idiopathic Scoliosis twisted and deformed my body, trapping me in a shell that made the simple things in life difficult. This disease turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. Not only was my life in danger but my spine turned against me, crushing my lungs and stomach. Spinal corrective surgery was inevitable as I was limited physically and mentally. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion both very painful, uncomfortable procedures. The road to recovery was long and difficult, but I never gave up. This experience taught me resilience and to be grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. My journey has provided clarity for my future decision as I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. As I matriculate through Morehouse College, my chosen major is Biology/Pre-Medicine with aspirations of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life and because of my altruistic nature, I want to do the same for others. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like I had. A year following my surgery, I started to pay it forward as my surgeon asked me to speak to a family who was about to endure the same procedures. Their son had severe scoliosis almost as bad as I had and I was asked to share my experiences. I provided their son with peace of mind and assurance about the difficult yet rewarding road ahead. Having the lived experience of having endured scoliosis and corrective surgery will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through as I can relate. Today, I am a new person. Not only has this surgery increased my overall confidence and self-esteem but I am 4 inches taller, upright and healthy. I have always had a passion for playing golf but due to my scoliosis, I thought I would never play golf again. With physical therapy and extreme determination post-surgery, I was fortunate to not only continue my passion, but I am also a member of the Morehouse College golf team. I am now living my best life and will continue to look for opportunities to pay it forward by helping those who will walk the road I have already walked first as a pre-medical student and later as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon.

Reflecting on my experience with scoliosis, I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. Growing up, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day, which was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. However, as time went on, I realized that my condition was not something to be ashamed of, but rather something that made me unique. The road to recovery was not easy. I had to undergo two surgical procedures including Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion, which was a very painful process. The recovery period was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I have learned that the things that make us different are the things that make us beautiful. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger and more compassionate person. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending Morehouse College, and studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My plan includes a vast amount of school and studies. I am not discouraged because I am determined to be a health professional. My story is far too important to keep to myself. It is worth sharing and using to benefit others. A year following my surgery, I started to pay it forward as my surgeon asked me to speak to a family who was about to endure the same procedures. Their son had severe scoliosis almost as bad as I had and I was asked to share my experiences. I provided their son with peace of mind and assurance about the difficult yet rewarding road ahead. Having the lived experience of having endured scoliosis and corrective surgery will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through as I can relate. Today, I am a new person. Not only has this surgery increased my overall confidence and self-esteem but I am 4 inches taller, upright and healthy. I have always had a passion for playing golf and due to my scoliosis, I thought I would never play golf again. With physical therapy and extreme determination post-surgery, I was fortunate to not only continue my passion, but I am also a member of the Morehouse College golf team. I will continue to look for opportunities to pay it forward, helping those who will walk the road I have already walked first as a pre-medical student and later as a Pediatric Orthopedic surgeon.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. My curvature went from 40 degrees to a whopping 110 degrees! A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. My parents would add weights to the pulley connected to my skull up to 40 lbs! I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I have learned that the things that make us different are the things that make us beautiful. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger and more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending Morehouse College and studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do.

Reflecting on my experience with scoliosis, I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. Growing up, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day, which was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. However, as time went on, I realized that my condition was not something to be ashamed of, but rather something that made me unique. The road to recovery was not easy. I had to undergo two surgical procedures including Halo Gravity Traction and Spinal Fusion, which was a very painful process. The recovery period was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I have learned that the things that make us different are the things that make us beautiful. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger and more compassionate person. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending university/college, and studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. This passion and drive have paved my immediate future for the next five to 10 years or more years. I have been accepted to Morehouse College where I plan to study Biology. In the next four years, I will be graduating with my undergraduate degree. Medical school is a must for the next 4 years followed by completing a residency program. That accounts for the next 8 years! Since I plan to specialize, a fellowship follows. My plan includes a vast amount of school and studies. I am not discouraged because I am determined to be a health professional. My story is far too important to keep to myself. It is worth sharing and using to benefit others. I will be a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. My curvature went from 40 degrees to a whopping 110 degrees! A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour Spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending Morehouse while studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My dream is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. My curvature went from 40 degrees to a whopping 110 degrees! A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour Spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine. Attending Morehouse and studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate.

I am trapped, financially and physically. I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. Now, I feel whole and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending college and studying Biology will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand my patients. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a $40,000 unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly free me of the financial trap. As an African-American male, pursuing medicine, I will positively impact my community by being relatable, approachable and having the same face as my patients. Our community needs this.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. My curvature went from 40 degrees to a whopping 110 degrees! A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour Spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending Morehouse while studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My dream is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon.

I am trapped, financially and physically. I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. Now, I feel whole and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending college and studying Biology will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand my patients. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a $40,000 unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly free me of the financial trap. As an African-American male, pursuing medicine, I will positively impact my community by being relatable, approachable and having the same face as my patients. Our community needs this.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine. Attending Morehouse and studying Biology will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand my patients. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a $40,000 unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me to meet my financial needs and allow me to focus on my studies.

Why me? I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. Now, I feel whole and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending college and studying Biology will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand my patients. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate. As an African American male, I hope to also be a relatable face to children in underserved communities. Doctors and medical professionals do not usually look like me so I will dramatically positively impact my community.

Why me? I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. Now, I feel whole and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending college and studying Biology will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand my patients. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a $40,000 unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me to meet my financial needs and allow me to focus on my studies. Attending Morehouse College is a dream come true for me. I am confident that with this support, I will be able to succeed academically while I prepare for post-graduate studies and Medical school.

Why me? I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. Attending Morehouse while studying Biology will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My dream is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a $40,000 unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me to meet my financial needs and allow me to focus on my studies.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. My curvature went from 40 degrees to a whopping 110 degrees! A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. My parents would add weights to the pulley connected to my skull up to 40 lbs! I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour Spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending college and studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My dream is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. My curvature went from 40 degrees to a whopping 110 degrees! A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. My parents would add weights to the pulley connected to my skull up to 40 lbs! I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending college and studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My dream is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon.

I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. My curvature went from 40 degrees to a whopping 110 degrees! A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn how to walk again and go through physical therapy, but I was determined to overcome the challenges. The experience has helped me to appreciate freedom more deeply and taught me inner strength and self-confidence. I have learned to be more patient, more resilient, and more courageous. It has taught me that I am capable of overcoming any obstacle if I put my mind to it. I am also grateful for the love and support of my family, who helped me to overcome the physical and mental challenges. They were there to support me through every step of the way, and I couldn’t have done it without them. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending college and studying Biology/Pre-Med will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My dream is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Why me? I never thought I would ever play golf again. I was trapped in my own body. Twisted, crooked and deformed. Idiopathic Scoliosis turned my healthy, strong, growing body into something unrecognizable. It was like yesterday and I remember the physical and mental limitations it brought me. At age 10, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. At that time, I was required to wear a back brace for 23 hours a day. It was not only uncomfortable but also made me feel embarrassed and different from my peers. I struggled with self-confidence and often felt self-conscious about my appearance. By the time I turned 17, my scoliosis worsened. A spinal correction was inevitable. My life was in danger. My spine turned against me. My lungs and stomach were crushed by the spine that was to make us upright. In 2022, I underwent 2 surgical procedures, Halo Gravity Traction, followed by a Spinal fusion. Halo Gravity Traction, which was a very painful, uncomfortable process. Imagine being confined to a wheelchair and hospital bed for 2 months with a metal circular frame and screws bolted to your head. Weights are hung from a pulley system to stretch the spine for several hours each day. It was a nightmare!! I never dreamed I could endure such trauma. I had 40 pounds hanging from my skull to make my spine more flexible before spinal fusion. The road to recovery was not easy. It was long and difficult, but I never gave up. I had to learn to walk again, to relearn my golf swing. I was determined to overcome the challenges. Now, I feel whole and free and able to fully embrace my true self without fear or hesitation. I no longer feel self-conscious about my appearance and I am proud of who I am. I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that I have gained through my journey and I believe that it has made me a stronger, more compassionate person. I now have 4 titanium rods, 26 screws and 6 hooks in my back to fuse my spine in place. I am also 4 inches taller after my 10-hour spinal fusion surgery procedure. I am now on the golf team at Morehouse College! This journey has also provided clarity for my future decision. I always knew I wanted to study Medicine but was never sure of the specialty. Attending Morehouse while studying Biology will assist me in fulfilling my dream of becoming a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon. My orthopedic surgeon saved my life. He corrected my scoliosis and prevented it from worsening with halo gravity traction and spinal fusion. I want to be able to do this for children who suffer from idiopathic scoliosis as I do. My dream is to become an Orthopedic Surgeon. This scholarship will enable me to fulfill this dream. I am determined to help others with severe deformities like me. My experience will enable me to understand firsthand what my patients are going through. I am who and what kids like me need, I can relate. Additionally, my college acceptance has left me with a $40,000 unmet financial need. Receiving this scholarship would greatly help me to meet my financial needs and allow me to focus on my studies. Attending Morehouse College is a dream come true for me. I am confident that with this support, I will be able to succeed academically while I prepare for post-graduate studies and Medical school.