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Toru Fiberesima

3,705

Bold Points

31x

Nominee

3x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

I graduated from UCLA with honors, earning a B.Sc in Psychobiology (a thought-provoking combo of psych and bio, much like humankind), then took a gap year and secured a seat at medical school. If all goes according to plan, I can become a culture and care leader for the ages. I long to lead by example, through the pursuit and practice of medicine. Amidst change and policy-making in healthcare, I represent an inclusive march toward equity. These ambitions— passions, really — a foundational to my own identity: a woman, a woman of color, a child of immigrants, a low SES student, and an eternal empath. My life story has grown into intuition and initiative. These lived, shared experiences are what I await most. As I bear burdens and build bridges across suffering, my wit has always been a saving grace. Whether humor or healing, this was how I'd make people feel better. In doing so, my intersectional perspective and international experiences will serve me well. Since this duty feels innate to me, I must answer the call to action. I hope to offer safety, treatment, and empowerment for underserved populations, applying science and ethics to improve patient outcomes. Minority, maternal and mental health concerns motivate me because theirs is a cause very close to my heart. The opportunity afforded by any scholarship compels us to give back. Well, my impact on society revolves around service and everything that it entails. I promise it's worthwhile. Such purpose might someday be considered 'destiny'; all owing to your donations. Thank you.

Education

University of Illinois at Chicago

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2023 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Public Health
    • Medicine
  • Minors:
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services
    • Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
    • Urban Studies/Affairs
    • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
    • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
    • Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
    • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
    • International/Globalization Studies

University of California-Los Angeles

Bachelor's degree program
2017 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Biopsychology
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other

Lincoln Academy

High School
2015 - 2017

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Medicine
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

      MD, MPH

    • Laboratory Technician

      University of California Doctorate Department
      2017 – 20181 year
    • Research Associate (work-study program)

      University of California's Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior
      2018 – 20213 years
    • Transfusion Services Lab Assistant (CLS, CMLA)

      Louisiana Children's Medical Center
      2021 – Present3 years

    Sports

    Netball

    Varsity
    2011 – 20154 years

    Netball

    Junior Varsity
    2010 – 20122 years

    Awards

    • Player of the Year

    Sprint

    Club
    2010 – 20177 years

    Track & Field

    Varsity
    2011 – 20176 years

    Awards

    • Maine State High School Championship (2nd & 3rd final place)

    Research

    • Psychoneuroimmunology and Translational Mindfulness

      UCLA Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior + Clinic for Sleep Medicine — Research Associate (sole)
      2018 – 2021
    • Research and Experimental Psychology

      UCLA Department of Psychology (doctorate dissertation) — Research Technician & Editor (team)
      2017 – 2018

    Arts

    • Poe Theater & Heartwood Regional Theater Company

      Theatre
      2015 – 2017
    • Poe Theater & Heartwood Regional Theater Company

      Performance Art
      2015 – 2017

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      CARE: Children at-Risk Evaluation + Family Justice Centers — Hotline & Healthcare Consultant/Respondent
      2021 – Present
    • Volunteering

      CHNOLA: Children's Hospital of New Orleans — Culture Leadership & Parent-Advisory Council member
      2022 – Present
    • Advocacy

      CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocate NOLA — guardian ad litem
      2020 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Beyond The C.L.O.U.D Scholarship
    Health equity and bioethics motivate my medical mission. For the sake of relief from suffering, whether physical or social ills, I sought to discover the telltale signs of illness. Such has characterized my attention to human nature and narratives throughout my education. My place, passion, and purpose were all revealed amidst the pursuit of medicine. It was a process rather than a position. It continually challenges me across multiple frontiers- via individual welfare, civic duty, and universal inclusion. Brick by brick, bench to bedside, I will be a voice for the overlooked and underserved- the misunderstood and mistreated. Both advocates and doctors know their job is done when they are no longer needed. My hopes, heritage and humanity speak to this philosophy. That being said, my future contentment entails all of the above. Social justice has always been integral to what I envision, but its application in science is inspirational. Race and place inequity is a public health crisis and should be treated as such. In my fight against it, I believe an MD is the armor. Whereas subsidizing underserved populations is powerful, humanizing them is empowering. I'd promote community-based participatory research within inter-professional rigor to complement health care and, more importantly, health. I will join coordinated efforts toward translational policy and structural support. Together, we should be able to facilitate some sources of empowerment. I deem each patient, behavior, and attitude holistically. I look for body language and context clues underneath the surface. I take into account underlying environmental forces. Every intervention must be as dynamic as my very own identity. Exploring new material set the stage and has given me a platform on which to provide tactful treatment to the sickly, stigmatized, or susceptible. Whether intersectional, international, or interdisciplinary, I am, and always have been, a team player who reminds others of the 'other.' I suppose I've become somewhat of a storyteller. I may enrich the diversity of thought, encourage safe spaces or dialogue welcoming cultural competence, and, perhaps, differential diagnoses for those on the margins of society. I know I can bridge borders, bring perspective, and breed compassion because I’ve done so before. I've even learned the right resources and best feedback to find. I see it as my responsibility to acknowledge and raise awareness of our moral contract and its impact on population agency. Interest in where mind and matter meet between cognitive science motivated a degree in Psychobiology. My chosen major, campus activism and clinical advocacy built an understanding and utility in health-giving. While I've never been a fan of tradition, I do think history is thought-provoking. Medics must refer to the past too, as best practice relies on medical history. We have a lot to learn from it since medicine is a novel still being written. I believe that literary reflection informs and touches on the quality of life. In doing so, physicians can rewrite one's epilogue. Initiative and intuition concerning human beings will allow me to become a servant leader in their health care. They have transformed potential contributions as a classmate, conversationalist, and countryman. Throughout my cathartic and heartfelt career, I evolve a better sense of self. In my book, empathy honors both biology and biography. Impassioned by expertise to enlighten and expectancy of endless insight, I will employ interpersonal wit over wherewithal, no matter my specialty or caseload. I shall operate platforms and innervate systems worldwide. So far, I remain optimistic about changing the face of medicine, one change-one person- at a time... With my story, to do any less is a disservice.
    Hector L. Minott Sr. Future Doctor Scholarship
    Cynicism about my wherewithal was an intersectional weight I long bore. Anxiety held me back from dialogue and discovery. The reinforcement of such sentiments by academic superiors was heavy, seemingly excusing my thought-processes. Still, to become one's own role model, I'd step out of percieved reality and pave a path less travelled. By doing so, I found myself. Through resiliance and reflection, I slowly built confidence in myself- what I can do, not things I cannot. Interpersonal support along the way furthered this progress. As I fought against given barriers or burdens that arose, I followed a love of learning toward fulfillment. More so, it motivated heartfelt growth, worthwhile contributions in science and, nowadays, leadership within healthcare. I shall speak with purpose; on behalf of advocacy and activism. I'll share my story. Choosing self-care over self-doubt empowered me to cherish challenges and optimize opportunities. I cannot wait for what's next.
    Harry Potter and the Sorting Hat Scholarship
    Betwixt the mystical witchcraft and wizardry at Hogwarts, one of the most magical moments in young sorcerers' lives is the Sorting Hat ceremony. Each house represents unique qualities, fostering camaraderie and belonging among its members. British myself, it's neither the first nor last time I wonder about which resonates best with me. Nowadays, I truly believe that the Sorting Hat would assign me to Gryffindor because our innate values and behaviors align, thus complementing mine. Gryffindor's name is esteemed for daring integrity, resilience, and mercy, endorsing extraordinary toleration against the storm of misfortune. There exist grounds for the lore of landmark heroes across scholarly history... Still, I privately feel each Gryffindor has a little Slytherin within them. Decisions might need extra consideration while figuring me out. More so, the sorting process would reveal my layered personality and multifaceted philosophy. However, my match shall end up being the same: evermore Gryffindor. From a tender age, courage has been an inevitable part of my story. Bouncing between different countries, boarding schools, and intersectional nuances, I had to adapt. I learned to appreciate adversity's lessons. I grew further emotional awareness. I found seemingly unlikely allies, befriending people who were wary of me. Whether speaking up for cultural movements, facing fiscal stressors head-on, or defending those most in need, I'd long shown willingness when confronting my concerns or where outside my comfort zone. Gryffindor is the epitome of adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for new experiences. As a lifelong learner who thrives on exploration and discovery in academia, I revel in challenges until uncharted territory becomes familiar. I experiment during spells of doubt. I welcome peer feedback and teamwork, decrypting riddles per the meeting of minds. Passion for higher knowledge is another trait membership entails. Although intelligence must also be associated with counterparts, Gryffindors share the wisdom gained by broadening one's horizons. Such is evident in my own pursuit and application of science, always seeking to better myself and others using understanding and insight. I know education can turn the possibility of positive impacts on the world into destiny. Beyond that, uncompromised loyalty and duty to my mates, community, and society make me Gryffindor. Both humanity and humility are significant in our households since they foster unity and support amidst humankind. I am a nurturer at heart and, after ample training, will be a provider in practice. Like lions, the emblematic symbol of Gryffindor, I'm fiercely protective of individuals under my care. Even H.P., a noteworthy fellow, upheld fundamental devotion to fighting for the greater good — large and small. Gryffindors are natural leaders whose company often motivates factions to follow in their footsteps. Guiding pathways, such as this tendency toward servant leadership, allow us initiative and inclusion no matter the opposition and hardship. Worry may happen instinctually, yet Gryffindors demonstrate empowerment via action despite nerves. I embody these very sentiments. Prior advocacy and activism, given the occasion, included observation, outreach, hosting fireside chats or reflection groups, and voicing tough topics on behalf of the silenced or forgotten. It's not unwavering bravery that renders Gryffindor; rather, it is everyday efforts to rid inequity, explicit empathy in the face of fear, plus an expectant backbone once bearing burdens. My character, conduct, and grit- not to mention wit- are equally conducive to Gryffindor. Due to a strong sense of justice and determination to do what's morally right, I'm a suitable prospect. Should the Hat indeed place me, Gryffindor's prophecy would hit home. Besides all participation in Quidditch Cup, above any permission to stockpile my favorite color (scarlet), Gryffindors remain forever bound together throughout storylines, fulfillment, and legacy.
    Andrea M Taylor Future Doctors Scholarship
    Health equity and bioethics motivate my medical mission. For the sake of relief from suffering, whether physical or social ills, I sought to discover the telltale signs of illness. Such has characterized my attention to human nature and narratives throughout my education. My place, passion, and purpose were all revealed amidst the pursuit of medicine. It was a process rather than a position. It continually challenges me across multiple frontiers- via individual welfare, civic duty, and universal inclusion. Brick by brick, bench to bedside, I will be a voice for the overlooked and underserved- the misunderstood and mistreated. Both advocates and doctors know their job is done when they are no longer needed. My hopes, heritage and humanity speak to this philosophy. That being said, my future contentment entails all of the above. Social justice has always been integral to what I envision, but its application in science is inspirational. Race and place inequity is a public health crisis and should be treated as such. In my fight against it, I believe an MD is the armor. Whereas subsidizing underserved populations is powerful, humanizing them is empowering. I'd promote community-based participatory research within inter-professional rigor to complement health care and, more importantly, health. I will join coordinated efforts toward translational policy and structural support. Together, we should be able to facilitate some sources of empowerment. I deem each patient, behavior, and attitude holistically. I look for body language and context clues underneath the surface. I take into account underlying environmental forces. Every intervention must be as dynamic as my very own identity. Exploring new material set the stage and has given me a platform on which to provide tactful treatment to the sickly, stigmatized, or susceptible. Whether intersectional, international, or interdisciplinary, I am, and always have been, a team player who reminds others of the 'other.' I suppose I've become somewhat of a storyteller. I may enrich the diversity of thought, encourage safe spaces or dialogue welcoming cultural competence, and, perhaps, differential diagnoses for those on the margins of society. I know I can bridge borders, bring perspective, and breed compassion because I’ve done so before. I've even learned the right resources and best feedback to find. I see it as my responsibility to acknowledge and raise awareness of our moral contract and its impact on population agency. Interest in where mind and matter meet between cognitive science motivated a degree in Psychobiology. My chosen major, campus activism and clinical advocacy built an understanding and utility in health-giving. While I've never been a fan of tradition, I do think history is thought-provoking. Medics must refer to the past too, as best practice relies on medical history. We have a lot to learn from it since medicine is a novel still being written. I believe that literary reflection informs and touches on the quality of life. In doing so, physicians can rewrite one's epilogue. Initiative and intuition concerning human beings will allow me to become a servant leader in their health care. They have transformed potential contributions as a classmate, conversationalist, and countryman. Throughout my cathartic and heartfelt career, I evolve a better sense of self. In my book, empathy honors both biology and biography. Impassioned by expertise to enlighten and expectancy of endless insight, I will employ interpersonal wit over wherewithal, no matter my specialty or caseload. I shall operate platforms and innervate systems worldwide. So far, I remain optimistic about changing the face of medicine, one change-one person- at a time... With my story, to do any less is a disservice.