Prompt 1: What Inspiration Means to You

Complete this sentence: “Inspiration is…”

The spark that empowers people to view setbacks as growth, and to build their inner strength to become the best version of themselves.

Describe one specific moment when you inspired, supported, or uplifted another person. Include where you were, who was involved, and what happened.

While teaching a career exploration program at Columbus Global Academy, I met Pierre, a 9th grade student who had recently immigrated from Haiti with limited English skills. Pierre shared his aspiration to become involved in the medical field-a goal I also shared-I immediately took action to support his ambition. To help him navigate his path, I used a computer to help him identify what local organizations, internships, and summer camps he could apply for. I then gave him a paper where I had outlined all the information he needed to be exposed to this field. Pierre shook my hand out of respect and thanked me for my help. A couple of months later, I saw him on a Facebook post where he had successfully got accepted into a summer camp hosted by Ohio State University.

What did you specifically do or say in that moment, and why did you choose that approach?

In that moment, I choose to create a written guide of all the information I had researched constantly beforehand. This resource-driven approach became my course of action because I knew that Pierre faced severe language barriers. Instead of giving him verbal advice that might be misunderstood, providing a physical copy would allow him to review the paper as much as he wanted. Using my knowledge of the local opportunities around Columbus, Ohio, and technology, I thought I would directly empower him to start his professional journey in the states with confidence.

What was the outcome and what did it teach you?

The outcome was that he got into MD Camp at The Ohio State University. I also spoke with the other 29 students in my program to understand their possible career paths. This experience taught me the power of mentorship and empowerment, and knowing I made a real impact filled me with pride. For students like Pierre, who struggle with English, are new to their environment, and lack quality mentorship, this support matters even more.

Name one specific audience you want to serve in your healthcare career, one method you would use to uplift them, and one way you would know your efforts are making a difference.

I am dedicated to serving the marginalized communities that face barriers to accessible and quality healthcare. My method for doing so would be to implement culturally competent community outreach and mobile clinics to meet patients where they are. This would improve comfortability within these communities and most importantly, facilitate patient trust. My efforts will make a difference through a measurable reduction in local health disparities and by improving patient satisfaction.

Prompt 2: Your Intentional Action

Describe one specific action you are currently taking to inspire or uplift people around you.

I actively introduce New American and special needs families to local networks and professional associations to ensure they have immediate access to a stong support system. Currently, my efforts have been to host weekly conversation circles with families and to discuss individually about career interests and local opportunities.

How often do you do this? How long have you been doing it?

I do this at least once a week and I have been doing it for 5 months.

Describe one small moment, interaction, or detail from doing this action that has stayed with you. What makes it memorable?

One small detail that was memorable for me was when I discussed career options with a group. They mentioned to me that their understanding of english was limited and that they essentially doubted their ability to find success in this country. I first addressed this by reassuring them that being there with me already shows their ambition to learn. Many students their age struggle with future planning, and their presence proves their potential. To me, it showed me that these young adults care about their future, and with the right people to mentor them, their potential can flourish.

What have you seen change as a direct result of what you are doing?

I have seen a sort of ripple effect in my community by validating their potential. I would sometimes have their friends or family members come back up to me to thank them for my help, but also, to share the tools they have learned. I could only assume that because of this, I am not just affecting one person at a time, but the effects ripple to a whole community. Also, I have seen an increase in confidence as I have seen students apply for different internships, jobs, and summer camps.

Prompt 3: Who You Are When No One Is Watching

Describe one meaningful thing you do regularly that most people around you never see or recognize. Be specific about what it is, who is involved, how often you do it, and how long you have been doing it.

A big part of my life is being a soccer referee; I have been voluntarily doing it for a local organization for 4 years. Every spring/fall season, I help officiate soccer games for African and hispanic communities. What I do that rarely anyone sees, is trying my hardest to keep the game as fair as possible. In fact, I have learned to put away any bias towards another team to keep the game fair. A lot of spectators, coaches, and players usually forget that officials like myself are continuously working hard to make sure the game runs smoothly.

Why do you keep doing this, even without recognition or reward? What drives you to show up for it consistently?

I do this not to abide by the rules or laws of the game, but to give the players the game they deserve. I have always known that in such immigrant communities, soccer is a common language. By officiating these matches, I am giving these players the opportunity to experience the game we all love. This drives me to keep coming back to officiate, even if it involves potential conflict with spectators or coaches, and making the calls that test my integrity.

Based on what you just described, what has doing this taught you about the healthcare professional you want to become?  Point to one specific moment or realization that brought that lesson into focus.

As a soccer official, my role includes conflict resolution, mutual respect of players from diverse background, and structural fairness. These skills that I have practiced and developed over time helped me think of what kind of healthcare professional I want to become. What I want is to be a professional that can deliver culturally competent care, prioritizing the patient’s wellbeing, and to care for all equally. One moment I can highlight was when I had to explain hand gestures to explain a foul, ensuring that an African immigrant player understood the rule fairly without feeling publicly marginalized.