What does inspiration mean to you? How would you use your platform in your future career in healthcare to inspire and uplift others?

Inspiration is about finding a spark that speaks to you, and in turn, using that same spark to make a difference in the lives of those around you. My late grandmother was an inspiration to me. Every occasion I spent time with her, she modeled for me how I was to value and serve others using my God-given gifts. As most grandmothers have a knack for doing, she made me feel special and that the world needed the contribution that only I could give.

Unfortunately, my grandmother's life was cut short by dementia. Through her suffering, I saw firsthand how devastating this disease can be. It left my grandmother a shell of what she used to be. My grandmother's suffering was the chief spark that prompted me to pursue a career in science and medicine. I want to make a positive impact in the lives of those who suffer from debilitating health conditions.

As an aspiring neurologist or cardiologist, I plan to serve underserved communities by:

1) Bringing a spotlight to health issues and societal conditions that continue to adversely impact communities of color. While things are changing slightly, I recognize that many individuals do not have access to health services and other resources to improve and maintain their health. I plan to use my platform as a physician to advocate for social, political and economic changes that can enhance the health of underserved communities.

2) Being vulnerable and sharing my own story around health and wellness. People need to hear how we (or others in our families) have struggled to persevere in the face of challenges. Often times during very personal situations, we tend to keep things to ourselves instead of opening up and sharing our stories. I believe it helps if others know that we have walked the path or experienced the very challenges and setbacks they are battling.

3) Following in the footsteps of individuals like you. No one in my family is a physician, so I don't have a blueprint of how to achieve this. However, I have sought out mentors who can help encourage me along my journey of becoming a physician, and I want to provide this same mentorship for others once I achieve my dream.

What intentional actions are you currently taking to inspire people around you?

My grandfather is a pastor and immigrant from Dominica. He is my last surviving grandparent and I have been fortunate to have him in my life. He has helped me develop a heart for serving others and has helped me recognize that many people are in need even if I can't easily see their challenges or pain.

As a mentee with the 100 Black Men of the Inland Empire, I have had the opportunity to be participate in two home makeovers for single moms who are victims of domestic violence. There is nothing like being able to grab the hand of a young child as they walk into their new home and run into their own room for the first time. It truly warmed my heart to play one-on-one with him on the new basketball net set up in the backyard.

I am also grateful that I have the opportunity to provide musical therapy at a memory care center near my home. My grandmother was also a musician and when she passed away from dementia, I wanted to do something to honor her memory while bringing joy and light to others. Playing the piano for these residents connects me to the holistic approach to medicine and allows me to see that joy and relationship is an important part of caring for others.

One additional way I have had the opportunity to inspire others is through Coffee for Cutz, a venture I developed in the 9th grade. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed the social and emotional toll the disease had on youth like me. Along with my parents and a non-profit called Young Visionaries, I arranged for no-cost haircuts for marginalized youth in the Inland Empire. I strongly believe that when young people look good and feel good, they show up better in the classroom, community, and on the sports field. It has been an honor to continue this important work. 

As a scholar, athlete, and musician I recognize that I have a unique platform to serve others, and I am grateful that I am able to bring change and inspire others through small, in the yet impactful actions.

If granted the scholarship, describe how you would utilize the award to propel yourself towards your goals and continue serving as a source of inspiration to others.

If I am selected to receive the 2024 Desire to Inspire Scholarship, I would leverage it to support my educational journey and career path. It is no secret that obtaining a college degree takes, time, dedication, and money — and this is particularly true when it come to the long road associated with becoming a physician. According to a 2023 report by the Education Data Initiative, the average cost to attend a four-year college ranges from $104,000 to $223,000, so I recognize that I need to start saving, investing and securing scholarships now in order to lessen the financial burden for college.

Additionally, I would like to use the scholarship to support my attendance at a college prep STEM or health academy program next summer. I have researched various programs at universities across the country in anticipation of applying this coming fall/winter. Although I am doing everything I can to prepare myself academically by taking rigorous classes in high school, attending a summer enrichment program would increase my knowledge and confidence to successfully navigate the journey to becoming a physician.