Our Future - My Impact by Angelica

Our Future - My Impact by Angelica - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

Ten years from now, I see myself at the forefront of breast cancer research, working diligently to develop innovative biomedical solutions that will prevent, detect, and treat this devastating disease. My journey to this moment will have been shaped by my education at Johns Hopkins University, where I will have earned a degree in biomedical engineering. I’ve recently applied for a summer program at Johns Hopkins called ISPEED. I plan to be accepted and launch my career utilizing this platform. This rigorous academic experience will have provided me with the technical expertise, research opportunities, and mentorship necessary to transform my passion into meaningful action.

My decision to dedicate my life to breast cancer research is deeply personal. My father’s entire nuclear family consisting of his mother, father, and older sister have all battled breast cancer. Though they are all fine now, the fear of the disease looms over my family, a reminder of how much work remains to be done in this field. My father has, so far, avoided this fate, and my goal is to ensure that he and millions of others never have to face it. I am determined to stop this disease in its tracks through cutting edge research and advancements in early detection and prevention.

At Johns Hopkins, I will immerse myself in the study of biomedical engineering, focusing on the development of medical technologies that can revolutionize cancer treatment. Through laboratory research, collaboration with leading scientists, and hands-on clinical applications, I will gain the skills necessary to bridge the gap between engineering and medicine. My education will not only equip me with knowledge but will also challenge me to think critically and innovatively, preparing me for a career where strong problem solving skills is paramount.

Beyond the lab, I will remain deeply involved in my community, advocating for young people especially those from underrepresented backgrounds to explore careers in STEM. I recognize that my own path was shaped by mentors and opportunities that encouraged my curiosity, and I intend to pay it forward. Through outreach programs, mentorship initiatives, and speaking engagements, I will work to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and medical professionals. I want to show young minds that STEM is not just a field of study but a powerful tool for change. I want young people to know, as I know, that they have the power to shape the future for generations to come.

In ten years, I see myself leading groundbreaking research projects, working alongside fellow scientists, engineers and bright minds to bring forth discoveries that can save lives. I envision developing medical devices that improve early breast cancer detection and pioneering treatments that reduce the risk of recurrence. My ultimate goal is to see a world where breast cancer is no longer a looming threat but a preventable and manageable condition.

My education at Johns Hopkins will be the foundation of this future. It will have given me the knowledge, the research experience, and the confidence to tackle one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time. More than that, it will have reinforced my belief that science is not just about discovery, but rather it is about impact. Ten years from now, I will be living proof that with passion, perseverance, and the right education, it is possible to turn personal motivation into global change.