Because One Life Affects a Thousand by Brooke

Because One Life Affects a Thousand by Brooke - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

I plan to major in Public Health in college, driven by my goal of shaping equitable public policy and my long-standing love for dance. At first glance, these interests may seem unrelated but both reflect my deep commitment to community well-being. Dance has taught me discipline, expression, and the importance of physical and mental health. It’s through this lens that I began to see health not just as an individual pursuit but as a societal issue, impacted by policy, environment, and access. Studying public health will equip me with the tools to advocate for communities, design health-focused initiatives, and ultimately influence policy decisions that promote healthier lives.
I chose public health because I’ve always wanted to make a difference on a large scale. Rather than treating individuals one by one, public health allows me to prevent illness and promote wellness across entire communities. I was drawn to public health because of its focus on prevention. Instead of reacting to disease, I wanted to be part of the solution that stops it before it starts through policy.
Living through a pandemic also shaped my decision to study public health. I have always been interested in healthcare, but watching people face health challenges that could’ve been prevented or managed better with public awareness or access to care made me realize how important public health is in creating healthier, more equitable societies.
With my degree in public health, I plan to focus on policy for minority maternal and child health because the disparities in outcomes are not just statistics but stories of loss, unequal care, and systemic failure. Black and Indigenous women in the U.S are several times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. This awareness of the constant disregard of the health of minorities, angers me because it can be prevented and improved if someone took the time.
Public health policy has the power to drive systemic change through funding, and community-centered programs. I want to help create and advocate for policies that not only address inequality but are shaped with the voices of the communities they affect. Ensuring that every mother and child regardless of race and background has an equitable chance at a healthy life is what motivates my long-term goal.
Overall, I want to guarantee that all people have access to the resources they need to live healthier lives. I am aware that this is a job in demand and will take effort and hard-work to advocate on a large scale. Through my dedication I will push through the expected obstacles. Dance has shaped me into someone who values determination, collaboration, and connection. The empathy developed through dance influenced my decision to pursue a career in Public Healthcare Policy, where these qualities are highly valued. I have a passion for helping others and I believe this career path will be personally fulfilling.