How being a part of a Medical Academy has impacted me. by D'Jarra

How being a part of a Medical Academy has impacted me. by D'Jarra - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

Throughout my academic career, I have gained a great appreciation for the phrase “knowledge is power.” I have spent hundreds of hours volunteering, researching public health, and participating in emergency response efforts; all while excelling academically in preparation for a career as an innovative medical professional. I have taken advantage of several occupational programs provided by my high school’s medical academy - leading to National credentialing. I earned my EMR certification by mastering skills and gaining experience administering basic life support services to those in my community. I have also spent hundreds of hours volunteering and participating in outreach programs for the public. Currently, I'm in training to become a certified nursing assistant and phlebotomist. I intend to dedicate my life compassionately educating those living under less opportune circumstances; teaching them to maintain the health of themselves, their loved ones, and communities. I want to make drastic positive change in as many lives as humanly possible. My ultimate goal is to expand my skills and knowledge of health to everyone in need, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Thus far, I’ve been able to assist with the health and well-being of those in my own community through local programs. I aim to help many more of those in need throughout the world. In my experiences volunteering and shadowing medical professionals, I saw first-hand how socio-economic status affects one's ability and willingness to receive adequate medical care. I want to use the knowledge gained in my college education to give proper treatment to those who are the most vulnerable. I intend to become a reconstructive surgeon and implement my efforts worldwide, wherever I am needed. A quality education at college is a major milestone in my journey to becoming a dynamic global medical leader.
However, all of my occupational training has been paid in full by my high school academy. Reaching the next milestone requirews funding that would be incredibly financially strenuous on my family and myself. I have known this ever since I first stepped foot into high school. I knew that in order to achieve my goals, I would need to work hard and push myself beyond what I previously considered myself capable of. I took many extra classes including AP’s, Dual Enrollments, and Honors. I maintained high final grades and AP scores throughout high school. I volunteered hundreds of hours earning a HOBY Certificate of Recognition and a Silver President’s Volunteer Service Award. I became a Congress of Future Medical Leaders Alumni and earned the Award of Excellence. Freshman year I was valedictorian, every year after I was in the top five percent of my class. I worked incredibly hard to earn opportunities that would allow me to achieve my dreams. I did not have the privilege of financial stability and an abundance of funding. I had to strain myself to earn all of my achievements. I am fueled by my desire to join an organization dedicated to helping people around the world (e.g. Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, Peace Corps, etc.) and give help to those who need it the most.