New Career and New Dreams by Daija

New Career and New Dreams by Daija - May 2023 Scholarship Essay

As the pandemic swept across the world, I found myself out of work for six months. The beauty industry, which had been my livelihood, had come to a halt, and I was left with an enormous amount of time to reflect on my future, perhaps too much time. It was significantly more time than warranted, though the perfect amount to make any sane person question everything. It was during this period of uncertainty that I sought stability. This quest inspired my radical decision to pivot my career towards healthcare. Yes, I worked in a hospital amid covid19. I am currently employed at ECU Health medical center, where I have been able to gain invaluable experience working in the emergency department. Through this experience, I have witnessed firsthand the flaws and shortcomings of our healthcare system and have been inspired to pursue a degree in public health.
I witnessed patients struggling to articulate their pain face prolonged suffering. I will never forget the heart-wrenching sound of a man’s skull hitting the floor as he had a seizure in the lobby, followed by the deafening silence that ensured. I also encountered the anguish and exhaustion of a wife whose insurance refused to cover her husband’s necessary care, forcing her to transport him to and from the hospital as his condition worsened. These experiences have deeply unsettled me, and I have been driven onto a relentless pursuit to understand how we got here and how we can get out. I fear for those without resources to access proper care, those lacking preventative treatment, individuals without access to healthy food, clean water, and clean air, as well as those without advocates or find themselves mentally altered and those who are simply alone. While medical staff are doing their best, the immense strain and stress they face daily are evident. I have witnessed some of them take a few minutes to breathe and cry before resuming their duties. I want better for the care team, who feel compelled to work despite being sleep-deprived, overworked, understaffed, and facing lawsuits for alleged negligence.
As I pondered these issues, I discovered that access, quality, and safety in healthcare are regulated through public policy. Policymakers research and study what has and hasn’t been effective and propose revisions to improve healthcare outcomes. I want to participate in a field that is aiding the health of our sick nation. Between the rising rates of obesity and declining mental health, I worry about the future. As an army brat, I have had the privilege of experiencing the diversity of people, cultures, and dialects. I adore people and believe in our potential as a collective. However, it frustrates me to see how many are overlooked and underserved by the masses. I want to be the change that supports the healing and overall well-being of those who are victims of their circumstances. If the people I love and adore are unwell, our society suffers. I have seen the challenges that patients and healthcare workers face, and I am committed to being a part of the solution.
My ultimate goal is to become a policy analyst specializing in the healthcare system. Engaging with illiterate, mentally altered, or foreign individuals has instilled a level of compassion that I believe is lacking in our current system that has shifted healthcare toward a business-oriented approach. These individuals often are without loved ones to speak on their behalf or the education to effectively request appropriate care. These ongoing shortcomings of our healthcare system have been magnified by the pandemic.
I am passionate about using my education and experience to create a more equitable and just system. However, as an adult student, I face unique challenges in pursuing my education. Balancing work and school can be overwhelming at times, but I am determined to make it work. Financial resources have been scarce, and the thought of accumulating debt haunts me. That is why I am applying for this scholarship, which would help alleviate some of the financial burden and enable me to focus more fully on achieving my educational and professional goals.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to apply for this scholarship and am committed to using the resources and support it provides to make a positive impact on the healthcare system and the lives of those who need it most. With your support, I will be able to continue to pursue my dreams and make a positive impact on the world. I am passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives, and I am confident that my experience has prepared me for a career in public policy. Thank you for considering my application.