Education: A Catalyst For Change by Kathryn

Education: A Catalyst For Change by Kathryn - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

Attending college is extremely important to me. From the age of six I knew I wanted to be a doctor. It was when I entered 9th grade that I discovered my passion for dermatology. So many people in high school were bullied for skin problems and could not afford to see a dermatologist. Skin care often isn’t prioritized because it isn’t deemed life or death. While this is true most of the time, the epidermis is the largest organ on our bodies and should be treated like any other health issue. When hard times hit families prioritize other things over seeing a dermatologist even if their child’s skin seriously affects their well-being or mental health. I want to open a free and income based dermatology clinic so that families don’t have to pick and choose when it comes to the health of their loved ones.
My father was the first in his family to attend university, changing our lineage forever. His parents struggled financially and had few opportunities before them as working class people in the 1970s. My grandmother worked at the EOA as a desk clerk, and my grandfather was in the navy later relying on disability checks from the government to help support his family. I want to earn this scholarship to become financially able to attend college to continue my father’s legacy, to provide for my future children, and to use my education to help those in need. A higher education opens doors leading to success and expands one’s mind creating informed and compassionate citizens. As Marian Wright Edelman said, “Education is improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.” With knowledge I know I can change the world.