From Dreams to Destiny: My Path to Xavier University of Louisiana by Tiara

From Dreams to Destiny: My Path to Xavier University of Louisiana by Tiara - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Tiara Alridge, and I am a sixteen year old senior, attending Saint Mary's Academy. I live in New Orleans, Louisiana, in a neighborhood where poverty and crime is dominated. Since I was four years old, I’ve always known that I wanted to become a physician. My parents nurtured my dream by buying me toy medical kits and encouraging me to explore my gift. I want to use my gift for greater good, ultimately impacting my community, and being the change I want to see. Therefore, I work significantly hard to achieve my goals as I am a firm believer of my school’s motto, “No Excellence Without Hard Labor!” I will use my hard labor to attain the next chapter of my life. My next big educational goal is to attend my dream HBCU, Xavier University of Louisiana. This prestigious university will be the stepping stone I need to accomplish my ultimate goal of entering medical school and becoming a doctor.

Attending Xavier University of Louisiana is more than just a dream; it’s a necessary step on my journey to success. XULA has a rich history of producing top-tier Black professionals, particularly in the medical field. Their programs are designed to guide students like me through the rigorous process of preparing for medical school. I believe that the education and support I’ll receive at XULA will not only equip me with the knowledge I need but also inspire me to push forward, no matter how tough the road ahead might be.

I want to make my parents proud, as well as honor the memory of my auntie, who was tragically murdered by her boyfriend, and my grandmother, who suffered from a stroke. Both of them passed away within a month of each other, leaving a void in my life that I’ve filled with determination and a drive to succeed. I’ve poured myself into my studies, earning a 4.6 cumulative GPA and being acknowledged for my academic achievements by the MLK chapter of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, President’s Honor Roll, and SMA Honor Society. These honors remind me that I’m on the right path, but I know that there’s still so much more to achieve.

One of my deepest aspirations is to break barriers and become a role model for young Black women who share similar goals as me. I will prove that it’s possible to rise above difficult circumstances and achieve greatness. If I can make it, so can they. My advice to anyone with a dream like mine is simple: don’t let anything or anyone stop you. There will be challenges, but those challenges are what make the journey worthwhile. Keep pushing, keep believing, and most importantly, keep striving for excellence.
In addition to my personal ambitions, I’m committed to increasing the number of active Black women physicians in my community. We need more doctors who understand our experiences and can provide reliable, affordable healthcare. This is especially important in poverty areas like my own, where access to quality medical care is often limited. By becoming a physician, I hope to give back to my community and help pave the way for future generations of Black women in medicine.

In conclusion, my next big educational goal is to attend Xavier University of Louisiana, where I can continue to build on the foundation I’ve laid so far. I’m determined to become a physician, not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and all the young Black women who may look up to me. With the right education, I believe I can make a real difference in the world, and I’m excited to take the next step on this journey.