Royals 21

January 1976- &&&&&& &&&&&& immigrates to America from Iran, in hopes of a good education, barely escaping the Iranian Revolution.

September 2001- &&&&&& buys a small home in Kansas City, Kansas, 66102.

July 2005- &&&&&& &&&&&& departs the Philippines and arrives in the US after knowing my dad for years. The same month, they wed in a courthouse.

March 2006- I enter &&&&&& and &&&&&&lives as their firstborn child.

September 2022 – I enter my senior year of high school looking for life beyond 66102.

66102 is the zip code I have called home my entire life. Growing up, I accepted that we would always be the “ugly” part of town. What I did not know as a child, is that 66102 has a plethora of healthcare disparities; it is a place where people skip their doctor’s appointments until it is too late, where the rate of uninsured people is 3-4x higher than zip codes 15 minutes away, where people dream of escaping. I admit I am guilty of wanting to leave as well, but I recognize the potential this beautiful part of the city has. I know what it’s like to choose between putting food on the table and paying for health insurance; these experiences are a driving force behind my desire to connect and give back to my community and others like it. I am convinced that becoming a healthcare professional is the best way to do that. While I have had the opportunity to volunteer for several organizations, I want to increase my efforts by devoting full-time effort. Once I am a physician, my goal is to remain active in advocacy and research programs that will help to reimagine care in ways that increase access for underserved groups.

The health disparities in 66102 have also affected me personally. Racial bias has plagued healthcare and disproportionately affects non-white populations. I have been struck by racial bias, with one doctor telling my parents I was “playing possum” when she could not find the cause for my claims. In actuality, I needed immediate bladder stone removal surgery. A few years later, during my dad’s hospital stay to remove a cancerous tumor, I spent many days in the ICU, looking out the window. I wondered how my dad’s cancer journey would impact my family in the long run. The dull hum of machines and beeping monitors was often accompanied by a range of cries. Knowing how the past few months had impacted me, I wondered what the family in the other room was going through; what was the cause of their muffled crying? Empathy, a value I did not know by name at the time, is one I unknowingly strengthened during this period. Over the summer, when I was volunteering in the emergency department at North Kansas City Hospital, I was faced with the same cries I heard earlier in my life, this time on the other side. Instead of wondering why they were crying, I recognized my potential to comfort them. Knowing I was once in their shoes has prepared me for this. Showing patients kindness, with something as little, yet meaningful as a hot blanket or smile, can be enough to ease their moment of distress. 

Growing up in a tri-cultural household was difficult in many ways, with several nights spent arguing over what is “normal” and “abnormal”. This has taught me about the nature of differing cultural norms; I can use these experiences to connect and understand future colleagues and patients. Sure, my family was not wealthy and faced our fair share of troubles, but our blue-painted house represented three different upbringings. I have heard countless stories of my parent’s lives before their immigration, experiences ranging from boring days living on a farm to the excitement of living in a vibrant village near the seaside. Through all their tales, I have noticed the similarities and differences between their native countries and my present life. I may not have to sow crops or clean houses, but I do possess the same qualities it takes to do so: a strong mindset, a caring persona, and a humble attitude. I find these qualities to be integral to my identity as they have been passed down to me; I aim to nurture these throughout my life. 

I recognize the value of representation, so I aim to inspire students in my diverse community and be a role model. One of the ways I do this is by being a senior mentor at KU’s Saturday Science, Math, and Technology Academy, where I help teach our curriculum to middle and high school students, answer any questions, and give advice. This is my most notable leadership experience, and I want to continue to do this, and in the future inspire patients and their families from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue medicine and science. I am inspired when students show up with smiles on their faces and are enthusiastic to learn and answer questions. This has taught me the importance of making sure underserved students receive mentorship and guidance, especially because many of the children in our community do not have the right connections to succeed when compared to more privileged communities. Because of this, I want to continue mentoring at Saturday Academy and other programs like it, promoting equity for students in Kansas City.

I want to put an emphasis on preventative care and education through public health awareness as opposed to solely treating patients once they are sick. It is unacceptable that the life expectancy in my community is seven years shorter than people living 15 minutes away. I want to be a healthcare professional who advocates for my patients, educating families on preventative care and overall health and wellness while showing them kindness and empathy in their moments of distress. 

My journey began with my parents’ immigration to America, and I aim to continue that journey, making a difference in her community and beyond.