KC Royals Charities Scholarship Essay

Valeria Martinez Rodelo
20/20 Leadership
Royals Scholarship
February 24, 2025

Envision this, you are shadowing doctors alongside a dedicated healthcare team as they make their rounds from one hospital room to another. You walk into a room and right before you is a child who is weak, vulnerable, and battling cancer with all their might. Suddenly, within you, there’s a desire to be a part of a diverse healthcare team that develops personalized holistic care for any child so they can heal and have a better life. This urge and images are what I experienced directly through my participation in the Allied Health Program, which is one of the many ways I have prepared for a successful future. My name is Valeria Martinez Rodelo and I want to be a pediatric oncologist with a minor in sonography.

To be a great leader one must possess abilities like teamwork, accountability, integrity, and discipline. Being a part of my high school’s tennis team has allowed me to further develop these abilities as well as other leadership skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and time management. Tennis is an individual sport on the court but this high school experience allows me to have teammates off the court. We are there for one another, pushing new boundaries while encouraging and holding each other accountable. This sport has shown me the importance of being responsible, both for myself and the team. I’ve had to apply my discipline to help me stay focused on both my personal goals and team goals.

Now, for the crème de la crème, the experience that merged all my abilities, drive, and passion to succeed. My off-campus healthcare experience at the Allied Summit Technology Program, which focuses on different healthcare studies, career paths, and shadowing. My perseverance through the application process and commitment throughout the program serve as a testament to my continuous devotion to succeeding and creating a diverse representation in the medical field, especially for children and families from marginalized communities. The shadowing aspect of the program was held at Saint Luke’s Hospital, this was my favorite part because it solidified the impact and desire that had fired up within me to pursue this career path. Engaging with children who are facing their hardest battle at such an early age made me realize that healthcare leadership is about showing up, providing emotional support, and leading through empathy. Observing the medical personnel communicate and work under pressure inspired me to reflect on my role as a future leader. I do not aspire to simply give directions but rather be someone who listens, supports, and leads by example. My commitment to leading with empathy and compassion will ensure that the well-being of my patients and my team remains top priority and will allow me to provide effective personalized care.

As a young Hispanic woman and daughter of immigrants, I understand the challenges that marginalized groups face when it comes to accessing healthcare resources and receiving the support they deserve. I want to change and bridge the gap, especially for those families from underrepresented backgrounds who often do not have the same resources or guidance that others might have. Shadowing medical professionals continuously while they provided care made me feel a deep admiration for them and an overwhelming desire to be a part of the healing process. This fueled my passion to pursue a career in pediatric oncology where I will provide effective and personalized care, hope, support, and comfort to children and their families as they battle these illnesses. After receiving my degree I want to create a program where children fighting cancer and their families can find comfort and guidance, where they can speak openly about their fears, struggles, and hopes without judgment. Through my passion for healthcare, oncology, and sonography, I will be able to advocate for and represent families from diverse backgrounds. My priority is to become a compassionate healthcare provider who listens, understands, and provides a care plan that meets their goals and needs.

As I pursue my studies and career, I aspire to positively impact and connect with families who are going through medically challenging times. I want to understand, encourage, and comfort them during their children’s treatment. Leadership experiences like being on the tennis team and participating in the Allied Health Program have helped me further evolve and develop the responsibility, discipline, communication, and compassion needed to pursue this career. My bilingualism will help me communicate with a broader range of families, offering them the comfort and care they need in their language aiding their healing journey. I aim to provide exceptional medical care and bring much-needed representation to the healthcare field. Through my career and faith, even as small as a mustard seed, I can contribute to diversifying the healthcare workforce and be a voice for families who may feel overlooked or unsupported.

By receiving The Royals Charities Scholarship I would gain the tools and financial resources necessary to continue my education with the goal of diversifying and impacting my field of study. This opportunity will enable me to better serve my community with a greater understanding and solutions to the challenges faced by patients and their families. It also serves as a catalyst for the completion of my studies.This helps me serve my community by providing holistic healthcare to those in need while also bridging the gap between those who don’t feel represented during their treatment. My diverse perspective and experiences make me a safe haven, my patients will feel understood, valued, and supported. I am dedicated to fostering a sense of hope, leaving a lasting positive impact, supporting others, and I hope this scholarship offers me the opportunity to pursue this path of growth and service. I am ready to use all of my leadership experiences, abilities, and focus to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field and help others through their toughest moments.

Thank you for your time and consideration.