Senior 42

 Leadership to me is one of the most important qualities in a person as it shows their ability to take control and to do the best not only for themselves but for those around them. Growing up I saw my immigrant mother experience a lot of issues navigating the healthcare system as she had limited resources. This was a turning point for me. It instilled in me a determination to become a leader in my field of choice.

Pursuing a healthcare career can feel difficult since it is expensive, predominantly white, and the workload is tough, however, that is not enough to discourage me. Throughout my high school years I have maintained excellent grades, been on the honor roll, been a part of after school extracurriculars including 20/20 leadership, sports teams all while maintaining a part-time job. I also took it upon myself to connect with a local Kansas City doctor and shadowed her at Children’s Mercy Hospital in the Emergency Pediatric Unit. Exposures like these are not very common, especially at my age. Through this experience, I met a separate Hispanic doctor who expressed to me the need for more Spanish speakers in the medical field, specifically in the ER unit. It is crucial for patients to be able to communicate with their doctor, especially in urgent cases. While shadowing, we visited a patient and her mother who only spoke Spanish and had been to many other doctors before us. These doctors told her nothing was wrong with her daughter but because of the language barrier, the mother could not communicate her needs. Through our shared skill of communication the ER doctor was able to help his patient. Oftentimes my community is not given the level of care they need due to language barriers. I plan to dedicate my future work to closing that barrier and further providing them with the care they need in a language they understand. I recognize that my diverse background, and experiences are a strength that I can use to lead and advocate for my future patients to truly make a difference in their care. In the future, I hope to continue demonstrating leadership by actively engaging in initiatives that address healthcare disparities and promote accessible healthcare for underserved communities. Whether it’s by advocating for policy changes, volunteering in underserved communities, or mentoring future healthcare professionals, I am committed to making a difference through my compassion for inclusivity in the healthcare world.

My commitment to my community and my humble upbringings are the core inspirations to my leadership. Rooted from empathy, courage and determination I have been able to use these skills in order to lead not only myself but those around me. Despite the obstacles, I am prepared for my journey into the medical field. I am confident in the invaluable knowledge I bring, one that connects immigrants, low-income and Spanish-speaking individuals with the healthcare they rightfully deserve. Beyond my dedication to my studies, I am driven by the need to transform the world of pediatric healthcare to better serve minority communities.