“I chose medicine because it allows me to connect with people, be responsible for them, while at the same time granting me the opportunity to be in a stimulating field that is always evolving…A lot of the chronic problems that patients suffer are primarily societal issues, and I firmly believe that the only way to truly change that is by being actively engaged in our communities; advocacy is a prerequisite for change.”

“I chose Family Medicine because I love how it focuses on prevention and education of diseases before they become chronic illnesses. Additionally, I love how Family doctors take care of individuals throughout their whole life span from a baby to an elderly individual. In the future, my hope as a Family doctor is to help bridge the gap by working within communities to educate people about their health…I also hope to work with minority population groups and in underserved areas, where people have difficulties accessing healthcare."

"Thank you very much for your generous donation in supporting my education. Your contribution to my life and studies cannot be understated. As a first-generation immigrant from Pakistan, it was not an easy path to set out to become a doctor, so I am extremely grateful for someone like you supporting my journey to enhance the lives of many patients in the future.”

“I have been a nurse aide since I was 16 years old…Nursing is my life and it found me…Not only is nursing my passion, it's the only way I can break generational poverty and show my daughters the value of education...This scholarship is a blessing and the tissue I needed to dry my eyes."

"I have been wanting to go back to Nursing school for over 20 years. Your scholarship has helped me to continue to pursue this lifelong goal...Your scholarship is a large financial relief as I start my new journey...I love helping people and seeing the impact I have made in someone's life, even if for just a moment."

"I aspire to become a nurse who will affect positive change and help in alleviating the suffering of individuals who find themselves in vulnerable positions. I am committed to being a strong advocate for patients who may be scared to articulate their needs or concerns, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their requirements are met. My goal is to provide compassionate care and support, contributing to a healthcare system that places the well-being of patients at its forefront."

"After graduation I look forward to going back into emergency medicine to hold the line in the fight that few others want to undertake...I chose this path to give back to those who have done so much for me throughout my life, and I would like to spend the rest of my life repaying that debt. This award from the RUSM Alumni Association is further proof that good things come to those who work hard, and I appreciate your vote of confidence in me.”

"Wow! I am overjoyed to receive the Black Excellence Scholarship. A sense of ease overwhelms my heart...Truly, medicine is a form of humility, the ability to acquire expertise to serve others about their state of being. It requires capacity, perseverance, and passion...Amongst other qualified recipients you saw me, choose me. I appreciate your time and diligence. I will continue to strive for nothing short of excellence."

“After some years working in the nutrition field, I felt I could do more for animal health and welfare as a veterinarian than I could as a nutritionist. I decided to go back to school to fully embrace my calling of becoming a veterinarian...Your belief in my potential fuels my determination to dedicate myself to my studies and gives me the strength to continue my path of becoming a veterinarian. I am sincerely thankful for the opportunities this scholarship opens and its positive impact on my educational journey.”

“Both of my parents grew up in Vietnam, and they gave up their hopes and dreams to start over in a foreign country. With financial limitations, I’ve never asked my parents to pay for my higher education because the least I can do to repay them for all their sacrifices is to do what I can to pay for it myself… I'm hoping to pursue small animal cardiology or oncology and getting chosen for this award really adds fuel to my fire to keep working hard towards that end goal.”

“It is an immense honor to be selected as a recipient, and I am sincerely thankful for your investment in my education and future endeavors. I have been passionate about mental health advocacy and support since the early stages of my academic journey. The decision to pursue Clinical Mental Health Counseling stems from a profound desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges, particularly within underserved inner-city communities."

“I’ve always wanted to help people. Seeing my granddad and mom work in this type of field gave me the motivation and drive to follow in their footsteps because of the change I witnessed. I am incredibly honored to have received this opportunity to prove that hard work and dedication can pay off. This year has been hard not just for me, but my children, and I knew that I could not give up on my dreams…[to] show them that no matter what is thrown at you and no matter how old you are, you can still make your dreams a reality!"

"Your generosity has opened a gateway to opportunities and motivation. This scholarship is not just financial aid but an investment in my future and an affirmation of my potential to contribute significantly to healthcare and scientific research. Your support empowers me to pursue my Doctorate in Healthcare Administration with less financial constraints. I am committed to utilizing this opportunity to its fullest, aiming to make a meaningful difference in my field of expertise."