October Student of the Month

Scholarship: Wells Fargo, Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund
School: Grand Canyon University
Degree: Biology
GPA: 3.68

Community Service

During my time at Grand Canyon University, I have volunteered for community service projects that have solidified my desire to pursue a career in medicine. Following my freshman year I was invited to join a medical mission trip to Mexico with Well Child International. We conducted health screenings and provided healthcare services at a clinic. During my sophomore year, I joined a Research and Design Project (RDP) in a cadaver lab to carry out research into emerging fields of study. As a member of the anatomy team, I contributed to research on the cardiovascular system. As an extension of this project, I pursued certification to be on the dissection team, a prestigious role in the pre-med program. Because of the anatomy expertise I gained in the RDP, I qualified to volunteer with the Anatomy Mentoring Center which offers tutoring to students in the anatomy and physiology labs. I volunteered four hours weekly in the lab helping underclassmen identify structures on cadavers or anatomical models. 

Beyond my degree-specific volunteer work on campus, I have also worked as a Resident Assistant in the dorms for three years, served on the Student Advisory Board of the Honors College for two years, and was an Honors College mentor to freshman honors students during my junior year. In these roles, I have had the opportunity to contribute to discussions about policy, student engagement, and academic success strategies.

My career aspiration is to know how to help people needing medical care. As a student leader, researcher, tutor, and student advocate, I am fulfilling an aspect of that goal by contributing my skills to the community and by helping fellow students succeed. Because of my extensive community engagement and leadership accomplishments, I will graduate with a Leadership Distinction in April.

About Me

I am a senior set to graduate this spring from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a Pre-Med emphasis, and a minor in Psychology. I also have an Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University that I completed through dual-enrollment in high school. My academic accomplishments reflect my commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and positively impacting my community.

To help fund my education I have worked the past two summers in sales and most recently served as a Sales Manager training and mentoring a rookie sales team. While these jobs have not directly correlated with my future goals in medicine, they certainly taught me perseverance and honed my strong work ethic.

Throughout college I have continued to focus my energy on my academic pursuits as well as student leadership. For the past three years I have served as a Resident Assistant where I have showcased my leadership skills by diplomatically enforcing housing rules, organizing community events, and modeling academic excellence. i have also served as an Honors College mentor to freshmen, giving them encouragement and tools for academic success. Because of my demonstrated competency in my science courses, I was recently hired as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant where I collaborate with professors, assist in grading, and lead group discussions.

Being a Native Forward scholar holds profound significance to me, as it aligns with my commitment to academic achievement, cultural preservation, and community impact. As a proud recipient of the Science Post Graduate Scholarship Fund from Native Forward, I recognize the transformative power of education in empowering Indigenous communities. This scholarship not only supports my academic pursuits, but also symbolizes a collective investment in the future of Native individuals in the sciences. It serves as a testament to the importance of bridging cultural heritage with scientific knowledge, fostering a holistic approach to learning. The recognition and support from Native Forward inspires me to contribute meaningfully to both my academic field and the broader communities I reside in. It amplifies my responsibility to serve as a role model, breaking barriers and encouraging fellow Indigenous students to pursue higher education careers in STEM fields. Being a Native Forward scholar fuels my passion for research and education, motivating me to explore innovative ways to integrate traditional knowledge with modern scientific practices. This scholarship is not just financial assistance, it is a symbol of solidarity and empowerment, driving me to leverage my education for the betterment of Indigenous communities. It reinforces my commitment to giving back, as evidenced by my extensive community engagement pursuits as a healthcare volunteer, researcher, tutor, mentor and student advocate. Ultimately, being a Native Forward scholar is a profound honor and a catalyst for positive change, allowing me to merge my academic pursuits with a deep sense of cultural responsibility and community engagement. 

Want to be our next Student of the Month? Apply here!