PROFESSIONAL STATEMENT:

            Science was my first love. Since I was a young boy I have always been fascinated by the world of science, and my mind has always been hooked on discovering the certain little intricate whys and hows behind the scientific phenomena of everyday life. At such an early age I sought a deeper understanding of things that were far beyond a typical 7year olds’ capacity of understanding, but that alone fueled my desire to learn even more. Growing up in a small town where everyone knows each other, and the lack of things to do was almost the perfect recipe for trouble, I was determined not to fall into the mix. With great parents who epitomize the true meaning of unconditional love and support by my side, I have no doubt that my ambitions are becoming closer within reach, and will soon be a reality. Each day I continue to make small steps, working hard, persevering through troubles, and inching closer and closer to ascertaining my goals.

            In high school my infatuation with science continued as I joined various clubs and organizations. The most important thing I did during my high school years (which is probably one of the most important things I did in my life) was joining the Science Olympiad team at my school. Becoming a member placed me in an atmosphere with other students who felt as passionate about science as I did. I was instructed by teachers who took us under their wings, going above and beyond to make sure that we were all heading in the right direction. They allowed me to navigate through different avenues of science, exploring the plethora of possibilities that comes with choosing a career in science. During my years as part of the Science Olympiad team, I won gold first-place medals at the local, regional, and state competition levels, earning about 30 medals. I became the first person in my schools’ history to ever win a gold medal in the same event two years back-to-back; I also advanced to the national competition level twice. My years participating in Science Olympiad solidified the fact that I wanted a career in a science field.

            Upon graduating high school, my grandmother became sick, I made the decision to stay at home to lend a helping hand to my mother while attending the local community college instead of going off to a university. This was a difficult decision for me to make being that it was not a part of my original plan, but as you get older you realize that plans are always full of detours and speed bumps, and if you want to do something bad enough you will always find a new route to get it. I entered Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) in the fall of 2008 on a two-year transfer student academic track, but two years turned into three once my grandmothers’ condition worsened. My three years at BCCC are responsible for me developing certain leadership, and communication skills that I lacked coming out of high school. At BCCC I was senator of the science club, and I served as the youngest Student Government Association (SGA) President in the schools’ history. I participated in numerous volunteer activities such as Special Olympics, and fundraisers, such as the Haiti Relief Disaster Fund, and Support Our Troops. I also became one of the founders of a minority male mentoring program at the school. Most importantly, when I was a student at BCCC I finally realized that chemistry was where my heart was at.  I became a mathematics and chemistry tutor; this allowed me to stay on my toes with my work, all while helping others enhance and build  a greater understanding of certain subject matters. I graduated from BCCC in May of 2011 with three associate degrees, waiting to make my next move to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).

            I looked at chemistry to be very exciting, something that had the flexibility to lead me into an amazing career where I would never get bored. I entered as a student at ECSU in the fall of 2011; I declared my major as chemistry with a concentration in pre-pharmacy.  Now, I am currently a senior at ECSU, and I have declared biology as my minor. After graduating from this institution I plan to go to pharmacy school to obtain my Pharm D degree. I am an active member in several on-campus clubs and organizations such as: Global Leadership Academy, Green Council, the Apothecary Club, and the Health Professions Scholars Program (HPSP). This past school year I served as the vice –president of ECSU’s Pre-Alumni Association, as well as its’ chapter of National Black MBA. This past fall I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success as a presidential member (Sigma Alpha Pi), and this past spring I was awarded the Excellence in Chemistry Award. I participate in volunteer activities on campus, and even activities out in the surrounding ECSU community. With HPSP, I recently participated in a free diabetes and blood pressure clinic. This clinic was held at a local church, there was an informational session where the public was allowed to ask questions, and we also administered glucose screenings and blood pressure checks. I enjoyed the experience in its entirety, which confirmed that I am venturing into the right career choice for me. I completed a research program at ECSU this summer titled Watershed Watch 2013. This program was a partnership between the University of New Hampshire and Elizabeth City State University. In this program I worked on research that analyzed how humans impact the quality of water. This program allowed me to utilize skills learned through courses I have taken, and it also taught me new analytical methods adding to my chemistry background.

             I am already starting to formulate a plan of educational goals  to tackle after I obtain my B.S. in Chemistry, and my Pharm D; I will go on to pursue a  Master’s Degree in Biomedical Science. One of the most exciting classes I have had at ECSU was my biomedical science class; this class opened my eyes to some health issues that are around me every day, but I usually overlook them. This class revealed that I had an interest in the study of health disparities. According to the National Institute of Health, a health disparity is defined as the differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions that exists among specific population groups in America. In my community and very own family, I have witnessed how big of an issue health disparities are. My father is a diabetic, and through some of my acquired knowledge from classes, and community outreach projects I have been able to help him better stabilize his blood pressure, and blood glucose levels for the past month and a half.  The small sense of pride that I received from knowing that I am actually helping my father improve his health is enough motivation to keep me focused on this long journey ahead.