A Bridge Between Compassion and Care by Ayah

A Bridge Between Compassion and Care by Ayah - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

Committing to a four-year institution is one of the most crucial decisions in an academic career, whether transitioning from high school or a community college. This decision impacts far beyond choosing a school — it is choosing an institution that aligns with my values, aspirations, and future of becoming a Physician Assistant through committing to Health Science as my major. As a Philadelphia native, community and culture is an important aspect of my life. Coming from the City of Brotherly Love, I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by unity, diversity, and persistence. I would like to pursue furthering my education at an institution where I can attain the experience and knowledge to help treat patients who are minorities, such as myself. With the support of your scholarship, I would be capable of giving back to a city that has helped raise me.

When I was younger, I had experienced having my father constantly in the hospital due to health emergencies. At the time, I did not have the words to properly explain my emotions. I remember sitting in hospital waiting rooms feeling helpless and worried. However, watching how the medical staff moved diligently with urgency and care allowed me to realize that I wanted to make an impact in someone else’s life the same way healthcare professionals had done for me. As I grew older, I began to understand the complex systems working behind those scenes. These early experiences didn’t just inspire my curiosity—they instilled in me a calling to be a part of a profession that changes lives every day.

Witnessing the dedication and compassion the medical professionals had shown my father throughout such a stressful and vulnerable time had a profound impact on me. They not only treated my father’s symptoms but provided a sense of reassurance and empathy during such a difficult time. These experiences have made a meaningful difference in my family’s life and shaped my passion for healthcare. Looking back on the professionalism and the diligence they had demonstrated, those experiences helped me realize my desire to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others. I have found that becoming a Physician Assistant would help me pursue that goal. I want to be a provider who advocates for my patients, listens intensively regarding their medical concerns, and provides an environment for patients to feel heard. The ability to form these relationships with my patients continues to motivate me every day as I remain firm in my commitment.

Majoring in Health Science will give me the proper academic foundation I need to fully understand the human body, disease processes, and patient care. It will also prepare me for the clinical settings and scientific demands of Physician Assistant school. Most importantly, it will bring me closer to becoming a provider who listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and heals compassionately. I would like to thank you for considering me as an applicant.