Beyond Blemishes by Kennedi

Beyond Blemishes by Kennedi - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Growing up, I struggled with acne, and it was a constant source of bullying from my peers. I tried multiple treatments, but none of them genuinely worked. It was challenging to be left with various blemishes, and it made me realize the impact of having accessible dermatology services in underrepresented communities. Unfortunately, I didn't have dermatologists with brown skin like me. There are only three black dermatologists in my area with a wait list longer than a year, and as a result, I was left with a lack of confidence.

As a single mom, my mother couldn't afford the high cost of dermatologists. She did her best by having to make do with over-the-counter medicines, which always didn't work for me. It was challenging for her to watch me experience bullying and the pain of the acne that I couldn't control. I always knew she tried her best to support me, but the financial burden was too great for her to bear alone.

These experiences have shaped my desire to pursue a major in biology on the pre-med track to become a dermatologist. I want to be an accessible dermatologist to those in underrepresented communities so I can limit the experiences young girls and boys go through with acne like I once did. I would address the needs of underrepresented communities and provide them with the best care.
Everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin, regardless of their socioeconomic status. As a dermatologist, I will help people feel good about themselves and their well-being, as I want to be committed to providing the best health care to all.

Being a dermatologist will be not only a career but also a passion as I can contribute to improving the world. I know the journey and this work will be challenging, but my mom's struggles have taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work. My experiences with acne and lack of accessible dermatologists have inspired me to be a dermatologist to impact the future.