My name is Joiya Keith, and I am a sophomore at Xavier University of Louisiana, majoring in Public Health. My long-term goal is to become a dermatologist and return to my community to educate others about skincare, while also launching my own skincare line. This career path is deeply personal to me, shaped by my passion for science, curiosity about the human body, and a desire to empower others—especially those in underserved communities. From a young age, science classes sparked my interest. As I grew older, I developed a strong interest in beauty and self-care, particularly in hair, nails, and skincare. But I realized early on that beauty school alone wouldn’t satisfy my desire to deeply understand the science behind skin health. I wanted more than just the "how"—I needed to understand the "why." This curiosity became more personal as I experienced my own skin struggles, including eczema, a condition that disproportionately affects the Black community. These experiences fueled my desire to pursue dermatology—not only to better understand my own skin but also to help others who feel insecure or confused about their own skin health. Dermatology represents the perfect intersection between my love for science and my commitment to serving others. Beyond becoming a dermatologist, I envision using my platform and resources to create an organization that supports minorities pursuing careers in healthcare. I understand firsthand the mental, financial, and academic challenges that can come with this journey. My goal is to provide mentorship, financial support, and academic preparation for students, helping them confidently pursue medical school and beyond. Receiving this scholarship would mean more than financial relief—it would be a significant step toward achieving my goals. As a student at an HBCU, I have experienced the lack of funding that institutions like mine often face compared to larger PWIs. Despite my best efforts to cover costs through hard work and planning, the financial gap is still very real. My family is doing all they can to support me and my sister, who is a recent graduate from Hampton University—but the burden is heavy. This scholarship would alleviate some of that pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and growth. It would give me the freedom to explore research opportunities, internships, and extracurricular activities that contribute to my personal and professional development—opportunities I might otherwise have to sacrifice due to financial constraints. More importantly, this scholarship is a vote of confidence in me and my future. It tells me that someone believes in my potential and wants to invest in my success. That encouragement fuels my determination to push forward, excel academically, and eventually give back by uplifting my community and the next generation of aspiring healthcare professionals. Thank you for supporting students like me who are committed to making a difference.