Digna

Having taken a few steps, I cast a furtive glance at my cousin. A small wrinkle had formed between her brows. She was worried. Her silence reaffirmed everything that I had known to be true: her duty to me as a caretaker was complete and it was now my responsibility to join my family in the United States. Albeit a sad moment, I continued to walk into the airport. Thus, my journey to America began. 

Wholeheartedly captivated by the promise of opportunity and self determination, my family and I immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in October of 1995. Life in the States has not been without its fair share of challenges. Lack of financial resources and support from the extended family that we left behind in Nigeria has sometimes slowed us down in our endeavors. However, our unwavering hope in a better tomorrow has served to nurture us because we understand that our hard work and tenacity will be rewarded one day.

In 2009, I gained admission to the Barnard College of Columbia University. This accomplishment concretized my faith in the American dream. I am currently a rising junior at Barnard. I have chosen to pursue a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology because I believe that both courses of study are integral to my success as an aspiring physician. Whereas biology will enable me to understand the intricate mechanisms that propel existence, psychology will enable me to tease apart the complexities of thought and behavior. The skills that I will obtain upon completion of my undergraduate education will prepare me for the rigors of medical school; thus, ultimately enabling me to be of great service to individuals whom I seek to help.

Having been given countless opportunities to better myself, I expect to give equally as much. As a physician, I wish to address the needs of underserved and underrepresented populations. I hope to help my patients combat health disparities, and to be an advocate who is entirely committed to giving patients quality care irrespective of his or her socioeconomic status, gender, race, and creed.  In addition, I hope to one day build a hospital in Nigeria, my native country, as such institutions are scant. The New York Needs You program will help me accomplish all of my goals. The program has and will continue to instill great confidence in me as I embark on my journey to a future teeming with endless possibilities. As a fellow, I look forward to building enduring friendships, to taking advantage of unique opportunities to grow as a professional, and to surpassing the limits that I have set for myself.