Maya to Harvard SSP

‘What if the cure for a disease is trapped inside the mind of someone who can’t afford an education?’ As a student that achieved tremendous academic success and was offered a partial scholarship to study at Harvard this summer, I can relate to this quote. There is a severe economic divide in this country and the current pandemic has made things worse. I asked Harvard if additional funding could be rewarded. Unfortunately, they are unwilling to increase the scholarship award. I am unsure on next steps as the payment still stands at 3, 300 dollars with a deadline of June 17th at the latest. 


Although the world is filled with a number of injustices and diseases, as my parents always told me, the only way to fix these is through education and breaking through socio-economic barriers--something I aspire to do. 


From a young age, I have wanted to help others. It is what sparked my interest in medicine and activism. In the past few years, I have done a number of things to fight against injustices and support my community--I find it very important to help others and work for equity. As of right now, I am a part of the Eureka! Girls Inc., National Girls Inc, Young Women's Advisory Council (YWAC), and the National YWAC. In these organizations, I work to help my local and national communities. Throughout the years, I have become an advocate for multiple branches of social justice, including sexual harassment and abuse, mental health, gender equity, and food equity. 


In the future, I aspire to pursue neurology. Due to the prevalent presence of neurological diseases, I want to help those affected and contribute to the work being done to find cures. Through attending Harvard summer school, I will be able to advance my knowledge and pursue this dream.  

Thank you! Please help by sharing and supporting!