As I am at the precipice of high school, I need help to start my educational journey. Many schools host one-week trips to places like Washington D.C and Paris, and in my case, I was selected to go to a medical summer program in Massachusetts, which is why I created this fundraiser. I hope that all of you who read my story will be moved to help me make my very first trip leading to my dream career of becoming a Biomedical Engineer.

My name is Sarah Kpomassi. I am 15 years old and live in DFW, Texas. I live with my mom and I am currently in 9th grade. I love Science, along with Fine Arts such as Music and Band. We have all heard many people ask kids the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?'' At first, I was considering singing, acting, or maybe even being a doctor, until one day, when I was 11 years old, watching a T.V. show about cool careers. One of the careers the show presented was Biomedical Engineering. It showcased a 17-year-old amputee getting a realistic prosthetic leg for the first time. The show talked about artistic styles for different types of prosthetics, the science behind the fibers and silicones, and the robotics/engineering involved. I was so interested in all of these topics. This was when I decided what I am going to do for the rest of my life. Becoming a Biomedical Engineer will allow me to do the things I love while making life easier for hospital workers, amputees, and people in general.

Being raised by a single mother, she has been the backbone, support, and motivation for everything I do. Originally from West Africa, she has worked her way to where we are now and pushed me to be the best I can be. Every practice, rehearsal, or event that I needed or wanted to go to had her support. Even when things are tight, she makes me feel like the richest girl in the world. She always reminds me to be true to myself and of the opportunity and privilege it is to be born and raised in America. She has given me opportunities to explore the globe. Now, as I embark on this journey, I would like to bring my mom with me so she can also experience and enjoy the fruit of her hard work and dedication.

For all of my life, I have been a high-performing student and regardless of the challenges, I have done my best to keep my stride. Currently, I am in all advanced classes, as well as AP Human Geography and Band (I play the flute). The National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists sent me an invitation letter, and I was ecstatic not only to be selected but also to be in the presence of such high-achieving scholars. One of the physicians that will be mentoring at the event is Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders who was the first African American, and the only other woman to be the Surgeon General of the United States. She inspires me to keep chasing my dreams and not let anyone or anything stop me. Ultimately, I would like to go to Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut where I can pursue a major in Biomedical Engineering and Robotics applied to Science.

The Congress of Future Medical Leaders will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of June, 2023 at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. It is only 3 days but we will be hearing from world-renowned scholars, such as Dr. Elders, who not only pioneered for their communities but also in the world of Science and medicine as we know it today. We will also get to witness a live surgery broadcast. As wonderful as it seems, this program is expensive. Even with my Mom’s support, it won't be enough to cover all the fees. Tuition is $1,056 with a payment plan or $985 in full. In addition to the tuition, we will need to purchase 2 roundtrip plane tickets, and a hotel for 5-6 nights, as well as other accommodations that my Mom can handle on her own. I remember the saying “Why aim for the moon when you could shoot for the stars?” Your donations count and every dollar given gets us one step closer to our goal. With your help, l hope to reach this by April 10, 2023. *The deadline to confirm attendance is April 21, 2023.*

I am forever grateful to all my teachers who have prepared me to be amongst the nominees, and I can only press forward. Thank you for reading my story, without people like you I may have never thought this to be a reality. I commit to keeping you updated on each milestone of this process. May the Lord bless you for your genuine support.