Hello, my name is Ayden Small, and I am a sophomore Biology Pre-med Honors student from Charlotte, NC, currently studying at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. I have been selected as a VAW Global Health Alliance (VAW Global) Fellow and given the opportunity to travel to Panama for a two-week global health clinical experience. This is a major milestone in my academic journey and an important opportunity to:

• Gain hands-on clinical exposure in rural and underserved communities

• Develop patient communication skills in real-world healthcare settings

• Learn vitals, basic pharmacology, and clinical procedures under professional supervision

• Shadow healthcare professionals during patient evaluations and diagnoses

• Participate in Cultural Exchange days and strengthen my Spanish language skills

This opportunity represents a major step forward in my academic and professional journey toward becoming a physician. The knowledge, skills, and global perspective I will gain through the VAW Global Fellowship will directly shape how I approach patient care, community service, and health equity in the future. All funds raised will go directly toward:

•Plane ticket

•Housing and boarding

•Meals and other essential travel expenses.

Any contribution, no matter the size, directly supports my ability to participate in this life-changing experience. Thank you so much for investing in my future as a physician and in the communities I will one day serve.

With appreciation,

Ayden Small