Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Week 2 Complete! One Step Closer to the White Coat Two weeks down at Morehouse School of Medicine, and I’m incredibly grateful to be here continuing this journey toward becoming a physician. Getting here was a dream, but staying here is the next goal. I still have a remaining balance and fees for my first semester that must be paid by November 1, so I’m continuing to apply for scholarships and do everything I can to help cover the cost of my education. I’m also excited to share that a NEW Dream. Learn. Launch. website is coming soon! Along with it, I’ll be releasing new merchandise celebrating ADHD, neurodivergence, Black girls in STEM, future doctors, future astronauts and more! Proceeds from every purchase will help support my white coat journey and educational expenses. To everyone who has donated, shared my GoFundMe, purchased a StarBright tee, encouraged me, or simply followed this journey, THANK YOU. Every donation, purchase and share truly adds up and helps me keep moving forward. I’m hopeful that some of the scholarships I’ve already applied for, and the ones I’m continuing to apply for, will help close the gap too. Until then, I’m going to keep studying, applying, creating and believing. If you’re able to help, please consider donating, sharing my GoFundMe, or grabbing a StarBright tee. Even sharing this post with someone who may want to support a future physician makes a difference. Week 2: COMPLETE. Next stop: that white coat. StarBright tees link below! https://form.jotform.com/261950969114060 Thank you, Taylor

Week 2 Complete! One Step Closer to the White Coat Two weeks down at Morehouse School of Medicine, and I’m incredibly grateful to be here continuing this journey toward becoming a physician. Getting here was a dream, but staying here is the next goal. I still have a remaining balance and fees for my first semester that must be paid by November 1, so I’m continuing to apply for scholarships and do everything I can to help cover the cost of my education. I’m also excited to share that a NEW Dream. Learn. Launch. website is coming soon! Along with it, I’ll be releasing new merchandise celebrating ADHD, neurodivergence, Black girls in STEM, future doctors, future astronauts and more! Proceeds from every purchase will help support my white coat journey and educational expenses. To everyone who has donated, shared my GoFundMe, purchased a StarBright tee, encouraged me, or simply followed this journey, THANK YOU. Every donation, purchase and share truly adds up and helps me keep moving forward. I’m hopeful that some of the scholarships I’ve already applied for, and the ones I’m continuing to apply for, will help close the gap too. Until then, I’m going to keep studying, applying, creating and believing. If you’re able to help, please consider donating, sharing my GoFundMe, or grabbing a StarBright tee. Even sharing this post with someone who may want to support a future physician makes a difference. Week 2: COMPLETE. Next stop: that white coat. Taylor https://form.jotform.com/261950969114060 (Starbright tees link)

Four years ago, many of you joined me on a journey that once seemed almost impossible. As a young girl known as “Astronaut StarBright,” I dreamed of using science, medicine, and education to change lives. Through your support, encouragement, and belief in me, I was able to attend Spelman College. I am proud to share that I graduated Cum Laude from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and have been accepted into the Master of Science in Medical Sciences Program at Morehouse School of Medicine. This next step is critical to my journey to medical school and my long-term goal of becoming a physician dedicated to improving health outcomes in underserved communities while continuing to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders. I am grateful to have received a $5,000 scholarship from Morehouse School of Medicine. To further reduce expenses, I made the decision to move back home with my mom while completing the program. By doing so, I significantly reduced the overall cost of attendance. Even after making these adjustments, I remain responsible for tuition, university fees, books, transportation, and other required educational expenses. My estimated first-year direct educational costs include: • Tuition: $17,000 • University Fees: $13,642 • Books and Supplies: $1,600 I am actively pursuing additional scholarships, institutional funding, work-study opportunities, and other sources of assistance. I also plan to use federal student loans to help finance my education. However, even with my scholarship, loans, and cost-cutting efforts, there remains a significant financial gap. My hope is to reduce the amount I must borrow so that I can remain focused on my studies and eventually begin my career serving patients without carrying more educational debt than necessary. I am also doing my part to help fund my education. I recently launched my Dream. Learn. Launch. apparel line, with proceeds supporting my educational journey. Your support will help cover tuition, mandatory fees, books, transportation, academic resources, and other educational expenses associated with the program. Every contribution makes a difference: • $25 helps cover supplies and study materials • $50 helps offset transportation costs to and from campus, research, and clinical opportunities • $100 helps purchase textbooks and academic resources • $250 helps cover mandatory university fees • $500 or more helps reduce educational debt and allows me to stay focused on my studies Whether you are able to donate, purchase apparel, share this campaign, or simply continue cheering me on, I am deeply grateful. Thank you for helping me move from Spelman College to Morehouse School of Medicine and one step closer to my dream of becoming a physician who serves, advocates, and gives back. Ad Astra, Taylor