Statement Of Purpose For Diversity At The University Of Arizona

I live in a predominantly minority community, the majority of this demographic population being Hispanic. Although Hispanics are the second largest racial group in the United States, they are underrepresented in higher education and have the lowest college attainment rates. Many people place culpability on Hispanic culture; they claim that we do not value education. However, our people’s values are synonymous with those needed to succeed in the modern pluralistic American society. We are a hardworking, community-oriented, diversely skilled, multilingual, and resilient group of people. Those from the outside looking in need to understand it is not a matter of changing the culture, it is a matter of changing the mindset, and this is a vision

Settling on a college campus with a diverse student body is a personal determining factor as I firmly believe diversity enriches the educational experience. It allows an individual to broaden their mind by challenging preconceived stereotypes and embracing the differing perspectives, beliefs, and backgrounds of others. I am fervent in advocating for the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the University of Arizona offers a great number of courses and opportunities that will support me to indulge in my varied interests. I am pursuing a pre-med path and am seeking an undergraduate major in Global Health through the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, and minoring in Health and Human Values through the W.A. Franke Honors College. These programs are unique as they will allow me to combine my passion for healthcare and the social sciences. My interest in health professions began when I was eight years old, which was influenced by my mother beginning her journey in the nursing program at our local community

This opened my eyes to realize that I have that same passion and I knew pursuing a career in medicine would allow me to share my gifts with others. Furthermore, my dream of pursuing a medical degree was solidified in the Summer of 2023, when I attended the Summer Scrubs program hosted by the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. It was rejuvenating to get a glimpse of a career that had felt intangible my entire life. I recall walking down the wide-stretched corridors of the medical building, feeling as though the walls were embracing me, comforting me in my decision to pursue this arduous career. I explored the labs, listened to lectures, and experimented with medical instruments; I was certain this is what I had to be doing in life, and my journey was to begin at this school. I will thrive as I pursue a pre-med path at the University of Arizona which offers exceptional curriculum, advisory, and educational opportunities. Specifically, I am eager to become involved in the vast ranging research and community-based