Access to healthcare can have a life-changing impact on individuals and families. One challenge that continues to affect healthcare providers, patients, and health plans is missed medical appointments. Patients may miss appointments for many reasons, including lack of transportation, work and school schedules, childcare responsibilities, forgetfulness, or difficulty understanding healthcare information. For some families, simply getting to an appointment can be a challenge. To address this issue, healthcare organizations could provide appointment reminders through phone calls and text messages, offer transportation assistance, expand telehealth services, and improve communication with patients. These solutions would help remove barriers and ensure more people receive the care they need.
I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because I am committed to my education, determined to overcome challenges, and passionate about creating a better future for myself and others. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at High Point University and have earned a 3.78 GPA. As a student with dyslexia, I have had to work hard to develop effective study habits and persevere through academic challenges that sometimes require me to put in extra time and effort. Rather than allowing these challenges to define me, they have strengthened my resilience and determination to succeed. In addition to being a full-time student, I work as a Customer Service Associate and Cashier at Home Depot. This experience has taught me responsibility, communication, and problem-solving skills while balancing the demands of college coursework. I have also been involved in leadership and community organizations that have helped me develop a passion for service and helping others. Receiving this scholarship would help me purchase textbooks and academic materials, allowing me to focus more of my resources on my education and career goals.
Although my major is Mechanical Engineering, I am interested in using engineering to improve people’s lives. Engineering plays an important role in healthcare through medical devices, assistive technologies, and innovations that help patients live healthier and safer lives. I hope to use my education to contribute to solutions that make healthcare more effective, accessible, and impactful for communities.
The new law requiring Medicaid recipients to reapply for benefits every six months instead of every twelve months may create additional difficulties for many families. While the goal may be to keep information up to date, more frequent renewals could increase the risk of individuals losing coverage because of missed deadlines, paperwork issues, or confusion about the process. This could be especially harmful for underserved and high-risk populations who may already face barriers related to transportation, technology, language, or work schedules. Losing healthcare coverage, even temporarily, can result in delayed treatment, missed prescriptions, and worsening health conditions. To reduce these risks, health plans and community organizations should provide reminders, outreach programs, and support services to help people complete the renewal process successfully.
Priority Partners has had a positive impact on my life by helping me access healthcare services, doctor visits, prescriptions, and other medical care when I needed it. Having reliable health coverage has allowed me to focus on my education and personal growth without worrying about whether I would be able to receive necessary healthcare. The support provided through Priority Partners has contributed to my well-being and has helped me pursue my goals with confidence. I am grateful for the opportunities and resources that Priority Partners provides to individuals and families throughout Maryland.
Thank you for considering my application. This scholarship would help support my educational journey and bring me one step closer to achieving my goals while continuing to make a positive impact on others and my community.