Throughout my high school journey, I have been deeply committed to serving those impacted by a variety of social crises, including poverty, racial injustices, educational disparities, and unequal access to healthcare. Recognizing the systemic challenges that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, I have sought out opportunities to support and uplift those in need, with a focus on making long-term impacts through service, leadership, and education. I am the oldest of three children and live in the Inland Empire. Having 11-year old twin brothers, I have naturally taken on a leadership role to assist my mother and a playmate role when my brothers no long want to be together. My mother is an only child, so we don’t have a large family. Our dynamic is strong fostering a deep sense of responsibility and mutual support. with each of us relying on each other.

I attended Summit High School in Fontana for my first 3 years of high school. I was a cheerleader, a Junior Skyhawk mentor, an AVID tutor, and a CSF and NHS member. I enjoyed my time at Summit but thought Los Osos would be a better fit. It truly is! I have found my tribe. While academics are primary, social interactions are also very important to the well being of students. Not only does our group consist of cheerleaders and dancers three of us have West Indian heritage. I am Dominican (BWI) on my father’s side, my other friends our Haitian and Trinidadian. We trade grandmother stories, favorite foods and our limited patois. We have similar academic plans and volunteer together.

One of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had was volunteering with Special Angels Foundation, an organization that supports children with special needs and their families. Many of these families face financial hardships that limit their access to critical medical and educational services. Through fundraising events and hands-on service, I helped raise money for essential items like specialized car seats, summer camp tuition, therapy tools, and advanced medical equipment. These resources made a profound difference in the lives of the children and their loved ones we serve. Volunteering with Special Angels opened provided firsthand experience of how economic inequality creates significant barriers in healthcare access. I learned that underserved communities are often excluded from clinical trials for new medications and treatments, further disadvantaging the children and families who need support the most. This experience was pivotal in shaping my desire to pursue a career in the medical field. I want to become a radiologist with a focus on reducing healthcare disparities. My work with Special Angels revealed the urgency of ensuring all families—regardless of income or background— have access to the most advanced and beneficial medical care. This conviction drives my academic goals and future career aspirations.

In addition to healthcare service, I have also mentored younger students who lack access to educational guidance. I helped them select high school courses, encouraged dual enrollment in community college, and provided resources about college enrichment programs. These efforts were aimed at leveling the playing field for students who, like me, may not have all the resources but still dream of academic success. Education has been a powerful tool in my life, and I want to help others use it to break cycles of disadvantage.

Academically, I have taken full advantage of enrichment opportunities to deepen my knowledge and expand my skills. I was accepted into the Scripps College Academy (SCA), a program that supports high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds. Through SCA, I participated in college-level coursework, research and received mentorship on navigating the college application process. This experience gave me the confidence and preparation to pursue my academic goals at a university level. Furthermore, I was selected as one of 20 students (from over 100 applicants) for the Scripps STEAM Internship, where I chose to study neuroscience. My group conducted a research project analyzing the behavior and stress levels of fish under different environmental conditions. This hands-on scientific research introduced me to the excitement and complexity of the scientific process, reinforcing my interest in pursuing biology and medicine. I enjoyed writing research findings and learned that science could be both intellectually rigorous and deeply rewarding.

Another life-changing experience was attending the 2024 Pepperdine Youth Citizenship Seminar, where I spent a week on campus engaging in discussions about civic responsibility, ethics, and leadership. I was inspired by the professors and peers who, like me, are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities. I also bonded with my seminar group, and we have remained close friends, continuing to support each other even after the program ended.

Spending time at Pepperdine solidified my desire to attend the university. The small, Christian, faith-based community aligns perfectly with my values and learning style. I thrive in environments where I can develop close relationships with both peers and professors, and Pepperdine’s small class sizes and strong community support make that possible. I learned that many professors even host students in their homes for meals and discussions, which makes the campus feel more like a family. My Christian faith is at the core of who I am and guides the decisions I make. At Pepperdine, I can integrate my faith into my academic journey in meaningful ways. The campus offers Bible studies on the beach, prayer by the ocean, and opportunities to serve communities through Christian mission work. I am also drawn to Pepperdine’s international campuses, which would allow me to study abroad in Spanish-speaking countries while maintaining a sense of continuity and safety through the university’s support. I plan to major in biology and minor in Spanish. Being bilingual will help me serve more patients in my future medical practice, particularly in Latino and immigrant communities where language barriers can prevent access to quality healthcare. Studying abroad will help me improve my Spanish proficiency while immersing myself in a new culture—an essential skill for the culturally competent physician I aspire to be.

Beyond academics, I love the ocean and actively work to protect it. I volunteer with the Surfrider Foundation, an organization committed to coastal preservation. I am also scuba certified, snorkel regularly, and am learning to surf. At Pepperdine, I look forward to combining my passions— faith, science, and the ocean—through programs that include academic research, medical clinics in various locales including Fiji, volunteer work, and prayer gatherings by the beach.

Ultimately, I hope to become a physician who advocates for health equity and works to reduce disparities in treatment outcomes, especially in maternal healthcare for Black women. I understand from personal experience how systemic inequities affect health and education, and I want to be part of the solution. This scholarship would have a profound impact on my ability to attend Pepperdine University. It would alleviate financial burdens, reduce my need for student loans, and allow me to focus fully on my studies and community service. With this support, I can continue to build on the service, leadership, and academic work I’ve started in high school and carry it into my college career and beyond. Most importantly, it would bring me one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a doctor who not only heals, but also advocates for justice and equity in the healthcare system.

Paige Hamring