When it comes to her dreams, Elizabeth Elmore is focused on helping others — specifically women and children. The 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient wants to be a bilingual doctor and she’ll be launching into that goal this fall at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she plans to study both chemistry and Spanish.

What is your professional dream?

I would like to become a pediatrician or an obstetrician/gynecologist who is bilingual in English and Spanish. My professional dream is to travel to countries that have little to no healthcare, or knowledge of it, and help or teach them how to care for themselves while learning about their culture. I would also love to work in a hospital in a big city where I could help many mothers and children.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship?

I will use the scholarship for books and supplies because they can be very expensive.

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

This scholarship is allowing me to go to college without having to worry so much about the money and financial aid part of the process.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

Do it. If you know that you really want to do something, figure out the steps it will take to get there and then make goals to do it. There is nothing holding you back except for yourself. Ask for help because most people are more than willing to give you their time or energy to help you get along.

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

I’ve had a lot of personal family issues throughout my life, but I had to remember that college is about finding yourself and becoming your own person. Going to UAB is what really pushed me to get through my last year of high school with the pandemic going on and being home for long periods of time because my family does not get along. Knowing I will be in Birmingham in the fall is something that I am so thankful for. 

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

I’ll be at UAB in the fall working towards my degree and I hope to begin preparing and taking classes for medical school, too!