Sarah, 20 – FUNDED

How the 1000 Dreams Fund helped me
I used the 1000 Dreams Grant to pay my $1000 fee to matriculate at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences next year. I’m so grateful that Team UChic helped me come up with the necessary funds to continue fulfilling my dream.
My Inspiration
When I was a child, my mother had two stillbirths. Two boys, named Mitchell and Nathan. I was 9 when Nathan passed. I even held him in my arms on the day that he entered and left our world. There was an absolute peace and serenity in his lifeless, yet beautiful face. My early experiences in Labor & Delivery gave my first insight into the medical field and opened my eyes to the fragility and beauty of life. Through time spent shadowing, volunteering, and speaking with physicians since my eye-opening experience, it is clear to me that the overlying consequences of my calling in OB/GYN are new life, heartier families, and strength that prevails through inevitable complication – each of which outlines my deepest held personal values.
Challenges I Face
I face several financial challenges: paying current undergraduate housing/tuition/loans. Additionally, I face the cost of continued education with a low prospect of post-graduate financial assistance. I work to pay my way through school. Recently due to budget cuts, I lost my job at the university, which had previously covered the full expenses of my room and board. Now I face more than loans – I face the current pressures of paying for rent, utilities, tuition not covered by scholarship/financial aid, books each semester, and transportation costs.
How is this helping you get closer to your dream?
Now that I have paid my matriculation fee (and given that everything else falls into place), I will be able to begin studying at KCUMB next year. I’m one step closer to becoming the physician I’ve dreamed of becoming… my dream is becoming reality.
My quote of inspiration for others
If I could change one thing in the world, I would provide the means for all to have access to basic medical services.