Kathryn's Story

In the community where I have spent all my life, the Bronx, most would say it is a dangerous place. That is because it is meant for people to fail. Liquor stores open twenty-four hours, gangs owning every block, and any narcotic you want is on every corner. As I walk these streets night and day I realize how much I want a better life for my family. Seeing people suffer and in pain pushes me to work harder. There are examples of what not to be all around me, so there is no excuse for failure. Already this world has taught me that if you want to be successful you are going to have to work twice as hard to obtain it.

When I was younger my mother worked in a mortuary. This sparked my interest in wanting to perform autopsies. The human anatomy has been fascinating to me, my mother taught me how to perform dissections on animals. John Hopkins has an excellent medical program and medical school. I am thinking about applying to that college in my senior year. A summer at an actual college campus will give me an idea of what college life entails. This program will also help me strengthen my skill-set academically and challenge me as a student.

What sets the Discover Hopkins program apart from other programs is that John Hopkins is a world- class university. I know that even though it is only a two – week program there is so much I can learn. I like that there is an emphasis on a variety of subjects with different perspectives. There are classes in the social sciences and technology. Since I am also interested in becoming a criminal profiler, having insight in both these fields will be good. I am looking forward to hearing from guest speakers and people that have knowledge and experience. I truly looking forward to going to Discover Hopkins.

What sets me apart from other students applying to Wishbone is that I am defying statistics. It has been proven that many young girls from my demographic are either pregnant or have dropped out of school. My determination to become successful makes me hardworking so I can preserve. When program opportunities are presented in school, I balance my responsibilities and take advantage of them. One of my hobbies is wrestling. I have been on the wrestling team in my school for two years. This experience has given me the confidence to try new things, and most of all a team player. Even when I get to where I want to be in life, it is important that I give back to my community. These are qualities that set me apart.