Hello Ms. Turnipseed & Mr. Cooper,
As I prepare for final exams in the coming weeks and embark on the holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to express my utmost gratitude to the Metropolitan Kappa Youth Foundation (MKYF) for selecting me as a 2021 MKYF Scholar. I am extremely thankful for MKYF’s prior financial support in my college education. Your investment in my education at Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) has propelled me to sustained academic excellence without financial worries, unlike many of my XULA peers. As a result, I am a Dean’s List student in the College of Arts and Sciences. In addition, I have earned membership into the prestigious Alpha Lambda Delta and Sigma Alpha Pi honor societies.
Last summer, I participated in the Summer Health Professions Education Program at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center (UF SHPEP) and the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Research Experience for Undergraduates (LSUHSC REU) internship program in New Orleans. In the UF SHPEP cohort, I was immersed in case-based learning, career development workshops, and interprofessional learning experiences in medicine, dentistry, public health, and pharmacy. At LSUHSC REU, I completed and presented a public health research project and participated in interactive workshops relating to proper research protocols, resume writing for graduate school applications, and professional development.
For the 2022-2023 academic year, I am also participating in the inaugural NOLA Health Leaders Project (NOLAHLP), which is sponsored by the Tulane University School of Medicine. In this program, I am getting immersed in community medicine as a volunteer at Children’s Hospital. Additionally, I am gaining practical experience in CPR, ultrasound, and physical examination skills while interacting with pediatricians and medical support staff. Furthermore, NOLAHLP’s community service initiative is enhancing my leadership skills as an aspiring physician.
Overall, I am very blessed for your prior support and well wishes along my academic journey. For this reason, I will continue to challenge myself as a Biology/Pre-Med major with a double minor in Chemistry and Public Health Sciences so that I am well-positioned as a highly-competitive medical school applicant for the 2025 admissions cycle. I assure you that your prior investment in my higher education pursuits will be worthwhile. I will also continue to stay in touch throughout my journey. In the meantime, have a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Best,
Laila Ananda Flores
Metropolitan Kappa Youth Foundation Scholar (2021)
