Anna Breneman
Towson University, Towson, MD, Class of 2026
Community service has been something that has been extremely important to me as long as I can remember. My passion for helping was inspired by my aunt – an individual who would give anything and everything she could to help those around her, even those she did not know. In middle and high school, I volunteered at free community Thanksgiving dinners, created holiday cards and gifts for veterans in my local community, and raised money and donations for a foundation that donates to families of NICU babies. My passion for helping really took off my senior year of high school. During this time, I created a fundraiser at my local high school to donate to our local hospitals Breast Health Center. I developed T-shirt designs, managed the selling and distribution of said T-shirts, went to local restaurants and stores to find individuals willing to donate, and hosted fundraising events. This resulted in being able to raise about $10,000 for the center, and the looks of the women who accepted the donation is something I will never forget. As someone who has seen the devastation that illness and disease can bring – and the stress of the finance on top of the sickness itself, this cause was near and dear to me. This experience led me to understand that my contribution to society would be expanding knowledge on health and wellness and ensuring that all individuals are able to access treatments and answers for their health.
Currently I am participating as a research assistant at my university. The reason I chose this opportunity is because I believe it is providing me the chance to serve my community by doing the work to provide answers for their health-related issues. By doing this research, I provide members of my community the comfort of being heard, and the feeling that someone wants to help them – even if it means putting in the research that could one day provide answers or lead to medical advancements to assist them. In all my interactions I strive to make individuals I interact with feel like a priority and let them know that although they are helping us by participating in a research study, our goal is to one day help individuals such as themselves: they are the reason we strive to learn and grow as contributing members in the scientific community.
Being a part of a change in the field of medicine and health is significant to me because I was raised in a family where access to health-related services was relatively limited due to income. I was not provided chances to attend physical therapy when I was hurt, and many times my parents would go without doctors’ visits because they knew they could not afford the copays or service costs. As I grew up, I noticed the lack of access. It was made especially clear when my mother, a struggling alcoholic, found herself struggling to obtain rehabilitation services, or treatment for the health struggles her addiction brought. After her passing in 2023, my freshman year of college, I made the decision that I would do what I could to ensure that everyone seeking medical help or attention is heard. I have now acted – as a research assistant and within my plans to both intern & volunteer at local healthcare facilities – to become a provider who ensures every voice is heard, and every patient receives the healthcare they deserve. I will continue, from this day forward, to be the change in healthcare and wellness we all hope to see.
Grace Daly
Severna Park High School, Severna Park, MD, Class of 2025
Abby Jeffers
Severna Park High School, Severna Park, MD, Class of 2025
Carly Van Schaik
Colonel Richardson High School, Federalsburg, MD, Class of 2025