Originally, our founder Todd Brown decided to implement a scholarship program at 180 Medical in order to help students who live with medical conditions like spina bifida, ostomies, spinal cord injuries, and more. We annually offer this opportunity to 7 recipients among hundreds of hopeful college students across the country.
By now, you may know about the last year’s 2018 180 Medical College Scholarship recipients since we announced it last fall. So far, we’ve featured four of our seven recipients, including Kale, Marissa, Alaina, and most recently, Ian. Today, get to know Lauren!
Spina Bifida Doesn’t Slow Lauren Down
Everyone has challenges they must face in life, although each individual’s life story is different. Lauren says, “My challenge was presented to me at birth.”
She was born with a condition known as spina bifida. Spina bifida is a congenital development disorder that occurs when the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) does not form normally in the womb during pregnancy. Its effects can range from mild to severe from person to person.
It might have been easy to allow spina bifida to keep her from attempting new things. However, she says her parents helped by enrolling her in dance classes at an early age. Physical activity would help strengthen her back and muscles, thereby hopefully minimizing the potential of future complications or illnesses.
Of course, she didn’t always have the same physical abilities as other kids, but this just gave her an extra push to up her game and try twice as hard.
Lauren’s Drive to Achieve Her Goals
Lauren kept up with physical activity and even decided to join her high school tennis team. By her junior and senior years, Lauren was the varsity’s first singles tennis player.
Thanks to her competitive spirit, Lauren says she approached her schooling in the same way as she did athletics.
Throughout her schooling, she has participated in extracurricular activities such as the National Society of Leadership and Success, Medical Ethics Society, and Global Public Health Brigades. Additionally, she served as the Nicaragua Brigade Leader in the summer of 2017. Her dedication to academics has resulted in her landing on the Dean’s List multiple semesters as well.
Lauren is passionate about global public health. In the picture to the right, she was participating in a global public health brigade in Nicaragua. “It is my goal,” she says, “to promote awareness and continue to pursue my career in medicine.” She wants to replicate the quality of care for others that she feels fortunate to have had.
Lauren also works to serve her community in various roles like volunteering at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Plus, she has participated in medical research opportunities.
However, Lauren says, nothing else quite compares to “the fire of ambition that spina bifida has sparked in me.” Her ambition is to become a doctor so she can help others.
Lauren clearly has the drive and the empathy needed to become a successful doctor. We’re excited to contribute to her goals at the University of Cincinnati.
About 180 Medical’s Scholarship Program
We’re now accepting applications for our 2019 180 Medical College Scholarship Program through June 1st!
Find out about eligibility requirements and download your 2019 scholarship application at www.180medical.com/scholarships.
