Health , Help, Herbs by Rene

Health , Help, Herbs by Rene - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

As a freshman entering college at MSU Denver, I have a strong desire to help people improve their lives—especially low-income individuals and people from different backgrounds, such as Latinos. My goal is to become a nurse, study natural medicine and Chinese medicine, and teach people in my community about health. Many people don’t have access to health education or health insurance. For example, my family spends all their money caring for my five brothers and rarely invests in their own health. They don’t even go to the doctor for regular checkups.

My family has really inspired me because watching them struggle financially and use all their money on us made me sad. I’ve seen their health decline because they choose to sacrifice for us, giving us a better chance in life. Around my community as well, many immigrant parents work hard to provide for their families but do not invest in their own health. I would like to create small events to educate people about health and affordable natural medicine. I want to help prevent obesity, diabetes, and cancer so people can live longer, healthier lives.

My ancestors have also inspired me. I remember my grandma using herbs and remedies as medicine—such as garlic cloves as antibiotics—and herbs like epazote, cinnamon, and sage to treat different illnesses. I believe plants, vegetables, and herbs like mint, dandelion, hibiscus, and common mallow can be powerful tools for preventing illness and improving quality of life.

This semester, I am taking my first steps by completing my pre-nursing prerequisites and starting my minor in integrative health care. After finishing my nursing degree, I would like to continue my education in integrative health care and Chinese medicine. My dream is to create events that educate and help people, giving them the knowledge and tools to take care of themselves naturally and affordably.