Bernard Osher Allied Health Scholarship

Bernard Osher Allied Health Scholarship

Who could have dreamed that the young man born on March 30, 1971 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, would have become the individual who stands before you today, ready and proud to enter the field of radiology and submit himself to the difficulties and demands of the American practice of medicine in this discipline?

A lived in Ethiopia for twenty-two years before coming to the United States, one of the seven children. Throughout my academic life, even from the earliest grades math and science were my driving passions. It was my greatest source of esteem and pride. Even in high school, I dominated the "Science Warriors Competition" as well as my school's Young Democrats club, in addition to working actively as a tutor singing in a boy's choir and playing the piano, and enjoying the healthy atmosphere of competitive sports. I was captain of my school's championship soccer team, a member of track and field team and a slightly less stellar but just as enthusiastic participant in basketball and cricket.

You may see me now, riding my bicycle around the city on almost any day, even though I can no longer explore the cool swamp of my Ethiopian home, one of my fondest childhood memories.

I do not wish to return to that beloved home of my childhood -- yet. The "American dream" means many things in the minds of many different people, from freedom of to material and monetary success. To me, it means freedom of the self and soul as well as the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.

My American dream has gone through many stages. The first part of my dream came true in 1993 when I got a visa to come to California. For the first several months in the U.S., the home sickness, cultural shock, language barrier and the loneliness made me wonder if this opportunity to come to America was more of a curse than a blessing. I was alone. I was filled with resentment as I isolated myself from my new surroundings. It was especially difficult because, back in my homeland everyone had been so excited when they heard I was going to America. They told me they would do anything to leave for such a land -- yet; I thought bitterly, they would grow old together, near their family friends, as I never would. Many nights I wished to wake and find myself once again, back in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian community of the bay area, however, and the wide diversity of immigrants from other lands, all lonely in their own ways, yet all filled with hope and promise, gave my spirit a new birth. I began a journey that caused be to become a different type of man, one both African and American. I remembered why I had come to the United States, as if remembering my true self again. I rediscovered the path on which I now travel towards a higher education. I became ready once again to make a difference. I became involved in community events. I helped organize an AIDS walk to collect money for AIDS patients in Africa. I participated in local programs to feed the homeless through the Ethiopian Christian Fellowship. I volunteered for the Alameda food bank as well as for local hospitals and animal shelters.

My volunteer work brought me out of my shell, and enabled to feel that I could make a difference in the lives of others. By healing others, I healed myself. Through maturity I have come recognize and respect my limits and honor my capabilities. In my ten years living in the United States I have experienced more inside myself than many even better traveled will experience in a lifetime. I have gone from a happy and busy childhood, to being a lonely and miserable man, isolated and old before his time, to once again becoming accepted and beloved person who is a vital part of his community.

Scholarship Statement: Bernard Osher Allied Health Scholarship

The language of health and medicine is sometimes difficult for even a native English speaker to penetrate. I have been able to do so, with determination, even though English was not my first language everyday speech. My decision to pursue a specialty in diagnostic radiology at Merritt College is thus the culmination of long struggle and victory of adjusting to American culture, language, and its medical culture, as well as a reflection of my personal interest and love of interacting with people.

I am most happy when I am part of a community; a characteristic I believe reflects my emotional aptitude for medicine. As an active member of the East African Student Association (EASA) in Oakland, CA, I helped to promote ethnic diversity and cultural awareness on my community, as well as other minority communities in the area. I also possess the strong computer background necessary for success in the profession of radiology. Despite common stereotypes about individual who love computers and the ability of technology to isolate, I am fundamentally " people" person. As a former waiter and bartender, I learned to become not only a good conversationalist, but also an excellent listener.