HCA Scholarship Winner: Maedsa Doreus

Tell us about what you’ve learned from clubs, sports, or after-school activities you’ve participated in?

Every single activity I’ve done has shaped me into the person I am today.  Examples of what I’ve done: Created and decorated a banquet to interact and serve other Black Student Unions within Palm Beach County. Food drives to serve the homeless during Thanksgiving. Volleyball line judging, score sheet, and libero sheet. I manage a wide range of events, activities, programs, policies, and initiatives around the school within student government. I analyzed, conducted, researched, and presented hardship, difficulties, and concerns regarding students on the school campus to school faculty and staff members. With FAU’s bridge to medicine program, I was able to research and conduct a project on a topic of my choice in the medical field. And lastly, I received the chance to represent my medical associations at a state leadership conference in Orlando. I have learned to recognize the unity of diversity and my participation in initiatives. Today I work diligently under the light making sure not to burn my own candles.

Tell us about an experience where you were a leader.

Last school year, I took part in a research group (YPAR; Youth-led Participatory Action Research), and I participated in a discussion panel with the faculty and staff at my school regarding school concerns and issues. This type of panel had never been done. I felt like I was called to do something out of my comfort zone, and I must say, although I was nervous, I never felt braver, more in control and passionate about contributing to voice representation for the benefit of students and our school. Conducting this panel made me realize that a lot goes on behind the scenes, more than you can imagine. I learned that even if things didn’t t go as planned or if nothing changed, the one positive thing that would’ve come out of it is that we all were able to voice our opinions. I think this is what being a leader is all about, not only leading others but listening to them and validating what they believe.

What experiences have impacted your career path?

Being in the medical field has been my dream since I was in fifth grade. It is a greater feeling getting to say you saved someone’s life and you made them feel incredibly significant. As a young woman, helping others, volunteering, and doing community service is something I really enjoy because not everyone is fortunate. To get inspired by someone and be that empowerment and mentor for another young being is amazing. This is how I plan to give back to my community. Words can mean more than you think and that’s why I want to follow my dreams, become a nurse, and influence many young black girls so that they can do the same.

Tell us about a significant challenge you’ve overcome.

About thirty years ago, the eldest child of five bathed in the frigid river water in Haiti, planted and cut down fruits and vegetables, and hung clothes over the fence before walking half a mile to school. Eighteen years ago, she got pregnant with me and decided to come to America to start a new and better life for me. That person is my mother, Rosette Ferdinand. From her, I adapted the ability to thrive regardless of hardship. From her, I learned the importance of family and sacrificing for the ones we love.  I had to help my mother with my three siblings and household chores because she works long night hours. I had to take on such responsibilities at a young age which has made me realize that I have always been a leader unintentionally; that is okay because I could have gotten lost due to what I have experienced in my life, but I didn’t.  I realized that my identity is my attribute to society, not my name carved into certificates or the labels I am given. Growing up is strange; you must go to the moon and back just to find out who you really are, but it is worth it in the end, at least for me. Realizing this is strange, and the truth is strange.