FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am Talia Brown, and I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I am a proud graduate of South Early College High School, where I was enrolled as a dual enrollment student which allowed me to receive my associates' degree from Houston Community College. I am known as a hardworking and impassioned young woman whose dedication to leadership and service is exemplified by my presence on and off-campus. I am driven and excited to learn and be a part of an HBCU community. I aspire to pursue a career as a biomedical scientist. I will be attending Howard University in the fall of 2022, majoring in clinical laboratory science.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
I am passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field because I have always desired to become a biomedical scientist, because of the health issues my family went through. I have lost many relatives who are either currently living with or have passed away from cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, heart attacks, Lupus, Dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. Seeing the impact illnesses have on the human body and how they affected my family members, fueled my desire to create treatments and find cures.
FOSSI: Why is receiving the FOSSI scholarship important for you?
I come from a single-parent household. Although my mom has supported me financially for my entire life, I know she will not be able to pay for my college expenses, with her having limited income, her own financial responsibilities, as well as having her own student debt. To reduce the family burden and risk of future debt, I applied for this scholarship to assist me with paying for my tuition and personal expenses in college.
Receiving this funding is important because it will be a significant relief that will help my family, my academic goals, and my career goals. Receiving the FOSSI scholarship would help me close the financial gap and take out less in student loans. This is particularly important for me because I plan to study clinical laboratory science and later attend medical school. The FOSSI scholarship would allow me to continue down this path, to eventually achieve my goals.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
- I like to cook and bake. I learned from my great-grandmother who has inspired me tremendously.
- I am the only child and was the only grandchild for 13 years.
- Despite only having fish as pets, I deeply love animals and want many in the future.