Dr. Clarence Flanigan Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Certainly, let me incorporate your role as the Community Service Officer of the Delta Theta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta into the narrative: I am William White, a college student with a profound passion for biology, a strong desire to pursue a career in dentistry, and a dedicated role as the Community Service Officer of the Delta Theta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta. My journey in the field of biology has not only deepened my understanding of life sciences but has also ignited a sense of responsibility and purpose. I believe that my future career in dentistry, along with my leadership role in my fraternity, represents a unique opportunity to effect positive change within my community. As the Community Service Officer of the Delta Theta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta, I have been actively involved in organizing and participating in various community service initiatives. This role has allowed me to collaborate with fellow fraternity members in planning and executing meaningful projects that benefit our local community. Whether it's volunteering at food drives, participating in neighborhood clean-up efforts, or organizing educational workshops, Iota Phi Theta has provided me with a platform to engage with the community and address its needs. I see this fraternity role as complementary to my aspirations in dentistry. It has taught me the value of community engagement and service, values that I plan to carry forward into my dental career. Through my fraternity, I have developed strong organizational and leadership skills, which will be instrumental in coordinating community outreach programs within the healthcare context. One of the primary ways I plan to make a positive impact as a dentist is by addressing oral healthcare disparities in underserved communities. I am deeply committed to bridging this gap by providing quality dental care to those who may not have easy access to it. My experiences as the Community Service Officer have given me insights into the specific needs and challenges faced by our community, which will inform my approach to addressing these disparities. Community outreach and education will continue to be integral to my approach. By leveraging the resources and network of Iota Phi Theta, I aim to organize dental health awareness campaigns and free dental check-up events that specifically target the areas of greatest need within our community. These initiatives will not only promote oral hygiene but also empower individuals with knowledge about preventive measures they can take to maintain their oral health. Furthermore, I aspire to establish a dental practice in an underserved area, where access to dental care may be limited. This will not only create jobs within the community but also provide a reliable and accessible source of dental care for residents, directly aligning with the mission of Iota Phi Theta in serving the community. In conclusion, my journey as a biology major, my aspirations in dentistry, and my role as the Community Service Officer of the Delta Theta Chapter of Iota Phi Theta are interconnected and driven by a deep sense of responsibility to make a positive impact in my community. Through accessible dental care, education, community outreach, and a commitment to providing compassionate and quality treatment, I aim to address oral healthcare disparities and improve the well-being of individuals in my community. My fraternity role enhances my ability to engage with the community effectively and ensures that my vision of community service extends beyond my dental practice, creating a lasting and meaningful impact.

Growing up in the inner city of Chicago, I have seen the impact of generational poverty, witnessed trauma, witnessed the deaths of far too many youths my age and younger and the egregious crimes committed by juveniles. The uprise in suicides among teens and young adults is an indication of the need for mental health services. I am surprised and saddened to learn that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults in the United States of America. It is also difficult to process the number of teens and young adults who have thought about suicide or have attempted suicide. I am very fortunate to not personally know anyone who has attempted suicide or who has died from suicide. However, I do know that the alarming rate of teen and young adult suicides has caused this to be a mental health crisis. Having a younger brother with Down Syndrome has caused me to see life through different lenses. Making this adjustment required time, and a lot of understanding and education about his diagnosis. This was not always easy. I’ve grown to understand that when a person has a disability it’s not the end of the world. Disabilities do not define who a person is or what they will become. A disability simply means a person might need additional resources, support, patience, advocacy, and understanding. Depending on a person’s disability, they can achieve goals and have a meaningful life when given a fair opportunity. A disability does not mean a person should be counted out or cast aside. These things have caused me to be passionate about helping youth and families who are in situations beyond their control and advocating for people with disabilities and those who are not empowered to advocate for themselves. As I watched my mom advocate on my brother’s behalf, I learned that advocating is needed in this world and how it can and should be done. These things have inspired me to pursue my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Morehouse College. After graduating from Morehouse, I will continue my education to become a licensed clinical psychologist. I will then return to my community to provide trauma-sensitive counseling to youth and families. After college, my immediate goal is to return to my community, provide trauma-sensitive counseling to youth and families, and advocate for those in need. My long-term goal is to ultimately, open a Christian-based youth center. The center will emphasize violence prevention and provide mentoring, tutoring, counseling, sports, and other character-building activities. It will have a healthcare component that will provide dietary and mental health services. The center will also provide educational and supportive services to people with disabilities, along with resources and advocacy. I believe that public service is very important. Through public service, the community can work together, and we can create and impact change. There is strength in numbers and when public servants work with the community, we can empower and support one another. I want my legacy to be that through public service and community building, I impacted positive change, growth, and development. I believe leadership and service go hand in hand. To whom much is given, much is required. I have goals to accomplish and service to give. I am committed to beginning and graduating from college. I am committed to being dedicated to my studies and staying focused and engaged. Receiving this scholarship would help remove some stress and financial obligations.