Supporting My Journey to Medical School

Dear Esteemed Supporters,

I hope this message finds you in good spirits. My name is Crystal Griffith. Through perseverance and determination, I proudly earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida. This was the first major hurdle to overcome in achieving my dream of becoming a doctor. I was recently accepted to Howard University College of Medicine and now I face the daunting challenge of being able to afford this program. As an international student, it's important to note that I do not qualify for financial aid. Therefore, I am responsible for covering all expenses out of pocket, for my studies.

My passion for medicine is deeply rooted in my firsthand experience in a developing country where quality of healthcare is calculated according to the wealth of the patient. I have every intention of addressing inequity and exclusion in medicine and in education throughout my studies and my career.

My story may not be unique, but coming from a modest family in Guyana, my accomplishments are nothing short of impressive. In the face of numerous firsts – being the first in my family to move to the United States, the first to pursue a college education, and now the first to embark on the journey to medical school – as a minority woman of color from Guyana, I have emerged as a resilient individual shaped by a particularly challenging journey.

In order to continue my journey, I need financial support and would be grateful for any assistance that can be provided.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Crystal