“My Battles” by Denali Mohler, 18
I was once told, "Your struggles don't define you," but I disagree. As an 18-year-old diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), fibromyalgia, and multiple mental health disorders, I have learned that struggles are not limitations but merely catalysts for growth. To quote Orwell Swett Marden, “Success is not measured by our accomplishments, but by the obstacles we overcome." Despite their hardships, my struggles with my health have been fuel in the fire of a lifelong journey of self-discovery and resilience. I’ve been empowered to work harder, dream bigger, and chase the stars- simply because I was told I could not.
My battle to have my voice heard inspired my present-day passion for advocacy, and my frustrations with the healthcare system have inspired me to promote change. My experience in the medical field, not only as a prospective doctor but also as a patient, has cemented my decision to make a difference in the lives of others through a medical career. Currently, I am a dedicated fourth-year student in the Pathway Lead the Way Biomedical Program and a three-time nominee to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. In addition to performing labs, research projects, and experiments- as well as handling patient cases and designing courses of treatment- I also shadow at the local hospital. Through shadowing, I have been able to sit in on office visits, in-office procedures, and both traditional and robot-assisted surgeries.
My leadership experience includes three years as Class President, during which I presided over the Class of 2025 Class Council, led Calvert High’s 230+ person senior class, and raised over $25,000 for our school. I also serve as a senior student member of Calvert County's
Citizens’ Advisory Council, through which I represent over 15,000 peers in meetings with the Board of Education, in addition to operating as the treasurer of the CHS chapter of the National Honor Society. As captain of the color guard in Calvert High's nationally recognized marching band, I co-wrote the choreography and headed hair, makeup, and costume design for both our 2024 and 2025 seasons. I am also a five-time published poet through organizations like the Young Writers, the Live Poets Society, and the Congressional Library of Poetry, as well as being a museum-exhibited artist.
I am an active volunteer in my community and volunteer with local nonprofits like Honor the Blue, Farming 4 Hunger, and Birthright, in addition to working with national organizations like the Special Olympics and Relay 4 Life and serving three Sundays a month in the nursery at my church, NewLife Calvert. I also sit on the Student Advisory Board for the 1,000 Dreams Fund, an empowering mentorship program for young women, and am a Student Ambassador for the BigFuture program through the College Board, bridging the gap between socioeconomically disadvantaged students and higher education. Furthermore, I am a proud three-time Carson Scholar and a nominated member of the National Youth Leadership Forum. I recently graduated as Salutatorian of my class with the Van Hollen Public Service Award for my dedication to serving my community, the State of Maryland Certificate of Merit for graduating in the top 5% of my class, and the Maryland Certificate for Meritorious service for my >450 hours of public service and volunteering, in addition to over 60 college credits through AP courses and dual enrollement.
This fall, I will start my first semester as a pre-med student at the University of Maryland. I intend to pursue a double degree in Cellular Biology and Psychology with a certificate in Women’s Studies and a minor in Humanities, Health, and Medicine. Throughout college, I aim to participate in undergraduate research through UMD Honors Biology research, in addition to working part-time on campus as an academic advisor, campus tour guide, lab assistant, or TA.
During the summers, I hope to work full-time at a D.C. hospital to gain clinical experience or with politicians on Capitol Hill to improve healthcare policy and legislation. After college, I plan to attend medical school and pursue an MD.
My pursuit of STEM- particularly in medicine, biology, and health technology- stems from a deep desire to alleviate human suffering and create a more equitable, sustainable world. I plan to become an oncologist, but I don’t just view medicine in isolation. Through interdisciplinary study in biology, psychology, disability studies, and health policy, I aim to bridge gaps between scientific innovation, patient-centered care, and environmental responsibility. In pursuing cellular biology and psychological research, I hope to contribute to more effective, accessible treatments for chronic illness and cancer. These diseases devastate individuals and families- not just physically, but mentally, economically, and emotionally as well. Through medical research, I want to alleviate pain, extend lives, and make care more compassionate and culturally competent, especially for underserved and disabled communities.
Ultimately, medicine offers me the tools to reduce suffering through research, innovation, advocacy, and care. Throughout my career, I plan to strive for equity in healthcare and combat the stigma surrounding mental health, chronic illness, and disability. My dream is to one day open and run a 1,500-bed hospital in the heart of Washington, D.C., dedicated to accessible care and cutting-edge medical research. Additionally, I hope to establish a nonprofit that empowers young women and disabled youth to pursue medical careers. Throughout college and beyond, my dream is to continue fueling my passion for medicine and the people on this planet. My unique journey has been defined by unwavering resilience, a commitment to service, and a passion for pushing for change. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education but also empower me to continue pushing the envelope in medicine, public policy, scientific research, and social justice. My dream is to forge a path for others in the way my path was paved by the women before me- all I need is a platform to change the world.