Page 13 - 2020 Awards & Recognition

Dear Dr. Lawrence F. Gosenfeld Scholarship Committee,
I am sitting here in great humility and with the most immense gratitude. I am very honored to have been selected as a recipient for your scholarship. As a second year DO student, I am starting to gear up for my clinical education and the excitement to carry on the osteopathic legacy for our community thrills me. Even
in the midst of the turmoil and fear that has gripped our global community in the past few months, I welcome the challenges to come with great anticipation.
I come from San Diego, California and have been fortunate enough to grow up in Southern California my entire life. I went on to study neuroscience at UCLA where my love for the behavioral aspect of medicine was nurtured. It was really my occupation
as an applied behavioral analysis therapist that solidified my understanding of what my calling is. I owe everything I am and everything I have been able to accomplish to my community. They are the reason I chose to pursue this career and I plan on giving back my life to the families affected by developmental disabilities that have struggled like my own. My passion is woven throughout my life and I plan to pursue this career relentlessly as a new and upcoming advocate for those that are in desperate need.
Thank you for reading my essay, it was all from the deepest corners of my heart and soul. I am furiously motivated to show as many people and communities the love that I have. Hopefully one day I will be able to return this great favor you’ve done me to future osteopathic students.
With my warmest regards, Ashley Payton, DO Class of 2022