My name is Celena and I am currently a junior studying biomedical sciences. I was in the foster care system for 5 years located in Phoenix, Arizona. This will be my first year as a Blavin Scholar and I am excited to see how this program will shape me as a person. I have heard many wonderful things about the Blavin Scholars, such as involvement in the supportive community surrounding the dedicated members and guidance from the lovely staff. My involvement at NAU includes my employment with Student Support Services as a Fostering Success peer mentor, Inclusion and Multicultural Services as a front desk assistant, and with the STAR program as a programs assistant. Also, I have been a member of Student Support Services and Fostering Success for two years. In addition, junior year I plan on auditioning for the Bad Jacks dance team and being a member of the Best Buddies club on campus. During college, I want to make lifelong connections with students and staff, join clubs, and grow as a person. After graduation, I plan on attending medical school at the University of Washington, if accepted, and pursuing a doctorates in medicine. After medical school, I plan to fulfill my dream of being a surgeon working with trauma cases in the emergency room.