Empowering Health for All: Making Wellness Accessible by Dylan

Empowering Health for All: Making Wellness Accessible by Dylan - May 2025 Scholarship Essay

With an endless supply of time and money, I would carry out everything I have learned in school to create a global effort to improve the affordability and accessibility of exercise and nutritious food for every community. After conducting research and completing my education in biology, public health, and leadership, I’ve realized just how incredible the connection between physical activity, nutrition, and mental and physical health is, and how those benefits can be realized with any population; irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, and age.
With unlimited time and resources, I would create community wellness centers in underserved areas which provide free or low-cost access to fitness programs, health education, and meals. These wellness centers would be staffed by qualified health professionals, trainers and nutritionists who are committed to equity and inclusion. In addition, I would invest in policies and partnerships that subsidize fresh produce and healthy food options in food deserts so that families do not have to choose between affordability and nutrition.
Physical activity and nutrition have shown to decrease the prevalence of chronic disease, be mood boosters, and increase life expectancy. However, too often they are reserved for people with resources. I would make exercise and nutrition a rights-based approach, a tool of empowerment that promotes wellness and dignity for everyone, regardless of who they are or how much money they have.