First-Generation Future Doctor

Daijah Pierce is a first-generation college student and aspires to become the first doctor in her family. She graduated from Kenwood Academy High School from the biomedical engineering program. She is now studying as a psychology major on a pre-med track at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). 

As a kid, Daijah always knew she wanted to become a doctor. “Every year for Halloween I remember I would dress up as a doctor. Of course, after the second and third year it got a little old, so every year I would be a different kind of doctor. One year I was a cardiothoracic surgeon… [Another] year I was a psychiatrist…Then, one year I was a neurosurgeon. I just played in different ones. I was a doctor until about twelve [years old,]” said Pierce. Daijah mentioned that she realized that the costumes were much more than dressing up and she knew she wanted to pursue a career in medicine. 

When she first decided to pursue her journey of becoming a doctor, Daijah shifted gears regarding which path she wanted to take. “Originally in my freshmen year, I came in as a neuroscience major because I love the study of the brain and how our behavior affects our lives and relates to the brain. Also, I like psychology because [we know] our physical health takes a toll on our body, but our mental health does as well. After taking psych classes, I found it interesting and decided to change my major,” said Pierce. Now, at UIC Daijah works with high school students in emergency preparedness. 

As a future doctor, Daijah plans to address the health disparities in the healthcare system, especially within the Black community. “Being a lupus survivor and having many health challenges I was able to understand firsthand what it’s like to be a patient and the care of physicians who care about you but also physicians that don’t. I can understand why there is mistrust in the system and why there are certain disparities within the healthcare system related to finances and economic status that affect people's lives and their quality of care. I’ve been a victim of it and I've been blessed to [know] where I can make an impact. I think I’m being called to be a part of the change and helping people get access to care, specifically Black people in Chicago,” said Pierce. 

Despite the challenges Daijah has encountered in the healthcare system it has pushed her more to become an advocate for patients. “The way I have lived my life and the experiences that I’ve been through with my financial challenges, applying to colleges as a first-generation student, having lupus, being Black, and also being a woman seeking equal healthcare, all of these different challenges have affected my life and who I am today in a way that may seem like a burden to most but has been the foundation of my resilience and determination to pursue a career in medicine,” said Pierce. 

Daijah’s passion and inspiration for medicine come from her faith, her parents, and a mentor. “I wouldn’t be a person if it wasn’t for my faith, I think my relationship with God has allowed me to understand a different perspective of life…my faith is stronger than ever and my relationship is on a spiritual high. Also, my top inspirations are my parents, my dad is a nurse. He always had the best bedside manner, he was always the nurse called to place IV, and that always inspired me because of the nurse he was. Also, I have a doctor that I worked with, and at the time he was a medical student and  he's now a fellowship. His name is Dr.Pratt, and he built the emergency room at the University of Chicago, he is almost like a second father to me," said Pierce. 

Through her support system, Daijah has also found support through the Pursue Scholars program. “I joined Pursue in 2020 and that was nearly right after COVID-19. This was a timely program and community to be a part of just because I was going through so much. And I didn’t understand the real impact Pursue would make on me. I realized this was not a regular scholarship where you would get a check and they will send you on your way. This was a long-lasting community that was here to support you on your journey to put people in your way to check on you. That means the most and that has encouraged me just from little things like care packages. But just like all the people who are connected to Pursue, hearing the testimonies and stories about their challenges and how they overcame and graduated to become such amazing people is very encouraging. It allows me to see that I can do it too despite my challenges and it’s good because it's a community of people who are going through similar things as me but also are in the same walk as Christ and college. It’s a perfect opportunity, it’s a perfect program,” said Pierce. 

As Daijah continues her medical journey, she wants to pay it forward in her community by giving patients an equal experience for quality healthcare. She also plans to reinvest in the next generation of scholars once she’s in a position to do so. “I look forward to staying connected with Pursue as long as I can until I can get into the financial way to give back one day as a future doctor,” said Pierce. 

Stories like Daijah are the reason we are grateful for partners like you. Your gift to Pursue Scholars today will be actively investing in young Chicago leaders and helping them embark on a journey that will truly lead to change.