Long before making it to Oakland University and majoring in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, AJ Joseph’s upbringing led them to find a great passion for the medical field.
“I’m in a family where both of my parents are practicing medicine,” Joseph said. “My mom’s a nurse and my dad’s a physical therapist, so I decided to also go into the medical field.”
Throughout their time working for the Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI), Joseph found appreciation in helping students of all gender identities and races find their path. Joseph’s experience at the CMI inspired them to apply for the Keeper of the Dream Scholarship award.
“I like working in the Center for Multicultural Initiatives, especially as a peer mentor,” Joseph said. “I get to connect with other students, especially those from different backgrounds, and it helps both of us grow as students at Oakland University.”
Joseph explains that their drive to earn the Keeper of the Dream award came from a lack of representation.
“I would definitely say that as a South Asian, queer person, I don’t feel I have representation of myself, so I’m just putting myself out there,” Joseph said. “I aspire to help inspire other Asians and queer people to put themselves forward and out there.”
One role model that helped Joseph go through with applying for the award, was Kyle Griggs, a 2023 Keeper of the Dream award recipient.
“Kyle Griggs was my freshman year mentor for the GSC [Gender and Sexuality Center], so it was definitely where I talked to them about it [the award],” Joseph said. “They talked to me about the process of getting their award and that definitely was something where I was pretty anxious about. They kind of told me about the process and I felt better knowing about it.”
Imposter syndrome and self-doubt can be detrimental obstacles to achieving any goal. The struggle was no different for Joseph when they applied for the Keeper of the Dream award.
“There was definitely a lot of self-doubt,” Joseph said. “In the back of my mind, there was a lot of impostor syndrome going on, but it was mainly this self-doubt and the lack of confidence I had.”
Joseph said visiting the GSC and CMI helped them move past their negative thoughts.
“Usually there’s always someone there that I’ve helped out or someone who I’ve made an impact on their lives,” Joseph said. “It just helps remind me that I’ve done work for Oakland University, and I helped promote racial understanding.”
Joseph’s goal after graduation is to work in the medical field and do their part in making themself feel properly represented in the profession. Joseph hopes to make the medical field inviting for everyone to feel comfortable, regardless of race or gender identity.
“Sometimes in the medical field, you don’t feel like you’re being represented properly,” Joseph said. “That’s something where I definitely want to help people be able to get the medical care they deserve, as a doctor. As someone who wants to go into the medical field, I definitely want more equality when it comes to racial and gender rights for medical care.”
