Stephonda Lewis is Second Recipient of Medical School Scholarship
(August 8, 2024) The journey of Stephonda Lewis, a future doctor inspired by personal and community experiences, exemplifies the transformative power of generosity. Stephonda’s dream of becoming a doctor began when she witnessed her mother ring the bell, signifying she was cancer-free. This moment, made possible by the skillful care of her doctors and the support of a community of strangers, solidified Stephonda’s resolve to give back as a medical professional.
As her mother battled breast cancer and raised Stephonda, her brother, and her cousin, the community rallied around them, raising money to help cover household and medical costs. This support deeply influenced Stephonda’s desire to serve the community that had given her family so much.
While Stephonda’s journey to medical school was supported by her community, her journey through medical school will be supported by the Williamsburg Community Foundation (WCF). Thanks to a generous bequest, the Perisie Scholarship in Memory of James P. and H. Bihin Perisie provides scholarships for female students to attend medical school in Virginia or North Carolina, and who intend to practice in the greater Williamsburg area. This scholarship has alleviated Stephonda’s financial burden, allowing her to focus fully on her medical education.
“When I found out I had won the scholarship, I was so shocked,” Stephonda shared. “Knowing that I don’t have to worry about $300,000-$400,000 in student loans means I can focus on my career and future family without that burden. I am incredibly grateful, especially coming from a single-parent household.”
Stephonda’s journey has had its challenges and rewards. She described her research in organic chemistry as particularly tough, yet her trip to Guatemala was profoundly eye-opening. “In America, we can become stuck in our bubble. Seeing how far people lived from healthcare facilities and how their financial situation impacts their health was enlightening.”
Her time volunteering at Riverside Hospital further cemented her commitment to medicine. “I encountered a patient that I’ll call John — I was able to help him with a seemingly simple thing, sponging his dry mouth every day before and after surgery — but that small thing was a big relief to him. After the surgery, he gave me a card thanking me for my kindness. This reinforced my decision to become a General Practitioner; I want to foster those personal doctor-patient interactions and establish long-term relationships with my patients.”
Stephonda’s goals for medical school are clear. “First, I want to find myself and connect with classmates and professors. It’s a rigorous process that requires patience and trying new ways of doing things. Second, academically, I’m excited to dive deeply into learning about the body.”
Receiving the Perisie scholarship significantly impacts Stephonda’s ability to achieve these goals. “Not having to worry about loans gives me the freedom to focus solely on school. It relieves so much stress for me. I moved here when I was seven and fell in love with this community. They were so supportive during my mom’s illness, and now I want to give back.”
Stephonda’s dedication and the community’s generosity ensure that she will soon give back as a compassionate doctor, practicing locally and enriching the very community that inspired her dreams.
For more information about the Williamsburg Community Foundation and its scholarships, visit www.williamsburgcommunityfoundation.org.