Carissa Sherman ’21 took first place in the undergraduate category of the Arkansas Medical Dental & Pharmaceutical Association’s recent student essay contest. A molecular biology major from Tucson, Arizona, Sherman won with her essay, “Bordering on Hopeless: Social Justice in Healthcare.” Sherman, who is Diné and serves as co-chair of CC’s Native American Student Union, explores various social determinants that affect the physical and mental health disparities among Indigenous peoples. She also addresses social justice practices that can be implemented to improve healthcare for marginalized communities.