I grew up unhoused. Now, with support from ACS, I am an MD-PhD student focused on oncology My mother instilled in me: “Never become a product of your circumstances.”

I grew up unhoused. Now, with support from ACS, I am an MD-PhD student focused on oncology My mother instilled in me: “Never become a product of your circumstances.”

My high school experience revolved around constantly worrying about my four younger siblings and mom amidst our normal condition—instability.  Being unhoused meant sleeping in our car. Our small car provided sleeping quarters for seven people, myself and six others. We slept pressed tightly against each other, our bags of clothes, and the walls of the vehicle.  At nights, in the dark parking lots of closed businesses, my body stayed awake, cauti…