Courney Sartor has a quiet determination that speaks louder than any accolades- and she's earned plenty. A Biology major within the School of Life Sciences and Sustainability (SLSS), Sartor has been awarded the Taco Bell Foundation's Live Más Scholarship not once, but four times. The repeated recognition isn't just a testament to her academic drive - it's a reflection of the values she brings to her work: authenticity, resilience, and purpose. 

Raised with a deep sense of community and service, Sartor came to VCU with an interest in science. What she found here was something more profound: a calling to become a physician who centers compassion and equity in her care. Through classes, campus life, and community outreach in Richmond, she began to see medicine not just as a career, but as a means to break down barriers in health care access. 

"VCU has been more than a university to me,' she said. "It's where I found my purpose."

Richmond's diversity, coupled with hands-on experiences in undeserved neighborhoods, gave Sartor a firsthand look at the disparities that shape people's health outcomes. From working with individuals experiencing homelessness to participating in health education programs, she discovered the human side of medicine—one built not on biology, but on trust, empathy, and advocacy. 

That intersection between science and service is where Sartor thrives. And it's also what drives her academic success. Winning the Live Más Scholarship multiple times not only eased her financial burdens but also validated her journey. "Each time I receive the scholarship, it comes at a moment when I needed it most," she said. "Sometimes it was the money, sometimes it was the encouragement. It reminded me that people believed in me."

That sense of belief has carried her through moments of doubt, especially as a student from an underrepresented background navigating a highly competitive pre-med path. But Sartor's story is one of persistence, grounded in authenticity and a desire to inspire others. She encourages fellow student to embrace their unique paths.

"Believe in your story-even if it's messy or doesn't look like anyone else's," she said. "Your authenticity is your greatest strength." 

As she looks ahead to medical school, Sartor remains focused on her ultimate goal: becoming a physician who doesn't just diagnose, but listens- who doesn't just treat, but uplifts. At VCU, she has found the academic foundation and community support to make that vision a reality. 

And for students still finding their way, she offers this advice: "Start with what drives you. Share the real reasons you care. That's where purpose lives- and that's where the real impact begins."