Sydney’s Journey: The Urban League of the Upstate’s MLK Dreamer Scholarship Fuels Future in Medicine

Sydney Beraho, a recent Furman University graduate on track to attend medical school, is an Urban League of the Upstate MLK Dreamers Scholarship recipient. She credits where she is today to the scholarship allowing her to attend Furman University.  

While Sydney’s journey began well before the McClaren Institute for Health & Quality of Life was established, her path is an example of the kind of impact we hope the program can have. As such, we are proud to call her an “Honorary” member of the McClaren/AHEC Health Equity Scholars program.  

(This program is a new initiative of the McClaren Institute and includes a partnership with the Upstate Area Health Education Center to empower and nurture future healthcare leaders.) 

Sydney’s Story 

Originally from Simpsonville, SC, Sydney had the dream of entering the medical field and set her sights on Furman to take the first step toward that dream. Sydney was nominated by the admissions team to receive the scholarship, which emphasizes leadership, volunteerism, and academic excellence.  

She recalls celebrating with her parents around the kitchen table when they got the news. The scholarship was not only a great honor but gave the financial support she needed to attend the prestigious University—providing $35,000 annually for four years. 

It didn’t take long for Sydney to identify her major as Biomedical Sciences, with a minor in Medicine, Health, and Culture. 

A 2024 graduate, she reflects fondly on her time at the university, “I’m thankful that Furman is a Liberal Arts institution. It allowed me to touch every discipline instead of just medicine—the classes were rigorous, which was appreciated knowing I’d continue school.”  

Beyond her classes, Sydney served as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the Panhellenic Council. In this role, she worked tirelessly to promote DEI values across a predominantly white institution, as a Black woman, fostering a more inclusive campus culture. 

Her capstone project capitalized on her interest in DEI and medicine, highlighting the significance of representation in healthcare, and emphasizing how social and cultural identities impact health outcomes. 

As a Senior Class Representative in the Student Government Association, she also spearheaded initiatives like the flu clinic raffles, successfully increasing student participation through innovative outreach methods, and the senior class gift program, raising $14,000. A testament to her dedication and character, she was elected to speak at her graduation ceremony.  

The Future in Medicine 

With the goal of medical school on the horizon, Sydney is taking a gap year to prepare for the MCAT and gain work experience as a medical assistant at PRISMA Health Cancer Institute. After medical school, Sydney dreams of serving the Upstate community that she’s called home for so long as a healthcare provider. She aspires to specialize in OB/GYN or pediatrics—and is especially passionate about women’s health and the disparities often associated. 

In her own words, “I want to be a physician that sees patients for their full story more than their list of symptoms.” Aligned with Dr. McClaren’s local legacy—and MLK’s vision, she desires to be a compassionate, empathetic healthcare provider who addresses the intersection of race and health, ensuring equitable care for all.