New York Life Golden Futures Scholar Spotlight: David Guo, Drexel University

Scholarship America was excited to team up with New York Life and Zogo on the New York Life Golden Futures Scholarship, which debuted in 2025. This unique program combines financial education with the opportunity to receive a scholarship worth up to $20,000.

[Apply for the New York Life Golden Futures 2026 Scholarship through June 1!]

One of the recipients in the inaugural year of the program was David Guo, currently a freshman in the BS/MD program at Drexel University. We spoke with him about the origins of his interest in genetic engineering, his plans for the future, and how the educational aspect of the scholarship program equipped him to follow his dreams.

What inspired you to select your course of study?

As a kid, one of my favorite pastimes was spending hours at the library combing through science fiction books. There, I discovered my favorite theme: Genetic Engineering. To some, changing our DNA seems scary, but genetics and therapies will be the future. What began as curiosity has since grown into a career aspiration and interest. Having first-authored a paper in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences studying inflammation in cardiovascular aging, I hope to continue my passion, studying how gene therapies can target inflammation. My career goal is to become a physician-scientist who bridges research and patient care. Shadowing physicians showed me that medicine is both about science and about serving communities that are often overlooked. In college, I plan to take classes on health disparities and equip myself with the power to advocate. With an assured spot in medical school in my BS/MD program, I can use this opportunity to become an innovator and serve others.

How did you learn about the New York Life Golden Futures Scholarship, and why did you decide to apply?

I first learned about the New York Life Golden Futures Scholarship through researching on the Scholarship America page and New York Life page. Scholarship America was one of my most used and effective resources in finding scholarships. I decided to apply because of the program’s emphasis on financial literacy, future readiness, and growth. As someone pursuing a future in medicine, I recognize the importance of developing the financial literacy and decision-making skills needed to sustain that journey. To me, the Golden Futures Scholarship represented an investment in students, and I wanted to be part of this wonderful community of scholars.

What did you learn by completing the modules in the Zogo app?

Through the Zogo modules, I gained a new foundation in financial literacy, budgeting strategies, and core financial principles. For example, I learned about loans, which inspired me to conduct my own research into loan forgiveness for physicians. Through a ten-year employment at a non-profit hospital, I plan to use this opportunity to achieve my goal. In combination, these steps will ensure that financial barriers don’t deter me from serving patients and following my dreams. Moreover, the experience shifted my mindset as I now believe that my financial future is something I can actively shape. These lessons helped me see financial knowledge as a tool for empowerment and independence. The modules emphasized the importance of proactive financial decision-making, smart saving habits, and responsible credit use, all of which are essential for building financial resilience. As someone pursuing a long academic pathway, these lessons allow me to approach my future with confidence, intentionality, and a strategic outlook.

What does this scholarship mean for you and your family? How will it help you in your educational journey?

Receiving the New York Life Golden Futures scholarship reminded me that I’m capable of shaping my financial future. It showed me that people believe my interest in medicine and science can ignite meaningful change. I’m so honored to be selected as a winner and grateful to be able to represent New York Life. This scholarship will not only provide support but also financial education to achieve my goal of becoming a physician and serving others. To me, financial education is not just a skill but a tool that allows one to succeed and follow my dreams.

What is your dream for your future, upon graduation and beyond? How does this scholarship help you pursue those dreams?

My dream for the future is to become a physician who bridges clinical care, research, and innovative treatments. I greatly value service to others, so I aspire to be a physician who not only treats but also serves the community through volunteering and service initiatives. In addition, I hope to expand the cutting edge of medicine to develop therapies that improve patient outcomes and advance equitable, patient-centered care. This scholarship plays a critical role in that journey by providing the financial literacy and support system needed to pursue opportunities, whether in research, clinical exposure, or community engagement. Programs like this demonstrate how education and opportunity can intersect to unlock potential. I’m excited to carry those values forward in my academic journey and in my future career serving others. By gaining knowledge about these resources, I learned that I have the power to shape my financial future.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

One thing I would tell my younger self is that persistence is the tool that allows you to chisel opportunities and bright futures. What this means is that success and accomplishments do not come without challenges or struggles. However, it is through these challenges that allow for growth and even better opportunities. In my own life, I often didn’t succeed on the first try. However, I persisted and kept on chugging at every opportunity. Eventually, I was able to plan my future and find wonderful opportunities like the New York Life Golden Futures Scholarship.