Throughout my junior year of high school, I witnessed my aunt’s losing battle to alcoholism firsthand. She fought, struggled, and eventually passed away the summer going into my senior year. During the heart breaking cycle of breakdowns to therapy to rehabilitation to a period of healing, I wanted nothing more than to be able to reestablish a sense of purpose in my aunt’s life. This experience opened me up to the idea of occupational therapy- a profession I believe could have helped save my aunt's life. Growing up with an undeniable love for science, I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. However, I also wanted to help people in a way that feels meaningful rather than simply write prescriptions or form short term relationships. After losing my aunt, I’ve found my ultimate calling in occupational therapy. From the age of 5, my mother would describe me as determined- and at times bossy. I was a passionate child, striving for greatness in every endeavor. I played basketball on the boys team, and I read in a competitive manner. In school, I asked questions but preferred to pursue content on my own. I have always loved the endless potential of learning that is apparent across all areas of science. Especially in high school, I quickly realized that I simply wasn’t done learning. Going into a profession that stimulates my intellectual capacity has become vital to my chosen career path, and occupational therapy can provide such flexibility for growth. Alongside my ambition my mother would emphasize my compassion. Whether it was sobbing when Nemo couldn’t find his dad or creating mud piles so the bugs would have a home, I was an oddly empathetic child. This carried on throughout my entrance to adulthood as I joined Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and quickly took part in active leadership. As president, I worked closely with our advisor to revamp the program into a proactive organization. We captained the May Mental Health Awareness celebration on campus by arranging several social events, public speakers, and invited outside group involvement to decorate large sums of posters. HOSA was able to start conversations about mental wellbeing all across campus, and I was astounded to see individuals of all backgrounds resonating with our events. As an occupational therapist, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients is a key component that already deeply resonates with me. By definition, occupational therapy is a process of restoring or creating meaningful activities in a community or individual. An occupational therapist (OT) can assist in this process in a wide variety of ways that range from physical or mental rehabilitation, advocating for patient care in hospitals or life settings, to educating individuals on beneficial skills and habits. This job allows for the OT to explore what methods and practices are most interesting and applicable to them while also helping individuals establish a sense of self. Occupational therapy allows patients to reconnect with their own strengths and passions to establish personal fulfillment. Becoming an occupational therapist will bridge the gap between my love of learning and love of helping others. I will be able to constantly explore new practices and methods in the field while always finding fulfillment in my impact on other lives. All things considered, becoming an occupational therapist is what’s best for me, and with no doubt, my aunt would be proud.

1. Growing up, I’ve always been an extremely ambitious and passionate individual. I always try my very best in my select activities, and I care largely about the impact I have. Reflecting back on this mentality, I believe it stems from my long realization of the “yolo” concept. Facing extensive grief from a young age, the singularity of life was apparent and undeniable, but rather than mourning that fact, I’m inspired by it. The fundamental principle that we are given one shot at life motivates me to make it the best I can. Acknowledging the limited number of “do-overs” has made the possibilities of life all the more exciting and special. Life is like dessert in that there are so many options, but you must be selective in those options given you can only eat so much. While a silly idea, it is true that balance is necessary, and no one person will get to experience every good thing there is in one life. Of course, this motivation is relative and not extreme to an unhealthy degree, but it is more of a mantra for taking ownership in the quality and influence of my life. Considering this, my ideal future is that of graduate school and extensive education in science. I want to be an expert in STEM, and I will make findings that can change the current outcome of the climate crisis. With that, I’d hope to be part of mending the relationship between scientific communication and the public and government. While scientific research is so exciting and vital, it will never be as powerful as it could be until it is understood and supported by the majority of the public. Therefore, in my ideal world, I will be a leader in bridging the gap between world-saving science and human understanding. 2. Although at times misunderstood, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (termed STEM) is an undeniably exciting area of study when one realizes the endless world of potential within the field. Reflecting on what it means to be curious, asking questions is the very basis of both human curiosity and science. In practice, science is finding the best possible answers to a question, and STEM is a field of explaining such answers. Therefore, STEM is a place where a curious mind is welcomed and set free- where a person’s greatest questions can be addressed. It’s where society’s most disruptive problems can often be solved, and it’s where the progression of human civilization lies. Without a doubt, STEM is abundant, applicable, and inevitably exciting in consideration of its potential. Specifically, a profession in information technology (IT) will allow me to positively impact the world in a variety of ways that I can only begin to imagine. For one, the creation of a single, universal database that organizes the assembly and deconstruction of EV car batteries across all makes and models can be used by battery recycling centers to combat excessive lithium-ion battery waste. Also, IT can be used to develop more specific carbon-14 tracing models to analyze predictive conditions of atmospheric pollution. Overall, the use of IT and programming is the future for STEM industries, and there are so many ways I foresee myself harnessing it to address areas of the climate crisis. With certainty, my future in STEM, and specifically IT, will positively impact the world. 3. After my sophomore year, my family faced one of our greatest tragedies yet. First, my childhood dog passed away. The following week, my grandfather passed away unexpectedly. Less than a month later, my aunt also passed away without warning. Death after death after death, and my family faced extreme grief over what felt like an irrefutable curse. Simultaneously, I was soon to begin my junior year of high school, ace state exams, and begin applying to colleges. Navigating my grief along with that of my entire household was confusing and a challenge, to say the least. Then having to maintain my academic capabilities and role in extracurricular activities, I was overwhelmed with both emotions and responsibilities. The onset of the school year was not easy, and one September day I found myself parked on the side of the road breaking down. It was then that I realized that I wasn’t in a place to move forward on my own. I reached out to my parents and sought out therapy. I opened up to my friends about my struggle, and I journaled daily. I took a new stake in my life, and while it wasn't easy, I began living with intention. Through this undeniable struggle, I was able to break and mend into my strongest self by recognizing my support system.

Throughout my junior year of high school, I witnessed my aunt’s losing battle with alcoholism firsthand. She fought, struggled, and eventually passed away the summer going into my senior year. During the heartbreaking cycle of breakdowns to therapy to rehabilitation to a period of healing, I wanted nothing more than to be able to reestablish a sense of purpose in my aunt’s life. This experience opened me up to the idea of occupational therapy- a profession I believe could have helped save my aunt's life. Growing up with an undeniable love for science, I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. However, I also wanted to help people in a way that feels meaningful rather than simply writing prescriptions or forming short-term relationships. After losing my aunt, I’ve found my ultimate calling in occupational therapy. From the age of 5, my mother would describe me as determined- and at times bossy. I was a passionate child, striving for greatness in every endeavor. I played basketball on the boy's team, and I read competitively. In school, I asked questions but preferred to pursue content on my own. I have always loved the endless potential of learning that is apparent across all areas of science. Especially in high school, I quickly realized that I simply wasn’t done learning. Going into a profession that stimulates my intellectual capacity has become vital to my chosen career path, and occupational therapy can provide such flexibility for growth. Alongside my ambition, my mother would emphasize my compassion. Whether it was sobbing when Nemo couldn’t find his dad or creating mud piles so the bugs would have a home, I was an oddly empathetic child. This carried on throughout my entrance to adulthood as I joined Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) and quickly took part in active leadership. As president, I worked closely with our advisor to revamp the program into a proactive organization. We captained the May Mental Health Awareness celebration on campus by arranging several social events, public speakers, and invited outside group involvement to decorate large sums of posters. HOSA was able to start conversations about mental well-being all across campus, and I was astounded to see individuals of all backgrounds resonating with our events. As an occupational therapist, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients is a key component that already deeply resonates with me. By definition, occupational therapy is a process of restoring or creating meaningful activities in a community or individual. An occupational therapist (OT) can assist in this process in a wide variety of ways that range from physical or mental rehabilitation, advocating for patient care in hospitals or life settings, to educating individuals on beneficial skills and habits. This job allows the OT to explore what methods and practices are most interesting and applicable to them while also helping individuals establish a sense of self. Occupational therapy allows patients to reconnect with their strengths and passions to establish personal fulfillment. Becoming an occupational therapist will bridge the gap between my love of learning and my love of helping others. I will be able to constantly explore new practices and methods in the field while always finding fulfillment in my impact on other lives. All things considered, becoming an occupational therapist is what’s best for me, and with no doubt, my aunt would be proud.

"What about nature's worth? It's our planet's womb. What about animals? We've turning kingdoms to dust." Released in 1995, Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" took grip of my heart at the age of 5 and has yet to let go. The rapid advancement of global industrialization mercilessly takes and takes from the Earth without regard to the longstanding natural process of ecosystem. Not only does Michael emphasize that such behavior indicates our poor character as a human race, but the results of our actions will be the end of our world. Whether it be hunting of animals to extinction or over-development into vital biomes, these actions are cruel and detrimental to livestock. "Have we lost elephants trust?" Are we such ruthless creatures that our behavior should cause fear? "The heavens are falling down!" Though metaphorical, Michael wasn't far off back in 1995 as sea levels have now risen 5 inches! "Did you ever stop to notice, this crying Earth with weeping shores?" Above all, humans choose ignorance instead of intention. Michael details the human race moving forward with reckless and selfish acts while ignoring the increasingly more deadly consequences all throughout this song. Further, the song simultaneously increases in pitch and speed while focusing the imagery on human consequence. "Children dead from war, baby boy, dead to joy, dying man, burning again," and so many more phrases building in intensity with each verse; Michael overwhelms his audience with emotion to convey the urgency of his message. No matter who listens to his words, there is no doubt that they feel. They will feel the pain in his voice, the fear for our future, and the guilt for our actions. Michael Jackson's "Earth Song" is a powerful symphony that shares the message of climate crisis that may very well save our world.

It may seem superficial due to my status as a teenage girl, but the invention of social media is a technological revolution starter that will forever inspire me. Remarklably, social media platforms have given rise to a generation that is more self-aware and capable of being united, unlike ever before. More broadly, the internet gives a voice to people from all backgrounds, and it has led to a destruction of educational discrepancy that excites me about the power technology holds to break societal barriers. Just 20 years ago, one would have to get their news from a television set, a newspaper, or even word of mouth. The truth could be distorted, or people were simply unaware of what was actually occurring in the world around them. Then, a sudden boom of technology has since changed the way the near entire world gains information. The development of the internet and its many sisters, cousins, and nieces twice removed has resulted in questions being answered with one touch. The sheer amount of knowledge held in a person’s back pocket is unthinkable, but more importantly, the ability for people to connect over such topics has magnified. The rise of Facebook, Instagram, and many other medias have led to the circulation of opinions as well as the visual demonstration of hard truths. Human injustices, political controversies, corporate behavior, and so much more have been exposed to the everyday individual. Things that often went unsaid or actions that tended to be covered up could no longer go unseen. What’s even more astonishing than the capability of the technology itself is the reaction of its users. While one cannot ignore the epitome of fake news and hate comments, the ability for people to unify against unjust causes is gut-wrenchingly moving. The Black Lives Matter Protests, LGBTQ+ Pride, women’s rights groups, charity platforms, and so many more communities have been brought together all over the world based on a common interest. People are relating, people are supporting, people are learning, and people are being people in a whole new way. Social media has changed the world whether some find it good or bad. Undoubtedly, this change is not going away, but instead, technology is moving 100 mph forward. Although there lies uncertainty in where exactly technology is headed, I know I’m excited to have a hand in helping others grow to become better people through it.

The year is 2042. I have graduated from both college and medical school, and I am taking the final steps to become a practicing surgeon. Finally, I am on the move to obtain my greatest life goal: opening a medical practice in my hometown. After obtaining my MD and becoming a practicing surgeon, I plan to return to the underserved communities that raised me. I grew up depending on faulty insurance to obtain medical care, and so many friends and family members have faced the same struggle. For some reason that I can't explain, health care is exclusive and not openly accessible. As a practicing doctor who took an oath to help others, I will not stand for such discrepancies. I will found and operate my own medical practice in Fort Worth, my home, and I will accept all insurances as well as offer affordable treatment. I will provide the best medical service to those who have long been unable to obtain it. Further, I plan to be politically proactive in leading community movements to allow for affordable medicine. Change will require a significant amount of time and effort, but I will take all the steps I can to contribute towards accessible healthcare. All things considered, I have major plans of being a leader in both medicine and my community, and this is just the start to changing the world. While these goals may seem overly ambitious, I am confident that I will accomplish them with a plan and your help. In terms of my plan, a degree in biochemistry will introduce me to a field that is constantly pushing society forward and solving real-world issues. The study of life at the molecular level will expand my scientific knowledge and will challenge and prepare me to be a competitive medical school applicant. Further, studying at a research based university like the University of Texas at Austin, I will learn and adapt to various life skills that will prepare me for my educational and lifelong future. Looking back, my innate drive, time management, and end goals have already allowed me to succeed as a scholar in various ways, and I am confident that the betterment of these skills will continue to propel me through the challenging path of medicine. However, this journey will be extremely financially strenuous. Therefore, it is vital that I kickstart the process as soon as I graduate and pursue as much financial aid available. Balancing my time between working 20 hours a week, investing, applying for scholarships and grants, and taking advantage of every opportunity available to me, I am chasing necessary financial means. Through scholarship, student loans, and help from people like you, I know that I will have the opportunity to make these goals a reality. All in all, I am confident that I am going to change the world through leading my community into a future of affordable healthcare. I ask that you believe in my dream, too, and make the choice to invest in my future.