I’m a high school senior from Las Vegas, Nevada, planning to pursue a degree in Biology with the goal of entering the medical field. Outside the classroom, I’m section leader in my school’s band, where I play the bass clarinet. I also work at McDonald's, which has taught me how to stay calm and focused under pressure. At home, I’m a proud dog owner of three and a huge Disney fan—my family and I love going to the parks together. But one of the most defining parts of my life has been my relationship with my grandpa, who recently passed away from Alzheimer’s. Watching his decline—and the emotional toll it took on my mom and grandma—shaped how I view health and wellness. It made me realize that health isn’t just physical; it affects entire families emotionally and mentally. That experience gave me a deep passion for helping others, especially those in vulnerable health situations. It also instilled in me values of compassion, resilience, and empathy—qualities I carry with me every day and hope to bring into my future work in healthcare. To me, empathy is the ability to truly understand and connect with another person’s emotions—feeling with them, not just for them. It’s more than just kindness or sympathy. It means taking the time to listen, observe, and place yourself in someone else’s shoes, even when their experiences are far from your own. In healthcare, empathy is essential because it creates trust, respect, and emotional safety for patients and their families. I witnessed this firsthand during my grandpa’s battle with Alzheimer’s. As his memory declined, I saw how isolating the disease could be—not just for him, but for those around him. My grandma and mom became his full-time caregivers, and I could see the emotional weight they carried. Despite their exhaustion, they always approached him with patience, love, and dignity. Their ability to stay grounded in empathy helped my grandpa feel secure, even in his most confused moments. That experience showed me how healthcare is deeply human work. Medical treatment alone isn’t enough; people need to feel seen, understood, and valued. I saw how important it is to create an environment where patients and caregivers alike feel supported, and that’s the kind of environment I want to help build as I move forward in a health-related career. I plan to major in Biology as the foundation for becoming a healthcare provider who leads with compassion. I want to work in a way that puts people—not just symptoms—at the center of care. To me, being human-centered means considering not only the physical needs of a patient but also their emotional, social, and cultural backgrounds. Everyone’s story is different, and empathy allows us to honor those differences. To ensure I stay grounded in that approach, I’ll continue to reflect on my own experiences—especially the lessons I learned from my grandpa and my family. I’ll seek out opportunities to listen to others, volunteer, and engage in conversations that challenge me to grow. And no matter how busy or technical the work becomes, I’ll remember that every person I help is someone’s loved one—just like my grandpa was to me. Empathy is the heart of healing, and I believe that bringing humanity into every interaction is what truly makes a difference in healthcare.