"You will be known for what you give to the world, not for what you earn" (Nitin Namdeo). I earned a career in sales but was unhappy with how I felt. Everyday social media preaches "money solves all the problems in life", or a sarcastic comment arguing against the fact. What makes me feel complete is helping people. I've noticed this across the many industries I've been involved in. The best part of my job in sales, was helping customers navigate their finances to reach the best deal for them. I took pride in my career, where other salespeople would scam their clientele, I remember giving up money to make sure my customers were well taken care of. In a tough economy, I would only see my mother's face, or a cousin, sister, father, grandparent on everyone who walked through the door. My interest towards the medical field began in a nursing home. It's a tough fact to live with, but a lot of elderly don't get the opportunity to just casually talk about anything when they want. A lot of times they are ignored, and this broke my heart. I remember going out of my way every day to ask if they need any snacks, if nurses needed to be called, and generally making sure their lives continue to have happy moments. It's emotionally challenging working in a nursing home. Mentally, it was the hardest job I've had the chance to be involved in. I was homeless for a brief period in 2021. If emotional intelligence/understanding could be measured on a scale, my understanding would have tilted it. I've always believed I've experienced a higher understanding of emotional intelligence, especially when something sad occurs. An example being when a homeless man in my hometown needed a ride halfway across town, I happily obliged, and we had conversation the entire way. This wouldn't even be the last time, one of my customers in sales needed to be driven home after saying no to the deal. Any other salesperson would tell them to get lost or to figure it out on their own. I understand needing every penny. My untold and forgotten small moments in selflessness fuel my ambition for philanthropy after my career is established in the medical field. Right now, I am volunteering both as a crisis counselor and medical lab assistant. Every time I help someone manage just another day; I'm rewarded with a sense of purpose. I hope to be able to turn that feeling into a long-term career that nurtures those in my care, and to provide philanthropical help to those in unfortunate circumstances like I've experienced.

Math describes everything around us. There is a calculation for everything, the ultimate language. I believe it plays a critical role in early child development, helping to improve critical thinking skills, problem solving, recognizing patterns and structures, and so much more! A great example of this is "Chaos Theory" where a small change in the initial outcome can drastically influence the outcome. Relating to the butterfly effect, you start to realize math relates to complex subjects that guides you all the way to space. Not to get too complicated, but with probability and statistics we can predict the future, such as weather forecasting's or trends in any field. At the very core of math, it inspires to advance technology and the human race, while also defining our surroundings and everyday life. I love math because it creates facts where otherwise would be a complete mystery. Imagine living in a reality where most things are undefined and up to interpretation. The widespread popularity of videogames requires complex mathematics for the developers to create entire worlds and ecosystems. With code, we can create fantasy and entire realities foundationally from just numbers on a screen. Sometimes you don't have to understand or know what type of math is behind a problem but understanding what's being asked gives you the courage to work your way through. Math can be the greatest teacher in perseverance. In essence, math is more than just numbers or problems. It's a language that's universally expressive, fostering curiosity and innovation wherever you look.

It would take five years of experiencing the best life has to offer, and what lies at the lowest points in those memories. I remember after a bittersweet breakup with what I thought was to be the "love of my life" at the young age of 19, still a teenager with the mentality "nothing truly can go wrong", I aspired to be a chef. Something about being knowledgeably skilled enough to create the most stunning and elegant dishes on the fly, excited and awoke something in my heart. Still to this day, I have a love for creating Japanese inspired Culinary. I was a Wagyu Chef for 2 years, after spending my due time as a line cook in some disgusting, roach infested restaurant. Chicago can be different in "unexpected ways". The friendships I made, and the skills nurtured over that time; I wouldn't trade for the world. But I had to move on. With an economy adapting to the effects of covid, I transitioned to a career in sales. My time here taught me invaluable lessons. Old School tradition has the effect of giving you tough skin, while also making you question if the money is truly worth it. No amount of money could ever justify how I felt in that time. In a way, I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for my small successes in sales. A specific experience I will never forget, a way to earn your commission is to greet customers as they walk by. In a way, the first employee to speak, claims them. I would never want to live a career that has your co-workers, your family (As you spend most of your day with them), sprint in front of you or physically cut you off for another sale. I want to live a career of helping people. I see the medical field as so much more than physically treating illnesses or assisting in mental health service in psychiatrics. It's the ability to set an example and be a leader. I aspire to break stereotypes and be a doctor anyone can easily talk to. It's a common fear for many to even show up at the hospital, and I want to be the type of doctor that you know to reach out to. My past challenges in mental health gave me an understanding that will hopefully allow me to have a strong connection with every patient I meet with. In the end, I hope to retire as a teacher. I believe a strong foundation in understanding early development plays the largest role in future generations. It's our duty to give hope and the best care possible.