Every high school senior goes through the difficult process of figuring out what major suits them best, I know from first hand experience that choosing the right route to a brighter future is not as easy as it sounds. However, I’ve know exactly what I want to be for a while now and who to thank for motivating me to pursue this path. My desired major is medicine, because I’ve been intrigued of having a career as a neurologist ever since my youngest sibling was diagnosed with Autism, which is a disability from the brain that affects certain behaviors and ways of learning. Although, I’ve always found my self leaning towards the medical field since I was a child, I have him to thank for making my dream clearer, as I have goal that I look forward to achieving now. As I educated myself on different neurological conditions and illnesses, It became evident to me that in cases of psychological disorders, especially those that are harder to detect, are often overlooked in Hispanic households. This can be due to a combination of factors such as a lack of education or understanding on neurological and psychological conditions or limited access to proper healthcare services. Being part of a Hispanic household, I've realized how much sooner things could have improved if there was more acceptance in society that not every child’s “bad” behavior is due to rebellion. Many times, what is perceived as disobedience can actually be a sign of a developmental condition. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness and understanding in my community often leads to these behaviors being misinterpreted, which delays getting the right help and support. My family and I have taken the time to do proper research and seek any help that could prevent this disability from interfering with my sibling’s ability to live a normal life. Through this we’ve come to understand just how vital early intervention and accurate diagnosis are, which is why I aim to help many other families in similar situations that may not have the same access to information or resources, leaving them to face these challenges without the support they need. It deeply saddens me to see how quickly society jumps to judgment without taking the time to understand the true severity of a situation. Too often, people are labeled without recognizing the reality of issues that may be at play. This is why I’m so passionate about my goal to become a neurologist—it’s not just a career for me, but a mission to bring change in such a complex world. I want to help shift perspectives, highlighting greater empathy and understanding, so that children with neurological and psychological disorders receive the support they need rather than facing unjust criticism, ultimately helping families like mine.

We all hear about how often the middle child is the last to be considered, feeling overlooked between the achievements of the eldest and the attention given to the youngest. As a woman growing up in this position, it has been a unique journey of finding my own voice and identity amidst the strong personalities of my brothers. The mind of a woman and a man should be considered the same, as we both acquire the same function, but I’ve learned that our thinking differs beyond our complex brain structure. These differences are necessary for the stability of our community as they help lead each other to new perspectives and solutions. However, achieving equality in different work fields is absolutely essential to make progress in our society by integrating the unique contributions that both men and women bring to the table. For example, In the medical profession, the importance of gender equality is highly significant. Historically, the field of medicine was dominated by men, but over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of women entering and contributing to the field. This has brought numerous benefits for patient care and the medical field as a whole. Considering my personal goals for my future career, I am very passionate in pursuing my dream of becoming a neurologist. As I mentioned earlier, I have two brothers, my youngest brother was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old. It took me a while for me to accept that my brother’s “bad” behavior was out of his control and due to his disability, but once I properly educated myself I soon realized that his brain development was different from other children even though he appears to be a completely normal child. When I started to learn more about his disability, I also learned a lot about the nervous system and Its impact on an individual’s life. I became intrigued and soon realized that I am driven by a desire to understand neurological diseases and find innovative treatments that can improve the quality of life for patients. As I pursue this path, I am committed to advocating for gender equality within the medical field. I aim to be a role model and mentor for aspiring female neurologists, encouraging them to follow their passions and contribute to this fascinating field. Currently, I want to stay in my local area, so I am exploring options to attend Rice University, Baylor University, or the University of Houston Downtown, where I can major in science and prepare for medical school. With the help of one of these institutions, I can expand my critical thinking skills necessary for a career in neurology, as they offer strong resources and science programs. By staying in my local area, I also aim to continue contributing to the community that has helped shape me. I have participated in various fundraising events through my church, often organized by women, further highlighting the significant role of gender. In the future, I look forward to addressing the neurological health needs within my community and beyond, applying the insights and compassion that my personal experiences have gained.