Imagine a little 8-year-old girl, glued to her computer playing a game involving anesthesia, scalpels, and IV fluids. Within the game, she learned the basics of medicine as she sat in the back of her mom’s office in New York. Granted, the game she was playing was Pet Pals: New Leash on Life, a game where she could play the role of a veterinarian. Fast-forward to now, the little girl is all grown up, always smiling as she interacts with patients at her current job. That young girl was me, and little did I know that treating pets and exotic animals on my computer would kickstart the intense passion I have for medicine and healthcare. One key moment was when I interacted with a provider with the label “PA-C”. As an 18-year-old visiting a gynecologist for the first time, I remember being anxious about how my visit would go. In the past, doctors made me feel like I was exaggerating my symptoms. I began to wonder, “Would I feel dismissed yet again?” My concerns eased the moment I met the provider who introduced herself as a physician assistant (PA). This provider made me feel heard and took her time to talk me through treatment options for my concerns. I left that appointment believing that my medical care truly mattered to my PA. I knew then that this was the type of healthcare I wanted to provide for others. Through my experience as a medical assistant at an otolaryngology clinic, I have witnessed the understanding, compassion, and dedication our PAs display when treating patients. Patients express that their visit never feels rushed and our PAs are understanding and thorough in addressing their symptoms. Not only has this reaffirmed my desire to become a PA, but also demonstrated the standard I would strive for as a PA myself. In my current role, I obtain patient histories and explain to patients what to expect during their visit based on their chief complaint. These conversations allow me to create personal connections with my patients, and many patients have taken time to express that I make them feel heard and comfortable. I look forward to the day I can actually diagnose and treat their symptoms while also continuing to provide reassurance and a listening ear.  Through my observations, I’ve learned that being a PA requires consistent empathy for all walks of life to effectively treat patients. I have taken many classes focusing on the health of diverse and disabled populations, and barriers to preventing chronic diseases and certain health conditions. Growing up in New York City allowed me to see real-life examples of these barriers: lack of access to safe outdoor areas to exercise, heavily polluted environments, sparse options for healthy foods, and lack of access to healthcare overall. I have personally seen neighbors and family members struggle with chronic disease due to these conditions. Understanding the backgrounds and barriers my future patients face will allow me to be a better, well-rounded provider. There is a story of environmental and socioeconomic factors to each patient, and I aspire to devote time to hearing those stories and finding treatment plans tailored to my patients. Ultimately, while I have a passion for healthcare and medicine, I also want to be a PA who addresses patients as humans with unique experiences, not just as another chart and medical history. I have a penchant for wholeheartedly understanding what it is like to be in another’s shoes, and this drives me to become a PA who can change lives by truly empathizing and listening, one patient at a time.