I have always felt a calling to do good in this world, and my calling has proven to be the healthcare system. Starting from a young age, I have had to endure the rapid deterioration of a handful of my family members’ health. This has been traumatic for me, having to experience my brother’s seizures in the past and my grandmother’s heart attack. Thankfully, both of them survived, their good luck keeping them in this world. However, I know far too well that this is not the case for most people with health problems. Those of us who are fortunate enough to be in good wellbeing often take that for granted, but I have learned to appreciate even the smallest victories. These experiences are what shaped my decision to pursue a medical career. After careful consideration, I realized I wanted to become a doctor. I am now a Neuroscience student pre-medical student at UT Dallas, with the aspiration to become a neurologist in the future. I have already put in a great deal of effort towards this goal, having over 200 clinical hours as a Medical Assistant and research experience at my university. I know my goal is preceded by a rigorous path, but I am willing to do what it takes to help those people who want to live another day. I have always wanted to save someone’s life, and experiencing the traumatic experiences in my childhood created the sense of appreciation I feel for healthcare workers. However, an obstacle I will have to get across will be my family’s economic background. Originally from Puerto Rico, we grew up in a humble neighborhood with little to no opportunity. While I am eternally grateful for all that my mother has done for me, I also understand that becoming a doctor will require a stupendous amount of student loan debt. This is the exact reason why I am looking for financial aid, as I see it as an challenge that in a perfect world should not even be considered an obstacle. I made a promise to the young boy that lived in Puerto Rico that I would make him proud one day. And I most definitely am not going to let my financial burdens stop me from achieving my goal in life. I will not let these circumstances hinder me from changing someone’s life, as the first responders did when they saved my grandmother’s life in front of my eyes.

I recall my grandmother's words that forever changed my goal in life, that created a passion that I would never want to let go of. Her words were simple - you have healing hands Andres, and my greatest wish is to see you use them for the good of others. My desire began when I shared this moment with my beloved grandma, who I had been helping treat her skin condition. A spark was lit that day, one that I knew would not be put out by any means. It was certainly unexpected, yet that day I felt a calling for a greater purpose. Since then, all I have wanted is to become a doctor. Although very motivated by my passion, I have unfortunately been constrained by my family's history of financial burdens. With divorced parents, as well as a mother who is a teacher, I have been limited by unforeseen economic obstacles. Our burden was so great in Puerto Rico, where we were all born, that we were forced to move to the United States in search of economic opportunity. Although we were met with many great experiences, it was also a challenge for my younger self. I had to adapt to the American culture and language whilst tackling many health issues that my close family members had. In the span of just two years, my brother had a severe seizure and the same grandmother who sparked my passion for healthcare to begin with had a heart attack. Although they both thankfully survived, it was a difficult few years that I endured throughout high school. When considering both our financial and health struggles, it became apparent to me that I would have to cope with several factors throughout my endeavors in higher education. However, I am very proud of all the things I have accomplished regardless of these obstacles. I have done far over 500 community service hours, including through the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and the Boy Scouts of America. I not only graduated high school with two diplomas, but also earned the rank of Eagle Scout in my Boy Scout troop. Thus, I have always been a hard worker and plan on remaining that way. Through the use of academic scholarships I would be empowered to do just that. Although I have already taken out student loans, scholarships would help catalyze the process of my education by helping me pay off my debt. Additionally, I plan on attending medical school after I graduate with my bachelor degree, which would amount to more student debt. Regardless of my financial burdens, I know that this is the right path for me, and I am certain that I will one day become a great doctor.

I recall my grandmother's words that forever changed my goal in life, that created a passion that I would never want to let go of. Her words were simple - you have healing hands Andres, and my greatest wish is to see you use them for the good of others. My desire began when I shared this moment with my beloved grandma, who I had been helping treat her skin condition. A spark was lit that day, one that I knew would not be put out by any means. It was certainly unexpected, yet that day I felt a calling for a greater purpose. Since then, all I have wanted is to become a doctor. Although very motivated by my passion, I have unfortunately been constrained by my family's history of financial burdens. With divorced parents, as well as a mother who is a teacher, I have been limited by unforeseen economic obstacles. Our burden was so great in Puerto Rico, where we were all born, that we were forced to move to the United States in search of economic opportunity. Although we were met with many great experiences, it was also a challenge for my younger self. I had to adapt to the American culture and language whilst tackling many health issues that my close family members had. In the span of just two years, my brother had a severe seizure and the same grandmother who sparked my passion for healthcare to begin with had a heart attack. Although they both thankfully survived, it was a difficult few years that I endured throughout high school. When considering both our financial and health struggles, it became apparent to me that I would have to cope with several factors throughout my endeavors in higher education. However, I also came to realize that these same struggles were what sparked my passion to begin with. If it had not been for my grandmother's health issues, I would not have realized what my calling in life was. If it had not been for my family's presence and support, I would not have been as motivated as I was. And if it had not been for the many hardships that I faced throughout high school, I would not have grown into the hard-working individual I am so proud to say I am today. Now, I am lucky enough to say that I am a Medical Assistant for a clinic and working towards my dream. I specifically wish to help the elderly combat disorders like dementia and seizures. Thus, becoming a neurologist is currently my goal, and I wish to make a difference in the lives of those patients I will be fortunate enough to help.

To me, leadership is not just a position or title, it is a commitment to guide and inspire those around you. My journey as an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts of America helped me realize what it means to be a leader, teaching me valuable lessons through extensive acts of service. As a patrol leader and later as a senior patrol leader, I have had the privilege of leading by example, planning and executing activities, and creating a sense of community and purpose within my troop. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement and honor in scouting, was a testament to years of dedication and perseverance. This accomplishment is not just a reflection of my personal growth, but also a reflection of the support and guidance from my fellow scouts and family members. It was during my time as a patrol leader that I first began to understand the true essence of leadership. Leading a small group of scouts, I learned the importance of clear communication, empathy, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. I was responsible for organizing activities, delegating tasks, and ensuring that each one of my peers felt included. This role taught me the significance of hands-on leadership and embracing others' feedback. Transitioning to the role of senior patrol leader (SPL) presented a new set of experiences and opportunities for me. As the SPL, I was responsible for overseeing the entire troop by planning meetings and coordinating campouts. This role required substantial leadership skills, with the ability to anticipate and address potential issues that could arise with the initial plan. I worked closely with the adult leaders to ensure that our activities were not only fun but also aligned with the core values of scouting. One of the most rewarding aspects of this role was helping younger scouts develop their survival skills and encouraging them to take on future leadership roles themselves. One of the key lessons I have learned through my leadership experiences in scouting is the importance of leading by example. Whether it was setting up camp, participating in community service projects, or adhering to the scout oath and law, I strived to be a role model for my peers. I believe that leaders inspire others through their actions, and I always aimed to be a reflection of what it takes to be a true leader. Another aspect of leadership I have learned the importance of is the value of teamwork and collaboration. Scouting is fundamentally a team-oriented organization, and the success of any activity or project relies on the collective effort of all members. As a leader, I created an environment where every Scout felt their contributions were essential and encouraged open communication and mutual respect. Looking back on it, my experiences as an Eagle Scout have profoundly shaped my understanding of leadership. These lessons will undoubtedly guide me in all future endeavors, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that Scouting has provided me.

I recall my grandmother's words that forever changed my goal in life, that created a passion that I would never want to let go of. Her words were simple - you have healing hands Andres, and my greatest wish is to see you use them for the good of others. My desire began when I shared this moment with my beloved grandma, who I had been helping treat her skin condition. A spark was lit that day, one that I knew would not be put out by any means. It was certainly unexpected, yet that day I felt a calling for a greater purpose. Since then, all I have wanted is to become a doctor. I view higher education as a gateway towards this dream of mine. I view it as an opportunity. Although very motivated by my passion, I have unfortunately been constrained by my family's history of financial burdens. With divorced parents, as well as a mother who is a teacher, I have been limited by unforeseen economic obstacles. Our burden was so great in Puerto Rico, where we were all born, that we were forced to move to the United States in search of economic opportunity. Although we were met with many great experiences, it was also a challenge for my younger self. I had to adapt to the American culture and language while tackling many health issues that my close family members had. In just two years, my brother had a severe seizure and the same grandmother who sparked my passion for healthcare to begin with had a heart attack. Although they both thankfully survived, it was a difficult few years that I endured throughout high school. When considering both our financial and health struggles, it became apparent to me that I would have to cope with several factors throughout my endeavors in higher education. However, I also came to realize that these same struggles were what sparked my passion to begin with. If it had not been for my grandmother's health issues, I would not have realized what my calling in life was. If it had not been for my family's presence and support, I would not have been as motivated as I was. And if it had not been for the many hardships I faced throughout high school, I would not have grown into the hard-working individual I am so proud to say I am today. Going to college has since become my biggest accomplishment, one I will certainly not take for granted. I know how fortunate I am to pursue a college education, and I know that I must make my family proud and achieve my dream of becoming a doctor.

I recall my grandmother's words that forever changed my goal in life, that created a passion that I would never want to let go of. Her words were simple - you have healing hands Andres, and my greatest wish is to see you use them for the good of others. My desire began since that moment I shared with my beloved grandma, who I had been helping treat her skin condition. A spark was lit that day, one that I knew would not be put out by any means. It was certainly unexpected, yet that day I felt a calling for a greater purpose. Since then, all I have wanted is to become a doctor. Although very motivated by my passion, I have unfortunately been constrained by my family's history of financial burdens. With divorced parents, as well as a mother who is a teacher, I have been limited by unforeseen economic obstacles. Our burden was so great in Puerto Rico, where we were all born, that we were forced to move to the United States in search of economic opportunity. Although we were met with many great experiences, it was also a challenge for my younger self. I had to adapt to the American culture and language whilst tackling many health issues that my close family members had. In the span of just two years, my brother had a severe seizure and the same grandmother who sparked my passion for healthcare to begin with had a heart attack. Although they both thankfully survived, it was a difficult few years that I endured throughout high school. When considering both our financial and health struggles, it became apparent to me that I would have to cope with several factors throughout my endeavors in higher education. However, I also came to realize that these same struggles were what sparked my passion to begin with. If it had not been for my grandmother's health issues, I would not have realized what my calling in life was. If it had not been for my family's presence and support, I would not have been as motivated as I was. And if it had not been for the many hardships that I faced throughout high school, I would not have grown into the hard-working individual I am so proud to say I am today. Now I am a neuroscience major at The University of Texas at Dallas. My plan, which stems for personal experiences with family members, is to help patients specifically with Alzheimer's disease. I plan on not only becoming a doctor, but specifically a neurologist. My ultimate goal is to make a difference in this world by helping others' beloved elderly family members live the best latter years of their lives.

On a seemingly ordinary day, I recall my grandmother's words that forever changed my goal in life, that created a passion that I would never want to let go of. Her words were simple - you have healing hands Andres, and my greatest wish is to see you use them for the good of others. My desire began since that moment I shared with my beloved grandma, who I had been helping treat her skin condition. A spark was lit that day, one that I knew would not be put out by any means. It was certainly unexpected, yet that day I felt a calling for a greater purpose. As a young boy I was always told just how much your life can change in the blink of an eye. Little did I know it would soon happen to me in the most unexpected time. I still remember these two days as though they happened yesterday. My family was on a vacation to New Orleans in search of adventuring and having fun. When my mother and I were walking back to our hotel room an employee came up to us and asked "Is that your son?" as he pointed directly at our room. I vividly remember my mom's shakiness and worry as she yelled "What happened to my son?" We walked through the door only to be received by the daunting image of my brother lying on the ground after a seizure. We had never experienced anything of this magnitude before, and saying it was traumatic was an understatement. We rushed him to the hospital and thankfully he was okay. It took me months to finally stop reliving the moment, but little did I know there was more to come. Only about a year had passed, and we were moving out of our apartment. My grandmother, who lived with us, had been helping us with the process. Although physically draining, we did not realize just how much it had impacted her health. I remember seeing her sitting down to take a break. However, I quickly realized that she was having convulsions. I immediately got flashbacks to my brother's seizure, and I dreaded the possibility of it happening again. To my surprise, I was quick to my feet this time and reacted faster than a boy of my age normally would have. I quickly realized that she was not having a seizure, but something far worse was happening. I remember running faster than I ever had to call for help from my mom, who had been outside at the time. As it turns out, my grandmother was having a heart attack. The next few moments felt like a blur, but I vividly remember the amazing paramedics who came to our rescue. Thankfully, she survived. Experiencing my family's traumatic health incidents helped me far more than I thought it would. My goal in life had intensified, and I knew that I would follow my passion and join the medical field. Two years ago, my grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, and my life since has changed drastically. She lives with my mother and I, and we have been taking care of her. When she first got diagnosed by her neurologist with dementia, I knew that I wanted to help people as special as her live a better life in the latter years of their life. My grandmother was my inspiration for healthcare services to begin with, and seeing her struggle through such a condition paved the way for even more motivation. I then decided to major in neuroscience, and that puts me where I am now as an incoming third-year student at UT Dallas. My passion that I want to pursue is becoming a doctor, specifically a neurologist that helps the elderly. Of course, the situation with my grandma was unprecedented in my family, and it shaped the specialty I am now studying for. I am proud to say that I am now a medical assistant at a doctor's office and on my way to eventually applying to medical school. I want, and have always wanted, nothing more in life but to help others. My grandma made a special place in my heart for the elderly population, and I know that I must cherish that as much as possible. I have always heard that you should work in a field and job that you are absolutely certain you are interested in. I can confidently say that I would love to work as a neurologist to help patients with dementia, as well as other neurological disorders. I am aware of the extensive research that goes into dementia every year, but I also know just how ambiguous the findings have been. Although I alone may not make a world-altering change in the field of dementia research, I would absolutely be honored to be a part of the medical professionals that help the elderly combat such a daunting ending to their lives. Looking back on it now, I realize just how important these events were for me. Witnessing their near-death experiences opened my eyes to the horrors of life-threatening health problems. My younger self knew that I wanted to help others who had gone through the same hardships I did. Those paramedics guided me towards wanting to pursue a career in medicine. I saw them as a miracle, and since then all I have wanted to do is provide families with the same feeling. I knew that one day I would become a great doctor. I knew that one day I would become the miracle in someone else's story. Now I am in the process of writing my own story. Although I know there are far too many diseases and health conditions for one person to tackle, I have paved my path into the studies of neurology. My passion, which has always been to help others, is all thanks to the loving grandmother that was like a second mother to me. I cannot thank her enough for helping me realize what my calling in life would be.

I still remember these two days as though they happened yesterday. Little did I know that these two experiences would change my outlook on healthcare and life. On a seemingly ordinary day, my family was on a vacation to New Orleans in search of adventuring and having fun. When my mother and I were walking back to our hotel room an employee came up to us and asked "Is that your son?" as he pointed directly at our room. I vividly remember my mom's shakiness and worry as she yelled "What happened to my son?" We walked through the door only to be received by the daunting image of my brother lying on the ground after a seizure. We had never experienced anything of this magnitude before, and saying it was traumatic was an understatement. We rushed him to the hospital and thankfully he was okay. It took me months to finally stop reliving the moment, but little did I know there was more to come. Only about a year had passed, and we were moving out of our apartment. My grandmother, who lived with us, had been helping us with the process. Although physically draining, we did not realize just how much it had impacted her health. I remember seeing her sitting down to take a break. However, I quickly realized that she was having convulsions. I immediately got flashbacks to my brother's seizure, and I dreaded the possibility of it happening again. To my surprise, I was quick to my feet this time and reacted faster than a boy of my age normally would have. I quickly realized that she was not having a seizure, but something far worse was happening. I remember running faster than I ever had to call for help from my mom, who had been outside at the time. As it turns out, my grandmother was having a heart attack. The next few moments felt like a blur, but I vividly remember the amazing paramedics who came to our rescue. Thankfully, she survived. Experiencing my family's traumatic health incidents helped me far more than I thought it would. My goal in life had since changed, and I knew I was meant to join the medical field. Watching their near-death experiences opened my eyes to the horrors of life-threatening health problems. My younger self knew that I wanted to help others who had gone through the same hardships I did. Those paramedics guided me towards wanting to pursue a career in medicine. I saw them as a miracle, and since then all I have wanted to do is provide families with the same feeling. I knew that one day I would become a great doctor. I knew that one day I would become the miracle in someone else's story.

On a seemingly ordinary day, I recall my grandmother's words that forever changed my goal in life. Her words were simple - you have healing hands Andres, and my greatest wish is to see you use them for the good of others. My desire began since that moment I shared with my beloved grandma, who I had been helping treat her skin condition. A spark was lit that day, one that I knew would not be put out by any means. It was certainly unexpected, yet I felt a calling for a greater purpose. Since then, my goal has been to become a doctor to help with the betterment of those in need. I am now fortunate enough to be pursuing a neuroscience degree and wish to undergo the pre-medical route after graduating with my bachelor's degree. I desire to undergo higher level education, wanting both a master's degree and a doctorate in the future. I have specifically been interested in helping the elderly and have decided to tackle the brain science aspect of medicine. For this reason, I have deemed neuroscience to be the perfect major for my passion. I seek to help patients with brain and cognitive conditions improve their health. I am currently a medical assistant at a primary care clinic and plan to join a research team to aid in my future endeavors. Moreover, as a sophomore at UT Dallas, I have been fortunate with courses that have helped my interest blossom. I am specifically wanting to research brain conditions like Alzheimer's Disease and potentially the origins of seizures. Both of these topics have a great deal of research yet ambiguous findings. I wish to make a difference in this world, and I believe finding new information on these conditions would help me do just that. Although my family has a history of financial instability, I am lucky enough to be educating myself on how to achieve my dream. Looking back on it, I realize how fortunate I have been. I have had a supportive family, many opportunities that have helped motivate me, and have remained in good health throughout my education. Even though I have struggled financially, I can certainly say that I am very fortunate to have what I have. I know that one day I will reflect on my education and realize it has all been worth it. I know that one day I will make an amazing doctor.

At a first glance I could not decide who to pick, as I honestly love all of the characters. But upon further consideration, I realized this might be one of the easiest choices I have made. I can easily say that in my team I would have Eleven, Hopper, and Dustin. Of course, this is with the assumption that the evil characters like Vecna and the demogorgon cannot be chosen. I believe these three would make an amazing team together against a new unknown entity. Incorporating Eleven is a no-brainer. Not only would she provide her amazing supernatural abilities, but is also a main character that would bring amazing plot armor to the story. Additionally, bringing Hopper into the mix provides a strong and dependable character. A great example of just how physically strong Hopper is was shown by the scene of him alone slaying the demogorgon with the sword. No other explanation is needed, he quite frankly is one of the strongest characters in Stranger Things. And lastly but not least, this might come as a surprise but I believe Dustin would be a great asset to the squad. He would certainly be the brains, and since the supernatural threat is new, then that is exactly the necessary component needed to defeat it. Dustin proved his genius time and time again in the show. He would also provide great comedic relief, which would help them defeat the threat in style. I would love to see this squad face a new entity, and I absolutely love the combination of their skills.

Choosing a favorite Nintendo game is hard, with many of these giving me some of the most cherished moments of my life. Although it is a hard decision, I will have to go with Mario Kart as my favorite Nintendo game to play. This is for obvious reasons, it is iconic, fun, and I love the different themed maps. My favorite was certainly the infamous old Rainbow Road. But most importantly, the reason this is my favorite game is because of the split-screen memories I still have of my brother and I's childhood. I still remember the endless laughter followed by our parents having to tell us to keep it down. Looking back on it, I will admit that I took these moments for granted. Although something as simple as Mario Kart may not seem impactful to others, I definitely see the emotional value it holds. As I have reflected on these memories, I have come to realize the immense impact that this game has, and the amount of nostalgia that it brings. It is not about the game itself, but rather the memories that it allowed us to share with friends and family. I am so grateful for Mario Kart, as I remember it bringing me closer to my brother and helping me develop a stronger bond with him. One memorable and hilarious moment I can recall from playing Mario Kart happened while racing against my brother in the Bowser castle map. I was in the lead for the majority of the game, but my brother was extremely competitive. However, he had fallen behind and was in tenth place at the time. Of course, we all know that the lower in placement you are the better the items you get. He received a bullet bill from the item box, and I remember hearing his evil laugh as he almost caught up to me in the blink of an eye. The catch was that this specific map had lava on the sides of the road where you could fall into. I remember him saying "here comes the boss man" and him proceeding to fall off the side of the map as soon as the words came out of his mouth. I have never laughed harder. I have to admit, I miss these memories.

My passion for service began at a very young age. I vividly remember the first time I helped someone in need, a homeless man who was in dire need of food. I can still picture the smile on his face when I offered him a snack that my mother had bought me as we were exiting the grocery store. The feeling of warmth that I experienced from helping him resonated within me, and since then I have been a service-oriented individual. I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, and with that came a great deal of service and sacrifices that I made to help those in need. From conservation projects, to planning and managing a construction project for my local YMCA church group, you name the act of service and I likely took part in it. I have always been this way, searching for a way to give to others regardless of what I have gotten back. As of right now, I am impacting others through the medical field, as I have become a medical assistant at a primary care clinic. I have helped countless elderly patients with their healthcare needs, and I am beyond happy to do so. I plan on impacting the world in the future by becoming a doctor. I have always wanted to help those who are most vulnerable, and combining this passion for my interest in healthcare studies seemed like the perfect fit. Although I may struggle financially to pursue the higher education needed to fulfill my dream, I am very motivated to do so. I have always been very family-oriented, and with that came helping my family cope with very difficult health and financial problems. However, those same issues opened my eyes to the importance of service. I have realized time and time again that what you do for others always comes back to you. Although I never perform an act of service expecting something in return, I know that one day my selflessness will be repaid. My wish is that it is repaid in the form of being able to fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor. I hope to one day be able to look back on my life and feel overwhelming joy. I hope to one day look back and think "I am so proud of the man that I have become, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

I recall my grandmother's words that forever changed my goal in life, that created a passion that I would never want to let go of. Her words were simple - you have healing hands Andres, and my greatest wish is to see you use them for the good of others. My desire began since that moment I shared with my beloved grandma, who I had been helping treat her skin condition. A spark was lit that day, one that I knew would not be put out by any means. It was certainly unexpected, yet that day I felt a calling for a greater purpose. Since then, all I have wanted is to become a doctor. Although very motivated by my passion, I have unfortunately been constrained by my family's history of financial burdens. With divorced parents, as well as a mother who is a teacher, I have been limited by unforeseen economic obstacles. Our burden was so great in Puerto Rico, where we were all born, that we were forced to move to the United States in search of economic opportunity. Although we were met with many great experiences, it was also a challenge for my younger self. I had to adapt to the American culture and language whilst tackling many health issues that my close family members had. In the span of just two years, my brother had a severe seizure and the same grandmother who sparked my passion for healthcare to begin with had a heart attack. Although they both thankfully survived, it was a difficult few years that I endured throughout high school. When considering both our financial and health struggles, it became apparent to me that I would have to cope with several factors throughout my endeavors in higher education. However, I also came to realize that these same struggles were what sparked my passion to begin with. If it had not been for my grandmother's health issues, I would not have realized what my calling in life was. If it had not been for my family's presence and support, I would not have been as motivated as I was. And if it had not been for the many hardships that I faced throughout high school, I would not have grown into the hard-working individual I am so proud to say I am today. Looking back on it, for these reasons I am certain that I will become a great doctor one day.