A different version of me has possibly already written this essay, perhaps about something entirely different. And maybe, just maybe, in this alternate reality, I was awarded this scholarship. This is all possible due to the idea of parallel universes, each with a slight deviation from another. The truth is, the existence of multiple parallel universes is extremely likely, and one discovery I believe we should delve into sooner rather than later. Take Google's Willow quantum chip, which some say has already proven the existence of parallel universes. Its ability to solve a mathematical equation in just 5 minutes, which would have taken the previous model 10 septillion, or 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years, is simply mind-boggling. If this is true, one cannot even begin to imagine the endless possibilities future technologies can bring. Humanity always seems to advance three steps forward only to go two steps back. I believe these historical setbacks are the main reason we barely understand our universe today. From endless wars to the burning of the library of Alexandria, something always seems to go wrong when humanity is about to reach a breakthrough. Take science fiction for example, with a plethora of examples in which books written two centuries ago foretold the invention of flying cars by the early 2000s. However, we now have the largest wealth inequality ever seen in history and international fears of a third World War. Again, three steps forward, and two steps back. Moreover, there is one big catalyst right now that may change our ability to finally understand our universe, and possibly others, that catalyst being newly-established artificial intelligence. And yes, I am talking about things like OpenAI's ChatGPT. While some of the tasks that users give them may seem trivial, the progression of these machineries has become none other than impressive. Quite frankly, the recent advancement of AI has become terrifying, with even the older model of ChatGPT knowingly lying to its developers to 'save' itself from being terminated. However, these same advancements may finally be the breakthrough humanity has been searching for all these years. As many say, we have only come to explore about 5% of the Earth's oceans, and only God knows how little of the universe we truly know about. Maybe this artificial intelligence is finally the key we have been searching for, maybe this can finally help us become exponentially more knowledgeable about our existence. The fascinating thing about discovery is, the more you seem to know, the more you realize how little you truly know. Many scientists theorize that our universe might as well be infinite with the rate at which it is expanding. I see that as a good thing. I see that as an opportunity. This could mean that we will forever have something to advance to, something to look forward to. While many people may find this idea daunting, I believe our outlook on a seemingly endless universe should be positive. And if the widely-debated multiverse theory is real, no matter how much we discover, there will always be room for wonder. This can even seem overwhelming, but I find this to be rewarding since it will always give our great great great great great great great great grandchildren mysteries to ponder about. These endless possibilities are the reason we as humans should see the discovery of our universe's secrets as none other than our duty as a society. Whether we do it by traveling through the vast universe in search of other intelligent lifeforms, or by centralizing our intelligence into a quantum supercomputer, who knows what we will find? Many people always ask themselves "What's the meaning of life?" maybe the meaning is to find a meaning to give it. Perhaps we are the universe simply experiencing itself, perhaps we are simply meant to discover our beginnings. When you truly sit back and reflect, we are merely 5 to 6-foot-tall beings sitting on a floating rock guided by a ball of beautiful flames only upheld by the fusion of hydrogen atoms. Once you realize how bizarre even our own existence is, you realize just how mysterious our entire universe is. I remember once hearing that the chances of you specifically being born are 1 in 400,000,000,000,000. I feel as though that number should hold some weight, and we should see that as a symbol of how lucky we are to get to say that we will one day die. Given how lucky we are to be alive, using this life to discover is the least we can do. The complexities of the Earth alone are a testament to how much we have left to discover in our vast universe. We as a species should come together to explore. All of this wealth inequality, wanting to be superior to one another, and judging others based on their skin color alone is quite frankly bullshit we have grown accustomed to. With this mindset, it is no surprise that we still do not have flying cars in 2024. Only when humanity overcomes its prejudice will it finally be free to discover. Thus, I believe the importance of understanding our universe boils down to improving as a society first. Take the Covid-19 pandemic as an example. While it was a disheartening time for many, one can argue that the pandemic resulted in some positivity. We all had one common enemy - the virus that was putting our loved ones at risk. Not only did the Earth have a couple of years to get a breath of fresh air, but we began to work together to find a vaccine. Humanity finally unintentionally let go of its stubborn judgments and collaborated for the betterment of our society. That same mindset is what we need for a productive future. I do not think I can personally employ these concepts but hope that we as a society come together as one joint group. I hope that one day we finally see past our differences and collaborate rather than compete. I will play my part in this baby step. I plan on becoming a doctor, and I hope to serve as an example to others. I hope to convey the message that we are lucky to be alive and need to be kind to others. We need to come together to finally progress, to finally take the three steps forward without looking back. Because without mutual respect and kindness, we will always find ourselves taking two steps back.

As a Puerto Rican who first moved to Dallas, Texas about 10 years ago, I have seen an absolute melting pot of cultural perspectives ever since. I remember the moving process vividly. I had my entire life ahead of me, with a great deal of friends and family back in Puerto Rico. One day, my mother had to break it to me -- that I was about to lose everything I had built throughout my childhood. I was destroyed, I was torn between crying tears of joy from moving to a new place and tears of absolute agony knowing what I had to leave behind in the process. However, I quickly adapted to this new lifestyle and became acclimated to the Dallas area. While younger me felt as though he lost everything, I have opened my eyes to the great gift that my mother gave me with her leap of faith. Realization hit, and I understood that my mother's sacrifice was to give me an opportunity of a lifetime in the United States of America. She saw this as the light at the end of the tunnel my family was having to live through with our impoverished lifestyle. I now understand that this decision to move here was one of the most selfless things my mother would do for me. Thereafter, success was my only option. Letting this opportunity go to waste would frankly be like a slap to the face for my beloved mom. Hard work is all I began to know, working through sweat and tears all the way until now. I experienced extremely rigorous courses in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, but I prevailed. I am proud to say that I am now an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas. Specifically, I have decided to become a Physician Assistant (PA) specializing in neurology. Helping others was always one of my favorite things to do, so my career choice was inevitable. For multiple years now, I have been juggling academic excellence and healthcare responsibilities. As a neuroscience major, difficultsa coursework would be an understatement. Simultaneously, I have been lucky enough to become both a Medical Assistant and EEG technician for an incredible neurologist. While balancing work with my academics has been difficult, I am proud to say that I have maintained a good academic standing throughout all these years. My successes thus far are all thanks to one major trait I am proud to say I have -- determination. I am determined to succeed in everything I do. I am determined to make the leap of faith from Puerto Rico worth it. I am determined to make my mother proud.

I am a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas, pursuing a bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. Obstacles is an understatement for what I have faced in my educational journey. My family is originally from Puerto Rico, where I grew up. My mom, a courageous woman, made the leap of faith to move to the United States. Little did I know this sacrifice would offer me the opportunity of a lifetime. Back in elementary school, I was still learning the complexities of the English language. I faced hardships with acclimating to the cultural norms in Dallas, but I overcame them quickly. In order to make my mother's sacrifice worth it, I knew I would need to work more than any young boy should have, so that is exactly what I did. I joined Boy Scouts of America, and even achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout. In addition, I maintained an excellent academic standing as a student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. However, this journey was not easy. Throughout my high school journey I received multiple blows to the heart, where it hurt most. And by that, I mean the multiple health-related traumatic experiences I endured. In the span of just three years, my brother had a seizure, my grandmother a heart attack, and both of our family's dogs passed away, one from drowning and the other from a seizure. I am beyond grateful to be able to say that my brother and grandmother survived. However, my innocence did not. Since then, I have become obsessed with healthcare, sparking my passion to help others in need. I have now decided to pursure PA school, wanting to become a Physician Assistant specializing in neurology. I am proud of my progress thus far. I have fought sweat and tears all these years, but my progress has shown. I am both happy and thankful to say I am currently a Medical Assistant and EEG technician for an incredible neurologist. My hard work has paved the path to what I want to become, but the realization of how much student loan debt I will have has sinked in. It feels as though I have been constrained by my student loans, a hurdle I will have to overcome in my path to becoming a PA. I am beyond grateful for the gift my mother has given me by moving here, which has enabled me to pursue my dream. Receiving scholarship aid would help me overcome the obstacle that is my student loans. By awarding me this scholarship, I will be one step closer to my goal. With your support, I will be one step closer to becoming Andres Rodriguez, the Physician Assistant who will save someone's life.

I am a Neuroscience major at the University of Texas at Dallas, striving to become a Physician's Assistant (PA) school. I specifically wish to become a PA in the neurology department. Throughout my entire family's history, there has only ever been one healthcare professional, and I am determined to become the second person to have this calling for medicine. I grew up in Puerto Rico, where my family and I are originally from. While we struggled to make ends meet, my courageous mother gave me the opportunity of a lifetime by moving to the United States, regardless of how intimidating that leap of faith was. Now I find myself fortunate enough to have the dilemma of figuring out how to make the most of this sacrifice my mother made. Since then, I have found myself needing to succeed in everything I do in order to make myself and especially my mother proud. However, as indecisive as I am, I could not put my finger on the career path I desired to make this happen. That was until my grandmother's traumatic heart attack was surprisingly one of the greatest things to have happened to me. I remember it vividly, how I as a 14-year-old boy had to call 911 and beg them to arrive in the blink of an eye. Distraught, I felt helpless as I prayed to God that my second mother did not pass away in front of my eyes. At that moment, when the firefighters arrived, I had never felt that overwhelming sense of inspiration ever before in my life. Since then, when those heroes saved my grandmother's life, all I could ever think about was saving someone else's life. I too wanted to be the inspiration for another little boy simply wishing for their loved one to recover. My love for healthcare was inevitable. When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to make an impact in this world by helping others. And, with how big an interest I have in the most ambiguous and complex of things, I made the decision to study the human brain, to pursue a bachelor's in Neuroscience. I am now proud to say that I have worked as a Medical Assistant for a neurologist, and was even given the opportunity to now perform EEGs. In retrospect, I know that younger me would be filled with pride if he saw how much I have achieved. My goal is to serve my community through patient care. I want to make a difference in the healthcare system. However, I know that my journey is just beginning. I have decided to go to PA school, specifically wanting to become a PA who specializes in neurology. While I know this path is rigorous, I am determined to make a difference in this world. Time and time again I have found myself wanting to give up, but I frankly do not see that as an option. I live my life wanting to give more to others than I can afford to, a sense of purpose that keeps gnawing at me. I am determined to help those in need, those patients who need us the most. I am determined to be the angel in another little boy's story.

My mother would always tell me God would give the greatest of battles to his toughest warriors, and I feel as though that is exactly what I have lived by. While younger me would never have considered myself to be "tough," the amount of obstacles I have overcome speak for themselves. Take the last few years of my life as a testament to this. Throughout my adolescence, I have experienced some of the most traumatic health-related experiences a person would never wish upon anyone. Four years ago, my brother had a seizure. That same year, one of my family's dogs drowned in our pool when we left her alone for merely a few minutes. In the year that followed, my grandmother had a heart attack. You would think that my family's streak would end here, but the next year we had our other dog pass away from a spontaneous seizure. Regardless, we overcame these challenges as a family, and I am grateful that my grandmother and brother both survived. While most people may consider these to be some of the most heartbreaking and depressing experiences, I beg to differ. I chose to see these obstacles in my life as inspiration. They helped me realize my calling in life was healthcare. I have now chosen my path, serving my community through the healthcare system as an upcoming Physician's Assistant. I have come a long way, and am now a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a neuroscience bachelor's degree. I am proud of my progress, but I am aware that my journey is just beginning. In the meantime, I have decided to play my part as a service-oriented person in my community. I participated in the Boy Scouts of America and volunteered for countless hours. I even achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout, an honor I am proud to say I worked hard for. Additionally, I am now a medical assistant and EEG technician working for a neurologist. Meanwhile, I have been juggling both educational success and healthcare-related duties while maintaining a good academic standing. I want to be an example to others. I want to show others that no matter how many curveballs life throws at you, anything is possible as long as you make the most of your life. Instead of seeing obstacles as what they are, I suggest seeing them as inspiration to overcome them. Moreso, I would argue that you should even see it as your duty to help others who are facing these same obstacles at different stages in their lives. For this reason, I am determined to find success in the healthcare system. I am determined to help those who cannot find an escape from their obstacles.

Throughout my life I have been indecisive, always striving for perfection but unable to place my finger on what I wished to do for the rest of my life. That all changed the day that my grandmother had her heart attack. I remember it as if it was yesterday, the dread, how frightened I was. But what stuck with me was not the traumatic moment my family and I shared, but rather the heroes I grew to admire that day. And by heroes, I am referring to the paramedics who came to our rescue, who left 13-year-old me in awe as they carried my grandmother so effortlessly and saved her life. Ever since that moment, I opened my eyes to my true calling in life -- healthcare. I realized that what I truly wanted to do in life was help others in need; those who, just like me 7 years ago, may need someone to save their loved ones. Hence, my passion for becoming a Physician's Assistant (PA) sparked. Specifically, I am interested in specializing in either neurology or neurosurgery. I have always been a people person, so my love for the study of the brain was undeniable. I have come very far, diving deep into the neurology department. I am now a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Dallas pursuing a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. Given the sense of purpose I have had all these years, I have managed to juggle school and my current healthcare profession. I am proud to say I currently work for a neurologist as a medical assistant and an EEG technician. Regardless, I have maintained a 3.6 GPA while striving for perfection in both my studies and healthcare-related responsibilities. As I approach the end of my undergraduate studies, the financial burden schooling has placed on me has begun to sink in. I come from a Puerto Rican family, who unfortunately did not have much of an opportunity to grow. However, my incredible mother has given me the life-changing opportunity she did when we moved to the United States. While she sacrificed having to leave our family behind, she did it for me. I now face the responsibility and duty to make the best of the blessing she has given me. This scholarship would enable me to do just that. While student loans may be a major obstacle in my journey, I am determined to overcome these burdens. I am determined to become the hero in another little boy's story.

Freedom of expression in medicine can and will save more lives than most people would think. Specifically, I am referring to the importance of diversity of perspectives. I am not talking about the patients' freedom of expression, which is also extremely important, but rather the expression of medical professionals themselves. Take even the most well-known medical series, such as Gray's Anatomy for instance. In it, there are episodes where the 'practice' part of medical practice is highlighted. While our healthcare professionals strive to do their best in everything they do, they are limited by one major constraint -- they are human. Because they are human, they may not catch a disease or disorder that may have otherwise saved a patient's life. For this reason, I believe freedom of expression in healthcare to be paramount. Others' input should always be taken into consideration, regardless if they are in residency or have over 20 years of expertise. Take a patient with a rare neurological disorder as an example. Their brain MRI may not have shown a distinct abnormality an experienced neurologist was looking for; however, the neurologist's assistant noticed a minuscule lesion that may explain all their symptoms. Regardless of the scenario, a person's free expression can save someone's life. Now, how can healthcare professionals enforce this freedom? It is simple: by upholding it themselves. Instead of letting their pride get in the way of possible errors, they should remain open-minded. And instead of brushing off a comment another person made, take the time to think of what led them to believe what they believed. Every healthcare professional's opinion should be held to a high standard, regardless of their experience. You never know when a seemingly 'flawed' opinion from a medical assistant could be the solution a patient's family was tirelessly praying for.

My name is Andres Rodriguez, a Neuroscience major at the University of Texas at Dallas, pursuing a path toward PA school. Specifically, I wish to become a PA in the neurology department. Throughout my entire family's history, there has only ever been one healthcare professional, and I am determined to become the second person to have this calling for medicine. I grew up in Puerto Rico, where my family and I are originally from. While we struggled to make ends meet, my courageous mother gave me the opportunity of a lifetime by moving to the United States, regardless of how intimidating that leap of faith was. Now I find myself fortunate enough to have the dilemma of figuring out how to make the most of this sacrifice my mother made. Since then, I have found myself needing to succeed in everything I do in order to make myself and especially my mother proud. However, as indecisive as I am, I could not put my finger on the career path I desired to make this happen. That was until my grandmother's traumatic heart attack was surprisingly one of the greatest things to have happened to me. I remember it vividly, how I as a 14 year-old boy had to call 911 and beg them to arrive in the blink of an eye. Distraught, I felt helpless as I prayed to God that my second mother did not pass away in front of my eyes. At that moment, when the firefighters arrived, I had never felt that overwhelming sense of inspiration ever before in my life. Since then, when those heroes saved my grandmother's life, all I could ever think about was saving someone else's life. I too wanted to be the inspiration for another little boy simply wishing for their loved one to recover. My love for healthcare was since inevitable. When I graduated high school, I knew I wanted to make an impact in this world through helping others. And, with how big an interest I have in the most ambiguous and complex of things, I made the decision to study the human brain, to pursue a bachelor's in Neuroscience. I am now proud to say that I have worked as a Medical Assistant for a neurologist, and was even given the opportunity to now perform EEGs. In retrospect, I know that younger me would be filled with pride if he saw how much I have achieved. However, I too know that my journey is just beginning. I have decided that I wish to go to PA school, and specifically wanting to specialize in neurology. While I know this path is rigorous, I am determined to make a difference in this world. I am determined to help those in need, those patients who need us the most. I am determined to be the angel in another little boy's story.

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.