Life's journey is rarely straightforward. My path has been shaped by challenges with mental health and substance abuse, but more importantly, by my commitment to personal growth, recovery, and a deep ambition to become a doctor. These experiences have given me a better understanding of myself and how I can use my story to help others as I pursue a career in medicine. Growing up, I was an active and outgoing individual. I played basketball for as long as I can remember. When I received a college offer, I made the difficult decision to set aside my athletic career to focus on medicine. This transition from the structured world of athletics to the academic demands of college, however, left me unprepared. The weight of expectations—both self-imposed and external—began to press on me. It was during this time that I turned to nicotine as a means of coping with the stress. Nicotine quickly became the first step in what would soon evolve into an unhealthy cycle. Initially, it seemed harmless—just something to take the edge off when I was overwhelmed. But before long, I was relying on it daily. It didn’t take much time to recognize how destructive this habit was, not only to my physical health but to my mental and emotional well-being. The growing dependence caused me to feel disconnected from the person I had once been. Although I never experimented with more dangerous substances, my nicotine addiction gave me a profound understanding of the all-consuming nature of addiction. It opened my eyes to how it rewires the brain, affecting not only physical health but mental resilience. This personal experience made me deeply empathetic toward those struggling with more severe forms of addiction. As the pressures of college intensified, especially during my sophomore year, I found myself battling overwhelming anxiety and depression. Mental health had always been something I believed I could manage on my own, but it became clear that I was spiraling, with my nicotine dependence only worsening the situation. The academic and personal goals I had set for myself, including the image of the future doctor I wanted to become, felt increasingly distant. The turning point came when I finally sought help. Admitting that I needed support was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t just about quitting nicotine; it was about confronting the deeper issues—my anxiety, stress, and fear of failure—that were driving my substance use. With the guidance of a therapist and participation in a nicotine cessation program, I began the long road to recovery. The process wasn’t easy, and recovery wasn’t linear. There were setbacks along the way, but I always returned to my central motivation: my dream of becoming a doctor who understands addiction and mental health not only from a clinical perspective but from personal experience. This journey has profoundly shaped my vision of the kind of doctor I want to be. I am determined to be part of the growing movement of educated doctors who don’t rely on prescribing opioids and other addictive medications as the sole solution to pain or mental health struggles. The opioid epidemic has devastated communities across the country, and I’ve seen firsthand the damage it causes. I want to be a doctor who takes a different approach—one that prioritizes long-term solutions and healing over temporary fixes. I want to work in areas where mental health and addiction intersect, such as psychiatry or pain management, providing patients with compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the root causes of their struggles rather than merely treating symptoms. To continue managing my recovery and staying on track, I’ve developed a comprehensive plan. This includes regular therapy sessions to keep me accountable and mentally grounded. I’ve also incorporated mindfulness practices like meditation and journaling into my daily routine. These tools have been essential for managing stress and maintaining a sense of purpose. Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends and family has also been crucial. They understand my journey and provide me with encouragement when I need it most. The decision to attend medical school is more than just a career choice for me; it’s a calling fueled by my personal experiences and a desire to create real, lasting change in how addiction and mental health are addressed in medicine. I aspire to be a doctor who listens to patients’ stories, advocates for their well-being, and works tirelessly to ensure they receive the best possible care. I don’t want to offer another quick prescription; I want to offer a genuine path toward healing. By integrating my own journey into my medical practice, I hope to inspire others to overcome their challenges and find their own path to lasting recovery.

I’m a fan of LeBron James not just for his incredible talent on the court, but also for his impact off it. LeBron is an exceptional athlete whose versatility and basketball IQ set him apart. His ability to dominate games, whether through scoring, passing, or defending, showcases his all-around skills. Watching him play is always exciting, as he elevates the game with every performance. LeBron's work ethic and commitment to excellence resonate with me. Throughout my life, I played basketball and always admired how hard he trains and how dedicated he is to his craft. His journey from a young player in Akron to an NBA superstar is inspirational, reminding me of the dedication I put into my own game. Growing up as a girl in basketball, I faced many challenges, but LeBron’s success motivated me to push through. When it comes to the debate about whether LeBron is the greatest basketball player of all time, I lean towards saying yes. While many argue for Michael Jordan, LeBron’s longevity and consistency are remarkable. He has maintained a high level of performance over two decades, adapting his game as he ages. His ability to lead teams to championships, in different situations and contexts, demonstrates his impact on the game. However, my journey took a different path. I received an offer to play basketball in college, which was a dream come true, but I had always been passionate about medicine too. After much reflection, I decided to pursue a career in medicine instead of continuing my basketball journey. It was a tough decision, as I had devoted so much time and effort to the sport, but I knew I wanted to help people in a different way. This decision also means I can still draw inspiration from athletes like LeBron. He has been an advocate for education and social justice, using his platform to make a difference. His commitment to giving back inspires me to do the same in my future medical career. While I may not be playing basketball at the collegiate level, I carry the lessons I learned from the sport and from LeBron with me as I pursue my goals in medicine.

My top three Billie Eilish songs are "everything i wanted," "idontwannabeyouanymore," and "when the party’s over." Each resonates with me on a personal level, capturing different emotional experiences I’ve been through. "everything i wanted" This song hits deep for me because it reflects feelings of insecurity and the fear of failure. In my senior year of high school, I put a lot of pressure on myself to get into my dream college. After months of stress and sleepless nights, I was rejected. I felt like my whole world was crashing down, and that I’d let everyone down. Billie’s lyrics, “I had a dream, I got everything I wanted,” remind me of how success can seem so far out of reach, but the support of people who truly care—like my parents during that time—helped me through it. "idontwannabeyouanymore" This song reflects the internal struggle of self-worth, something I experienced during middle school. I remember constantly comparing myself to others and never feeling good enough. Whether it was my appearance or my abilities, I always felt like I was lacking. The line “If I love you was a promise, would you break it if you're honest?” captures the self-doubt I felt, where I questioned whether I could ever be enough for myself, let alone anyone else. This song feels like a mirror to that painful period of self-criticism. "when the party’s over" This song reminds me of my first serious breakup. The raw emotion Billie expresses in the lyrics—especially the loneliness and the need to walk away—mirrors what I felt at the time. I stayed in the relationship too long, hoping things would change, but when it ended, I finally realized how emotionally drained I had become. The haunting way Billie sings “I’ll call you when the party’s over” brings me back to that moment of heartbreak, where I knew it was time to let go. Each of these songs reflects moments in my life where Billie’s music felt like an emotional outlet, giving words to feelings I didn’t know how to express.

I love this entire album, but a lyric that truly resonates with me comes from the song: "making the bed": "I’m playing the victim so well in my head, but it’s me who’s been making the bed." This song perfectly captures the inner turmoil and developing self-awareness that many teenagers experience, particularly during moments of self-pity or frustration. Throughout my adolescence, I often felt like life was happening to me rather than something I could control. It was easy to feel like a victim of my circumstances, whether in friendships, academic pressures, or the difficult journey of figuring out who I was. However, as the song’s lyrics suggest, I eventually realized that I was more responsible for my own unhappiness than I wanted to admit. One moment during my sophomore year of high school brought this realization into focus. I had a falling out with my close friend, Emma. At the time, I was convinced she was entirely to blame. We had been inseparable for years, but things changed when we joined different social groups. When she started spending more time with her new friends, I felt left out and hurt. Rather than express how I was feeling, I distanced myself and built up a narrative in my head that I was the victim. I replayed the situation over and over, convinced I had done nothing wrong and that Emma had abandoned me. It took me a few weeks to realize that I had played a significant role in the breakdown of our friendship. I had chosen to withdraw and assume the worst of her instead of communicating how I felt. I had been “making the bed” by allowing resentment to grow without taking any responsibility for my actions. It was a tough pill to swallow, but I realized that if I wanted to mend the friendship—or avoid similar situations in the future—I had to stop viewing myself as a passive participant in my own life. This lyric also reflects the emotional ups and downs of adolescence. It’s easy to fall into cycles of self-pity, especially when things go wrong. Another example of this happened during my junior year, when I struggled for the first time academically. I had always been a good student, but chemistry proved to be a challenge. Instead of seeking help, I became frustrated and blamed the teacher for being "too hard" or "unfair." I started skipping study sessions and doing assignments half-heartedly, feeling like the situation was out of my control. After receiving a poor grade on a midterm, I had to confront the fact that I had been “making the bed” here too. My lack of effort and refusal to adjust were the real reasons I was falling behind. Blaming the teacher was easier, but I had to take responsibility for my academic struggles. This was another moment where I learned to accept accountability, a skill that doesn’t come easily during the emotionally charged years of adolescence. Growing up means constantly navigating between feeling misunderstood and realizing that your choices have consequences. This lyric from "making the bed" captures the difficult balance between self-awareness and accountability. Blaming external factors is easy, but true growth comes from taking ownership of how your actions shape your life. Whether in friendships, school, or everyday experiences, understanding that you have more control than you think is both empowering and humbling. The lyric highlights that pivotal moment when you stop playing the victim and start taking responsibility for your reality.

I LOVEEE Love Island, this is so fun! My roommates and I bundled up every week to watch the drama unfold, and let me tell you I'm #teamLeah Challenge: Locked In Love Objective: Test the couples' teamwork and communication skills by escaping a series of relationship-themed "locks" (puzzles or physical challenges). Setup: Each couple is physically "locked" together with handcuffs. To unlock themselves, they must work together to solve a series of romantic or relationship-related puzzles and tasks. Each completed task gives them a key or clue to the next lock. Stage 1: Memory Match Couples are shown a board of 12 cards, each representing a special moment they've shared (such as a date, a first kiss, etc.). They must match the pairs by correctly recalling those moments. For every correct match, they get a clue to unlock the first lock. Stage 2: Balance the Love The couple must balance on a seesaw or small platform for 60 seconds, while one partner answers rapid-fire questions about their relationship (such as "What’s your partner's favorite food?" or "Where did you first meet?"). They must balance well enough to avoid tipping over, and every correct answer keeps them steady. Stage 3: Heart Code The couple is given a combination lock. To unlock it, they must solve a puzzle where each digit corresponds to something in their relationship. For example: The number of days they've been together on the island The date of their first kiss The number of people they've "coupled up" with The right combination opens the lock! Stage 4: Sweet Talk Maze One partner is blindfolded while the other must verbally guide them through a small maze, but the catch is they can only use loving or romantic words as instructions (like "move closer, my love," or "take three steps toward me, darling"). No traditional directional words like "left" or "right" allowed! Once they complete the maze, they unlock their final key.

Living out my faith in my day-to-day life involves being intentional in all my actions and decisions, and one area where this is particularly evident is in my unwavering support of the Pro-Life movement. As a devout Christian, I believe in the sanctity of life from conception to natural death, and I strive to uphold this belief in every aspect of my life. One of the ways in which I actively support the Pro-Life movement is by participating in local rallies, tabling outside of the student union, volunteering at the local pregnancy center, and engaging in conversations with friends and family members about the importance of protecting the unborn. I also seek out opportunities to educate myself and others on the scientific, ethical, and moral arguments in favor of defending the rights of the preborn. When I was a senior in high school I had the opportunity to go to New York and participate in March for Life alongside an amazing community of believers. Participating in the March for Life NYC was a truly transformative experience for me. As I walked through the streets of New York City, I was struck by the diversity of the participants. People of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs came together to speak out against abortion. It was heartening to see so many individuals united in their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. My faith has had a profound impact on my future goals and career path. Inspired by my Christian beliefs and my passion for defending the vulnerable, I have set my sights on pursuing a career in healthcare, with the ultimate goal of becoming an OBGYN. I see this as a way to directly impact the lives of mothers and their unborn children, providing compassionate care and support during pregnancy and advocating for the rights of the unborn. In addition to my career goals, I also plan to use my education to enact change and protect all stages of life. I believe that education is a powerful tool for raising awareness and creating lasting change, and I am committed to using my platform as a healthcare provider to advocate for the rights of the unborn and to support policies that promote the sanctity of life. In conclusion, my faith plays a central role in shaping my values, actions, and aspirations, particularly when it comes to my support of the Pro-Life movement. I am committed to living out my faith in all aspects of my life, and I am eager to use my education and future career to make a positive impact on society by protecting and defending all stages of life.

I am a dedicated and motivated individual with a passion for helping others, but most importantly I love to love people. From a young age, I have always been interested in the field of medicine and the opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives. This interest, coupled with my fascination with the intricate workings of the human body, has led me to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery. Starting broad why healthcare? One of the main reasons I want to go into healthcare is the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. By working in healthcare, I have the opportunity to directly help patients who are in need of medical attention, support, and care. Whether it be providing comfort to a patient in pain, administering life-saving treatment, or simply lending an empathetic ear to those who are struggling, I believe that being able to provide compassionate care to those in need is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. Orthopedic surgery, in particular, has always held a special place in my heart. I am drawn to the complexity of the musculoskeletal system and the challenges that come with treating orthopedic conditions. The ability to improve someone's quality of life by correcting a deformity or alleviating pain is incredibly rewarding to me. In addition to the technical aspects of orthopedic surgery, I am also drawn to the personal connections that are formed with patients. I worked as a receptionist at Mid-State Orthopedics for two years in high school. The thing I loved most was connecting with people. I am extremely outgoing and charismatic and I have a big heart for others. Building rapport and trust with patients is crucial in this field, and I believe that my compassionate nature and strong communication skills will allow me to effectively connect with and care for my patients. Furthermore, the constant innovation and advancements in orthopedic surgery excite me. I am eager to be at the forefront of new techniques and technologies that can improve patient outcomes and streamline the surgical process. Overall, my passion for medicine, my love for the intricate workings of the human body, and my desire to make a positive impact on others have all culminated in my decision to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery. I've always dreamed of becoming a doctor. Now as I'm ending by fourth semester of college I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel. It hasn't been easy and the road infant of me will be long and hard, but I know I have what it takes to succeed in this field.I am confident that my dedication, compassion, and drive to constantly improve will make me a successful orthopedic surgeon who can provide exceptional care to patients in need.

Gender inequality in the workplace is a pervasive issue that continues to persist despite advancements in gender equality. As a female college student, I am committed to working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender. I believe that by educating ourselves we can dismantle the barriers that prevent women from fully participating and thriving in the workforce, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. This issue is near and dear to my heart seeing as I plan to pursue my PHD after college in order to pursue a career in orthopedic surgery, a 96% male dominated specialty. There are several ways in which I am actively working to make a difference in gender equality in the workplace as a college student. One of the most important ways is by advocating for and supporting policies and initiatives that promote gender equality in the workplace. This includes advocating for paid parental leave, flexible work arrangements, equal pay for equal work, and the elimination of gender-based discrimination and harassment. By using my voice and platform as a college student to raise awareness about these issues, I hope to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment for all individuals. Many people underestimate the power of conversation. If I can be the spark that ignites these conversations in my friend groups, classrooms, and organizations, I can make a difference. In addition to advocating for policy change, I am also actively working to challenge and break down stereotypes and biases that perpetuate gender inequality in the workplace. This includes challenging gender norms and expectations, speaking out against sexism and discrimination, and promoting diversity and inclusion. I currently serve on the executive board of the student activities association where we plan events for students by students. While planning these events one of my biggest goals is to have events that are accessible for everyone and can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. Sometimes that means going to extra mile to ensure there's cheese, pepperoni, and vegetarian pizza options because the little things matter. By actively working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, I hope to create a more inclusive environment that values and respects the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender. As a woman in college, I am acutely aware of the unique challenges and barriers that we face in navigating our career journeys. From gender discrimination to lack of support and resources, women often find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to pursuing their dreams and ambitions. I make it a point to mentor and support other women in college. Whether it be through informal conversations, setting up mentorship programs, or offering guidance and advice, I strive to empower and uplift my fellow female peers. By sharing my own experiences, insights, and knowledge, I hope to inspire and support other women as they navigate their own career paths. In conclusion, as a college student, I am actively working to make a difference in gender equality in the workplace by advocating for policy change, challenging stereotypes and biases, and supporting and empowering women in thier career journeys. I believe that by taking these actions, we can create a more inclusive and equitable work environment that values and supports the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender. Gender equality is not just a women's issue – it is an issue that affects us all, and by working together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Throughout my life, I have always had a strong desire to help others strive towards their best selves. From a young age, I found immense joy and fulfillment in lending a helping hand to those in need and supporting them in reaching their goals. As I grew older, this passion only intensified, leading me to develop my skills in various ways in order to better assist and empower others. One of the ways I have honed my skills is through volunteerism. I have actively sought out opportunities to volunteer and work with different organizations that focus on personal development and empowerment. For example, I am currently apart of Hearts for Homeless. Through this organization I have the opportunity to give back to the homeless community in my college town by providing free blood pressure screenings. Teaching others about heart health has ignited my love for helping others be their best selves not only emotionally but also physically. Through these experiences, I have had the chance to work with a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds and circumstances. This has allowed me to develop my empathy, patience, and communication skills, all of which are crucial in helping others overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. As I continued to immerse myself in the field of personal development, I realized that my purpose in life is to help others be their best selves. I aspire to further my education by attending medical school to one day become an orthopedic surgeon. Doctors play a crucial role in helping individuals be their best by providing medical care, guidance, and support to promote health and well-being. I want to be that help and the outlet for others. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of self-improvement and the positive impact it can have on individuals' lives. This realization has only fueled my passion and dedication to supporting others in their journey towards growth and fulfillment. Whether it is through offering guidance, providing a listening ear, or simply being a source of encouragement, I am committed to being a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those around me. I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness, and I am determined to do my part in helping others unlock that potential and become the best version of themselves. In conclusion, my journey towards developing my skills and making it my purpose and passion to help others be their best has been a fulfilling and rewarding one. Through education, practical experience, and a deep sense of empathy and compassion, I have cultivated the necessary tools to support individuals in their personal growth and development. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to serve others and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me.

While being in college I have noticed the importance of eating well nut just to satisfy cravings, but to actually fuel your body. Sometimes it's hard to eat "well" being in college because your options are limited, but there are always some healthy options. Where I attend school, the University of Mississippi, there is a "Freshi" which is a restaurant that focuses on serving healthy meals packed with nutrients from vegetables to grilled meats. There is also a smoothie/ smoothie bowl restaurant in the Student Union. So even though sometimes it feels hard to eat well living on campus or just being in college in general there are always healthy options. More importantly though, let's discuss why eating healthy is so important. Food is fuel. When we don't fuel our bodies with a good balance of vitals, nutrients, and yes even some carbs, we cannot perform or function at our best. When I don't take care of my body and fuel it with just "junk" I do not function at as high of a level as I could. I get sleepy more easily, and I cannot focus in my classes to save my life. I also feel so much better mentally when I eat properly. Practicing healthy eating habits is a game changer, especially while going through undergrad.

I want to become a medical doctor because seeing others in pain breaks my heart. I've witnessed first hand the effects of pain on individuals through working for a medical doctor for two years. Having the ability to help others who cannot help themselves is not only a talent, but a calling. It's a calling that I have. Coming to the University of Mississippi from out-of-state was a large financial burden on my family. I tried all throughout senior year to scrape up scholarships any way I could and basically spent all of my free time writing essays just like this. I thought my 4.3 GPA and resume packed with involvement would get me farther than it actually did. I need this scholarship so I can continue with my degree and fulfill my calling to be a medical doctor.