Four and a half years ago, I committed to Western Oregon University as a Biology major with a Chemistry minor. Looking back, that choice was the natural culmination of a lifelong curiosity about living systems and a deep desire to help others. In high school, my favorite classes were agricultural biology and animal science, and I found myself fascinated by the intricate connections between physiology and the natural world. Medical Terminology quickly became another favorite, opening my eyes to the language of clinical care. I chose to study STEM because it brings together both the intellectual challenge and the compassion I value. Science has pushed me to think critically, solve complex problems, and seek evidence-based answers. The medical side of STEM offers the opportunity to utilize my knowledge base to directly improve lives. To me, STEM is more than a field of study; it is a framework for understanding the world and a path toward meaningful service. The summer after my first year of college, I was fortunate to receive an internship at a local podiatry clinic. At first, I simply wished to gain more exposure to the realities of clinical medicine. What I found was much more transformative. Over the course of three summers, I observed countless surgeries and patient consultations and gained an understanding of the profound difference a physician can make when they help someone regain their ability to walk without pain. Witnessing this blend of scientific precision and compassionate care inspired me to pursue a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. Rather than following a more traditional medical path, I realized podiatry aligned perfectly with my values, allowing me to gain in-depth knowledge in biomechanics to enhance mobility and quality of life. Throughout my undergraduate years, I have also learned the importance of representation and mentorship within STEM. As a woman pursuing a medical career, I've experienced moments of doubt about entering a field that is predominantly male in my region. However, I have been inspired by my female professors and peers who have supported me and demonstrated that excellence in STEM does not know gender. Their encouragement has motivated me to do the same for others, serving as club president for the Natural Science Club and acting as a voice to guide other younger pre-medicine students. As I move forward in my academic and professional journey, I aspire not only to become an excellent podiatric surgeon but also a source of guidance for other women following my path. I want to help others see that their voices, perspectives, and strengths are vital to the progress of our field. Whether it is through mentorship, outreach, or example, I hope to show that compassion and curiosity are just as crucial to scientific advancement as data and discovery. STEM has gifted me the tools to think critically, act compassionately, and serve others in their time of need. My goal is to carry these lessons into my medical career and use them to make a difference we can feel, one patient at a time.

Several years ago, one of my goats had a set of twins wrapped around each other in the birth canal. After a very long and difficult delivery, with my parents and my assistance, my goat had both kids, alive and appearing to be healthy. A week later, the boy's health began to decline rapidly, and despite trying everything I could to save him, I was unable to. We brought him in the house to keep him warm and I held that sweet boy in my arms as he passed. I sobbed over him while trying to perform CPR, but it was no use. That night, I cried harder than I ever had in my life. Though I knew his death was not my fault, I blamed myself. The next day, something within me shifted. I developed a strong sense of resolve in my path toward becoming a doctor. I knew that I had the compassion and skills to save animals, as I have saved several before, as well as people. I knew that his death would not be in vain. Seeing him in my mind's eye pushes me every day when I feel exhausted or drained. It motivates me to make a difference and never allow his situation to happen again. I know some patients will not overcome sickness or disease, but I will do my best to ensure that that will not happen on my watch. His situation has pushed me harder to become a reproductive endocrinologist or OB/GYN because I want to be able to help parents and babies in the same way that I currently do as a goat farmer. My most meaningful achievement is my summer job. It doesn't initially make sense to most, because I have won scholastic awards and service awards, but working as a Medical Assistant is the most fulfilling feeling I have ever felt. My work in a podiatry clinic allows patients to walk out feeling much better than they walked in. This could be from an ulcer, a bone infection, or simply getting their toenails trimmed by the doctors. I have had WoundVac patients and post-op visits thanking me for taking the time to help them feel better and making sure that I bandaged them comfortably and correctly. It is truly something special to know that I may have made a small difference in someone's life, and it motivates me during the school year to recognize that I have the wonderful opportunity to continue my work when the school year is complete. The image that I have attached below is of me and my favorite goat, Stella, back when I showed her in my last year of high school. I do not have any showing images accessible of showing the grandma of the goat I discussed above, but this is her best friend.

As my high school's Valedictorian, my teachers tell me that I can do anything I want to do with my life, but my career plan will be far from easy. I have been accepted into Western Oregon University to study biology. I will graduate with my Bachelor of Science and pre-requisites for medical school and apply there. I then will go to wherever I am accepted, then study radiology in 5 years. I will return to the town I am from and complete my residency. I will then complete a fellowship and hopefully become an interventional radiologist. I hope that by the end of ten years, I will have a house and return to showing horses and goats in my free time and raise a family with a loving husband. These dreams sound big, and to some, unachievable, but I know that I have the drive and passion to become the doctor I have dreamed of becoming since I was 5 years old. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.