My name is Ava, and I am a high school senior from Palmdale, California. Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by how the human body works and how science can be used to improve health and well-being. Whether it was experimenting in the kitchen, reading biology textbooks, or asking questions during doctor’s visits, I was always drawn to understanding life on a deeper level. As I’ve grown, my curiosity has evolved into a passion for medicine and psychology, fields where scientific knowledge and human empathy intersect. My journey toward a career in medicine became more defined through my involvement in the Palmdale Health Careers Academy. Through this program, I’ve had the chance to shadow medical professionals, volunteer in hospitals, and interact with patients. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the healthcare system and how it requires not only technical knowledge but also genuine care for others. I saw how doctors, nurses, and medical staff work together to support patients and help them recover, which solidified my desire to become a part of this process. I plan to major in pre-med with a focus on psychology, with the ultimate goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. This field fascinates me because it combines precision with human compassion. Anesthesiologists play a critical role in ensuring patients are safe and comfortable during surgeries, often when they are unable to communicate. I am drawn to the technical challenges of the job and the responsibility it carries, but also to the deeper human aspect of providing comfort and reassurance during stressful and vulnerable times. In addition to anesthesiology, I am deeply interested in the psychology of pain and recovery. I believe that mental health plays a vital role in physical recovery, and understanding how psychological factors affect healing is crucial in providing comprehensive care. I hope to contribute to research that bridges the gap between medicine and psychology, helping to improve how we treat patients holistically. STEM has always been a field that excites me because of its ability to constantly push boundaries and find new solutions. It encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. For me, STEM isn’t just about finding answers—it’s about asking the right questions and constantly challenging our understanding of the world. This mindset motivates me to continue learning and to seek innovative solutions in healthcare, particularly when it comes to making it more equitable and accessible. Through my experiences in healthcare and my studies in STEM, I’ve developed a passion not only for medicine but for advocating for underserved communities. I have seen how socioeconomic factors can impact healthcare access, and I am determined to be part of the solution. As a future physician, I want to ensure that quality healthcare is available to everyone, regardless of their background. I also hope to inspire other students, particularly girls and those from underrepresented groups, to pursue STEM careers. Representation matters, and I want to contribute to creating a more diverse and inclusive future in the medical field. In the end, my goal is to use my skills and knowledge in STEM to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Medicine is not just a career choice for me; it’s a calling. I look forward to the opportunity to continue learning and to make an impact in healthcare, ensuring that patients receive not only the best medical care but also the compassion and understanding they deserve.

Growing up with an alcoholic father was one of the most difficult challenges I have faced. His addiction created an unpredictable environment where moments of stability were often overshadowed by disappointment, broken promises, and emotional distance. There were nights when he would come home intoxicated, and I could feel the shift in the atmosphere—tension replacing what should have been warmth and security. I often found myself walking on eggshells, unsure of what version of him I would encounter. As a child, I didn’t fully understand his addiction. I only knew that he wasn’t always present in the way I needed him to be. There were missed events, forgotten commitments, and moments when I wondered if I was enough to make him change. I struggled with the conflicting emotions of love, frustration, and sadness, constantly hoping for a day when things would be different. As I got older, I realized that his battle was not mine to fight. I couldn’t control his choices, but I could control how I responded to them. Instead of allowing his struggles to define me, I focused on what I could build for myself. School became my refuge—a place where I had structure, goals, and the ability to prove to myself that I was more than my circumstances. I poured myself into academics, leadership, and service, determined to create a future that wasn’t dictated by the instability of my home life. At the same time, I learned how to set boundaries. I had to accept that I couldn’t fix my father, no matter how much I wanted to. This realization was painful, but it allowed me to shift my focus toward my own well-being. I found strength in my mother and other family members who provided support and encouragement. I surrounded myself with mentors and friends who reminded me that I was not alone. Through these relationships, I learned the value of choosing my own path and seeking out people who uplifted me rather than weighed me down. This experience shaped me into the person I am today: independent, driven, and deeply compassionate. It instilled in me a determination to succeed, not just for myself but to break the cycle of hardship. I refused to let my father’s struggles dictate my future. Instead, I used them as motivation to create a life of stability and purpose. Beyond resilience, this journey taught me empathy. I learned to see people beyond their flaws, to recognize that addiction is a disease rather than a reflection of love, and to support others who carry invisible burdens. This understanding has influenced my desire to pursue medicine. I know what it feels like to be powerless in the face of a loved one’s suffering, and I want to be a source of guidance and support for future patients and their families. My father’s addiction did not define me, but overcoming its challenges has given me a strength that I carry into every aspect of my life. It has shaped my ambition, my compassion, and my unwavering belief that I have the power to build the future I want—no matter where I come from.