As a first-generation, low-income student, I have embraced the pursuit of education as a means to transcend the challenges that life has presented me. With unwavering determination, I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry, and taking the necessary prerequisites for medical school. Additionally, my commitment to making a positive impact on the world has driven me to obtain my CNA license and volunteer as a babysitter for a family with a daughter battling leukemia. These experiences have solidified my resolve to become a compassionate doctor and address the critical need for empathetic healthcare professionals. My academic journey has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a deep passion for the sciences. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology and a minor in chemistry provides me with a strong foundation in understanding the intricacies of life and the scientific principles that govern it. By meticulously completing the prerequisites for medical school, I am equipping myself with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the medical field. I am dedicated to continuous learning and will pursue further education in medical school to specialize in a particular field of medicine that aligns with my passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others. My experience as a babysitter for a family with a child battling leukemia has deeply impacted my understanding of the importance of empathy and compassion in healthcare. Witnessing firsthand the emotional and physical toll that illness takes on patients and their families has reinforced my commitment to becoming a doctor who not only treats medical conditions but also provides holistic care and support. I believe that compassionate healthcare professionals have the power to positively influence the well-being of their patients and contribute to their overall healing process. Through active listening, emotional support, and fostering open communication, I aspire to cultivate an environment where patients feel valued, understood, and empowered. As a future doctor, I am committed to making a positive impact on the world through my medical career. I aim to serve underserved communities, advocating for equitable access to quality healthcare. Recognizing the disparities that exist within our healthcare system, I aspire to bridge the gaps in healthcare by actively participating in community outreach programs, volunteering at clinics, and engaging in medical missions to provide care for marginalized populations. By leveraging my own experiences as a first-generation, low-income student, I am dedicated to being an advocate for patients who face similar obstacles, ensuring that their voices are heard and their unique needs are met. In conclusion, my journey as a first-generation, low-income student has instilled in me a strong sense of resilience and determination. Through my academic pursuits, volunteer experiences, and dedication to compassionate care, I am committed to making a positive impact on the world through my medical career. By embodying empathy, actively advocating for underserved communities, and approaching healthcare holistically, I aim to contribute to a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system. I am confident that my unique background, coupled with my academic and personal experiences, will enable me to be a compassionate doctor who positively impacts the lives of individuals and communities in need.

Since childhood, I have nurtured a fervent dream within me - the dream of becoming a doctor. This aspiration is not merely a fleeting desire; it is an unyielding passion that has been shaped by my experiences and unwavering commitment to serving others. Recognizing that achieving this dream requires academic excellence and specialized knowledge, I firmly believe that pursuing a college education is an indispensable stepping stone on my path toward becoming a doctor. My dream of becoming a doctor is rooted in a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. Witnessing the compassion and selflessness of medical professionals during my own encounters with the healthcare system has deeply inspired me. A college education will provide me with the foundational knowledge necessary to understand the intricate workings of the human body, diseases, and their treatments. Armed with this understanding, I will be equipped to alleviate the physical and emotional suffering of others, fostering a compassionate approach to healthcare that is essential to my dream. College education offers a vast array of opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. By immersing myself in rigorous coursework, collaborating with esteemed professors, and engaging in research experiences, I will gain the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in the medical field. The specialized education provided by colleges will equip me with a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice, among other critical subjects. This comprehensive learning experience will lay a strong foundation for my future medical studies, enabling me to diagnose illnesses accurately, devise effective treatment plans, and provide optimal care to patients. College is not just about acquiring technical skills; it also fosters holistic development and nurtures leadership qualities. Through active involvement in campus organizations, community service initiatives, and healthcare-related extracurricular activities, I will be able to cultivate essential traits such as teamwork, effective communication, and critical thinking. These attributes are invaluable for a future doctor, who must collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and adapt to the dynamic nature of healthcare. Additionally, the college offers mentorship opportunities, enabling me to learn from experienced professionals and gain insights into various medical specialties. By immersing myself in this well-rounded educational experience, I will emerge as a competent and empathetic physician, ready to tackle the complex challenges of the medical field. In conclusion, my dream of becoming a doctor is driven by a genuine passion for helping others. By pursuing a college education, I will gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to embark on this challenging yet rewarding journey. Through a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences, personal growth, and leadership development, I will be able to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities. This will equip me with the tools needed to transform my dream into a reality and fulfill my lifelong ambition of becoming a compassionate and dedicated doctor.

The greatest achievement I have is simply making it to where I am today. I was born into a turbulent household, my mother had bipolar disorder and my father was abusive. My parents were especially hard on me growing up as I was the oldest of my father's children. Much of their conflicts would be put on me and I was in the middle. After years of difficult experiences involving my parents, everything came to a head when I was 17 when my parents separated. My father grew increasingly violent and unpredictable, and this led to fear whenever he showed up randomly to exert his dominance over us. My mother felt as if she had no power so she let him dictate everything. As fights progressed, my parents turned on me and their anger toward each other shifted to me. At this time I was juggling high school, college classes, and two jobs so it became hard to even exist nonetheless to focus on my studies. I hit lows I never thought were possible during this time and I battled with my mental health. They were plotting to kick me out as soon as I hit 18 just like they did with my older sister so I was trying to get a car and line up jobs to support myself. Unfortunately at the beginning of senior year, I was kicked out a few weeks before I was 18, but it ended up being the best thing that has ever happened to me. I was left on the doorstep of my friend's house at midnight with a couple of trash bags filled with my belongings. My friend's parents decided to take me in and treat me like one of their children. I felt genuinely loved and cared for once in my life. Since I was not with my parents or relatives during high school, the state labeled me homeless. My parents tried to get me back since their plan of "teaching me a lesson" backfired, but my friend's parents protected me because, by then, I turned 18. I was beyond relieved because I was given a second chance. They ensured I finished high school and encouraged me to apply to a university with my friend. I graduated with my Associate's in Pre-Nursing and my diploma. Today, I have completed my first year at my university where I am majoring in biology and pre-med, as well as obtaining a minor in chemistry. I have two more years until I graduate and begin my application process to medical schools across the country. I work part-time to support myself as I go through school. I still live with my friend's parents and I am in therapy with a psychologist so I can heal from the trauma. I also am in a strong relationship where I feel loved and respected, and I can reciprocate that as I learn from my parent's mistakes. I am so proud of myself to be able to look back at the past and see a night-and-day contrast of where my life was going. I was looking at actually being homeless, moving across the country to relatives I barely know, or working multiple jobs as I pursue school which would have been almost impossible. It is scary to think that I was heading towards a dark path and I do not think I would be alive today if I had to be with either of my toxic parents. I still can hear them tearing me down in my head so I have not spoken to either of them since I was kicked out and it has proven to be the best for my mental health. I fight every day to overcome the trauma and it can be hard sometimes when I think about my younger siblings who are still with my parents, but I know my example can show them it is possible to make it out. I have much healing to do but I am so happy for myself to come this far. I have learned that I am a survivor and extremely ambitious. I have hit rock bottom and I still fought for my future. I received an amazing opportunity with my friend's parents and I am so grateful for it. I will not waste this opportunity so I will be a surgeon one day and nothing can or will stop me.