It was Halloween of 2012, and I was ecstatic to trick-or-treat and collect pounds of candy bars and gummy bears. Little me loved Halloween for many reasons, but wearing costumes was the cherry on top. I loved pretending to be anyone I wanted, but the year 2012 was extra exciting because I was dressing up in my dream costume… a doctor. From a young age, helping others has been a passion of mine. Whether offering to clean and organize a teacher's classroom or lending a hand at church by playing with the infants in the nursery, I have always found great joy in serving others. By age five, I had chosen to direct and cultivate that passion into a dream of working in healthcare. Since then, my dream has become more concentrated, as I have decided to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Plus, that dream has grown more fervent as I have stepped further into preparing myself for the day it becomes a reality. At my high school, I was accepted into a competitive program called PTECH, which allows me to earn my associate's degree with a major in allied health while still obtaining my high school diploma. The program heavily contributes to my knowledge of healthcare and provides many rare opportunities that will successfully prepare me for a future in healthcare. For example, I have been given the chance to gain real-world experience by working alongside health professionals at local pharmacies and clinics. Plus, I regularly get the opportunity to utilize high-level medical equipment to further prepare me for my career. In addition, since age ten, I have annually served on medical mission trips to Mexico, where I assist with a ministry that provides wheelchairs to the disabled and underprivileged while sharing the good news of Jesus. My experience serving on these trips has taught me many lessons, such as an awareness of various medical conditions and illnesses. It’s taught me the importance of flexibility and open-mindedness when working in healthcare. For the past year, I have also served with elementary-aged children at my church by teaching bible stories, leading worship, and facilitating games. Here, I have learned many valuable lessons about the importance of patience, creativity, and positivity when working with young kids, which will aid my future success in pediatrics. All of the groundwork aside, this dream boils down to my goal of making an everlasting impact. The children I will have the opportunity to treat may be going through some of the most challenging times of their lives, and they will need a loving and nurturing environment. To me, a successful career won't be defined by the prestigiousness of the facility in which I’m employed or by my salary; it will be determined by how much of a difference I make in the lives of young children and their families by being encouraging, positive, and most of all inspiring hope. As my dreams come closer to coming true, I can’t help but be filled with anticipation and joy for all the amazing moments to come. And I will work persistently to ensure none of it passes me by, just as 5-year-old me, who wanted a doctor Halloween costume, would wish.