My name is Brianna, and the inspiration to pursue a career in pediatric medicine stems from a deeply personal experience. When I was seven years old, my father passed away from cancer. He never knew he had it until it overtook his body, causing him to deteriorate quickly. This sudden loss left me with many unanswered questions: what happened to his body, why wasn’t he able to receive treatment, and most of all, how could I help others avoid going through the same thing? The feeling of helplessness I experienced motivated me to learn everything I could about the human body and how medicine can save lives. As I grew older, my desire to make a difference only intensified, especially when I began raising my nieces and nephews. Watching them grow, I became even more determined to protect them from the pain I witnessed in my father’s illness. I couldn’t imagine them going through such a devastating experience. This combination of personal loss and love for children drove me to pursue healthcare, particularly pediatrics. I believe children are our future, and when they are sick, it affects not only their lives but the world around them. To start my journey, I enrolled in the pre-nursing program at Francis Tuttle Technology Center while attending Putnam City North High School. I quickly became fascinated by all aspects of healthcare, from anatomy and physiology to the ethical considerations in medicine. I was captivated by how diseases affect different groups of people and how the body changes over time. I took a course in medical terminology, and every new discovery deepened my resolve to pursue a career in medicine. I wanted to understand how illnesses affect children specifically and how I could help them heal. After graduating, I began working as a Certified Nurse Assistant at Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital. This is where my healthcare career truly took off. Over the next two years, I earned a certificate in Phlebotomy and eventually transitioned to pre-op at Integris Southwest Hospital, floating between floors during the COVID-19 pandemic. My role as a medical assistant, which I obtained through earning my Registered Medical Assistant certification, has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, especially in pediatric settings. Each step of my career has reinforced my passion for pediatric medicine. I have worked directly with children and families in various capacities, and I am deeply moved by the resilience and hope children bring even in the most difficult situations. My desire to make a difference has only grown stronger, and it has led me to pursue further education in nursing. I want to provide the best care possible for children, especially during their most vulnerable moments. Ultimately, my goal is to become a nurse practitioner, where I can use my experience and education to better serve children and their families. I am driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, and I want to be a part of that journey, helping them heal when they are most in need.