Before starting my freshman year of high school, I decided to join my school’s Firefighting and Emergency Medical Service Academy. Although I never planned to become a firefighter, I was always interested in the medical field and wanted to learn more about the work of first responders. In my sophomore year, I was placed in Mr. Medina’s Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Technician class. My older sister had also been one of his students until she graduated, and now, as a senior myself, I can proudly say how much of an inspiration and mentor Mr. Medina has been to me. Mr. Medina has always gone beyond teaching the curriculum. He constantly encourages his students to pursue higher education, apply for scholarships, and explore opportunities that will help shape our futures. He has written letters of recommendation for many students, including myself, and always reminds us that our goals are achievable if we stay dedicated. While he motivates students to pursue college, he also respects and supports those who wish to serve in the military or explore other career paths. He frequently invites guest speakers and recruiters to our classroom so students can learn about the many opportunities available after high school. Aside from being supportive and motivating, Mr. Medina’s contagious personality makes learning enjoyable. His classroom is a place where students feel safe, respected, and encouraged to challenge themselves. Through his encouragement, I learned about the EXP Internship program that students at my school could apply for. The program provided workshops that helped students build professional resumes, practice proper interview etiquette, and learn about professional attire. We also participated in mock interviews that helped prepare us for real internship opportunities. Thanks to the preparation and confidence I gained through the program, I was selected from students across several schools to interview for Kaiser Permanente’s Summer Youth Employment Program. I was accepted into their paid internship and placed in the Maternal Child Health Department at Kaiser Permanente. During my internship, I performed administrative tasks such as organizing educational pamphlets for patients, filing employee documents, and creating engaging activities for staff members. These responsibilities strengthened my organizational skills and helped me understand how hospitals operate behind the scenes. One of the most meaningful experiences during my internship was the opportunity to shadow a neonatologist. I observed the treatment of a premature baby with pneumothorax and witnessed a live C-section. Seeing healthcare professionals work together to care for a newborn during such a critical moment was incredibly inspiring. It showed me firsthand how medical professionals can truly change and save lives. My experience in the EXP Internship program pushed me closer to my goals and opened my eyes to the impact healthcare workers have on their patients and families. The guidance and encouragement I received from Mr. Medina played a major role in helping me reach this opportunity. His encouragement and advice pushed me to pursue new experiences, which helped me gain confidence and the courage to move toward my goals. I aspire to become a neonatologist so that I can care for newborns during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Mr. Medina’s mentorship has shown me the importance of self discipline, working hard, and taking advantage of every opportunity. His encouragement has motivated me to pursue higher education and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others, just as he has done for me.