OCD has been something that I’ve struggled with since 4th grade. I remember walking home from the bus stop one day and having this intense urge to step on every crack in the sidewalk. Every step had to be perfect, and not one crack could be missed, or it felt like I would lose everything. My usual walk of about 5 minutes took me more than 20. That’s when my family, as well as myself, realized that I needed help. Since this moment, OCD has been a struggle ever present in my life. These irrational thoughts that bend me to do absurd actions have been a hindrance in my life, and yet have granted me the experience and sight of understanding mental illness. In many ways, I consider myself fortunate that I have an illness that can be mitigated with medication for some, and combated with therapy for others. I find myself feeling empathy towards individuals who I know are at their weakest point, struggling with their mental health like I did that day in 4th grade. And from this empathy and realization, I’ve found strong bonds with individuals who’ve struggled or are struggling with mental health. There’s a special comradery between two individuals who have been fighting a common enemy for most of their lives, and I cherish this connection with many of my friends who have the same struggles I do. As I was finishing high school, I was certain that I wanted to go into science. I love the curiosity behind every field and the constant journey of exploration that science so graciously provides. However, my most important goal was to make a meaningful impact in the world and to have the opportunity and fortune to help those less fortunate than I am. I looked back into my life to see who helped me when I was at my worst, and I remembered the doctors who gave me therapy, and after that failed, didn’t give up on me and continued to find a medication that could work. Eventually, these incredible individuals found a medication that has improved my life dramatically, and I couldn’t imagine where I would be without this help. That’s when I decided I wanted to go into medicine. As I look to my future, I can only hope to be as helpful to others as my doctors were with me. I know that I have the ambition and drive to get through med school and to earn the privilege of caring for individuals who desperately need help. As I move through my biology major, I’m constantly learning how our bodies work, and am beginning to understand how mental health issues can be observed, and relieved with proper techniques. I’m thrilled at the prospect of actually applying this information, and I can’t wait to continue my journey into med school so that I too can become a significant benefit to someone’s life.