I am passionate about going above and beyond for people and helping them to succeed in life. For this reason, I have decided to pursue a career in Genetic Counseling, which combines my love for science and helping people to understand their diagnoses when it comes to genetic diseases and cancer pre-dispositions. I am pursuing a career where I will be specializing in medical genetics in community organizations and clinics, provide familial education, and provide psycho-social support for patients who need to cope with certain diagnoses. In order to develop my skills as a Genetic Counselor, I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Anthropology, so I can have an equal understanding of human cultural diversity as well as their physiology and anatomy when it comes to their medical diagnoses. While I have just received my Bachelor's in Anthropology (Magna cum Laude) from California State University, Fullerton, I am also taking Biology courses at Saddleback College. I have also earned a volunteer internship at Providence Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA, in their cancer center for the next year. During my internship I will work under two genetic counselors, where I am shadowing appointments, and helping to run their walk-in clinic for genetic testing services for those who have recently been diagnosed with rare forms of cancer. I recently shadowed an appointment where a man's father had passed from a rare form of cancer that is usually genetic, but was referred to our clinic for testing to see if he carried the gene, and if so, what precautions he needed to take for the rest of his life. One of the best parts of my week was being able to call this man with his results, and that he did not inherit the mutation from his father, so his children were safe as well. This is one of the reasons I would like to pursue a career in medical genetics; to inform, educate, help my patients to understand their genetic results. I have chosen career in stem because I am passionate about science and have so much curiosity about the world of genetics. And as women become increasingly in the forefront of scientific knowledge, the imbalance of women in STEM continues to persist due to stereotypes and unconscious biases. As a future female cancer Genetic Counselor, I am to create a supportive environment and providing mentorship opportunities can help to address this issue. I also want to provide early hands-on exposure for young women hoping to pursue a career in genetics, and hope to be part of a foundation someday as a mentor (or create my own!)

I am passionate about going above and beyond for people and helping them to succeed in life. For this reason, I have decided to pursue a career in Genetic Counseling, which combines my love for science and helping people to understand their diagnoses when it comes to genetic diseases and cancer pre-dispositions. In order to develop my skills as a Genetic Counselor, I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Anthropology, so I can have an equal understanding of human cultural diversity as well as their physiology and anatomy when it comes to their medical diagnoses. While I have just received my Bachelor's in Anthropology (Magna cum Laude) from California State University, Fullerton, I am also taking Biology courses at Saddleback College. At the moment, I have three jobs while pursuing my degree. I have recently earned a volunteer internship at Providence Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA, in their cancer center for the next year. During my internship I will working under two genetic counselors, where I am shadowing appointments, and helping to run their walk-in clinic for genetic testing services for those who have recently been diagnosed with rare forms of cancer. While unpaid, I am still working, but through this experience I have been able to build my compassion and empathy for those with disabilities, or may need extra comfort, care, and social support, while being able to shadow genetic counselors that have the career I aspire for. I am also a licensed in-home caretaker for seniors in Orange County, CA. As a caretaker I allow people to live safely in their own homes instead of needing out-of-home care through services of meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, and accompaniment to medical appointments. I work this job part-time during the week when I am not in class. On the weekends, I also work as a server at a local taproom. Being a server has taught me many useful skills including communication, customer service, patience, and having a good attitude. While my jobs all have their purpose, it does impact the time allowed for my studies. I have been enrolled in college longer than I would like, because I have to divert certain days towards my work schedule when I could have enrolled in more pre-requisite classes. Working during the week has also impacted the time that could have been dedicated towards homework and studying. However, through time management, I still received my Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology with honors from California State University, Fullerton, and intend to stay on the same path for Biology, and in graduate school.

I am passionate about going above and beyond for people and helping them to succeed in life, especially when it comes to their health. For this reason, I have decided to pursue a career in Genetic Counseling, which combines my love for science and helping people to understand their diagnoses when it comes to genetic diseases and cancer pre-dispositions. I am pursuing a career where I will be specializing in medical genetics in community organizations and clinics, provide familial education, and provide psycho-social support for patients who need to cope with certain diagnoses. In order to develop my skills as a Genetic Counselor, I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Anthropology, so I can have an equal understanding of human cultural diversity as well as their physiology and anatomy when it comes to their medical diagnoses. While I have just received my Bachelor's in Anthropology (Magna cum Laude) from California State University, Fullerton, I am also taking Biology courses at Saddleback College. I have also earned a volunteer internship at Providence Hospital in Mission Viejo, CA, in their cancer center for the next year. During my internship I will working under two genetic counselors, where I am shadowing appointments, and helping to run their walk-in clinic for genetic testing services for those who have recently been diagnosed with rare forms of cancer. I recently shadowed an appointment where a man's father had passed from a rare form of cancer that typically stems from a genetic mutation, and was referred to our clinic for testing to see if he carried the gene as well. If so, he would need to take certain precautions and get checked monthly for the rest of his life. One of the ultimate highlights of my week was being able to call and tell him he did not inherit the mutation from his father, so his children were safe as well. My goal is to be accepted into a Master's Program for Genetic Counseling within the next two years, so I can pursue my dream as a Cancer Genetic Counselor. At the age of twenty-seven I am ready to fully pursue my goals, even though I have much more schooling to undertake. I can always build my skills more on being an active listener, being an engaged an soft-spoken counselor, an educational mentor, which is something that I will always be actively working on. Thank you for allowing me to opportunity to apply and being able to write about my future plans.

@cameraman897

My name is Cameron Peterson, and I aspire to make a positive impact on the world by being the most patient, knowledgeable, and caring Genetic Counselor that I can be. The science of genetics is growing, and as more people begin to get tested and learn about themselves, it can be scary and intimidating information to process. I am specifically motivated by achievement and recognition. My goals in life are to achieve everything that seems intimidating or out of my reach, proving that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. I am especially passionate about my future career in Genetics, and if I could do anything in my life, I would be a significant presence in the Genetics Field. Part of my job will be to counsel my patients and help them to fully understand their predispositions to certain diseases or conditions they may have. I would like to specialize in pediatric counseling, and this is why I will also be minoring in child development so that I can have a greater understanding of the children that I counsel and how they may process emotional events differently than adults. I also have spent the last two years of my life working as a licensed caretaker in Southern California, which is what originally sparked my desire to help others. It started with my mother who became disabled after a traumatic brain injury. I was fortunate enough to work with a variety of people, mostly the elderly and disabled, others with genetic conditions which greatly piqued my interest of how one genetic mutation can truly change everything in a person's life. These people require patience, empathy and understanding that I want to be capable of providing. I hope that I will be able to help enough people in my career that I will have made a substantial difference in their lives and that of their children. I hope to gain as much knowledge as humanly possible throughout my career and be a beacon of support for my patients. I would also like to help make genetic testing more accessible for everyone. If we all had access to genetic testing early in our lives and had this information during our regularly scheduled doctor visits, we would be able to make medications much more personalized to the individual as well as combat certain diseases before they start. As of right now, medications are prescribed to everyone as a one-size-fits-all scenario, and bad reactions are only seen through trial-and-error. Access to testing would ensure a personalized fit of medication as well as the prevention of certain diseases, which is incredibly important in the healthcare system.

1. My name is Cameron, and if I could do anything with my life, I would want to be a significant presence in the field of genetics. I have been in college for five years, exploring every science major in depth that I could, until I could find the right fit for me and my family. When I took a Biological Anthropology course I instantly found that spark in human genetics and therefore became the career that I wanted to pursue. I am currently completing my undergraduate studies at CSU Fullerton in Physical Anthropology, and subsequently, I will be applying to UC Irvine's Master's Program in Genetic Counseling. I am a highly ambitious student that refuses to fall short in any of my classes and is also very driven outside of the classroom. As a hobby, I have become fluent in German, and I also have a passion for animal rescue, working with multiple fundraisers and events to match pets with their deserving homes. For the last two years, I have also been working as a licensed caretaker in the state of California, at first for my mother who was diagnosed with dementia, but also for seniors in my community. It was through these experiences that my interests in people and healthcare were heightened and I felt like I had found my calling, and I wanted to work in science but also directly interact with people. My hopes, academically, are to gain as much knowledge as possible in genetics throughout my career and to be a beacon of support for my patients. Not only would I want to thrive in my career, but I would also like to be a nurturing and empathetic counselor for my patients who suffer from genetic disorders. 2. Since I was a child, I have always wanted to pursue a career in science. Science was my favorite class to attend, no matter the concentration of study because I have always been fascinated by how the world works, and how and why people function the way they do. Genetics is a vast field that is widely unexplored, and there will be so many discoveries likely made in the near future. Genes affect our behaviors, our instincts, and even our hopes and our fears. The world of genetics is growing, and as more people begin to get tested and learn about themselves, it can be scary and intimidating information to process. In my career, I want to become a genetic counselor for children that have been diagnosed with genetic disorders. My job would act as a middleman between the family and the laboratory, to help them understand the results and the implications of their diagnosis. I would counsel them on the best healthcare choices for themselves, as well as determine risks for disorders in other family members. This is why I will also be minoring in child development so that I can have a greater understanding of the children that I counsel and how they may process emotional events differently than adults. I would also like to assist in making genetic testing more accessible to the public. If we all had access to genetic testing early in our lives, we could take early precautions against any disease we may be predisposed to. 3. I was raised in a low-income household, surrounded by addiction, trauma, and abuse. By the time I was fifteen, my family had already lost custody of me twice. I knew that after the last time, I would not be allowed back, as my mother had gone to jail. This was right before my first day of high school, and my transition away from my family was very difficult at first. I hadn’t told any of my friends, but my grades were slipping, and I suffered from outbursts of anger and anxiety. Toward the end of my freshman year of high school, I came close to dropping out like a few of my other friends had done. However, something shifted in me when I saw how those friends were truly doing. I was able to shift my mindset from being a victim of things I couldn’t control, to a survivor and creator of my destiny. I did not allow my story to hinder me academically and became a perfect student in every way. I finished high school as a salutatorian with a scholarship that supported me through my entire first year of college. Five years later I am grateful to have the opportunity to pursue a Master's Program that, albeit expensive, could change my life. As an adult, I learned forgiveness and acceptance, as my mother who lost custody of me became in poor health. I became her licensed caretaker, and others and the skills I have learned through caretaking will make me an incredible counselor someday. One takeaway I learned is that I have had to learn gratitude for the good things in my life, I learned that mental health support from professionals goes a long way, and to keep gratitude for what I have been given.

My mother has been mentally ill since before I was born. As a child of divorced parents I used to think that maybe it was my fault, or I could do something to change it, hoping that I could make her better by being the best child or doing the best in school. Being an only child I was naive, uninformed, and uneducated about what we were going through, because we had no outside help. She had lost custody of me two times and was in and out of rehabilitation centers and psychiatric care. And at age fifteen, I had started taking her to these facilities myself. I ended up resenting her for a long time because I personally felt traumatized by all that I saw and experienced throughout my childhood. It took me a long time to understand that the system had failed her and had not been catering to her individual needs. She had never been treated well in these facilities, was talked down upon, ignored and mistreated. Twice she had been kicked out due to insurance not covering the care, and she gave up on trying to get into these centers after so many rejections. It was not easy, but through personal growth and my own experiences in high school and college, I understood what it was like to struggle with my mental health. Although we expect our parents to be perfect examples of what life should be like and lay out the map for us, they are people too, who are also susceptible to mental health issues, addiction, paranoia, etc. My own struggles with anxiety, depression and an eating disorder helped me to understand that struggling with our mental health is not by choice. Her mental health, as well as my own, are something that we are both working towards bettering. We are both currently in therapy and are hoping to obtain housing for those with mental health issues. It is not widely talked about how those who struggle with their mental health are meant to support themselves and maintaining a job, as well as a home. I am a full-time student studying Anthropology because I wish to truly understand how people and their health are influenced by their cultures. I am specializing in Medical Health and Anthropology to learn how we have created our healthcare system and how it fails to help individual needs. After obtaining my Bachelor's, I intend on obtaining my Master's in Genetic Counseling as well. In my professional career I would be explaining genetic results to families and how it could affect them based on their history. I will also be guiding parents of children with genetic diseases, to help their children flourish and not feel ashamed of their diagnosis. With my experience in mental health growing up, I think that it would make me a passionate and empathetic counselor that could help in their emotional needs. I would like to take that pain and anguish that I experienced as a child and turn it into a superpower that could help others and help them to feel emotionally heard and seen.

I am currently an Evolutionary Anthropology major and intend on pursuing a Master's degree in Genetic Counseling. Anthropology is the comprehensive study of human development, culture, and change throughout the world, past and present. Anthropology can also help us imagine and design futures that attend to human and environmental complexity. I am curious about diverse cultures across the world and how it relates to health of all populations. Exploring Anthropology will better help me in Genetic Counseling because I will better understand those factors which influence health and well being the experience and distribution of illness, the prevention and treatment of sickness, healing processes. Genetics is a science that is very important to society. The world of genetics is growing, and as more people begin to get tested and learn about themselves, it can be scary and intimidating information to process. Part of my job will be to counsel my patients and help them to fully understand their predispositions to certain diseases or conditions they may have. I also will help parents understand the genetic issues their child may have. This is why I will also be minoring in child development, so that I can have a greater understanding of the children that I counsel and how they may process emotional events differently than adults. I believe that women are such an important addition to the STEM field, and I am grateful to be a part of that growing community. Our world is constantly evolving and we are making new discoveries in science every day. This is why the field of Genetics is so incredibly exciting, especially in my chosen field which currently has a job growth rate of 26%. As a Genetic Counselor, not only would I have the ability to assess genetic risk factors in individuals, I would be able to consult with the ever-expanding companies that are growing exponentially in the Genetics World. My hopes are that I will be able to help enough people in my career that I will have made a substantial difference in their lives and that of their children. I hope to gain as much knowledge as humanly possible throughout my career and be a beacon of support for my patients. When working in a STEM field, not only do you get to work in exciting fields like computer science and engineering, but the work itself is often highly satisfying with impactful results.

To give answer for this question is really simple. I believe that a human being cannot have a specific goal and dreams , our goals and dreams change with time and requirement. So to be specific we can simply say my goal of life is to be happy in all of my situations and my dream is to travel the world.

My favorite Disney character will always be Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. She is the first Disney Princess who holds not just one job, but two! She strongly believes in the ethics of hard work and consistently stands by the idea that anything will be achieved (as she sings in “When We're Human”) “if you do your best each and every day.” Tiana's determination is unparalleled. The story begins when she meets Prince Naveen, who has been turned into a frog by the voodoo witch doctor. Naveen made a deal with the voodoo doctor in which he expected to receive money, but ended up as an amphibian instead! When Naveen meets Tiana at a Masquerade party, he thinks she's a princess because of her fancy costume, so he asks her for a kiss to break the curse. But since she's not a princess, the kiss turns Tiana into a frog too! The adventures help us to discover their personalities, Naveen being lazy and financially irresponsible, while Tiara reveals her tenacity and work ethic and independence. He learns responsibility from Tiana while she learns about enjoying life and having balance. This helps Naveen too because the work gives his life a feeling of direction. Tiana is also the first African-American Disney Princess, and since her story takes place in New Orleans in the 1920s, she has more of a connection to the real world than other princesses. A non-traditional princess, Tiana is a great character because she demonstrates a strong devotion to her dream of opening a restaurant and shows courageous, independent qualities. Her goals go far beyond finding love with a Prince. Even after marrying Naveen, the two of them work together to realize her dream rather than living in idle luxury. She encourages others to work hard for their dream lives, that with her representation of African American princesses is a great role model for future movies to come.

My tip is to create healthy boundaries and learn to say no sometimes. As a people pleaser, I always did favors for work, friends and family, putting too much on my plate and increasing my stress load. I limited the amount of time I could spend on self-care. Being selective about what you take on — and saying “no” to things that will unnecessarily add to your load — can reduce your stress levels. instagram: @cameraman897

Understanding the way our world works has always been the epicenter of my educational goals. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated with astronomy, environmentalism, biology, and genetics, even taking on extra credit and courses in these fields just so I could keep learning more about our universe. I was previously an astronomy major because I needed to know everything about the beginning of our small world, and what happens in those lightyears beyond us. There are unknown and undiscovered phenomenon that we still cannot comprehend, and there is always more to learn. Even though my major has shifted to Biological Anthropology major, specializing in the evolution of the human race through genetics is still a greatly undiscovered world within the body. Once I obtain my bachelor's degree, my educational goal is to obtain my Masters and become a certified Genetic Counselor. When my mother started to get sick in my pre-teen years, I always wondered if I would acquire those same mental and physical illnesses that she had. I started to think about what really get's passed down between parent and child, and how it affects families for generations. Around the same time, we started to learn about genetics in school, Punnett squares, and about Mr. Charles Darwin himself. It spurned this obsession of heredity within me, and the complexity of DNA and how it affects people, and how it is very easy to misunderstand. My goal is to help people understand their genetic disorders and assess the risks to their families. The medical field is constantly adapting to the genetic histories of their patients, but most people do not have the full grasp of what having a genetic condition means for them. Cancer, heart conditions, birth defects from mutations in the DNA can actually be prescreened through genetic testing. Some people never have children because they believe that they will pass on certain cancers to their child, only to find out that they never had that gene they expected to have. Although I once studied the grandeur of the universe, I would argue that the building blocks inside of our bodies is just as large and yet to be fully discovered. With my degree in Genetic Counseling I hope to be apart of a positive future in healthcare. I want to assist people in planning for their pregnancies, care for their children, and manage their overall health. Since I plan on specializing in Pediatrics, my goals are for the children to feel safe and like they have gained knowledge with me at their side. It is not just about where we came from, but life is about using our knowledge to create a better future for our families.

Community involvement is meaningful because it improves my social well-being and the well-being of others. My part-time job through college has been as a licensed in-home caretaker for seniors and the disabled in my community. It started with care-taking for my mother who suffered from a seizure, but has blossomed into a labor of love through the people I have provided assistance to. My patients have told me stories, kept me grounded, gave me life changing advice, and added great value to my life. Care-taking for a variety of people has actually inspired me to become an Anthropology major and pursue my future career in Genetic Counseling. As a Genetic Counselor with an Anthropology background, I want to use my knowledge of humanity and genetics to educate families about their genetic backgrounds, connect with them on a deeper and more personal level, and guide them through their predispositions to future illnesses. I would like to especially work with children who have genetic disorders, provide guidance and care, and make them feel safe with me as their counselor. I also hope to work with non-profits on making genetic testing more accessible and affordable for everyone, because knowing what illnesses we are more likely to have as we age is valuable information when it comes to prevention. I will be working with organizations as a consultant and advocate to achieve my future goals in healthcare.

When I think of my community, I think of all the individuals that have lived their lives here in the past, present, and future and how they could benefit from my help. Community involvement is meaningful because it improves my social well-being and the well-being of others. My part-time job through college has been as a licensed in-home caretaker for seniors and the disabled in my community. It started with care-taking for my mother who suffered from a seizure, but has blossomed into a labor of love through the people I have provided assistance to. My patients have told me stories, kept me grounded, gave me life changing advice, and added great value to my life. Care-taking for a variety of people has actually inspired me to become an Anthropology major and pursue my future career in Genetic Counseling. As a Genetic Counselor with an Anthropology background, I want to use my knowledge of humanity and genetics to educate families about their genetic backgrounds, connect with them on a deeper and more personal level, and guide them through their predispositions to future illnesses. I would like to especially work with children who have genetic disorders, provide guidance and care, and make them feel safe with me as their counselor. I also hope to work with non-profits on making genetic testing more accessible and affordable for everyone, because knowing what illnesses we are more likely to have as we age is valuable information when it comes to prevention. I will be working with organizations as a consultant and advocate to achieve my future goals in healthcare.

I aspire to make a positive impact on the world by being the most patient, kind, and caring Genetic Counselor that I can be. The world of genetics is growing, and as more people begin to get tested and learn about themselves, it can be scary and intimidating information to process. Part of my job will be to counsel my patients and help them to fully understand their predispositions to certain diseases or conditions they may have. I also will help parents understand the genetic issues their child may have. This is why I will also be minoring in child development, so that I can have a greater understanding of the children that I counsel and how they may process emotional events differently than adults. I would also like to help make genetic testing more accessible for everyone. If we all had access to genetic testing early in our lives and had this information during our regularly scheduled doctors visits, we would be able to make medications much more personalized to the individual as well as combat certain diseases before they start. As of right now, medications are prescribed to everyone as a one-size-fits most scenario, and bad reactions are only seen through trial-and-error. Access to testing would ensure a personalized fit of medication as well as prevention of certain diseases, which is incredibly important in the healthcare system.

I aspire to make a positive impact on the world by being the most patient, kind, and caring Genetic Counselor that I can be. The world of genetics is growing, and as more people begin to get tested and learn about themselves, it can be scary and intimidating information to process. Part of my job will be to counsel my patients and help them to fully understand their predispositions to certain diseases or conditions they may have. I also will help parents understand the genetic issues their child may have. This is why I will also be minoring in child development, so that I can have a greater understanding of the children that I counsel and how they may process emotional events differently than adults. I also have spent the last two years of my life working as a licensed caretaker in Southern California, which is what originally sparked my desire to help others. I was fortunate enough to work with a variety of people, mostly the elderly and some disabled, others with genetic conditions which greatly peaked my interest of how one genetic mutation can really change everything. These people require patience, empathy and understanding that I want to be capable of providing. My hopes are that I will be able to help enough people in my career that I will have made a substantial difference in their lives and that of their children. I hope to gain as much knowledge as humanly possible throughout my career and be a beacon of support for my patients. I would also like to help make genetic testing more accessible for everyone. If we all had access to genetic testing early in our lives and had this information during our regularly scheduled doctors visits, we would be able to make medications much more personalized to the individual as well as combat certain diseases before they start. As of right now, medications are prescribed to everyone as a one-size-fits most scenario, and bad reactions are only seen through trial-and-error. Access to testing would ensure a personalized fit of medication as well as prevention of certain diseases, which is incredibly important in the healthcare system. Outside of my career, I would also like to be a foster for animals with disabilities. They are often overcrowded in the shelter system and I wish to open up my home until they get officially adopted. My senior dog, Pepper, inspired me to want to help other animals have a better life.

There was a recent study done that compares our DNA to that of our closest relative, the chimpanzee, and it looks into why our brains are so much more evolved than theirs, even though our DNA is so similar. Stem cell researchers at the Lund University in Sweden examined the DNA of both humans and chimpanzees by turning stem cells into brain cells of both species. The brain cells of humans and chimpanzees were then compared, and they found major differences in an unexpected place, the “junk” DNA. This non-coded majority, which makes up 98% of our DNA, has always been considered to be non-functioning because it does not produce proteins like the other 2%. These new findings suggest that the human evolution of the brain is much more complicated than previously assumed, and there are functions that were previously disregarded in region of the "junk" area. The stem cell method they used of reprogramming stem cells into specialized ones is important because it is, as the article describes, an “ethically defensible” way to do research compared to how researches used to obtain brain cells. The results of this study have furthered the understanding of the complexity of the human brain, and opens a door into non-coded DNA suggesting it should not be overlooked. As an Anthropology major hoping to go to Graduate’s school for Genetic Counseling, new discoveries like these are why genetics is such an exciting field to be in right now.

I aspire to make a positive impact on the world by being the most patient, kind, and caring Genetic Counselor that I can be. The world of genetics is growing, and as more people begin to get tested and learn about themselves, it can be scary and intimidating information to process. Part of my job will be to counsel my patients and help them to fully understand their predispositions to certain diseases or conditions they may have. I also will help parents understand the genetic issues their child may have. This is why I will also be minoring in child development, so that I can have a greater understanding of the children that I counsel and how they may process emotional events differently than adults. I also have spent the last two years of my life working as a licensed caretaker in Southern California, which is what originally sparked my desire to help others. I was fortunate enough to work with a variety of people, mostly the elderly and some disabled, others with genetic conditions which greatly peaked my interest of how one genetic mutation can really change everything. These people require patience, empathy and understanding that I want to be capable of providing. My hopes are that I will be able to help enough people in my career that I will have made a substantial difference in their lives and that of their children. I hope to gain as much knowledge as humanly possible throughout my career and be a beacon of support for my patients. I would also like to help make genetic testing more accessible for everyone. If we all had access to genetic testing early in our lives and had this information during our regularly scheduled doctors visits, we would be able to make medications much more personalized to the individual as well as combat certain diseases before they start. As of right now, medications are prescribed to everyone as a one-size-fits most scenario, and bad reactions are only seen through trial-and-error. Access to testing would ensure a personalized fit of medication as well as prevention of certain diseases, which is incredibly important in the healthcare system. Outside of my career, I would also like to be a foster for animals with disabilities. They are often overcrowded in the shelter system and I wish to open up my home until they get officially adopted. My senior dog, Pepper, inspired me to want to help other animals have a better life.

"What you're not changing, you're choosing." These are words that I live by because, for the longest time, I had complained about a life that I was not trying to change. I worked the same job for seven years, and was in the same relationship for four, although neither of them fulfilled me or led to the life I was trying to leave. I stayed this way until I hit my emotional rock-bottom, and through an act of bravery I ended both in the same week! Although intimidating at first, this was when I really saw my own growth begin to flourish. Instead of finding another minimum wage job, I enrolled in college. Instead of trying to date, I decided to try and find myself before I found someone else to distract me from myself. Through small changes day by day, I began to build the life that I hoped for myself, with purpose and meaning. I realized that I wanted to work in Genetic Counseling where I could help people understand their conditions, and be a beacon of support for them through their transitions. I struggled in my past life, but I realized that by doing nothing, I was choosing it. That is why these words are so important to me.

The most inspiring book I have read is "Hurt Go Happy" by Ginny Rorby. I read this book when I was only ten years old, but I felt a huge emotional response while reading it, and to this day it is something that I recommend to everyone. This story is about thirteen-year-old Joey Willis, who is deaf but not allowed to learn sign language, and struggles to communicate and connect with those around her. When Joey meets Sukari, a baby chimpanzee and her owner Dr. Mansell, her world changes as they teach her how to sign. She forms a deep bond with Sukari and the doctor who rescued her from a medical research company. There are some sad components to this book, including loneliness, past animal abuse, and the struggle of being disabled, all things that are unfortunate realities in our world. In the end I could hardly put this book down, and it is a terrific book for anyone interesting in animals or interested in the challenges of being deaf.

This is Pepper! She is a five pound Chihuahua mix who was a rescue at seven years old, although I could say that she rescued me. She is now fifteen- and living her absolute best life! Although she is a little older, she is spunky, playful, and a sweet little soul who loves to watch geese at the park and go for car rides.

My dream is to become a Genetic Counselor, and to be a prominent figure in the genetics field. Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the science of people and how they evolved into the modern human. I am also fascinated by traits and heredity, and being able to explain to others how their DNA affects them and their future. As a Genetic Counselor, a typical day would include assessing genetic risk factors for individuals, educate them or their families on any disorder they (or their children) may have, provide resources, research, and emotional support. To me, providing emotional support and guidance will be one of the most important aspects of my career, as I plan on working in Pre-natal and Pediatric Counseling. This is why I am double-majoring in Anthropology and Psychology before I attend Graduate's school! I intend on being an empathetic and emotionally sensitive genetic counselor, because from experience, empathy is crucial in the healthcare community. I also hope to be a strong voice in the genetics field, making genetic knowledge more accessible for everyone by being a consultant for companies in this growing market.

One of my proudest accomplishments is that I am a licensed in-home caretaker for seniors and the disabled in my community. This journey started with my mother, who suffered from permanent frontal lobe damage after a seizure and subsequent fall. When we realized that she needed extra help for basic everyday things, I became her caretaker. All throughout high school I learned how to organize medications, started cooking meals, doing laundry, and running errands. When I was obtaining my associates degree, I realized that this could become licensed and help those in my community in my spare time. It has been extremely rewarding so far. Through my experiences I have learned more empathy, time management and communication skills than I could have ever imagined. Some of my elderly clients are so calm, patient and wise, it brings me great joy to help them and talk to them about the lives that they led. Another one of my clients has down's syndrome- his motivation to be independent every day is so incredibly inspiring to watch. Helping those in my community has led to my major in Anthropology and my future career in Genetic Counseling, and has given me life skills in how to succeed in my field!

By the time I graduated from high school, I was diagnosed with anorexia, bulimia, and a binge-eating disorder. I was not very thin growing up- and my family often reminded me of that at a young age. I first realized that they had a problem with my weight with when I was nine years old. My grandmother told me that I should become a "dancer" because it made her thin, and then she proceeded to look me up and down as she was giving me recommendations on weight loss. By the time I was ten years old, my dad began to put me on a scale and record my BMI, forcing me to exercise, often calling my mom to accuse her of overfeeding me. I would like to add that I was never medically obese, but I was made to feel embarrassed of my size and the idea that "thin is best" was molded into my brain. Throughout middle school I still loved to eat until I was full, but I also felt like it was wrong because all of my friends were naturally a size two, and I was a size six. It was when I was in high-school that I had mentally and physically transformed into a different person. I was going through an admittedly traumatic experience at home. I was removed from my mother's custody because she had a heavy drug and alcohol addiction, as well as a slew of mental illnesses from severe depression to bipolar disorder. I had seen a lot of pain and burdens before moving into my father's house full-time, and I felt isolated and alone. The one thing that I could control was food and my appearance, because I thought that looking more standardly beautiful would make me feel better on the inside. The loss of appetite was understandable at first, but when I shed my first ten pounds and the compliments came flooding in, that was when my addiction started. It started slow, but then all at once, and I had lost 40 pounds within the first year of my disorder. I would take a protein bar and make it last from 7:00am-4:00pm. I had dropped so much weight that there was a rumor was flowing around that I was addicted to drugs because of my new appearance. I had anemia and my hair was falling out. For years I knew that I had a problem, but I admit that my peers were not as helpful as they should have been. I was consumed by my disorder and I was received a mixed bag of comments regarding my body every day, either they wished they were as thin as me, or making rude remarks. I was asked if I had cancer, and a coworker once said "ew" when she fixed my apron because of my small size. I would like to say I am currently and very proudly in recovery from my ED and have been for three years. I had one very close friend escort me to therapy on her own dime, and that was when I had my official diagnosis. These past three years that I have been in recovery I have learned that making comments to other's about their body is never okay, because everyone has battles that we know nothing about. If someone seems like they need help, they do not need to be stigmatized or gossiped about. Empathy and compassion go a long way, that one friend coming to me with honest intentions saved my life, and I hope to extend that to others in need.

1. I am a 24 year old female who aspires to be a Genetic Counselor, and hopes to become a significant presence in the Genetics Field. I have been fascinated by the sciences ever since I was a child. I have taken, Biology, Astronomy, Environmental Science, and Chemistry until I realized my passion for Genetics. There are quite a few things that motivate me and give me my ambitious drive, but my primary goal is to have a career where I can guide others to make better decisions for themselves and their families, and educate them on how to live their best lives. I am specifically motivated by my achievements. My would love to accomplish everything that seems intimidating or out of my reach, including obtaining my Master's degree in Genetic Counseling and excelling in my industry. Outside of my career, I hope to grow as an individual by being the most kind and empathetic person, and extend a helping hand to those around me. I have faced many adversities in my lifetime. I have lived in low-income housing, nearly lost a parent to addiction, struggled with internal and external issues, all of which have led me to where I am right now. If I had the means to help others emotionally or financially, I would do just that. I want to be a positive role model and advocate in my community. I work part-time as a licensed caretaker, and I would love to recruit others to join me in that fulfilling and rewarding experience. 2. Women are an incredibly important (and underutilized) addition to the STEM field, and I am grateful to be a part of that growing community. Our body of knowledge is constantly evolving and we are making new discoveries in science and technology every day. This is why the field of Genetics is so incredibly exciting, because it is growing exponentially, especially in my chosen field which currently has a growth rate of 26%. As a Genetic Counselor, I would need equal parts training in understanding genetic disorders, trials and testing, and as well as a strong background in Psychology and Counseling to support those going through hardships with their condition. My past experiences will allow me to have an empathetic side to my profession in healthcare, patience will my clients, and help them to feel understood. I could also partake in Genetic Consulting for current businesses that are trying to make genetic information more accessible and integrated into our healthcare system. Outside of consulting, I would also have the opportunity to inform others on the importance of having access to their genetic information. I could help other people make life-improving choices for themselves and their children. The aspect of being a positive role model, helping others and being an advocate for Genetics is what excites me the most about this field. 3. When I was fourteen years old, I was removed from my mother's custody for the second time. She was heavily dependent on drugs and alcohol, dealt with severe bipolar disorder and depression, and I was in a declining environment until I was officially removed from my home. My father took me in, but I can admit that I had a difficult transition. I was just starting my teenage years with a lot of heavy emotions that I was trying to handle, with no outlet and no one to talk to. My father typically avoided serious conversations, and as an only child I had no one to really share my experiences with and I felt isolated at home and at school, where I had become the new topic for other kids to gossip about. Although I was going through an admittedly traumatic experience, I did not allow it to hinder me academically. I used my education and learning as a form of healing, it gave me structure, organization, and an objective to focus on. I started to excel in my classes and took things out of my comfort zone. I became fascinated with biological sciences, taking AP Environmental Science and Science of the Human Mind, which led to my passion for genetics and heredity. Three years later, after my graduation, my mother became partially disabled due to a seizure and suffered from some mental handicaps. This was when I was tested in my ability to forgive and move on, which I embraced and became her part-time caretaker. Since then, I have become fully licensed and provide help for seniors in my community. I believe that my experiences in trying to understand her and humankind as a whole have led to my major. Life is short and people, including family, will never be perfect. We all have something to offer others, whether it be our care, empathy or time.

Although COVID was life-altering for many of us, there were a few parts of my experience that have guided me on the path I am on now Before COVID, I had no set career goals. I worked a full-time job in food-service, took some classes for credit, but I never knew what to say when I was asked about my future career. When my restaurant closed and my mother got sick, and I was at home all day to reflect. Something clicked in me that I wanted a career where I could help people, educate them, and guide them towards a healthy lifestyle. In my research I realized that I want to be a Genetic Counselor. I have been fascinated by science and genetics ever since I was a child. I never thought that I could have a career in it- until I saw how uneducated people can be. I could be a leader in genetics healthcare, and guide people on how to make the best choices for their families and themselves based on their genetic backgrounds. The pandemic changed the way we see our health, and because of it I was able to find my future.

When I was fourteen, I was removed from my mother's custody. She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression, dependent on drugs and alcohol, and I was in a very chaotic environment until I was removed from my home. I remember that I went through a lot as an only child. She had attempted suicide multiple times, had hallucinations, would stay in bed for days and abuse substances to cope with what was going on inside of her head. It was not my choice because I actually loved my mom dearly, but my home was deemed unsafe and I had to say goodbye. My father took me in but admit that I had a difficult transition. He typically avoided serious conversations and discussions of mental health, and as an only child I had no one to really share my experiences with. I was going through a traumatic experience and I was worried for my mother's declining condition every day. I struggled with anxiety and depression, I had terrible mood swings and isolated myself often. However, I did not allow it to hinder me academically. I used my education as a form of healing, it gave me structure, organization, and an objective to focus on. I started to excel in my classes and took things out of my comfort zone. I became fascinated with biological sciences which led to my passion for genetics. Because of my interest in mental disorders and addiction being passed on through our Biology, I aspire to be a Genetic Counselor with a secondary major in Anthropology. I would also have the opportunity to inform others on the importance of having access to their genetic information and how it could affect their mental health and coping mechanisms. I could help other people make life-improving choices for themselves and their children. The aspect of being a positive role model, helping others and being an advocate for Genetics is what excites me the most about this field. Three years later, my mother became partially disabled due to a seizure. I had already been through therapy on my own accord, learned about myself and about what she could be going through. This was when I was tested in my ability to forgive, and to improve our relationship, which I embraced. I became her in-home caretaker, escorted her to treatments, organized her medications, and spent time with her, all things I still do today. I believe that my experiences in trying to understand her and humankind as a whole have led to my major and future career. I also have become a certified in-home caretaker which has led me to see other people who struggle- and need kindness and empathy in their everyday lives. Life is short and people, including family, will never be perfect. I have also learned the importance of understanding others offering them our care and time. Sometimes it is easy to write someone off because of their mental illnesses and get angry with them for how they act. However, people with mental disorders do not always have control over their thoughts and feelings. It can be very scary for them and something I may never fully understand unless we live through it ourselves. We all have something to offer others, whether it be our care, empathy or time, and those with mental illnesses deserve empathy the most.

I was fourteen when I was removed from my mother's custody, and my life was completely uprooted. She was dependent on drugs and alcohol, and although I was in a very chaotic environment, it was not my choice to leave. I had to say goodbye in the back of a patrol car and I never returned home. My father took me in, but admit that I had a difficult transition. He typically avoided serious conversations, and as an only child I had no one to really share my experiences with and I felt isolated from my family and friends. Although I was going through a traumatic experience, I did not allow it to hinder me academically. I used my education as a form of healing, it gave me structure, organization, and an objective to focus on. I started to excel in my classes and took courses well out of my comfort zone. I became fascinated with biological sciences which led to my passion for genetics. Three years later, my mother became partially disabled due to a seizure. This was when I was tested in my ability to forgive, which I embraced. I believe that my experiences in trying to understand her and humankind as a whole have led to my major. Life is short and people, including family, will never be perfect. We all have something to offer others, whether it be our care, empathy or time.

Self care is how you take your power back. I know that I, any many others, have struggled or will struggle with our mental health in the future. I am prone to depression, anxiety, and there have been many times in my life where I wanted to give up and stop trying. Something that my mother taught me when I was younger is that mental health breaks and self-care are crucial, even to those who are the most ambitious. When I feel that overwhelming feeling of anxiety and heaviness settling in, I stop what I am doing and I ask myself, "What is one kind thing that you can do for yourself right now?" Kindness towards ourselves comes in many forms. Sometimes it can be as as simple as cooking out favorite meal, turning on a mindless tv show, taking a shower, or going for a walk. My favorite form of self-care is putting on my running shoes and my headphones, and walk for as long as I need to until I feel better. The serotonin from getting my muscles moving, the fresh air, and space away from school and work are the perfect way to get myself back in check. There is also no shame in asking for help! Our friends and family are there to help us heal and grow, and we should never be afraid to lean on our loved ones for support. Our mental health can be nurtured by taking care of ourselves and allowing ourselves to lean on others.

I am exceptionally proud of the fact that I was in a leadership role for five out of the seven years that I worked at Nekter Juice Bar. I was introduced to my first job there when I was fifteen years old. At first I was extremely introverted, too nervous to communicate, and I remember that I often wanted to hide behind the counter because I thought I had very poor social skills. Over time however, I learned the ins and outs of how to efficiently run a store and put in my best effort every single day. Outside of the classroom my work ethic and values were being built, I learned how to take direction and give it to others, my social skills skyrocketed, and I became a leader of my own team. My biggest takeaway from this job is that I actually have wonderful communication skills when I feel confident, and can even lead a team of my own. Being placed in a leadership position to not only run the shifts, but also train the staff, was intimidating at first. Respect is not automatically gained. I am feminine, petite, and sometimes soft-spoken. I could have not been taken seriously, however I decided to lead and direct with sheer confidence. When I found my leadership voice, I completely transformed into an outgoing, enthusiastic, and highly praised leader and realized that I thrive in a leadership position. I personally connected with every staff member and every customer in my store from all ages, races and genders. During my time there, we also had to move positive comments from corporate to date: the cleanest, most enthusiastic, and most helpful staff. As I am aging and maturing, I recognize that I will carry these skills with me for life. Wherever my future career in Genetic Counseling takes me, I will be exercising my skills of communication and motivation and how to make people feel significant. I may have started at the bottom of a minimum wage job, but we can learn these crucial skills in the most unexpected places. This is why being a leader is important to be, it gave me confidence and also is a great example to others who may feel that they might not be good enough at first. Even the most shy of people have the ability to become great leaders.

One of my proudest accomplishments is that I am a certified in-home caretaker for the elderly. I started my journey as a caretaker with my mother, who became disabled due to a seizure, but since becoming certified I have had the rewarding experience of meeting a variety of people, and the elderly have made the greatest impact. Being an Anthropology major, I have always been fascinated by the complexity and diversity of people. My passion for Anthropology started when I took Evolution of the Human Mind at Saddleback. We read dozens of scholarly articles involving human nature and connection, and it is arguably the most important course I have taken to date. What is amazing to see as a caretaker is the diversity of people in action. I have learned the most from my elderly patients. They have taught me to be kind, to be humble, and most importantly they have taught me patience. Just observing some older people in their lives can help us empathize with others in various situations. One of my favorite patients, Jean, once gave me a great piece of advice: "Unless you work hard on this limited time on Earth, your time may be wasted." Because of Jean I have declared my major and future career as a Genetic Counselor, where I help people to understand their health through their genes. It is people like her who can change the lives of our next generations, and that is what we can learn from the elderly.

Albert Einstein once said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” This quote I find true because I am at my happiest when I am immersed in nature. I grew up with anxiety and can get overstimulated pretty easily. In between classes I throw on my running shoes, put my dog on her leash, and spend that hour outside exploring the trail. As a Biology major would, I always stop to study the flora and fauna, snapping pictures of unique plants and trees and glancing at the different species of birds. The small burbling creek is quiet and serene, and when my dog and I sit there I can treasure the silence. With COVID hitting hard and having to involuntarily move my classes online, this helps to beat the technology fatigue and immerse myself in the outdoors. I believe that nature makes us healthier and happier, inspires positive emotion, tranquility, and makes us more grounded.

Friendships are relationships of choice. Some of my best memories from my childhood, and even my worst memories later on, remind me of the friends that were by my side. Some of them are still there today, which I am forever grateful for. My childhood best friend, Emma, brought me in as a scared and crying kindergartener to her small group of friends, and made me feel at home in a new and unfamiliar place. We painted pictures, though she was much better than me, raced on the playground, picked fruit off the school’s pomegranate trees, and danced all night at every sleepover we had. My best friend from my teenage years to today is Jasmine, and she is the complete opposite of me in every way possible. She has stood by my side through every decision I have ever made and even kept my secrets, even when I did not know she even knew them. With COVID and growing older, and being in academics, it is easy to lose touch with our friends. However, I have learned so much from them! From the women I grew up with I have learned that friendship is trust, unconditional love without judgement, even if we don’t always share the same interests or attitudes. Friendship is a chosen family and should never be neglected.

Self-care is a full time job. I may be in my early twenties, but I have a top tier busy schedule and succumb to stress pretty often! Not only am I a full-time student with three animals of my own, I am also a caretaker for my mother who has had health complications after a seizure. With all of my responsibilities I often find myself overwhelmed and overstimulated, which is why I include small bits of self-care into my everyday life. Since the peak of COVID I have had to move my studies online, but staring at a computer screen all day long has caused some serious eye strain and technology fatigue. Taking screen breaks and stepping away from technology has been a huge part of my self-care. That hour between classes is when I put on my Nike training shoes, grab my dog, and go for a nice, long walk outside in the fresh air. The light breeze, and the warm sun on my skin always make me feel refreshed and awake before my next class starts and gets the endorphins flowing. I will always prefer this over scrolling on my phone or watching television for hours at a time. Besides physical self-care, I also focus on my mental self-care through journaling. A nice, leather bound journal and pen to paper is a relaxing way of writing out my goals for the day, prioritizing my goals, concerns, and positive self-talk. Self-care is not a one-size fits all strategy, but these therapeutic techniques are important to me because they enhance my well being and my cognitive function, making for a better day.