I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. I refuse to back down from the challenge, though, because STEM has always been interesting to me, and if I can truly make a difference while doing something I enjoy, it'll be worth the risk. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Too often, women have dreams that they wish to accomplish, but are shoved down because of societal standards. I want to be a pillar for them, to prove that it is possible to do whatever you dream of. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. I refuse to back down from the challenge, though, because STEM has always been interesting to me, and if I can truly make a difference while doing something I enjoy, it'll be worth the risk. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Too often, women have dreams that they wish to accomplish, but are shoved down because of societal standards. I want to be a pillar for them, to prove that it is possible to do whatever you dream of. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. I refuse to back down from the challenge, though, because STEM has always been interesting to me, and if I can truly make a difference while doing something I enjoy, it'll be worth the risk. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Too often, women have dreams that they wish to accomplish, but are shoved down because of societal standards. I want to be a pillar for them, to prove that it is possible to do whatever you dream of. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

This upcoming school year, I will be attending UW-Oshkosh for a bachelor's degree in biomolecular science before applying to medical school. In the next 3-4 years, I plan on being involved with the school's work-study program, while working on research projects in the lab and publications with professors to expand my knowledge and credibility in the field. The biology and science department also offers a "squirrel caretaker" job that would be a fun break from classes, while still allowing me to learn more about the biology portion of the degree. I have always loved animals, and have worked with them in my past and current job: a horse farm, and now a zoo. During my second or third year, I want to be a part of the study-abroad program in Europe. This, I feel, will add depth to my schooling by getting in tune with other cultures, broaden my sights and help me to step out of my comfort zone. As I am already a part of the UWO honor's college, I will take every opportunity to absorb and use all of the knowledge and support from both the professors and students. During my time at Oshkosh (aside from study abroad in Europe) I will be close to home and will be able to commute to my classes. This will save me about $3000 per year, which I can put toward my next four years of education in medical school. In high school, I have already taken a CAPP Speech class, and am currently taking CAPP Chemistry, AP Statistics, AP Language/composition, and AP Psychology. These classes are not only preparing me for the rigorous education I will be subject to for the next 7-8 years, but are also allowing me to be a step ahead when it comes to credits, helping me to hopefully achieve my goal of graduating from Oshkosh in 3 years. This will no doubt be difficult, but I am ready for the challenge, and want to complete medical school as soon as I can, in order to do the job of my dreams. Even though I may need to take summer classes to achieve early graduation, I fully intend to also have a full time job so I can stay on top of my tuition expenses. If all goes according to plan, I will be on my way to medical school in the fall of 2028, however this is not a guarantee. If I am not able to graduate earlier, that just means I have another year to save up and prepare for medical school. It will no doubt be much harder than receiving my bachelor's, but I am willing to step up to the challenge. Right now, I have my sights set on a job in pathology, but depending on what sparks my interest in medical school, that plan could change. For the meantime, I am ready to put my full effort into achieving great things at Oshkosh, as well as funding my education- starting with my application to this scholarship. Thank you for your consideration.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. I refuse to back down from the challenge, though, because STEM has always been interesting to me, and if I can truly make a difference while doing something I enjoy, it'll be worth the risk. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Too often, women have dreams that they wish to accomplish, but are shoved down because of societal standards. I want to be a pillar for them, to prove that it is possible to do whatever you dream of. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. I refuse to back down from the challenge, though, because STEM has always been interesting to me, and if I can truly make a difference while doing something I enjoy, it'll be worth the risk. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Too often, women have dreams that they wish to accomplish, but are shoved down because of societal standards. I want to be a pillar for them, to prove that it is possible to do whatever you dream of. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

“I get tired a lot, but I never get tired of it.” I’m not a big Taylor Swift fan, but this quote from her has stuck with me since the first time I heard it. When it comes to academics, I’m a student that strives to get the best grades possible. Surpassing my own expectations is thrilling, and getting a test back with a great score never gets old. When it comes to athletics, pushing myself to the limit is not a rare occurrence. Some people may not agree that riding horses is a sport. It’s labeled as “easy” or “boring.” But I never feel bored when I’m on a horse. There is something about swinging your leg over a 1500 pound animal that can kill you in an instant that really gets the blood flowing. However, I would be lying if I said it was easy to balance everything. Sure, horse riding is a great escape from writing essays and studying for tests, but I can’t have just one or the other. My life wouldn’t be mine if I purged the thought of college from my mind, or if I cut horse riding from my schedule. At the national level, I've also participated in the Youth of the Year competition at the Morgan Horse World Championships. This competition involves judging horses conformation, writing an essay regarding the Morgan horse, performing a pattern on horseback, and preparing/performing a speech in front of a panel of judges. I managed to get fourth in the world for the speech portion. Not only do I continuously raise the bar on a competitive level, I also involve myself in National Honor Society, and have been an active member throughout my high school career. For this group, I need to have 72 hours of community service. The service opportunities and my involvement in NHS are both things that I enjoy, however, again, it is a lot of pressure. Medical school is in my sights, but I also want to continue competing at a high level. It’s tiring. It’s stressful. It’s an emotional roller coaster some days. Time management is a huge factor when it comes to this, and keeping study halls in my schedule helps. Academic success and horse riding may be two completely different conversational topics, but they give me the same feeling. This is why I have also been a member of both 4-H, my school’s equestrian team, and the president of a Morgan horse youth club for a number of years. As you can imagine, I have been rooted in the horse world for many years. When you ride a horse, you aren’t just working for yourself, you’re working for the animal. They rely on you just as much as you rely on them. The amount of trust needed to perform at such a high level as I do is mind-boggling. I’m amazed every day at the capabilities of the horses I train with, because it is incredible that such a large animal is willing to work with me. Experiencing something like that is what really makes me passionate about this sport. There is nothing quite like it, and unless you have felt it yourself, it’s impossible to understand. When I say I’m tired, I am. But even on those days that I get home and collapse onto my bed, it’s not because I’m tired of the sport or the studying. It is simply because there are not enough hours in the day to balance everything without getting tired. Even through this, I don’t think I could ever get tired of it.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. I refuse to back down from the challenge, though, because STEM has always been interesting to me, and if I can truly make a difference while doing something I enjoy, it'll be worth the risk. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Too often, women have dreams that they wish to accomplish, but are shoved down because of societal standards. I want to be a pillar for them, to prove that it is possible to do whatever you dream of. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. I refuse to back down from the challenge, though, because STEM has always been interesting to me, and if I can truly make a difference while doing something I enjoy, it'll be worth the risk. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Too often, women have dreams that they wish to accomplish, but are shoved down because of societal standards. I want to be a pillar for them, to prove that it is possible to do whatever you dream of. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.

I am planning to get a degree in biomolecular science as a degree before medical school. Let me tell you a little bit about my experience so far in this route. I have always been passionate about subjects in STEM, and because of my interest, I am currently enrolled in AP psychology, AP statistics, AP language/composition, and a CAPP chemistry class. These classes are not all STEM related, but they are helping me to grow more accustomed to college-level education so that I am more prepared when I graduate high school in 2025. Aside from this, I have already attended a CAPP speech class last year. Outside of school, I have shadowed multiple doctors in various fields, including cardiology, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), surgery within otolaryngology, and a team of EMTs. I have also attended two Belin Heath College camps, which involved working with the various medical study tools at the college, as well as visiting hospitals to shadow doctors and nurses there. The last few years have been filled with amazing opportunities and experiences as I am learning more about my future field of study. I am a first generation college student, so this is all very exciting, but also scary at the same time. I want to make both myself and my family proud, and I am so glad that I have found my calling in the medical field. Even though my main reason for going into this field is because it interests me, there are a few other reasons. Firstly, I want to be set in life. Being in a middle-class family has been a blessing, but we still have our ups and downs, which can be scary. Even though I know I am not going to be a billionaire enjoying weekends on my yacht, it is comforting to know that as a doctor, I can fully support myself and my family, while still having financial freedom. Family means a lot to me, and making sure we are secure is a goal of mine. My parents have always been there for me, and I also want to help them through retirement. Secondly, I want to make a difference. I know that is something that nearly every medical school application reads, but it's true. I want to make a difference for myself and others. I have lost a lot of family members in my seventeen years of life, and I am sick of feeling hopeless about it. As a doctor, I will not be able to save everyone, I know that. But, I will be able to make a difference in some people's lives and save a little girl or boy from losing someone close to them, or seeing the despair rip through their family as I have done. I want to trust in my abilities and know that at the end of the day, I did everything I could to save someone. That is why I am pursuing a medical career, and that is why I am so passionate about my degree.

Being a first-generation college student is a bit scary, I won't lie. Knowing that I will be experiencing something that my parents never did makes the idea daunting. However, even with my big dreams of going to college and then medical school, my parents have truly been my rock in the whirlwind of emotions that come with college applications. I have always been passionate about subjects in STEM, so in preparation for my further schooling, I am currently enrolled in AP psychology, AP statistics, AP language/composition, and a CAPP chemistry class. These classes, although not fully related to STEM, are helping me to grow more accustomed to college-level education so that I am more prepared when I graduate high school in 2025. Aside from this, I have already attended a CAPP speech class last year. Outside of school, I have shadowed multiple doctors in various fields, including cardiology, otolaryngology, surgery, and a team of EMTs. I have also attended two Belin Heath College camps, which involved working with the various medical study tools at the college, as well as visiting hospitals to shadow doctors and nurses there. The last few years have been filled with amazing opportunities and experiences as I am learning more about my future field of study. Even though my main reason for going into the medical field is because it interests me, there are a few other reasons. Firstly, I want to be set in life. Being in a middle-class family has been a blessing, but we still have our ups and downs, which can be scary. Even though I know I am not going to be a billionaire enjoying weekends on my yacht, it is comforting to know that as a doctor, I can fully support myself and my family, while still having financial freedom. Family means a lot to me, and making sure we are secure is a goal of mine. Secondly, I want to make a difference. I know that is something that nearly every medical school application reads, but it's true. I want to make a difference for myself and others. I have lost a lot of family members in my seventeen years of life, and I am sick of feeling hopeless about it. As a doctor, I will not be able to save everyone, I know that. But, I will be able to make a difference in some people's lives and save a little girl or boy from losing someone close to them, or seeing the despair rip through their family as I have done. I want to trust in my abilities and know that at the end of the day, I did everything I could to save someone. That is why I am pursuing a medical career, and that is why forging the way as a first-gen college student means so much to me.

The following passage is quoted from The Iliad by Homer. “‘Hateful to me as the gates of Hades is that man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another. Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter. Any moment might be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we're doomed’” (405). Perhaps one of the most famous lines in the Iliad, Homer outlines the inevitable morality of his characters, but also unlocks the fear of death in his readers. When delving deeper, however, one can find much more meaning in this small passage than simply the last line. Homer sends out multiple lessons in this short excerpt that connects to his audience in more ways than one would assume at first glance. Starting from the top, this quote begins with the sentence “[h]ateful to me as the gates of Hades if the man who hides one thing in his heart and speaks another.” Clearly, as the entire book is based around Greek mythology and the gods born from the myths, Hades and his gates of hell are mentioned, but they serve as a description to understand the feelings of Homer’s character at this moment. To hide “one thing in [your] heart” insinuates an opinion or position that one is keeping secret; while “speak[ing] another” suggests that a person opposes their true intentions and ideas through their words. In essence, Homer is more specifically saying that it is undesired, or rather, dishonorable to say something without meaning it. Continuing on through the passage, the second sentence delves into the fear of a meaningless death. Although Homer is time and story-specific in his writing, speaking most likely on a death in battle, the deeper meaning behind this sentence is relatable to most people. The second part of this sentence, “let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter,” uncovers an insecurity and fear that Homer’s readers may feel, and might even uncover his own fears. To die without meaning, or rather, to be forgotten after death, is a daunting idea to comprehend. By wrapping this idea into his writing, Homer reveals that he may feel the same way, almost sending a plea for his readers to remember him. The need to accomplish something great before death is not in order to enjoy it while you are living, but rather to continue a sort of “life,” even after death, through the memories of others. Now, perhaps saving the best for last, Homer’s final two lines in this passage are written so simply, with an extremely complex train of thought behind it. “Any moment might be our last. Everything is more beautiful because we are doomed.” The idea that morality--the promise of death--knowing that everything that makes a person who they are, will eventually be taken, erupts a humble sense of understanding that makes appreciating life so much more meaningful. In the setting of Homer’s piece, gods and mortals are the two main, clashing species, which makes it easy for him to bring up the idea of morality. In fact, with this mythical situation, Homer can use the situation to send a message to his readers: appreciate life while you still can. A bit dark, yes, but at the same time, living life to the fullest is a gift. Knowing that every situation a person is in could be their last creates a sort of fear that drives a person to appreciate every second they have. To enjoy the happy times, and the sad ones. To embrace the ups and downs of life, and to see the beauty in imperfections is what makes living once so special. Homer’s expertise in creating lines that spark understanding in his readers is impressive on its own. However, his ability to connect with his readers on the same level, to understand and represent the similarities between all people, is beyond incredible. Death has always been a shadowed idea, followed by grief and fear. Homer does not relinquish these feelings, but connects them with brighter ones as well, if not to ease his readers, then perhaps to ease his own inner turmoil.

I don’t want to be forgotten; I want to make a difference. That thought has single-handedly driven me in my search for meaning. There are endless possibilities as to what I can accomplish and strive to achieve, but where to start? I want to be remembered for good things. I want to inspire people. Already I have begun to do so, having three books written and published, with a fourth on the way. Making a difference in someone’s life, just by writing a book that they love, has made me realize that I want to continue deeds like this. Aside from writing, I have a passion for the sciences, and I love to help people. So, I have drawn the conclusion that I want to be in medicine. To find a cure, save a life, understand a person’s struggles, that is what makes a difference in society, and in the world as a whole. So, I have begun the journey of pursuing this goal. When you aim for medical school, it’s almost always a guarantee that someone will doubt you. It’s understandable, since getting into medical school is an incredibly difficult thing to achieve, not to mention graduating and getting through residency. But I have not wavered on my path, because I know that I am meant to do this. I want to make an impact, one patient at a time. Saving someone’s mother, father, child, or friend is both an honor and a heavy responsibility. I’m not a political genius; I don’t know how to solve world peace or purge world hunger. I don’t know how to stop war or prevent crime. But I do know how to help people. I’ve done it before, and I planned my life around doing it many more times. Just by sharing my books, I have gotten a taste of changing lives. Kids that wouldn’t touch a book with a ten foot pole have fallen in love with the story I have written, and have since continued to expand their reading abilities and interests. So if writing a book and sharing it can make that much difference in a person’s life, imagine saving it in an emergency room. Imagine working with a team to expand the possibilities of treatments and vaccines. Imagine giving a person hope or reassurance. Imagine telling a person that you are willing to fight for their life. That is the kind of change I want to make on the world and on the society I live in today. Through shadow opportunities, I have seen firsthand the difference a doctor can make. I have seen the relief wash over a patient’s face when they hear good news, and I have seen the way a passionate doctor comforts a patient when there is only bad news to share. Caring for someone you barely know is a humbling and life changing task. So I may not change the whole world, but I will change their world, and that’s enough for me.