essay one: Since I was little, my dream has always been to help others. Whether I imagined myself as a zoologist, a nurse, or a surgeon, the goal was always the same. I wanted to make the world better. For years, I planned to follow in my mom's footsteps and be an orthopedic surgeon. I had always envisioned myself in the operating room, performing life-saving procedures. That dream led me to go on a medical mission trip with One World Surgery, in doing so I got to observe surgeries alongside my mom. I expected everything to fall into place. Instead, I was overwhelmed by the antibacterial smell, beeping machines, and sterile white walls. It was clear I didn't belong in the operating room. So I looked outside of its stark white walls. In doing so I saw patients who's lives had been saved but also forever changed. Many struggled to adapt to their lost limbs or limited mobility. So I began exploring how my love for math and science could elevate their struggles. Now, I'm working towards creating prosthetics and orthotics to help people I've fuller and more independent lives. My path may have changed, but my purpose never did. essay two: Empathy is more than just understanding how someone feels. It is actively working to understand why they are feeling that way. Our experiences: family history, culture, or past experiences shape how we see the world. Which is why empathy means listening to someone without assuming you already know someone's story. In health care, it is not enough to ask, “What is medically wrong?” We must also ask, “What would make this person's life more livable?” This mindset is especially important in the field of prosthetics and orthotics. Patients receiving these aids are not only adjusting physically but also redefining their independence and self-identity. This is where many modern prosthetics miss the mark. Many modern prothetics and orthotics prioritize function without taking into account patients' lifestyle, culture, and self-expression. Physical mobility is essential, but not the only piece of the puzzle. Empathy pushes innovators to ask deeper questions: is it affordable? Is it comfortable? Will it make them feel confident? This line of questioning pushes us to design with people, not just for them. A human-centered approach begins by putting patients in the design process rather than at the end. We must accept feedback, criticism, test multiple approaches, and consider their day-to-day life. It means recognizing that dignity matters as much as durability. A prosthetic or brace must also not simply feel like a “replacement” but something that makes them feel seen. For some, this means a subtle look, neutral colors that match their skin. For others, this will mean bright colors, custom artwork, and a design that showcases their resilience. Both choices are equally important. In giving patients control over how their aids look, we give them control over something their injury has taken away. This approach also requires us to keep accessibility in mind, because innovation means nothing if it doesn't reach those who need it most. Accessibility means considering cost, weight, durability, and repairability, not just advanced technology. A device that works beautifully but is unaffordable or impossible to maintain is ultimately a failure for its patients. True empathy considers real-world limitations, meeting patients where they are, and adapting to their environment. Such as cultural ideals, community needs, and economic barriers. The most meaningful innovations are not always groundbreaking, but the ones that truly improve everyday life for the greatest number of patients. Empathy in health innovation is not an accessory; it is the foundation. When solutions reflect the voices, struggles, and individuality of its users, healing becomes more than just their body. It becomes an empowering experience where patients are able to break the limits patients once believed were unchangeable.

Out of all of Taylor Swifts performances the one that moves me the most is "The Archer" from The Eras tour concert film. In this moment, she stands completely alone on stage. No elaborate choreography, no flashing lights just her voice and its raw emotion. This performance's power comes in its simplicity. Taylor captures the vulnerability of being both admired and scrutinized allowing the performance to feel deeply human. Moreover this performance is a reminder of how even those we admire still are full of self doubt and flaws. This performance speaks to me because it mirrors the feelings I have about pursuing my dreams of being a biomedical engineer while also leaving behind my love for art. Like Taylor, I am often torn between the two sides of who I am. one being the creative dreamer and the other being the problem solver. When I'm painting I am free to express my emotions through color, texture and theme. While math allows me to channel my creativity into problem solving and imagine a tomorrow where people can live healthier and fuller lives. Taylor's performance of "The Archer" is a reminder that vulnerability and self reinvention can coexist. She shows me that growth requires sacrifice and self-transformation. Watching her turn this struggle into a performance that has connected with millions of people inspires me to find a way to uplift others. So while that may mean leaving behind my dreams of being a painter, my passions will be transformed into drive for biomedical engineering. My goal is to design technology to improve others lives in countries where access to medical technology is limited. Using the same power Taylor uses when she turns her emotions into moving and powerful performances.

One global issue that is very important to me is access to healthcare because, many countries have severely underfunded health care systems. Especially when it comes to women's healthcare. This issue became more apparent to me in the spring of last year when I was able to assist in a medical mission trip through One World Surgery. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in the United States. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. In Honduras I got to witness surgeons performing these life changing operations. One of these people being my mother. Watching her operate was immensely inspiring and put into perspective all the work she does to help others. Additionally, the clinic also offered necessary appointments such as vaccines, dental care, checkups, and pap smear free of charge because of the wide range of support the clinic receives from One World Surgery. I specifically got to assist in the dental clinic through working as a secretary and washing and setting up tools. I feel incredibly honored to have been able to be part of the team that allowed dozens of people to receive life-changing surgeries over my week-long stay. On the other hand, though, this trip made me realize that I wasn't meant to be in the operating room as I had previously thought. For almost my entire life I wanted to be just like my mom. I wanted to be the person who provided lifesaving care. Despite this dream, I was too overwhelmed by all the beeping, smells and stress of having someone's life in your hands. This realization led me to research other ways I could use my love for biology and mathematics to help others. This search to find a way to create meaningful change led me to engineering. Specifically, Bio-Medical engineering, where tools such as prosthetic hands and legs can restore independence and quality to someone's life after a traumatic incident. I specifically want to focus on underfunded countries such as Honduras where people rely so much more on their physical abilities to keep their families fed than we do in the United States. To achieve this monumental dream, I plan to persue the bio-medical sciences. Which will take me 4-6 years followed by residency and board exams. Along with this I plan to participat in more medical mission trips through One World Surgery to get a better scope of the issues perpetuating a global lack of access to health care. To build a better tomorrow for all.

Many of my peers view math as just the four credits required to graduate. Most choosing to take Financial Algebra or Statistics as opposed to Calculus or Physics. But I've seen first hand this impact higher level math has on people's lives. Recently, I went on a medical mission trip with One World Surgery to Honduras . While in Honduras, I watched surgeons perform four to six operations a day, to treat over one hundred patients in a week. To do this, they relied heavily on heart monitors, CT scanners, and ventilators. Behind all of those machines is complex math, quietly calculated rates of change, analyzing data and providing feedback about medication doses and potential risks. This experience showed me that mathematics isn't just meaningless numbers but a complex code that saves hundreds of lives daily all across the world. One of the most meaningful advancements mathematics has allowed for is the development of CT scanners and X-rays. These machines don't just magically create images of the inside of the human body. They instead use hundreds of waves which a mix of algebra and calculus turns into images for doctors to analyze. Once you step into an operating room and see what surgeons do you realize that without these scans surgeons would be completely in the dark. Which puts patients in extreme danger of infection, complications, and even death. Mathematics is able to significantly lower these risks, therefore turning uncertainty into safety. Even medical devices such as prosthetics, pace makers and blood sugar monitors rely on math. In the case of prosthetics, calculus helps to model the way the body moves and therefore where excess strain may occur. Allowing doctors to make sure precautions are put in place to ensure patient comfort and safety. While in the case of pace makers and blood sugar monitors calculus surveys change in heart rate and blood to ensure the person wearing them is in control. So they can continue to live their life to the fullest extent. Prior to my mission trip, math was just four credits I took to further my education. Now I understand that it is the backbone of modern medicine. Allowing doctors to see possible complications, analyze data and protect patients. So in the STEM field, specifically healthcare, math isn't a couple classes, but a complex code used to protect those who are the most vulnerable.

Many of my peers view calculus as just another class that they don't want to take. Most choosing to take Financial Algebra or Statistics instead assuming those are most practical. But I've seen first hand this impact calculus has on people's lives. Recently I went on a medical mission trip with One World Surgery. While in Honduras, I watched surgeons perform four to six operations a day, to treat over one hundred patients in less than a week. To do this, they relied heavily on heart monitors, CT scanners, and ventilators. Behind all of those machines though was calculus. Calculus quietly calculated rates of change, analyzed data and provided feedback about medication doses and potential risks. This experience showed me that calculus isn't just meaningless numbers but a complex code that saves hundreds of lives daily all across the world. One of the most meaningful advancements calculus has allowed for is the development of CT scanners and X-rays. These machines don't just magically create images of the inside of the human body. They instead use hundreds of waves which calculus they turns into images for doctors to analyze. Once you step into an operating room and see what surgeons do you realize that without these scans surgeons would be completely in the dark. Which puts patients in extreme danger of infection, complications, and even death. Calculus is able to significantly lower these risks, therefore turning uncertainty into safety. Moreover calculus is able to create models that show how medication will react with the human body. Doctors cant memorize how every medication will react with one another or how a patients previous medical history could change how the body responds. This is where calculus comes in. Calculus is able to quickly examen all possible outcomes of a medication and therefore decide which medication is best for a patient quicker than many doctors can. This one ensures patient safety and saves time. Even medical devices such as prosthetics, pace makers and blood sugar monitors rely on calculus. In the case of prosthetics calculus helps to model the way the body moves and therefore where excess strain may occur. Allowing doctors to make sure pro-cautions are put in place to ensure patient comfort and safety. While in the case of pace makers and blood sugar monitors calculus monitors changes in heart rate and blood to ensure the person wearing them is in control of their body. So they can continue to live their life to the fullest extent. Prior to my mission trip, calculus was just a class I took to further my education. Now I understand that it is the backbone of modern medicine. Allowing doctors to see possible complications, analyze data and protect patients. So in the STEM field, specifically healthcare, calculus isn't just another class. It's a complex code used to protect those who are the most vulnerable.

Since I was old enough to hold a pencil, my hands were never clean. There were always flecks of paint on my skin and dye under my nails. To some I appeared to be “messy” or “too much,” instead of passionate and determined. I have always been the loud, messy, artsy kid. Painting was my way to get away from the stress of advanced classes, clubs, and color guard. The act of creating was my way to escape. Painting taught me to not see things as they are but as what they could become. Passion turned complex layers of paint into unique faces brimming with emotion. For a while, that was enough; but as I grew older my curiosity turned towards how I could improve the lives of others. So, I got lost in textbooks. I read about evolution and the body instead of art and theology, I put pen to graphs instead of sketchbooks. My mind shifted to math instead of mythos. In this, I discovered a passion for mathematics, chemistry, and biology. As my thoughts changed, my values matured. When I was 16 years old, I was presented with the opportunity to volunteer abroad with One World Surgery. This I believe is when my passion for helping others truly emerged. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in the United States. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. While in Honduras I also got to witness the surgeons preforming these life changing operations. And while inspiring I realized that I wasn't meant to be in the operating room as I had previously thought. For I was too overwhelmed by all the beeping, smells and stress of having someone's life in your hands. Despite this realization I knew I still wanted to work to improve the lives of others through medicine. This desire to improve myself and create something meaningful in life led me to engineering. Where painting let me experiment with how color could make others feel, engineering gave me the ability to experiment with tools that one day might help others live fuller lives. Tools such as prosthetic hands and legs, to restore independence and quality to someone's life. Specifically in underfunded countries where people rely so much more on their physical abilities to keep their families fed then we do in the United States. The “messy hands” I was once criticized for became the hands that worked through sketches and calculations. Those hands were unafraid to make mistakes and revise my calculations until I succeeded. Because just as each brushstroke adds depth to a painting, each revision brought me a bit closer to succeeding. To me, engineering is more than numbers and sketches, it is a new way to create, a way to design and build something that could one day change someone's life for the better. Through it all, I have learned that clean hands do not achieve monumental dreams. Instead, messy hands are the ones that create for others to build a better tomorrow. For the little girl who started it all, my hands will never be clean. For her, I have learned to love the smudges on chemical formulas; and the future that blends my imagination with the engineering of today.

Since I was old enough to hold a pencil my mother has been my biggest inspiration. To many people I appeared "loud" or "too messy" but to her I was perfect. In her eyes the smudges on my homework and paint on my face and hands were signs of high intelligence. They were the perfect manifestation of her daughter's love for creating weather through pencils, ink, or paint. She always fostered my love of art, even if it meant late night Michels trips after a long surgery. As I grew older I wanted to be just like her. I wanted to be the one in the operating room holding people's lives in my hand. So, I got lost in textbooks. I read about evolution and the body instead of art and theology, I put pen to graphs instead of sketchbooks. My mind shifted to math instead of mythos. This passion and determination led me to the opportunity to volunteer abroad with One World Surgery. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in the United States. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. While in Honduras I also got to witness the surgeons preforming these life changing operations. One of these surgeons being my mother. While inspiring, I realized that I wasn't meant to be in the operating room as I had previously thought. For I was too overwhelmed by all the beeping, smells and stress that flooded the room. Despite this realization I still knew I wanted to work to improve the lives of others through medicine. This desire to improve myself and create something meaningful in life led me to engineering. Where painting let me experiment with how color could make others feel, engineering gave me the ability to experiment with tools that one day might help others live more fulfilling lives. Tools such as prosthetic hands and legs, to restore independence and quality to someone's life. Specifically, in underfunded countries where access to these tools is nearly impossible. The "messy hands" I was once criticized for became the hands that worked through sketches and calculations late into the night. Those hands were unafraid to make mistakes because my mother fostered their spirit. Because she never made me feel less than for the paint under my nails or splatters on my face. For she saw each mark as a perfect manifestation of her daughters spirit. I can never thank her for all she has done for me. Because of her, I have learned to love the smudges on chemical formulas; and the future that blends my imagination with the engineering of today.

One global issue that is very important to me is access to healthcare. As many countries have severely underfunded health care systems. Especially when it comes to women's healthcare. This issue became more apparent to me in the spring of last year when I was able to assist in a medical mission trip through One World Surgery. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in the United States. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. In Honduras I got to witness surgeons performing these life changing operations. One of these people being my mother. Watching her operate was immensely inspiring and put into perspective all the work she does to help others. Additionally the clinic also offered necessary appointments such as vaccines, dental care, checkups, and pap smear free of charge because of the wide range of support the clinic receives from One World Surgery. I specifically got to assist in the dental clinic through working as a secretary and washing and setting up tools. I feel incredibly honored to have been able to be part of the team that allowed for dozens of people to receive life changing surgeries over my week-long stay. On the other hand though this trip made me realize that I wasn't meant to be in the operating room as I had previously thought. For almost my entire life I wanted to be just like my mom. I wanted to be the person who provided life saving care. Despite this dream, I was too overwhelmed by all the beeping, smells and stress of having someone's life in your hands. This realization led me to research other ways I could use my love for biology and mathematics to help others. This search to find a way to create meaningful change led me to engineering. Specifically Bio-Medical engineering where tools such as prosthetic hands and legs can restore independence and quality to someone's life after a traumatic incident. I specifically want to focus on underfunded countries such as Honduras where people rely so much more on their physical abilities to keep their families fed than we do in the United States. Witnessing the life-changing effects of access to healthcare not only put into perspective the work women do but also depend my understanding of what I want to do with my passions. Despite not holding others lives in my hands, I hope to make a meaningful impact on others. By developing the tools that will make the recovery of those effected by health issues easier. As a woman soon entering the healthcare field I hope to support my patients with compassion and use biomedical engineering make it easier to access healthcare in underfunded countries such as Honduras. To create a future where access to life changing innovations isn't based on income or geography, but a shared goal to improve the lives of others.

Since I was old enough to hold a pencil, my hands were never clean. There were always flecks of paint on my skin and dye under my nails. To some I appeared to be “messy” or “too much,” instead of passionate and determined. I have always been the loud, messy, artsy kid. Painting was my way to get away from the stress of advanced classes, clubs, and color guard. The act of creating was my way to escape. Painting taught me to not see things as they are but as what they could become. Passion turned complex layers of paint into unique faces brimming with emotion. For a while, that was enough; but as I grew older my curiosity turned towards how I could improve the lives of others. So, I got lost in textbooks. I read about evolution and the body instead of art and theology, I put pen to graphs instead of sketchbooks. My mind shifted to math instead of mythos. In this, I discovered a passion for mathematics, chemistry, and biology. As my thoughts changed, my values matured. When I was 16 years old, I was presented with the opportunity to volunteer abroad with One World Surgery. This I believe is when my passion for helping others truly emerged. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in the United States. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. In Honduras I got to witness surgeons performing these life changing operations. One of these people being my mother. Watching her operate was immensely inspiring and put into perspective all the work she does to help others. Additionally the clinic also offered necessary appointments such as vaccines, dental care, checkups, and pap smear free of charge because of the wide range of support the clinic receives from One World Surgery. I specifically got to assist in the dental clinic through working as a secretary and washing and setting up tools. I feel incredibly honored to have been able to be part of the team that allowed for dozens of people to receive life changing surgeries over my week-long stay. The “messy hands” I was once criticized for became the hands that worked through sketches and calculations. Those hands were unafraid to make mistakes and revise my calculations until I succeeded. Because just as each brushstroke adds depth to a painting, each revision brought me a bit closer to succeeding. To me, engineering is more than numbers and sketches, it is a new way to create, a way to design and build something that could one day change someone's life for the better. The same hands that once dripped with color are now covered in ink and graphite from solving equations. Now I see that my messiness was not something to be ashamed of but a reflection of my passion and determination to reach others and make something new. Whether it is art or medicine, patience and commitment are important qualities to have. It is a complex process filled with trials and tribulations, but well worth it. Through it all, I have learned that clean hands do not achieve monumental dreams. Instead, messy hands are the ones that create for others to build a better tomorrow. For the little girl who started it all, my hands will never be clean. For her, I have learned to love the smudges on chemical formulas; and the future that blends my imagination with the engineering of today.

One global issue that is very important to me is access to healthcare. Many countries have severely underfunded health care systems. Especially when it comes to women's healthcare. This issue became more apparent to me in the spring of last year when I was able to assist in a medical mission trip through One World Surgery. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in the United States. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. In Honduras I got to witness surgeons performing these life changing operations. One of these people being my mother. Watching her operate was immensely inspiring and put into perspective all the work she does to help others. Additionally, the clinic also offered necessary appointments such as vaccines, dental care, checkups, and pap smear free of charge because of the wide range of support the clinic receives from One World Surgery. I specifically got to assist in the dental clinic through working as a secretary and washing and setting up tools. I feel incredibly honored to have been able to be part of the team that allowed dozens of people to receive life-changing surgeries over my week-long stay. On the other hand, though, this trip made me realize that I wasn't meant to be in the operating room as I had previously thought. For almost my entire life I wanted to be just like my mom. I wanted to be the person who provided lifesaving care. Despite this dream, I was too overwhelmed by all the beeping, smells and stress of having someone's life in your hands. This realization led me to research other ways I could use my love for biology and mathematics to help others. This search to find a way to create meaningful change led me to engineering. Specifically, Biomedical engineering where tools such as prosthetic hands and legs can restore independence and quality to someone's life after a traumatic incident. I specifically want to focus on underfunded countries such as Honduras where people rely so much more on their physical abilities to keep their families fed than we do in the United States. To achieve this monumental dream, I plan to further my education in biomedical sciences. Along with participating in more medical mission trips through One World Surgery to get a better scope of the issues perpetuating a global lack of access to health care. To build a better tomorrow for all.

Even when I was just a little girl, my hands were never clean. There were always flecks of paint on my skin and dye under my nails. To some I appeared to be “messy” or “too much,” instead of passionate and determined. Painting was my way to get away from the stress of advanced classes, extracurricular activities, and color guard. The act of creating was my way to escape. Painting taught me to not see things as they are but as what they could become. Passion turned complex layers of paint into unique faces brimming with emotion. For a while, that was enough; but as I grew older my curiosity turned towards how I could improve the lives of others. So, I got lost in textbooks. I read about evolution and machines instead of art and theology, I put pen to graphs instead of sketchbooks. My mind shifted to math instead of mythos. In this, I discovered a passion for mathematics, chemistry, and biology. As my thoughts change, my values matured. When I was 16 years old, I was presented with the opportunity to volunteer abroad with One World Surgery. This is when my passion for helping others truly emerged. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in the United States. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. While in Honduras I also got to witness My mother Dr. Courtney Sherman preforming these life changing operations. I was awestruck by the power she held in the room as the most educated doctor on the trip. And while inspiring I realized that I wasn't meant to be in the operating room like her. For I was too overwhelmed by all the beeping, smells and stress of having someone's life in your hands. Despite this realization I still knew I wanted to work to improve the lives of others through medicine. Specifically in underfunded countries where people rely so much more on their physical abilities to keep their families feed then we do in the United States. This led me to persue a career in Bio-Medical engineering. Because just like my mom I know we are severely under represented in this field leading to lower quality of care for female pationets. The same hands that once dripped with color are now covered in ink and graphite from solving equations. Now I see that my messiness was not something to be ashamed of but a reflection of my passion and determination to reach others and make something new. Whether it is art or medicine, patience and commitment are important qualities to have. It is a complex process filled with trials and tribulations, but well worth it. Through it all, I have learned that clean hands do not achieve monumental dreams. Instead, messy hands are the ones that create for others to build a better tomorrow. For the little girl who started it all, my hands will never be clean. For her, I have learned to love the smudges on chemical formulas; and the future that blends my imagination with the engineering of today.

Since I can remember I've always been the "ringleader" of my friend groups. Because while I was artsy, I was also very outspoken. I would never let my friends feel as if they had nobody. But at the end of the day, I also needed somebody or something to vent to. This need led me to painting. Once a fresh canvas was opened, the chaos of the day dissolved. With a stroke of red, the stress of practice and grades melted away. A dash of vibrant orange took the stress of teachers and deadlines until it was only me and my paintbrush. When paint met canvas, I was not asked to be perfect. Nobody was going to judge my messy hands or call me careless instead of enthusiastic. There was no rubric to adhere to; only feelings. But as I grew older my curiosity turned me towards how I could improve others' lives. So, I got lost in textbooks. I read about evolution and machines instead of art and theology. I put pen to graphs instead of sketchbooks. Leading me to my passion for mathematics and biology. Though the most monumental change in my mind came during my medical mission trip with One World Surgery. During my temporary time with One World Surgery, I witnessed people's lives transformed by medical technology deemed common in America. In Honduras, a chance at a hip or knee replacement was near impossible, due to the severely underfunded health system. This experience made me want to be part of the change through innovation. This desire to improve myself and create something meaningful in life led me to engineering. Where painting let me experiment with how color could make others feel, engineering gave me the ability to experiment with tools that will help others live fuller lives. Tools such as prosthetic hands and legs, to restore independence and quality to someone's life. The messy hands and loud voice I had fostered through my leadership are now the same qualities that show me I can do difficult things. Whether it is art or medicine, patience and commitment are important qualities to have. It is a complex process filled with trials and tribulations, but worth it. Through it all, I have learned that clean hands do not achieve monumental dreams. Instead, messy hands are the ones that create for others to build a better tomorrow.