Three. It’s more than just my lucky number; it’s the essence of my life’s journey. Three members in my immediate family, three loving friends, three types of exotic pets, and three poignant losses to cancer- my grandmother, aunt, and cousin. This trio of tragedies transformed my casual fascination with biology into a sincere pursuit of knowledge. Anatomical diagrams I had once glossed over, and the synchronized harmony I marveled at, now prompted each cell in my body to hum with a new sense of purpose, driving me to answer a lingering question: where had the harmony gone? This fueled my pursuit of biology: the science that uncovers the secrets within us all. Determined to uncover these secrets, I pushed past the boundaries of textbooks during my internship at USC's Keck School of Medicine. Late summer afternoons found me immersed in research on lung adenocarcinomas, sorting through a sea of mutated and misregulated genes. Each genetic mutation I studied represented more than just a scientific anomaly—it was the story of a life battling cancer. When the disjointed puzzle pieces of gene function seamlessly interlocked with the pathology of the disease, I felt a renewed excitement for the balance of life and an unyielding desire to restore it for those suffering from ailments like cancer. This experience not only deepened my understanding of science but also reinforced my commitment to using this knowledge to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Despite sounding cliché, biology called to me. During my three-year exploration of biology in high school, it never failed to amaze. One cold winter day, I felt every thump of my heart as I held a petri dish with E. coli under long-wavelength UV light. The thousands of living organisms transforming before my eyes signified just a fraction of what I aim to accomplish. The green hue affirmed that biology is my true calling. Pursuing biology is my pathway to achieving my career goals post-graduation. Ever since witnessing a surgeon delicately stitch a torn stomach on TV, I’ve dreamed of replicating the graceful yet swift movements of their hands while being the patient’s only beacon of hope in their lives’ darkest moments. I aspire to use a surgeon’s skill to save lives and return patients to the comfort of their loved ones. By pursuing biology, I aim to fully comprehend the scientific explanations of diseases, ensuring that no questions remain about a patient’s condition. To further my pursuit, I interned at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in pediatric pulmonology. Here, I crafted detailed infographics on children’s pulmonary diseases, transforming complex medical jargon into content that patients and their families could understand. I also immersed myself in cutting-edge research on PREFUL, a novel MRI analysis method designed to help young children with challenging conditions obtain critical imaging for diagnosis. One particular experience etched itself into my memory- attending a Families First conference, where I saw the raw struggles of families trying to secure essential medical devices for their children from an often unyielding healthcare system. I was also afforded the rare opportunity to attend bronchoscopy training, an experience that, years ahead of my formal education, ignited a new love for medicine. This love was not just for the science of healing, but for the humanity that underpins it. Receiving this scholarship would be a transformative milestone in my educational journey. This opportunity would empower me to continue exploring the intersections of medicine, research, and patient care, bringing me one step closer to achieving my dream of using science to improve the lives of others.

If I could choose just one book to be read by everyone, it would be “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. This captivating novel possesses the power to profoundly enrich the lives of readers worldwide, holding essential lessons that resonate across time and borders. At its heart, “The Book Thief” delves into the importance of love, friendship, and compassion, even amidst the darkest times, and how one act of kindness can bring hope and meaning to life. Liesel’s relationship with Max, whom her family takes in despite the risks, exemplifies the importance of these acts of kindness in his life by giving him a cause to live for. Furthermore, the novel explores the depths of loss and grief towards its end, when Liesel and even Death (the narrator) feel a sense of sorrow after the bombings, offering hope to those who have experienced hardships, revealing the healing potential of storytelling and resilience in the face of adversity. In today’s technology-driven age, “The Book Thief” serves as a profound reminder of the significance and power of literature and words. Liesel’s transformative journey, as she finds courage through stealing books and learning to read, illustrates how literature can be a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery, as she finds a sense of identity and purpose. Additionally, the book highlights the profound impact of words, which can be wielded to heal and connect or to manipulate and spread hatred. It emphasizes the need for responsible language usage, promoting a more inclusive and respectful society. Within its historical context, “The Book Thief” becomes a potent tool to promote empathy, understanding, and social change. Set in Nazi Germany, the novel provides a powerful glimpse into the atrocities of the Holocaust, showcasing the consequences of hatred, prejudice, and totalitarianism, which result from preconceived beliefs. By empathizing with characters from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, readers build connections across cultures and time, challenging preconceived notions and fostering a more open-minded and diverse perspective. Similar to how Hans refused to join the Nazi party, the importance of standing up against injustice and intolerance promotes positive social change in readers. Markus Zusak's masterpiece, with its beautifully crafted prose and compelling narrative, presents an opportunity for individuals to engage with its timeless themes. So, let us all open the pages of "The Book Thief," embark on Liesel's journey, and discover the profound impact it can have on our hearts and minds.

In the commanding embrace of the airplane’s cockpit, a resolute young woman savors the triumph of flawlessly landing the Boeing 777-9, the world’s largest commercial aircraft. Amidst her achievement, her phone incessantly buzzes from the general surgery department where she serves as a surgeon, her movements graceful yet swift as she intricately cuts the patient with a scalpel. That’s the future I envision for myself; that's what I see in the boundless skies of my dreams. But no one believed me. In my home country's male dominated society, women are discouraged from pursuing surgery and were banned from becoming pilots until a few years ago. My parents and friends failed to believe in my dreams. Despite their lack of support, I persevered, driven by unwavering self-belief. Everytime I remembered my dreams, I was faced with a mental wall, a barrier that immediately pushed me back. I found that there was no way through, so I curled up into a ball and hid next to the wall, afraid. One day when I realized that I had finally found someone that believed in me. That person stood next to me no matter what. She always believed in me, regardless of what others said or believed. She stood by me in getting out of the curled ball and in the many steps to come in achieving my dreams. She had always been there: I just hadn't noticed. That person was me. The impossible wall eventually only became a sheet of glass as I worked hard to achieve my goals. I learned from anything I could get my hands on, from books on anatomy and physiology, to classes on medical radiology and imaging. I also read books on flight safety and more. Every time I learned a new piece of material, I could feel the thickness of the screen getting smaller and smaller. Every time I shared my dreams with other people, I could feel myself becoming more confident, regardless of what their reaction was. What ended up ultimately shattering the screen was my desire to help others. As a surgeon and pilot, I aim to shatter stereotypes and inspire others to embrace their dreams fearlessly. I faced challenges head-on, refusing to be bound by society's limitations. WIth each obstacle I overcame, my resolve strengthened, and my tenacity grew. As I reflect on my journey, I realized that my tenacity didn't steam from a desire to prove others wrong, but from genuine passion for both fields. My dream of becoming a surgeon and a pilot was not just a whim; it was rooted in my deep longing to contribute positively to society and break barriers for women in male-dominated professions. Through the years of hard work, I discovered the strength within myself and like-minded individuals who supported and encouraged me. I learned that I was never truly alone. Obstacles became opportunities for growth and self-discovery. As I pursued becoming a surgeon and pilot, I became determined to inspire future generations to embrace their aspirations and strive for excellence. With my scalpel in one hand and the control stick in the other, I am poised to take flight and make a difference in the world. My journey of tenacity has taught me that the impossible is only a temporary illusion. The boundless skies await, and I am ready to take flight, fueled by my dreams and driven by my unwavering tenacity. I am the young woman in the cockpit, holding the future in her hands, and I am ready to make a difference—one flight and one surgery at a time.

In the commanding embrace of the airplane’s cockpit, a resolute young woman savors the triumph of flawlessly landing the Boeing 777-9, the world’s largest commercial aircraft. Amidst her achievement, her phone incessantly buzzes from the general surgery department where she serves as a surgeon, her movements graceful yet swift as she intricately cuts the patient with a scalpel. That’s the future I envision for myself. In my home country’s male-dominated society, however, women are discouraged from pursuing surgery and banned from becoming pilots. As a surgeon and pilot, I will shatter stereotypes and inspire others to embrace their dreams fearlessly. As a long-time volunteer at a local library, I’ve had unlimited access to books, and I’ve learned that they play a pivotal role in empowering me to set meaningful and fulfilling goals for my life. Books have ignited a fire within me, a relentless pursuit of excellence and determination to create a positive impact on society. Books unlock a treasure chest of information that shapes my understanding of the world, allowing me to make better-informed choices and aspire to create a better future for myself and society. Delving into books on human anatomy gives me a competitive edge as a skilled surgeon. Exploring aviation literature enhances my understanding of piloting and contributes to safer air travel. From biographies of great leaders like Cleopatra to classics such as George Orwell’s “1984,” books offer insight into the past and possibilities for the future. Through books, I’ve learned to challenge my mind and think critically, analyzing different viewpoints and forming my own opinions. Being immersed in the lives of characters allows me to be thoughtful in a world full of diverse people, fostering empathy and understanding. Rick Riordan, the author of many mythology series, including “Percy Jackson”, ignited my curiosity regarding the world's many diverse cultures. Biographies and autobiographies serve as powerful motivators, inspiring me to set ambitious goals and work hard to achieve them. For instance, “Every Falling Star” is one of the most inspiring books I’ve read, showing the resilience of a young boy facing many challenges as he escaped an oppressive regime, instilling in me an unwavering sense of determination. Learning from “When Breath Becomes Air” by a neurosurgeon who compassionately cared for patients despite his lung cancer diagnosis, and “The Wright Brothers” regarding the pioneers of aviation and their perseverance and ingenuity in making the impossible possible, enlightened me. Moreover, books showcase mistakes and consequences, teaching me valuable lessons about the importance of learning from failures and setting realistic and adaptable goals. One such example is the book “Who Moved My Cheese”, which introduced me to the necessity and methods of coping with change. They also delve into ethics, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning. “The Fault in Our Stars” looked into the importance of patient-centered care, solidifying my commitment to providing compassionate care to those in need. Leadership and teamwork are essential for both professions I aim to pursue, ensuring consistency and efficiency, and books on these topics help me develop these necessary skills. Effective communication improves patient outcomes and enhances safety in flight operations. In “The Book Thief,” I found inspiration from the unconventional leader Hans, who portrayed the great qualities of a leader, taking in Max and showing him empathy, despite risks. My journey is boundless, and my dreams are limitless. As I turn the pages of life, I do so with unwavering determination, for I know that the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance from books will forever shape my goals and help me realize the extraordinary future that lies ahead.

I crumbled my paper in frustration after attempting Heron’s formula for the third time. The proof, which I needed for an upcoming test, took an hour and a whole page, but seemed insurmountable despite its lack of calculus. I put my pencil down, laid my head on my desk, and tried to control my discontent. Amidst the struggle, I was struck by a profound recollection- I genuinely enjoy math. What draws me to math is its impartiality. It treats everyone equally, demanding the same process of persistent effort and immense satisfaction. As a young woman from a male-dominated society, math has never excluded me. Instead, it empowers me to conquer challenges from basic arithmetic to differential calculus. Beyond equations, math mirrors life, offering invaluable life lessons. Success often demands repeated attempts and failures, especially while climbing the ladder to higher-level mathematics. I’ve learned the significance of logical thinking when facing less intuitive math the hard way. Also, the joy of reaching the correct answer in math parallels life’s victories. However, like life, math isn’t solely about the destination, but also about the journey. When learning math, my mind immerses itself in the problem, solely focusing on the numbers and letters without worries or distractions. These moments are when my love for math shines brightest. My passion for math also stems from my mentors. My mom initiated my mathematical journey at three, igniting my passion through simple puzzles, lighting a never-burning light bulb in my head. Mrs. Hill, my third-grade teacher, showed unwavering kindness when she supported me, an immigrant student, in understanding mathematical concepts, thus fostering my love for math. My middle school math teacher, Mrs. Manna, recognized my potential and allowed me to skip a grade, further nurturing my passion for challenging mathematical concepts. Mathematical concepts and skills are indispensable in almost every career. Analytical thinking, trial and error, perseverance, and attention to detail are derived from learning math and form the foundation of problem-solving techniques. Math is also the gateway to understanding the natural world. From Eratosthenes's discovery of Earth’s spherical nature to Einstein’s theory of relativity, math enables us to comprehend natural phenomena through groundbreaking discoveries. Similarly, my fascination with the world’s mysterious perfections led me to explore self-organization patterns in nature using the Fibonacci sequences. Today’s technology-driven world relies heavily on complex mathematics, underpinning modern technology and engineering. From designing structures to developing algorithms and software for the newest phone, math plays a crucial role in creating and improving technology. As someone aspiring to enter surgery and aviation, fields already immersed in technology, including surgical robots and autopilot, I recognize how my future, and that of many others, also depends on classical math. For doctors, precise calculations are vital for dosage administration and medical equipment usage, while for pilots, math ensures safe navigation and fuel management during flights. The significance of math in my goals is undeniable, as I aim to make these fields more reliable, reducing the death of patients and the unexpected crashes of airplanes, and safeguarding the lives of 400 passengers onboard. With all this in mind, I knew I couldn’t give up on the universal language of logic and precision, helping scientists, researchers, and engineers collaborate and share knowledge accurately, uniting individuals in their pursuit of understanding and advancing the world. I'm determined to be an active participant in the journey to innovation and progress, driven by math. And so I looked up, got another paper, picked up my pencil, and tried the proof again, knowing that I’m one of the fortunate people in the world who genuinely enjoys math.

In the commanding embrace of the airplane’s cockpit, a resolute young woman savors the triumph of flawlessly landing the Boeing 777-9, the world’s largest commercial aircraft, a testament to her skilled piloting; amidst her achievement, her phone incessantly buzzes, connecting her to the general surgery department at UCLA Medical Center, where she serves as a surgeon, her movements graceful yet swift as she intricately cuts the patient with a scalpel; as she navigates door-to-door as a part of a pivotal cancer case study, her thoughts race about how she, and others, are only a step away from finding the cure.

In the boundless skies of my dreams, I envision myself in the cockpit of the Boeing 777-9, the world’s largest commercial aircraft, executing another flawless landing. The mechanics of the plane- the roaring engines and intricate systems- have always captivated me. My ambition to become a pilot extends beyond fascination; for me, airplanes embody unparalleled freedom, and I yearn to share this sense of liberation with others, helping their dreams take flight. My desire to become a pilot has profound origins. As I walked through the dimly lit tunnels connecting the massive flying machine to the bustling airport, my vision blurred with uncertainties. Amidst the blur, one word stood out- America; it fascinated me with its vibrant stores and majestic trees. But amid this awe, I realized that airplanes evoked an electrifying thrill within me. From take-off to landing, the excitement never waned. My dream of becoming a general surgeon stems from witnessing the delicate stitching of the torn stomach by surgeons on TV. Their ability to mend and heal ignited a fervent desire within me to be a guiding light for patients in their darkest moments, becoming a beacon of hope to those in need. The complexity of the human body’s biological processes further fascinates me, leaving me in awe of its remarkable sophistication. My passion for aviation and medicine is deeply rooted in my immigration journey. My home country’s male-dominated society discourages women from pursuing surgery and bans them from becoming pilots. These challenges have only fueled my unwavering determination to break stereotypes and inspire young girls to embrace their aspirations with confidence, knowing that they have the potential to achieve greatness in any field. Those are my dreams for the future; currently, however, I’m a tutor, volunteer, learner, and researcher. Tutoring an underprivileged 5th-grade student brings me immense joy as I help her grasp challenging concepts and foster a newfound passion for math. Witnessing her bright smile upon solving a problem fills me with fulfillment. I am, however, a researcher at heart. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to lung cancer research during a summer internship, taking a stride toward my research aspiration of finding a cure for cancer. Moreover, my involvement as a volunteer at a library holds deep significance. This institution supported my family upon arriving in the US, providing invaluable resources and assistance. The library became a backbone of support for us and many others, providing English tutoring that helped my mom find a job. Also, I’ll always remain a learner, taking courses that range from engineering to radiology and medical imaging, learning from anything I get my hands on. This scholarship will be instrumental in alleviating some of the financial hardships that come with obtaining a BS, MD, and commercial piloting certificate, weighing heavily on my family. Their sacrifices during our immigration journey only strengthen my resolve to honor their efforts by realizing my dreams. This journey was not without its emotional toll; facing the death of loved ones without the ability to visit them was devastating. Additionally, reconciling my American identity with my cultural heritage presented its own struggles. Over time, I found a balance that embraced the best aspects of both cultures: kindness, hospitality, and independence. This scholarship, however, is more than financial aid; it signifies a community that believes in breaking societal limitations. With its support, I aim to unlock the full potential of my aspirations and blaze a trail for others to follow. I aspire to encourage young girls to fearlessly pursue their passions, contributing to a future where barriers are shattered, and dreams know no bounds.

I crumbled my paper in frustration after attempting Heron’s formula for the third time. The proof, which I needed for a test coming up, took an hour of effort and a whole page and seemed impossible despite its lack of calculus. I put my pencil down, laid my head on the desk, and tried to control my racing thoughts which were sending me into panic mode. But amidst the struggle, I was struck by a profound recollection- I genuinely love math. I passionately enjoy math because it doesn’t discriminate; it treats everyone equally, demanding that everyone undergoes the same process. The continued efforts and immense satisfaction obtained when reaching a correct answer are universal. As a young woman from a male-dominated society in the middle east, math doesn’t exclude me. Instead, it has encouraged me to conquer challenges, from basic arithmetic to differential calculus, opening doors in diverse fields like surgery and aviation. Beyond equations, math mirrors life, teaching me invaluable life lessons. Math has proved that success demands repeated attempts and failures, especially in advanced mathematics like calculus. I’ve learned that without trying, success remains elusive. The joy of reaching the correct answer in math parallels life’s victories. However, like life, math isn’t solely about the answer; the journey matters. Both math and life have multiple paths to the same destination, empowering me with choices and control. When solving a math problem, my mind becomes one with the task, focusing solely on the numbers and letters. My worries and distractions are wiped away, allowing me to delve deeply into every aspect of the problem. I cherish math for the mentors who shaped my love for it. My mom initiated my mathematical journey at three, igniting my passion through simple puzzles. Mrs. Hill, my third-grade teacher, showed unwavering kindness when she tried to make me, an immigrant student who started school in the middle of the year and understood little English, feel welcomed and understand concepts in her class, thus motivating me and fostering my love for math. My middle school math teacher, Mrs. Manna, recognized my understanding and allowed me to explore more challenging concepts by allowing me to skip a grade. With all this in mind, I looked up, got another paper, picked up my pencil, and tried the proof again, knowing that I’m one of the fortunate people in the world who genuinely enjoys math.

A doctor injecting the correct drug doses, a pilot calculating fuel ranges, and a chemist radioactively dating a prehistoric fossil- these diverse actions all share a common requirement: math. Mathematical concepts and skills, such as analytical thinking, trial and error, perseverance, and attention to detail, are essential to practically every career, benefitting people in daily life. Math is also the gateway to understanding the natural world. From Eratosthenes's discovery of Earth’s global nature to Einstein’s theory of relativity, math has enabled us to comprehend natural phenomena for centuries. I’ve attempted to understand the patterns of self-organization in nature using the Fibonacci sequence, fueling my curiosity to further understand the world’s perfection through math. Today’s technology-driven world heavily relies on complex mathematics. From computer science principles used in phones to the physics of rocket launches, math underpins everything’s functionality. As someone aspiring to enter surgery and aviation, fields using robots and autopilot tools, I recognize how my future, and that of many others, depends on math. Its significance is undeniable. Despite the importance of math, I’m sometimes discouraged when I fail to understand it. One such moment was wrestling with the proof of Heron's formula, which I needed for a test coming up. I crumbled my paper in frustration after attempting it for the third time. The proof took an hour of effort and a whole page but seemed insurmountable despite its lack of calculus. I put my pencil down, laid my head on the desk, and tried to control the discontent of my racing thoughts. But, amidst the struggle, I was struck by a profound recollection- I genuinely love learning math. What draws me to math is its non-discriminatory nature. It treats everyone equally, demanding the same process. The persistent efforts and immense satisfaction are felt universally in the quest for a correct answer. As a young woman from a male-dominated society in the middle east, math has never excluded me. Instead, it empowers me to conquer challenges from basic arithmetic to differential calculus. Beyond equations, math mirrors life, teaching invaluable life lessons. Math portrays that success demands repeated attempts and failures, especially in advanced mathematics like calculus. I’ve learned the hard way that when anything becomes less intuitive, logical thinking is vital. I had to put mental math aside when climbing the ladder to higher-level mathematics, teaching me that without trying, success remains elusive. The joy of reaching the correct answer in math parallels life’s victories. However, like life, math isn’t solely about the destination; the journey matters, and the multiple paths that exist empower me with choices and control. When learning math, my mind immerses itself in the task, solely focusing on the numbers and letters. Worries and distractions are wiped away, allowing me to delve deeply into the problem at hand. I also owe my love for math to my mentors. My mom initiated my mathematical journey at three, igniting my passion with simple puzzles. Mrs. Hill, my third-grade teacher, showed unwavering kindness when she supported me, an immigrant student who started school in the middle of the year, in understanding different concepts, thus motivating me and fostering my love for math. My middle school math teacher, Mrs. Manna, recognized my knowledge and allowed me to skip a grade, further nurturing my passion for challenging mathematical concepts. With all this in mind, I knew I couldn’t give up on the universal language of logic and precision. I looked up, got another paper, picked up my pencil, and tried the proof again, knowing that I’m one of the fortunate people in the world who genuinely enjoys learning math.

As I walked through the dimly lit tunnels connecting the massive flying machine to the bustling airport, my vision blurred with uncertainties. Amidst the blur, one word stood out- America; it fascinated me with its vibrant stores, castle-like houses, and majestic trees. But something else made me breathe faster than ever before: airplanes. The thrill spread within me from take-off to landing as I marveled at the beautiful and intricate workings of the machine. The roaring engines, retractable wheels, and countless wires always ignited my curiosity. With greater knowledge, I became fascinated by the precise angles and speeds maintained by the plane, ensuring the safety of the 200 passengers onboard. I knew then that I wanted to dedicate my life to being a pilot. For me, airplanes symbolize unparalleled freedom. By being a pilot, I aspired to share this sense of liberation with others. While watching surgery for the first time on TV, my heart raced with each passing second. Witnessing the surgeon delicately stitching a torn stomach, I realized their immense power in saving lives. The graceful yet swift movement of their hands, remaining calm while being the patient’s only hope of survival, inspired me to dream of mastering surgery and serving those in need. This drives my determination to overcome obstacles that hinder me from helping others. Contrary to societal beliefs, my wildest dream is to become both a pilot and surgeon. Being from a male-dominated society in the middle east, such dreams are deemed unacceptable for girls. I aim to shatter the stereotypes that portray women as weak and incapable surgeons, dismissing their decision-making abilities in highly emotional situations. Aviation suffers from similar stereotypes; until three years ago, no women from the country that I was born in were pilots, and the number of pilots remains disproportionately low. My wildest dream is to prove those who doubt the dreams of young girls wrong, and by achieving my goals, to prove to those with wild dreams that they can achieve anything, even in the face of resistance. My wildest dream is to help people in two varying spectrums: happiness and sorrow. I wish to ensure the safety and happiness of travelers by being a skilled pilot who brings them to their destinations safely. My wildest dream is to become a surgeon who can provide care and support to patients during their most vulnerable and sorrowful times, making sure that they can return safely to their loved ones. I yearn to contribute to finding a cure for cancer, providing hope and alleviating the discouragement that follows a diagnosis. Ultimately, my wildest dream is to create a world with less mortality, increasing happiness, and a welcoming environment for all to thrive. Education serves as the key to unlocking the lock placed by those who doubt my abilities. Education empowers me to achieve all of my wildest dreams, allowing me to be capable and trustworthy. Education allows me to pursue any path, making it an indispensable tool in reaching my wildest dreams. Education will provide for my success, as long as I play by its only rule: learn, learn, and always continue learning. As I saw my grandpa for the last time before I left on that dimly lit tunnel, he shared his wildest dream: for me to be a doctor and serve people in every corner of the world, particularly those who lack access to medical care. Little did I know that his dream would become mine, providing me with a lifelong purpose. This, combined with the rest of my experience that day, shaped my wildest dreams, guiding me forever.

As I watched surgery for the first time on TV, my heart started beating faster and faster. Witnessing the surgeon delicately sowing the torn stomach of the patient, I realized the power that intricately cutting a patient open with a scalpel has in saving patients. The graceful yet swift movement of the surgeon's hands, remaining calm while being the patient’s only hope of survival inspired me to dream of mastering surgery and helping anyone and everyone. Stepping through the dimly lit tunnels connecting the massive flying machine to the bustling airport, my vision blurred with uncertainties. America’s first greeting was grand, and fascinating to me with its vibrant stores, captivating houses, and majestic trees. However, something made me breathe faster than ever before- airplanes. The unprecedented excitement was within me from take-off to landing, and I was in awe of the beautifully working machine. From the roaring engines to the retractable wheels and the countless wires, it never failed to ignite my curiosity. As my knowledge got more vast, I was fascinated by the precise and needling perfect angles and speed maintained by the plane, ensuring the safety of the 200 or so passengers onboard. I know that I also wanted to dedicate my life to driving a plane. For me, an airplane represents unparalleled freedom, and becoming a pilot means that I can help others experience it as well. Contrary to people’s beliefs, I dream of becoming both a pilot and surgeon. In a male-dominated society in the middle east, dreams like these are deemed unacceptable for girls. Through my career choices, I want to crush the stereotypes that confine women. In the world of surgery, some view women as weak and incapable, dismissing their decision-making abilities under highly emotional situations. I wish to prove them wrong, following in the footsteps of many women before me. Aviation suffers similar stereotypes. Until 3 years ago, no women from the country that I previously lived in were pilots, and the number of pilots remains incredibly low. I wish to prove to those who doubt wrong and prove to those who are doubted that they can accomplish their dreams even with resistance from others. I want other young girls to overcome the doubt imposed upon them, particularly by those who don’t recognize their talents and potential, and prove to them that it is possible. These two career aspirations will allow me to help people in two varying spectrums of their lives: their heightened happiest and challenging sadness. Those traveling will find a pleasing satisfaction upon reaching their destination, and I hope to be a skilled pilot who can ensure their safety. By becoming a surgeon, I hope to assist patients at times when they are most vulnerable when they are at the saddest and darkest times and bring them back safely to their loved ones. I hope to find a cure for cancer, alleviating the discouragement of individuals once receiving its diagnosis. I aim to create a world with less mortality, increasing happiness, and a welcoming environment for all to thrive. As I saw my grandpa for the last time before I left on that dimly lit tunnel to the airplane, he told me of a profound wish: to be a doctor and serve people in every corner of the world, particularly those with the lack of access to medical care. Little did I know, that dream would become mine, would provide light and hope for me for the rest of my life, and combined with the rest of the experiences of that day, would shape my aspirations and guide me forever.