Movie Title: “Unwritten: The Making of a Surgeon” Opening Scene: Fade in. A dim morning light spills across the small bedroom walls, where a teenage girl sits at her desk, barely visible beneath the glow of a desk lamp and scattered anatomy flashcards. The early hour is quiet, but her mind is racing. She reads over a list: heart anatomy, vital signs, infection control, wound care, and the basics of the Health Occupations program she’s enrolled in. As she highlights her notes, we see her eyes, tired but determined. A whiteboard nearby reads: “Never give up—Future MD in the making.” The camera pans to a cheer uniform hanging neatly on the door, a CNA study guide on her nightstand, and a HOSA binder filled with event flyers. This isn’t just a glimpse into a typical student’s room. This is the controlled chaos of a dream in progress. Suddenly, the screen splits. On the left: A much younger version of her, maybe 6 or 7, wraps a bandage around her little sister’s arm. It’s just play, but the focus in her eyes is unmistakable. She uses her toy stethoscope seriously as if she’s already studying to be a doctor. On the right: A glimpse of the future. She’s older now, wearing a white coat with a stethoscope around her neck. Her name tag reads Dr. Elizabeth Martinez, General Surgeon. She’s scrubbing in at a hospital, the tension thick but her expression calm. She’s exactly where she’s always wanted to be. Back to the present. The camera follows Elizabeth, now a high school senior, as she rushes through her busy day, balancing school, volunteering at Prosser Memorial Hospital, cheerleading practice, and preparing for her next HOSA competition. Her life is a whirlwind of responsibilities, but her heart never strays from her goal. Whether she’s helping with ASB, organizing a blood drive, or co-leading an opioid awareness presentation with a classmate in front of the freshman class, her passion for service and leadership shines. There’s a quiet moment in the car later that night. She stares out the window, her mind reflecting on everything, family sacrifices, personal challenges with anxiety, and the pressure to be more than just “good enough.” She breathes deeply, reminding herself of her “why.” She doesn’t just want to be a doctor. She wants to be someone who listens when others don’t. Someone who leads with compassion, treats with precision, and inspires those around her. Cue a soft instrumental as we hear her voice narrate: “I’ve always known that I wasn’t going to have it easy. But I also knew that I had a choice to give in to fear or grow through it. Medicine isn’t just about science. It’s about showing up for people when it matters most. And that’s what I want to do—every single day.” The final shot of the opening scene zooms in on her vision board: a WSU logo, an M.D. degree printout, and a sticky note that reads: “I will get there.” She looks at it, smiles slightly, and turns off the light. Fade to black screen.

My name is Elizabeth Martinez, and I’ve always known that I wanted to do something meaningful with my life, something that would allow me to serve others and challenge myself every day. That’s what led me to pursue a career in the medical field. For me, medicine is not just a profession, it’s a purpose. It’s a way to care for people when they’re at their most vulnerable and to use compassion, and skill to truly make a difference. What inspired me most to choose this path wasn’t a single moment, but a collection of experiences that made me realize how powerful healthcare can be. Watching family members face medical challenges opened my eyes to both the strengths and gaps in our healthcare system. I remember sitting in hospital rooms, feeling the anxiety that comes with not knowing what’s next, and seeing how much comfort a calm, confident medical professional could provide. It wasn’t just the treatment that mattered, it was the human connection. That’s the kind of impact I want to make. In addition to those personal experiences, my curiosity about the human body and how it works has always been strong. I found myself asking questions in science classes, reading about different conditions, and wanting to know how doctors make decisions under pressure. I enjoy problem-solving, thinking critically, and learning how things work, and medicine combines all those things with the ability to help people in very real ways. That balance of science and service is what draws me most to this field. One of my greatest inspirations has been my father. He has always been a strong person who taught me the value of helping others and working hard for what I believe in. His support and belief in me have pushed me to pursue my goals, even when I’ve doubted myself. I’ve also been inspired by the healthcare professionals I’ve met throughout my life, whether they were doctors, nurses, EMTs, or therapists. Their calm in crisis, their care for every patient, and their dedication to something bigger than themselves are something I deeply admire and hope to mirror in my career. While I’ve had the chance to volunteer at medical-related events and get a glimpse into the healthcare world, it was my experience in the Health Occupations program that truly deepened my understanding of what it means to work in medicine. Through clinical rotations, I gained hands-on experience in patient care, observed real medical professionals in action, and learned essential skills. These experiences confirmed what I already knew, I belong in this field. I see myself becoming a general surgeon, someone who can act quickly and precisely to save lives, ease pain, and restore health. I know the journey won’t be easy, but I’m ready for the challenge. I want to go into medicine not only to heal but to be someone others can count on. I want to be the steady hand and reassuring voice that helps patients feel safe. That’s the kind of difference I hope to make through my career, and that’s why I’m so passionate about following this path.

From a young age, I was drawn to the medical field, not just out of curiosity, but from a desire to help others. My interest began with small moments like bandaging up my sister’s scraped knees, watching medical dramas with fascination, or asking questions during my doctor visits. But this childhood curiosity evolved into a true calling when I began to understand how healthcare can change lives. What truly inspired me was seeing how health challenges affect people not only physically, but emotionally and socially as well. I’ve seen family members struggle with chronic illnesses and limited access to care. These experiences taught me how vital compassionate, skilled healthcare professionals are. I want to be one of those medical professionals who not only treats but truly cares. Throughout high school, I’ve immersed myself in the medical field through both clinical experiences and community outreach. At Prosser Memorial Hospital, I’ve volunteered in various departments, gaining hands-on experience in patient care, skills, and medical terminology working toward my Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. Through HOSA, I participated in several outreach events including blood drives, Trick or Trot, and the Teddy Bear Clinic, where I helped engage with the community and educate youth on health-related topics. One of my most meaningful experiences was co-leading an opioid awareness campaign alongside a peer for the HOSA State Leadership Conference. As part of the Community Awareness competition category, we presented to the entire freshman class at Prosser High School and collaborated with EMS responders and the Prosser Thrive Coalition. This project allowed us to educate our peers on the dangers of opioid misuse and connect them with local resources. These diverse experiences have solidified my commitment to medicine and inspired me to pursue a career where I can lead, serve, and advocate for public health. My goal is to become a general surgeon. I plan to complete my undergraduate degree in pre-med at Washington State University and then attend medical school to earn my M.D. Surgery excites me because it allows for immediate, life-changing intervention. Whether it’s removing a tumor, repairing an injury, or performing emergency procedures, surgeons have the power to make a direct, lasting impact. It’s a high-pressure role, but one that requires not just intelligence, but heart. Through my career, I hope to make a meaningful impact by providing high-quality, compassionate care to patients in need, whether in emergency rooms, surgical suites, or operating rooms around the world. I aim to become a general surgeon who not only treats physical conditions but also supports patients emotionally and mentally during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. I also hope to inspire future healthcare professionals by sharing my journey and advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in medicine. My long-term vision includes contributing to global health efforts and staying involved in medical education and leadership to help shape the future of healthcare. Medicine is more than just a profession to me. It’s my way of giving back and turning my passion into purpose. I believe that every patient deserves to feel seen, heard, and respected, and I want to be the kind of doctor who provides not only treatment but hope.