To me, resilience means continuing to move forward even when life challenges both your body and your spirit. Living with hypothyroidism and the autoimmune disorder Hashimoto’s disease has reshaped my understanding of strength. It is not about appearing unshakable, but about finding the courage to adapt, persevere, and keep pursuing my goals despite unpredictable challenges. When I was first diagnosed, I struggled to accept the limitations that came with my condition. Fatigue, brain fog, and fluctuating energy levels made academic life feel like an uphill climb, it was hard and I really struggled. As a college student, I quickly learned that resilience required more than motivation, it required strategy, self-compassion, and patience. I began developing structured routines to manage my symptoms, staying organized with my studies while prioritizing rest, nutrition, and mental health. Communicating openly with professors and peers became another act of resilience, as it taught me the importance of self-advocacy and asking for support when I needed it. Over time, I came to see my condition not as a barrier, but as a teacher. It has taught me the value of listening to my body, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing persistence in the face of uncertainty. My experience has also deepened my empathy for others. I’ve become more understanding of the hidden struggles people carry, and I strive to create supportive, inclusive spaces wherever I go. You never know what others are going through. Resilience, for me, is not about never falling, it’s about rising each time, with greater wisdom and compassion. Living with Hashimoto’s has shown me that growth often comes from discomfort, and that even on difficult days, I am capable of strength and purpose. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others with chronic conditions to see their resilience not as a burden, but as a source of power and pride.

My name is Gabrielle Messner-Bennetch. I’m 19 years old, and I’m currently studying Molecular/Cellular Biology at Penn State University. My ultimate goal is to become a physician assistant (PA), specializing in pediatric emergency surgery. Medicine has always fascinated me, but more importantly, I’ve been drawn to the human side of healthcare, the opportunity to support, heal, and advocate for patients during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. I’ve played field hockey for over nine years, and that experience has deeply shaped who I am today. Being an athlete taught me the value of discipline, teamwork, communication, and resilience, qualities that I believe are essential in the medical field. On the field, I learned how to think quickly under pressure, support my teammates, and stay committed to long-term goals. These same qualities will serve me well in a surgical setting, where collaboration, precision, and trust are critical. My passion for pediatric medicine began with personal experiences in my own family. When my younger sister was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, I saw firsthand how much a medical diagnosis affects not only the patient but their entire family. Watching her navigate such a major life change at a young age made me realize how important it is for children to receive not just treatment, but compassionate, age-appropriate care. That experience was a major turning point for me, it helped me understand that I want to work specifically with children and their families, helping them feel safe, empowered, and supported. As a future PA in pediatric surgery, I plan to make a positive impact by combining clinical excellence with empathy. I want to be the provider who listens carefully, explains clearly, and makes each child feel like more than just a diagnosis. Surgery can be intimidating for anyone, especially children, so I hope to be a calming, trustworthy presence who helps guide families through difficult times with compassion and skill. Beyond the hospital, I want to advocate for equitable access to pediatric care and serve as a mentor for other young people, especially women interested in medicine, as this can be a tough road to go down. I believe that making a difference in healthcare starts with small, human-centered actions: being present, being prepared, and always putting the patient first. Through this approach, I hope to not only help individual lives but contribute to a healthcare system that’s more inclusive, empathetic, and effective for everyone.

1. I’m a 19-year-old Biology major at Penn State with a deep passion for human health and wellness. My goal is to become a physician assistant, specializing in pediatric surgery, a path shaped by both personal experiences and family challenges. Growing up without a strong father figure taught me resilience and the value of compassion, which I carry into every aspect of my life. Throughout my childhood, I dealt with recurring health issues that made hospitals and doctors’ offices a familiar space. But instead of fear, I found admiration for the medical professionals who treated me with patience and care. A major turning point came when my younger sister was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Watching her navigate this life-changing condition ignited a desire in me to work with children and their families, to be a trusted source of support, education, and healing. These experiences have shaped my core values: empathy, perseverance, and service. They’ve fueled my passion for improving health outcomes, especially for children, and inspired my commitment to providing care that sees the whole person, not just the symptoms. 2. Empathy, to me, means stepping into someone else’s world, understanding their emotions, fears, and hopes without judgment. In healthcare, and especially in pediatrics, empathy isn’t optional; it’s essential. It allows providers to build trust with patients and families, communicate effectively, and offer care that’s both clinically sound and emotionally supportive. As an aspiring physician assistant, I see empathy as a guiding principle in how I want to practice medicine. I know what it’s like to feel unheard or misunderstood by healthcare providers, I’ve lived it. As a child dealing with chronic health issues, I often felt like decisions were made about me rather than with me. Those moments left an impression, I wanted to be someone who listens, explains, and empowers. The turning point came when my younger sister was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Seeing her go through that diagnosis, confused, scared, and overwhelmed, gave me a new perspective on the emotional weight of illness, especially for kids. It wasn’t just about insulin and carb counting, it was about her quality of life, her independence, and her mental well-being. That experience fueled my desire to work in pediatrics, where I can support not just the child, but their entire family unit. Empathy is also vital in recognizing the unique circumstances each patient brings. Growing up without a strong father figure, I’ve learned how important it is to meet people where they are. Many children face complex social, emotional, or financial struggles that impact their health. Being empathetic means taking the time to understand those factors and adjusting care to be truly accessible and meaningful. To ensure my work is done through a human-centered lens, I will approach every patient with curiosity and humility. I’ll ask questions that go beyond symptoms: What’s worrying you? What do you need from me today? I’ll create space for patients to share their stories and be involved in their care. In pediatrics, especially, this means making sure both the child and their guardians feel respected and heard.