"The best way to help yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," said Mahatma Gandhi. You only realize what is there for you once it is right before you. People, especially I, have a habit of taking things for granted. I am trying to change this, and in this process of trying to better myself as a human being, I seek possible careers that will help me build upon this idea that I can continue to better myself and the lives of others. When I was fourteen and starting my first year of high school, my life became challenging and depressing. My journey from that point in my life has opened my eyes to how much I should appreciate this life and those in it. I have recently realized that the best way to better myself, to better the lives of all the important things in this precious life, is to lose myself in the service of others. At a point in my life, I had hit an all-time low. Although years have passed since I was fourteen, I continue to reflect on how monumental that period was for me. My nephew was diagnosed with cancer, my family was falling apart, and the weight of school and my father's business stunted my ability to grow as a person. My grades plummeted, and my mental state was in disarray. Somehow, amid that chaos, I found a way out. I regained who I was and wanted to be and pieced myself back together, stronger than ever. What had stuck with me the most was the state I saw my nephew in. I was young, and seeing someone I loved so dearly decay shattered me. It was because of those nurses and doctors at the hospitals where my nephew was treated that, because of the technology and the treatments available to him that he managed to win against his cancer. Something about the fact that we now live in a world where this type of help is possible ignited a flame. I realized I wanted to be a biomedical engineer. This spark within me was further solidified in my junior year of high school when I took on a risk by taking advanced placement biology. I remember mentioning this class to all those who asked me what inspired me to appreciate what I do. The people, my teacher, and the material truly molded who I am today. So many memories were made in the class. I remember when a critical exam came up, and after my lackluster attempts to achieve a good grade, I took the time and effort to achieve the highest score in the class. The feeling was monumental, displaying what I can accomplish when I believe I can succeed. Key events took place in that class, and I am forever grateful. The journey will be difficult, but I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve my goal. I am confident that engineering is the field for me. Life has put me through many obstacles, but in doing so, I've come to appreciate it greatly. I firmly believe that I am destined to be a biomedical engineer.

As I stared at the water droplets flowing down the window of our car, I wondered which drop would win the imaginary race taking place in my mind. Time felt completely immeasurable as I sat in the back of that moving vehicle headed to the hospital. This night was no ordinary night; my family and I learned that my nephew, whom we loved and who had resided with us since birth, was diagnosed with cancer. Honestly, it was a lot to process for someone just starting high school. I loved my nephew like a brother, and seeing him in that state shattered me. From that point on, I felt that my life became very challenging and, truthfully, somewhat depressing. Suddenly, I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. Not only did I continue to help with my father’s business and have to deal with my parents’ marital issues, but I also still had to attend school. I found myself having to enroll virtually. I thought this would help, but it didn’t. I continued to feel miserable, and as a result, my grades suffered. I was at an all-time low for someone who strived for good grades, but as I reflect, I wish I could tell that young boy that it would be okay. Life stops for nobody, a lesson my father taught me. It was not easy, but I dug myself out of the hole that I had fallen into. I got my grades up, pushed through my problems, and found a new understanding of myself. I never want to sink that low again, so I live every day ensuring I’m the best version of myself. I truly believe that I can succeed; I just need an opportunity. No future suits me more than that of an education in the engineering field. The path to becoming a biomedical engineer is one that I am certain about. My commitment to the field of biomedical engineering is absolute. Being able to apply engineering ideas and principles to the medical field is something I am passionate about. Helping individuals, especially children, live their best life possible would be my utmost pleasure. I love my nephew; words cannot express the thankfulness in my heart when I see him behave and act like a normal young child should. Improving the quality of life for others is a vision I want to make real. The journey will be difficult, no doubt, however, I am willing to make the necessary sacrifices to achieve my end goal. Assistance from scholarships such as this one will help me in my journey, and I’d do my best to display profound gratitude. My words are truthful, and my passion to help others is real.