Since I was six years old, I thought I wanted to be a pediatrician. When I was growing up, I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out my three younger siblings’ diagnoses when they got sick – my knowledge included the diagnoses of “RSV,” “flu,” “strep,” and “stomach bug.” When I was twenty-one, though, my vocabulary had to significantly improve. “Cancer” – a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth, according to Merriam Webster. He was referred to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, where his doctors started working immediately, and they gave him a treatment plan of eight months of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation. As mad and confused as I was, I had no idea that seeing St. Jude’s would confirm my passion for pediatric medicine. Throughout Eli’s time there, I was able to see numerous aspects of the hospital. Most importantly, their immense emphasis on emotional health, in addition to physical health. They put the child first, not the diagnosis first. Seeing this value implemented again and again in this hospital assured me that it is the best, most effective way to treat a child. They spend vast amounts of money on events to keep the children’s spirits high, such as annual proms, concerts, and family events. They keep all their walls painted bright colors, with many of them having murals and interactive capabilities. They staff child life specialists, who are dedicated solely to these children’s mental health. Their employees, from custodians to physicians, keep a positive attitude every day. This experience shaped how I want to practice as a physician. I want my patients to know, in addition to caring for their physical health, I care about their home life, how high school is going, and their future goals, to name a few. The other major events that shaped my life and career path were volunteering with MedCamps of Louisiana and DixieDiehards. I have spent years volunteering with these organizations, designed for children with various special needs, such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and many more. MedCamps of Louisiana showed me that every child is different, and they should be treated by a physician as such. Every child develops at a different speed, socializes in their own way, and thinks uniquely. They each have gifts to offer and talents to unfold. I was able to see first-hand the countless capabilities these children have. They participated in activities such as archery, kayaking, ziplining, and horseback riding throughout their week at camp. I learned about communication and its many different forms. Most of the children I worked with were nonverbal, but it was clear to me that there are many things in life that are universal and do not require words – love, encouragement, music, and dancing, for example. Working with them, in the small town of Choudrant, LA, formed some of my favorite memories I have made thus far. In addition to MedCamps, I also volunteered with DixieDiehards, where many of the same children came to play baseball. Seeing blind children play with a beeping ball and kids in wheelchairs zip around the field is inspiring every time. These events confirmed my passion for children and my ambitions as a physician. They gave me numerous ideas and beliefs that I intend to accomplish as I work toward my goal – the one I have been working fervently toward since six years old – of becoming a pediatrician. My hope is that I would learn, through my training, practical ways to implement these beliefs into everyday life as a pediatrician.