Hadley House 23 May 2024 My dream I learned to tie my dad’s shoes before I learned to tie my own. A fairly simple task, I learned it quickly despite being only four years old at the time; but, for my dad, it was not a “simple task.” Like most, my dad grew up tying his own shoes, however, that would change when he turned twenty. On January 5, 1989, my dad left for a ski trip to Utah. One rock and one wrong move is all it took to alter his life forever. My dad broke his neck that day and has lived his life since as a quadriplegic. Despite this drastic change and challenge in his life, my dad went on to become a successful physician. As his daughter, I have been able to see firsthand the array of amazing inventions that have enabled him to live a fulfilling and prosperous life despite his limitations. Life as a quadriplegic has transformed significantly over the past fifty years thanks to products of biomedical engineering and research. However, I also see the daily struggles my dad still faces due to his disability–things that are common, such as tying his shoes, to much more drastic things, such as constant leg tremors and phantom leg pains– and it is evident that there is still much room for improvement. This is why I dream of pursuing a career in biomedical engineering. Being a biomedical engineer would allow me the opportunity to improve, and make an impact on the quality of life of individuals such as my father. There is so much one can do in a career in biomedical engineering from manufacturing prosthetics to tissue engineering, etc.. The possibilities are endless, and so are the ways to impact my community. As a daughter of a quadriplegic, I know that no disability works the exact same or requires the same accommodations as another. I hope I can help make life easier and more accessible for as many people of any/ all disabilities, sicknesses, or limitations, and getting my degree at Montana State University would allow me to make a difference in these communities. Being able to attend college is the first step towards this dream and would not only allow me to pursue a journey of personal growth and academic growth, but it would also allow me to translate my aspirations into real-life contributions to society. I plan to get my bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering as well as help with undergrad research at Montana State University which would allow me to graduate ready to begin my journey as a biomedical engineer. College would allow me to develop the skills, knowledge, and resources I need to help others like my dad and improve the quality of life for many individuals. It is not merely obtaining a degree, it’s about gaining the tools and experiences necessary to help make an impact in society. Being able to attend college provides anyone with a supportive environment to collaborate with others, engage in research, learn how to think critically, and get practical experience in the field one is pursuing. All of these opportunities would allow me a chance to become a well rounded biomedical engineer, and with this education, I hope to be able to honor my father’s journey by helping others with disabilities of any kind.