The field of science is extremely diverse and holds endless learning opportunities. I have always known that I wanted to work in the medical field. I love helping people prosper in life after assisting them through difficult times. I chose to be a physician because that is the particular career that is the most research-focused and will allow me to apply my science background to its fullest extent. Although I love research and making connections, I need patient interaction in my career. Being a physician allows the best of both worlds. As a current Freshman at South Dakota State University majoring in Human Biology and Psychology, I have already started planning what my undergraduate research project will be. I am planning on doing research over 2-3 years based on Muscular Dystrophy, which is the disease that my dad has and visibly affects him daily. Being a physician will allow me to satisfy my ambition to help people and make connections with them while also allowing me to build on current scientific findings to provide new treatments for my patients. One of the reasons I am so passionate about science is because it is the basis of everything in life. I love explanations and asking the question "why?". Making connections from one topic to another when learning gives me a sense of empowerment. It brings me joy and reassures me that this is the right career for me. Science is the reason why medicine has advanced so much. Researchers and doctors continue to work tirelessly to engineer discoveries that can save as many lives as possible. I hope to become one of those individuals that contribute to groundbreaking science - not for the money or the fame, but for the knowledge that it could save lives. I want my future patients to know that I am actively trying to find solutions for their illnesses - not just using a known treatment that may not be working. I love science because of its endless possibilities and opportunities. It allows the world to be constantly evolving. It is my hope for the future that science will continue to be used for good and to benefit others. Science creates lifelong learners because of its constant growth and transformation. It creates individuals that are open-minded and have a passion for expanding their knowledge and the knowledge of others. It allows doctors to provide evidence and statistics to patients that may be wary about a treatment option. I am passionate about science because of its endless potential to make the world a better place through motivated individuals willing to dissect all that it has to offer.

"Don't just go through it, but grow through it." This quote reminds us to think about our situations and how we can make the most of them. Everyone goes through rough patches in their life. It is really easy to feel bad for yourself and get down and depressed. However, the most successful people make the most out of their tough situation. They don't just try to get through life, but they grow through it. They think to themselves, "What can this situation teach me?" or "How can I become a better person because of this?". I have gone through some very tough patches in my life, and that quote has helped me keep the right mindset. It could have been very easy for me to give up at times, but I have grown through my tough patches and become a better person despite them. Occasionally I find myself starting to make excuses for myself - why I didn't finish my work or laid in bed all day. However, making excuses never created a stronger individual. I keep a growth mindset by reminding myself that I am never going to get better if I don't improve every day. Each day is an opportunity for self improvement and growth. That mindset has created some of the most successful individuals in the world. Striving to learn new skills or improve a former one stimulates your brain and creates people that will achieve their goals later in life. Challenging myself to become a better person each and every day is how I have instilled the growth mindset in myself.

Patience is key. Persistence is key. You can't try something once and expect to be the best at it. Determination and perseverance are essential to see your goals through to the end. A consistent effort is needed to achieve anything in life. It can be frustrating to see others getting everything they want and achieving all of their goals, but everything comes at the right time in life. Some goals need maturing, or maybe it is simply not the right time in your life. Just be patient and persistent in your efforts, and you will make your dreams come true. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes failure needs to happen to make you stronger and more prepared for the opportunities that will come later in life. Sometimes patience is needed because bigger things are in store for you. Some people hop into relationships because they see that everyone else is in one and the feeling of loneliness overtakes their senses. However, jumping into a relationship not only makes people unhappy if it is not the right person, but it can also prevent personal growth that was supposed to happen when they were single. Although it can be hard at times, we need to accept that we are not going to get everything we want when we want it. However, there is a purpose for that. Patience, persistence, determination, and perseverance creates a more successful and satisfied individual in the long run.

The most helpful piece of financial advice that I have ever received came from the book "Debt Free Degree." In this self-help book, Anthony O'Neal lays out the five basic money foundation steps for teenagers. 1. Save $500 for your emergency fund. 2. Pay off all of your debt using the debt snowball. 3. Pay cash for a car. 4. Pay cash for college. 5. Build wealth and give. These steps are essential to maintain good financial standings and have the freedom to live a comfortable life. Making good financial decisions while you are still a teenager sets you up for success in adulthood. Other advice I have received and already implemented in my life is to always think about your purchases in how many hours you would have to work to pay for it. For example, is that fast food really worth working for an hour? This mindset has been very beneficial for me and has allowed me to not make rash purchases and be diligent with my money. I think about how much work I would have to do to pay for the item, and if I decide that the item was not worth all of the hard work I put in, then I will not purchase it. Another helpful tip is to save the hundreds on your paycheck and the rest can go towards spending. For example, if your paycheck is $364, then $300 would go towards your savings and $64 would go towards your spending. All of these tips and tricks have helped me, and will continue to propel me, towards financial freedom.