Lilia’s eyes welled with tears as she struggled to weave a friendship bracelet out of string. Her hands, unsteady from rounds of chemotherapy, made the task feel impossible. I sat beside her, determined to find a way to help Lilia make this work. After asking her permission, I tied the threads to her toe, and held the purple strand steady while she carefully twisted the others. Slowly, a braid began to form and I saw her face light up. Though it was just a simple braid, to her, it was a victory — a moment of normalcy and pride amid a long and difficult journey, a small way of reclaiming something cancer had tried to take from her. That moment stayed with me. It was in that moment that I realized I wanted to pursue pediatric oncology: a field that demands creativity, compassion, and presence. In pediatrics, you’re not just treating symptoms — you a’re shaping a child’s path forward. Early intervention, empathy, and education can ripple across their entire life. That kind of impact is both a responsibility and a privilege I feel deeply called to. My interest in oncology began during a research internship in neuro-oncology at UCLA, where I was drawn to the scientific challenges and innovative approaches being used to treat complex cancers. I found myself fascinated by the biology and potential for impact in the field. However, it was not until my experience at that camp for kids with medical conditions — connecting with children like Lilia — that I realized pediatrics was where I truly belonged. Children have an incredible ability to hold onto hope, to bounce back, and to find joy even during the hardest moments. In college, I chose to major in public health with a minor in child development. This path taught me how illness impacts children physically, cognitively, and emotionally, and how developmentally sensitive care can make all the difference. As I continue on my journey towards becoming a physician in medical school, I carry with me the profound lessons learned from Lilia's bracelet. I understand that being a physician means actively engaging with the challenges faced by patients, not just acknowledging them. I am committed to providing compassionate, person-centered care, where my actions speak louder than words, where I go the extra mile to ensure that each patient's unique journey to wellness is respected and supported. With each young patient I meet, I will strive to be a source of hope, a problem solver, and a compassionate advocate. Through humility, empathy, and unwavering dedication, I aspire to become a physician who not only recognizes the beauty of individuality but also acts upon it, making a tangible difference in the lives of patients like Lilia.