Hello! My name is Hunter Russell Peck. I’m a New Mexico resident, raised by a struggling single mom. Through my childhood, I witnessed how hard it can be for someone such as my mother, to receive healthcare and the help they really need. This drove me to pursue education, and strive for a successful future. I entered college in 2021, right at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, further driving and urging me to excel in my passion to work in healthcare. When I entered the University of New Mexico, I thought I had it all figured out, and would be pursuing a degree in Biology. But, through shadowing multiple doctors, in multiple modalities, I came to fall in love with the world of radiology. More specifically, nuclear medicine. This new pathway fascinated me, and excited me unlike anything that had come before. I tackled this passion with all my efforts through countless hours shadowing at my local hospital, unimaginable amounts of research and finally- switching my major from Biology to Nuclear Medicine. Though I picked a rough time to apply, as the program at my school had just been put on hold. So, diligently I waited till it reopened. Thankfully, when it did I was so overwhelmed with joy to both be given the opportunity to apply and to later then be accepted into the program. During my time in the program thus far, I have found an even greater joy and love for the subject in all capacities. I have found a great intellectual joy learning about the current and ongoing issues with our healthcare system, and how we as a community of technologists may be able to play our part in fixing it. I have also been granted opportunities to work closely with my professors with formulating educational plans, and instructions. These experiences and opportunities have not only grown my love for the subject, but also the community that I cannot wait to be a part of. Once I finally graduate from my program, I plan to be not only motivated but excited to play my vital role in my communities health care needs. I also plan to further my education, and involvement with my community by staying informed on ongoing issues, and ways that we as a community can help shape the role, and importance of health care in our communities and world around us. Thank you for your consideration. It means the world to me to be given the opportunity to apply.