In second grade, I sat in the pediatrician's office for a check-up. My mom asked me a question everyone asks: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I had no clue what I wanted to be, so my mom started listing careers I could pursue. I told her I wanted to become a doctor, which is Ironic because I was sitting in a doctor's office. Ever since, I have always wanted to be a doctor. My mom introduced me to different things as a doctor to understand the field more, like buying me a little skeleton and showing Bill Nye the Science Guy. The more information she exposed me to, the more I started questioning everything. My mother didn't push me down this path, but I developed a love for science, especially human sciences. In third grade, my teacher asked me that same question. I told her I wanted to become a doctor, and she laughed. My teacher said, "Good luck with that." I have had people tell me throughout my life that I couldn't pursue my dream career, but that only made me stronger throughout life. Throughout middle and high school, I dedicated my time to doing well in school and learning as much as possible in that field. Since I was in high school, I have gotten that same question I got when I was little over and over again, and my answer has always been the same. The type of doctor has always been different, from an orthopedic surgeon and an oncologist to a neurologist; however, the medical field has always been the same. During my Junior year, I filled my schedule with science classes to learn more about the medical field. I realized then that I was interested in the brain, how it works and comprehends information, and how the brain functions and changes through mood and development. Have you ever watched videos of someone doing an insane trick and seen something pop out of place or something horrible happen? I was always concerned for those people because our bodies shouldn't bend that way. I have always been intrigued by how someone's body can do that. Many people get grossed out when watching those videos, but I love trying to figure out what happened and what medical attention they need. I aspire to become a doctor because I have always been intrigued by the process of understanding how things function and operate. Science is here today because it helps us comprehend things in the real world. I love science because there is something new to question and new to learn about the world and how our human bodies work.

My favorite thing is when a child is brutally honest with you and isn't afraid of what people will think after the child says something. I have always found the development of people's personalities and behaviors intriguing. Every week at a dance studio, I go and help children. I help them learn the art skill of dance, but normally, they are brutally honest with one another; they are curious and ask all these questions about every little thing. Sometimes, they are a handful, but I love helping those kids. I am planning on attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln next fall. Since I am out of state, it is a little more expensive than in-state tuition. Going to medical school and becoming a doctor has always been a dream of mine, and this university will help me accomplish this goal. When I toured Nebraska, I saw their cadaver room. There was an insane ventilation system; therefore, you couldn't smell the dead bodies as badly. My mom and I were the first people in since we couldn't contain our excitement. We were both in awe, and that was when I realized this was where I needed to be. The digital world can be fun, but at other times, it can be a horrible place, especially for children. One main thing I have learned from children is that they will go behind your back; you can try to limit their screen time and control their apps, but sometimes there are ways around it. They need to know what can happen on social media platforms and in real life. When I was little, my mom would tell me stories about real things that had happened. Yes, I did have nightmares for a little bit, but I was able to understand why I didn't have certain apps and what can happen if you aren't careful. What can happen and how to avoid those situations is the best thing you can do. They will be on social media in the future and will be in public places alone. No one can stop a child from growing up, only on what to do in certain situations. If someone is getting bullied in person, it becomes a serious situation. First, I would communicate with the child and try to understand why they are acting out in that manner. Then, I would discuss how to resolve this. If it escalates, I would report it directly to a teacher or principal. When the problem continues, I would talk to the parent about the child's behavior and how to modify it.

Leadership helps give people a sense of purpose in life. Without a sense of purpose, we would never do something impactful to our community. Leadership positions help us get the authority we need in our lives. It is like a void in our bodies that makes us want to get out of bed. I can't tell you how many times I felt excited that I was leading a meeting as president of a French club or even helping the team compete at dance competitions. These are examples in my life that give me that sense of purpose. Have you ever wondered why the brain thinks differently than everyone around you? Our brains are structured differently than everyone else's, which causes us to comprehend and interpret things unlike others. Some things come overnight, while others take more time. Science is all around us, not just in our bodies. Science is the only subject that shows us the causes of why things happen, not just on Earth but all over Space. Science and leadership are compatible and have helped and will continue to shape our futures. Due to leadership and Science, humans have accomplished so much on Earth. Science continues to evolve as the years go on. Due to leadership skills, people take matters into their own hands to prove something to the world. People have even developed math so we can find the correct calculations for science experiments. My favorite thing about Science is that people prove others' research wrong, like the structure of an atom or even how Earth began. Research is constantly proving others' research wrong. It is fascinating learning about all the conspiracies behind one topic. The research that comes out today could eventually be proven wrong. Each version of the topic will continue to influence people in the future and help us develop more information. Everything works for a reason. Each person has a part to do, like bees. Bees bring nectar to the queen bee. The queen is the leader, but they wouldn't be alive today without the other bees to collect pollen from the flowers. Without the worker bees, the hive would eventually die without enough food. Humans also need bees because they help the production of crops, honey, and more. There is a reason we have schools to shape future generations and to help them comprehend how things function. Some people will be fascinated and want to learn more about them, while others may prefer to stick to a different subject. One thing is certain, though: Science is everywhere and heavily impacts our lives. It is significant to analyze and ask questions about everything in life. All you have to do is use one word: why?

People always have different definitions due to interpretations. However, our interpretations are constantly changing. One thing that hasn't changed is that I want to be successful in the future, but what defines success? When I think of success, I think of being financially stable. It doesn't matter where I am or how I live, but I want to be independent and function by myself when I have to. Ever since I was little, I have wanted to be a doctor. I would be fascinated by watching on YouTube human dissections or figuring out how someone was injured. Over the years, I have been more into a mindset that this is what I want to do, which is becoming a doctor. Every time I want to do something, I strive toward the goal. I wanted to learn more about the field I planned on; I took five science classes out of my nine classes that year. I got a job as a professional dancer because I want to dance on a college dance team. When I want something, I go for it. When I commit, I give 110%. When someone tells me what I am doing wrong, I try to fix it. Most people go with the flow. In August, I knew where I was going and what I was doing. I see everyone still trying to figure out what's next for them and where they want to live.

In moments of crisis, we often hear about the two paths we can take: fight or flight. These age-old responses are familiar to most, yet for me, there lies a different reaction—one that has shaped my experiences and perceptions in profound ways: I freeze. Each time I encounter a stressful situation, my anxiety takes hold, immobilizing me in its grasp. It doesn’t matter how much I prepare or how determined. It's frustrating, as though I’m standing still while the world races forward. However, rather than merely succumbing to this anxiety, I am learning to harness it, transforming it into a powerful driving force for my personal growth and development. I often find myself immersed in the coursework, driven by a desire not just to pass but to truly grasp the concepts presented to me. I relish the challenge of learning and thrive on mastering the material. Yet, despite this success, a unique and daunting obstacle arises when I face multiple-choice questions. Regardless of how well I’ve studied or how confident I feel in my knowledge, my anxiety often emerges, taking the reins just as I need to demonstrate my understanding. I could pour hours into studying and feel that I have mastered the information, but when the test arrives, I find myself frozen, grappling with the pressure that clouds my mind like fog on a cold morning. That pressure builds, causing everything I’ve learned to feel elusive as if it’s dissipating into the ether. These rather become experiences of resilience despite these challenges. I remember feeling that approaching multiple-choice questions was a weight on my shoulders and that I was going to have to spew out the right definitions verbatim. For a long time, this belief held me back, trapping me in a cycle of panic. But reflection and practice have taught me to stop, take a deep breath, and listen to the question rather than rushing to answer from anxiety. This simple act of stepping back, and giving myself permission to breathe, has proven essential in managing my anxiety. As I visualize the scenarios, going through every detail within the question, my mind starts to quiet. This shift in perspective often leads me toward the right answer, revitalizing my confidence in my abilities. I remember my first time competing at a dance competition. I was so nervous, freaking out about what people would judge me on and fixating on the worst possible scenarios. After that initial performance, I was already thinking of all the things I did wrong and what I needed to improve. But over time, I’ve realized that the judges are there to see me express myself through the art of dance. Yes, I still get that knot in my stomach right before I step on stage, but as the years have gone by, I’ve learned to be more graceful with myself. I now understand that feeling nervous isn’t just anxiety; it shows that I truly care about my dance and my teammates. Anxiety, in its many forms, has continuously driven me to push myself toward improvement. Each time I reflect on my grades or take the stage for a performance, I find myself asking the same provocative question, “What can I do to grow?” This persistent curiosity and desire to evolve fuels my journey, providing me with a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities. I am beginning to realize that every challenge presents an opportunity—each moment of discomfort serves as a stepping stone toward becoming the best version of myself.

I am highly committed to the pre-med track, motivated by an immense desire to champion the integration of quality medicine and compassionate care in a manner that profoundly impacts patients' lives. While modern medicine is indispensable in maintaining health and well-being, it is equally important that patients are given a sense of their possibilities. By recognizing and cultivating individual capabilities, we can unveil the inner strengths of a person. My journey toward this aspiration took a transformative turn last summer when I had the opportunity to teach a movement class. This experience allowed me to witness firsthand the incredible potential within individuals, regardless of the challenges they face. One particularly inspiring moment involved a young girl with cerebral palsy. Over a few weeks, I saw her evolve from sitting in her wheelchair to actively participating in the class. With the help of her assistant, she stood and moved around. It was a gradual yet profound transformation; she eventually walked across a balance beam with assistance, significantly improving her coordination. I will always remember the pride on her face when she accomplished these milestones—an embodiment of the impact that reinforcement and encouragement can have on someone’s life journey. This experience underscored for me the crucial importance of building genuine relationships with patients. Through relationships, we can identify and amplify individual strengths and capabilities. Everyone has potential, and by fostering an environment of trust and understanding, we empower individuals on their journey toward health and wellness. I aspire to be a doctor who not only treats diseases but also uplifts and empowers each patient to recognize their inherent strengths.

I ran before I could walk; I started talking, and I was speaking in sentences. I have done tons of things in life, but one thing hasn’t changed: I am a perfectionist; today, I always need everything in a specific place in a certain way. I have tried to lower my standards over the years. Some people may think I am too organized or even an overthinker, although I would still take that as a complement to this day. When I was little, I had a pink princess bed. My bed was a bunk bed with a white ladder and a slide. The top where I slept was pink, but the bottom was purple. I would climb the ladder, crawl through my bed while trying not to bang my head on the drape, and slide down. Underneath my bed was what I called a hide-out. My hide-out was dark but full of my pink and white stuffed animals. As much as I loved my bed, I loved my books even more. My books were on a white bookshelf shaped like a house with a pink stripe on the roof. I would always read my Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne. There were two shelves full of books and some toys. I had the whole series of “Magic Tree House” books. These books would sweep me away and send me to multiple places. The Magic Tree House books all started the same. Jack and Annie always climbed a tree to their tree house, and then the treehouse would transport them wherever. I always read the same books, hoping all my problems would magically fade away. Although I had everything I could possibly imagine for my tiny mind, there was a problem. I didn’t know how to organize my “Magic Tree House” books. It stressed me out so much. First, I organize it by the numbers and the order, and then I alphabetize the books. I would stay up every night going back and forth between the two ways to organize the books, sitting right next to my bedroom door with my headlight on. I would pick a book and read it, or I would be organizing. Even though I had over 100 books, I always started over while throwing a fit. I could never figure out the perfect way to arrange my books. Over the years, I will remember this story and realize what I learned from it. I learned that in life, nothing is perfect, but that is what life is all about. As much as you want everything to be perfect, it never is. Life is about learning from your failures and applying them to your life. Over the years I learned more and more that failure can be used as a good thing. When I am dancing, there is no such thing as perfect. Dancing is an art form that I have been practicing forever. Still to this day, I believe that my skills should be perfect; but, sometimes I have to take a step back and tell myself nothing is perfect. As long as I am growing as a person and as an artist, nothing else matters. I would reflect on this memory and wish I could learn this life lesson as a little kid. Just to be able to be a kid and not have to grow up as fast, because to this day I wish I was that little kid in a princess room dancing my fears away.