(C8H8)x·(C4H6)y·(C3H3N)z, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene; the chemical composition of LEGO. The most simple, yet expansive toy ever created. Many can recall a memory of being given a new LEGO set. That growing anticipation as you tear open the cardboard and set sight on those glorious plastic bags. But, for me, Legos were truly the gift that kept on giving. While some grew out of their “childish” Lego phase, I found my passion for designing, creating, and building. My grandpa was the precursor of this revelation. His engineering prowess contributed to many groundbreaking inventions, such as the F-18 airplane. It was in his garage, which can best be described as organized chaos, that my passion was ignited. A PVC pipe and an air compressor transformed into a potato cannon. Balsa wood and paper morphed into mini sailboats – add a leaf blower, and watch them sail across the kiddie pool. And those LEGOs – when combined with servo motors, gears, connectors, and other technic components – could turn into a controllable rover or crane. Times with him brought forth new thinking, there was no wrong way for a task. I could try anything. He encouraged me to imagine, go beyond the plans and instructions. Just start. Even though my grandpa was an amazing inspiration, my future trajectory was unclear as I finished my junior year. While I found satisfaction in and a love for building, designing, and creating, I could not see a way to include this in my future. I desired a path with a greater purpose to help others. I’ve spent my whole life helping others. Whether it was tutoring, taking the lead on school projects, organizing a book drive, or coaching; I believe helping others is the most valuable thing I can do. Little did I know something terrible was about to happen that would trigger an enlightening realization. A twist of fate - the final day of my senior year soccer tryouts, I tore my ACL and meniscus, leaving my knee unrecognizable. The shock of my varsity season being over before it began felt like a metaphor for my future. While everyone around me was running forward, I was stuck on the sidelines wondering what my future held. I was trapped. Only my mind could do the running. I stood there alone, feeling without purpose. However, during my rehabilitation, I saw how the world of healthcare and engineering could be intertwined. The surgeons, wielding intricate one-of-a-kind tools, and the physical therapists, utilizing cutting-edge technology; were my lifelines. A surgical team reconstructed my knee like a LEGO using my body's parts; snapping together bones and tendons into a perfect fit. I was amazed how they used microscopic tools leaving nothing but a 4-inch scar. Each day I see the physical therapist, there is some new device I am using to build back my knee stronger than ever. Building and helping others. CLICK, like the familiar sound of LEGO pieces coming together. The final piece. I entrusted my future into the arms of the surgeons and physical therapists. I depended on the modern medical technology available to keep my mobility intact. I began to see how my passion for building and an ambition to help others could meld into a future.I will be a visionary, creating tools that leave no injury untreatable, leaving no human feeling like they are any less of a person. My ACL was just the catalyst, the crucible, that unveiled a dormant idea. Now, I am with singular focus, I will dedicate myself to creating and imagining for others to reshape their futures.