The medical profession has been challenging at times, but also has come easily to me. I have technically been a medical professional for the past 12 years, exploring many subsets of the pharmaceutical industry as a certified pharmacy technician, becoming a certified phlebotomist simultaneously while studying my undergraduate education in biology, working for 2 years as a transplant technician, and most recently as a medical information specialist. While these jobs have been fulfilling to some extent, I have found myself bouncing around looking for more - this is why I have decided to pursue the path to becoming a medical provider. One of the driving forces in this decision is my passion to help people. In my prior roles, the ability to help has been limited to customer service, but I love the puzzle of applying what I've learned to diagnostics, treatment, and healing. As someone who also suffers with chronic illness, I have also noticed that there has been a shortage of medical providers who truly listen to their patients. I aspire to be one who does; who can pick up on the little things such as a persistent pain that doesn't seem quite right, or someone who at the very least is knowledgeable and who is able to provide her patients with resources and referrals to the specialists who can help more! As a 34 year old now, the decision came pretty "late" to take on a new adventure. I weighed the pros and cons between applying to Physician Associate school and Medical School for nearly 2 years. After ample research, I came to the final decision that PA school, with a DMsc to follow is the path for me as the turnaround is a bit quicker and I can get to work faster at my current age. That said, I do recognize it is not a "short cut," but a rigorous program - a marathon, if you will - that will help me to reach my dream! The biological and biomedical sciences are incredibly vast, and deeply interesting to me. There is nothing more that I love then to read new studies, watch the progress of biotechnology evolve, and become excited to apply the ever evolving sciences to work practicum. When it comes to ny futures ability to practice, I strive to treat, but also to heal. I strive to help find underlying causes of issues, and take care of the people who decide to trust me, and whichever practice that I will have the honor of working with. I am excited to dive deeper into the study of the human body, and to be able to help my patients of the future find the answers they are seeking in their health and healing journey.

I have already overcome many odds - I am a first generation, low-income, Hispanic female student in STEM, who was, raised by a single mother. I completed high school, where many of my cousins, and even my 2 siblings had not. I obtained an associates degree, then a bachelor's degree, and hope to complete a graduate degree soon! I dream of breaking generational curses and patterns and paving the way of success for our future generations. As of current, funding is the largest setback, as the price tag for the school I've been accepted to - the prestigious Johns Hopkins University - unprecedented... And quite steep. I am seeking funding where possible and promise an excellent return on this investment as you would be pressed to find another student as ambitious, driven, and hardworking. I am a late-bloomer to the higher education sector, beginning college in my late 20s, but what I lacked in earlier education, I gained in work experience. I was hired into and held my first job at the age of 15, and have been climbing the corporate ladder since. Currently I am working as a Medical Information Specialist on a Covid-19 project. I plan to utilize this systems engineering degree to make a difference in the world - especially in the Healthcare sector. Hospitals are lacking in many areas, and these areas of slack directly affect patient care. I have a plethora of ideas I'd love the opportunity to apply to the real world and hope you are willing to help. Thank you.