In August of this year, the 5th anniversary of the worst news in my life took place. My dad, the strongest man I know, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. For a year, he went from doctor to doctor, trying to figure out why his left leg and arm were suddenly giving out on him. I didn't know the extent of his illness until he finally slowed down and needed help getting around. My mother could only do so much for my dad, both my sister and I knew that and they argued many a time.. My sister was in school so it was up to me to help him out. It became harder to do once he started losing mobility in his legs. This is where I finally found my passion for pursuing biomedical engineering. His power wheelchair was fit to his exact measurements, but what about the measurements of the doorways, the hallways, and the corners these patients have to try and fit through? He was given a bathroom chair made of plastic that didn't support him enough to sit up, lean back, transfer into, and simply support his weight when trying to get up or sit down. The doctor gave him a device that helps put on your socks without having to bend down, but you have to use both hands to pull the ropes attached to it. How was he supposed to pull it on with one hand? He was also given a wheelchair he could take into the bathroom and remove the bottom of the seat, but it wouldn't hover over the basin because a bar hit the bottom of the toilet. All these devices have not only failed my dad, but other people who have disabilities. Shower chairs, power wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs that are too heavy or uncomfortable to wear, and transfer devices like a lift or a sliding bench. These devices and many more have caused problems for various people and I hope to one day be able to change that and improve them the best I can. I want to improve the lives of people who are disabled and make their living situation more comfortable than just settling for the bare minimum that is offered. It's been difficult, but if I fail, I'll try again to achieve my goal.

Growing up, my father decided to raise me and my sister to be independent women. It wasn't until he got sick that I realized he was preparing us for the day when he can't be there for us once we leave the nest. I was the one who took care of him the five years he was here in New York until we decided it was best if he went back to Mexico where our family can take care of him better since I was going off to college. His illness is what inspired me to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering. I was always fascinated by the idea of being an engineer, especially one who applies the principles of the human body to mechanical devices that could aid someone who is physically disabled. Making prosthetics, creating tools that could help in hospitals, or even just going door to door to the patient's house and showing them how their device works is something I am passionate about. Seeing how my dad struggled with the many devices they'd give him is what inspired me to go to school and gain experience through the many internships that are offered here in Connecticut. My concentration would be in biomechanics, but bioinstrumentation is a close second too. I decided to commit to the University of Connecticut because of the many connections they have with a variety of businesses and companies that focus on my major. I hope to be able to intern at CRISPR or Medtronic, which are two companies that I've had the opportunity to tour over the summer. They've accepted many minorities into their workforce and I hope to add to the mix as a Hispanic woman who is willing to learn. I've noticed that there is still racism in the workforce and your chances of getting picked can sometimes be determined by just your name which baffles me. Instead of reading someone's resume, their achievements, involvement in the community, work experience, and just overall character, a name is all it takes for their application to be pushed aside. There shouldn't be any discrimination against an applicant when they can bring greatness with them, improving both the work environment and empowering their team, pushing everyone to succeed. I hope to one day work in a diverse work setting where I can connect with different people who each have their own story to tell. Each with a different motivation, but hoping to achieve a similar dream that is similar to everyone else's. It's the thought of what life I'd live once I gain experience and complete my four years that excites me the most and I'll know all that hard work paid off in the end.

In August of this year, the 5th anniversary of the worst news in my life took place. My dad, the strongest man I know, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. For a year, he went from doctor to doctor, trying to figure out why his left leg and arm were suddenly giving out on him. It wasn't until finally one gave him the answer that shattered my mom's heart, but eased my dad's apparent frustration. There's no cure, and any medications or injections came with their side effects that I witnessed the first couple of months. I didn't know the extent of his illness until he finally slowed down and needed help getting around. My mother could only do so much for my dad, both my sister and I knew that and they argued many a time which caused all the responsibility to fall on me. My sister was in school so it was up to me to help him out. Help him get up, hold things when his right hand is occupied, get him in his truck, and most of all, shower him. These were my responsibilities and they became harder to do once they kept piling onto each other. As he got slower and his legs finally gave out, he was stuck in his power chair that he could move around in freely, but he still needed help being transferred. His illness progressed all through my high school education and as I watched him get worse, the more he needed medical assistance equipment. Let me tell you, they didn't always work and they were not always comfortable. This is where I finally found my passion for pursuing biomedical engineering. His power wheelchair was fit to his exact measurements, but what about the measurements of the doorways, the hallways, and the corners these patients have to try and fit through? The measurements aren't told until the chair gets delivered and if they don't fit in your home, you have to pay for the renovations which can cost just as much as the wheelchair. My dad was given a bathroom chair made of plastic that didn't support him enough to sit up, lean back, transfer into, and simply support his weight when trying to get up or sit down. The doctor gave him a device that helps put on your socks without having to bend down, but you have to use both hands to pull the ropes attached to it. How was he supposed to pull it on with one hand? He was also given a wheelchair he could take into the bathroom and remove the bottom of the seat, but it wouldn't hover over the basin because a bar hit the bottom of the toilet. A walker was set aside for him, but once again he can't use it since his left hand can't grip it and lift it. All these devices have not only failed my dad but other people who have disabilities. Shower chairs, power wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs that are too heavy or uncomfortable to wear, and transfer devices like a lift or a siding bench. These devices and many more have caused problems for various people and I hope to one day be able to change that and improve them the best I can. I want to improve the lives of people who are disabled and make their living situation more comfortable than just settling for the bare minimum that is offered. It's been difficult, but if I fail, I'll try again to achieve my goal.