The papers are signed, and the custody of the little girl has been decided. That little girl is me. Driving down the interstate in the backseat of an old Toyota, as I watch the trees pass by and numerous signs grow farther in the distance. Is everything packed? Are you hungry? This is the cycle. Since the divorce,I have been asked the same series of questions. Every second weekend of the month driving from Lafayette, Louisiana over the Mississippi River to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I never remembered a time where my parents and I were together as a whole family. Going back and forth between both worlds has enabled me to apply numerous characteristics compiled along my life into my education. I have become an independent young woman who loves exploring different cultures and finding unique ways to solve problems. Going out on my own, speaking to new people, learning their backgrounds, figuring out ways to make things work led me to wanting to pursue the medical field. Every day I see people in this field combatting medical problems, curing people, making lifelong friends, and learning about the fascinating lives of other people. Drawing on my verbal skills, I can combine the imprints of both sides of my family and connect with people who are different from me and understand them. Despite how much my situation has helped me in my life, it has also hurt me. I have felt like a part of myself was missing. After searching my whole life to find ways to feel whole, patience has led me to realize that just like me there are two sides to everything, a math problem, a story, or even a person’s life.

My goal is to become a dermatologist by furthering my education by going to medical school. I want to work in a hospital, then I want to start my own private practice. Throughout high school, I have always been fascinated with the physiology and anatomy of the human body, specifically the skin. I want to major in biology so that I can have a firm foundation on my pre- med path. I used to struggle with my own skin. I dealt with acne and scaring. I went to many dermatologist but nothing would really help my skin. Watching the professionals go through their process, really interested me. I began to do my own research and applying products to my skin that I believe would help. I formulated my own regimen of products which ultimately cleared my skin. This is how I realized I wanted to pursue a career in Dermatology. There is so much more to Dermatology than just acne and I want to understand every aspect and further my research to help others and those who look just like me. I plan to become very knowledgeable about the skin so that I can assist every skin type. There is no better feeling than giving prestigious medical and cosmetic procedures to patients while providing courteous, caring, and professional service. Every line, lump, and pigmentation on your face is scrutinized. Skin and identity fascinate me. In the past, looking at someone's skin color, supposedly told a lot about their intelligence, grace, and work ethic. My skin color was engrained in me as a distinguishing trait. I want to encourage others who look like me to be comfortable in their own skin. I want to help my community by empowering them to feel confident while also broadening my horizons.

Throughout high school, I have always been fascinated with the physiology and anatomy of the human body, specifically the skin. I want to major in biology so that I can have a firm foundation on my pre- med path. I used to struggle with my own skin. I dealt with acne and scaring. I went to many dermatologist but nothing would really help my skin. Watching the professionals go through their process, really interested me. I began to do my own research and applying products to my skin that I believe would help. I formulated my own regimen of products which ultimately cleared my skin. This is how I realized I wanted to pursue a career in Dermatology. There is so much more to Dermatology than just acne and I want to embrace/understand every aspect and further my studies /research to help others and those who look just like me. Specifically in my field of study, African Americans are underrepresented.I want to go into the field to not only help those who look like me but also help others as well. I want to become a doctor who is well versed and universally knowledgeable about every skin type. The skin is something most people pay the most attention to. We wash our skin, cut our skin, put makeup over it to hide acne, tan our skin, and many other things. I want to give others their confidence back. I want to help people with whichever part of their skin is giving them problems.