My story begins as a clichéd sports injury college essay —one where I talk about overcoming hard obstacles —but my intent is different. The goal is to convey my passion for science and how it began. These moments of struggle and the support that came with them made all the difference. My brain trauma prevented me from being involved in school, sports, and social activities. Eager to find a solution, I attempted to learn virtually, but this often resulted in migraines, dizziness, and nausea. My new way of life persisted for over a month. As my healing progressed, I gradually reintegrated myself. I thought that my return to the real world would be exciting and refreshing; instead, I found myself feeling forgotten. Peers who once cared made little effort to include me. My teammates dismissed me as I cheered from the sidelines, unable to play. Educators gave me assignments and tests with little to no explanation. Right then and there, I could have given up; I could have succumbed to my anxiety and depression, but with some help from my science teacher, Mr. Lacy, I was revived. With his assistance, I focused on persisting and improving. I committed to not taking opportunities for granted. Despite these challenges, I found hope in places I didn't expect. While I struggle to remember details of my time spent concussed, I can vividly envision Mr. Lacy taking time out of his day to help me understand the content of his class and demonstrating a love and passion for science. Mr. Lacy had me take the assessments I had missed, even if I had never touched the topics. Then he would pull me aside and show me what I had done wrong on the questions I missed. Mr. Lacy was kind and encouraging, even through my frustration. I was once again a child learning to ride a bike. Mr. Lacy was the steady, guiding hand before releasing me to do wonders of my own. After finally understanding the content, I would discuss what I had learned with my peers, friends, and family. At the dinner table, I would bring up what I had learned about Punnett squares or genetic diseases. My participation in my science classes skyrocketed. I chose to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue things that would bring me happiness—things I would’ve never attempted before. A vision of working in the science field came into focus. I realized that I needed to stop trying to return to who I was and become the person I wanted to be. I worked to become someone whose presence pulsed in a room full of people. This new persona of mine was bubbly, witty, funny, and absolutely in love with science. A specific moment I took away from Mr. Lacy’s class was when he displayed the list of the Top 10 graduating students from the previous year’s class. He remarked on how nearly all of the students were aspiring to work in science as they pursued college. This only augmented my interest in furthering my education and pursuing this evolving interest in my future career. From that point on, change was in motion; The emotional wounds I had gone through were now calloused. I was rough and imperfect, but strong from the resilience I proved to myself. While it wasn’t the easiest path, it is not one I would ever replace. My struggles and experiences had merged into one passion: medicine.