Why I choose to Pursuing an higher education was never just about earning a degree it was about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for myself and my family. So choosing to tackle school was a choice I knew I wanted from an early age. Why Coming from a single-parent household, I witnessed my mother do everything on her own to ensure that my siblings and I had the chance to succeed. Even if that meant breaking herself down in the process She worked tirelessly, making sacrifices so that we could have better opportunities. Her resilience inspired me to push forward, knowing that education was my path to a better future. As the first out of seven siblings to graduate from college, I knew that achieving this milestone meant more than just personal success; it meant proving that hard work and perseverance can overcome any obstacle. As a first-generation student, I had to navigate college largely on my own. Without family members to guide me through the application process, financial aid, or course selection, I had to take the initiative to learn everything myself. I sought out mentors, asked questions, and relied on campus resources to help me adapt. Balancing school and work was challenging, but it taught me the importance of time management, self-discipline, and persistence. While Working in healthcare while in school reinforced my commitment to higher education. As a sitter, patient observer, and dietary aide, I saw how dedicated professionals make a difference in patients’ lives even if they where such small.These experiences deepened my passion for medicine and reminded me why education matters—not just for personal success, but for the opportunity to serve and uplift others. Every shift taught me something valuable about compassion, resilience, and the real-world impact of healthcare. So Choosing to pursue higher education has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding decisions of my life. It has taught me resilience, independence, and the power of perseverance. More importantly, it has allowed me to pave the way for my younger siblings, showing them that success is possible no matter where you start. My journey is proof that education can break cycles and create a better future. I hope to continue using my education to make a meaningful impact—not just for myself, but for my family, my community, and the patients I will serve in the future. I Might be a first generation student but I hope I’m not the last I hope to inspire others in my family.

Graduating from college as the first out of seven siblings to do so is my greatest achievement to date. It wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about proving to myself and my family that perseverance pays off. There were moments when I wanted to quit, when the pressure of balancing school, work, and life felt overwhelming. But I kept going. That experience taught me that hard work doesn’t come easy and that success is earned through resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in yourself. Being the first in my family to graduate was about more than personal accomplishment; it was about breaking a cycle and setting an example. I wanted my siblings to see that no matter how difficult the journey gets, it is possible to achieve your dreams. There were many late nights, early mornings, and moments of self-doubt, but I learned that pushing through challenges builds strength. No matter what obstacles I face in the future, I know that quitting is never an option. This lesson has shaped the way I approach every challenge in my life. Whether it’s in academics, work, or personal growth, I have learned that success is not about avoiding difficulties, but about facing them head-on. My experience in healthcare has reinforced this mindset. Working as a sitter, patient observer, and dietary aide, I’ve seen how persistence and dedication make a difference in patients’ lives and how the small things matter and if you just add a little more time and patience you can do anything . And from that point on I just I refused to give up on my education, I refuse to give up on my goal of making a meaningful impact in medicine. Looking ahead, I hope to continue breaking barriers not just for myself, but for others who need to see that success is possible no matter where you start or who tells you that coming from somewhere matter but in all reality it just about trusting yourself.My goal is to help patients take control of their health, particularly those in underserved communities. I want to be an advocate, an educator, and a provider who truly listens and makes a difference. More than anything, I want my story to inspire others to push forward, even when the odds seem stacked against them. Challenges are not roadblocks they are stepping stones to something greater and never backing down from them.

Growing up, I saw firsthand how chronic illnesses could shape a person’s life. In my family, particularly among the women, conditions like hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure were common. I watched as my mother, aunts, and grandmothers navigated doctor’s appointments, adjusted medications, and made lifestyle changes to manage their health. Some days were filled with energy and confidence; others were clouded by fatigue, anxiety, and uncertainty. Seeing their struggles and resilience sparked my interest in medicine—not just as a field of study, but as a way to understand, heal, and advocate for those who need it most. My experiences in healthcare have only deepened my commitment to this path. Working as a sitter and patient observer, I’ve spent countless hours with patients, many of whom suffer from chronic illnesses similar to those in my own family. I’ve seen how high blood pressure can silently wreak havoc on the body, how thyroid disorders can affect everything from mood to metabolism, and how patients often struggle to balance their treatment with daily life. Sitting with them, listening to their concerns, and witnessing their battles has reinforced my belief that medicine is not just about treating diseases—it’s about treating people. Because of my personal and professional experiences, I am particularly drawn to endocrinology and cardiology. Endocrinology fascinates me because of its direct connection to conditions like hyperthyroidism, which I’ve seen impact my own family members in profound ways. The intricate balance of hormones in the body plays a crucial role in overall health, and I want to help patients regain control over conditions that can often feel unpredictable. At the same time, cardiology interests me because of its connection to high blood pressure and heart disease, both of which disproportionately affect many communities, including my own. Preventative care and patient education in these areas can save lives, and I want to be a part of that mission. Choosing medicine was never just about career stability or academic interest—it was about purpose. Every experience, from watching my family navigate their health challenges to working directly with patients, has shaped my understanding of what it means to be a healthcare provider. Medicine is about more than diagnosing and prescribing; it’s about listening, understanding, and guiding patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. That is the kind of work I want to dedicate my life to, and I am eager to take the next step in this journey.

The reason why I choose healthcare. It was the little things like the first time I stepped into a hospital as more than just a visitor, something changed in me. I wasn’t just there to pass through; I was there to help, even in the smallest ways. Whether it was working as a sitter, patient observer, dietary aide, or assisting behind the scenes in linen services, I felt a deep sense of purpose. In healthcare, every role matters, and every action has the potential to make a difference in someone’s life. No other field has ever given me that same feeling. There is something indescribable about being in a hospital—the controlled chaos, the hum of activity, the way everyone has a purpose. It’s an environment that constantly challenges you, but also rewards you in ways that no other job can. In my time as a sitter and patient observer, I have spent long hours with patients who were scared, confused, or restless. I have seen firsthand how simple human presence can be just as important as any medical procedure. Holding someone’s hand when they’re anxious, reassuring them that they are not alone—those moments have shown me that healthcare isn’t just about science or medicine. It’s about people. Unlike other careers where the goal is profit or personal success, healthcare is about service. It’s about stepping into someone’s life at their most vulnerable moment and helping them through it. I’ve seen it in the way nurses rush to comfort a crying patient, the way doctors explain a difficult diagnosis with compassion, and even in the smallest interactions—like when I offer a patient a drink of water, and they thank me like I’ve done something extraordinary. That’s the power of healthcare. Of course, the work isn’t easy. There have been shifts where I’ve been physically and emotionally drained. I’ve witnessed patients in distress, families receiving heartbreaking news, and moments where I felt completely helpless. But instead of pushing me away, those experiences have only strengthened my resolve. They have taught me that healthcare is not just about the victories—it’s about showing up, even in the toughest moments. It’s about resilience, teamwork, and the understanding that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to something greater. I could have chosen a different career one with fewer challenges, less stress, and more predictable hours. But no other field has ever made me feel alive the way healthcare does. It has given me purpose, direction, and the certainty that I am exactly where I am meant to be. No matter how hard the journey gets, I know one thing for sure: I chose healthcare because I can’t imagine doing anything else.