As a first-generation Polish American and the first to attend college, I grew up feeling disconnected from my family and peers. My mother faced her own struggles as a single mother, while my friends didn't understand why I had to work part-time, find my own rides to activities, and study independently. This made me more independent, and I put more pressure on myself to become the perfect daughter—someone my parents wouldn't have to worry about. Throughout middle school and high school, I always loved my science classes. Even though I may have struggled at times, I still persevered, which I attribute to my love for the subject. It wasn't until my junior year that I was given the confidence to respark my joy for biology when I took the NGSS exam and received a level 4 exceeding. This exam reminded me of my interest in biology, and this was all it took for me to enroll in AP biology my senior year, which I am currently loving. During the summer going into senior year, I shadowed my Aunt, a dentist, and learned so much from her. During my time shadowing her, I realized I wanted to pursue a career that helped people. Dentistry is an essential field that allows all kinds of people to be healthier while feeling more confident in their smiles. Working there made me excited about the subject and helped me plan my future. Graduating from college with a degree in Biology, specifically with a focus on dentistry, will help me achieve both my career and personal goals, as I look forward to one day taking over my Aunt's dental practice.