My parents have always insisted that school is my most important job right now, and every decision I make should prioritize my schooling. Because of this, I have worked hard to earn straight A's. Although it has not always been easy, I am proud of myself and my achievements. Still, good grades seem less important if I cannot go to college, earn a degree, and get a job where I can help people. This is why I want to attend medical school and become a doctor. When I was younger, I underwent a major surgery for my sunken chest, which limited the function of my heart and lungs. The procedure completely changed my life for the better. Now, I can keep up physically with my friends during sports. I once had the worst stamina among my peers, but after surgery, I joined the cross-country team and now can keep up—sometimes even surpass my friends. That experience was so transformative that I would do it again despite the immense pain it caused me. I deeply respect the doctor who treated me. He always asked me to bring a joke to my appointments, and his approach made me feel confident and comfortable facing surgery. He inspired me to pursue medicine, not just because I am interested in human biology, but also because I want to help people who have been in my position and ensure they get the care they need. The hospital where I had my surgery hosts a Zoom call so patients and their parents can learn about the procedure, and I am working to share my firsthand experience during these calls. I have also participated in studies to help make the surgery safer and better. Through these efforts, I am confident that medicine will allow me to make a real difference, making future patients’ experiences easier and less painful. My grandma has Alzheimer's, and daily anxieties overwhelm her, but when I play piano for her, she calms down. Because of this, I volunteer weekly at a retirement home, playing piano and speaking with the elderly for about an hour. I know the elderly can be forgotten or neglected, but I enjoy hearing their stories and connecting with them.