In the enchanting dance between ink and parchment, my creative passion, embodied in the melodies of fiddle tunes, weaves an unconventional symphony of storytelling. As I embark on the rhythmic journey of composing essays, the bow glides across strings in harmonious tandem with the flow of words. Each note, an echo of inspiration, resonates through the essay's cadence, infusing it with the spirit of lively jigs and soulful reels. In this whimsical realm of creativity, where the written word meets the lilting strains of the fiddle, I reimagine the landscape of storytelling. The tunes, like secret companions, accompany the ebb and flow of narrative, adding a layer of depth that transcends the boundaries of conventional expression. The fiddle becomes not just an instrument but a muse, guiding my thoughts through a melodic labyrinth of ideas and possibilities. Picture this: as I delve into the nuances of my creative passion, the fiddle tunes become the silent architects of imagination. They paint the backdrop for my words to dance upon, a vibrant tapestry that transforms the act of writing into a musical performance. The nuances of each tune, whether a lively reel or a contemplative ballad, mirror the emotional landscape of the essay, infusing it with a dynamic energy that captivates and enchants. In the dance of creativity, the fiddle becomes my accomplice, helping me orchestrate symphonies of words that resonate with readers on a visceral level. The extra 24 hours in a day, a fantastical notion, would see me entwined in a perpetual waltz with my fiddle, exploring uncharted realms of expression and composition. The creative spirit, at its zenith, thrives in the timeless embrace of musical notes and written prose. Moreover, my creative journey extends beyond the confines of solitude, as I venture into public spaces where the fiddle becomes a conduit for shared joy. The bustling streets, quaint cafes, or vibrant community gatherings transform into impromptu stages where the fiddle tunes take center stage. With each stroke of the bow, I embark on a musical odyssey that resonates with the hearts of those who chance upon the performance. Playing in public not only amplifies the pleasure derived from my creative passion but also extends the gift of shared happiness to others. The fiddle becomes a vessel for connection, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of togetherness. Through this communal celebration of music, I contribute to the collective well-being, adding a touch of enchantment to the tapestry of daily life. The echoes of my fiddle tunes linger in the air, leaving behind a trail of shared smiles and harmonious memories, a testament to the profound impact that creative expression can have on the world around us. As for the question of when I feel most creative, it's in those stolen moments when the world hushes to a whisper, and the fiddle's voice becomes the sole narrator of my thoughts. Amidst the quietude of night or the gentle hum of dawn, creativity unfurls its wings, guided by the fiddle's enchanting serenade. These moments, a rendezvous with inspiration, illuminate the path to a world where the written word dances to the tunes of imagination, and the fiddle becomes the whimsical maestro orchestrating the grand symphony of storytelling.

Legacy, to me, is the ethereal thread that weaves through the fabric of our existence, connecting past, present, and future. It embodies the collective wisdom, values, and experiences passed down from one generation to the next, shaping the narrative of our lives. Born into a tapestry of traditions and narratives, my upbringing has been both a compass and a canvas, guiding my journey while providing space for personal interpretation. In the quiet corners of my childhood, I discovered the echoes of ancestral stories, the laughter of my elders, and the silent struggles that formed the foundation of my legacy. It was in these moments that I realized the profound impact of upbringing, as the lessons of resilience, compassion, and determination were woven into the very fabric of my being. Each stitch in this tapestry represents not just my own journey but the collective aspirations and hardships of those who came before me. However, legacy is not merely an inheritance; it's a dynamic force that requires introspection and conscious choice. As I navigate the crossroads of tradition and innovation, I find myself at the intersection of continuation and transformation. To continue the legacy is to honor the sacrifices, celebrate the victories, and carry forward the torch of values that define my familial heritage. My father, a beacon of inspiration in my life, embodies the spirit of legacy. His unwavering commitment to hard work, integrity, and empathy has been a guiding light. His sacrifices have become the threads of resilience woven into the fabric of our family narrative. Witnessing his journey instilled in me a profound understanding of the responsibilities that come with legacy. In my journey forward, I plan to embrace both aspects of legacy — continuation and transformation. I aim to draw strength from the timeless values instilled by my upbringing, translating them into actions that contribute positively to the world. Simultaneously, I endeavor to break the cycle of limitations, prejudices, and unexamined norms, forging a path that reflects my unique identity and values. As I engage with this intricate tapestry, I recognize the dual nature of legacy—the delicate dance between continuity and change. To me, it's not a static relic of the past but a living, breathing entity that I am constantly unraveling and reweaving. In the threads of continuity, I find strength, drawing upon the timeless values and lessons imparted by those who walked the path before me. These enduring elements serve as a source of grounding, reminding me of the resilience, compassion, and determination that have withstood the test of time. Simultaneously, I embrace the transformative potential within the interplay of change. Each decision, each choice, and each moment of self-discovery becomes a new thread in the ongoing tapestry of legacy. Breaking away from patterns that hinder growth, I engage in a purposeful act of reweaving—adding vibrant hues of innovation, authenticity, and progress to the intricate design of my life. Understanding that legacy is not a static imposition but a collaborative creation, I approach it with intentionality and reflection. In this continuous dialogue with the past and the future, I navigate the rich terrain of familial heritage while forging an individualized path that aligns with my unique identity and values. It is within this interplay of continuity and change that I discern the essence of a life lived with purpose and impact, contributing meaningfully to the evolving narrative of legacy.

Blood pressure: 161/95. I lie in the emergency room unable to adequately articulate myself. I was hooked up to an electrocardiogram while violently shaking. After the results were sent to an assigned medical team, I was swiftly transferred to a private room. Suddenly, a cart with several empty vials entered the room. The phlebotomist inserted a butterfly needle into my arm to draw blood for testing, and my blood pressure rapidly increased. Three long and stressful hours passed by while I anxiously sat in silence, accompanied by the occasional sounds of the vitals monitor, awaiting my diagnosis. Delicate knocks at the door were delivered, a cardiologist appears. In the most delicate tone, he reassured me that I was going to be ok. My blood pressure monitor reflected an immediate decrease. He then briefed the test results and explained what they meant. I was given a diagnosis of anxiety related heart palpitations. Following my interaction with the cardiologist, I realized what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I aspire to become a thoroughly knowledgeable individual who eliminates the stress of every patient through detailed diagnosis, feasible treatment options, and reassurance. I am enamored with learning more about prevention and treatment of disease in the human body since my emergency room experience. Every single day this year I have and will continue to research a new rare disorder on the National Organization of Rare Disorders website. For each disorder, I write a journal entry with symptoms, causes, and treatment. Not only do I want to holistically care for patients on an individual basis, but I also want to make a positive impact on society. I plan on being directly involved with medical research, benefiting patients worldwide. I will collaborate with medical professionals and researchers to find and improve treatments. Working toward this goal, I completed a psychology study under the guidance of two science research instructors, a psychologist, and my research mentor. Through simulated analytical decision making I discovered that alternating attention directly affects the analytical decision-making process and the Trail-Making Test is an accurate exam to evaluate an individual’s cognitive abilities. Currently, I am networking with local physicians for more research inquiries and shadowing opportunities. I see an anxious patient lying in the emergency room awaiting comfort from a doctor. I see a determined, knowledgeable, and emotionally understanding doctor whose priority is to mitigate the anxiety of his patients and patients around the world. Having gone through an unforgettable experience, I now possess a heightened empathetic connection with anxious patients of mine in the future.

As a child of a Vietnamese father adopted because of the Vietnam war and a white American mother, I often found myself caught between two cultures and not fully belonging to either. Growing up, I struggled to fit in with both the Asian and white communities, feeling like I was too white for the Asian kids and too Asian for the white kids. I was what some people refer to as "wasian," a blend of white and Asian, and it seemed like I didn't quite fit into any social circle. As years passed, I began to embrace both of my cultures and learned to celebrate the unique blend that made me who I am. I no longer saw being mixed as a liability, but as a strength. I'm able to bring a different perspective to the table, one that encompassed both Eastern and Western ideals. There is a massive divide between Eastern and Western skincare in this massive industry. Eastern skincare highlights skin barrier strength with minimal active ingredients in their products and more calming but also exfoliating ingredients such as willow bark. On the other hand, Western skincare uses harsh but effective ingredients such as high levels of salicylic acid. The drawback to these powerful ingredients is that they destroy the skin's barrier. While both sides of this industry work respectively, currently I'm researching the effects of combining them. Alongside opening my Dermatology practice, I aspire to create a skincare line that is effective and does not negatively impact the skin's barrier. Not only do I want to holistically care for patients on an individual basis, but I also want to make a positive impact on society. I plan on being directly involved with medical research, benefiting patients worldwide. I will collaborate with medical professionals and researchers to find and improve treatments. Working toward this goal, I completed a psychology study under the guidance of two science research instructors, a psychologist, and my research mentor. Through simulated analytical decision making I discovered that alternating attention directly affects the analytical decision-making process and the Trail-Making Test is an accurate exam to evaluate an individual’s cognitive abilities. Currently, I am networking with local physicians for more research inquiries and shadowing opportunities. I eagerly await the opportunity to participate in research studies alongside my college professors in the future. As an aspiring medical specialist, I believe it is crucial to have a strong story. However, it is more important to hold onto it and never forget where you came from.