As I entered the dimly lit room, I noticed an unopened box of black licorice on the bedside table. "Don't be shy, come take some licorice!", my great-grandma Rose called. Cautiously, I crept up and gave a cautious hug while successfully stealing away some of the beloved sweet treats I craved. Before exiting the room, I noticed my father wiping away some tears as we said our goodbyes and left. I didn't understand that at that moment I would never have another chance to see my Nanny Rose again. I can still remember my Nanny's strong Yiddish accent and curly white hair. She was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa in 1908, and shortly after emigrated to the United States in 1914 with her parents. Growing up as messianic Jews, they often attended temple services and celebrations. These traditions permeated my generation, as my father followed in our ancestors' footsteps. A week after my 13th birthday, I had my own Bat-Mitzvah and was lucky enough to have all of my family members there. Although the celebration was wonderful, I felt as though someone was missing. I distinctly remember being raised on a chair in front of my entire family after the service I led, and knowing that Nanny Rose was still watching me from heaven, proud of what I had accomplished that day. Throughout my high school years, I committed more of my time to the development of my Jewish faith and culture. In 8th grade, I began volunteering for the temple preschool and teaching younger students how to read Hebrew. By 9th grade, I had joined SBORTY or the Santa Barbara Organization of Reformed Temple Youth. Within this group, we planned fun events that welcomed any Jewish high schoolers as we celebrated our heritage via scavenger hunts, prayer nights, or camping trips. Through these experiences, I began to cherish the sacrifices my ancestors had made to immigrate to this country. It was so easy for me to involve myself with my temple and take advantage of a multitude of resources, however I cannot imagine the difficulties my Nanny Rose had to make as a 6-year-old in a new country. For as long as I could remember, I have always wanted a healthcare career. It wasn't until my junior year of undergraduate school that I realized my true passion; natural medicine. This realization felt full circle to me. Nanny Rose, my grandma Arline and my father had raised me always emphasizing taking care of our health and being proactive with the environment we placed our bodies into. My grandma had sacrificed herself to take care of her mom, my great-grandma, during the last couple of years of her life. She worked tirelessly to make sure she was comfortable in her most vulnerable years. By furthering my education and pursuing my Doctorate, I feel as though I could dedicate the rest of my career and life to the continual sacrifices Nanny Rose made by developing our family in this country. Although her parents had ultimately chosen to move, she had placed down roots that would eventually lead to the birth of her daughter, my grandma, and so forth. Without her existence, I would not be able to enjoy the freedoms that I do today, or even be able to apply to graduate school. I am extremely grateful that my Nanny Rose lived to be 103 years old. I truly am inspired to continue my education in honor of the life that she lived. I know that when I receive my diploma she will be there, cheering me on from heaven.