I find myself using the word "altruism" quite often these days. Surely I could use different words and phrases, but this word and its affixes truly capture the attributes and values that I treasure. What does altruism or being altruistic mean? It is a principle of selflessness and acts of kindness. It is the concern for another’s well-being. It is the unshakable feeling and desire to help someone. Without being altruistic, I really do not know who I would be. My altruism started with my willingness to fight for change and my interest in the art of expression. When I was a young elementary school student, I would get angry about matters such as animal abuse or illegal poaching. One day, I remember writing these pages about puppy mills and the unlawful killings of endangered animals. However, when I finished it, my reading audience was limited. My essays were all folded into my writing composition assignments’ file. As much as I wanted to be an advocate for nature, I had to wait until I learned about several ways to share my ideas. During that period, I had this yearning to speak and deliver messages that could positively affect someone or something, especially if making a change was not in their power. Utmost appreciation goes out to those who help me. Whether it be assistance on a confusing topic or guidance during a challenging process, the people who have contributed to my progress have indeed contributed to my progress, leaving a great impact on me. I admire them for their kindness and patience. We inevitably wish to follow in our heroes' footsteps. Therefore, I, a student inspired by her educators, wish to become an educator as well. Anything that I learn that may be resourceful to another cannot be kept to myself. Through science communication, I have been able to present initially confusing biomedical concepts in creatively simple terms on YouTube and my blog. It is impossible for me to log into Brainly without first answering someone’s question before submitting my own. I dislike being stuck on an issue, and I think no one else should be in a situation where they are stuck. That sums up my acts of altruism—a passion to express my feelings for a better world and the willingness to be a guide has developed quite firmly inside of me. But there is more, isn’t there? When I advocate or take part in a person’s education, I want to take part in these actions as much as possible. I want altruism to be a part of my life and my career. I feel better about who I am and what my purpose is in humanity when I altruistically live my life. My mission is impacted by experiencing and witnessing hardship. There is a specific plight that strikes during life. Pain and suffering, disease and illness, the decline of our biological systems—these attempt to prevent us from celebrating life as we wish to. Then other issues come into play, such as not getting access to treatment or not getting the right care on time. Whenever such events took place, my mind would be baffled with questions. "Couldn’t it be prevented? How can we stop this? How can we help that person make their life better?" I then found myself. Everything that surrounds the medical field requires altruism, and I am thrilled to join it. From comforting a patient through their troubles to exchanging valuable knowledge with my acquaintances, the doctor’s role fulfills my altruistic, exploratory journey.

I find myself using the word "altruism" quite often these days. Surely I could use different words and phrases, but this word and its affixes truly capture the attributes and values that I treasure. What does altruism or being altruistic mean? It is a principle of selflessness and acts of kindness. It is the concern for another’s well-being. It is the unshakable feeling and desire to help someone. Without being altruistic, I really do not know who I would be. My altruism started with my willingness to fight for change and my interest in the art of expression. When I was a young elementary school student, I would get angry about matters such as animal abuse or illegal poaching. One day, I remember writing these pages about puppy mills and the unlawful killings of endangered animals. However, when I finished it, my reading audience was limited. My essays were all folded into my writing composition assignments’ file. As much as I wanted to be an advocate for nature, I had to wait until I learned about several ways to share my ideas. During that period, I had this yearning to speak and deliver messages that could positively affect someone or something, especially if making a change was not in their power. Utmost appreciation goes out to those who help me. Whether it be assistance on a confusing topic or guidance during a challenging process, the people who have contributed to my progress have indeed contributed to my progress, leaving a great impact on me. I admire them for their kindness and patience. We inevitably wish to follow in our heroes' footsteps. Therefore, I, a student inspired by her educators, wish to become an educator as well. Anything that I learn that may be resourceful to another cannot be kept to myself. Through science communication, I have been able to present initially confusing biomedical concepts in creatively simple terms on YouTube and my blog. It is impossible for me to log into Brainly without first answering someone’s question before submitting my own. I dislike being stuck on an issue, and I think no one else should be in a situation where they are stuck. That sums up my acts of altruism—a passion to express my feelings for a better world and the willingness to be a guide has developed quite firmly inside of me. But there is more, isn’t there? When I advocate or take part in a person’s education, I want to take part in these actions as much as possible. I want altruism to be a part of my life and my career. I feel better about who I am and what my purpose is in humanity when I altruistically live my life. My mission is impacted by experiencing and witnessing hardship. There is a specific plight that strikes during life. Pain and suffering, disease and illness, the decline of our biological systems—these attempt to prevent us from celebrating life as we wish to. Then other issues come into play, such as not getting access to treatment or not getting the right care on time. Whenever such events took place, my mind would be baffled with questions. "Couldn’t it be prevented? How can we stop this? How can we help that person make their life better?" I then found myself. Everything that surrounds the medical field requires altruism, and I am thrilled to join it. From comforting a patient through their troubles to exchanging valuable knowledge with my acquaintances, the doctor’s role fulfills my altruistic, exploratory journey.

Question 1. Over the years, I have developed this motto, to be “passionate about many passions.” The essence of my existence is based on my interests spread across the arts and the sciences. I love creativity and storytelling. I love curiosity and problem solving. Being a homeschooler and a witness to the pains that poverty inflicts on a minority family, education has a special place in my heart. Education plays a role in each and every area of study and interest, regardless of what it may be, because we, as humans, are constantly learning. Like many, I believe my enthusiasm stemmed from my youthful years. However, a surge of energy has been generated from the challenges faced. Circumstances have hurt my family’s access to opportunity, and my career choice and education have always been at risk due to the largest determining factor in my life— finances. I show defiance against the beast. I refuse to see life for the money, and I have the best intentions of perceiving my aspirations with humanistically optimistic eyes. What I imagine I would do with my life is exactly what I am endeavoring to do as of the now. Among many goals, my mission is to make a positive impact on society through fighting for access to and equality in higher education. I want to ensure that students can pursue their passions without being blocked by adversity. I want to ensure that women like me have the best experience possible in their STEM education. Question 2. Our universe is governed by the elemental concepts of STEM. From mathematical language to the functions of the brain, there is a scientific (or mathematical) explanation for almost everything around us. If there is no explanation for some curiosity as yet, researchers persist, bringing breakthroughs to our lives. In STEM, our questions can continue into a plethora of infinite knowledge and discovery. I go into a craze for knowledge in every area of study possible, but I narrowed my interests down to biomedicine and the study of humans itself. Humanity is impacted by psychology and neuroscience, allowing us to provide structure for society. However, our being is not only influenced by our thinking but also by our organ structures connected together. Within the lifespan of a living being, pain and suffering, disease and illness, and the decline of our biological systems limit our full potential. Before technology’s advancement, our doctors relied solely on knowledge, observations, and deductions when it came to diagnosis. Their hands and precise skills were imperative for surgery. With IT, the field of medicine has progressed immensely. Care and treatment is faster than before. Surgical procedures have become more precise and effective. The healthcare system is more organized and efficient. If I had to contribute to the medical world through technology, I would love to further the development of clinical decision support systems like DXplain so misdiagnosis can be reduced and doctors can make more informed diagnostics to improve the lives of their patients. Question 3. It was the summer of 2021; still in the pandemic, I could neither proceed to volunteer at the local medical center nor shadow my pediatrician out of fears of exposing my loved-ones to this continuously mutating virus. A novice science communicator and writer, I had to find some alternative to my social learning and the polishing of my education. With some deep thinking, an epiphany came to me, and I started a science communication publication and an online science community. I cannot deny the rough start I had. Attempting to be unique, I focused on first generation STEM students like myself, promising to promote inclusion and uplift first-generation science communicators by sharing their work with the science world. But was it as inclusive as I said it would be? There was a hesitation among participants, but why? Members asked me if they were welcome regardless of not being "first gen," giving me a thought to hold. I had to realize that my friends’ uniqueness did not come from one identity, but sprouted from various values and backgrounds that shaped them into writers, researchers, advocates for race and gender equality in STEM, and more. Had I limited "STEM First! Gen." to one identity, we would not have known about the many stories in the publication today. I now treasure sharing and learning from others, remembering that close-mindedness resulted in little success, while opening the door to inclusion gifted me partnerships and lessons that unlocked deeper engagement in my community.

Main Essay: The anchor of poverty stops me from reaching the surface. I can see the glimmering light that hits the murky water, yet I struggle to swim any further, my breath of willpower diminishing. Inspired by my mentors, some of whom were master clinicians, I pursue the doctor’s profession. It requires academic excellence, and the tuition costs are staggering if one calculates the cost of college and medical school combined. To get into my dream medical school at Johns Hopkins, I have to maintain a high GPA, achieve a high MCAT score, and show diligence in my college career. Before reaching that stage, however, I have to get into college and complete my undergraduate education. My parents are unemployed due to an adversity that determines their life in the States, creating hardship as they do their best to support me. Our financial and living situation have been difficult to cope with, but they have been making the very best of our simple life until I can take the lead as an adult. Homeschooled since kindergarten, I became a more self-taught student as I grasped STEM, the arts, and more matters of interest in high school. I progressed regardless of the distressing possibility that we could end up in a worse situation today, tomorrow, or at any moment. Worries have hindered my studies before, but I hope this does not stay true when I have to concentrate on my studies as a college student. If college is all that I anticipate it to be, I feel at ease knowing that there will be a plethora of support from peers and mentors to guide me along this unfamiliar path to medicine, along with a variety of resources to feed my knowledge and curiosity. Finances for both college and my life outside of school must be met, so I must steel myself as I plan to effectively balance financial efforts and my education. During these final days of high school, I have been making the best of my time by applying to scholarships every chance that I get. The money that I hopefully earn through scholarships like this would be my battering ram as I break the bolted door between me and the start of my education. Each achievement that paves the way to my destination gives me an everlasting fire of hope to continue my journey to excellence. Question 1: Higher education is a gift to womankind. I remember my mother telling me of Grandmother’s unfortunate life as a young West Indian woman. Coerced into marriage at the age of thirteen, my maternal grandmother could not pursue an education because culture and society kept her a servant to the opposite sex. Knowing this, the history of women’s rights grips my heart at a personal level, and I could not be prouder to learn and achieve in honor of those before me. College is but a stepping stone in my education; I wish to pursue medical school, which would then take me to a graduate residency program and onward. I want to reach my greatest potential, and even if I choose a different route after college, my spirit will be filled with the rewarding sense of satisfaction of starting and finishing an education that many could not have done. I do this for them. Question 2: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once wrote, “A change of work is the best rest.” My endeavors as a homeschooler have allowed me to become a productive teenager even outside of the academic environment. The most prominent activity I participate in is writing; I have always had a passion for this art and it has become a part of my everyday life. A few ways I exercise my writing skills are through taking charge of my initiatives that I created during the pandemic, “STEM First! Gen.” and “The Baskerville Pups,” a science communication publication and a Sherlockian book club, respectively. Every evening, I revise and edit article pitches, write informative blog posts, and interact with friends on the community forums. When I turn eighteen, my activities are bound to expand as I take up new responsibilities such as learning to drive and making decisions with the family. However, no matter how my schedule runs, I always make time to foster a good character within myself through creating stop motion animations, writing about my perspectives on current affairs, trying my hand at fiction and adapted screenplays, and so forth. I love being passionate about many passions, and am always eager to delve into something new. Question 3: How does one become curious? I found out the answer quite easily— a little motivation, a sense of observation, and the courage to explore the unknown combine to make the element of curiosity. When one is aroused by a matter or issue, they begin to analyze it deeply and become more and more curious about it. What exactly do I observe and ponder on, you ask? My situation as a minority has sparked my interest in improving access to and equality in higher education. My youthful creativity and imagination, once dampened by adversity, have motivated my determination to chase my continuous passion for the art of storytelling in any subject area. My admiration for the altruism and intellect underneath the white coat, has piqued my mind and pulled me closer to medicine. I live by the words of the late Dr. Faith T. Fitzgerald: “Curiosity is the urge to investigate, to discover.” As a lifelong learner, I’m on a journey to investigate issues and discover solutions. My case of interest is finding a way to positively impact the people around me. And, I am not afraid of failing— I am only afraid of not trying and not continuing to try, whatever it is that I am trying to do. That is why curiosity is part of the scientific process, so we can wonder why, how, and what if.

Humanity— what is it? To me, humanity is how human beings live up to their ambitions, hopes, and dreams. The thinkers and doers of society formulate ideas, create and discover breakthroughs, and support each other. Together, we can celebrate and appreciate living as human beings. However, like a traditional story, antagonists and conflicts will be present. Somewhere along the lifespan of a living being, pain and suffering, disease and illness, and the decline of our biological systems attempt to prevent us from celebrating life as we wish to. Regardless of how ailments may occur, whether by violence, accident, or natural causes, these issues are fought against by our protagonists. In my eyes, these protagonists are doctors of medicine, and I aspire to be among these heroes of medicine. Inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dr. Faith T. Fitzgerald, I strongly believe that medical training gives one the opportunity to exercise their cognitive reasoning to great extents all the while supporting their patients through empathy and kindness. Medicine is one of the most humanistic fields of the sciences, and I cannot escape the urge to venture into the vast range of knowledge and values that becoming a doctor can give me. Being one who has witnessed the despair often caused by the maladies of life, I set out to become a problem solver of the medical world, and at all costs, an empathizer that my patients can depend upon. A wonderful thing about medicine is that the altruism behind the practice goes far beyond patient care. As a doctor, one will be swept away by life-long learning and the responsibilities of an educator in the field. I, for one, look forward to the day that I, as an experienced doctor, can share the valuable lessons that I have learned with the people around me. Those people will be my patients and students in the medical community. I will take pleasure in informing my patients about their health and care, and it will be an honor to guide and teach medical students who are eager to become the doctors they always dreamed of. From the eyes of this pre-medical student, I see that the doctor’s role will give me the opportunity to play my part in humanity to the fullest. The journey during and after my studies provides a sense of togetherness as I learn with my peers and mentors. And, with them and the people that I cross paths with, I can give back through exercising my knowledge and thoughtful reasoning. I look forward to writing in the pages of my existential book the cases and adventures of me making an impact in someone’s life, from holding their hand and giving them the comfort they need through the pain and issues they present, to sharing knowledge and valuable information to my acquaintances through the art of storytelling. I do not want my journey as a human being to end; yes, it may end because of the very temporary biological systems I focused my life around, but I want my being, my work, and my efforts to live on and inspire those who come after me, ready to shape humanity into the society they will continue to fuel.

As I have come to the final chapter of my high school education, I can now recall the events that have led me to my responsibilities as an initiator of a diverse community centered around advocacy for creative means to communicate scientific information. Although it cannot be regarded as an in-person club, once favorable prior to the COVID-19 crisis, I and my fellow friends pursuing STEM have made successful achievements during this pandemic with an outreach to a varied audience of scientists, writers, and the general public alike. I started this network while looking for alternatives to my social learning and the polishing of my education. It was the summer of 2021; still in the pandemic, I could neither proceed to volunteer at the local medical center nor shadow my pediatrician out of fears of exposing my loved-ones to this continuously mutating virus. The previous year, 2020, was fruitful despite the limits presented by COVID-19 because I turned to the deepening of my newly found knowledge of science communication. In 2021, I intended to continue into science communication, this time improving my skills and associating with others who endeavored in these matters. I will not deny the rough start I had, creating a community from scratch. I began on the familiar blogging grounds of Medium. It was uncommon to find a section where the art of science communication was shared; hence, I started a new publication devoted to the practice itself. Attempting to be unique, I focused on first generation STEM students like myself, promising to promote inclusion in the community and uplift first generation science communicators by sharing their works with the science world. But was it as inclusive as I said it would be? After a wonderful introduction to the community, there was a hesitation among participants. Members asked me if they were welcome regardless of not being "first gen," giving me a thought to hold. I revised and pondered, realizing that my friends’ uniqueness did not come from one identity, but sprouted from various values and backgrounds that shaped them into writers, researchers, advocates for race and gender equality in STEM, and more. Had I limited "STEM First! Gen." to one identity, I and many others would not have known of the many stories that we have on the publication today. Now I must graduate from this stage of secondary schooling to the riveting start of my higher education. As a graduating homeschooler, I am proud of what I have achieved regardless of the lifestyle that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged me to. I am much obliged to my community at "STEM First! Gen.," for shaping me into the person who loves to share experiences and likewise learn from others. I will remember that close mindedness resulted in little success, while opening the door to inclusion gifted me partnerships and lessons that unlocked deeper engagement in my community. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, "Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person." It is a privilege to utilize science communication for my personal study methods, however it is a greater privilege to share knowledge with those around me, ensuring a strong connection between me and my fellow academicians.

As I have come to the final chapter of my high school education, I can now recall the events that have led me to my responsibilities as an initiator of a diverse community centered around advocacy for creative means to communicate scientific information. Although it cannot be regarded as an in-person club, once favorable prior to the COVID-19 crisis, I and my fellow friends pursuing STEM have made successful achievements during this pandemic with an outreach to a varied audience of scientists, writers, and the general public alike. I started this network while looking for alternatives to my social learning and the polishing of my education. It was the summer of 2021; still in the pandemic, I could neither proceed to volunteer at the local medical center nor shadow my pediatrician out of fears of exposing my loved-ones to this continuously mutating virus. The previous year, 2020, was fruitful despite the limits presented by COVID-19 because I turned to the deepening of my newly found knowledge of science communication. In 2021, I intended to continue into science communication, this time improving my skills and associating with others who endeavored in these matters. I will not deny the rough start I had, creating a community from scratch. I began on the familiar blogging grounds of Medium. It was uncommon to find a section where the art of science communication was shared; hence, I started a new publication devoted to the practice itself. Attempting to be unique, I focused on first generation STEM students like myself, promising to promote inclusion in the community and uplift first generation science communicators by sharing their works with the science world. But was it as inclusive as I said it would be? After a wonderful introduction to the community, there was a hesitation among participants. Members asked me if they were welcome regardless of not being "first gen," giving me a thought to hold. I revised and pondered, realizing that my friends’ uniqueness did not come from one identity, but sprouted from various values and backgrounds that shaped them into writers, researchers, advocates for race and gender equality in STEM, and more. Had I limited "STEM First! Gen." to one identity, I and many others would not have known of the many stories that we have on the publication today.  Now I must graduate from this stage of secondary schooling to the riveting start of my higher education. As a graduating homeschooler, I am proud of what I have achieved regardless of the lifestyle that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged me to. I am much obliged to my community at "STEM First! Gen.," for shaping me into the person who loves to share experiences and likewise learn from others.  I will remember that close mindedness resulted in little success, while opening the door to inclusion gifted me partnerships and lessons that unlocked deeper engagement in my community. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, "Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person." It is a privilege to utilize science communication for my personal study methods, however it is a greater privilege to share knowledge with those around me, ensuring a strong connection between me and my fellow academicians.

The scribblings of my pen upon the paper, the sound of my fingers against the keyboard— these are the small things in life that I appreciate. Writing has become a part of my being, and grows with me every day. I cannot think of my life without the art of expressing myself, because when I did go without it during my early school years, life was colorless. Fortunately, I stood on the shoulders of giants, and my tastes in literature uplifted the heavy repression. Through the fictions created by Stan Lee, the adventures penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the satires constructed by H. H. Munro, I learned of writing as a conveyor of emotions and valuable lessons. I too yearned to share a piece of myself with society, considering writing as a versatile contrivance. The letters that make words, the words that make sentences, and the sentences that are foundations to written works all give me the gift of expression anywhere and everywhere. Particularly absorbed by education’s impact on humanity, and on a more personal aspect, the marvels of natural and human science, writing has served my efforts quite well, allowing me to fulfill myself as a character in these chronicles of existence. My character challenges me to understand the world around me. I have seen that my notes transform into scripts, allowing me to illuminate my words with video and motion graphics. My hand drawn animations were completed only with the guidance of my written research. All have been possible because of the confidence that writing allowed me to build as I poured my thoughts onto paper. With my achievements, I share a piece of my findings with society. There is nothing more delightful than knowing that my work enlightened or stirred someone’s mind, because to me, one can share, but can they inspire? Wishing to follow in the footsteps of the great minds who have inspired me, I want to have a positive influence on others in this generation and the next. From observing current events, listening to different perspectives, and gathering from my own experiences, I mold my opinions and suggestions into written pieces. My expositions are achieved by the twisting and mending of words, not to be egocentric about my stances, but to relate with fellow thinkers and doers. Throughout history, humans have found many ways to share their ideas and stories that have driven their willpower. My way of connecting and contributing to society is through my activities as a writer. I have been given the power to whip my pen across works that encourage diversity in academia or initiate uniqueness in education. Working towards my desired career in medicine, I will eagerly write in support of fellow medical students, doctors, and health professionals. If one were to stare deeply into these matters that I write about and the manner in which I write, they would be looking at me, because it all reflects my perspectives, values, and ambitions.

The scribblings of my pen upon the paper, the sound of my fingers against the keyboard— these are the small things in life that I appreciate. I cannot think of my life without writing, because when I went without it during my early school years, life was colorless. Fortunately, I stood on the shoulders of giants, and my tastes in literature uplifted the heavy repression. Through the fictions created by Stan Lee, the adventures penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the satires constructed by H. H. Munro, I learned of writing as a conveyor of emotions and valuable lessons. The letters that make words, the words that make sentences, and the sentences that are foundations to written works all give me the gift of expression anywhere and everywhere. I have seen that my notes transform into scripts, allowing me to illuminate words with video and motion graphics. My hand drawn animations are completed with the guidance of my written research. It is delightful sharing my findings, too. I wish to have a positive influence on society. I mold my ideas into written pieces, not to be egocentric about my stances, but to relate with fellow students and educators. Throughout history, humans have found many ways to share ideas that have driven their willpower. My way of sharing is through my activities as a writer. I have been given the power to whip my pen across works that encourage diversity and uniqueness in education. Working towards my desired career in medicine, I will eagerly write in support of fellow medical students and health professionals. If one were to stare deeply into these matters that I write about and the manner in which I write, they would be looking at me, because it all reflects my perspectives, values, and ambitions.

As I have come to the final chapter of my high school education, I can now recall the events which have led me to my responsibilities as an initiator of a diverse community centered around advocacy for creative means to communicate scientific information. Although it cannot be regarded as an in-person club, once favorable prior to the COVID-19 crisis, I and my fellow friends pursuing STEM have made successful achievements during this pandemic with an outreach to a varied audience of scientists, writers, and the general public alike. I started this network while looking for alternatives to my social learning and the polishing of my education. It was the summer of 2021; still in the pandemic, I could neither proceed to volunteer at the local medical center nor shadow my pediatrician out of fears of exposing my loved-ones to this continuously mutating virus. The previous year, 2020, was fruitful as I deepened my newly found knowledge of science communication. In 2021, I intended to continue into science communication, this time improving my skills and associating with others who endeavored in these matters. I will not deny the rough start I had, creating a community from scratch. I began on the familiar blogging grounds of Medium. It was uncommon to find a section where the art of science communication was shared; hence, I started a new publication devoted to the practice itself. Attempting to be unique, I focused on first generation STEM students like myself, promising to promote inclusion in the community, uplifting first generation science communicators by sharing their works with the science world. But was it as inclusive as I said it would be? After a wonderful introduction to the community, there was a hesitation among participants. Members asked me if they were welcome regardless of not being “first gen,” giving me a thought to hold. I revised and pondered, realizing that my friends’ uniqueness did not come from one identity, but sprouted from various values and backgrounds that shaped them into writers, researchers, advocates for race and gender equality in STEM, and more. Had I limited “STEM First! Gen.” to one identity, I and many others would not have known of the many stories that we have on the publication today. Now I must graduate from this stage of secondary schooling to the riveting start of my higher education. I am much obliged to my community at “STEM First! Gen.,” for shaping me into the person who loves to share experiences and likewise learn from others. I will remember that close mindedness resulted in little success, while opening the door to inclusion gifted me partnerships and lessons that unlocked deeper engagement in my community. Arthur Conan Doyle wrote, “Nothing clears up a case so much as stating it to another person.” It is a privilege to utilize science communication for my personal study methods, however it is a greater privilege to share knowledge with those around me, ensuring a strong connection between me and my fellow academicians.