Hello, I'm Bree Dang, a first year at Southwestern University where I plan to focus in psychology and chemistry. From a young age, I've been drawn to the medical field, particularly dermatology, where I see the opportunity to merge my passion for skincare with my interest in understanding the psychological aspects of dermatological conditions. My journey towards this goal has been shaped by various experiences, including significant obstacles that have made the path to medical school more challenging. One of the primary obstacles I've encountered is financial circumstances. As a first-generation college student from a low income background, navigating the financial challenges of pursuing a medical education has been daunting. From covering tuition fees to affording study materials and exam preparation courses, the financial burden of pursuing a career in medicine has been substantial. However, rather than letting these obstacles deter me from my goal, I've embraced them as opportunities for growth. Thus, I've worked mutiple jobs and used resources to allow me this oppournity to study at my current college. Additionally, I will particpating in study abroad in Granada Spain in summer of 2024 where I look forward to an enriching experience studying abroad in Granada, Spain, to immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture. However, I was able to pursue in this dream through working for since junior year in high school and saving up for future plans. This opportunity to study abroad in Granada is not only personally enriching but also holds immense potential for my future career in medicine. As a future dermatologist, communication is key in building trust and understanding with patients from diverse backgrounds. By studying Spanish in Granada, I aim to enhance my language skills and cultural competency, enabling me to better connect with Spanish-speaking patients in my community and provide more personalized and effective care. Furthermore, I plan to leverage my time in Granada to explore opportunities for community engagement and service. Whether through volunteering at local clinics, participating in health education initiatives, or collaborating with healthcare professionals, I aim to give back to the community in Granada and learn from their experiences in delivering healthcare services. Thus, experiencing financial difficulties firsthand has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and understanding for patients who may face similar challenges accessing healthcare. I recognize that financial barriers can prevent individuals from seeking timely medical care or adhering to treatment plans, leading to poorer health outcomes. As a future medical doctor, I am committed to advocating for equitable access to healthcare and working towards reducing disparities in healthcare delivery. Moreover, overcoming financial obstacles has taught me the value of resourcefulness and perseverance. I've learned to navigate scholarship opportunities, seek out financial aid resources, and balance work and academic responsibilities to make ends meet. These experiences have honed my problem-solving skills and resilience, qualities that I believe will serve me well in the demanding and dynamic field of medicine. Thank you for allowing me to share this experience.

Hello, I'm Bree Dang! I'm currently a freshman at Southwestern University, where I'm pursuing a path in the medical field with a focus on psychology and chemistry. Specifically, my goal is to become a dermatologist, combining my passion for skincare with my interest in understanding the psychological aspects of dermatological conditions. As I progress through my studies, I am increasingly aware of the importance of public service in healthcare. Dermatology, like many medical specialties, plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. Skin conditions not only affect physical health but also have significant impacts on mental well-being and social interactions. As a future dermatologist, I am committed to using my education and expertise to give back to my community in several ways: First , I plan to provide accessible and compassionate dermatological care to underserved populations. This includes offering low-cost or free clinics, participating in community outreach programs, and collaborating with local healthcare organizations to address the skincare needs of vulnerable communities. By volunteering my time and expertise, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who may not have access to quality dermatological care otherwise. Additionally, I am passionate about education and prevention when it comes to skincare. I believe that empowering individuals with knowledge about proper skincare practices and early detection of skin conditions can prevent unnecessary suffering and improve overall health outcomes. I plan to engage in community education initiatives, such as workshops, seminars, and school outreach programs, to raise awareness about skin health and promote preventive measures. However, my journey is not just confined to the classrooms of my university; I'm also looking forward to an enriching experience studying abroad in Granada, Spain, to immerse myself in the Spanish language and culture. This opportunity to study abroad in Granada is not only personally enriching but also holds immense potential for my future career in medicine. As a future dermatologist, communication is key in building trust and understanding with patients from diverse backgrounds. By studying Spanish in Granada, I aim to enhance my language skills and cultural competency, enabling me to better connect with Spanish-speaking patients in my community and provide more personalized and effective care. These insights will be invaluable as I strive to provide culturally competent and patient-centered care to a diverse patient population in my community. Furthermore, I aspire to contribute to dermatological research and advocacy efforts aimed at advancing treatment options and policies that benefit the community at large. By participating in clinical trials, conducting research studies, and advocating for evidence-based skincare practices, I aim to contribute to the development of innovative treatments and policies that address the needs of diverse populations.

Hello, I'm Bree Dang! I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share my motivation for pursuing a higher education. Growing up, I've always been drawn to the medical field, particularly dermatology. The idea of helping people feel confident in their skin and addressing various skin conditions has always resonated with me as I've experienced a similar issue. Now, I've continued on my journey at Southwestern University where I can learn new skills and connect with people of similar interest. In addition to my studies at Southwestern University, I am excited to share that I will be participating in a study abroad program in Granada, Spain, summer of 2024. This experience presents a unique opportunity for me to advance my understanding of the medical field, where I hope to gain valuable insights into different approaches to dermatological care and explore international perspectives on skincare. During my time in Granada, I plan to engage with local healthcare professionals, participate in clinical rotations, and collaborate on research projects relevant to my interests in psychology and chemistry. By exchanging ideas with experts in the field and experiencing firsthand the challenges and opportunities in dermatological practice abroad, I aim for the chance to immerse myself in a diverse cultural setting, fostering cross-cultural understanding and enhancing my interpersonal skills. I believe that exposure to different cultural norms and healthcare practices will not only enrich my academic experience but also shape me into a more culturally competent and globally aware healthcare professional. In pursuit of my passion for the dermatology path, I've chosen to focus on psychology and chemistry. These two fields intersect in fascinating ways, especially when it comes to understanding the psychological aspects of dermatological conditions and the chemical processes involved in skincare treatments. Psychology offers insights into the emotional and mental aspects of skin health, where I hope to understand my future patients. Many dermatological conditions, such as acne or psoriasis, can significantly impact a person's self-esteem and overall well-being. By studying psychology, I aim to better understand these effects and learn how to support patients not just physically, but emotionally as well. On the other hand, chemistry provides the foundation for developing effective skincare products and treatments. From understanding the composition of various skincare ingredients to researching innovative solutions for common skin issues, chemistry plays a crucial role in dermatology. By delving into this field, I hope to contribute to the development of safer, more efficient skincare solutions that can improve people's lives. What excites me most about this path is the opportunity to make a difference in people's lives. Whether it's helping someone overcome a persistent skin condition or boosting their confidence through effective skincare treatments, I am driven by the prospect of positively impacting others. Moreover, the dynamic nature of dermatology and the constant advancements in skincare technology promise a career filled with continuous learning and growth.

As someone whose ambition is to become a dermatologist, I intended on majoring in psychology in college. As many people struggle with self-confidence and the heavy impacts of having skin issues, may cause the mindset to develop the common idea of clear skin or “perfect” skin. Resolving skin issues allows one to feel confident in public and boosts one's self-esteem. It is an issue that many teenagers face through puberty. The heavy impacts of having skin issues may cause the mindset to develop the common idea of clear skin or “perfect” skin. The negative perception of self-reflection damages one way they reflect themselves. As I've experienced the damage that acne can do to a person, I feel that mental health awareness of acne is necessary for those heavily impacted. The lack of confidence may affect a person's behavioral health in an environment. Resolving skin issues allows one to feel confident in public and boosts one's self-esteem. Feeling self-absorbed with stress and hormonal acne separates my lack of confidence to work properly without thinking about “popping this huge pimple” or the thoughts of one glaring into the zits with whitish fluid surrounding a red bump. As I’ve struggled with mental health involving my hormonal acne, I learned to explore my main struggles of feeling anxiety when the thoughts of someone looking at the imperfections increase. It is a feeling that makes a person feel self-conscious and alert. Along with school, I've researched the main subjects that center my struggles which consist of insecurities and a lack of self-confidence surrounding acne and academic achievements based on how others are performing. Discovering the medical field of how dermatologists focus on the care of skin, nails, and hair has interested me to further research. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. The project offered me a chance to explore my interest while guiding me to find my primary struggles with self-confidence. I’ve felt compelled to ace my next exam, feeling that others are in the same boat. I started the YG club, a yoga club that focuses on students’ mental and physical health before test dates by doing mediations and activities in groups. With this, my goal within my community was to demonstrate mental health issues through yoga. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals.

As someone whose ambition is to become a dermatologist, I intended on majoring in psychology in college. As many people struggle with self-confidence and the heavy impacts of having skin issues, may cause the mindset to develop the common idea of clear skin or “perfect” skin. Resolving skin issues allows one to feel confident in public and boosts one's self-esteem. Feeling self-absorbed with stress and hormonal acne separates my lack of confidence to work properly without thinking about “popping this huge pimple” or the thoughts of one glaring into the zits with whitish fluid surrounding a red bump. As I’ve struggled with mental health involving my hormonal acne, I learned to explore my main struggles of feeling anxiety when the thoughts of someone looking at the imperfections increase. Along with school, I've researched the main subjects that center my struggles which consist of insecurities surrounding acne and academic achievements based on how others are performing. This conflict of being easily influenced caused skin complexion within me, nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. The project offered me a chance to explore my interest while guiding me to find my primary struggles with self-confidence. Furthermore, I explore my interest in a general science curriculum to feel more confident by associating myself with Cancer Kids First organization that allows pediatric cancer patients to experience a better childhood. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields in college while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals. A nonprofit I'd create to impact positively mental health is a Yoga community called YG, which is intended for group activities and mediation with group sessions to allow group therapy. This is a stress reliever and allows people of similar issues or interests to heal together. A negative factor I'd change in my environment is the judgment of how many people project acne. It heavily impacts individuals in ways that make them feel criticized and less. It is an issue that many teenagers face through puberty. The heavy impacts of having skin issues may cause the mindset to develop the common idea of clear skin or “perfect” skin. The negative perception of self-reflection damages one way they reflect themselves. As I've experienced the damage that acne can do to a person, I feel that mental health awareness of acne is necessary for those heavily impacted. The lack of confidence may affect a person's behavioral health in an environment. Resolving skin issues allows one to feel confident in public and boosts one's self-esteem. A way to implement this issue is raising awareness and acceptance of skin imperfections.

As my parents moved to the United States without a support system over here for my education. I learned and went to school like every student but during my teenage years, skin problems inflicted on my mental health led me to my current career passion, dermatology. My conflict revolves around this field and I intend on expanding my knowledge about this major conflict. I feel that the teenage skin development issue isn't discussed and the impact it may cause on many teenagers. Challenges show both determination after her struggles and my story relates because I’m determined to make a chance due to my struggles. Her story was inspirational for a woman who battled stomach cancer while being an engineer. I relate to her story in a way due to my interest in STEM as a woman. The STEM field is majority males and woman is a small percentage. The few percentages of women in stem create a change in the society of a common assumption that STEM is a male career field path. COVID started when I was a freshman. During the national lockdown, the habit of eating high-carbonated food has led to my skin inflammation causing many breakdowns. As I had nothing to do, scrolling on social media was on the agenda daily. The creativity presented on social media with my skincare routine influences me to purchase multiple chemical products, acids, and overexploitation of my skin disrupting my skin barrier. Viewing the potential by social media raving on the trends about products leads to misconception. Social media normalizes ‘skin perfection’ which has an effect on life-life social interaction because people’s reflection always has some flaws. Real-life skin had details without the blurred edits people would normally see on social media like Instagram. Therefore, common norms by social media may cause effects when going out in real life and interacting with others. This conflict of being easily influenced caused skin complexion within me, nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. The project offered me a chance to explore my interest while guiding me to find my primary struggles with self-confidence. Furthermore, I explore my interest in a general science curriculum to feel more confident by associating myself with Cancer Kids First organization that allows pediatric cancer patients to experience a better childhood. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals.

As my parents moved to the United States without a support system over here for my education. I learned and went to school like every student but during my teenage years, skin problems inflicted on my mental health led me to my current career passion, dermatology. My conflict revolves around this field and I intend on expanding my knowledge about this major conflict. I feel that the teenage skin development issue isn't discussed and the impact it may cause on many teenagers. Challenges show both determination after her struggles and my story relates because I’m determined to make a chance due to my struggles. Her story was inspirational for a woman who battled stomach cancer while being an engineer. I relate to her story in a way due to my interest in STEM as a woman. The STEM field is majority males and woman is a small percentage. The few percentages of women in stem create a change in the society of a common assumption that STEM is a male career field path. COVID started when I was a freshman. During the national lockdown, the habit of eating high-carbonated food has led to my skin inflammation causing many breakdowns. As I had nothing to do, scrolling on social media was on the agenda daily. The creativity presented on social media with my skincare routine influences me to purchase multiple chemical products, acids, and overexploitation of my skin disrupting my skin barrier. Viewing the potential by social media raving on the trends about products leads to misconception. Social media normalizes ‘skin perfection’ which affects life-life social interaction because people’s reflection always has some flaws. Real-life skin had details without the blurred edits people would normally see on social media like Instagram. Therefore, common norms by social media may cause effects when going out in real life and interacting with others. This conflict of being easily influenced caused skin complexion within me, nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. The project offered me a chance to explore my interest while guiding me to find my primary struggles with self-confidence. Furthermore, I explore my interest in a general science curriculum to feel more confident by associating myself with Cancer Kids First organization that allows pediatric cancer patients to experience a better childhood. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals.

As someone whose ambition is to become a dermatologist, my initial issue in myself was the struggle with self-confidence. It is an issue that many teenagers face through puberty. The heavy impacts of having skin issues may cause the mindset to develop the common idea of clear skin or “perfect” skin. The negative perception of self-reflection damages one way how they reflect themselves. As I've experienced the damage that acne can do to a person, I feel that mental health awareness on acne is necessary for those heavily impacted. The lack of confidence may affect the way a person's behavioral health in an environment. Resolving skin issues allows one to feel confident in public and boosts one's self-esteem. Feeling self-absorbed with stress and hormonal acne separates my lack of confidence to work properly without thinking about “popping this huge pimple” or the thoughts of one glaring into the zits with whitish fluid surrounding a red bump. As I’ve struggled with mental health involving my hormonal acne, I learned to explore my main struggles of feeling anxiety when the thoughts of someone looking at the imperfections increase. It is a feeling that makes a person feel self-conscious and alert. Along with school, I've researched the main subjects that center my struggles which consist of insecurities and a lack of self-confidence surrounding acne and academic achievements based on how others are performing. Discovering the medical field of how dermatologist focuses on the care of skin, nail, and hair has interested me to further research. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. The project offered me a chance to explore my interest while guiding me to find my primary struggles with self-confidence. I’ve felt compelled to ace my next exam, feeling that others are in the same boat. I started the YG club, a yoga club that focuses on students’ mental and physical health before test dates by doing mediations and activities in groups. With this, my goal within my community was to demonstrate mental health issues through yoga. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals.

As someone whose ambition is to become a dermatologist, my initial issue in myself was the struggle with self-confidence. It is an issue that many teenagers face through puberty. The heavy impacts of having skin issues may cause the mindset to develop the common idea of clear skin or “perfect” skin. The negative perception of self-reflection damages one way how they reflect themselves. As I've experienced the damage that acne can do to a person, I feel that mental health awareness on acne is necessary for those heavily impacted. The lack of confidence may affect the way a person's behavioral health in an environment. Resolving skin issues allows one to feel confident in public and boosts one's self-esteem. Feeling self-absorbed with stress and hormonal acne separates my lack of confidence to work properly without thinking about “popping this huge pimple” or the thoughts of one glaring into the zits with whitish fluid surrounding a red bump. As I’ve struggled with mental health involving my hormonal acne, I learned to explore my main struggles of feeling anxiety when the thoughts of someone looking at the imperfections increase. It is a feeling that makes a person feel self-conscious and alert. Along with school, I've researched the main subjects that center my struggles which consist of insecurities and a lack of self-confidence surrounding acne and academic achievements based on how others are performing. Discovering the medical field of how dermatologist focuses on the care of skin, nail, and hair has interested me to further research. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. The project offered me a chance to explore my interest while guiding me to find my primary struggles with self-confidence. I’ve felt compelled to ace my next exam, feeling that others are in the same boat. I started the YG club, a yoga club that focuses on students’ mental and physical health before test dates by doing mediations and activities in groups. With this, my goal within my community was to demonstrate mental health issues through yoga. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals.

As someone whose ambition is to become a dermatologist, I intended on majoring in psychology in college. As many people struggle with self-confidence and the heavy impacts of having skin issues, may cause the mindset to develop the common idea of clear skin or “perfect” skin. Resolving skin issues allows one to feel confident in public and boosts one's self-esteem. Feeling self-absorbed with stress and hormonal acne separates my lack of confidence to work properly without thinking about “popping this huge pimple” or the thoughts of one glaring into the zits with whitish fluid surrounding a red bump. As I’ve struggled with mental health involving my hormonal acne, I learned to explore my main struggles of feeling anxiety when the thoughts of someone looking at the imperfections increase. Along with school, I've researched the main subjects that center my struggles which consist of insecurities surrounding acne and academic achievements based on how others are performing. I’ve felt compelled to ace my next exam, feeling that others are in the same boat. I started the YG club, a yoga club that focuses on students’ mental and physical health before test dates by doing mediations and activities in groups. I intend on exploring my struggles by specializing in human behavior and scientific fields while pursuing my career interest in the medical field. Nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. Skin complexion has been my biggest concern and center for most of my life. The pressure to be the beauty standards leaves no room for self-expression. Social media is assumed to be a place to express myself but being easily influenced by others frequently causes my mind to fabricate that struggling with my skin is abnormal due to the images and videos presented on Instagram. The quality of resolving skin complexion improves an individual's confidence to thrive in a working environment and allows the feeling of lacking “perfection” to be voided. This conflict of being easily influenced caused skin complexion within me, nevertheless, while researching career paths for a project, dermatology in the health profession fascinated my eyes. The project offered me a chance to explore my interest while guiding me to find my primary struggles with self-confidence. Furthermore, I explore my interest within a general science curriculum to feel more confident by associating myself with Cancer Kids First organization that allows pediatric cancer patients to experience a better childhood. Building myself to work towards the opportunity to raise awareness for patients to have better access to treatment strengthens my future goals.