Growing up, I often thought about what I wanted to be when I grew older. During my life, I faced many experiences that molded my academic goals and my character. Each challenge, significant relationship, and interest has created a path I followed to become who I am today. Education has always been an important part of my family life. My parents have always encouraged me to do well in school and supported my academic, volunteer, and sports-related activities. As a deeply proud Afro-Latino, my family and I have always valued our family, our unity, our heritage, our tasty food, and our deep cultural pride. Being an Afro-Latino means I have to pave the way for my younger family members and make those born before me proud of my accomplishments. Throughout my life, I have had experiences in medicine and volunteering that have helped shape me academically and develop my character. These moments have also pointed to a future in the field of medicine. Each experience has taught me important lessons and pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. My trip in the medical world began when I offered to sit with one of my friends' dads for the first time in a hospital. I was assigned to help in the children's wing, and although it was only voluntary, I discovered that my presence could make a difference. This experience taught me empathy in medicine. Becoming a good physician is about treating diseases and caring for patients and their families. This experience aroused my interest in pediatrics, and I knew I wanted to help children feel better physically and emotionally. I wanted to do more, and that curiosity followed me even at school. In high school, my passion for medicine grew even more. I was interested in biology courses. I wanted to understand how the human body works and how different treatments can help people heal. It was a blessing that I could enroll at UCTVS and study Exercise Physiology. I spent time listening to my teachers and reading medical articles. This hard work opened my eyes to the academic challenges of the medical field. I understood that I needed to study well to achieve my goals. In addition to my volunteer work, I gained hands-on experience at a part-time job at a chiropractor's office and at an internship at JFK Hospital. Working at the office and interning at the hospital gave me a new perspective on medical care. I had the opportunity to see how the body can function better with the help of a professional. I talked to patients, and some were treated for chronic health issues while others were recovering from surgeries. I met children who were facing serious health challenges with incredible bravery. As this essay and my senior year come to a close, I realize the importance of creating healthy communities, and my goal is to help minority communities with a focus on public health and preventive care. With education, many health problems in our communities can be avoided. I will be prepared and trained to accept the challenges ahead and contribute to the lives of my future patients and those they love. College is just the next step, but it is the avenue that'll connect my experiences, my academic preparation, and my future significant impact on medical care in my community. I will ensure our communities are heard and not ignored.