I believe pursuing a STEM degree will allow me to gain job security, pursue my dream of helping others on both a local and international level, and most importantly, gain intellectual fulfillment. Ever since I was little, I had big dreams of becoming a medical doctor in order to serve my community and support my family living in West Cameroon. I am originally from Cameroon, where the healthcare system is nearly non-existent in the impoverished areas. My family and I have personally witnessed awful circumstances in Cameroon. Rural residents frequently have to travel great distances to receive quality care. I am enrolling in college in hopes that I will gain experience and the necessary tools that will allow me to advance in the healthcare field. Pursuing a STEM degree will allow me to involve myself in research that focuses on improving healthcare systems internationally. It will also allow me to network with professionals, and acquire the necessary tools needed for the medical field. I have no doubt that accessing even the most basic primary healthcare is difficult in many other nations. Furthermore, while working part-time I have come to understand that the minimum wage will not be enough to sustain my livelihood, especially in California. As a resident of California, I have come to understand that the cost of living is constantly increasing. A STEM degree will be necessary for upper-level management and educational positions. Obtaining a degree will give me an advantage in the job market and give me the tools I need. I will be able to demonstrate skills that I have learned, such as interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, and professionalism. Securing a bachelor's degree in STEM will also allow me to make enough money to sustain my livelihood, while also opening doors to lucrative job opportunities. Higher education gives individuals the tools they need to handle difficult tasks and triumph over adversity. As an aspiring medical doctor, after completing my undergraduate studies, I want to return to Africa and work on rebuilding the various health care systems. Along with encouraging community health care awareness, disaster prevention, I want to work to improve the healthcare systems in these nations by making sure that individuals receive proper health care education. I believe that getting a bachelor's degree will provide me with a sense of accomplishment and also allow me to grow, not only professionally but also as an individual.

The Ode to Millenials-Gen Z offers a contemplative analysis of the generational divide and the distinct obstacles that millennials and Generation Z encounter. It emphasizes the notion that every generation has a predetermined meeting point with life and asks whether Millennials and Generation Z can rise to the title of " The Greatest Generation 2.0" despite the obstacles they will face. I believe this Ode in a way is similar to the "melting pot" the analysis of people from different ethnic backgrounds assimilation together to create various/new traditions. This analogy implies that different generations, like people from different cultural backgrounds, can come together to create something new and work together to address current issues. Furthermore, when generations are called upon to fulfill their roles and responsibilities, it has been said that a rendezvous with destiny" has occurred. The Ode which focuses on the younger generations in particular, beautifully expresses this idea. The world that these generations are growing up in has one of the worst environmental disasters, economic hardships and an array of societal issues. However, there's a tangible feeling of hope and a readiness to acknowledge their responsibility to have a positive influence on the world. " The Greatest Generation experienced extreme economic hardship and worldwide conflict during the Great Depression and World War II. Millennials and Gen Z also encounter their own disparities such as healthcare, student debt and unemployment.