My spine is directionally challenged. Running not north to south but rather southeast then southwest, my double curve concealed any outward tells of my scoliosis. It wasn't until I was 13, as I routinely bent over to touch my toes at my yearly physical, when the doctor noticed an imbalance in my constantly aching back. Multiple X-rays later, I learned that surgery looms around the corner if the curves worsen just by a few degrees. Fusing my vertebrae and implanting metal rods would have corrected the condition but cost me my ability to dance or exercise or live my life with the passion and rigor I’ve always displayed. For 2 years, I slept in a rigid plastic brace every night, molding my spine to straighten the curves, squeezing every inch of my torso and suffocating me. I spent hours at physical therapy, ignoring the doctors that discouraged the possibility of any positive results from this therapy and refusing to let my scoliosis dictate my future. Years of battling with my own skeleton came to fruition on one fateful x-ray appointment: baffled doctors presented me with news that my curvature had lessened. Although my experiences surrounding my scoliosis weren’t all positive, they all fascinated me. I studied X-rays alongside the doctor and learned about musculoskeletal anatomy, piquing my curiosity in medicine and biology within healthcare systems. I connected with many other patients at physical therapy, and grew immense respect for my therapist and her role in life. Helping people in conditions much more critical than mine with rehabilitation after surgery, conducting physical therapy for those with prosthetics, or injury recovery from sports and athletics. As a teacher’s assistant for Advanced Biotechnology, I furthered my knowledge and discovered my interest in Biomedical Engineering. All of these experiences intertwined inside my head as I filled out college applications, guiding my hand to fatefully declare my major of interest time and time again, and guiding me through my first year at the University of Miami. With the personal experiences and admiration I have for people working in any STEM related industry, I find myself working and studying not just for a pristine computerized transcript, but for a chance to dedicate myself and my career to others. To design braces or prosthetics that bolster, rather than reduce, self esteem and quality of life. To make medical products and healthcare more efficient and affordable. To feel as though I'm helping people way beyond my reach with something that I fabricate and promote. And lastly, to use the opportunities and lifestyle given to me for wholehearted immersion in a field with people working to make life on Earth worth living for everyone.