For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a doctor. Even in my childhood, I looked up to my physicians - they made me feel better and did it all with a smile on their face. As I aged and progressed through highschool, my life experiences and academic history made it clear this was the career path for me. I recently lost my grandfather, and watching how his medical staff took care of him and made him comfortable until the end was incredible. Those doctors and their compassion remain a sight I will never forget. Practicing medicine gives me the opportunity to alleviate pain and heal patients, just like my grandpa’s doctors did for him. Additionally, I enjoy challenges, and being able to participate in an ever-changing community of scientific breakthroughs excites me beyond compare. I know that the University of Michigan will provide the stepping stones necessary to prepare me to become the medical professional I’ve always dreamed of. Everyday, scientists and engineers work to develop programs and techniques to save lives. In 2015, roughly 3.4 million people nationwide suffered from epilepsy. There are many other conditions that are linked to epilepsy, such as down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, and intellectual disability, all of which make epilepsy a prevalent medical issue. Despite the commonality of epilepsy, everyone's seizures are different, making them hard to treat. A commercial company called Neuropace is changing the future of epilepsy with their closed-loop neuromodulation system. They call it Responsive Neurostimulation, or RNS Therapy. The RNS system is a smart device that is tailored to each individual's needs. It attaches to the head to constantly monitor brain waves. When it senses a patient's unusual brain activity, it sends a signal to prevent a seizure before it even happens. Last winter, I had the incredible opportunity to do a ‘White Coat Tour’ at my local hospital, and hear from a neurologist how groundbreaking this technology is. Only certain patients can have surgery to remove the part of the brain that causes seizures, and seizure medication does not work for everyone. I find this piece of technology very interesting, as it can help a wider range of people than other techniques. Additionally, I always find the idea of the human brain inventing something to help itself so intriguing. I hope to one day be part of the creation of something so unique and powerful. In the 21st century, STEM fields have access to technology that allow endless possibilities for discovery. Just the thought of being able to make medical breakthroughs with the specialized machines we have today gives me goosebumps. I will find enjoyment in helping someone feel less pain and guiding them towards a healthy lifestyle, all while comforting a scared family. To be able to take away the confusion that arises when a loved one is in the hospital feels like a blessing in itself. To have the knowledge and skill to use science to help a sick person recover seems extraordinary. Whenever I feel discouraged in my academics, I think about my future and how many people I will be able to help, and my frustration melts away. There are many medical questions left unanswered, and my generation provides the young minds who will cure cancer, develop medicines for deadly diseases, and many more. The RNS technology inspires me to keep pushing towards my future career. Discoveries continue to happen everyday, and my mind aches to be part of the scientific community that is changing the world.