An obstacle is defined as something that impedes progress. “Obstacles” are stumbling blocks meant to stop you. Situations can cause people to have hard times, but they make us into who we are as people. Obstacles not only make us stronger but make us see the world differently. They teach us lessons about life that are learned through trials and experiences. When I was nine, I was diagnosed with stage three Ovarian Cancer called “Dysgerminoma.” After receiving the diagnosis, my world became foreign to me. At such a young age, I knew that I would come in contact with difficult mental and physical challenges, but with the support of my family, I opted to begin chemotherapy treatment. On September 11, 2013, I started my first chemotherapy treatment. I spent half of my first semester of fourth grade in the hospital. I endured four months of chemotherapy, hair loss, and severe pain. My body was going through so many changes, and I had to adapt to my new life. My illness took a toll on my family. My mother quit her job to take care of me. My father became the only source of income our family had. With many things happening at once, my family leaned on each other, our faith, and we remained hopeful and prayerful. My parents were very worried about me, however, God protected me. The first surgery I had consisted of the doctors removing my left ovary and a seventeen-centimeter mass on my left ovary. I struggled daily with getting out of bed, eating. However, I had family, nurses, and teachers who encouraged me daily to keep going. Oprah Winfrey once said, “ When you meet obstacles with gratitude, your perception starts to shift, resistance loses its power, and grace finds a home within you.” This quote explains my experience. At an early age, I learned to face obstacles head-on while maintaining a positive attitude. The stage three cancer, my obstacle, wasn’t going to break me, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am still alive for a reason. God has a purpose for me to fulfill. I discovered my purpose would be in the medical field. During my Sophomore year, I took medical courses and loved each one because of my wonderful teacher, Mrs. Harper. She encouraged me to pursue the medical field, and after taking those courses, I wanted to be a Pediatric Oncologist or a Gynecologist. I believe, I could relate to many young women, especially women of color, that are at high risk for Ovarian Cancer and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. As a highly skilled Pediatric Oncologist, I could see myself providing the best medical services/treatments to patients and their families while sharing my testimony. I would use my career as a Pediatric Oncologist to give back to my small, rural community in Southeast Arkansas and spread awareness to the surrounding counties, especially where women don’t have access to (gynecological or oncology) medical care. Fulfilling my purpose in the medical field would also allow me to provide a platform to mentor young girls in pursuing STEM degrees. In conclusion, there will be many obstacles to come, however, it is up to you how you deal with them. Cancer was my obstacle, but I came out victorious! Michael Jordan once said “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” I am better, stronger, and wiser because of my experience! Thank you for your consideration.

An obstacle is defined as something that impedes progress. “Obstacles” are stumbling blocks meant to stop you. Situations can cause people to have hard times, but they make us into who we are as people. Obstacles not only make us stronger but make us see the world differently. They teach us lessons about life that are learned through trials and experiences. When I was nine, I was diagnosed with stage three Ovarian Cancer called “Dysgerminoma.” After receiving the diagnosis, my world became foreign to me. At such a young age, I knew that I would come in contact with difficult mental and physical challenges, but with the support of my family, I opted to begin chemotherapy treatment. On September 11, 2013, I started my first chemotherapy treatment. I spent half of my first semester of fourth grade in the hospital. I endured four months of chemotherapy, hair loss, and severe pain. My body was going through so many changes, and I had to adapt to my new life. My illness took a toll on my family. My mother quit her job to take care of me. My father became the only source of income our family had. With many things happening at once, my family leaned on each other, our faith, and we remained hopeful and prayerful. My parents were very worried about me, however, God protected me. The first surgery I had consisted of the doctors removing my left ovary and a seventeen-centimeter mass on my left ovary. I struggled daily with getting out of bed, eating. However, I had family, nurses, and teachers who encouraged me daily to keep going. Oprah Winfrey once said, “ When you meet obstacles with gratitude, your perception starts to shift, resistance loses its power, and grace finds a home within you.” This quote explains my experience. At an early age, I learned to face obstacles head-on while maintaining a positive attitude. The stage three cancer, my obstacle, wasn’t going to break me, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am still alive for a reason. God has a purpose for me to fulfill. I discovered my purpose would be in the medical field. During my Sophomore year, I took medical courses and loved each one because of my wonderful teacher, Mrs. Harper. She encouraged me to pursue the medical field, and after taking those courses, I wanted to be a Pediatric Oncologist or a Gynecologist. I believe, I could relate to many young women, especially women of color, that are at high risk for Ovarian Cancer and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. As a highly skilled Pediatric Oncologist, I could see myself providing the best medical services/treatments to patients and their families while sharing my testimony. I would use my career as a Pediatric Oncologist to give back to my small, rural community in Southeast Arkansas and spread awareness to the surrounding counties, especially where women don’t have access to (gynecological or oncology) medical care. Fulfilling my purpose in the medical field would also allow me to provide a platform to mentor young girls in pursuing STEM degrees. In conclusion, there will be many obstacles to come, however, it is up to you how you deal with them. Cancer was my obstacle, but I came out victorious! Michael Jordan once said “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” I am better, stronger, and wiser because of my experience! Thank you for your consideration.

An obstacle is defined as something that impedes progress. “Obstacles” are stumbling blocks meant to stop you. Situations can cause people to have hard times, but they make us into who we are as people. Obstacles not only make us stronger but make us see the world differently. They teach us lessons about life that are learned through trials and experiences. When I was nine, I was diagnosed with stage three Ovarian Cancer called “Dysgerminoma.” After receiving the diagnosis, my world became foreign to me. At such a young age, I knew that I would come in contact with difficult mental and physical challenges, but with the support of my family, I opted to begin chemotherapy treatment. On September 11, 2013, I started my first chemotherapy treatment. I spent half of my first semester of fourth grade in the hospital. I endured four months of chemotherapy, hair loss, and severe pain. My body was going through so many changes, and I had to adapt to my new life. My illness took a toll on my family. My mother quit her job to take care of me. My father became the only source of income our family had. With many things happening at once, my family leaned on each other, our faith, and we remained hopeful and prayerful. My parents were very worried about me, however, God protected me. The first surgery I had consisted of the doctors removing my left ovary and a seventeen-centimeter mass on my left ovary. I struggled daily with getting out of bed, eating. However, I had family, nurses, and teachers who encouraged me daily to keep going. Oprah Winfrey once said, “ When you meet obstacles with gratitude, your perception starts to shift, resistance loses its power, and grace finds a home within you.” This quote explains my experience. At an early age, I learned to face obstacles head-on while maintaining a positive attitude. The stage three cancer, my obstacle, wasn’t going to break me, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that I am still alive for a reason. God has a purpose for me to fulfill. I discovered my purpose would be in the medical field. During my Sophomore year, I took medical courses and loved each one because of my wonderful teacher, Mrs. Harper. She encouraged me to pursue the medical field, and after taking those courses, I wanted to be a Pediatric Oncologist or a Gynecologist. I believe I could relate to many young women, especially women of color, that are at high risk for Ovarian Cancer and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. As a highly skilled Pediatric Oncologist, I could see myself providing the best medical services/treatments to patients and their families while sharing my testimony. I would use my career as a Pediatric Oncologist to give back to my small, rural community in Southeast Arkansas and spread awareness to the surrounding counties, especially where women don’t have access to (gynecological or oncology) medical care. Fulfilling my purpose in the medical field would also allow me to provide a platform to mentor young girls in pursuing STEM degrees. In conclusion, there will be many obstacles to come, however, it is up to you how you deal with them. Cancer was my obstacle, but I came out victorious! Michael Jordan once said “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” I am better, stronger, and wiser because of my experience! Thanks for your consideration.