One of the most significant challenges I have ever faced was the feeling of failure. This experience profoundly shaped my desire to pursue a STEM degree, as it made me more driven to learn from my mistakes and to prevent such failures from happening again. The military places a strong emphasis on education, and I believe in this future as well. Looking back, if I had the knowledge I possess now, I would have been better equipped to solve many of the issues I encountered. For example, I vividly remember a time when a comrade suffered from a severe allergic reaction. In that critical moment, I froze. I didn’t have an EpiPen, and though I had been trained to use one I didn't bring it, I didn’t know how to call emergency services in a foreign country. Worse, I couldn’t even apply basic care of grabbing base line vitals. The shame of that day still weighs heavily on me, as I failed the person who trusted me to act in their time of need. It was a moment that exposed my lack of preparedness, and it fueled my desire to never be caught off guard again. This experience drives me to pursue education so I can become a better, more competent person than I was before. I want to demonstrate my growth to those who rely on me, ensuring that I can offer the service and care they deserve. I’m currently working hard to correct the mistakes of my past by studying diligently and applying my knowledge in practice. My goal is to never find myself unprepared again, particularly in situations where others’ health and lives are at stake. Fort Riley, where I began my military career in 2017, holds special significance for me. It was here that I made some of my fondest memories and formed relationships that shaped me into adulthood. I still am close to many people I served with as of now. Despite moving to different places over the years, Fort Riley remains where I first found guidance, camaraderie, and a sense of family when I was far from home. One of the key realizations I had while working there was the poor state of health among Soldiers. As a medic at Custer Hill Clinic, I saw firsthand how the healthcare system often failed to provide them with the standard of care they deserved. It pained me to witness Soldiers not receiving proper treatment, and this experience sparked my desire to pursue a career in health science. I want to be the change that improves the health and well-being of the Soldiers I once served with. The principle of service, which has been instilled in me throughout my military career, now drives me to seek the knowledge and skills that will allow me to make a lasting impact in healthcare.

My all-time favorite athlete to cheer on for Team USA was Michael Phelps. To me, Michael Phelps is the greatest of all time in Olympic swimming, literally called the GOAT for a reason. His dominance in the pool was literally unmatched. Not only did he win with a total count of 23 gold medals. He has also broken numerous world records as well in his career. Literally every time I saw him swim, I knew he would win, because he was that good. Michael Phelps best event being the butterfly stroke, not only did he make it look effortless, but he always rose to the occasion. When I was about 8 years old watching this man destroy his competition in 2008 Beijing Olympics left me speechless. I am absolutely positive that I am not the only one that will say that that will be the greatest individual performance in the Olympic of all time, and maybe possibly in the future as well. Not going to lie, I am absolutely glad I was able to witness his greatness live, and experience his swimming in the Olympic every 4 years. That is why Michael Phelps is my all time favorite Olympian or athlete to cheer on for Team USA.