Growing up in Queens, New York as an African American with Jamaican heritage was quite easy for me. My school had a tight-knit community, so I knew everyone from elementary to high school. However, everything changed during the middle of 10th grade when my family bought a house in the predominantly white suburbs of Lake Ronkonkoma on Long Island. Moving to a different area was more challenging than I had anticipated, especially when it came to continuing my education at my new school. I felt like a ghost during my first few months there, as I didn't know anyone and no one seemed to care to know me. This feeling of being left out was new to me, as I always knew the people around me when I lived in Queens. I didn't know how to move past this stage in my life, and for an extended period, I never once came out of my shell. Unfortunately, I made no effort to meet new people due to the intimidation of a new environment. However, I realized that I was a naturally shy person when it came to new people, which was something I never thought of while living in the city. Before moving, I never had to "make friends" because everyone was familiar, and as nice as that sounds, I missed out on an important skill; socialization. I viewed my lack of socialization skills as a learning curve and an opportunity to meet new people. During my lunch period, I would ask students if I could sit with them, and although there were times when I got turned down, I didn't let it discourage me. Eventually, I found a group of girls in my grade that were happy to let me sit with them. For the remainder of the school year, I sat with them, and through them, I made mutual friends. In my PE class, I met a junior, and we bonded over similar interests. She even introduced me to other people, and she became a close friend of mine. We still talk today, even though she has graduated. My anxiety about coming to school diminished as I became more comfortable with my peers and mentors. Later in my high school years, I was able to make valuable relationships with my teachers and make friends with not only my peers but also upperclassmen. This novel experience revealed to me that life stops being "perfect" to teach a lesson so that you can get out of your comfort zone and build character. Being the new kid has taught me how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and as a result, I have found an interest in networking when I enter my college years. Networking will open numerous doors for me and benefit me during my journey to become a pediatric neurologist. I am grateful that I learned this skill in high school so that I am set for success in college and my career.

Becoming a pediatric neurologist has been my dream for a while now, and I find that both aspects of this career have always piqued my interest. The endless unknowns about the brain as well as the evolving technology and medicine neurology has to offer is something that I want to be a part of. Not only do I want to improve the lives of children but I also strive to make them feel safe and comfortable when they come to the doctor's office. My dreams are already turning into a reality after being accepted into the University of Miami and I plan for it to remain that way. If I can attend the University of Miami without the financial burden, I will take advantage of "the nation's largest student-run medical organization" there called The American Medical Student Association. I will use this as an opportunity to participate in volunteering and the physician shadowing program that is available to pre-med students. This organization will assist me in entering the medical field early in my academic career, allowing me to network and find more opportunities through experienced physicians. I also intend to join the Art of Healing club where students make arts and crafts for the children undergoing medical treatments at Holtz Children's Hospital located in the heart of Miami, FL. Joining this club will allow me to work with children in a hospital by brightening their days during nerve-racking times. Becoming a vessel of hope and a source of comfort for children is a contribution that I intend to make in the medical field. Participating in these clubs will make an impact on my medical school application at a very early stage to hopefully make me a qualified medical student in the future. Along with The American Medical Student Association and the Art of Healing club, I plan to volunteer at the University of Miami Health System part-time. Volunteering at a large and reputable institution will give me an insight into my new community and who I could be working with or for later in the future. I believe in networking and making valuable relationships through any given opportunity because they can provide a "leg up" especially in a competitive field such as medicine. As a low-income minority, I don't have the privilege of having prior connections early in my academic career so I understand that I must work harder to catch up with my peers that do. I am aware of the long journey ahead of me but, I'm prepared to jump in head first. I know that my passion for medicine, networking, and determination for my goals will help me achieve my dreams. I am prepared to embark on this extensive and challenging journey as I know that the reward and success will be ultimately worth it. I am ecstatic to meet new people along the way and be an example to children in the minority that their dreams can be a reality as long as challenges don't deter them from achieving them.