My name is Riley Graham and I am an 18-year-old college student. Up until college, my entire education was based on my parents, books, self-discipline, and exploration of numerous subjects. I was homeschooled through high school and because of this, I was able to explore subjects that fascinated me. I have played piano for over 12 years and I currently play upright bass for the Casper College Chamber Orchestra. I even sang in a local choir for many years and participated in many extracurricular activities such as Lego Robotics and Spanish. While education has been a big part of my life, I have experienced things that have given me a strong desire to help others. Throughout my childhood, numerous individuals lived under our roof so that they could get back on their feet. People who were homeless, just released from prison or going through hard times. Watching people struggle, including my own family, gave me a passion for others. Initially, my life goal consisted of graduating from high school and beginning my contribution to the workforce. I wanted to get out into the world and I did not feel that I needed a higher education to begin my career. However, one of the very first college courses I took changed my whole perspective. My very first classes at Casper College were Political science and Biology. Political science was fine however, I fell in love with biology. I was enamored by the complexities of the human body and to my surprise, I found myself eager to learn more. Professor Atnip was my very first teacher and to this day probably the best teacher I know. Not only did she know the best way to teach people, she encouraged questions and sparked a desire in me not just to learn more, but to continue my education. She saw something in me that I did not even realize was there, and in the best way possible, she steered me towards a path of an associate in the sciences. In May of 2022, I graduated high school with my associate in Forensic science. Just when I thought I was done, Atnip convinced me to become a teacher's assistant for both physiology and biology at the college. Without her, I would not be on the path that I am on today. Shortly after obtaining my associates, My professor introduced me to the Medical Lab Technician program and I discovered my love for the medical field. Currently, I am on the path to graduating with my associate's in the fall of 2023 and my bachelor's in Medical Lab Scientist in 2024. Once I get these degrees, I plan to work full-time in the laboratory and begin my pursuit of a Ph.D. in Immunology or Hematology. My goal is to do research at a university or in the field to assist in a specific disease or illness. Science is an incredibly important aspect of my life and I would not be here today if it were not for the support of my professors and my family. While I have the desire to grow in my knowledge of the sciences, it is not the sole purpose of my career path and choice. I plan to work as hard as I can and put forth as much dedication as physically possible to help individuals. Science is not just a field to me, it is who I am and how I hope to change the world.