Pursuing A Seventh Degree: Personal Statement

Before I became interested in medicine, I grew curious about science after my first science class in seventh grade. This class was my first real exposure to science since I’m a first-generation college student and neither of my parents held any interests in science, and my elementary school didn’t provide sciences classes. I found the class fascinating and this fascination continued and grew on throughout my high school years and into college. After I was accepted into my university, I was accepted into the NSF-funded scholarship program, FoCuS, which provided the opportunity to explore research related careers and to take the introduction chemistry course and purification lab accelerated during the summer prior to first year. I started as

Along with the people aspect of medicine, the constant mental stimulation, continuous opportunities to learn and adapt, and intellectual challenges are enjoyable to me. Medicine also allows for opportunities to explore a diverse panel of career options, both within a provider standpoint and further. Since I enjoyed most aspects of research, medicine also enables me to still have the ability to bring contributions in the future and keep me up to date on the latest medical research while still working with directly with people. In regard to my fondness of volunteer work, I studied abroad last semester and I learned about my ability to help improve the world’s quality of life through medical volunteer work. Doctors Without Borders is a special interest of mine, especially when one of their biggest challenges is finding field staff with specialties in maternal and pediatric care, the area of medicine I have the most passion for, mostly due to experiences in the emergency departments and being the oldest of seven children. In the emergency department, I realized I’m happiest when we’re working with pediatric patients and I work best with this age of patient because I have so much experience. My passion for working with children is also inspire by the pediatrician I

My academic transcript shortcomings, such as my B-average in science related classes, are related to dividing my focus between work and school in order to support my family and myself. I’m the oldest of seven children in a one income household making below the federal poverty line and, because of this, I work to pay for all my schooling and living expenses as well to help pay my parents’ rent and necessities at home. My focus was especially spread thin during my sophomore year, when my parents experienced significant financial complications, leading me to work more and focus less on my schoolwork. While this has made an impact on my GPA and academic record, I believe it’s also made me a stronger, more motivated person, hence why I improved in my junior year and was able to complete a study abroad successfully. I am able to organize and juggle a busy schedule as well as provide for myself and my family. To be a good doctor, I strongly believe you have to be a responsible, strong willed, and experienced person first and, because of the obstacles and challenges I’ve been presented, I am a strong and motivated candidate for a medical