Leon's Trip to Medical Congress

Young though I may be, I have encountered trials in life comparable to those of an adult. My experiences over the years have shaped who I am today, and have given me a purpose with which to identify myself. One of the most defining moments in the development of my character was the sudden passing of my father from cancer in 2012. Had he died when I was younger it would have been easier to move on. Because I knew him so well however, I was totally lost. My father was the most noble person I ever knew, and he was not just my dad, but also my best friend. He gave me advice, nurtured my learning, stood up for me when I wasn’t ready. When he died, I was caught unready, and I struggled to recover what I thought to be my previous identity. I understand now that my father wanted me to be my own person, to make my own choices, and do my very best to support the people around me. I was his contribution to society. Thus, I have held fast to the things he taught me, and I use them now to pave my own road. My father was known for his generosity and goodwill towards others. His values stuck with me, and I remember his contribution throughout my work. I cannot move on unless I help people the same way he had. This has given the passion and resolve to take the road into medicine.
Recently, I was selected for the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Awards of excellence. The certificate was accompanied with an invitation to the Congress of Future Medical leaders in Boston, Massachusetts. I was recognized for my outstanding grades, leadership potential, and desire to contribute to the profession of medicine. The Congress will be held June 24, 25 and 26, 2015. I hope to attend not only to share my ideas about medicine and learn from experienced professionals, but also gain inspiration for some research of my own. I am currently working on a project for Alzheimer's disease. My school team is looking into the plaques that accumulate in the brain, causing Alzheimer's, and how they could be broken down. We designed an experiment that tests the effect of an enzyme called ACE on the substance the makes up the brain plaques: Beta Amyloid. We hope to take this research further in the future to join the fight against Alzheimer's. My goal is to do as much as time allows to support the people around me, and do my part to be a better member of society. This conference in Boston is an opportunity to take a greater step on my road.