At four years old, I knew I would be a dentist. I practiced on my toys who stared back blankly, thankful for my services. I repeated the instructions given to me by my dentist and scolded them when they didn’t listen.

At seven years old, I now knew I would be a doctor. My plushies and my sister’s toys appreciated my healing abilities as Grey’s Anatomy played in the background. My interest in science led me to join a STEM club in first grade. Although it was discontinued the following year, I was motivated to conduct my own experiments at home. For example, rather than playing Barbies with my cousins, I preferred to spend my free time making oobleck, growing crystals, and erupting volcanoes.

At ten years old, I was determined to be just like the veterinarians on TV, rescuing turtles and dolphins while exploring the oceans of the world. They inspired me to buy an animal encyclopedia where I memorized various facts about hundreds of animals. This was still not enough, so I would constantly check out books from the school library and gain more knowledge on numerous organisms. My parents even purchased different insects to allow me to learn more about the life cycles of praying mantises, ladybugs, butterflies, and frogs. In addition to my interest in biology, I was devoted to attending a STEM club my new school offered. With my prior knowledge and experience, I quickly became president, helped other students, and provided the sponsors with ideas for future experiments.

At thirteen years old, the world seemed to be crumbling, and my future grew uncertain. My interests had expanded beyond science, but we were under lockdown because of the pandemic. It was difficult for me to adjust as I thrive with hands-on learning at school, but I soon channeled my worries into an outlet of interest. I found this in reptiles, music, and crafts. While my focus in life had been science, I began branching out by learning numerous languages such as French, Italian, and Korean through films and music. I also learned about proper care for various reptiles and aquatic species, focusing on how genetics plays a role in their anatomy. Crafting became another hobby as I taught myself how to sew and make jewelry.

As a third-generation immigrant, I noticed that most children like me didn’t speak or even understand Spanish, so it felt like a secret language I used with my family. Because of this feeling, I delighted in learning languages from a young age. High school truly allowed me to advance in this aspect as I have taken Spanish, French, and Chinese courses while still studying Korean and Japanese at home, allowing me to become multilingual. Furthermore, I took most science classes offered, earned a Magnet Seal for completing the Magnet Program, graduated with honors, and fulfilled my duties as a member of National Honor Society. Meanwhile, at home, I aid a menagerie of animals abandoned by their owners, as I nurse them back to health.

As I hone my skills and further my knowledge, I realize that I will be the second in my family to attend college, feeding my passion to improve. Naturally, rigor and competition are characteristics I expect when attending Berry College this fall.

My parents both work full time (and overtime whenever possible) and I still have 2 younger sisters to look after. Despite my scholarships and loans, it’s still $6000 per semester which is difficult to cover given our situation. This is an investment in my future, so any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have considered many career paths throughout my life, although my determination and consistency for a life dedicated to medicine and learning have always remained and continue to grow.