the long answer:
i decided early in my adolescent years that I wanted to pursue a profession that involves science in health care, involves human interaction and interpersonal communication, serves a critical need in my community, and that is challenging in the sense that it will continually push me to grow and be enriched as a life-long learner. with that goal, I started to get involved in service opportunities, and I was humbled by those experiences that helped shape my desire and passion to serve others, especially serving those who I like to call the "underdogs." i have noticed that there are so many hurting people in our society who are limited by social factors, inequalities, various health disparities, and, unfortunately, a lack of hope. because i was born out of an underprivileged area in the US in a rural holler in West Virginia (I know what your thinking haha, no not all west virginia jokes are true), I am drawn to serve areas limited similarly by poverty and oppression. i have a unique ability to reach out to individuals from this type of community who are living in some of the most medically underserved areas, as well as the courage and compassion to relate to these families. i was blessed and empowered through education and have been fortunate to learn great life lessons from my hardships. as began to mature more, I realized the next stage for me was to participate in a diversity of shadowing and work experiences with MDs, DOs, and DPMs to explore the profession. during my observations in clinical settings, I absorbed a lot from my interactions and conversations with the physicians and entire health care team. all in all, i am confident that i can complete my medical education with continued hard work and persistence, and, ultimately, I know that my experiences and passions have prepared me well to learn how to be an effective physician and member of a larger medical team.
