EIU Personal Statement

As a young child, I was always drawn towards the field of health care. I remember reading about the many options that are held within it and wondering what path it would lead me on. Neonatal nursing was something that always came into my mind, but it was often pushed to the side by people and teachers who thought I should become a pediatrician instead. This became a real struggle for me, but as I grew up and began researching and exploring the health care field I came to a decision for myself. I came to the realization that everyone was wrong. I didn’t want to be a doctor at all. This sudden burst of independence from what everyone else wanted was the first step to reaching my end goal. Along with this, an accelerated education, volunteer

The transition from being a child, dependent upon parents for everything, to an independent adult is one of the most stressful times a person will endure. Legally speaking, 18 is the age when you become an adult but the number doesn’t describe the responsibilities and independence you must take on. College is seen as the “big step” into the real world and many people struggle in choosing where to make their transition. I would like to take my “big step” by attending Florida Atlantic University.

After graduating high school, I was accepted to Alabama State University and decided to study Biology. I figured that this area would help me study living organisms, life processes and understanding the basic life processes that required different medical provisions. I believed that I would eventually find out if I wanted to studying medicine or counsel people. On May 7, 2011, I graduated from Alabama State University with my Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Then I volunteered at Jamaica Hospital emergency room alongside the medical providers and interact with the families of those who are medically

I first realized my passion for health promotion and disease prevention the summer following my first year of college. I had the privilege of attending the Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP), which introduced me to numerous healthcare professionals. During the program, many of the professionals shared their stories about why they choose the profession, and with each story, I began to reflect deeply on my own background and what drew me to medicine. It was not until an emergency medicine physician spoke about his experiences, that allowed me to fully understand connecting my background to my future. The physician mentioned growing up in D.C., which brought to mind my family in D.C. It had been almost a year since my grandmother

Coming from a small town on the east coast, I would have never expected to fall in love with such a large and diverse college like the University of Michigan. The upbeat atmosphere of Ann Arbor alone was enticing enough before I even saw the actual campus. Upon visiting, I quickly realized the University of Michigan was a place I would not mind spending my next couple of years. From the countless students all around to the wide variety of shops in town, Ann Arbor seemed like a lively and exciting place to spend my college experience. While walking through the campus, I was continuously amazed by the large intricate buildings surrounding me. Some of my favorites included the Law Library, the College of LSA and the Michigan Union. While I do not plan on attending it, the Ross School of Business was also an incredible

I am very excited to be applying to ECU for many reasons. From the pleasant campus atmosphere to the comprehensive majors, I believe I will be greatly benefited by the experience the university offers.

As a child I learned about the world primarily by experimenting rather than asking someone. That being said, I have had my fair share of failures such as baking gummy bears in cookies. However, I have also had much success. While the rest of my class was growing crystals for our science fair, I was piecing together a coyote skeleton. In high school, I conducted scientific research on drought signals amongst soybeans at varying distances. This research not only took me to the State Science Fair, but the International Science and Engineering Fair as well. I fell into a fascination of science at a young age, and I have a desire to continue on this path. The REU program offered at Tarleton is not only superb in research, but a great fit to me as

The first time I’ve ever visited Cheney and laid eyes on EWU, I was about 15 years old. I was on a field trip from Jenkins High School, located in Chewelah, WA. I remembered being floored by EWU’s theatre arts program, the vastness of the campus, and diversity of the student body. I craved to be apart of it. However, I felt that it was all beyond my ability at that point in my life.

I discovered Loma Linda University School of Medicine through a friend who urged me to apply knowing how much of a devout Christian I am. I am aware that LLUSM educates its students in the teachings of Christ, and teaches them to heal patients and make man whole as Christ did. This in itself requires an understanding of Christianity and its application to medicine as a career. As a future medical student, I recognize that I will be required to act according to these Christian ideals, a privilege that I look forward to. I admire LLUSM due to its ability to spread love to its patients and inform them of Christ’s ministry. I wholeheartedly agree with the philosophy; healing a patient is much more than treating the symptoms.

I am currently a STEM Specialist at the Student Center for Science Engagement (SCSE) at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), a Hispanic Serving Institution and Liberal Arts College. Prior to NEIU I have an extensive experience in computational chemistry research via my postdoctoral tenure and have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring in the STEM disciplines. Although my extensive experience as a computational researcher and my work in STEM education have provided me with the tools to positively contribute to various sectors in science and research, such as, academia, industry and government, my leadership skills are deficient. If granted the opportunity to participate in this esteem program I will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to contribute effectively through leadership.

This spring, I will become the first person in my generation to graduate from a four year institution. Coming from a small high school class of only forty students, college has presented me with many more responsibilities, and countless opportunities. An opportunity to set an example for my four younger siblings, and also a chance to pursue a career for myself. With education being so vital, a higher education is something that I deeply valued and sought to attain. Going into college, I was certain that I wanted a career in healthcare, however I was undecided about where.

During college, I also had an opportunity to shadow a group of medical professionals on a summer medical relief trip to Peru. On the trip, I realized life was so much bigger than my self-contained bubble of worries and concerns. Students from The University of Illinois’ Christian healthcare association aided a team composed of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists to run free clinics in Peru. I experienced first-hand how powerful it was when different health professionals worked together towards a common goal. My initial wonderment of the mountainous landscape was quickly put aside overshadowed after I realized the team did not have the resources to meet the needs of the large mass of local Quechua people that had gathered at our clinic. It was heartbreaking to witness problems that were otherwise so easily treatable in America. As resources dwindled, I noticed a therapist who was teaching proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries. He noted the prevalence of lower back pain largely due to the heavy labor a majority of the local men did for a living. This was significant as the physical therapist not only treated the symptoms, but rather empowered the local people to better themselves daily. I witnessed people being inspired to care

My choice to attend FIU was one of the easier ones I’ve made so far in my academic career. I was drawn to the university as I felt a sense of community here that has only been further enhanced as a legacy, with both my mother and stepfather having completed their Bachelor degrees at this institution. The relationships and connections my parents were able to build here were a testament to FIU’s ability to bring together people from so many different backgrounds and create a family. I experienced an even greater connection as my stepfather found a lifelong friendship and mentor in an FIU staff member and honored him by making him the godfather of one of my younger brothers. Thus, FIU has been a special part of my life even before college was

UMI has it all: spirit, action, academics, athletics and social lives. That is what makes UMichigan so “grrrreat” (Think Tony the Tiger, speaking of Michigan)!

In one to two sentences, please identify your reasons for wanting to study health science (50 words)