Since childhood, my aspiration has been to pursue a degree in the medical field, sparked by a deep fascination for medicine that developed at a young age. My profound desire to assist others, especially children, has been a driving force in my journey. Initially, I envisioned becoming a Pediatrician, specializing in pediatrics. However, I was determined to keep an open mind and explore various branches of medicine, including surgery.
An invaluable opportunity arose when I secured an internship with the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI). This experience allowed me to delve into another captivating realm of medicine – the intricacies of cancer care. From observing radiology procedures to witnessing an MRI in action, I gained profound insights into the daily life of a surgeon. This experience at CARTI has left an indelible mark on my understanding of medicine, and I am forever grateful for the invaluable knowledge and perspective it provided.
As I mentioned recently, my lifelong dream has been to pursue a medical degree with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatrician. Ensuring that I can connect with and support children of all backgrounds is a value I hold dear and take pride in. Additionally, I am deeply committed to the principle of inclusivity.
During my time at the University of Arkansas, I had the honor of serving as an Empower mentor in the post-secondary program designed for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities. In this role, I contributed to creating an inclusive learning and socialization environment for all students. Specifically, I served as a fitness/wellness mentor, meeting with my mentee on a weekly basis. Our activities ranged from workout sessions to walks, basketball, football, and more.
One of my main objectives was to actively involve my mentee with his peers. I organized opportunities for him to participate in basketball games with other boys, fostering a sense of inclusion and friendship. Witnessing the joy on his face as he engaged with his peers was a rewarding experience. This involvement not only allowed me to make a positive impact on someone’s life but also provided hands-on experience in supporting individuals with disabilities. As I aspire to establish my own clinic in the future, I am dedicated to implementing and promoting inclusivity. This experience has equipped me with valuable insights on how to effectively assist and connect with children of diverse abilities, a skill set I consider essential for my future as a physician.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful“
– Unknown