In elementary school, my science club built a 5-foot-long DNA double helix model. My excitement for genetics and collaboration never ceased. At Columbia, I hope to "build" a strong academic base in biology. Whether I go into pharmacy or pharmacology, biology will be an integral part of my studies. Observing a man who was shot five times and another who had severe brain trauma from a motorcycle accident affected me. I encountered these patients while on rounds at the LSU Intensive Care Unit. I watched six doctors determine the best treatments, from performing a fluid test on the esophagus to going into surgery. As I wondered what medications the men were being given, I felt very fortunate to be alive and healthy. After hearing that the motorcyclist
