Most people can easily recall the defining moment of their lives, the moment when one realizes his or her purpose in life. Mine came when I was 6 years old. For over a year, my three year old sister had been sick. There was nothing to be concerned about, we thought. After all, we were comfortably a middle class family. Surely, we could afford to provide her with the best care available. Thus, the journey began. For the next fourteen months, my mother and my sister travelled throughout the country in hopes of finding answers. And every time, she returned with that same empty and helpless look in her eyes. Eventually, she stopped having to explain what took place to my father. Words were no longer needed. My father would simply walk away in
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I was in first grade and was learning about biology or science as a whole. I was intrigued. I needed to know more. Therefore, I read as much as I could on the subject because books were the only resource available. As I continued my education, it became clear that I found my calling in the field of medicine. At the same time, I became aware of the obstacles that lied ahead. With my father gone and no government assistance for students, it would be nearly impossible to afford the tuition. Moreover, if I studied to become a nurse or doctor, I would be receiving the same training as the doctors who continuously failed the community they served. Luckily, at the age of sixteen came the opportunity of a life time. My entire family was granted visas to move to the U.S. permanently. Suddenly, my story became once again possible.
On the other hand, this opportunity was not without its challenges. First, I was to leave behind the community that needed my help the most and who inspired me in the first place. Therefore, I questioned whether I question whether my services were needed in a country where the healthcare system is excellent. Second, I need to quickly learn a new language and assimilate myself to a culture and education system that I knew other. Third, I needed to navigate the complicated system on my own. I wondered if I was up for the challenge. Determined to make something …show more content…
Being a low skilled worker who spoke very little English, it was difficult for my mother to find employment. Therefore, we were no longer a middle class family. At times, we went days without food and have our utilities cut off for weeks. The recession hit home and it hit hard. Several times, I contemplated dropping out high school to help with the bills. Furthermore, being a first generation high school graduate in college means essentially flying blind with no footsteps to guide the way. Additionally, working full time, at times 60 hours per week means that my grades do not reflect my full potential. Nevertheless, as time went by, I quickly realize that there are communities with unmet needs right here in the U.S. as well. The communities classified as lower class that I now belong to. These communities needed my help. With that mind, I was determined to reach my dream of making a difference where it
I was in first grade and was learning about biology or science as a whole. I was intrigued. I needed to know more. Therefore, I read as much as I could on the subject because books were the only resource available. As I continued my education, it became clear that I found my calling in the field of medicine. At the same time, I became aware of the obstacles that lied ahead. With my father gone and no government assistance for students, it would be nearly impossible to afford the tuition. Moreover, if I studied to become a nurse or doctor, I would be receiving the same training as the doctors who continuously failed the community they served. Luckily, at the age of sixteen came the opportunity of a life time. My entire family was granted visas to move to the U.S. permanently. Suddenly, my story became once again possible.
On the other hand, this opportunity was not without its challenges. First, I was to leave behind the community that needed my help the most and who inspired me in the first place. Therefore, I questioned whether I question whether my services were needed in a country where the healthcare system is excellent. Second, I need to quickly learn a new language and assimilate myself to a culture and education system that I knew other. Third, I needed to navigate the complicated system on my own. I wondered if I was up for the challenge. Determined to make something …show more content…
Being a low skilled worker who spoke very little English, it was difficult for my mother to find employment. Therefore, we were no longer a middle class family. At times, we went days without food and have our utilities cut off for weeks. The recession hit home and it hit hard. Several times, I contemplated dropping out high school to help with the bills. Furthermore, being a first generation high school graduate in college means essentially flying blind with no footsteps to guide the way. Additionally, working full time, at times 60 hours per week means that my grades do not reflect my full potential. Nevertheless, as time went by, I quickly realize that there are communities with unmet needs right here in the U.S. as well. The communities classified as lower class that I now belong to. These communities needed my help. With that mind, I was determined to reach my dream of making a difference where it