Growing up as a child of first generation immigrants from China, I have always felt distant from American society. The language barriers and lack of knowledge of my non-English-speaking parents has caused me to be unfamiliar with the country’s system.
From a young age, I had begun working in my parents’ restaurant business. We often did not take breaks (only two days of the year) and worked eleven or twelve hours a day, struggling to pay bills. Because of this, my parents often experienced health issues and eventually illness.
Doctor visits and medical attention were considered luxuries to my family. We often could not afford it.
Unable to have these necessities had made me curious about the medical field from a young age. Since middle school, I have been fascinated by the science of the human body. My curiosity has driven me to desire to know more about health in order to help myself and my parents.
In high school, I participated in a variety of extracurricular activities that has given me certainty that I want to pursue medicine and medical research. For example, I was able to speak with doctors and listen to their experiences in my high school’s “Pre-Med Club”. Through the club, I volunteered and participated in meaningful events, such as giving gifts and meeting children who have suffered from injuries or diseases at my local hospital. In addition, I conducted a seven-month long research project about bell peppers and its effect on the stimulation of hair growth. These experiences have solidified my decision to become a physician, which is why I choose to pursue chemistry today.
In the future, I hope to obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree and participate in research. I hope to start my own foundation that helps those in need have access to basic healthcare in order to give back and uplift others.