There have been many discoveries regarding the basic mechanics of how the human body works. Even with all the knowledge that has been uncovered in the past century, many aspects remain unknown. Those mysteries have led to my decision to pursue a career in Biochemistry focusing on Biomedical sciences. As a cancer survivor I want to be a part of the new treatment options that allow others to survive without increasing risks for the development of treatment related cancers, such as the use of radioactive iodine for thyroid cancer. While current usage is effect in curing and relatively obliterating rates of recurrence of thyroid cancer, it raises the risk for cancers of stomach and saliva glands.  Furthermore, I am drawn to the fundamental questions that define both humans as a species and as individuals that remain indefinitely unanswered. Whether or not personality is controlled by the genome or developed through environment is one such question. 

            After graduation I plan to take some time to work in the field before pursuing graduate school. There are many subfields within the Biochemical and Biomedical fields, and I believe I would benefit from firsthand experience to help narrow my interest. I am currently working on qualifying for a student internship at the undergraduate level with Eastern Virginia Medical School.  My ultimate aim is to obtain a Doctorate in Biochemistry. I plan to use this degree to work in pure research as opposed to teaching. 

            The field I choose is one that requires hard work and dedication. As a recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, I display both traits. I am also the former secretary and treasure for the Tidewater Community College’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta national mathematics honor society.  In my free time I am an honorary den mother to the bears of Boy Scout Pack 31. I am also an avid reader and have read 65 of Time Magazine’s 100 all-time greatest novels list.

            Life and the human understanding of it is constantly evolving. As humans live longer and longer new discoveries about the basic process that sustain life are made. However, there are still discoveries left to be made. That is where I come in. I am a hardworking and dedicated student who seeks to answer the thus unanswered.  As a science major I understand how important the role the role Biochemist will play in the future. As a cancer survivor I have the passion to use this field to improve lives for the generation and those to come.