Happiness is Founded Through and Internal Locus of Control by Alana

Happiness is Founded Through and Internal Locus of Control by Alana - February 2019 Scholarship Essay

Since a young age, when peers would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would reply with two things: happy, and whatever enabled me to help someone. Whether that was helping expand our knowledge of the universe by being an astronaut, fighting for our country in the armed forces, or helping find cures for the currently known incurable diseases; my responses were always shifting. Now that I have grown into a more well rounded, and mature adolescent, I am fully confident in my decision of furthering into the field of Neurosurgery.

In sixth grade, there was a health fair at my middle school, where different scientists came with exhibits for us to explore. I was instantly drawn to the one stand that was almost empty. The only item on exhibit was a preserved human brain. I walked over, put on gloves as instructed, and was given the opportunity to hold in my hands the most intricate, delicate, and complex organ in the body.

Since that point, I felt a drawing towards all careers furthering my involvement with the human brain. I’ve found myself exploring many different options--going to medical career fairs, shadowing neurosurgeons, and getting in touch with friends of family friends that occupy the neuropathological profession. My slight introduction into the neurosurgical field, makes it one I believe I’m destined for.

I have been accepted into the neuroscience program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, and plan to major in neuroscience, and minor in classical operatic performance. Sounds like a strange mix? In light of learning more about the complex structure and activation of the brain, I intend to activate different complex parts of my brain each and everyday. By combining the studying of science and music, my brain will be wired to jump between the left and right hemispheres, allowing growth in both of my passions, and increased reaction rate of my neurotransmitters.

My favorite part of my future plan, however, is my plan of participating in Doctorate Abroad. This is a program my school offers, where you are given the opportunity to practice in third-world countries. My favorite part of my plan isn’t how I will help myself reach my goal of becoming a neurosurgeon, but it is how I will return to my earliest ideal of what I want to do when I’m older; helping people. Having the opportunity to use my knowledge to help others, is a gift too beautiful to pass up, and through that I know I will achieve my first ideal; being happy.