My passion of Healthcare by Alyssa

My passion of Healthcare by Alyssa - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

I've always been interested in science and medicine; Thinking back, science has always
piqued my curiosity and I hold warm and vivid memories of “take your child to work day,”
where I ventured to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and participated in extracting DNA
from a strawberry at a young age. Through this opportunity, I was also able to discover various
types of insects with an entomologist and speak with several interesting scientists. As a curious
child I’d ask many questions and was fascinated with the human body, and would dress in white
coat and help my stuffed animals feel better. My primary goal for going to school is earning my
degree in Biology and minoring in Psychology to become a Physician's Assistant (PA). I have no
doubt that my classes in Anatomy, Chemistry, and Biology will mold me into a well-rounded
healthcare professional and equip me with the knowledge to take on PA school. I not only have
my academic studies helping me thrive but also the hands-on aspect as well.

A significant experience I have had was working as a Personal Care Associate (PCA) at
my local nursing home. This role allowed me to make a significant difference in the lives of
residents and their families, providing them with the care and compassion they needed. Every
day, I assisted residents with their daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This
experience was incredibly rewarding, as I could see the immediate impact of my efforts on their
well-being and happiness. The smiles and gratitude from the residents and their families were
heartwarming and motivating, reinforcing my passion for healthcare. This experience was
particularly meaningful to me because it brought me one step closer to my goal of becoming a
Physician Assistant. Working in a nursing home environment allowed me to develop important
skills such as empathy, patience, and effective communication. Additionally, this summer job
taught me the importance of teamwork and collaboration. I worked closely with caregivers,
nurses, doctors, and occupational therapists to ensure that each resident received the best
possible care. This collaborative environment helped me understand the dynamics of a healthcare
team and the significance of each member's role. The challenges I faced as a PCA also
contributed to my growth. There were moments of physical and emotional exhaustion, but these
experiences taught me resilience and the importance of self-care. I learned to manage my time
effectively, prioritize tasks, and stay calm under pressure – skills that are crucial for a successful
career as a PA.

10 years from now, I see myself working as a Physician’s Assistant would mean fulfilling
and healing many people's lives and providing them with a healthy and good quality lifestyle.
With a platform as a PA, I would educate people about preventative health, and participate in
outreach and volunteerism to make sure I can meet and help many people. I am very inspired by
healthcare workers who provide their service to people in need, and hope to one day pursue that
as well, because everyone deserves quality healthcare. I strongly believe if I focus on my goals, and achieve them, I can succeed and accomplish my biggest dreams. I take my academics
seriously, and I am thrilled at the prospect of being a person of high trust that can administer help
to patients and change the world one person at a time.