The Eyes of a Hero by Briana

The Eyes of a Hero by Briana - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

The cries of desperation echo through the waiting room, resonating deep within me. It felt like I would soon join them. Finally, I saw him—my father—in a hospital room, barely recognizable. My hero, the embodiment of perseverance, confined to a bed. It was unimaginable. Doctors were baffled by his symptoms, and I scoured the internet for answers. Despite resembling ALS, one crucial symptom was missing. Eventually, he was diagnosed with achalasia. After a long night of searching in a hospital chair, my father awoke and locked eyes with me. His faint smile and gaze conveyed a silent message of perseverance. This was the moment that became a catalyst, igniting an unwavering determination to become a physician.
Since then, I have immersed myself in the medical field through volunteering in hospitals, ministries, clinics, and shadowing professionals. When COVID-19 struck during my undergraduate years, lockdowns swept the world, and lives were being lost at an alarming rate. Amidst the chaos, Dr. Robinson emerged as a beacon of hope, fearlessly opening his clinic to provide aid. Dr. Robinson was a dedicated physician leading the Culture of Life Ministry (COLM) which provided healthcare to anyone who desperately needed it. Inspired by his unwavering dedication, I embraced his fearless approach. At COLM, I assumed various roles each day, from secretary to medical assistant, scribe, and phlebotomist. My desire to become a physician grew stronger with each passing day. Dr. Robinson guided me through patient assessments, imparting invaluable insights that remain etched in my mind. His work was akin to a work of art with how he effortlessly connected the dots between each patient, and with each interaction, he bestowed a remarkable sense of comfort.
During the pandemic, I intensified my commitment to aiding the community. Balancing over 30 hours of weekly volunteer work with rigorous upper-division coursework was challenging. I also engaged in research with The University of Rio Grande Valley's Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center, contributing to enhancing well-being through global space research. Although my role in the program may be modest, I firmly believe that each step in the right direction has an astronomical impact on driving positive change in my community. Despite my grades not reflecting my full academic potential, they do reflect my ability to balance my personal life, academic life, research expectations, as well as the other extracurricular activities that I was participating in.
The responsibilities took a toll, leading to a depressive episode and imposter syndrome. However, Dr. Manusov reignited my belief in my true calling. His remarkable ability to remember intricate details about each and every one of his patients, and treating them with deep compassion as if they were a part of his own family, reminded me that medicine is a path to healing. Dr. Manusov always made an effort to show genuine interest in his patients’ lives in order to help create an atmosphere centered on healing, comfort, and ease. His approach resonated with my servant's heart, always seeking to help others. Like Dr. Robinson and Dr. Manusov, I aim to give my full dedication to every person I encounter, providing myself as a pillar of strength during my patients’ darkest moments.
Admission into medical school has opened the gateway for me to diligently prepare myself to provide compassionate and effective healthcare to the communities I am dedicated to serving. With a deep sense of responsibility and a steadfast commitment, I aim to address healthcare disparities, offer quality care, and promote wellness within underserved communities. Medical school will empower me to bridge the gap in healthcare access and become a dedicated advocate for those who often face systemic barriers to optimal health. I acknowledge the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead in my medical training and education, however, I am prepared to embrace them fully. I am driven by the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those seeking holistic healing. Profoundly influenced by exceptional mentors and experiences, I am filled with excitement for the transformative journey that awaits.