Her by Christian Josh

Her by Christian Josh - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

My major is Biology with a concentration in molecular and cellular biology, projected to graduate in the Spring of 2027. Before going to California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB), my research found that the major fulfilled many of the prerequisites for a Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. Understanding this, the question of “What personal experiences led me to select my major” has been answered. However, a more appropriate question to further explore for this scholarship should be “What personal experiences led me to select being a Physician Assistant as my career goal?”

Not until recently did I want to be in the medical field. When I was younger I never played make-believe as “Dr. Macalincag” and checked my mother’s blood pressure with a piece of plastic. Additionally, I never really considered myself to have the personality traits of a stereotypical doctor: type A, fearless, and driven. In complete transparency, I never thought I had what it takes to be someone who could make executive decisions in a medical setting.

However, something life-changing happened to me. Something that changed the course of my life. I fell in love.

During the backend of my junior year, I met a girl. I’ve talked to this girl through social media two years before but nothing came of it. Yet, when I finally saw her in person and talked to her, it was the start of a wonderful relationship. A few walks to the park later she became my significant other.

She understood me more than I could have ever imagined. More than I understood me. She helped me deal with internal issues that I never thought I would be able to. Once I met her I began going to therapy, decreased my screen time by 90%, applied to my first job ever, went to the gym more often, and studied harder. With her in my life, I realized I am a very capable human being.

Two months before my Advanced Placement Biology exam in 2023, I had not put the proper amount of time or effort into studying. However, after my extended period of procrastination, her presence held me accountable. Although she hadn’t told anything to me directly, I thought to myself: “If I want to be the best person I can be and try my absolute best like she was in her life, then I could at least try my best for this exam.” Eventually, the exam came and I passed with a four out of five.

With her in my life, my cycle of self-doubt about my determination and educational prowess vanished. She held me accountable. She gave me motivation and a fire for something bigger than myself. She helped me raise my self-esteem and belief in myself. I was able to do many things that I thought before were “too hard” or “too much work” simply because I thought I was capable of doing it.

After my senior year, I understood that I loved being of help to people, solving problems, and anatomy. Once my girlfriend chose to go to CSUMB, I saw the physician assistant program that they had and chose to go. I had done my research before about physician assistants and their roles as medical leaders. They diagnose, treat, and prescribe medicine to patients. The amount of school also drew me in as they had only two years through the master programs and no residency. Without my girlfriend, I wouldn't have known about PA programs this early in my educational journey.

Now it is my second semester as a Biology major at CSUMB with my girlfriend. In our first semester, we made the Dean’s List. I am so happy that she came into my life, to reveal to me my love for biology, my untapped potential, and my passion for learning. I have so much gratitude for her presence in my life and the care and support that she has unconditionally given me.

In ten to fifteen years, if someone were to ask me why I became a Physician assistant then I would respond that I’ve always wanted to improve my community, be in a profession that involves the human body, and help individuals who are in the most in need. If they were to ask how I became a physician assistant, I would say something pretty cheesy:

love.