Future Goals by Elisha

Future Goals by Elisha - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

Throughout childhood, I was constantly asked, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” My answer was always a doctor. People always made my dream seem unattainable. Due to this, I have always had to overachieve in my classes because my dreams were so lofty. However, I found inspiration through my mother, as she was a nurse. I was able to see all of the benefits, and also struggles, related to the medical field. She acted as my personal mentor, keeping me on the right path, despite all of the adversities I could experience.

As a Haitian American, it was very difficult to find peers who came from my background. The lack of diversity makes it challenging for people of color to experience equal treatment in a field that strives for equality. Seeing this issue sparked my desire to contribute to diversity and hopefully inspire future generations to follow in my footsteps. To me a physician is a person who improves the quality of life for anyone regardless of personal biases. This is what I have been working towards my whole life.

Despite the naysayers, I am willing to put forth great efforts in pursuing a career as a pediatrician. As the eldest in my family, I have always had the responsibility of caring for my siblings. Acting as my siblings’ caretaker, I have been through the ups and downs of child health. I have seen them at their most energetic and at their most ill. This responsibility ignited my passion for being a health-care provider towards children. I want to be the voice for those who may not have one.

There were many factors that drew me to the accelerated program at Drexel University. The CHOP co-op captured my attention, as I have always been interested in receiving hospital experience while being a full time student. And this particular program helps me to get what I've been looking for. This co-op will allow me to be exposed to fresh experiences on a daily basis that I would not have had access to at another institution. I would get the chance to work at a hospital on a regular basis and be exposed to medical cases, allowing me to study many aspects of medicine that can't be taught in a textbook. It also gives me the opportunity to find a mentor who will help me on my way to achievement. Working at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia will undoubtedly provide me with the experience I need to pursue my intended career path. During these experiences, I will have the opportunity to participate in fantastic research internships in a variety of fields. That is why I'm so glad I made the decision to attend Drexel University for the next four years. And with faith, I would truly like to further my education at their College of Medicine.