The First Day of Forever by Faith

The First Day of Forever by Faith - February 2019 Scholarship Essay

Despite many teenagers being known for changing their career ideas almost daily, I have always been set on pursuing a career in the life sciences. Because I am currently finishing my senior year at Shawano Community High School, I am not currently attending college. However, I am enrolled in the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the 2019-2020 school year where I plan on studying biomedical sciences.
My college years will be a time for me to focus on my studies, but also a time to take advantage of the opportunities that college has to offer. My goal is to study abroad, join clubs and organizations; and in all endeavors, push myself to do bigger and better things and improve my skills as a medical professional along the way. After I receive my bachelors degree, I intend on either working as a biomedical scientist or lab technician in a clinical setting and eventually continue my education and become a Physician Assistant.
My interest in the medical field has been consistent since I was very young. I found interest in the medical field after my father, who is an RN, came into my kindergarten class to do a career presentation and since then, I have hoped to follow in his footsteps. I have always had a fascination with all aspects of the medical field like service, person-centered care, its incredible diversity, and scientific practices as a whole.
Regardless of growing up in a home with a medical professional, I have always loved the idea of being able to help people as a career. Whether it be derived from my faith or my upbringing, service has been a significant part of my life since I was young. I have participated in many out-of-state missions trips through my church and take almost every opportunity I have to volunteer within my community. To me, there is a sense of pride and happiness that can only be found in service.
My desire to help others and build relationships also plays an important role in my decision to pursue a healthcare career. I have also always had a willingness to get to know others, even if they are not like me. My willingness to connect with other people will benefit my patient care practices by allowing me to be patient-centered and open with the people I work with in my future as a Physician Assistant.
Over the past four years I have found interest in several areas within the medical field such as physical therapy, orthopedics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and primary care. After practicing in several specialty areas, I eventually intend on working in a primary care setting in a rural community, much like the one I currently live in. Primary care facilities, like clinics, for example, work with people of all ages and backgrounds and tend to help an individual for a lifetime, rather than a special circumstance (emergency care, orthopedics, dermatology, etc.). In a setting like this, I will be able to create strong, personal relationships with my patients and the other people with whom I work.
Many practitioners do not find working in a small town appealing since there is not as high of a demand for specialists. My future career goals of working in primary care, however, will allow me to work in any medical setting rather than a speciality area; there is also something about a friendly, personal atmosphere only found in small towns that I adore.
My inclination to try new things, my hunger for learning, and urge to broaden my knowledge in different areas will help me become a well rounded practitioner in the future. I have taken almost every opportunity to take courses in life sciences that will help me prepare for biomedical sciences studies and physician assistant studies in the near future. I have also taken a nursing assistant course through Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and am a state Certified Nursing Assistant, which will help me receive clinical hours and develop good care practices prior to entering graduate studies. I have a drive to continuously improve and advance my knowledge, which will help me stay up-to-date and become a more well-rounded practitioner in the future.
Although I have many years of rigorous schooling ahead of me, I am ready to take on the challenge to help serve my small community and the world.