Hands for Healing by Giovanni

Hands for Healing by Giovanni - March 2014 Scholarship Essay

I am currently a pre medical student working to complete my undergraduate degree. I was recently accepted into Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine and Science, reaffirming my progression in attaining my goal of becoming a successful surgeon. The day I received my letter of acceptance was the proudest moment of my life. It was the culmination of all the hard work, countless hours of lost sleep, and the dozens of fun filled nights out with my friends I had to turned down to study, all paying dividends. Holding that letter and trying to comprehend the magnitude of the opportunity I was just given was truly a dream coming to fruition. I am an ambitious member of the student body, my community, and actively participate in a collection of engaging extracurricular activities and organizations.

When I have free time I refuse to remain sedentary for long. I have an intrinsic drive to give back to the community. I like gaining perspective by volunteering at Kishwakee Community Hospital where I interplay between the medical staff and incoming patients of this diverse community. Scholastically speaking, after attended several meetings and participating in several events hosted by the Phi Sigma Honors Biological Society here at NIU, I was instantly hooked. I found myself so effortlessly invested in the association that I ran for a position as an officer. I was elected Vice president as well as given the duty of treasurer for the organization. I gladly aid in the management and hosting of events, as well as oversee any purchases necessary to conduct them. Again with the Pre Professionals Association I was instantly engaged. I was so enthralled by the information the association provided to me that I wanted the ability to pass on the luxury to my fellow peers. I ran for president and was cordially elected so. I have since hosted and managed various events and presentations, networked and made connections with health care professionals that may be interested in presenting valuable insight to my fellow members, and advocated for the further success of incoming pre professional students within the organization and my university. Additionally, as I began my upper level science classes, since I so thoroughly enjoyed the content presented and seemed to display a consistent understanding of the material, I thought what better way indulge than to hold a tutoring service for my peers. I posted fliers around campus and held a once a week tutoring session at the library. It was a mutually beneficial service that demanded I solidify my understanding of the material, while simultaneously providing a valuable service to my fellow peers.

Another valuable opportunity my university offers is the chance to participate in undergraduate research. After working hard to meet the requirements necessary to qualify for enrollment, I was awarded entry into a microbial molecular genetics laboratory. Research gave me the freedom to express my more abstract artistic side in a scientific manner. In my research, I manipulate the natural makeup of bacteria at a molecular level. This process of manipulation is quickly becoming the future of medicine further rectifying my passion for investigation in a laboratory setting. For me, research is an escape from the traditional classroom setting. Research allows me to get my hands dirty in a manner that compliments my learning style. It brings me great satisfaction knowing I played even the smallest part in adding to the credibility of my schools research findings.

I shared these various roles I play simply with the intent to imply my willfulness and enjoyment for advocating for the betterment of humanity: this notion is my driving force. What I believe truly dictates the success of a person is the motive that drives that individual to devote him or herself to achieving their goals. It is rare that a person finds something they are truly passionate about and it is this notion of mine that makes me a fortunate commodity. The intrigue and fulfillment I experience each time I am granted new information or the opportunity to benefit the well being of my community is overwhelming evidence that I have found what truly moves me. Tending to the human spirit and well being relieves me of any burden associated with the effort required of me to attain the skills necessary to do so at the utmost proficient level in medical school. With confidence, I vow to be entirely devoted to molding myself into a successful medical student and future contributor to the medical field.