The Gay Gene by Jacob

The Gay Gene by Jacob - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

Why does a wonky strand of DNA get to determine the course of my life? No seriously, what gives? These questions reverberated throughout my younger mind, like cymbals crashing against my skull—the ever-looming mystery of my queer identity consumed every fiber of my being. Countless nights of restless pondering left me angry, but also acutely fascinated, sort of like a mad scientist.

My mind burned through a million questions a minute- why was I gay? Was it some funny bone or loose genetic strand flying around my body? These wonders haunted my mind in morbid curiosity, eventually developing into an avid research topic during my adolescence.

Concurrently, my younger brother, Zavier, was also diagnosed with autism, which only fueled my disbelief and interest. An intricately woven set of helixes could singlehandedly alter several lives, not just the owners. My family struggled to adapt to the rapid progression of doctor’s appointments, special needs classes, and the mental affliction on our psyches, a fiery determination rose within me- to uncover the mysteries behind these microscopic genes.

Through dedicated hours of research, design, and many frustrated face plants into my pillow, I proudly finished my project, named “What is the Gay Gene?”. I cleverly organized a dozen genetic hypotheses; each comprised of carefully crafted research and sources, then finally tied them together with a vibrant design.

Nonetheless, my second-place award was humbly accepted, but my desire to learn more endured. This eventually branched into overarching biological themes- health care, special needs volunteering, and even the physiology behind the body’s capacity to dance. My curiosities drove me to apply for an internship, pursue a passion project, join AP Biology, and become an officer of the Red Cross Club.

I strongly desire to pursue a degree in Psychiatry, specifically for adolescents & teens. For every young individual who struggles with their mental health, whether with their ethnicity, sexuality, or more I will stop at no costs to help them become their most authentic and beautiful self. I strive to bridge the gap between a person’s identity and heart, whether through my career or my commitment to service.

The questions that I used to ask no longer anger me, instead- they challenge me. They fuel my thirst for knowledge and push me past my comfort zone. I once asked, “Why was I born gay?” but now, I ask myself, “Why does it matter?”. I no longer let that wonky strand of DNA control my life, instead I define my own path