A Future Worth Working Towards by Kaitlynn

A Future Worth Working Towards by Kaitlynn - May 2023 Scholarship Essay

In the future, I aspire to become a dermatologist. I plan to obtain my bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medical Studies, from Juniata College, and then go on to attend medical school. Following all my medical training, I plan to focus on the dermatology field. I want to help others feel more confident in their own skin as well as identify problems and save lives. Simple medical findings and procedures, that relate to the skin, can easily be the reason many people live longer, and more comfortably.
I first became interested in this area of study when I was in high school. I attended a technical high school, where I completed my high school curriculum as well as prepared to take the Cosmetology State Board Exam. During my time in Cosmetology school, I began learning about skin and became very interested. The largest organ of our body is comprised of layers, cells, pigments, follicles, pores, and many more components, that I never thought to consider, before studying it in class lectures. After I received my Cosmetology license, I knew I wanted to go on to further my education and hopefully one day become a dermatologist.
Although I knew I wanted to focus on preparing for medical school at a four-year institution, I did not know what college I wanted to attend. This all changed after I visited a few different colleges. It was extremely important for the school to offer a Pre-Medicine program, because I felt that this would prepare me best for my medical school journey. I made the choice to visit Juniata College because my aunt received her bachelor's degree from this school, and they offered a pre-medical program that I could customize to fit my interests. I fell in love with the small environment and the atmosphere the campus provided. This made my decision to attend Juniata in the fall very easy.
My father and stepmother have always supported my educational goals in both monetary and verbal ways, and I hope to one day be able to provide them with some financial relief as well as show them that their support did pay off. Their continued support is what motivates me to continue pursuing my goals, even when the course work is challenging, and I am stressed. I also hope that my younger sisters look at my dedication to having a better life, and helping others in my career, as inspiration to follow their dreams. I want them to know that they must put forth a tremendous amount of effort to accomplish their future goals. Above everything, I want to help others in my community lead healthy, confident lives, and make my family proud in the process.
I want to be able to build connections with my future patients and provide them with a sense of security that they are in good hands. This can only occur once I’ve received the proper education, so I am able to provide knowledgeable information to patients and loved ones. To be successful in my future career field, I must take the right preparatory steps to build a proper foundation for my future medical studies. I believe that majoring in Pre-Medicine, in undergrad is just the first step in achieving higher education and assisting others with their dermatology needs.