What personal experiences led you to select your chosen major? by Liliana

What personal experiences led you to select your chosen major? by Liliana - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

From the beginning of elementary school, I felt that I was destined to be a doctor. Although then I had no idea what area of medicine. Throughout high school, I switched between what course of study I wanted to follow and had no idea what career path I should take. However, as my senior year approached, I knew I wanted to be a Radiologist. I based this decision on the three key factors: service, skill, and interest.

One reason I have chosen to pursue radiology is because it is a career devoted to service. The medical field is built on helping the community. Throughout my high school career, I have participated in many service projects. In fact, my sophomore year was truly the start of my love for serving others. Between my sophomore and senior year, I went on two mission trips: international and domestic. Both trips changed my perspective on how important helping the community is. There is nothing like the feeling of happiness you see with those you assist.
With Radiology, I have learned that you spend a lot of time in the office and behind the scenes. I enjoy being in an office setting, because I work at one. For example, I have worked in the business office at my school for four years, learning new skills and working closely with others. Because I am used to working with tight schedules and adamant deadlines, I have become more accustomed to the pressure a medical office might have. I believe that the skills I have gained from the business office can be applied to other workplaces. I have utilized new computer skills, mastered note taking, and practiced important problem-solving skills. I have even gained experience assisting clients, specifically students, in many different areas.

The primary reason I want to work in Radiology is because I find much interest in the study itself. At the end of my sophomore year of high school my decision was clear. Around that time, I was having hip pain, leading me to be in and out of an imaging facility. While I was there, I was greeted by the most respectful female Radiologist, and we discussed my desire to work in the medical field. She told me how much she loved her job and enjoyed helping others. After this experience she made me realize that I want to be in this line of work. From then on, I was confident that I was making the right career choice because I was inspired by a stranger, and she believed in me.  

I have worked hard to graduate at the top of my class. I have enrolled in several dual enrollment classes to obtain my goal even faster. I plan to attend a faith-based College that will foster my love in serving others. My undergraduate degree will be Biology/Pre-med. I know my journey won’t be easy as I will need to continue to Medical School. However, I know that this is the right choice for me because I have a passion and desire to help and serve others.

As I reflect on my three career objectives: service, skill and interest. I know pursuing a career in medicine is for me because I love serving the community around me and I will get to extend that enjoyment into my work. Whether I can make a small difference in someone’s life or a large one, that is enough for me.