The Good Fight by Ocean Clayton

The Good Fight by Ocean Clayton - July 2015 Scholarship Essay

The University of Southern California provides a unique opportunity to its undergraduate students: the ability to conduct their own research. By the time I am exiting graduate school and entering my graduate education, I hope to have made some contribution to the world of science.

Ultimately, what I want to be able to work on is genetically inherited diseases. Using whatever funds the University allows for my research project, I hope to be able to provide some new understanding concerning genetics, human biology, or the like. This may seem like a lofty goal for an incoming freshman, but as W. Clement Stone famously said, "Aim for the moon; if you miss, you may hit a star." Of course, I have no idea concerning the exact specifics of whatever research I will be conducting, as the opportunity won't be available until I am at least a sophomore. Until then, however, I will be accumulating knowledge that will be helpful in my endeavor, especially concerning chemistry and biology.

At USC, I will be earning by Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry. This will provide a firm foundation upon which I may build with further education in medical school. Using my knowledge of the chemical processes within living organisms, I aim to provide some relief concerning the many viruses, ailments, illnesses, diseases, and more that prove to be a constant threat to mankind. Some afflictions are so devastating as to take away years of life, or to deprive one of the ability to communicate, trapping the victim inside their own head. Thankfully, billions of dollars go into ending such suffering, as to allow all people equal opportunity. Yet there is still much fighting to be done against such cruel aspects of nature, and participating in this conflict is both what I aim to do in college and for the rest of my life.

Any contribution to my own education will support the cause of combating human suffering. With whatever resources I am given, they will be used to fight disease, so that hopefully our children, and their children after them, will know nothing of certain diseases except that which they will read in a textbook.