Beyond the Books: How Education Will Shape My Future in Medicine by Sienna

Beyond the Books: How Education Will Shape My Future in Medicine by Sienna - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

"Hello, my name is Sienna, and I’m the new resident."
Ten years from now, I will have introduced myself countless times and to many people. But this introduction will be different. It will mark the moment I step into the hospital as a resident anesthesiologist, a role I’ve spent years working toward.
Education has been an important factor in my life. It has always been present, opening doors and pushing me past my limitations. Growing up, I attended an underfunded elementary school where learning felt more like a chore than an opportunity. Resources were scarce, and expectations were low. But even then, I knew I wanted more. I would ask questions about anything and everything I could get my hands on or see. That curiosity never faded. Instead, it grew stronger, fueled by a deep-seated desire to understand the world around me.
That fascination turned into a calling. While other kids watched cartoons, I sat glued to my couch, watching Untold Stories of the ER. The dynamic, fast-paced environment of the show captivated me. It wasn’t just the medical mysteries that intrigued me—it was the impact. Watching doctors make life-altering decisions in mere seconds intrigued me. I knew that I wanted a job that was not only important to myself, but important to others. Unlike flashy positions like doctor or surgeon, I want to be in moments that truly matter. Moments that will make an impact on others’ lives.
By high school, I had thrown myself into academics. Knowing that knowledge was my greatest asset I was flooded with challenging classes, never-ending piles of homework, and duties from science and math clubs. Each experience built upon the last, preparing me for the road ahead. Every lesson reinforced my belief: education is knowledge and knowledge is power.
Now, as I face one of the biggest decisions of my life—choosing the right college—I understand the weight of this moment. It’s tempting to follow my friends and stay within my comfort zone, but I know that growth doesn’t happen in familiar places. My priority is finding a school that will push me to try my best, one that will give me the best chance at excelling in medical school. The right institution will shape the doctor I become, and that is a choice I refuse to take lightly.
Beyond textbooks and exams, I view education as something more valuable: a source of stability. Knowledge is something that cannot be taken away. It is a source of strength. When I imagine my future, I don’t just see myself in scrubs, monitoring vitals and adjusting anesthesia levels, I see the years of hard work that got me there. I see the sacrifices, the hours of studying, and the unwavering determination to succeed.
This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that future. Medical school is a massive investment—not just financially, but mentally and emotionally. Every bit of support makes a difference. More than just easing the burden, this scholarship represents belief—belief in my potential, in my ability to one day introduce myself as a resident anesthesiologist and mean it.
In ten years, when I step into that hospital for the first time as an anesthesiologist, I won’t just be standing there as Sienna, the new resident. I’ll be standing there as the sum of every lesson, every challenge, every moment that shaped me. And for that, I will have education to thank.