The Power of Prevention: A Cellular Approach to Healthcare by Svetlana

The Power of Prevention: A Cellular Approach to Healthcare by Svetlana - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

Foresight-–something many of us wish we had after a negative incident or experience. We sense that with the proper knowledge, the outcome would’ve been more prudent. In health, the unfortunate truth is that the onset of malaise often strikes people unexpectedly—as what’s likely is the issue had been simmering discreetly on the back burner.

A related subject is somatics—one’s mind-body connection and internal physical experiences. Being the foundation of my intrigue in healthcare, the value for wellbeing has reverberated in my mind since early childhood.

I see it this way: without health, you have nothing.

If being bogged down with the common cold is a hindrance, other perilous ailments or chronic conditions pose an even greater menace. Wellbeing weaves through every facet of existence, and its fragility has shaped my perspective.

Though I’ve been fortunate to enjoy good physical health for most of my life—apart from minor setbacks like a third-grade adenoidectomy—I’ve come to understand how unsound mental health can profoundly impact one’s quality of life. In recent years, I’ve faced psychological issues that reaffirm the importance of both physical and mental wellbeing, for a departure from either can make even daily life feel insurmountable. My health, both tangible and intangible, is something I value and strive to nurture. When malaise triggers dysregulation, that becomes the prevailing state in life; thus, feeling well is remarkable. To protect it, to nurture it, to appreciate it is to connect with physical and mental essence.

This personal connection drives my pursuit of a career in healthcare, particularly in the biological sciences. I aim to unravel the incredible processes that sustain existence—from the cells contributing to rhythmic beating of the heart, to the molecular intricacies of mitosis—and to understand how disruptions in these processes impact quality of life. Through education, hands-on experiences, and mentorship, I aspire to gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute meaningfully to biology. I plan to use my degree to explore the intricate connection between internal processes of the mind and the body’s cells. By doing so, I can work to safeguard the pillars of one’s well being, improving lives and advancing medical understanding for the future.