Changing the World by Tien

Changing the World by Tien - December 2015 Scholarship Essay

It is important to live with an open mind and a willingness to learn. This might prove to be a difficult concept when a person has yet to experience everything the world has to offer. There are always two options: remaining in the comfort zone, and expanding beyond it. I have learned that when a life-changing opportunity presents itself, it is worth the risk of discomfort.
When I was offered a volunteer position at a private medical clinic during my junior year of high school, I was simultaneously ecstatic and terrified. Being given the chance to work alongside a board-certified doctor was intimidating. He had an abundance of knowledge and practical experience far greater than I could ever have imagined. I was doubtful of my capacity to handle the responsibilities of such a position. However, the best rewards are always the most difficult to achieve, and so I said yes and embarked on what would be an eye-opening journey.
Inserting the keys into the doors of Nederland Avenue Clinic, I had no idea that I was going to find one of the most immense influences upon my life. Greatness does not come easy; the most prominent obstacles appearing in the form of school and extracurricular obligations. Not only did I have Advanced Placement classes, but I also dual enrolled in with my local community college to further my education. I also had leadership roles in various clubs such as National Honor Society and Student Council, as well as regular Varsity soccer practices and matches. It was rather difficult and often strenuous to juggle all of my activities. However, I made sure that I was never late, and never gave the doctor a reason to doubt his decision to accept me.
After shadowing Doctor Polavarapu for a few weeks, he allowed me to take vitals for the patients, and I was determined to not let him down. Throughout my years of volunteering at the clinic, I have learned that there is nothing more important than taking the time and effort to properly attend to someone in need. A chart that needs to be filed, an insurance claim that needs to be attended to, and even labs that need to be ordered are never above a human being, regardless of social or occupational status.
I assisted Doctor Polavarapu's patients to the best of my abilities. Most of his patients were Vietnamese and struggled to understand the relevant paperwork. I would then sit down and translate the papers for them. These same patients also have significant communication barriers with the doctor, as they often could not speak or understand English. I would then assist, acting as a translator between the doctor and the patients. At first read, many would cast this assistance off as meager and pointless, but it is far more than that. People underestimate the importance of effective communication. It is the sole barrier that stands between patients and the correct treatment. In essence, I became the barrier-breaker for approximately one hundred patients. I have fond memories of patients throwing their arms around me, thanking me, simply for helping them communicate. I learned that helping others is a reward in its own trite, proving that a smile is worth more than a dollar. When I was growing up, my parents needed a translator for a doctor’s appointment. Up until four years old, all I spoke was Vietnamese. Having firsthand experience with these hardships, I know how distraught and dreadful it can be when faced with a language barrier that can be the difference between life and death. I am grateful that I now have a chance to help ill patients take the first step towards diagnosing their health problems.
Doctor Polavarapu's life has been different from mine. His life experience as a board-certified doctor differs from my current level of expertise. Doctor Polavarapu has embarked on countless journeys to further and broaden his education and knowledge and, next year, as a college freshman, I will do the same. The thought that I will hopefully have my own medical clinic in the future motivates me to gain valuable work experiences. Obtaining exposure in the medical field and working alongside a board-certified doctor is, no doubt, very beneficial for my future goals. Passion motivates me to work efficiently so that the obstacles does not interfere with my dreams.
Everyone is born with passion, and a spark lit inside of me when I came to the realization that I wanted to open up my own private medical clinic. Doctor Polavarapu has taught me many medical lessons in the years I have worked alongside him, and I am confident that the compassion I learned and the passion I cultivated will enable me to successfully pursue a medical career.
Ten years from now, I envision owning a private medical clinic. However, education is the catalyst that will help me reach my future goals. I will major in biology at the University of Texas at Austin. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I plan to attend medical school, where I will further my education in the medical field. I will then specialized in internal medicine and cure illness in sick patients. As a doctor, I will donate my time to help those who cannot afford health care. Education will give me the knowledge to successfully become a doctor and change the world of medicine.