Beyond the Books: A Decade from Now, A Life in Medicine by Vaanya

Beyond the Books: A Decade from Now, A Life in Medicine by Vaanya - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

Ten years from now, I see myself in a hospital room, standing beside a patient, not just as a doctor, but as someone who understands the journey it takes to get there. My path to medicine has never been just about science—it has been about people, about service, and about the moments that have shaped me long before I ever put on a white coat.
In high school, my experiences have been more than just a list of extracurriculars—they have been defining moments that have reinforced my passion for healthcare. As an EMT, I’ve stood in the back of ambulances, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders as I worked to stabilize patients in critical moments. I’ve seen the limits of pre-hospital care and realized that I wanted to be the one making decisions beyond the emergency response, guiding treatment from start to finish.
My leadership roles have also prepared me for the future. As a swim team co-captain, I learned discipline and endurance, pushing through the mile-long race when every muscle in my body screamed at me to stop. I carried that same perseverance into my work with USKids4Water and HOPE, where I led initiatives focused on health and hygiene. Whether teaching students in rural India or presenting cancer awareness at the 4-H Fair, I saw firsthand how knowledge can change lives. These experiences have shown me that medicine isn’t just about treating patients—it’s about educating and empowering communities to take control of their health.
My undergraduate education will be my launchpad, equipping me with the technical knowledge and analytical thinking necessary for medical school. As an engineering major on the pre-med track, I will not only master the intricacies of biology and chemistry but also develop a problem-solving mindset that will allow me to tackle challenges in medicine with precision and creativity. The rigorous coursework will sharpen my ability to analyze complex medical cases, while my involvement in research and hands-on clinical experiences will provide the foundation for patient-centered care.
My undergraduate education will be the foundation upon which I build my career in medicine. Through rigorous coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics, I will refine my understanding of the human body and the science behind disease and treatment. Beyond the classroom, I will engage in hands-on research, exploring new medical technologies and treatments that push the boundaries of modern healthcare. Clinical experience will be essential, allowing me to work alongside physicians, develop my bedside manner, and gain firsthand exposure to patient care. I also plan to immerse myself in service-based organizations that focus on public health outreach, furthering my mission to make healthcare accessible to all. By combining academic excellence, research, clinical practice, and service, my undergraduate years will prepare me to enter medical school with a well-rounded perspective and a deep commitment to both the science and humanity of medicine.
But education is more than lectures and labs. My time in college will also be defined by the communities I serve, the research I contribute to, and the leadership roles I embrace. From teaching children on the autistic spectrum how to swim to conducting public health initiatives, I have already witnessed the power of knowledge when it is shared. Over the next decade, I will continue to seek opportunities to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility, advocating for early disease prevention and community wellness initiatives.
My experience as an EMT has already shown me the urgency and responsibility that comes with being a first responder. It has solidified my ability to stay composed under pressure, think critically, and provide compassionate care in moments of crisis. These skills will only grow stronger as I continue my medical education, ensuring that ten years from now, I am not just a doctor who diagnoses and treats but one who listens, understands, and truly heals.
My experience as an EMT has already shown me the urgency and responsibility that comes with being a first responder. It has solidified my ability to stay composed under pressure, think critically, and provide compassionate care in moments of crisis. These skills will only grow stronger as I continue my medical education, ensuring that ten years from now, I am not just a doctor who diagnoses and treats but one who listens, understands, and truly heals.
Medicine is not just a profession—it is a lifelong commitment to learning, service, and innovation. My education will not only shape the physician I become but will also strengthen my ability to advocate for patients, mentor future healthcare professionals, and drive meaningful change in the field. This scholarship is not just financial support; it is an investment in my future as a physician dedicated to improving lives. A decade from now, I will be living out my dream, but I won’t be stopping there—I will be using every opportunity to make sure others have the chance to achieve theirs as well.