Twenty-one metal screws, two titanium rods. A sixty-three-degree S-shaped spine. “You
can’t ever do sports” from my Orthopedic surgeon was the last thing I wanted to hear going into
high school; the greatest challenge I ever faced. Those life-changing words were meant to
destroy, but I decided to let it strengthen me instead. I replied, “I’m playing basketball and
running track and cross country.” He shook his head in silence, “There will be lifetime
restrictions and adjustments, but, this is your choice and I won’t stop you. Let’s get you cleared.”
Since that day, my drive for athletics became unstoppable. Experiencing limitations became the
perfect opportunity transforming my passion into fuel for my journey.
A year after my recovery battle, I was cleared for all 3 sports. Not in a heartbeat, but in
what felt like centuries; with discipline, mental toughness, communication, confidence, trust, and
teamwork; everything being an athlete has taught me. What I learned being a student-athlete will
always exceed the classroom’s knowledge. However, I became a better student because I am an
athlete. I needed to fail on the field to understand failure in the classroom. I needed to learn to
adapt and push myself to apply this growth to the learning environment. I grew the strength to
not be a victim of my struggles. As a result of my growth, I am proud to say I consistently
remain in the top 3% in my class, as a dedicated student-athlete in Track and Field, Basketball,
and Cross Country; by continuing to have an unparalleled drive to further my education in health
care in becoming an Orthopedic surgeon, specializing in the spine, I am more driven than ever to
become an agent of change for future generations.
Compassion, to me, embodies the essence of empathy and action, fundamental in
fostering inclusivity and support within our society. Recognizing the importance of diversity, I
took proactive steps at Garfield, founding the "Cultural Exchange Club" to celebrate and
embrace different cultures. Through initiatives like multicultural lunches and fundraising, we
aimed to bridge divides and foster understanding within our community. As a senior
representative for the University Preparatory Program (UPP), I organized drives and events to
aid families in Los Angeles, embodying compassion through tangible acts of service. Beyond
academic and extracurricular commitments, I dedicated myself to tutoring and volunteering,
including an internship at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic
including shipments of over 50 CPR equipment boxes to support medical certification during the
unforgiving times. Each endeavor was a testament to my belief in the power of compassion to
enact positive change. As I pursue a career in medicine, this tradition remains as I strive to
uphold the oath of service to my community and beyond. Through compassion, we not only
uplift others but also fulfill our own purpose in creating a more caring and empowering
community.
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