“I don’t fear death, but I fear losing someone I love,” replied my friend when our teacher asked, “Do you fear death?” Unfortunately, later that year, her father, who wrestled with kidney disease, was hospitalized and died in her hands. In tragedies like this, I struggled to empathize with others, unable to fully grasp pain I had never experienced. However, in catching a glimpse of my friend’s dad’s lifeless and wax-like body at his funeral, I finally understood her words. Life is short— make the most out of it. In receiving this revelation, I’ve decided to step into healthcare as an orthopedic physician to lift physical and mental burdens from patients and their loved ones. My passion for orthopedic medicine stems from my experiences as an only child. Growing up, I was always encouraged by my mother to step foot in the neighborhood cul-de-sac, ensuring my youth wasn’t wasted in front of a screen. The moments spent outside with friends, competing against each other, and having fun translated to my drive and love for physical activity. Nothing compares to the satisfaction of breaking personal records at a Cross Country meet, proving to myself that “I have no limits.” The ability to move has always been the wings that allowed me to soar, and I want others to experience the same freedom. Beyond my love for physical activity, what keeps me anchored to medicine is the role I get to play in people’s lives. I’ve witnessed my visually impaired mother’s joy restored as ophthalmologists gave her an opportunity to see me in a clearer light through LASIK surgery. Though unrelated to orthopedics, having a heart for people is what connects the medical field. I’ve applied this selflessness in my life. I never thought my dad and I could connect over a run in the park, as I rarely see him. Six days a week, my dad tirelessly flips heavy pans in a hellish kitchen as a chef from dawn to dusk. Nonetheless, our language barrier hinders us from building a strong relationship. Even through limited methods of communicating with each other, inviting him to the park on his only day off spoke louder than any words. Running became a way of saying “I love you” as I cared for his physical and emotional health. I used to be disheartened by the sight of multiple blood pressure prescription bottles lined up on the edge of my dinner table, but it gives me purpose knowing that I helped reduce the number of those bottles. Just as I did with my dad, I strive to heal people physically and be a beacon of light people can look to in tough times. As an aspiring Orthopedic physician, I dream of restoring musculoskeletal function in patients, giving them the freedom to move however they want. In guiding my blind mom between locations, making sure she steps in the right places, treating patients with gentleness and patience comes naturally. I envision myself helping trauma patients regain mobility in rehab and, in sports medicine, reminding athletes that their best days are ahead of them despite their injuries. Ultimately, it's not the title or money that keeps me asleep at night, but the smiles restored and families comforted as a physician. Dedicating myself to medicine isn’t only assisting others in finding hope, but I’m building a cast around in my own life, so my character is aligned to compassion and resilience. Through giving individuals second chances to live life to the fullest, I’m reminded of the profound impact physicians have, making a difference one diagnosis at a time.