Beep. Beep. Beep. Four-year-old me was frightened when I saw my Mother connected to brightly blinking machines at the local hospital. The flashing lights and beeping apparatus made me anxious. A nurse came in, saw my panicky face, and started explaining in simplistic terms what each appliance did. That brief encounter helped me to relax and appreciate what a marvel the hospital held. That is where my interest in Biomedical Science started. Afterward, I knew I wanted to help people when I grew up. Applying for the STEM Academy at Grapevine High School had a strong pathway planned for my future. I remember the day I made the lottery for the program. Just one more hurdle, after interviews, program proposals, and papers, the random number generator. Sitting in my classes, I waited, peering impatiently at my cellphone as number after number was drawn and added to the list. When number 147 hit, I stood up in my 8th grade algebra class and hooted like a gibbon. My teacher and my classmates turned to look at me and all I could do was prance in place in celebration. Before Mr. Morgan could ask about what was going on, a knock came at the door and my Mother,also a teacher in the building, came rushing in excited. Her cellphone showed the steady stream of numbers picked for the program. She saw me heading to my dream and hugged me with tears and smiles. When COVID hit, much changed. Healthcare workers were thrust into the spotlight, much as they had been in Dallas years earlier when Ebola bred fear and took hold. This time, the workers were fighting harder, longer, and with dwindling supplies. This time, propaganda seeped in and mocked the virus, and in time, the very workers making a difference. Personally, my parents had to find new jobs and we moved several states away from friends, family, and the STEM Academy. I would be starting my senior year at a new school, taking classes via Google Meet. This challenge made me aware that there are numerous areas of the Biomedical Sciences and how they all work together. Taking Principles of Biomedical Science, film editing, and college writing, I can see several pathways that will be beneficial in my future STEM career. Writing, editing, and creating informational media presentations will facilitate my research, as well as others. I want to clarify, illuminate, and educate. I plan to get my doctorate and promote the fundamentals of Biomedical Science through genomics and immunology. Through the Biomedical Sciences, I know I will help others and make a positive impact on the world.

Beep. Beep. Beep. Four-year-old me was frightened when I saw my Mother connected to brightly blinking machines at the local hospital. The flashing lights and beeping apparatus made me anxious. A nurse came in, saw my panicky face, and started explaining in simplistic terms what each appliance did. That brief encounter helped me to relax and appreciate what a marvel the hospital held. That is where my interest in Biomedical Science started. Afterward, I knew I wanted to help people when I grew up. Applying for the STEM Academy at Grapevine High School had a strong pathway planned for my future. I remember the day I made the lottery for the program. Just one more hurdle, after interviews, program proposals, and papers, the random number generator. Sitting in my classes, I waited, peering impatiently at my cellphone as number after number was drawn and added to the list. When number 147 hit, I stood up in my 8th grade algebra class and hooted like a gibbon. My teacher and my classmates turned to look at me and all I could do was prance in place in celebration. Before Mr. Morgan could ask about what was going on, a knock came at the door and my Mother,also a teacher in the building, came rushing in excited. Her cellphone showed the steady stream of numbers picked for the program. She saw me heading to my dream and hugged me. When COVID hit, much changed. Healthcare workers were thrust into the spotligh,t much as they had been in Dallas years earlier when Ebola bred fear and took hold. This time, the workers were fighting harder, longer, and with dwindling supplies. This time, propaganda seeped in and mocked the virus and the in time, the very workers making a difference. Personally, my parents had to find new jobs and we moved several states away from friends, family, and the STEM Academy. I would be starting my senior year at a new school, taking classes via Google Meet. This challenge made me aware that there are numerous areas of the Biomedical Sceince and how they all work together. Taking Principles of Biomedical Science, film editing, and college writing, I can see several pathways that will be beneficial in my future STEM career. Writing, editing, and creating informational media presentations will facilitate my research, as well as others.These skills will help me clarify, illuminate, and educate. I plan to get my doctorate and promote the fundamentals of Biomedical Science through genomics and immuology. Through the Biomedical Sciences, I know I will help others and make a positive impact on the world.