The loud engine humming, the ringing and pressure in my ears intensifying - it was my first time getting on a plane. A large, metal tube in the sky, soaring through the clouds at a speed that was incomprehensible to me at the time. Little did I know this would be a way of life for me: a consistent repetition of jumping from place to place, with each one bringing its own sets of challenges and new perspectives. At eight years old, I had already been to seven countries, and that large metal tube became a place I now called home. The sky stretched before me, accompanied by the low hum of the engine, dousing me with a familiar sense of comfort. My friends were the working aircrew onboard, ones that would entertain me with toys and play with me until our descent. Some people would call this instability: being unable to remain in one location for too long with no gravitation towards a place I called "home". I would argue that my experience is one that not only stands out but has shaped me to be the person that I am today. I was eleven years old when I first understood the nature of my father's job. He was a missionary, traveling from place to place to speak of the cause he so strongly believed in. I was only beginning to comprehend the struggles that came with such a job, both economically and emotionally. “Low-income” became familiar words to me that rang in my ears, an unwavering obstacle that I continuously felt I could not overcome. By that time, my desire to be centered in one place - a home - was growing. The constant absence of a father figure in the house became a normality in my routine. Over the years, I struggled to understand myself and my identity, allowing those two simple words to influence everything in my life. Rather than seeing my potential, I plunged into a dark place instead, one where all I could apprehend were the disadvantages hindering me. Most people look at me and envision a sob story, and for some time, I viewed myself in the same light. I find “low-income” to be an interesting term. Not financially stable enough? Perhaps. Not hard-working enough? I disagree. Realizing that none of these disadvantages define me or limit my goals was my greatest breakthrough, and it only fueled my desire to achieve my aspirations in life. Through this, I hope to highlight what I can offer as a student: moving forward and making the most out of my experiences, realizing that at the end of the day, my struggles don’t define me. I was voted Student Council President and went on to win multiple awards on behalf of my commission at Model United Nations. Furthermore, I was hand-picked to be a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. I take pride in how far I have come and my many accomplishments thus far. However, I find that my greatest achievement has been learning to persevere through the obstacles while focusing on my passion. As a student majoring in biology and the pre-medical sciences this upcoming year, I aim to get into medical school and specialize in the psychiatric field. My experience in other areas of the world has strongly increased my knowledge on the issues that we fail to address in the healthcare field regarding mental health. My passion to work in the medical sector has been a priority and dream of mine. It has always revolved around what I can do to better the healthcare system, specifically for low-income patients and the difficulties that accompany such a status. Being someone who identifies with that myself, I know firsthand the issues that face not only young people but adults and children alike. I believe that what I can offer you as a student does not rely on my achievements, but rather the endurance and resolve that has motivated them. Learning to gain these qualities is what I consider my greatest achievement. I do not see my accomplishments as a reason for contentment, but I view the struggles that have trained me to demonstrate them as such. I don't wish for people to look upon me with pity due to my financial status, but rather as someone whose experiences have made him better equipped to help others. What I can give goes beyond my financial situation: I offer my passion and perseverance.