Growing up in a digital environment, I've seen the negative impacts of both cyberbullying and in-person bullying. I value inclusion and compassion and have committed to creating safe spaces for adolescents in my community. My leadership responsibilities have emphasized the necessity of fostering a supportive atmosphere both online and offline. My dedication to bullying prevention began in elementary school when I joined an afterschool program. My friend Colby was frequently subjected to nasty jokes, with children calling him a "dumpster" and ignoring him. Despite his upbeat demeanor, the first time I saw him weep, I learned the severity of bullying. Initially, I responded aggressively, wanting to fight back for him, but I quickly realized that violence was not the solution. Instead, I befriended individuals who were attacked, advocated for them, and promoted compassion. As a high school senior, I noticed that bullying has transferred to social media, becoming more subtle yet still harmful. I continue to speak out against it by encouraging compassion, opposing disrespect, and increasing awareness about the power of words. If you are being bullied or cyberbullied, please know that you are not alone. Some individuals care about you, and speaking out for yourself and others may result in change. Together, we can expand the anti-bullying campaign. Aside from my campaigning, I am actively involved in my community. As a member of honor groups like the National Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa, I teach younger students and assist with outreach programs. I spearhead projects in the Student Government Association to raise mental health awareness and anti-bullying campaigns. I also volunteer at my mother's VA hospital, helping veterans and supporting hospital operations. These experiences have cemented my opinion that compassion and knowledge are effective instruments for creating a happy atmosphere. My family's financial situation makes pursuing further education tough. Raised by a single mother who works diligently as an ER nurse, I understand the importance of endurance. However, medical expenditures and home costs limit our financial freedom. Therefore, scholarships are crucial for me to pursue my nursing goal. With my dedication to healthcare and activism, I plan to utilize my degree to help others, particularly those afflicted by bullying and mental health issues. Bullying prevention necessitates action, and I work to inspire young people to speak out against harassment. I have led digital safety seminars for school groups, teaching kids how to spot and report cyberbullying. I also utilize social media to raise awareness and facilitate good relationships. In-person, I promote inclusion by resolving confrontations and fostering open talks about bullying's consequences. A culture of respect begins with knowledge and leadership, and I want to serve as a role model for my peers. Going into college and beyond, I will continue to advocate for individuals who face discrimination, whether because of their looks, race, or identity. Nobody should be excluded because of who they are. Receiving this grant will relieve my financial burden and allow me to broaden my efforts to safeguard children and adolescents from bullying. With this funding, I can continue my nursing studies while also advocating for mental health, integrating my love for healthcare with my commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of kids both online and in the real world.

One of my most unforgettable outdoor experiences occurred on a summer camping trip to the mountains. The air was fresh, the trees towered overhead, and nature's sounds combined to create a tranquil symphony. It was supposed to be a peaceful vacation, but it rapidly became an event that changed my life forever. One evening, when my friends and I erected our tents, we heard a call for aid resonate through the trees. We went to the sound and discovered a hiker who had slid on a steep trail, resulting in a severe gash on his leg. Blood flowed from the wound, and terror flashed over his eyes. I realized we needed to move quickly. Drawing on my understanding of basic first aid, I rapidly tore a piece of cloth from my jacket, applied pressure to halt the bleeding, and raised his leg to avoid more bleeding. We made a makeshift tourniquet out of a belt and carefully carried him down the trail to seek expert medical help. That night, as I sat by the campfire thinking about what had transpired, I felt a strong sense of purpose. This encounter increased my appreciation for healthcare workers and confirmed my desire to study nursing. It was more than simply responding to a physical wound; it was also about offering comfort and reassurance in a time of anguish. The potential to intervene and make a difference in someone's life, even in an uncertain outdoor situation, prompted me to pursue a profession focused on helping people. This experience strengthened my dedication to environmental preservation in addition to helping others. The forest offers serenity and excitement but also requires respect and care. I wanted to help the ecosystem in the same way that I helped the injured hiker. Since then, I've been actively involved in local conservation activities, cleaning up paths, planting trees, and lobbying for sustainable methods. This balance of care for people and nature has created my life philosophy, emphasizing compassion and responsibility. This scholarship would provide me with the financial resources to pursue my studies and build the skills essential to make a lasting difference in the nursing sector. It would allow me to continue my mission of assisting people in need while campaigning for a healthy world, both for humans and the environment. With this chance, I intend to devote my life to treating and inspiring others, ensuring that everyone in a hospital or the wilderness receives the care they need.

"Why do you look like that?" That was a question I heard frequently as a child. At first, I couldn't grasp my differences. I could never provide a straightforward response. Yet, when I attempted to chat with individuals, I received piercing glances as if I were an outsider. My race became a barrier before I understood what it meant. I was ridiculed, insulted for my eyes, and perceived as foreign in the only place I had ever known as home. The discrimination I suffered was horrible, but the worst part was feeling helpless—as if no matter what I did, I would never be seen for who I really was. At first, I was furious. Angry with those who judged me before they got to know me. Angry that I had to work twice as hard to be considered equal. But I refused to let the rage harm me. Instead, I used it as my most significant incentive. I would prove them wrong—not just for myself, but for everyone ever told they didn't fit in. That is why I push myself to achieve at my best, succeeding in my education, contributing in my community, and working toward my goal of becoming a doctor. My passion for medicine was ignited by my mother, an ER nurse, and my grandpa, whose fight with cancer demonstrated the fragility of life. But it wasn't until I dug further into science that I understood I'd found my calling. As I studied more, my childhood goal evolved into something more profound: a thorough grasp of the medical field's influence. I witnessed how doctors did more than treat patients; they saved lives, restored hope, and provided a future for families. What motivates me most is the power to save lives. Helplessness is the worst feeling I know, and I want to be the one who offers others hope when they need it most. Beyond medicine, I want to be a leader. I started a medical program at my school to teach people how to save lives, and I volunteered at a VA hospital for over 200 hours, receiving hands-on experience in patient care. These encounters strengthened my devotion to medicine, demonstrating how even the simplest efforts may have a significant impact. Looking ahead, I want to not only become an anesthesiologist but also to hold leading positions in research and healthcare advocacy. The healthcare system has many issues, and I want to be a part of the solution to make it more accessible and equal. I also wish to mentor new doctors, instilling knowledge and principles in the next generation of medical professionals. Despite my obstacles, I've never allowed them to define me. Instead, they have increased my determination. I've maintained straight A's, participated in various extracurricular activities, and committed my life to service—all while demonstrating that my race is not a barrier. As I prepare to attend UNC Chapel Hill for undergraduate and medical studies, I have a mission: tear down barriers, empower people, and eventually save lives. Because, at the end of the day, that is what truly matters—not where you come from, not how you look, but the impact you make on the world.

The loss of my grandfather to heart failure has haunted me since childhood. At the time, I didn't completely comprehend the permanence of death, yet the sadness of his absence lingered. I recall hoping I could help him, and I felt powerless. This incident fueled my determination to study medicine, ensuring that other families do not suffer the same agony. My name is Thaison Tran, and I am a high school senior pursuing my passion for medicine. With a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.7 weighted GPA, I have worked hard to improve academically while actively engaging in clubs like SGA, S2S, and even the Science Olympiad, where I placed in Anatomy and Physiology contests. Guided by compassion, cooperation, and inclusiveness, I want to create a society where no one feels excluded because of their race or heritage. I manage learning, part-time employment to pay for college, and caring for my step-grandfather, who is battling lymphatic cancer. My grandfather's death inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. My mother, an ER nurse, later became another source of inspiration. She told me tales about how she greatly influenced patients' lives, which fueled my ambition to work in health care. Her devotion and compassion exemplified the enormous impact healthcare providers have. My desire grew stronger as I got older. My step-grandfather's cancer-related decline has been heartbreaking to witness. His suffering motivates me to become a doctor, specifically an anesthesiologist, so that I may help other families in similar situations. Watching loved ones die from disease is a tragedy that no one deserves, and I want to help others prevent it. I've completed several scientific courses to provide a solid basis for my future job and am keen to broaden my knowledge. Volunteering at my mother's work has provided me with great insights into hospital operations and opportunities to interact with mentors. These experiences taught me empathy, collaboration, and tenacity, which I will use throughout my medical career. Healthcare accessibility remains a key concern. I am determined to solve these concerns by speaking for marginalized areas and trying to improve the healthcare system. Saving lives should not be costly, and I want to ensure that treatment reaches those who most need it. I also want to influence future healthcare workers by fostering principles like compassion and inclusion. I now work part-time to save for college, as the expense is a substantial financial strain. My mother, a single parent, does her best, but her efforts alone are insufficient to fund tuition. This scholarship would alleviate some of the financial burden and allow me to pursue my ambition of becoming a doctor. My heart goes out to anyone touched by loss, as I, too, have felt the anguish of losing a loved one. With all of my heart, I want to make a difference in the lives of others so that I can keep families happy and healthy. Despite several challenges, I am determined to pursue a profession in medicine. Tuition is only another barrier, and with your help, I may continue my journey toward a future of compassion and caring for others.

Healthcare is essential around the globe; it saves numerous lives and ensures that people live healthy and fulfilled lives. Inspired by this tremendous influence, I decided to pursue a profession in healthcare. Growing up, my ER nurse mother taught me about the importance of the medical field by discussing her experiences helping patients recover. Her empathy and determination instilled in me the virtue of caring for others, influencing my desire to make a good impact. I want to be an anesthesiologist to personally treat patients, save lives, and lead others to a better future. During my volunteer work at a VA hospital, a critical experience solidified my choice. I worked in three departments: Biomed, IT, and the chapel, where I helped set up patient monitoring devices. During one case, my supervisor described how this equipment identifies crises such as cardiac arrest, thereby keeping patients alive. Hearing this filled me with pride and drive, knowing that my efforts helped to save lives. These experiences strengthened my leadership abilities, emphasized the importance of assisting others, and moved my desire to pursue medicine. My ambitions go beyond being an anesthesiologist. I want to advocate for marginalized areas by reducing the high cost of healthcare and encouraging inexpensive and accessible options. Human lives should not be priced, and I am devoted to ensuring everyone receives the care they need. In addition, I want to conduct research projects, develop breakthrough therapies, and build new structures to enhance healthcare systems. I also wish to mentor future medical professionals, instilling the principles and abilities required to succeed in the industry. By motivating people to innovate and transform medicine, I think we can build a better future for everyone. The path to this point has not been simple. Amid the COVID-19 epidemic, I began a demanding early college program in ninth grade. The limitations of online learning in eighth grade created gaps in my education, making the unexpected burden difficult. However, my drive to seek a profession in healthcare motivated me to work harder. Through hours of independent study, I overcame these challenges and received consecutive A's, displaying my tenacity and devotion. I also experienced challenges with leadership. As a member of my school's Student Government Association, I helped arrange activities such as a kickball tournament. Low interest initially made the task challenging, but through collaboration with my team, we developed efficient promotional techniques, including posters and media campaigns, resulting in a successful event. These events taught me the value of endurance and collaboration in conquering hurdles. My philosophy is to care for people and work toward positive transformations. I started a medical program at my school to teach kids how to save lives in an emergency while emphasizing the value of assisting others. My ultimate objective is to encourage people to make a difference by inventing life-changing products or pushing for global healthcare access. By educating and inspiring others, I aspire to create a world where compassion and creativity drive development. In pursuing further education in healthcare, I hope to exemplify these principles and contribute significantly. The journey has been difficult, but each challenge has fueled my determination to achieve. With this scholarship, I hope to continue my journey, work toward providing accessible healthcare, and encourage others to join me in making the world a better place.

Since childhood, I have wanted to be a doctor, inspired by my mother's courageous actions as an ER nurse. Her stories of saving lives and providing treatment sparked my interest in medicine at a young age. This dream got much more critical once I watched my grandfather's battle with cancer. For the first time, I realized the agony of disease and the fragility of life. That incident spurred my ambition to help others and preserve lives, cementing my desire to work in medicine. My childhood desire has evolved into a clear route over time. I've made purposeful efforts to reach this aim, such as attending an early college, from which I'll graduate with an associate of science this semester. I also started a program at my school to avoid deaths caused by bleeding—one of the most prevalent and preventable causes of death. This effort provides students with the knowledge and abilities they need to respond in an emergency, perhaps saving lives in the event of a serious accident or violence. It expresses my dedication to making the world a safer place and my belief that even modest actions may have a significant impact. Compassion, generosity, inclusivity, and cooperation have always been core ideals in my life. Growing up as an Asian American, I faced exclusion and slander, which fueled my passion for promoting inclusion and harmony. Cooperation is essential for collective achievement, whether in medicine or life. As a future anesthesiologist, I hope to offer joy to my patients and create a feeling of community among my colleagues. These ideals will also lead me through university, where I intend to form great relationships and contribute to a culture of mutual support. A variety of experiences has deepened my dedication to medicine and leadership. I volunteered at my mother's VA hospital for more than 200 hours, learning about hospital operations and the value of patient care. In addition, I took part in a month-long program studying natural science, which expanded my knowledge and improved my social skills, equipping me to promote community and thrive academically. My leadership positions in SGA and Science Olympiad, where I was a varsity captain and mentor to first-year students, have helped me improve my abilities to guide and motivate others. These experiences have equipped me not just to excel as a doctor but also to effect change in a culture that is frequently afflicted by violence. The scholarship would help reduce the financial burden of college, allowing me to take advantage of excellent opportunities and follow my ambition of becoming an anesthesiologist. I am dedicated to honoring Charles B. Brazelton's legacy by creating a community that encourages good change. As a doctor, I will be dedicated to rescuing lives, including those afflicted by violence, and pushing for a safer, more compassionate society. This route has always been my ambition, and with the help of this scholarship, I will continue to work toward making it a reality, one life saved at a time.

Leadership and science are two forces constantly shaping the world. Together, they can propel development, overcome obstacles, and inspire change. For me, these two professions are inextricably linked, and they serve as the foundation for my ambitions to become an anesthesiologist and contribute to medical advances. My road toward leadership began at a young age. From the ages of 10 to 16, I mentored pupils through their Taekwondo training and assisted them in advancing to the next belt level. Whether I watched their confidence rise or they performed well on examinations, I realized the joy of helping others reach their full potential. My leadership experience grew to include responsibilities in SGA, Science Olympiad, and other school groups. Leading group activities like the athletics committee or coaching first-year students in the Science Olympiad helped me to grow while also empowering others. These experiences showed me that leadership is based on collaboration rather than authority. My empathic and inclusive approach guarantees that everyone's voice is heard and that we learn and develop together from our errors. Leadership is crucial to my future. As someone who dreams of becoming an anesthesiologist, I believe leadership will enable me to inspire and teach people while saving lives. In the fast-paced field of medicine, compassion and teamwork are essential, and I hope to lead research teams to discover new medications and advances in healthcare. Leadership will also assist me in launching initiatives to empower the next generation of professionals, such as developing college research groups or establishing medical programs. In contrast, science has always been my interest. My mother, an ER nurse, inspired me with her daring and heroic stories of life-saving. From visiting STEM museums to succeeding in science classes, I recognized early on that I wanted to pursue a profession committed to solving scientific challenges and improving people's lives. I believe that science is the key to tackling global health crises and solving the world's most urgent difficulties, ranging from discovering a cure for cancer to minimizing the terrible impacts of Alzheimer's. Science is more than just studying natural occurrences; it is also about molding society, understanding cultures, and building a better planet. The combination of leadership and science is transformative. Through my leadership, I aim to spark intellectual movements, guide teams, and promote cooperation. Through science, I aspire to undertake revolutionary research and save lives. Together, they shape a future in which invention thrives, and the world progresses toward solutions that benefit everybody. This scholarship would allow me to pursue my aspirations while relieving the financial strain of attending college and medical school. As someone who cannot afford higher education alone, this assistance would enable me to concentrate on my studies, access critical resources, and grasp possibilities for growth and leadership. It would be a step toward realizing my goal of becoming an anesthesiologist and leaving a lasting effect on the world. Leadership and science are the driving forces for a better future. With the correct education, tools, and opportunities, I am committed to leading, inspiring, and contributing to establishing a society where research and compassion drive development.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point in my life, influencing my outlook on mental health. Like many others, I felt isolated and uncertain at the moment. The difficulties of adjusting to a new way of life weighed hard on me, but they also increased my empathy for those going through similar struggles. It was at these times that I discovered the value of emotional support and how it might affect one's mental health. In high school, I took my initial steps toward mental health support by working in a position that directly supported people dealing with emotional difficulties. A notable experience was when I worked with a student suffering from acute anxiety and loneliness. With them, I witnessed how tiny actions might have a significant impact. They felt invisible and overwhelmed when they transferred to a new school. I helped them process their feelings by providing a safe environment to discuss and teaching them mindfulness methods. Encouraging them to join a school club that connected with their interests resulted in new friendships and increased confidence. They gradually began to smile more and felt less alone. This experience not only allowed me to help others, but it also taught me significant lessons about active listening, patience, and maintaining a positive attitude. I applied these values to my school community, creating and engaging in projects to promote open discussions about mental health. By fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, I hoped to make my peers feel supported and less alone in their journeys. Looking ahead, my goal is to turn these experiences into a profession as a doctor. Medicine provides a unique opportunity to treat patients holistically, not just physically but also emotionally. I want to build a practice that prioritizes compassionate care, making sure each patient feels heard and respected. By assisting people in recovering and regaining their health, I wish to provide joy and relief to them and their families. My journey thus far has shown me that even tiny acts of kindness, such as lending a listening ear, can have a positive ripple effect. As I continue my education, I am determined to build on these foundations and gain the abilities necessary to make a significant difference in the physical and emotional health of those around me.

Hello, my name is Thaison Tran, and I have lived my life with ADHD. Having ADHD, I have a hard time listening in class, as well as being able to focus on doing my assignments. I really crave talking, and this desire has caused me to sometimes get in trouble as well as not be able to learn as well as I could. As young as I can remember, I have wanted to be in the medical field. I believe this aspiration was inspired by my mother who was a nurse, as well as fueled by my desire to help other people. I think ADHD has also helped guide this path as I enjoy social interaction. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am quite talkative, sometimes to the point where it can get annoying. I think that this attitude has helped me to build more relationships. I am thankful that I am so extroverted, something I may not have been, as I have gained many friends do to this attitude. Building relationships has always been important to me, so being able to not be anxious to do so is refreshing. Being mentally disabled however, has allowed me to have an altered perspective of the world. I feel I can be more compassionate towards people who share mental illness, as well as feel more driven to help those who are unable to adapt to this mental illness in society. Having ADHD, I understand many people hold stigmas towards people who are not "normal," but being able to handle myself, do well in school, should be evidence that having a mental handicap does not mean that you are inferior. Adapting to ADHD has been a struggle, but I know that I am adequate of taking care of myself in this world. This mental handicap has definitely caused me to feel unique. I am treated different in school, seen as a weird kid. So having to face this has caused me to have to handle not getting depressed. Being singled out is isolating, something I hate feeling. I hope many others who feel what I feel are able to handle it. Thank you for letting me share my experience.

Hello, my name is Thaison, and I was first diagnosed with ADHD when I was eight years old. Growing up with ADHD has been challenging. As I was young, I struggled with controlling myself emotionally, I had severe issues that I got taken to therapy for, and I would constantly talk during class when I was not supposed to. I do think I have gotten better as I got older, but it was a long journey. If you were to ask anyone who knew me, they would describe me as an eccentric person, someone who likes to talk a lot, sometimes causing him to get in trouble. As I have gotten older however, with the help of medication, I have been able to focus better and do well in school, currently making straight A's and being ranked one in my school. I think my ADHD has helped me in many ways though, as I do not see it as a mental disability, and never feel as if I am below any other. ADHD has helped me to be better at speaking out, talking more, and not being afraid to be myself. I know many struggle with public speaking, so I use my ADHD as a way to leverage me to help those who struggle with this, talking to them and giving tips that helped me to be better at speaking in front of an audience. As a neurodiverse student, I think my perspective is unique. I feel as if I can be more empathetic and understand the issues some people face. Many people share the disorder I possess, and it causes them to struggle, whether that be in school, or day-to-day life, the inability to focus hurts so many. Having ADHD, I feel I could use this to help those in college who are struggling to adapt to this atmosphere. I moved to middle school every year, and I had a hard time adjusting. Fortunately, my mother was there to help me improve on myself, and I want to do the same for others. I feel that I have become a good student, that if you look, you can tell has ADHD, but can see that though they are faced with this challenge, they still manage to do well in school and maintain a solid life. In college, I know I will struggle, especially with ADHD, but I know that I will be able to do well with the help of others. I am social, so I know that if I work with others, this will help me focus, furthering my education. I want to be an anesthesiologist when I am older, so having a good attitude is necessary to help people, especially if they are nervous about going into surgery of some sort. Though I am challenged with ADHD, I feel that I can still learn and become a great person when I am older. With skills, I have learned to focus, and with the help of others, I know that life will not be that bad. I do not see ADHD as a mental illness, as I see it as merely a hurdle, a hurdle that though difficult if you can get over it, you can win in the race of life. Thank you for allowing me to share my experience and I hope you consider my application, thank you.

Hello, my name is Thaison, and my encounters with health have greatly influenced my beliefs, connections and career goals leaving an varied mark on my life. Dealing with anxiety and depression has triggered a shift in my perspective on wellness convincing me of its equal significance to physical health and compelling me to advocate fervently for mental health awareness and assistance. This journey has highlighted the necessity of diminishing stigma and encouraging discussions about mental well being motivating me to actively champion these principles both in personal interactions and within broader societal settings. In my relationships my struggles with health have nurtured a heightened sense of empathy and comprehension enabling me to relate to and aid others grappling with similar challenges. This has bolstered my bonds with friends and family fostering a circle of support and empathy. Nonetheless managing my well being has also necessitated establishing boundaries to safeguard myself resulting in adjustments within relationships but ultimately leading to deeper more meaningful connections with those who genuinely comprehend and back me up. On a level these experiences have steered me toward a career, in the field of science where I aspire to extend the kindness and understanding that I have received. The challenges I've faced in my life have fueled a passion to support others in handling their mental health struggles. This has driven me to pursue opportunities that not bring satisfaction but also offer the flexibility needed to take care of my own well being. am deeply passionate, about supporting health efforts advocating for improved health education and calling for systemic changes to enhance mental health support. These experiences have not shaped my development but have also instilled in me a strong dedication to creating environments that prioritize and understand mental health. As I progress in my career I am increasingly focused on integrating my insights into practice. This involves not offering assistance but also engaging in advocacy and education to break down the barriers that often obstruct access to mental health resources. Through my involvement in health organizations and community outreach activities I aim to cultivate spaces where conversations about health are normalized and encouraged. Furthermore my past experiences have taught me the value of collaborating with individuals who are committed to promoting mental well being forming partnerships that magnify our collective impact. My career aspirations now extend beyond therapy to include contributions to policy making and public health initiatives with the goal of driving change and enhancing mental health services on a broader scale. This comprehensive approach underscores a commitment, to addressing health issues from various perspectives ensuring that both individual and community needs are addressed effectively. I aim to assist people on their paths and promote a change that values mental health highlighting how my own experiences align, with my professional and societal aspirations. In summary, my mental health journey has intricately woven through my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations, shaping each aspect of my life and underscoring the profound interconnectedness between mental well-being and personal development.

Hello, my name is Thaison Tran, and I would say that having a single mother when I was growing up has truly changed my life. My father departed when I was two years old, so I never had any formal recollections of him growing up. My mother and father also never got married. With the sole help of immediate relatives, including my grandparents, my mother has done an amazing job raising me on her own. I believe that not having a father caused me to miss out on a lot. My mother's job kept me from doing a lot of things, so I would frequently have to stay at my grandparents' house so that I wouldn't be left alone. My mother actually did start dating a man when I was seven years old, but he was not a pleasant man. Because of his violent inclinations, he constantly made my mom anxious and I was terrified of him. Eventually, we would get rid of him thanks to my grandfather scaring him off. Although I wish I had had more resources or experienced more things as a child, having a single parent has taught me to be grateful for what I do have. Even though there were some difficult times throughout my upbringing, I can state with confidence that I had a good childhood generally. Because my mom worked, I was able to spend quality time with my cousin and make special memories with him thanks to my mother's efforts to take me places. Growing up, I had a lot of powerful memories from my cousin's home. Since I was a young child, my mom has always taken me to my cousin's house while she had work, where my grandparents and his mom also resided. Since we have spent a great deal of time together, I view my cousin as a brother. Since he moved away to college and I no longer had to go there, I don't see him as much these days. The simple act of being able to view my family as complete is something I believe I have missed greatly in life. Without a father figure in my life, I was unaware as a child that I was unique. As I listened to other kids speak about their fathers, all I could think was how mine was simply absent. Since he departed so soon, I had no attachment to him, so I wasn't depressed. I didn't really realize how my father had abandoned me and how his absence had left my family lacking until I was a high school student. I adore my mother, especially in light of her immense work ethic. I've always believed that if I ever found true love, I would swear to never do to someone what my father did to me all those years ago. My experience as a single mother's child taught me to cherish the people in my life and gave me insight into what it's like to be abandoned. I now have greater empathy and understanding for other people and their challenges as a result of this experience. I promise never to try to put my issues above those of others because everyone faces difficulties in life. I want to be a doctor because my mother is a nurse, and I have always been motivated by her drive to help people. I owe my mother all of my own growth, which has been significant. I appreciate you letting me tell you about my experience.