Undergraduate / "Academic Decathlon" - Common App Extracurricular Essay [4]

Academic Decathlon had exposed me to the realities of both success and failure alike. Although my application had been denied when I first applied as incoming freshman, such a failure inspired me to improve as a stronger student and team member alike. As a member the succeeding year, I had adamantly believed that academics were the quintessential core of the program. To my surprise, my experiences extended far beyond the four-inch binders of material; my three years in the program fostered a love for learning in its purest sake, unforgettable relationships with an ever diverse team, and a lasting appreciation of all knowledge, objective and vocalized, beyond the classroom alone. In this camaraderie, AcaDec has enlivened my newfound desire to grow as an independent, responsible individual while sharing such profound (and sometimes quirky) passions for knowledge with others. Altogether, hard-achieved medals, the thrill of intense competition, and prestigious victories alone cannot define all that I have cherished from this experience.

Undergraduate / Stanford Supplement- Dissections and Intellectual Vitality [4]

1. My heart pounded with anxiety as I neared the grey door to the pathology lab. Deep inside, I was gripped by an overwhelming sense of doubt: would I be able to handle the sight? What lay only three steps ahead of me would be nothing like the colorful anatomy pictures I had casually skimmed through in my Physiology class. The necropsy I was to observe would enliven the flat pages of illustrations into a tangible surprise. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. The door clicked open.

The pungent scent of blood, hinted with the sharp sting of antiseptic, overwhelmed my senses.Hearing the abrupt gasp of my classmates, I whipped my head forward to see the spectacle before me. The cow's expansive skin hung flaccid from an enormous hook from the ceiling. Around it, scientists were examining each bit of viscera; muscles both smooth and striated were probed, piecing together the story of the cause of death.The creature's large stomach, ravaged by an aggressive pus infection, was placed at our feet to examine. .

To my surprise, I was otherwise...fascinated. Before me was not just anatomy alone, but an artistic masterpiece of nature. The cow's limp skin had become a canvas illustriously freshly painted with brushstrokes of crimson blood, dripping in thin streams. My curiosity pressed on to examine the mapwork of blood vessels; The gossamer webwork of red and blue lines still emanated with a vibrancy that that had nurtured the body for years. But underneath all these arts, an esoteric story of the creature's life still emanated from the corpse, a story of pain as the body was torn by malignant disease. Amidst the spectacle, the dull, lifeless eyes begged not be forgotten.

Walking out of the room, I came out with a profound appreciation for all things hidden to the naked eye. Perhaps it was the intricacy of that engrossed me the most in those few minutes; seeing what vibrant organs laid underneath the familiar blankness of skin transfixed me. The cadaver was not just a pure specimen, but also a piece art. Although some withdraw from the atrocity of a dissection, I cannot help but marvel its inherent beauty. As I pursue my desires in the medical field, my fingertips await the opportunity to further explore the underlying mysteries of the body.

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Any suggestions to shorten this essay? Thank you in advance!

Undergraduate / Personal Statement (Abba and Life's simplicities) [5]

Personal Statement

The brisk autumn breeze lambently swept across our faces, mingling with the faint scent of Aspercreme in the air. A hovering silence was interrupted only by the rhythmic creaking of the swinging bench as we swayed back and forth. My eyes traced along the sun's soft rays which illuminated the wrinkles etched on Abba's tanned face. Her long, callused fingers gently clutched the tinted glasses that she wore just six minutes ago, unearthing her eyes to the sun before us. The crow's feet lining her eyes darkened as she squinted onward in the light, but they could not conceal the content gleam in her eyes. Listening to her long sighs soothed me; in this unperturbed moment, the ticking time seemed to come to a still. In my world of disarray, I felt that everything peaceful, everything beautiful, had blended into a harmonious scene. I wished that such an exquisite moment would not dissipate.

Having come miles away from Seoul, South Korea, my great-aunt and I stood two worlds and two generations apart from each other. Sixty-four years had accustomed her to the native Korean tongue of my ancestors while I, a second-generation Korean American, embraced the English that had long shaped my own speech. Awkward pauses would amplify into lingering silence after our speech, disjunctive lingua franca of Kingfish, ultimately left us lost in translation. With an impenetrable language barrier between us, we should have been perfect strangers at a loss of words. I realized that it was in this familiar quiescence where I learned to admire her most.

Within my daily world of complexity, rationalization, and society's outspoken voices, Abba taught me to appreciate the smaller, often conspicuous treasures of my lifetime. In our sequestered world of quiet, we would escape the cold stringencies of reality to instead examine life's smaller pleasures. It was in these moments where my eclectic interests were born. Listening to the daily reruns of her music cassettes, my ears learned to admire anything the guttural voice of Pavarotti to the galvanizing music of Andrew Lloyd Weber. Our miniature expeditions to the backyard would unveil my passion for the outdoors; immersing my hands into the loamy soil, I would be tickled by the soft tendrils of the tomato plant's roots at my fingertips. But altogether, among her hand-knitted slippers, sock puppet shows, and generous hugs, I relished the warmth of her compassion, a childlike mirth that, on my rough journey towards adulthood, kept me alive.

Abba's silence ultimately proved Gestalt wrong. The whole picture painted by my seventeen years of life would not have been important, if not complete, had she not taught me to appreciate the very simplicities of life. I have come to appreciate the times of clarity, to view not only what was around me, but the smaller details which constructed timeless memories of my childhood. As I continue the family tradition of becoming a doctor, I cannot overlook supposed "trivialities" with pure logic. Complexity may elevate me on my journey towards knowledge, but it shall never obfuscate my admiration for the candid, little moments in life. For though my brain will learn to comprehend physiological processes, sophisticated technology and painstaking labor, my heart need not be equally crystallized. Rather, as Abba so profoundly showed to me, modesty, compassion for other's and a ceaseless curiosity to explore shall forever be my strength against the unknown, even the impossible.

"What am I?" I ask myself today. I am simple, though not simple-minded. Optimistic despite impending troubles. And, though no longer young at age, I will always be young at heart. Rather than absorbing myself in the abstract future alone, I now know that I must appreciate the transience of today, and await the smaller surprises which compiled into the wonders of tomorrow. The open doors of the near future beckon me forward; I understand that I will face tremendous risk, the thrills of challenges, and countless steps for profound change. But for now, I shall patiently relish in the loving simplicities of today and anticipate their permanence tomorrow. Yes, that shall be enough.

Undergraduate / Stanford Supplements: Necropsy, My Ears are My Soul, Freedom - EA [5]

I am applying Early Action, and my responses are due tomorrow, 11:59 PM...Help me, and I will do my best to return the favor...Thank you!

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Prompt: Stanford students are widely known to possess a sense of intellectual vitality. Tell us about an idea or an experience you have had that you find intellectually engaging. My heart anxiously pounded as I neared the grey door. What lay three steps ahead was nothing like the diagrams I had casually skimmed through in my Physiology class. The necropsy would enliven the flat pages into a tangible surprise. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. The door clicked open.

The pungent scent of blood overwhelmed me. Struck by shock, I whipped my head forward. Before me, the cow's skin hung flaccid from above. Around it, scientists probed bits of viscera to determine the unknown, mortal illness. The creature's massive stomach, ravaged by an aggressive pus infection, was propped on frontal display.

To my surprise, I was otherwise...fascinated. Before me was not anatomy, but a masterpiece of nature. The limp skin became a canvas, illustriously painted by brushstrokes of crimson blood as they dripped in thin streams. My curiosity pressed on to examine the gossamer webwork of red and blue vessels that still emanated lifelike vibrancy. But underneath, an esoteric story of the cow's life lingered with the corpse, a story of pain as the body was torn by malignant disease. Amidst the spectacle, the dull, lifeless eyes begged not to be forgotten as a living being of the past. In front of me was a complete picture of life enlivened by my curiosity.

Walking out of the room, I came out with a profound appreciation for all things hidden to the naked eye. Perhaps the intricacy engrossed me the most; seeing what organs lay underneath the familiar blankness of skin transfixed me. The cadaver was both a pure specimen of science and an icon of art. Although some withdraw from a dissection's atrocity, I marvel at its inherent beauty. Pursuing a future in medicine, my fingertips wait to wield the scalpel, and incise into the underlying mysteries of the body.

Prompt: Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus . Write a note to your future roommate that reveals something about you or that will help your roommate - and us - know you better. Oftentimes, we find ourselves saying that "the eyes are the window to the soul." I disagree. Blessed with my family's hereditary genes for poor eyesight, my world would be a blur if it were not for my ability to listen to the mellifluent music of my world.

Quite simply, you can say that my soul rests in my ears. Get to know me, and you will find that in place of diaries and photographs, my memories reside in all I have listened to, Time and again, my ears have savored the passionate ballads of John Legend accompanied the rhythmic pat-pat of the October raindrops outside. They have heard one too many squeals from my hungry guinea pig, five notes from a funk groove on my Yamaha bass, and the frenetic chime as my spoon stirs steaming green tea in a mug. I laugh at the unmistakable voice of Charlie Brown, cry when I am called "midget," and nod in wonder while discussing Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel in my Theory of Knowledge class at school.

I cannot yet boast that I have an experienced ear, though, for seventeen years of memories are not enough. I have yet to hear the impassioned screams of Stanford Cardinals at my first football game, hushed whispers during our midnight escapades to the library, and the fascinating lectures on biochemical evolution. Stepping foot onto the center of campus, I yearn to surround myself the daily ring of bicycle bells accompanying the hum of many diverse languages within the student community. But among that crowd, I desire to listen to your own voice. Approach me, beckon me, tell me about your stories, your aspirations, and our friendship may strike a harmonious tune of its own. Together, we have four years of opportunity ahead of us. And until we shake hands tomorrow, I await the chance to hear your name.

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Prompt: Tell us what makes Stanford a good place for you.
Having outgrown the Granite Bay bubble, I am now ready to start afresh. With naught but my knowledge and aspirations as my compass, Stanford University would indeed be "the wind of freedom" that guides me through the expansive seas of the unknown.

Unfettered from tradition, Stanford's independent spirit stands as a beacon for all possibility. As a pioneer of science, Stanford's roots are the essence of my journey. I desire to explore the intricacies of Biology both within the classroom and through internships in esteemed facilities as the Biofilm Research Center. However, I am equally enthusiastic about the school's interdisciplinary approach; knowing that I may continue my other passions for History and Anthropology through the double major system achieves the educational balance that I so desire. I admire the liberty to embrace both science and the unique human aspect defined in medicine.

Stanford also provides for a rich cultural experience without boundaries. Coming from a homogeneous student body, I await newfound chances to immerse myself into the ever diverse community. I am attracted to organizations as Taiko, Cultural Interaction Club, and the Korean Christian Fellowship, which would provide both a niche and surprises. At the same time, I relish the world off campus; sites as Chinatown and Russian Hill foster my motivation to even travel abroad someday.

But most of all, Stanford idealizes the harmonious balance of intellect and camaraderie. Stepping onto the campus during a "Discover Stanford" tour, I found the collaborative atmosphere profoundly appealing. Knowing that I may challenge myself while sharing my passions with others is a dream come true. The warmth of cooperation and the familiar Califonia ambience forge a place I can truly call home.

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Also, which answer would be more appropriate for this short answer?

I wish to have witnessed the fall of the Aztec empire under Hernan Cortes. This event has been one of the first revolutionary encounters between two distinct civilizations. Also, the surprising odds at which the conquistadores succeeded shows that any moment, if not any individual, may cause change.

-OR-

I seek to witness a moment not written in the textbooks. Drafted into the Korean War at a young age, my grandfather may have lost his life amidst gunfire had he not switched positions with a comrade. The brevity of the moment cannot overshadow how profoundly my present existence may have been today

For any responses which flood in, I cannot thank you enough

Undergraduate / MIT Short Essays: Cooking and Medicine [3]

We know you lead a busy life, full of activities, many of which are required of you. Tell us about something you do for the pleasure of it. (*)(100 words or fewer)

Amidst a frantic world demanding the perfection of the hands, my weary senses are tantalized by the odors of chili, cinnamon, and faint puffs of flour. Although I will never become the next Iron Chef, cooking unleashes my creative side while exercising my love for experimentation at its finest. I can never guarantee that my final product is an exact copy from a recipe, but my ever busy hands seek to turn any process of cooking, disaster or success, into a delicious dish that I may share with others and relish on my own.

Although you may not yet know what you want to major in, which department or program at MIT appeals to you and why? (*) (100 words or fewer)

As the daughter of a doctor, I am especially fascinated by the opportunities that the medical field has to offer, for it unites science with a human aspect (compassion). Understanding that certain prerequisites apply for the premedical program, I am interested in studying in the Biology department with a Biochemistry emphasis. Such would not only equip me well with the necessary knowledge to prepare for graduate school, but also enliven my eagerness for boundless research and exploration in the intricacy of all that exists beyond the naked eye, and the numerous facets which constitute life itself.

What attribute of your personality are you most proud of, and how has it impacted your life so far? This could be your creativity, effective leadership, sense of humor, integrity, or anything else you'd like to tell us about. (*) (200-250 words)

Oftentimes, we find ourselves saying that "the eyes are the window to the soul." I honestly disagree. Blessed with my family's hereditary genes for poor eyesight, my world would be a blur if it were not for my ability to listen to the mellifluent music of my world.

Quite simply, my soul rests in my ears. In place of diaries and photographs, my memories reside in all I have listened to. Time and again, my ears have savored the passionate ballads of John Legend accompanied the rhythmic pat-pat of the October raindrops outside. They have heard one too many squeals from my hungry guinea pig, five notes from a funk groove on my Yamaha bass, and the frenetic chime as my spoon stirs steaming green tea in a mug. I laugh at the unmistakable voice of Charlie Brown; cry when I am called "midget;" and nod in wonder while discussing Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel in my Theory of Knowledge class at school.

My eyes alone cannot paint my world; I cannot be a mere observer, but a listener who seeks the heart of the matter. Yet I cannot yet boast that I have an experienced ear, though, for seventeen years of memories still leave me waiting for more. My boundless curiosity awaits newer discoveries as I continue to listen and wait for the unknown to come.

Describe the world you come from; for example, your family, clubs, school, community, city, or town. How has that world shaped your dreams and aspirations?(*) (200-250 words

As a child, nothing had captured my curiosity more than my father's faded, gently worn medicine bag. A mere, black leather sack with broken handles, it would oftentimes collect a thin blanket of dust from age. But within this seeming imperfection were the very treasures that allowed my father to give others the profound gift of life. From the sweetness of Tylenol cough syrup to the piercing pain of a flu vaccine, the bag carried with it the unfailing promise to cure even the worst of my maladies. Amidst the pungent scents of peroxide and a myriad of pill bottles, I discovered my first love: medicine.

Medicine's endless possibilities for discovery gave birth to my insatiable curiosity for the unknown. My fascination for medical mysteries has inspired my passions to explore every intricate detail of the human body, from the psychological processes of the brain to the observation of a cow necropsy during the UC Davis COSMOS Program, I dare not hesitate from seizing the most rewarding of learning experiences, those which take me one step closer to understand the underlying workings of the body.

Although the instruments inside have expired or tarnished with time, an intangible remedy begs not to be forgotten. Within the bag are countless memories of my father's lasting will to pursue, to serve, and to heal. From his passion, I learned that my aspirations would be incomplete without the unwavering compassion to assist those in need. And that is a medicine that I too wish to share.

Tell us about the most significant challenge you've faced or something important that didn't go according to plan. How did you manage the situation?(*) (200-250 words).

She was unrecognizable beyond belief. Was she my same, outspoken sister who boasted the confidence of an extrovert? The same, indomitable spirit who laughed at the face of pain? Deanna's face, pallid with exhaustion, was so swollen that her eyes were sealed shut. Along with her underbite, the surgical knife had incised away the burden of a past emotional discomfort. But seven hours of surgery took its toll on her body. Unable to move, she was blinded, silenced, trapped in a tortuous cycle of excruciating agony.

Time seemed to have come to an unsettling still. I was petrified, rendered speechless by utter surprise. What little consolation could I provide? I was no doctor, not even a healer for the matter. Sympathy yearned to escape my quivering mouth, only to be obstructed by a lingering hesitation. Would my words be nothing more than an ephemeral comfort, dissipated by Deanna's lapses of pain? What could I, her timorous younger sister do for her?

And then I realized: if I could not provide the cure, I myself could become a cure. For the grueling months of recovery, my eyes became those of my sister, observing what the darkness from her shut eyelids could not. Though imprisoned by silence with her healing jaw, Deanna would share with me her persistent optimism through a series of whiteboard messages, molded into speech that my voice would resonate into the world. In those moments of quietude, I discovered the beauty of patience, and what even the simplest gifts may offer for those in need. Where tangible, complex technology may only go so far, a moment of empathy is enough to make one's world all the more better.

* For the last response, I could not seem to create a smooth conclusion. Also, the writing exceeds the word limit. Please provide any input or harsh criticisms for any of the above responses...

Undergraduate / "Following the Footsteps of Three Generations of Doctors..." -Why Columbia Supplement [5]

Even at a young age, I desired to continue my family's commitment to the medical field. Three generations of nurses, doctors, and researchers beckon me, the youngest child, to follow in their footsteps, fulfilling a timeless family tradition's power to cure. Equipped with nothing more than a love for the mysteries of both the physiology and the personality of the human being, I venture into a future demanding reverence for the traditional and exploration of my individual self. For the many crossroads that I will encounter, Columbia University will be the compass which guides me to the balance that I desire to achieve.

My footsteps yearn to trace Columbia's legacy well-rounded, independent-minded thinkers. In addition to the school's on-campus Medical Center and a renowned Biochemistry department, the unique Core Curriculum opens additional possibilities for me to explore so much more, such as the eloquence of Sophocles and the further probing of the constituent classes made possible by Core Reflections. No school seems to scrutinize the more precise details of science while unveiling the broader scope of humanities than Columbia's comprehensive educational system.

But what I cherish the most are the inexhaustible opportunities to thrive beyond the classroom. On or off campus, Columbia exposes me to so many avenues to all that cosmopolitan New York City has to provide. With the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art at my fingertips, I may garner a heightened appreciation for the many forms of art, reliving my appeal for the aesthetic from my AP Art History class. Having resided in the Californian suburbs for my entire lifetime, I await the days that I may walk through Morningside Heights, immersing myself into a culturally diverse community ample with the promise to learn something new every day.

While my fascination in endocrinology remains a distant prospect in the future, I know I shall be prepared for such a pursuit after expanding my horizons at Columbia University. The honor to be part of the school's tradition of excellence would most assuredly allow me to keep my aspirations - and those of my ancestors - alive.

- Currently 2179 characters, must cut it down to 1500... Please help!

Undergraduate / Uniting the best of oth Worlds...and then some: UPenn Supplement [5]

Prompt: Considering both the specific undergraduate school or program to which you are applying and the broader University of Pennsylvania community, what academic, research, and/or extracurricular paths do you see yourself exploring at Penn?

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Balance is something that I revered even at a young age. Born into a family defined by both hemispheres of the brain, I have learned to juggle - and appreciate - my loves for both the logical precision of the sciences and emotional depth offered by music. For my future endeavors, making a single choice simply cannot do justice to encompass all of my interests. However, the University of Pennsylvania best satisfies my eclectic tastes, granting me an admirable balance that other institutions cannot.

As the youngest child of my family, I desire to continue the family tradition of medicine that three generations have established before me. While I may receive a solid foundation in UPenn's esteemed Biochemistry department (with the scope of its interdisciplinary approach to the sciences, as well as the availability for student research as early as the sophomore year), I especially enjoy the pre-professional opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. With the guidance of a renowned faculty and the encouragement for undergraduate to pursue additional studies at the University's School of Medicine, I will gain a profound exposure to the finer intricacies of health-related fields that fascinate me most. Nonetheless, I may also immerse myself into Penn's equally dominant disciplines in the humanities. From its inclusion of cross-cultural analyses to the more eccentric language offerings as Swahili and Portuguese, the General Education Curriculum not as a restraint, but another means of freedom to explore so much more. With such limitless possibilities, my love for experimentation with the unfamiliar may thrive anywhere from the next chemistry lab to a Cultural Anthropology class that I have yet to experience.

UPenn not only fosters the growth of the mind, but also the mutual growth of the artistic soul. The unique, diversified campus offers an abundance of opportunity to feed my insatiable curiosity. I await the time that I may share my infatuation for musical improvisation in the Penn Collective, or marvel at my peers' creativity in the Art Club. Even outside, with the picturesque Philadelphian city at my fingertips, I shall become engrossed in the limitless options to thrive in the ever welcoming, culturally rich community.

But apart from uniting two halves of my passions, the University offers something more: more prominently, Penn's heritage of service appeals to me the most. My four years of undergraduate studies would be altogether incomplete without the rewarding experience of sharing the values I adopt with those in need. Above all, I yearn to perpetuate my family's commitment to helping others; with numerous groups as Circle K and LIFT Philadelphia, I may quickly assimilate into action by becoming part of the institution's legacy of local engagement. As a young adult, student, and optimist, I too long to become part of UPenn's "spirit of cooperation."

Benjamin Franklin's ideal for a well-rounded undergraduate experience promises to preserve my childhood passions, as well as those that will flourish with new ventures on the campus. With UPenn's endless possibilities, I know that I may enjoy the best of both worlds - and then some.

Undergraduate / "How have you spent your summers?" - Princeton Supplement [6]

Leaving the school campus often came with the excitement of plans: plans for traveling somewhere afar, plans for embarking on a daring new adventure, plans to garner my independence in the free time for self-discovery. In truth, my summers began with rather...ordinary beginnings. My last two years were, by no means, adventurous or mind-blowing. But within this mundane familiarity of California, I came to enjoy a variety of simplicities in which serendipitous treasures brought themselves to light.

July 2008 was a ripe time for me, a member of the novel Saerom Korean Presbyterian Church, to start afresh. Gathered at a table in Folsom Lake, the newly formed Youth Group and I clustered together, united by our Christian faith, but overcome by hesitation. Though we were all in the same place, we were distant strangers at heart. An uncanny silence settled in. As the newfound music coordinator, I was younger, quieter, and an unfamiliar face to many. Having long retreated in the sidelines with my shyness, I was suddenly hit by the desire to change. I would break the silence. To my surprise, my otherwise discordant voice was enough to strike a starting note within the group. Within time, everyone spoke; our voices gathered into a harmonious tune, galvanized by our shared passions. At that moment, I learned that something as simple as the courage to stand could be enough to unite the unlikeliest strangers with remarkable ease. For the additional months to come, I came to relish the rewards that fellowship - and venturing outside of the "comfort zone" - could introduce.

The next year, I had the honor to participate in the Biomedical Sciences cluster of the COSMOS summer program hosted at UC Davis. It was in this incomparable experience that I discovered my true passion to share, interact, and most importantly to learn with those who shared my similar aspirations for medicine. Considering that I had never left the familiar vicinities of home for a long period of time, my independence was put to the test. To my surprise, I enthusiastically embraced this freedom, and it was here where newer passions were born. Within four weeks, I discovered my fascination in a cow necropsy, the stark eccentricities of prions, and the timeless potential to lasting friendships with peers, whether they lived five miles or three cities away. The brevity of this program instills an emergent desire to explore by initiative and self-governance. My insatiable curiosity longs to take me outside of the Californian suburbs into the world where the possibilities to learn are altogether limitless.

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Undergraduate / Why Yale? - Interdisciplinary approach of Health Studies [3]

I have written two drafts. Any preferences...?

1. A Californian since birth, I would love to explore outside boundaries and immerse myself into the liberation offered by the Yale experience. As a pre-medical student, I am attracted to the interdisciplinary foci in Yale's Health Studies program, from analyses of physiological processes in Immunology to an appreciation of medicine's human aspect in Anthropology of the Body. Beyond the classes, I long to embrace the inexhaustible potential to learn in New Haven's culturally vibrant community. --> too specific on the academics?

2. Having lived in California for my entire life, I would love to explore outside boundaries and immerse myself into the freedom offered by Yale. With a passion for medicine, I desire to unite the exploration of science's intricate details with an appreciation for the unique human aspect by studying in Yale's esteemed Anthropology department. In addition to its academics, I yearn to embrace Yale's inexhaustible opportunities, opening my eyes to the world in New Haven's culturally vibrant community.

Anything else I should add?

Thank you in advance!

Undergraduate / Harvard, Yale Essay (maybe): Choice 1 on a Cow Necropsy [8]

My heart pounded with anxiety as I neared the grey door. What lay only three steps ahead was nothing like the colorful diagrams I had casually skimmed through in my Physiology class. The necropsy would enliven my textbook's flat pages into a tangible surprise. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes. The door clicked open.

The pungent scent of blood overwhelmed me. Struck by shock, I quickly whipped my head forward. Before me, the cow's skin hung flaccid from the ceiling. Around it, scientists probed bits of viscera in search of the underlying illness. Off to the side, the creature's massive stomach, ravaged by an aggressive pus infection, was propped on frontal display for further inspection.

An inextricable knot formed in my throat as I was rendered speechless. My eyes locked themselves into a perpetual gaze dappled by shades of crimson. Death consumed my senses; I could smell it, taste it as it engulfed me in the reeking air.

But to my surprise, I was otherwise...fascinated. Before me was not mere anatomy, but an elaborate masterpiece of nature. The limp skin became an artistic canvas, illustriously painted by brushstrokes of crimson blood as they dripped in thin streams. I pressed on to examine the gossamer web of red and blue vessels that still emanated with lifelike vibrancy. But underneath, an esoteric story of the cow's life lingered with the corpse, a story of pain as the body was torn by malignant disease. Amidst the spectacle, the dull, lifeless eyes begged not to be forgotten as a living being of the past. In front of me was a creature which, alive only hours before, suffered from an agonizing death. In front of me was a complete picture of life enlivened by my curiosity.

Walking out of the room, I came out with a profound appreciation for all things hidden from face value. Perhaps the body's intricacy engrossed me the most; seeing what obscure organs lay underneath mere skin transfixed me into a persisting state of wonder. The animal cadaver was both a pure specimen of science and a manifestation of artistic perfection.

Although some withdraw from a dissection's atrocity, I marvel at its inherent beauty. Perhaps a necropsy epitomizes everything there is to fear, from the sickening image of a lifeless being to horrors unseen by the naked eye. Death itself is grim, if not terrifying, and often beseeches us to dread it. But repulsion cannot hide the more profound gift of learning from me. As I pursue a career in medicine, I desire to explore the secrecy of death, to question its mysteries and to discover the heart of the matter. My eyes serve as a daily witness the exuberance of life which surrounds me. My fingertips yearn to do more; they seek to nurture the living, to acquire from the deceased, to understand both the pleasant and merciless truths of existence...

Learn from the dead to heal the living. That is what it means to be alive.