Undergraduate / 'the patient differential diagnosis' - learned from an extracurricular activity. [2]

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This past summer, I had the privilege to attend a two week pre-med program in UC Irvine. I was blessed to have received a scholarship to this incredible, life-changing program that allowed me to become more academically and socially engaged. I experienced many hands-on workshops and team projects that helped me become an independent critical thinker. The pre-med program encouraged me to explore my potential to the fullest and to follow my dream of becoming a pediatrician.

The UCI Summer Premed Program allowed me to have an experience that only medical students encounter. The most exciting experience was a cadaver lab, where I was able to touch the organs of dead human bodies, while analyzing the different body systems. Although the strong cadaver odor caused me to feel queasy, I stayed committed to my team and focused on the lecture being given. It was fascinating to understand how each organ contributes differently to the overall body function.

However, the most memorable experience in the program was the patient differential diagnosis. The task was to diagnose real patients given symptoms from their hospital admission, and to make a list of several possible diseases. Afterwards, we went to the hospital as a team to interview the patient about their cause of admission. I enjoyed interacting with the patient, and was happy to serve as a translator- being the only fluent Spanish speaker on my team. I was proud that my team relied on me to handle such a huge responsibility. I appreciated being part of a team and building empathy to respond to the patient's needs. Not only did I understand the epidemiology of the disease, but I learned how to apply that academic discipline to patient care.

The UCI Summer Premed Program enlivened my dream of pursuing a health profession and solidified my passion for the world of medicine. I became knowledgeable on what it takes and what is expected of a health professional. I am prepared to overcome academic obstacles and determined to become a pediatrician. The program also introduced me to the most fun-loving, kind-hearted, passionate people, eager to share their wealth of knowledge. With this summer program, I was able to take away lasting relationships and an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I was given a one of a kind opportunity to learn not only about medicine, but about myself and my potential. The premed program also empowered me to become a driven, lifelong leader.

Undergraduate / Hispanic heritage influence; determined to follow the dreams, even if the odds are against [2]

A Hispanic girl surrounded by the multitude of Vietnamese students. That's me every day as I step into my advanced placement classes, where Asians reign. I listen to my classmates as they exclaim Vietnamese phrases to each other, gossiping about Korean dramas or how they recently ate pho and boba. Frustrated from being amid an Asian world, I decided to run for an officer position for my school's "Club de Espanol".

Proud to have been elected the club's president, I enticed my Vietnamese friends to attend the meetings and events. My goal as president is to build a strong and thriving club, promoting the traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.

Although at first hesitant, my Viet friends decided to join the bachata dance that I am currently teaching to be performed for the whole school. After long hours of practice, I tell them, "Bend one leg". "Move your hips naturally", I say as they struggle to follow the steps. I press play and let the soothing music flow into everyone's ears as we repeat the dance over again. Even though we may not be the best dancers, I am glad to spread the richness of the Hispanic culture to an Asian- dominated school.

As I get home from dance practice, I ask my mom whether my dad is still working. "Si, todavĂ­a estĂĄ trabajando", she responds as she serves my caldo de pollo. My dad has been a taquero for twenty- five years. He is a pro at making tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at high speed and under constant pressure. Besides being a hard worker, my dad is also responsible and caring. I admire my father; however, making tacos is not what I desire for my future.

I aspire to attend a university and pursue a career in the medical field as a pediatrician. I also hope to major in psychology, devoting my time and energy to help people overcome adversity and realize their full potential. By seeking my goals, I will also be proving that the Hispanic race is just as capable as any other to be successful. I want to prove wrong the stereotypes that Latino girls drop high school and become pregnant, or that Mexicans only work in the fields. I am a young Hispanic woman, determined to follow my dreams, even if the odds are against me.

Undergraduate / Describe a recent academic challenge you have faced. (3 Hospitalizations)- HSF [NEW]

Three times. Three times of hearing the same devastating news. Three times of seeing my family suffer. Three times of being deprived my joy and freedom. Three times of being there- confined to a bed. Three times of being hospitalized.

It was one week before Christmas break my freshman year. Extremely worried about my frail physical appearance, my mom took me to the emergency room. After some blood tests, the doctor came in and told my mom that I needed to be hospitalized. Devastated, my mom signed all admission the papers.

Every single day at the hospital, I asked the doctor when I could leave. And every single day his response was the same: "Your vital signs are not stable yet". This endless cycle occurred for 42 days. I could not have visitors besides my parents; I couldn't shower; I couldn't use the restroom unsupervised; I couldn't even get off my bed.

But my biggest frustration was missing so much school. I was so afraid that I would fail my classes, or that I would be held back. That's how I decided to stay on top of school while in the hospital. The doctors weren't very satisfied with my decision; they thought it would be too stressful. I told them I could manage by doing bits at a time. So, they agreed. My mom was in charge of bringing my homework and returning it to school when I was finished. I had to read the textbooks thoroughly and teach myself all the lessons for every class, without any guidance. When I finally understood them, I had to do the class assignments and complete all the homework.

On the 42th day, the doctor came in and gave me the great news: I could go home. I was so excited! But even though I had worked on all the assignments and homework, I was still behind. I had to study and go after school to make- up the tests I had missed; all this while still having to stay on top of what the teachers were currently assigning. It was a huge struggle, but I still managed to maintain my good grades.

However, one month later, I had to be hospitalized again. The same endless cycle was repeated, this time 49 days. This time, I was sure I was going to get held back. All the hard work and dedication I had given- to the trash. I decided that wouldn't happen. So, I followed the same routine as the previous time, with success. I stayed on top of everything. I was so proud of myself, and so were my family members, teachers, and friends.

One year later, the same vicious cycle for 51 more days. This was the end of my sophomore year and I was tired of it. I was missing way too much school. I didn't think I could do everything all over again, but to everyone's surprise, I did. I even studied on my own for the AP World test that was coming up, which I managed to take and pass.

My three hospitalizations have definitely been the most difficult, stressful, and challenging academic obstacle that I have faced. However, they empowered me to never give up. I have learned that to achieve success, one must be determined and remain focused on the goal. I am prepared to face challenges thrown to me, even if it means I have to fight and work hard to overcome them.