Undergraduate / "Changing lives of so many people" ; UT Austin Transfer- SOP [5]

I would just like to take the time and thank anyone and everyone who reads this essay before hand.

The topic:

I stood stiff as my eyes were fixed into the anesthesiologist's calm stance while he injected a syringe filled with a concoction of general anesthesia, which he called "milk of amnesia," into the IV. A surge of energy simultaneously left my body. My senses weakened as the world around me began to slow down. Silence filled the room and I focused my attention on the rhythm of my beating heart. I was disturbed by a faint voice that seemed to be calling my name. "Frank, the patient is safely sedated and you can move closer now," said the surgeon. Taking a step forward, reality settled in as the surgeon began the procedure.

I starred down at a middle aged man who had a noticeably large scar which ran vertically down his abdomen. The surgeon explained that this man was from Argentina, and the scar was a result of a surgery he had at a young age. The man was experiencing intense abdominal pains that could not be explained, so an exploratory surgery was performed. The surgeon believed that there was something constricting his intestine, which would explain his discomfort. He carefully pulled the small intestine out of the man's body, making sure to scan every inch. This process reminded me of a magician pulling an endless stream of handkerchiefs out of his sleeve. The man had a small amount of scar tissue that was obstructing passage through his small intestine. The surgeon delicately cut away at the scar tissue and immediately the passage reopened.

This man had been suffering for weeks, and the surgeon, using his knowledge and skills, was able to successfully help him in a matter of minutes. The patient was able to return to his family, and continue his normal life all because of the surgeon. You could see the joy radiate from the family when the surgeon told them the surgery was successful. This is a memory I will never forget, and at this moment I realized my purpose in life was to pursue a career in medicine.

This experience motivated me to volunteer at a local nursing home. My time there revolved around helping the residents with their daily activities. Listening to their stories and building relationships with these people made me better appreciate the importance of life. The skills I acquired at the nursing home helped me become a certified nursing assistant. Though I am very proud of this achievement, it is a small stepping stone towards my ultimate goal of becoming a physician. This career has the potential to change the lives of so many people, and it would make me proud to be able to contribute. To help one person, yet alone thousands of people, will give my life true meaning. I am pursuing a dream that with my persistence, motivation and dedication will, in time, become a reality.