뜻이 있는 곳에 길이 있다 "Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way"
"If you're not going to do it right, then don't do it at all." My parents' words guided me through every moment, teaching me the value of determination and effort. I grew up in the Caribbean, specifically the province of San Cristobal, a humble home surrounded by nature and the ocean where my dreams started to emerge. Seeing my dad fishing for our sustenance and my mother taking care of the most needy in our community besides the nuns in "Leprocomio Nuestra Señoras de las Mercedes" I learned the preciousness of sacrifice and care. Although I always loved the sea and fishing with my father, something in me changed after growing up watching my mother give everything she had for those most in need even when I understood that we had nothing material to offer, but it was more than that. Following in my mother's footsteps became my new goal and that's why In 10th grade, I decided to finish my secondary with a technique in health care science. The same year, I was selected by my healthcare teacher to watch my first surgery. During this time, I was selected to go practice in some hospitals such as Mañon de San Cristóbal, Oncológico INCARD, Eriberto Peter, and finally to Baserquillo, where I did my 600 hours of community service before my graduation. I participated for three consecutive years in my community with the epidemiology department of the Ministry of Public Health of Santo Domingo in vaccination days against Dengue and for cats and dogs against rabies. Among doctors, nurses, and selected students, I went out into the streets, house by house, raising awareness among families about Dengue and vaccinating their pets. These experiences showed me the importance of addressing systemic challenges and seeking global solutions. Everything was going according to what I had thought, being a still immature girl I did not think that things would happen that I never planned.
It was in the midst of the uncertainty and lockdown brought on by the pandemic that not only was my graduation canceled, but my parents' divorce added another layer of emotional difficulty. My family was my foundation, but my parents' separation during my teenage years shook that stability. I believed that my opportunities to continue with my plans had ended as a result of this situation at home, and although sadness was something I felt, I refused to give up on my goals. The COVID-19 pandemic was a transformative period in my life, from managing strong emotions to fostering maturity and a desire to deeply understand the human being. During this time, I became curious about the interplay between science and human well-being. Witnessing the global challenges caused by the pandemic, along with the personal challenges I faced, highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms that keep us physically and emotionally healthy. Inspired by these experiences, I began to explore biology as a way to address pressing issues, from public health to the resilience of our communities. These combined challenges have shaped my commitment to completing my major in biology. I was not the oldest nor the most experienced, but I began to see the opportunities to ask questions and seek answers about the world around us. This curiosity fueled my ambition to explore innovative approaches to solve the pressing problems of our time and contribute to fields that improve human life.
Beyond everything, I had the opportunity to be part of the BUSCA program at La Salle University in Pennsylvania, United States where I completed an associate degree in arts and science. As my interpersonal and English language skills grew, I chose this moment to make that family process a strength and not a weakness. So I dedicated myself to giving my best as my parents said, which is why during that time I was part of the honor society during all the fourth semesters allowing me to tutor bilingual students or tell them my story and serve as motivation. Likewise, I was part of the student welcome community where I was chosen by all the teachers to be interviewed on television and give my opinion in the presidential debate between Harris and Trump in the United States in 2024. With my determination and somewhat extroverted personality, I decided to lead these two years to prove to myself that I could not define my entire life by an event over which I had no control. South Korea's story inspires me intensely. After the devastation of the Korean War, the nation embraced international cooperation and invested in education and research, creating the "Miracle on the Han River." This transformation reminds me of my situation back then. By studying biology in South Korea, I plan to follow that legacy of growth and collaboration. My focus on biomedical research aligns with challenges faced by both nations mine and Korea, such as infectious diseases and aging populations. I aspire to bring these innovations back to my hometown, strengthening the bond between our countries while improving healthcare for those who need it most. I am so excited to submerge in South Korea's innovative biological system, supported by its exceptional investment in the Dominican Republic, which is the ideal environment for me to expand my knowledge and skills.
"If you're not going to do it right, then don't do it at all." My parents' words guided me through every moment, teaching me the value of determination and effort. I grew up in the Caribbean, specifically the province of San Cristobal, a humble home surrounded by nature and the ocean where my dreams started to emerge. Seeing my dad fishing for our sustenance and my mother taking care of the most needy in our community besides the nuns in "Leprocomio Nuestra Señoras de las Mercedes" I learned the preciousness of sacrifice and care. Although I always loved the sea and fishing with my father, something in me changed after growing up watching my mother give everything she had for those most in need even when I understood that we had nothing material to offer, but it was more than that. Following in my mother's footsteps became my new goal and that's why In 10th grade, I decided to finish my secondary with a technique in health care science. The same year, I was selected by my healthcare teacher to watch my first surgery. During this time, I was selected to go practice in some hospitals such as Mañon de San Cristóbal, Oncológico INCARD, Eriberto Peter, and finally to Baserquillo, where I did my 600 hours of community service before my graduation. I participated for three consecutive years in my community with the epidemiology department of the Ministry of Public Health of Santo Domingo in vaccination days against Dengue and for cats and dogs against rabies. Among doctors, nurses, and selected students, I went out into the streets, house by house, raising awareness among families about Dengue and vaccinating their pets. These experiences showed me the importance of addressing systemic challenges and seeking global solutions. Everything was going according to what I had thought, being a still immature girl I did not think that things would happen that I never planned.
It was in the midst of the uncertainty and lockdown brought on by the pandemic that not only was my graduation canceled, but my parents' divorce added another layer of emotional difficulty. My family was my foundation, but my parents' separation during my teenage years shook that stability. I believed that my opportunities to continue with my plans had ended as a result of this situation at home, and although sadness was something I felt, I refused to give up on my goals. The COVID-19 pandemic was a transformative period in my life, from managing strong emotions to fostering maturity and a desire to deeply understand the human being. During this time, I became curious about the interplay between science and human well-being. Witnessing the global challenges caused by the pandemic, along with the personal challenges I faced, highlighted the importance of understanding the mechanisms that keep us physically and emotionally healthy. Inspired by these experiences, I began to explore biology as a way to address pressing issues, from public health to the resilience of our communities. These combined challenges have shaped my commitment to completing my major in biology. I was not the oldest nor the most experienced, but I began to see the opportunities to ask questions and seek answers about the world around us. This curiosity fueled my ambition to explore innovative approaches to solve the pressing problems of our time and contribute to fields that improve human life.
Beyond everything, I had the opportunity to be part of the BUSCA program at La Salle University in Pennsylvania, United States where I completed an associate degree in arts and science. As my interpersonal and English language skills grew, I chose this moment to make that family process a strength and not a weakness. So I dedicated myself to giving my best as my parents said, which is why during that time I was part of the honor society during all the fourth semesters allowing me to tutor bilingual students or tell them my story and serve as motivation. Likewise, I was part of the student welcome community where I was chosen by all the teachers to be interviewed on television and give my opinion in the presidential debate between Harris and Trump in the United States in 2024. With my determination and somewhat extroverted personality, I decided to lead these two years to prove to myself that I could not define my entire life by an event over which I had no control. South Korea's story inspires me intensely. After the devastation of the Korean War, the nation embraced international cooperation and invested in education and research, creating the "Miracle on the Han River." This transformation reminds me of my situation back then. By studying biology in South Korea, I plan to follow that legacy of growth and collaboration. My focus on biomedical research aligns with challenges faced by both nations mine and Korea, such as infectious diseases and aging populations. I aspire to bring these innovations back to my hometown, strengthening the bond between our countries while improving healthcare for those who need it most. I am so excited to submerge in South Korea's innovative biological system, supported by its exceptional investment in the Dominican Republic, which is the ideal environment for me to expand my knowledge and skills.
