When I was five, I wanted to be an astronaut. When I was 10, I wanted to be a veterinarian. When I was 15, I knew I wanted to be in the medical field. Now, I am attending college to become a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. I made this choice because I have always wanted to help people. It is not about the money for me. It is about saving lives: saving the lives of mothers, daughters, sons and fathers. I want to be able to experience what it is like to save a life, to be able to tell family members that their child, or parent/guardian is going to live and be okay. I also want to become a surgeon because I want to have the challenge. I am willing to go above and beyond for my career. I have always been fascinated with the body and how it works. It was just only a matter of time until I figured out what I wanted to do, specifically.

When considering the surgeon position, I knew I would be in school for quite a while. I would go through four years of undergraduate school and then straight to graduate school afterwards. During my four years of undergraduate school, I will earn a Bachelor's in Biology (there is not really a Pre-Med major, but there are prerequisites that need to be taken to get into a medical school). I will eventually have to take the MCAT. This test explains how well I understand anatomy, chemistry and biology. The score determines where I go to medical school and it is just like taking the ACT or SAT to get into college. Some medical schools do not require a MCAT score, they require an interview or an entrance paper. When my senior year of medical school comes around, I will be looking for a surgical residency program where I will be able to learn from certified physicians and surgeons.

When considering surgery, I had to take into account what I wanted to specialize in. Of course I can make that choice later on but I have always been FASCINATED by the heart and the lungs. I have also considered being a trauma surgeon (because of the rush) or a neonatal surgeon (because I love babies and if I could help them make it to term, I would). Either way, I have plenty of time to decide what I would like to do. I know there is no rush in choosing but it is already my sophomore year of undergraduate school and things are not going to slow down anytime soon.

I was always told that I could become anything that I wanted to become. And that is exactly what I am going to do. I am going to become the one thing that I love. I have always wanted to be successful. I have always wanted to do something that makes me happy. I think I have finally found that something. I am already reaching the goal now; I have a 4.0 GPA, I am enrolled in the National Honor Society and Tri Beta Biological Honor Society. I am also involved in as much as possible on campus by helping during Homecoming weekend and setting up for events in the dining hall. I also take up a part time job in the dining hall during my spare time or between classes.

I want everyone to do something that they love. If someone wants to become an astronaut, then take that giant leap and become an astronaut. If someone wants to be a veterinarian, then do it! Be happy and love what you do.