As I straddled my bike, I looked down at the steep hill. It was covered in loose gravel and holes marked the road like chicken pox scars. I was, to say the least, scared. My wobbly start all but built my confidence. I gained momentum, and just as I was about to reach the bottom of the hill, I hit a hole, sending me flying through the air. As I landed my leg twisted almost all the way around, causing a spiral break in my tibia. My leg was broken in three places resulting in six fractures. It was tough being a seven year old with a broken leg. I was missing out on softball, rollerblading and just running around. Although it wasn’t necessarily an enjoyable one, this experience played a big role in my life. I remember how kind all of the doctors were, and how I could tell that they all loved their jobs because they got to help people. I wanted to grow up to be just like them.
In middle school and high school, I realized my true love: science. It was always my favorite subject. In Biology and Advanced Biology, I found my niche. I was amazed by anatomy and the inner workings of the human body, and I tried to soak up all of the knowledge I could. I really loved it. My mom always says that if you’re doing what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life. I knew that I wanted to work in medicine, so I could study something I really enjoyed and help the most people possible.
I love helping people, whether it is with school, something personal, or even getting the basic needs of survival. The best experience I’ve had in high school is being on the leadership team of my church’s youth group. I’ve been able to lead younger students in discussions and help them to grow in their relationship with Christ. My youth group also does numerous public service projects, such as raking leaves for older people in the community, painting houses, or serving at soup kitchens. I strive to be someone that younger students can look up to, in academics and in life choices. I want to be someone I can be proud of.
I come from a world of small things. I was raised in a small town, attended a small church, and received an education at a small school. Although I come from small things, they have had a massive impact on my life, and on who I am as a person. From my small school, I’ve received an amazing education which I’ve taken full advantage of. From my small church, I’ve received leadership skills and a real passion for helping those in need. From my small town, I’ve received a great sense of community and fellowship.
In my community, I see many people I can look up to: small town heroes like our volunteer fire department and first responder team, teachers who work their hardest to ensure their students receive a good education, church leaders who are undyingly committed to the congregation, and a community club full of people who love my small town and work hard to preserve it. These people come from small places, but their impact on my life and the lives of others has been enormous. In my small world, I have learned that although you may start out small, you can do great things, and I fully intend to do great things.