I am altruistic. A word that is not to be taken lightly. Since I was young I always wanted to have a job that would help people, and too me helping people was always tied to the healthcare industry, doctors specifically. I loved watching shows about medicine and learning about illness and disease. I spent a lot of time learning about cell division, neurotransmitters, the systems of the body, and how people contracted diseases. So much so that I became an Explorer with my local fire department just to get some medical experience, I went on to get my Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license while in high school and became a Pre-Med major for good measure. But over time I realized that becoming a doctor may not be my path; I still wanted to help people of course and I wanted to be involved in healthcare. Luckily I had another love. I adored research and eventually realized I liked outreach too. While I was an Explorer and getting my EMT license I was also on my high school's debate team, a very nerdy thing to be on, but I was smitten nonetheless. My event was Public Forum, and I got very good at researching different topics to the point I could confidently speak on them and defend the points I wanted to make. As an Explorer educated my community on fire and emergency safety. This sparked something in me. I really did enjoy helping the community, and having my word touch so many lives at once warmed me. So, when I fell out of love with becoming a doctor, public health was right around the corner. After changing my major to something that suited my new goal it solidified. With every course I found myself enjoying what I was doing more and more, and it clicked with me. Learning about how to make a plan to promote health and wellness, how disease interacted with people and our environment, and the disparities in the system showed me I am on the right path.