PERSONAL 

Date of Birth: __06/28/2004______  City you were born in:____San Antonio________ County you were born in:_____Bexar__________

  Marital Status: ___Single______ (spouse’s name, if applicable:_____________)

Personal Statement:

Respond to the following prompt: Explain your motivation to seek a career in ____Medicine_____. Be sure to include the value of your experiences that have prepared you to be a_____Doctor___. Indicate your goals relevant to the profession.

Type your personal statement here. (5,000 character limit)

When I was eight years old, I sat beside my grandfather, knowing it would likely be the last time I saw him. Watching someone I loved in pain, I felt helpless—unable to ease his suffering. Desperate to bring him comfort, I decided to sing for him. To eight-year-old me, this is how I would express my profound feelings of love for my Opa, an expression I hoped would offer a moment of reprieve or peace in his final moments. When I had finished, he smiled. At that moment, I realized the profound power compassion has in moments of suffering and grief. This is the moment that sparked my interest in healthcare – a profession dedicated to relieving the suffering of others. That interest has since grown into a passion for serving others as a physician, utilizing the power of compassion that once led me to sing. 

Growing up in rural South Texas, I was immersed in a community shaped by both Hispanic and German heritage, where cultural identity influenced daily life. Many of my lifelong friends spoke Spanish at home, while many other friends, like me, spoke German with  grandparents or in church. Through engaging with and appreciating the community I grew up in, I was able to gain a deep appreciation for the power of culture in shaping perspectives, a lesson that has greatly influenced my approach to medicine. Witnessing the impact of cultural awareness in patient care—whether in my hometown’s clinics, serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Denver, providing medical support in Huánuco, Peru, or studying global healthcare systems in Germany—has helped me understand that healthcare is not just about physical treatment, but about acknowledging and respecting the cultural backgrounds that influence a person’s experience with illness and care. These experiences have contributed greatly to my understanding of healthcare provision in relation to culture, and how cultural attitudes toward healthcare shape  patient interactions and treatment approaches, and strengthened my resolve to become a physician who not only provides competent medical care but does so with cultural sensitivity and respect, ensuring that every patient feels safe, understood, and valued. I feel that in my approach to healthcare, I would emphasize a physician’s responsibility to advocate for their patients, and encourage understanding of the different challenges varying communities face in regard to healthcare – sometimes perpetuated by those working in healthcare. 

During my first year of university, I chose to attend EMT school to gain firsthand experience in healthcare and make a meaningful impact in my community, while still maintaining my university coursework—a challenging but invaluable decision. As an EMT, I saw patients in their most vulnerable moments, often being the first provider in their care journey. I observed how paramedics, nurses, and physicians spoke to and about patients, how they practiced medicine, and, importantly, how they made patients feel. I learned that compassion, bravery, and honesty should shape patient interactions just as much as clinical skill. A pivotal moment came when I witnessed a physician treat a patient experiencing severe withdrawal with impatience and frustration, ultimately storming out of the room. It was a sobering reminder of what happens when empathy is lost in medicine, especially toward marginalized patients. That experience strengthened my resolve to practice medicine with both competence and compassion, ensuring that every patient—regardless of their circumstances—feels heard, respected, and valued. I believe that by maintaining a clear view of my guiding principles, I will be able to seek more opportunities to improve the quality of care I give, and make positive impacts in patients’ lives. 

Looking ahead, I am committed to becoming a physician who delivers compassionate, sensitive care. My academic studies and hands-on experiences have strengthened my ability to approach medicine with both knowledge and empathy. I have always remained dedicated to my goals, evident in my decision to complete my undergraduate degree in three years—fulfilling a promise I made to myself when I first began college. My passion for service and advocacy extends beyond the classroom, exemplified by my role as an officer for ACU’s only LGBTQ+ community organization, a group often underrepresented on Christian campuses and in healthcare. Throughout my time in university, I have grown into a more honest, passionate, and thoughtful person. I have learned the value of standing up for myself and others, even when it requires confrontation. I have learned that approaching unfamiliar situations with humility and curiosity leads to greater understanding. Most importantly, I have learned what kind of physician I hope to become—one who listens, advocates, and approaches every patient with empathy and respect. These lessons will guide me throughout my life and career, ensuring that every patient I serve feels heard, valued, and cared for.