As I ventured into my sophomore year, I maintained a positive outlook despite the ongoing online format of my courses. Being a science major, I had the opportunity to attend in-person chemistry labs on a rotating schedule, which provided a welcome change from the virtual classroom setting. One highlight of my sophomore year was the start of my internship at Riley's Children's Hospital, where I was eager to delve into my research on type two diabetes in children. Although I couldn't directly interact with patients due to the pandemic, I was fortunate to work alongside supportive supervisors and staff members. Engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations and receiving guidance whenever I had questions fostered a truly enriching experience. My internship primarily entailed office work, and we conducted virtual meetings, adapting to the constraints imposed by the pandemic.

Initially, I assumed that everyone had a similar experience, having gone through a test run of remote learning during the previous semester's final weeks. However, as the new semester began, I soon realized that was not the case. In my first week of classes, one of my professors struggled to navigate Zoom, and that was the last I heard from them. Consequently, I found myself grappling with the challenges of teaching myself the course material under these circumstances. We were directed to utilize pre-recorded lectures and complete tests when they became available. This situation induced anxiety as I had never before encountered such a high level of self-reliance in comprehending and applying new concepts. I felt the absence of communication with my professor  and peers to seek clarification or guidance, which further compounded the difficulty of the course.

Despite the hardships, I did find solace in one particular class during the fall of my sophomore year—my metalsmith and jewelry redesigning class. This course provided a welcome departure from my rigorous science schedule, allowing me to explore a different creative outlet. I was also able to work on my dexterity for dentistry with this course.

Moving on to the spring semester of my sophomore year, I faced my breaking point. Enrolled in organic chemistry and carrying a heavy course load of 17 credit hours, I juggled these academic commitments alongside a full-time job and my internship. It was an overwhelming and daunting period. However, it was during this challenging semester that I discovered valuable insights about myself. I realized that my previously held belief of being an organized individual adept at time management was not entirely accurate. The difficulty of organic chemistry and its impact on my post-undergraduate aspirations added immense stress to my already demanding schedule. I couldn't help but think that this particular class would be the determinant of my acceptance into dental school or lack thereof. The pressure I placed upon myself led to cramming for exams in my other courses, further complicating the delicate balance between academics, internship, work, and personal life. I questioned whether this overwhelming experience was what adulthood entailed, wondering why the classes seemed more difficult even though they were conducted online. I began to doubt myself, believing that something was inherently wrong with me for struggling to grasp the course material. This marked a departure from my previous academic success, where understanding different concepts had come naturally to me. The transition to online learning had a profound impact on me, one that I couldn't fully recognize at the time. Instead, I internalized the struggle and concluded that the fault laid within myself. Nevertheless, I persevered and completed the semester to the best of my ability, hoping that junior year would bring about a more favorable academic experience.

Unfortunately, as the semester drew to a close, tragedy struck once again when a dear friend, who happened to share my birthday, was tragically killed by a drunk driver. This heartbreaking event event further underscored the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

In the fall semester of my senior year, I found myself returning as a Life Health Science Internship (LHSI) ambassador and continuing my role as a member of the Chancellor's Student Advisory Board. Reflecting on my previous experience as an ambassador and member of CSAB, I set new goals for my senior year. At this point, I believed that nothing else could hinder my progress. Free from distractions, I was determined to give my all in my courses while balancing a full-time job. Everything seemed to be going according to plan. I excelled in my classes, sought increased involvement on campus, and made efforts to build stronger relationships with my peers. It was shaping up to be a fantastic semester.

However, on December 14th, I received an unexpected phone call that shattered my sense of stability. I learned that my beloved auntie had passed away. This devastating news arrived during my finals week, just two hours before I was due to take another exam. She raised me. My auntie was an incredible woman, and her sudden loss left me feeling distraught, confused, and filled with anger. I struggled to ground myself amid the overwhelming emotions that consumed me during that time. That lady was instrumental in my upbringing and she was like my best friend. 

As the spring semester of my senior year began, I was once again plagued by fear and uncertainty. I enrolled in biochemistry, a course that evoked similar feelings to my experience with organic chemistry. Doubts crept in, and I convinced myself that this class would be the one preventing me from graduating. In an effort to prioritize my academics, I made the difficult decision to transition to part-time work at my off-campus job. It was the first time since my junior year of high school that I had deviated from full-time employment. Although the decision came with financial implications for myself and my household, I recognized the need to prioritize my grades during this crucial semester. I prayed fervently for an uninterrupted semester, free from further tragedy or loss. I yearned for a stress-free environment where I could focus on my studies. With a course load of only 14 credit hours, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to my academic pursuits, utilizing any free time I had as a result of going part-time at my job. Each morning, I reminded myself that I had no excuses. Graduation was a non-negotiable goal, and I knew I had to excel in my classes to increase my chances of getting into dental school. Going part-time at my job allowed me to showcase my ability and commitment to academic excellence. My grades became a testament to my hard work and determination. While acknowledging that I had responsibilities beyond school, I strived to demonstrate that school remained my top priority. I successfully passed biochemistry with a commendable B grade.

On May 14th, 2023, I proudly graduated from IUPUI with a bachelor's degree in biology from the Purdue School of Science. The culmination of my undergraduate journey brought a sense of accomplishment and relief. Despite the obstacles and personal challenges I faced throughout my years in college, I persevered and achieved my goal of earning my degree. This milestone marked the first step towards realizing my dream of becoming a dentist only getting closer. As I reflect on my experiences, I am reminded of my unwavering drive and determination to overcome adversity, and I am eager to embark on the next chapter of my journey towards dental school and a fulfilling career in dentistry.

Throughout my personal journey, I have undergone significant self-discovery and growth. It became evident to me that my level of maturity surpassed that of many individuals my age. The multitude of tragedies and losses I experienced during my undergraduate years profoundly impacted me, leading to an unexpected and transformative shift in my personality. As a naturally organized individual, I have a tendency towards meticulous planning, and some might even label me as having traits of OCD. However, college introduced me to a different facet of myself, compelling me to cultivate greater flexibility and resilience.

One of the most crucial lessons I learned was how to navigate loss in a constructive and healthy manner. Previously unbeknownst to me, anxiety permeated my being, especially when confronted with exams or social situations. Consequently, I recognized the importance of embracing failure as an invaluable learning experience—an unfamiliar concept to me prior to entering college. By assimilating these teachings, I progressively gained independence in a positive manner, adapting to adverse circumstances by seeking out silver linings.

Furthermore, I developed a deeper understanding of the coping mechanisms that aid me during challenging times. I discovered the significance of refraining from destructive behavior and closed-mindedness when faced with setbacks. Moreover, I realized that while numerous aspects of life lie beyond my control, my education remains firmly within my grasp. Consequently, I embraced the notion that my success is contingent upon my own efforts, always remaining my own  advocate. Even if I find myself lacking support from others, I firmly believe in my own abilities and potential.