One should use their passions and skills to better the world. I firmly believe in this statement which is why I want to become an allied health professional. My passion for research, medicine and science and my desire to impact and improve public health are among the greatest motivators to become an allied health professional.

Elementary school was very challenging for me. My mother was concerned with my introvert nature and slow academic development which inhibited my social interactions. Four years later, after being assessed by various medical professionals, I was diagnosed with Attention Deficiency Disorder. I became very curious and learned all that I could about ADD. Reading books on the disorder led me to learn about other learning disabilities and mental disorders. My curiosity expanded into a desire to know about all mental disorders, the brain, the human body and human behavior.

Later in 2002, a close relative became afflicted with a seemingly onset of psychological disorders. A variety of psychologists, physicians, psychiatrists and other medical personnel were all involved in diagnosing and caring for her during her struggle. She suffered a lot during this time and often wanted to give up on life. Nevertheless, her medical team was continued to support and treat her so that she could recover. This experience fueled my desire to be part of a medical team. I look forward to working with doctors, nurses and other medical staff as an allied health professional to improve patient's health.

To prepare for a career in science and health care, I majored in biochemistry and minored in psychology at SJC. I became fascinated by the way, the human body works, thinks and the biochemical processes involved. My interests led me to seek out research opportunities. My senior year in college, I researched methylphenidate and its dopaminergic effects and compared