Yejin Seo

Ten years ago, I lived in a worn down apartment in Korea with Mother, Father, and Brother. Parent's relationship was on the edge and Seoul's city life didn't make bonding with each other easier. Now, fast forward some time to a new life in Virginia where Mother is divorced, remarried, and with another younger brother for me. A baby is expensive, so Mother and Stepdad had to pick up numerous jobs to make ends meet. As the oldest child, the honor of babysitting fell upon my shoulders in sixth grade.

Despite being busy with babysitting, I've managed to keep a tutoring job with the Allen family since 2012. In the same year, I began volunteering at a nursing home because of my school's service hour requirements. At the nursing home, I would assist the caretakers by walking the seniors to the cafeteria and to morning workouts. At the end of every shift, I remember everyone, the nurses and even the seniors, being grateful for my help. To me, my works didn't mean much, but to them, it was what they needed. Realizing how small, selfless actions can create such an impact made me love volunteering. Also, spending more time with the seniors by listening to stories of their kids …show more content…
Luckily, I was picked from the lottery to volunteer at a nearby hospital as patient transport. Volunteering at the hospital was a brief introduction to the setting I would work in if I were to become a doctor.
Like many others, I've wanted to be a doctor since a child. I had an amazing pediatrician in Korea who I had to see often because I'd get sick easily in the winter. I remember never being scared to go see him because he was hilarious, making him the best pediatrician. However, it wasn't only me who felt this way. All of the kids agreed with me because none of them would be scared to come in. As I was leaving for America, I was determined to become a doctor like