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(Students Name)

Personal Statement


In the words of John D. Rockefeller: I believe the rendering of useful service
is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross
of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free I share his
belief in the common duty of mankind and it is this that calls to me in my
ambition to pursue a career in medicine.
Some would consider me underprivileged and, in fact, I am without privilege. I
am a Hispanic female from a very humble family, who emigrated from Mexico at sixteen
and learned English as a second language. Although young, I know the meaning of
sacrifice and take great pride in the accomplishments that have allowed me to defy
destiny.
My love of biology and math blossomed my first year of high school in Ciudad
Juarez, Mexico; but in Mexico my familys limited income made it impossible for me to
even think of attending a university. When we came to the United States, a new world
unfolded before me. I was able to intensify my studies and participate in Upward Bound,
a college preparatory program that provides supplementary instruction on Saturdays at
the University of Texas at El Paso. This introduced me to the realities and resources of a
university campus and there was no stopping me after that.
I focused on improving my English and attended an Upward Bound math and
science program at the University of Texas at Arlington that solidified my decision to
pursue a career in medicine. The question of money and the lack of it has always been a
concern, but in America there are scholarships. I excelled in my studies, developed
credentials and was blessed with multiple scholarships; among them a Gates Millennium
scholarship that allowed me to attend the University of Texas at El Paso and participate
in an honors program that is preparing me for medical school.
Through my class work, community service, research, and internships, I have
become aware of the tremendous need for highly skilled health professionals interested in
addressing the health disparities present in low per capita income, border cities like El
Paso. My ambition is to become a physician who will serve communities like my own.
One of my learning objectives is to explore as many aspects of the medical field as time
and opportunities will allow. Currently, my major interests are in cardiology and
neurology. Ultimately, I hope to be part of a group of physicians that administer a
medical center that provides the best in health care; contributes to the education of the
community in preventive care and is able to serve patients in great need and/or unique
circumstances.