Edited Essay:
From the first day that I entered Mrs. Vandenburg's tenth grade Anatomy and Physiology class, I knew exactly which career I was destined for - the practice of medicine. During the first semester of class, I pored over every page of my textbook; I was fascinated and challenged by the structures and systems we dissected and discussed in class. Night after night, I stayed up memorizing the names of bones and muscles, systems and processes; I had an insatiable desire for knowledge. Eager to learn more about the medical profession, I read dozens of books and journal articles about the lives of physicians and the medical fields in which they serve. What I read convinced me that I am well suited to a career in medicine.
My unique family background first launched me toward a career in the service of others. Growing up in a family with eight brothers and sisters, it seemed that someone always needed my help, either physically or emotionally. As a big brother to so many siblings, I learned that helping others in need is more than simply a career choice - I feel that it is my moral responsibility. Because I am able to help, I feel called to assist those in need. This has led me to serve my fellow students and citizens in many ways: as senior class president and a member of our student council, and as a volunteer in the community and at local hospitals. Each week, despite my rigorous schedule of coursework and research, I have been able to help others by volunteering to cook and teach classes at the Wood County Center for Aging. The smiles from those I help and the wisdom that I gain from talking over lunch or playing pool with men from the Center reinforces my commitment to invest my time and energy in the lives of others.