I grew up in a loving and supportive home. There were problems that seemed insurmountable at times, but I saw my parents always put one foot forward and keep going. Illness was central to the family because my father was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and became disabled when I was six. I can't explain how scary it is to watch your father fail physically while you're growing up. But his spirit was still there; that's what I remember the most and it taught me a lot in life. “If I can dream it, I can make it happen!” » has been my mantra since I was a boy. Sometimes I'm surprised at the results of what I pursue and I get more than I imagined, that's what I call a gift! I have been partnered with the American Cancer Society on a breast cancer fundraiser where I am a team leader for teen vendors at social events. In addition to this, I am a strong supporter of the Scleroderma and Rare Diseases Foundation. I correspond with the Senate, House, and lobbyists in Pennsylvania and Ohio to support funding for scleroderma and rare diseases. This hinders the search for a cure and help for individuals and families suffering from these orphan diseases. My final attribute of our community is my advocacy for SIDS. I have been participating in Light One Candle and the March for SIDS since I was ten years old. After losing my little nephew to SIDS, the imprints of this foundation are ingrained in me and dear to my heart; I will continue to support the SIDS Foundation throughout my life. I made certain promises to myself when I was a young boy, the first was that I would not become a teenager who used alcohol or drugs. I had problems like other teenagers, some very different from most teenagers, but...... middle of paper ...... changes in medicine that I will have the opportunity to be a part of in my career choice. My education will never end, it will last as long as there is life. Today, as I study biology, microbiology, genetics, chemistry and ecology, my mind visualizes the person to whom these study hours will be related. The importance of my strong foundation for the future is not a matter I take lightly. My life's work is to care for the whole person who suffers from illness and to teach them to cherish and protect this gift of life in all its stages. My hopes are to have my father when I graduate from college and live to see me receive my master's degree. However, this won't stop with my master's degree or when I become a physician's assistant. My goals will be the people I can help every day of my life... I dream of it and I believe I will achieve it..