When I started my freshman year at State College, I was sure of one thing: I didn't want to become a doctor. I was seventeen and wanted individuality above all else. I thought I had to create my own identity and I thought the best way to do that was to avoid the work my parents did. My mother was a doctor, which was enough to exclude me from entering the profession. Instead of devoting myself to medicine, I planned to pursue scientific studies. I always loved studying for my science classes. I had even shown a certain aptitude for the subject, both in class and in the laboratory. And from a young age, I believed that I should use all my talents to benefit others, rather than myself. Research in basic sciences therefore seemed to be a good solution. I spent the summer after my first year of college working in a lab, researching precursors to Alzheimer's disease in animal models. However, I did not anticipate the reality of the job and its demands. The antisocial environment of the laboratory did not suit my personality. I left at the end of the summer reconsidering my goals, believing that my personality was not suited for a successful career in laboratory research involving animals. Returning to Vassar, I realized that I was now uncertain about my career plans. The work I did in class was interesting, but it didn't help me make decisions about what I wanted to do with my future. Vassar also didn't seem like the right place to make these decisions. I decided to apply to transfer to other schools and was happy to be accepted by Brown. After leaving Vassar, I chose to delay my entry into Brown by one semester to ensure that I returned to school with more defined goals. ..... middle of paper ......experiences that have shaped my belief that I will do my best in pursuing a career in medicine and public health. I started college with a vague plan to help others. Since then, I have clearly defined my career goal: to practice medicine and conduct public health research. I will achieve this goal by training as a doctor and complementing this training with a master's degree in public health. I know I can be satisfied and benefit patients through the work I will do. Ironically, it was my mother's example that convinced me that I could succeed in both fields. She is an accomplished clinician who conducts research in basic sciences and public health. She is a good example of the integration and wholeness that can be achieved with a career in medicine. I have the focus, passion and ability to succeed like her; all I need is the opportunity.