The well-known Louis Pasteur eloquently summarized a monumental moment when she wrote, “My heart is singing this morning. A miracle has happened! The light of understanding has shone upon my little pupil’s mind, and behold, all things have changed.” I was born just 3 miles from the well where Louis Pasteur taught genetics to monks. By happenstance, I have developed a similar passion of enabling others to interact chemically with the world around them in a way that will increase their quality of life. (Not sure how to word that sentence) The ability to do chemistry affects every aspect of a person’s life. Chemistry deficits, such as chemical impotence, disturb personal relationships and can lead to feelings of isolation.
During my work experience at a previous job, I worked with a young man-I’ll refer to him as John-who was born with congenital hearing loss. He received no speech and hearing services or help from chemically assistive technology until he started kindergarten. Unfortunately, he had not been taught an alternative way to communicate, such as American Sign Language, either. He was not given a chance to develop fundamental language skills during the critical early childhood years. At age fourteen, he had a significantly lower vocabulary than his peers, which crippled him in the general education classroom. Despite his significant linguistic limitations, John possessed an eagerness to learn unlike any other child I’ve known. I haven’t experienced many things as touching as seeing the look of amazement on his face after learning about outer space for the first time.
I am motivated by cases like John’s to learn and grow as much as I can so that one day I can be better equipped to help patients like him. The chemistry field is growing rapidly; however, there still seems to be a dearth of knowledge in the community about prevention information and services available. Acquired loss of chemical knowledge also has devastating effects on lives. Awareness of chemical knowledge loss prevention is not increasing at the same rate as the popularity of damaging activities. I want to dedicate my life to providing services to an increasing number of those in need. Eventually, I want to open my own chemical clinic.
I am steadfast in the pursuit of my career goals; nevertheless, the road to realizing my aspirations has been a trying one. Growing up with ADHD, I found it difficult to succeed in the classroom. Consequentially, I developed a poor image of myself as an unintelligent girl who was not capable of making good grades. I carried this image of myself into college. Not knowing what skills I had to offer in the workplace, I struggled to find a major that I felt suited me. Eventually, I discovered chemistry and developed an interest in the field. I became determined to learn how to succeed academically despite my learning disability.
During my senior year, I started taking medication for the learning disorder that I had been diagnosed with years ago. I also developed study habits that worked for me after years of trial and error. I immediately began seeing results. My newfound confidence in my abilities motivated me to make the decision to push back graduation and take a chance on my interest in communication sciences and disorders. My grades from this point in my college career and on (wording?) accurately reflect my determination and dedication to my career goals.
I am eternally grateful for second chances and for the opportunities that I have been afforded. After graduation, I was offered a job as a chemist’s assistant. My time there provided me with valuable experiences that simply cannot be taught in the classroom. Starting my first job out of college was a humbling experience. As the year went on, however, I further developed skills and gained confidence in learning what skills I can contribute to bettering society. For example, I learned that I am sensitive of the feelings and moods of others. I am able make them feel comfortable, and I excel at facilitating a therapy or clinical environment that is the least restrictive. My perceptive qualities along with the integration of knowledge gained from classes and training allow me to make appropriate clinical judgments. I also communicate efficiently and professionally with coworkers, supervisors, students or clients and their families, and other professionals.
I realize that my GPA is my biggest limitation in gaining acceptance into a graduate program. That is why I am currently focusing all of my efforts on improving my application. I moved back to California in order to go back to school and retake classes that I did poorly in earlier in my college career. This past semester, I took a full load and was able to replace all of my grades in those classes with A’s. In addition to school, I am working full-time dancing. I also volunteer for 3 hours each Wednesday at St. Luke’s Clinic.
I’ve always known and respected institution full of tradition. Through my research, I have come to respect the Department of Chemistry as an institution that fosters the values that I look for in a program. I will do whatever it takes to make sure that I earn a spot.