I want to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps

Marina | future pediatric doctor or nurse

My name is Marina. I've wanted to be a pediatric doctor or nurse for a very long time because I've grown up listening to stories my grandmother tells about her career as a nurse.

Like Grandma, I like helping people. Last year, I volunteered through the National Elementary Honor Society to clean up the military base I live on and to help with after-school clubs. My favorite program last year was as a volunteer for the Ballet Folklorico Dance Club; teaching 1st and 2nd graders the steps in folkloric dances was a lot of work and a lot of fun! It makes me feel good to support others.

I've earned the Principal's Honor Roll award every quarter since I started receiving letter grades. It makes me feel special to earn this recognition! I like studying and earning high marks. I especially love science and have participated in my school district's annual science fair since second grade because I enjoy conducting experiments. I hope to join the National Honor Society again later this school year.

It would make me very happy to help a team of other doctors and nurses work at keeping children healthy. I know this career path is not easy, but I am not afraid to work hard. I really like school, which is good because I will be in college for a really long time! There is a naval hospital just down the street from my school; when I turn 14 years old, I can begin volunteering there through the Red Cross organization. My plan is to apply to the University of Texas' medical program.

There will always be a need for good doctors and nurses to help people live healthy, long lives. I want to be on that team! I look up to my grandma and I want to follow in her footsteps.