Prior Experience Showcase
Finding My Path in Healthcare
One of the most significant decisions I've made since starting college was changing my career path from occupational therapy to medicine. I entered the University of Cincinnati as a Health Sciences student on the pre-occupational therapy track, believing that was the direction I wanted to pursue. However, as I began exploring my interests more deeply, I realized that my curiosity about medicine, particularly the biological and psychological aspects of human health, went beyond what I had originally planned for myself. After giving it considerable thought, I decided to switch to the pre-med track.
Initially, this decision was somewhat intimidating. I had spent so much time imagining one version of my future that changing directions felt like starting over. However, the experience taught me that it's okay for my goals to evolve as I learn more about myself. I realized that being open to change is just as important as having a plan.
Moving forward, I want to carry this mindset throughout college by remaining open to new experiences, exploring different medical specialties, and pursuing opportunities in research, volunteering, and clinical observation. Rather than feeling pressured to have everything figured out immediately, I want to focus on learning and growing along the way.
This experience also shaped my understanding of what it means to be a Global Citizen Scholar. To me, being a scholar involves curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to challenge your own assumptions. Changing my career path reminded me that personal growth often comes from questioning what you thought you knew and being open to new possibilities.