When I began my freshman year in 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 should create my own identity and believed the best way to do that was to avoid the work my parents did. My mother was a doctor and this was enough to exclude me from pursuing the profession. Instead of medicine, I intended to pursue science. I always enjoyed studying for science classes. I had also shown a certain aptitude for the subject, both in class and in the laboratory. And from a young age I had believed that I should use all my talents to benefit others, rather than just myself. Basic scientific research therefore seemed like a good solution. I spent the summer after my freshman year of college working in a lab, researching precursors to Alzheimer's disease in animal models. However, I did not foresee the reality of the job and its demands. The asocial 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 experimental animal research. Upon returning to Vassar, I realized that I was once again 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 didn't seem like the right place to make those decisions either. 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 to Brown for a semester to ensure I returned to school with better defined goals. ..... middle of paper ...... experiences that have shaped my belief that I will do my best to pursue a career in medicine and public health. I started college with a vague plan to help other people. Since then, I have clearly defined my career goal as both practicing medicine and conducting public health research. I will achieve this by training as a doctor and supplementing that training with a master's degree in public health. I know that I can be satisfied and benefit patients with the work I will do. Ironically, it is my mother's example that convinced me that I could succeed in both areas. It is a successful clinic that conducts research in both basic science and public health. It is a good example of the integration and well-roundedness 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.