Attending The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine this summer was absolutely life-changing, and I couldn't have done it if not for your help and support. I learned so much about the medical field, life as a doctor, and how to pursue a career in neurology. During the program there were many opportunities in which I was able to ask med students, residents, and practicing doctors about the process of becoming a doctor and the best way to approach reaching my goal.

When we visited USC Keck School of Medicine, I was able to participate in a Q and A with med students, who then gave us a school tour. Afterwards, we dissected a pig heart and discussed the parts of the heart and how various diseases are related to them. I also had the opportunity to go to Cedars Sinai Women's Guild Simulation Center, in which I practiced CPR and tracheal intubation, and was able to go into an OR and operate on a life-like mannequin. Aside from this, we also did simulations of clinical skills on campus at UCLA. I was able to practice disaster triage, neurological exams, phlebotomy/ venipuncture, suturing, making slings and splints, caring for an injured person when help is hours away, and dealing with ethically challenging scenarios.

One of my favorite parts of the program was being able to debate in (and win) a medical ethics caucus on sex selection. I didn't know very much about the topic beforehand, so doing the research for my debate was both enlightening and interesting. My favorite part by far, however, was meeting people with the same goals and aspirations that I have. I met great people from all over the country and other parts of the world, and I hope to stay in touch with them for a long time. To say the least, I think that the nine days I spent at NYLF were some of the best days of my life, and I want to thank you for making that possible. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

This summer I will be participating in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine. It is with the utmost gratitude and excitement that I write this as I await the start of the program. This past school year I was introduced to biological sciences that gave me a glimpse of something I'd definitely like to further pursue in life. I have always been interested in studying medicine and the intricacies of human thought and action, and I believe that this program will help me do that and more.

I am eager to attend a program that will give me such an invaluable head start in pursuing what I love. I look forward to working with other motivated students and mentors in a professional environment that will prepare me for a future in studying medicine. I have a passion for the sciences, especially neurology, so it means a great deal to me that I am able to attend this program. I am excited to enhance my knowledge of the medical world and the sciences that I am fascinated by. This will surely be an unforgettable experience.