“Sally, we need you here. » Marisa, a nurse at City of Hope, calls me. I grab a pair of gloves and I'll be at his side in a moment. “We need to lift this man up to do a chest x-ray,” she informs me. Placing my hands under the patient, I wait for the countdown: “3…2…1…up.” » I am a volunteer in the perioperative departments of the hospital. My duties include: transporting patients to and from surgery, sending samples to the pathology lab, and helping patients recover. Often I imagine myself in the role of a doctor. I am sometimes guilty of treating the patients I help as my own. It was on these Monday afternoons, as I took time away from my studies in the post-baccalaureate pre-medical program at Scripps College, that my commitment to becoming a doctor was affirmed. Although I am unwavering in my desire to become a doctor, I have not always had such intentions. As a young girl, I was always one of the last contenders in spelling bees, timed tests, and even kickball games at recess. I enjoyed the challenge of schoolwork, the competition among peers, and the rewards of my successes. However, as I grew older, I was more often complimented on the beautiful young woman I was becoming, and less noted for my academic achievements. This shift in focus from my studies to my physical attributes had an effect on me, as I had always valued the opinions of others in order to gain their approval. I began to believe that my worth lay in my appearance and not my mind, and so I was less inclined to pursue my education as vigorously as before. This digression at school coincided with a turbulent divorce between my parents. Conflict in my family, coupled middle of paper...... study organic chemistry. Rather than simply memorizing the mechanics of reactions, the ability to actually identify and understand the behavior of molecules is a much more useful method of learning. By identifying with the subject, I can reason and understand how it unfolds. I want to apply these skills to medicine. Rather than simply administering a standard diagnosis, I want to approach each case with respect for its unique circumstances. My ability to understand others and demonstrate empathy will help me provide personal care to patients. Medicine is the field in which my training in the humanities, my fascination with science and my commitment to helping others will come together. But until then, I can be found on Monday afternoon at the hospital. I'm the one looking over the shoulders of the insurrection, anticipating the day I'll hold the scalpel.