How I found strength from a medical crisis by Gloria

How I found strength from a medical crisis by Gloria - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

Externally, my formative years might have seemed typical, with the usual milestones of birthdays, Saturday morning cartoons, and playground adventures. However, beneath this facade of normality, I was living a reality defined by instability, anxiety, and the antiseptic atmosphere of hospitals. From infancy to age eight, a cystic tumor in my brain hung over my life as a silent enemy that altered the backdrop of my developing years. It was like living in a colorful world yet being aware of a muted soundtrack that played in the background, subtly influencing each scene.

Living life while dealing with that challenge hastened my journey into adulthood. I learned the art of being calm during chaos. My appreciation of health and the preciousness of life was drastically enriched. I became someone who appreciates every moment and every person. There were times when I felt extremely alone, different from peers for whom life did not revolve around doctors' visits and playing catch-up on schoolwork. However, precisely those challenges developed within me a resilient spirit.

The tribulations I've endured have become an unlikely source of strength. Having known vulnerability intimately has imparted a resilience to press on, even when the way forward appears blocked. This path has indelibly marked my ambitions. I see myself committed to a future of lifting others, especially children and minority groups, through their own darkest moments. Whether I attempt this through medicine, the subtle influence of advocacy, or the immediacy of community work, my goal is to be a consistent presence for the vulnerable. I plan on attending Virginia Commonwealth University and completing my medical degree at The Medical College of Virginia to become a neurosurgeon to help others that are in my former circumstances.

The brain cyst I faced did not mark the end of my life's narrative but instead served as a catalytic vessel, forging a stronger version of myself. This experience gave me a story of triumph granting a deeper understanding that the roots of true resilience are often found in the greatest adversity. I now carry this story not as a burden, but as the underlying factor upon which I continually build my life.