When I was younger, I developed pneumonia often; even slight colds morphed into

lung-wrenching pneumonia. When I became of school-age, my doctor advised against my

enrollment. “It’s too great of a risk for Catherine’s health,” she apprised. This resulted in six

years of homeschooling. Luckily, with time my immune system strengthened enough for me to

attend public school. Thanks to a helpful team of medical professionals, I even recovered enough

to participate in competitive gymnastics and later distance running. However, being the

injury-prone individual I am, I often ended up in the athletic trainer’s office or at doctor’s

appointments. Being surrounded by these people sparked an interest in health careers, especially

physical therapy and human physiology.

Unfortunately, at around the same time I was regaining my health, my older sister began

to lose hers. I remember her being rushed from seemingly-daily doctor appointment after doctor

appointment, trying to find answers, growing sicker and sicker until attending school was no

longer possible for her. Through familiarity with the effects of illness, I developed an immense

appreciation for health and a deep understanding of how isolating losing one’s health can feel.

This drove me to want a career in the healthcare field even more than before. From my sister’s

experience, I grew interested and somewhat-versed in neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology,

rheumatology, hematology, and genetics.

My background inspired me to work in the healthcare system to help those struggling

with illness and injury. As I progressed through high school, I took as many courses as I could to

prepare myself including AP Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Health Sciences. I pursued

my school’s Health Sciences career pathway. Additionally, I joined Sparrow Club and held

leadership positions in Key Club. Though these two clubs don’t directly correlate with health

careers, they both involve helping people within the community, which is something I am

passionate about, both in and out of the healthcare system.

 As I graduate from high school this June, I look forward to continuing my education by

going to a 4-year college. I would like to either major in biology or physiology. I haven’t

decided on my specific field of study, but as of now, I am also interested in studying genetics,

immunology, and doing undergrad biomedical research. I also have an interest in potentially

pursuing either PA school or PT school.

As you can see I have a lot of different health career aspirations, each for specific

reasons. Though I would like to do it all, I understand that it’s not necessarily realistic. That’s

why I think I would benefit from the program at Kaiser Permanente. It will allow me to learn

more about the healthcare system and meet people who are currently working in the field. Being

exposed to different healthcare career options and gaining first-hand experience will help me

decide which specific educational pathway I will follow as I begin college in the fall.