I consider hope to have an active role in my life, most importantly, the hope of becoming a physician one day and having the opportunity to help others.

        Having to see the person I love endure painful chemotherapy sessions and watching him slowly deteriorate was the hardest experience I have had to bear thus far. In a way, I was able to benefit from it. When he was diagnosed, I spent all the time I could with my father, trying to ameliorate his pain and mine. I would give him his medications, cater to his every need, and even accompany him to his chemotherapy appointments. Ultimately, I became his personal nurse. On several occasions, my father could not withstand the pain caused not only by the cancer, but also by the chemotherapy. In these moments, I was distraught because I felt incompetent; I could not help him in any way.

        With desperation in his voice, he would tell me, “Be a doctor one day, so you can cure people like me.”

        His words determined the career path I would take. The few times I could ameliorate my father’s pain were the times when I felt a satisfaction like no other. Helping others in any way became my passion because it reminds me of the instances I helped my father. My father’s words inspired me to help others who suffer due to illness. His death gave me hope and the drive to become a physician.

        My father’s battle with cancer was a life changing experience. I am now able to say that it has made me the strong individual I consider myself to be. Hope led me to survive the loss of my father and it is hope that guides me every day. Hope allows me to continue in times of despair, as well as to strive for the best in school. Whenever I am in any predicament, I remember my father and everything we went through together; I immediately gain the courage to overcome the issue.