I believe my interest in medicine was like a budding flower that grew with time. The realization was almost immediate because I knew I couldn't see myself doing anything else. The healthcare environment attracts me because I understand the importance of autonomy in a respectful environment that puts patients' health first. Understandably, I realize that this profession requires time, effort and dedication to commit to but I believe that my passion for biology and medicine pushes me to move forward. Coming from a farming family, I was never sure what I wanted to pursue after high school, but witnessing how the work doctors do can save and improve a person's life appealed to my compassionate nature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Being able to gain a variety of useful experiences has allowed me to improve and gain key skills. Being able to shadow the head of the Gynecology department in a hospital abroad has allowed me to observe and understand the key fundamentals of what being a doctor entails. Seeing the doctor act with the utmost integrity and humility allowed me to develop my character and grow. Be it daily visits within the ward, seeing patients in the OPD or having to operate, I realized that communication is key in doctor-patient interactions. I specifically chose to do work experience in a gynecology department as it relates to my EPQ topic regarding the cervix. cancer and available treatments. I chose it strategically to get as much information as possible since one of my main goals in joining EPQ was to incorporate primary sources from work experience. This improved my problem solving skills as I had to think critically and plan ahead in order to produce a good final project. Choosing cervical cancer was largely due to my motivation to become a doctor: the topic was strongly linked to the National Health Service, which is the health centre, and I was very curious about cervical cancer and what it is. Likewise, taking part in NCS allowed me to interact with new people and gain skills that would help me become a great doctor. During NCS I faced many obstacles as I took part in a variety of activities ranging from rock climbing, hiking, developing a new skill and presenting a community project. I was able to develop my teamwork skills which required me to communicate and understand my team to work effectively. Being on a team allowed me to experience the different roles that make a team work. This was a very enjoyable experience as I was able to improve my leadership skills during the activities phase where I was able to lead and motivate my team to set a new score in the crate stacks. A key value that I learned in school and which allowed me to improve my leadership skills was resilience because the lack of experience in the leadership role did not discourage me because I recognize the fact that to overcome challenges you need to face them. To gain experience in a range of healthcare settings I also volunteer in a nursing home where I can interact with the elderly whilst improving communication and listening skills. My time there also made me realize the importance of patience and empathy because everyone is different and different.