I was born and raised in what is nowadays referred to as the traditional family set up. This is a set up where family values were strongly emphasized. Among other things, I was taught, right from my formative years, that the family is a central unit in the development of any person. I was also taught that my behaviour, whether actions or inaction, bear a reflection on my entire family. These are values which I have held dear in my entire life. I have further extended them in all my interactions. I regard whichever group I associate or work with as part of my family. Consequently, my actions would bear a reflection on the group. Therefore, I always strive to radiate a good image of my group, just as I was taught since childhood that my behaviour should always be a source of pride for my family. My parents instilled in me values such as kindness and respect for all, especially the elderly. These are virtues which are still deeply rooted in me. I appreciate and respect my culture. My parents always reminded me that “without the roots, the tree would not exist.” This still serves as a powerful reminder to me of where I come from. It has also greatly aided me in keeping true to my roots.
I am a veteran of the navy. I was strongly attracted to work in the navy due to the teamwork that such a vocation calls for. With the benefit of hindsight, I can confidently say that I left the navy much more mature than when I first joined. This was largely attributable to the experiences I went through in the navy through the years that I served. One experience that quickly comes to mind involved a delicate operation which brought out the best in me. The operation pushed me to the limit. Furthermore, it was one that taught me that even when one thinks all hope is gone and that the task before them is insurmountable, they can draw inspiration from within and draw, from within themselves, reserves of energy which they previously though they did not have. Such were the experiences of the navy. They were so profound that it would almost be impossible to leave without drawing a lesson from every single one of them. The particular experience I am referring to above involved replacing a malfunctioning item in an engine. It was a task I volunteered to undertake oblivious of the dangers that it posed. The delicate nature of the fact was highlighted by the fact that any wrong move would have been fatal for me. However, what gave the extra impetus to trudge on even amidst the despair and adversity that faced me was the fact I believed that I owed it to my colleagues to deliver. Deep down, I knew that they counted on me. They believed in me. They believed that I would emerge unscathed having fixed the problem. Furthermore, my colleagues were my family at that point in time. The teachings that I had been given at home about family were of immense importance at that particular juncture. A combination of all these factors enabled me to undertake a task which I had almost given up midway.
Another experience that has had profound effect on me was one that involved saving the life of a patient who was almost dying. Granted, I played a smaller role compared to the one played by the other medical personnel I was working with. Mine was to simply assist a colleague of mine who was administering CPR on the patient. Two things were particularly striking about the case. One was the fact that this was a patient whom upon seeing at first instance, I thought all was well only for things to take a turn for the worse seconds later. It was thus a race against time to save her life. Secondly, I was impressed by the teamwork I saw from all those who were taking part in the process. It was also remarkable how the advent of technology has made it possible to perform such life-saving operations. However, my highlight of that experience still remains the fact that I participated in saving a life.
I believe that through becoming a Physician Assistant, I will aid patients to regain their health and live happy lives. I am persuaded that given my interest in saving human life, becoming a Physician Assistant is the ideal path for me to follow. Therefore, I am seeking a program that captures my passion, which presents opportunities and which is flexible. I perform all my duties joyfully and I believe that my good sense of humor will greatly aid me in dealing with difficult patients. All being said and done, I must admit that I am extremely excited to be part of such meaningful, growing and rewarding profession. I certainly look forward to beginning a career in Physician Assistance.
