Final Essay

Sorry to keep beating this to death, but I had to write an even beefier essay for the other school I applied to so I fluffed up the previous one. I'm pretty pumped about it. Here's my essay for the final time:

I spent the past eight years working as a systems engineer with a degree in electrical engineering. In the last few years of my engineering career I no longer found my work enjoyable and realized I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in a career I found unfulfilling. That time in my life was also marked by personal disappointment. My husband and I had hoped to start a family, an exciting new chapter in our lives. Unfortunately I found that every pregnancy doesn’t have a happy outcome. During this difficult time I formed a strong mentoring relationship with my obstetrician/gynecologist. My passion for having a family was transformed into a passion for finding out why I had suffered multiple losses. My doctor, who understood my dissatisfaction with my engineering career, gave me the nudge I needed to consider a career change to the medical field. After a short time of careful consideration I put all my effort toward taking the necessary steps to reach my goal.

I knew that any significant change in career direction would mean further education. Five years ago I would never have considered obtaining a masters degree. I had already struggled with the coursework for my electrical engineering degree. In choosing this new career direction I found that I needed to take several courses before applying to a program. As I complete these prerequisites, I’m enjoying my studies more than I ever thought possible. It’s so refreshing to wake up in the morning and be excited about the day ahead.

As part of my patient contact hours I have been working as an assistant to the nurse practitioner in the office of my obstetrician/gynecologist. I’ve also been able to witness first hand how to sensitively care for patients who are in physical and emotional pain. Compassion is a vital element of quality care. My own experiences will influence my approach to providing compassionate and quality care to patients. I want to be the kind of provider my doctor was to me. Although my work in this office setting is very valuable, it is also specialized. Therefore I am currently enrolled in basic EMT training. Once completed, I plan to finish my patient contact hours as an EMT. I feel that this will broaden my experience and better prepare me for the variety of challenges that your PA program will provide.

I have also spent time shadowing a physician assistant in an ear, nose and throat office. I was able to witness her execute her daily duties and realize the intricacies in the area of ear, nose and throat. From my time with her I was able to learn more about her own journey to becoming a physician assistant and feel even more confident in my own decision to pursue this exciting new direction in my life.

Along with my current full course load, patient contact hours and EMT training, I’m also involved in a work-study position to inventory my college’s anatomy and physiology lab as well as a volunteer position at the Pittsfield Public Library tutoring English. I enjoy my volunteering activities because of the opportunity it provides me to give back to the community, and I feel that this further prepares me to work in the community after graduation.

I'm excited about the coursework for the PA program but even more enthusiastic about the rotations and the opportunity to interact with patients. The process of completing my patient contact hours has been especially exhilarating for me because it is such a change from my engineering career where I spent most of my time in a cubicle. I really enjoy interacting with people and the chance to help them makes it even more gratifying. I attended an information session at Albany Medical College and was impressed by the faculty, the students and the proximity to Albany Medical Center. Albany Medical College is my choice for graduate school because of the small class size and the personal relationships it allows between student and instructor.

I have often been told that things happen for a reason. When I reflect on the pivotal moments in my life I believe each choice led me down a better path. While a career in engineering isn’t for me, it was through this work that I met my husband. Likewise, my misfortunes in trying to start a family have led me to a new crossroads. By becoming a physician assistant I believe I will find life work that will allow me to give myself to others in a way that will be both satisfying and rewarding. As part of this journey I look forward to attending Albany Medical College and becoming part of the Albany Medical College family.