Brown University

​​School Year: 2016/17

Major: Human Health and Biology/ Linguistics

Accepted: Yes

Attended: No

1. Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated earlier in this application? (150 word limit)

My fascination with medicine stems from the injuries my father sustained at work. At a young age I remember taking his hands and feeling the calluses on his fingers, the torn off fingernails that would cause him pain for days on end. I'd sit on the side, observing as my mother treated his injuries with a combination of herbal remedies and modern medicine that she knew would return health to his body. It was through those experiences at my mother's side, first as an observer, then as an assistant, that I became truly passionate about the art of healing.

Growing up in a Spanish-speaking household with parents that know little English, I’m tasked with the job of interpreter, allowing my parent’s wishes to be expressed accurately to others. Linguistics allows me an opportunity to expand my knowledge of languages as well as my ability to breach communication barriers.

2. Why Brown? (100 word limit)

Brown is the institution that offers me everything I’ve sought in a college. It is located in an location distinct to the one I am accustomed to, which will allow my transition to a new chapter of my life be much more exciting. Growing up in a community with a lack of diversity in both culture and architecture, Brown’s campus will allow me to branch out from what I’m accustomed to and reach new potentials in a beautiful environment. Traditions, such as its Sayles Hall organ concert every Halloween night, provide a close-knit community that I’m sure to love.

3. Tell us where you have lived - and for how long - since you were born; whether you've always lived in the same place, or perhaps in a variety of places. (100 word limit)

South Central Los Angeles has been my home for my whole life. My father’s family all live on my same street and everything I have ever needed is a short walk away. Unlike many others, I have to be careful of the clothing I wear and the people I associate myself with due to the threat of gangs and violence. However, though it is not the safest of places, I am lucky to call South Central L.A. home because it is through my experiences there that I have become who I am today, due to the support of my family.

4. We all exist within communities or groups of various sizes, origins, and purposes; pick one and tell us why it is important to you, and how it has shaped you. (100 word limit)

Synergy Academies are charter schools that I have been with since sixth grade. With them, I was pushed further academically, I was encouraged to read even more, and I was provided with a network of people who soon became family. Synergy has given me the tools necessary to succeed in life and in my career of choice by providing me with a foundation in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Its teachers and students have given me an environment to be myself so I can achieve my potential in life.

5. Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences. (150 word limit)

Found Animals, a non-profit organization where I volunteered at for three years, allowed me the opportunity to positively impact my community through a mobile animal clinic offering low cost castrations and vaccinations to low income members of LA. Here, I was able to expand my knowledge of animal biology, become a more efficient interpreter, as the majority of the patrons were Spanish-only speakers, and succeed at diverse arrays of secretarial tasks. With this organization I learned the impact stray animals have on urban communities and the number of deaths that happen as a result of overpopulation in shelters. I learned the significance neutering one’s pet, reducing the unwanted animals that end up on the streets. Found Animals helped me learn more about the impact pets have in my community, and unleashed within me a greater need to assist those around me through providing information and interpreting for those in need.

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