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Admission Essay: Gelareh Noenifard

Thank you for the opportunity to submit a learning portfolio for you to consider my application to enroll for the Podiatry B.Sc. degree. I trust that the information provided will convince you of my passion for the medical profession. I believe that knowledge is power and it is my desire to explore every learning opportunity to broaden my education toward attaining this qualification. It is my goal to offer my services free of charge - while I am studying - to podiatry practices to gain work experience. I have attended a podiatry taster day and found it to be a rewarding and challenging career. My interest was sparked when I received medical attention for an injured ankle. I regularly visit the podiatric office to gather information about the profession, learn by observing the treatment procedures, and ask questions about podiatric medicine. There are many different specialties within the profession that I would like to explore, including podopaediatrics, sports, diabetes and surgery.

After graduating from high school, I emigrated from Iran with my family and settled in Charlotte, NC in July 1997. The adjustment to a new country was challenging, including learning English and operating the family restaurant-business. I enrolled at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte; my major was Biology. Circumstances necessitated that I work full-time in the family business parallel to my study commitments, which had an initial adverse affect on my grades. My grades improved significantly when I transferred to Charleston Southern University in 2002, majoring in Biology. However, I was obliged to earn an income from full-time employment to finance my living expenses while pursuing my studies. Yet when my father became ill I was obliged to fill his place in the family business until he recuperated, which again had a negative impact on my grades.

I have been observing in a medical office in Charlotte, NC for two years. I am now in a position to focus my full attention to my studies and work towards a career path that I believe will fulfill my personal ambition to help people, particularly patients living in rural areas who do not have direct access to medical assistance. I have also been visiting the podiatric office on a regular basis to learn more and to obtain as much information as possible.