This personal essay traces one student's journey toward a career as a surgical technologist. Beginning with childhood aspirations to become an obstetrician, the author reflects on formal training as a medical lab technician and phlebotomist, international work experience, and the personal values that draw them to the operating room. The essay emphasizes the importance of choosing a career that aligns with both personal fulfillment and the desire to help others, arguing that contributing meaningfully to a surgical team—even without public recognition—represents a deeply rewarding professional purpose.
Today, we have the luxury of choosing our own lives and careers to an extent that was not always possible before. People choose careers for many reasons. Some choose careers in the medical or legal fields for the potentially high income that many of these positions can bring. Others choose careers in education or the clergy because they believe they have something valuable to offer the world — and that this contribution would fulfill a personal goal or need in their lives.
In my view, it is extremely important to choose a career that would not only sustain one's life and preferred living conditions, but that can also fulfill one's personal goals, needs, and talents. For this reason, I have chosen to become a surgical technologist. I believe this path will help me build on the professional experience I have gained so far while also giving me the opportunity to help others — something I feel I can best do by being involved in the medical field.
I have always wanted a career in the medical field. When I was a child and my parents and teachers asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my first answer was always that I wanted to be an obstetrician. My ideal was to study at the Johns Hopkins Pre-Med program. This was a very specific dream for a young child, but I suppose any career in the medical field would have sufficed. My main motivation was to help people and to experience the personal fulfillment that would come from doing so.
As an adult, I have come some way toward fulfilling that dream. After completing my studies, I became a medical lab technician and was certified as a phlebotomist. I enjoyed my studies and looked forward to applying what I had learned to my career. However, it was difficult to find work in my field of study because I had no professional work experience. To gain that experience, I decided to live and work overseas for several years.
"Five years overseas builds maturity and perspective"
"Meaningful contribution over public recognition"
"Commitment to excellence in surgical team role"
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