Personal_Statement

Personal Statement As a child, I always told my friends that I want to be like The Flash because he is fast. The Flash appealed to me because I had always dreamed of representing my country in a 100m race. Alas, I’ve never managed to win any of the 100m races that I competed in since primary 4 up to primary 6. To accept the fact that I wasn’t as fast as I would like to be wasn’t easy and I used to cry because of it. My tears, however, made me more determined. Eventually, that very determination moulded me into becoming my school’s long distance runner. Now, I can outlast a 20km race. To relate this to becoming a doctor, the reason why I chose to pursue this profession is because I believe that it suits my personality. Running long-distance taught me the meaning of determination which makes me believe that practice makes perfect. My determination won me a gold medal in the 3000m run at district level when I was 15 years old. Rigorous daily training for 3 months paid off the moment I walked up the raised podium to bite my hard-earned gold medal. To me, my achievement reflects that being a doctor suits me because I am disciplined and hardworking. Never once will I tire till I reach my 20km mark. I received my first exposure to medicine when I applied for a few days of hospital attachment, where I got to somewhat experience for myself what it’s really like being a doctor. An incident occurred during my attachment that will forever be embedded in my mind, and that’s when I was brought to the gynaecology ward. I got the chance to watch as a doctor stitched up a woman who had just given birth. It made me realise that being a doctor requires that I be empathetic and not sympathetic. My interest began to blossom. After winning the gold medal, I was chosen to compete at state level. Winning the medal had made me arrogant and I felt that I was punished for my arrogance the moment I sustained an injury to my ankle just two days before the anticipated day of the competition. This had saddened me greatly. But instead of crying, I learnt that the winner will never quit and the quitter will never win. Similarly, a great doctor must have a winning attitude. After recovering from the injury, I continued to participate in the long-distance event. I could no longer be the best, yet I always tried my hardest for every race I participated in. My experience being around Down’s syndrome children inspired me to perhaps someday develop a treatment for Down’s syndrome. Spending time with them allowed me to empathise and develop a sense of appreciation for what I have. I felt that I have a responsibility towards these children who are less fortunate than I; therefore I must use my God-given abilities to do what I can to better their lives. Within these 19 years of living, I realise that no matter how far I go and no matter how high I climb, I am only human with limitations. Whenever I fail, I must accept the failure and whenever I dream, I strive to make it come true. As a conclusion, I am an ordinary man with an extraordinary spirit.