See if everyone likes this any better... I read through other essays and felt there were a couple things missing in mine, so since I was at the bottom end of the word limit and it seems that the idea was well accepted, hopefully elaborating will help it. UF is my first choice and I'm really very passionate about trying to get my education there-- this has to be perfect. Any and all constructive criticism is more than welcome.
My Calling
Seeing your friends at your first "high school party" is exhilarating. Seeing them surrounded by mirrors, pills, cocaine, heroin, spoons, needles, marijuana, brown papers, empty liquor bottles, etc—Shocked and intensely disappointed is a grossly understated way to describe the new feeling. It was like a scene off of a bad CSI intro. When confronted, they all say the same thing, "I wish I had never started; now it's just impossible to quit". They were ashamed.
It opened a door of realization in the world for me, and their call for help invited me in. I remembered what my Grammy said, "We are not here to judge, we're here to understand and help when people need us". I decided this was my calling in life. I want to help people like them, my generation, my friends, and all future children, who are trapped by addiction. In small towns like the one I live in, there is no specialized medical help for them- But someday it will be me. I will give back to this small town that has given me so much.
I've already proven my dedication to my education in the A's in Dual Enrollment, Honors, and Gifted classes I've earned ever since I can remember. Now, my determination to help is giving me the extra push to do the best work I've ever done, work the hardest I've ever worked. I am well rounded and take an extraordinary amount of pride in everything I do. I'm involved with photography, drama, graphics, psychology, d.a.r.e., volunteering with children, and work on my family's farm, as well as being a 4H leader and World Competitor with Horses. I am as optimistic and charismatic of a leader as I am a strong one. I changed schools 9 times before beginning High School where I now call home; that alone really taught me to quickly make friends and become involved. I love being the best part of everything I can be, and that will certainly carry on in my future!
My ability to exceed in anything I set my mind to is why I know I can someday fulfill my dreams of helping adolescents out of these situations. I need a strong college education to make it all a reality; I will put what I learn at UF to great use! I am extraordinarily excited to dedicate myself to becoming a M.D. in Psychiatry, and someday having that place where teens can turn for the medical help they need to overcome their problems. Helping people through psychiatry is my calling, and there's no place better to get involved and learn about Science and Medicine than the college I've grown up wanting to graduate from, The University of Florida.
Jessica Coffey
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