Brishette Camu Personal Narrative, Essay Example

My path to becoming a physician assistant has definitely not been linear.  I was 13 when I realized that my life was not the same as my peers. I recognized that we were poor and began to appreciate all the ancillary support we received from adults who saw our needs more clearly. I was encouraged to take the SAT early and my scores earned me an early entry scholarship to college. I skipped my junior and senior year of high school and entered a program for students gifted in math and sciences at the University of North Texas with a full scholarship. Having such an uncertain childhood was a gift. I had few expectations of the world, but I also saw no limitations to what I could do. After two years of college I put off school in order explore other options.

I began to travel the world at age 19, even living in Japan for five years. I learned a new language and immersed myself in multiple cultures.  I learned first-hand what it is like to be a foreigner living and working abroad. I saw true poverty and hopelessness up close in Pakistan. I appreciated a new the life I grew up in, the schools I attended, and the food I ate.  When I returned to the states to finish my undergraduate degree, I focused on Social and Behavioral sciences, with an emphasis on acculturation of foreigners and their children. My husband and I now own a psychology practice. My volunteer work at the SOS and PEACE Center medical clinic at Saddleback Church was what clinched it for me. Our mission is to reach the people who might not readily seek even routine medical care due to economic difficulties, language barriers, or cultural issues. Not only do we offer excellent health care, but also serve the community with a large food pantry, free legal aid, ESL and tutoring for all ages. As a child, I was just a few rent checks or house payments away from being homeless myself so serving the needy was very satisfying to me. This voluntary experience has spurred my interest to become a Physician Assistant because it is very satisfying to help sick people and assist them get back to good health. I first learned of the PA profession from a fellow volunteer at the PEACE Center medical clinic at Saddleback Church. We quickly become friends because I always kept asking her questions about his profession and all that it entails.

I became thrilled about the prospects of becoming a physician assistant because it fits with everything I desire for my future. I was extremely motivated by the possibility of being able to work in any area of medical care especially primary care. Furthermore, the expected increase in the demand for Physician Assistants and the compassion and teamwork associated with the profession acted as the other driving factors.  I studied psychology, but mental health is just not where I want to be. I studied yoga therapy, yoga as medicine, and the science of yoga extensively. This enabled me to become yoga instructor and I have great results for my clients with physical limitations or injury, but I am just never knowledgeable enough to be confident that I am doing my best for them. Nothing can replace the rigorous study of Western medicine. Eastern disciplines like acupuncture, yoga, and Ayurveda are amazing complements however; I want a more integrative approach. I work closely with a psychologist and a physician to coordinate care for our patients. I want to know more about the theory & practice of medicine. I have always leaned toward hard science with provable, replicable results and a huge body of knowledge to back them up.

PA school will give me what I lack in my journey to make my dream of being a true healing professional come true. My past struggles with poverty and experiences abroad have come together to make me an extremely empathetic member of the clinic team. Being a PA will give me the opportunity of being involved in the diagnosis, treatment and follow up care on all the patients. I am a great listener, determined, compassionate and creative. In addition to this, I am a team member and I am comfortable working both in groups and individually. These qualities as well as my education and past experiences are the major sources of motivation for wanting to be a Physician Assistant. I will be very grateful if given the opportunity to become a Physician Assistant because I believe it will give me the chance to serve the society and influence other people’s lives positively.