University of Pittsburgh, Admission Essay Example

My decision to attend the University of Pittsburgh to study Pharmacy has been strongly influenced by my experiences with public health in my community.  I have a great interest in the intersection between the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ sciences, especially in trying to understand how people can continue to make life choices that have a negative impact on their overall health.  There are a myriad of ways for individuals to improve their health and well-being, such as nutrition, lifestyle choices, and exercise.  However, I am especially interested in enhancing public health to those people who have less autonomy than most individuals:  namely, children and the elderly.

While there are support systems in place in most communities to address the needs of these most vulnerable populations, it has been my experience through my volunteer work in my community that the youngest and oldest members of our society tend to fall through the cracks most easily.  I witnessed this first-hand while working at the Friendship Ridge Geriatric Centre, where I noted that the seniors who were in the best of health tended to have family support networks that encouraged active lifestyles.  All too often, I met men and women who had few visitors and thus had little motivation to eat properly, monitor their medications, or participate in the Centre’s activities.  I feel very strongly that attention must be paid to our forgotten elderly so that they might enjoy life without falling victim to isolation, depression, and physical and mental pain.

Similarly, my experiences working with young children in my community has demonstrated that they are often at a health disadvantage because of their reliance on other people to make their primary health decisions.  Children, especially those who are pre or newly verbal, do not have the capacity to make their own choices regarding nutrition and overall health.  However, they do learn from those around them and are highly influenced by the life choices their parents or caregivers make.  Thus, it is crucial that the best practices of public health professionals address those people in the community who make health decisions for both themselves and the children in their care.  If we encourage children to make healthy choices by engaging in exercise through play and sports, for example, then we encourage the creation of a strong foundation for their positive and healthy futures.  I’ve had the opportunity to work with young girls as a cheerleading coach and in competitive dance, and was often amazed at how quickly their confidence and physical abilities improved once they were given positive direction, encouragement, and concrete goals.  The practice of good health is something that benefits all people, but not everyone has the resources or motivation to make healthy choices for themselves and their children.

I am excited to have the opportunity to study at the University of Pittsburgh so that I might translate my passion for science and health into a practical career.  My experiences working with the very young and the very old have illustrated the importance of caring compassionately for those who are the most in need of support.  Good health is something that all people can achieve with support from public health professionals, and I look forward to beginning an education that will enable me to take on this all-important role in my community.