Why I Want to Be a Neurosurgeon

“Metabotropic receptors are usually found in complex particles linking the outside of the cell to enzymes inside the cell”. My finger read over the page of my textbook, not realizing that it was nearing midnight and I had school the following morning. Ever since I first completed human body coloring sheets in grade 2 I have been fascinated by biology, from the intricate ways each organ goes together like a piece of a puzzle to the mystery of everything that is still unknown. In my quest to learn as much as I can about this subject, I have pursued many avenues ranging from reading books and watching videos to even competing in biology competitions, taking courses at the Harvard Summer School and even shadowing a neurosurgeon for week. This was the first time I realized why I want to be a neurosurgeon.

Now as a high school student on the verge of entering into university, my excitement to dive even deeper into this field of study cannot be contained. When I was making my decision about where to apply, one of the driving forces behind my decision was to find a school where I could delve even further into the field I love and develop different lenses to analyze this complex subject. I was immediately drawn to Cornell’s Biological Sciences major program through the College of Arts and Sciences due to its emphasis on academic discovery and intellectual exploration. My ultimate goal in life is to become a doctor – a neurosurgeon specifically – and to do so not only will I need a strong understanding of biology but also a greater understanding of how the natural sciences interact with society and practical experience within a laboratory setting. As such, the BIOG 1250 Biology Seminars – specifically the “Body Parts, Schemas and Images” – offered to freshmen students at Cornell was of great interest to me. By taking part in this course, I would be able to develop critical thinking skills, explore different topics related to biological sciences and delve deeper into how ethics and views of society help shape the direction of scientific study.

Furthermore, by being able to take a hands-on approach to my learning through research courses such as “Introduction to Research Methods in Biology” and “Independent Undergraduate Research in Biology” I would be able to develop essential skills required for a career in medicine. These courses would help equip me with the skills to be a successful part of a research lab and to one day be able to conduct my own independent research project on topics which interest me. I am also very keen on applying to be a part of faculty research projects at Cornell if accepted. Particularly, I would like to be involved in the research being conducted on peripheral nerve repair and the relationship between the immune response to nerve injury and nerve recovery led by Dr. Johnathan Cheetham.

Growing up, I have also always been very fond of helping others and as such have taken part in many volunteering opportunities within my community such as through tutoring underprivileged children in elementary school and volunteering with summer camps. During my undergraduate years, I would very much like to continue this and take part in the Biology Service Leaders Program. This program would allow me to give back to the Ithaca community whilst also developing leadership and collaborative skills and furthering my knowledge of biology. I have always been very passionate about learning and am very eager to enter into my university years. I feel that the opportunities available to me at Cornell University would help me pursue my passion further and provide me with the necessary skills and support to one day fulfill my ultimate goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.