Personal Essay: Growing Up In Underserved Community

Growing up in Stockton has taught me how to relate to the challenges faced in underserved communities.
My interest in medicine started during my year of service in AmeriCorps at International Community School. During the year of service, I have encountered several students who needed to get checkups and their physical pains evaluated but lack the resources and insurance. I am surprised in an urban setting such as the greater Atlanta area, how there are so many people who need to see a doctor but do not have access to proper health care. My goal as an aspiring doctor is to practice in an underserved community. I would consider it a great privilege to give back and serve to those in need.
I wore multiple hats while volunteering at ICS however, my favorite was interacting with students and
I was given an opportunity to shadow a session between a patient and a psychiatrist. The patient experienced a lot of trauma growing up such as child abuse, living in foster homes, and homelessness. The psychiatrist initially used psychotherapy to help cope with the trauma. After multiple sessions the patient advised the psychiatrist the negative thoughts, panic attacks, and anxiety would strike unexpectedly. After further review, the psychiatrist prescribed medication for the patient to help suppress mood change and PTSD. I learned ascertaining the cause of psychiatric illness is more than an intellectual pursuit, it can improve the lives of countless patients. I want to help those with mental illness transition into a lifestyle without the burden of anxiety or depression. As an aspiring psychiatrist, I want to do more than just listen. I want to use the power of education to teach patients healthy ways to cope with their issues and also use medicine as a unique addition to improve their mental