Scholarship Essay Entry – Matthew C.

I distinctly remember going to my high school career fair at the age of fifteen. I had no clue about what I wanted to do to make a living when I grew up, until I went to one particular presentation. It was given by two paramedics who told the most amazing stories about a career that was full of challenge and reward. They described to me a job that was never predictable and played an important role in the community by keeping people safe. That day ignited my interest in emergency medicine.
 
It was not until the end of my second year in university that my interest in emergency medicine started to make a difference in the community. I began to do volunteer work with St. John Ambulance, being present at various festivals and events as a first aid responder. Treating patients and working alongside police officers and paramedics, I began to realize how my dream was having an effect on the other people‘s lives. I got to meet people from all walks of life who were grateful that volunteer first aid responders were available to help them when they needed it the most.
 
I am now entering my fourth year of undergraduate studies in science at the University of Alberta. In the future, I would like to continue following dream by pursuing a career as an emergency room physician. As a physician specializing in emergency medicine, I can continue to make a difference in the community by providing the highest quality of care to my patients and using my training to help improve policies involving health and safety. Someday I would also like to become a member of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS). STARS is widely known in Alberta for their rapid response and treatment of patients. As a member of STARS, I could experience emergency medicine to its fullest and also use my skills to help those patients who are most in need.
 
My dream to pursue a career centered around emergency medicine helps make the world a better place because emergency responders are a necessary part of any community. As flood waters continue to devastate Pakistan and China, emergency responders from around the world unite to aid those whose homes have been destroyed. When an emergency situation happens, someone has to be there to help and one of those people will be myself.