Career Inspirations by Madison

Career Inspirations by Madison - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

My career goal upon completion of my education is to become a Physician’s Assistant specializing in the special needs pediatric population. I became interested in helping these children during my junior year of high school when I was selected to take a class called Peer Assistance. In this class honors students spent time throughout the day with special needs students. Every day I sat with these students during their lunch, which was my fourth period class. We would play games, color, do puzzles and talk about school and life in general. They would often share their concerns about how they felt different than everyone else. Each week I completed a summary form describing my time interacting with the students. I had to explain the benefits I received from the program and the benefits the special needs students received from our activities. I also became aware of the various medical concerns of this population and noticed the challenges that these students faced every day. I knew then that I wanted to do something that would make a difference in the lives of special needs individuals. Taking this class has inspired me to become a physician’s assistant and specialize in the care of special needs toddlers, children, and adolescents.
After I receive my bachelor’s degree I plan on attending PA school. From there I plan to return to my home town and work at a pediatrician’s office that focuses on the care for special needs children. I plan to help the special needs population and family live as normal a life as possible so that they do not think their disability or their child’s disability hinders them in any way. I plan to become involved in community activities aimed at this population such as the Special Olympics or other special needs sporting events, specialized dance classes and camps. Through these events I hope to help special needs children enjoy the same activities as other children.
Taking the Peer Assistance class taught me skills that I will need to assist the special needs population and inspired me to work hard to improve the quality of life for these amazing children. Receiving this scholarship would be an honor and would allow me to attain my career goals.