How a Genetic Disorder Inspired My Path in Kinesiology by Madison

How a Genetic Disorder Inspired My Path in Kinesiology by Madison - April 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I was thirteen years old, I was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia. This disease causes high levels of low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, also known as “bad cholesterol” to build up in the bloodstream. This disease increases a person's risk of developing atherosclerosis, which means I have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. Familial hypercholesterolemia affects roughly 1 in 250 people and is one of the most common pediatric genetic disorders. This means that for the rest of my life, I will have to monitor and live with this condition. At the beginning of my eighth-grade year, I got tested and found out I had high numbers of this “bad cholesterol” floating around in my blood. At the time, I had no idea what this meant. At only thirteen years of age, it was difficult to hear that I would now regularly require needles jabbed into my arms for blood testing, I would now need to start taking medication, and I would now need to see a pediatric cardiologist for children with a disorder similar to mine. It was uncomfortable knowing I now had an increased risk of heart disease, and it was largely out of my control. I struggled with the idea that I would have to watch my food choices carefully and prioritize my physical activity. While other kids were carelessly eating french fries and ice cream, I was forced to monitor my diet closely, and I needed to take medication, which was the only thing that improved my lipid profile. Even though this is something that will require monitoring for the rest of my life, the frequent trips to the hospital did provide me with one benefit. I realized I have an interest in helping people. This made me realize that I want to major in kinesiology and earn a doctorate in physical therapy, ultimately specializing in pediatrics. I always paid close attention to how the doctors and nurses treated me and developed an interest in the healthcare industry. During my many visits to various medical clinics and laboratories, I became interested in working in the medical field because of what the nurses did for me. The nurses got to know me regularly and always had a small glass of orange juice waiting for me if I started feeling faint. I always appreciated their kindness, especially when I watched them encourage children in the therapy room. I knew at that moment I wanted to help others in the same way. These experiences sparked my curiosity, which inspired me to get my CNA license. At times, it was difficult to adjust my life to account for familial hypercholesterolemia. The experiences I went through and the information I learned will be something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Even though there were uncomfortable moments like sitting in a chair with a tourniquet squeezing my arm and a phlebotomist with a needle drawing my blood, the nurses had a way of making the difficult experience go by quickly. Sometimes it was distracting me with countless questions or simply comforting me the one time I fainted. They knew how to get me through it. During times like this, I realized I wanted to provide this same type of help and comfort for others. From all of these experiences, I learned I want to have a career in the medical field. Working as a CNA in a rehab setting has helped me realize I want to use my skills to encourage and support people to become their best selves again. While having familial hypercholesterolemia proved to be challenging in the beginning, it ultimately opened my eyes to a passion I want to pursue.