Example Of Personal Narrative Essay For College

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of your life is? I have found myself asking this question several times, and during these contemplations, I have considered many career paths. Yet, it was only after finding medicine that I found complete fulfilment. My search for determining my career was analogous to me linking together pieces of a puzzle. I began this puzzle by assembling random centerpieces. These random pieces mirrored the several talents and interests that I wanted to apply to my career. However, when arranged together, the overarching picture could not be determined based solely on these disconnected pieces. It was after discovering medicine that I found the framework pieces that connected all the centerpieces, and the vision of my life’s purpose became clear. You see, originally I desired to be a writer. The idea of applying symbolism as I did above to describe life intrigued me. Moreover, I admired how authors string together various elements (plot progression, character development, etc.) to form an articulate
story. My chief goal in writing was to understand and define life, but I realized that I would haphazardly accomplish this without a clear understanding of the tangible aspects that constitute life. That is when I turned to the polar opposite of writing: the sciences. Thus, I entered college pursing a science degree, but this is equivalent to a fish stumbling upon land.
I had yet to step foot in a lab or even knew what flasks, beakers, or pipettes were. Moreover, all the introductory science material seemed scattered and meaningless to me. Nevertheless, I studied longer, sought help from my professors, watched countless YouTube videos, and did not allow my initial failures to discourage me. Through preserving, my grades improved, and I got accepted into a summer research program during which my love for science manifested. The experience brought out my curiosity of life as I sought to understand one small part of it, and it humbled me as I learned just how little I know. Moreover, I enjoyed how I had to integrate basic scientific concepts to understand a complex process in our bodies. Suddenly, all the seemingly mundane material had a purpose. Slowly, all the pieces of the puzzle were coming
together. However, writing alone and pure science never truly satisfied me because both crafts secluded those who dedicated themselves to them. Through serving in various leadership roles, I discovered my passion for mentoring and fostering lasting relationships with others. Particularly impactful for me was my time spent as a biology and chemistry teaching assistant. Through these roles, I became a leader and counselor by hosting study sessions, teaching classes, using my love for metaphors to explain complex science, and encouraging others by relating to their struggles. Also, I discovered the importance of truly being in the moment by being receptive to others’ unvoiced problems. Most importantly, these roles have taught me that we can all learn something new from each other. These benefits prompted me to create a mentorship program on my campus that pairs accomplished seniors with younger students. As someone who entered college feeling unprepared, I felt it beneficial for others in similar situations to have a role model whom they can turn to for encouragement and advice. Through all of these prior experiences, I was beginning to collect more pieces of the puzzle. I had yet to realize how and in what setting I could apply all my interests in a way that I found fulfilling. That is until I shadowed an oncologist and met one specific cancer patient. During his appointment, the doctor discerned that his cancer had spread astronomically. I remember how the physician spoke as he used the CT scan to explain the tumor progression. The patient stared unblinkingly at the screen as the doctor described the possibility of chemotherapy. Shuddering at the word, the patient glanced at his loved one who just took his hand in response. This encounter connected all the pieces of the puzzle. The writer in me saw how a physician assesses a holistic view of a patient in order to form a logical diagnosis much like how an author arranges plot elements to create a story. The scientist in me saw that as a scientist pursues new discoveries, a doctor seeks to apply such knowledge to better the lives of others. Lastly, the teacher in me saw that as a teacher is receptive to students’ progress, a doctor recognizes patients’ pains instead of mindlessly checking off a list. This is what I am made to do. Asking me why I want to be a doctor is like asking a writer why he wants to write. I need to practice medicine like I need to write, to breathe, to eat. It is who I am; my contribution to the world. I know the path of medicine is riddled with struggles, but I am prepared to continue walking it even if I make wrong turns along the way. After all, writing is rewriting and life is an ongoing learning experience of one’s self and purpose.