Old I Will Probably Skew

¶ … old I will probably skew the average age of matriculating students in graduate school, but my age belies my passion and my flexibility, proven by my decision to change careers two years ago from owning a plumbing company to practicing medicine. Offering more than a decade of professional and entrepreneurial experience, I will enhance the caliber and diversity of the student body while contributing as much to campus life as to classroom academics. My experience with owning and operating a company carries over into a private practice in the medical profession. I look forward to sharing my experiences as an entrepreneur with my classmates. Moreover, I am no stranger to hard work. In addition to working the full time-plus hours required by someone in my position, I have always dedicated time to local charitable organizations as a volunteer. The three most notable positions in which I serve include Heal the Bay, the drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, and the local hospital. The latter two of these positions has exposed me to the daily rigors of the health care industry and spurs my desire to become a practicing physician.

An adult student like me offers a realistic outlook, a strong work ethic, and scores of perseverance. Having struggled financially because my father raised me alone, I have never taken anything for granted including professional success. Becoming a plumbing contractor was something I put years of work into, developing my skills and saving enough money so that I could invest in a company of my own. I am well-skilled in working with others, both delegating authority and in more cooperative environments. Interacting with clients has always been an integral part of the profession I have chosen, too, which has immensely helped my communications skills.

Now that I have reached what I consider to be a pinnacle and a crossroads, I am dedicating myself with equal enthusiasm to the medical profession, to which I am uniquely suited because I possess a personal reservoir of mental and physical stamina. Conveying my willingness to work hard, I will help my fellow students overcome their sense of insecurity as they embark on their medical careers with me. I exercise regularly and lead a healthy lifestyle conducive to large expenditures of energy.

A also have no unrealistic expectations about the medical profession; while we aim ultimately to heal and comfort the sick and their families, we must also keep abreast of new techniques, technologies, and regulations that guide our profession. Doctors may often have lucrative careers to look forward to but insurance costs temper our ability to allow money to become the guiding motive for our work. Much of the profession, like any other, involves grunt work that I have dealt with throughout my decade-plus of professional experience as a contractor. I actually don't mind mundane aspects of business and can look forward to collaborating with others to ensure the best quality of care and service we can provide.