It’s hard to believe that I am almost halfway through medical school already! As a second-year at UNECOM, I have completely fallen in love with learning the pathophysiology behind various medical conditions and the puzzle of figuring out how to best care for patients. A lot of this year has been learning how to recognize different clinical presentations and mastering exam skills to prepare for the next two years, during which I will spend the majority of my time on the hospital floors learning in real time. Outside of school, I have had a few incredible opportunities that have helped me to further explore my passions. Over the past year, I have continued to volunteer at the elementary schools in the local community, both through mentorship and teaching. Through our school’s Pediatric Club and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), I have been able to participate in advocacy initiatives to learn how to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and gun violence prevention in pediatric populations. This past summer, I was selected for the 2023 Endocrine Society Research for Medical and Graduate Students (REGMS) Award, which supported my work on a research project examining the effects of calorie restriction on bone morphology in a preclinical model. The REGMS program brings together students from across the country who are conducting research in endocrinology and provides a variety of opportunities for career development during weekly seminars led by experts in the field. As a REGMS recipient, I will have the chance to share my work at the ENDO Conference in Boston this June! Thank you, again, MVYouth for all that you do. I am forever grateful for your support.