Right C3 received many wonderful entries for our annual essay contest. The topic asks our graduating seniors to share their favorite quote and how it relates to them personally. This year we are proud to announce that Julie Yoon is the winner and will receive a $1,500 prize. Julie is an extremely talented student who is planning on attending the University of California – Irvine to pursue oncology.
Julie chose to write about a quote from the famous scientist and TV personality, Bill Nye. The quote she chose was “The natural world is a package deal; you don't get to select which facts you like and which you don't.”
Julie was always interested in the medical field, even from a young age, but she was unsure of exactly what she wanted to do in the field. Early in high school, Julie lost her father to cancer.What was once just her interest became her mission. She said that the quote from Nye helped to overcome her loss, and ultimately use that challenge as motivation to pursue her future career. She said “I realized I was compelled to adjust by means of taking advantage of my educational opportunities in pursuit of a career to cater my care for others.”
Julie decided to enroll in AP biology in her junior year. Her interest and commitment was noticed by her teacher, who introduced Julie to the Summer Healthcare Experience (SHE) program at the UCI Douglas Hospital. Julie had the opportunity to shadow a lead Gastroenterologist. She was able to attend numerous panels, shadow in procedures for identifying cancerous polyps, and gain hands-on experience during suturing labs and procedure stimulations. She said “I was intrigued by the hospital environment that was built upon the warming connections amongst patients and health care professionals.” Julie made the most of her time in the SHE program to not only learn about her passion, but to get an inside look at the world and network within her intended career.
During her time in high school, she founded the school’s Cancer Awareness Club. Through the club, she has been able to support fellow students who have endured the struggle of having sick family members, and also raise money through the Livestrong Foundation to help support cancer patients. The Cancer Awareness Club also helps connect people and communities with the services they need to help combat cancer. She was also president of the Korean Club, and volunteered at parks & recreation, summer school, and accrued over 250 community service hours. Her willingness to help others in need and give back earned her the school’s Presidential Volunteer Service Award.
Julie has taken Bill Nye’s quote to heart and has risen to every challenge set before her. She fights to not only pursue her own dream, but make it possible for others to pursue their dreams as well. We know that Julie is already on a path to success at UC Irvine, which will continue in her career afterwards. Right C3 is proud that she is our 2019 winner for this scholarship.
