Upon graduation, I returned to Rogersville, Missouri. It was sad to leave the St. Louis community, but I am excited about what the future holds. I am taking a gap year to deepen my clinical experience, complete my research, and continue running Outreach Humanity. While writing hundreds of secondary essays for my medical school applications, I am working full-time as an ophthalmic technician at Mattax Neu Prater. During this time, I am sharpening my understanding of clinical decision-making and surgical workflows while serving a diverse patient population. Concurrently, I am completing my research at WashU and preparing a first-author publication on my open-source quantification method, which will streamline data analysis and benefit research labs nationwide. I have already begun re-engaging with unhoused and underserved communities in rural Missouri through direct service and health equity advocacy. This year will be a period of intentional growth, allowing me to enter medical school with a clearer purpose, a stronger clinical context, and a deeper commitment to serving underserved communities. Thank you to Yifang Wang (pictured) for allowing me to continue gaining shadowing experience locally. I enjoyed gaining a better understanding of ER trauma and surgery!