Cody Powell

Biology & Chemistry

From the age of seven, I have known that I wanted to be involved in the field of health care. I had to have many medical procedures at a very young age. I was always surrounded by medicine, and I started loving it more as I got older. I participated in HOSA, volunteered at local shelters, and worked at a nonprofit that provided underprivileged children the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities. In the Spring of 2017, I had to have a heart ablation to correct supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). My SVT made it nearly impossible for me to do any physical activity. After discovering that I had SVT, and having it corrected, I was able to take back control of my life. I was no longer controlled by my illness, and I had my mind set on a career in medicine. Later on in life, my father was diagnosed with Chiari malformation. He had to undergo two neurological surgeries to relieve him of this condition. The difference in his personality prior to his surgeries and after the procedures was life-changing. It was amazing to see how changed his life was thanks to the power of medicine. Eventually, my grandfather also became very sick and required constant care at home. He did not manage his diabetes well, and was diagnosed with renal failure. He was able to perform peritoneal dialysis, which helped him since he was unable to travel to a dialysis clinic due to his poor health. My mother and I learned how to administer his dialysis at home, and we became his full-time caregivers. These are just some of the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. Being able to witness and personally experience just how effective the practice of medicine is has pushed me to want to be able to do the same things for people who also need help. I want to be able to give those who are suffering the chance to take back their lives just like I did.