write a brief statement expressing your motivation or desire to become a physician assistant. Keep your statement general as it is shared with all programs you apply to. Your essay cannot exceed 5,000 characters. Visit the Applicant Help Center for more information.
Please explain why you are interested in being a Physician Assistant.
2000
My name is Farjana Aktar. I was born on January 31, 20000. I was raised in a beautiful city in Bangladesh, Dhaka. My name was given by my father which means wise and intelligent person. I’m the only daughter in the family. I was the center of attention. I was very spoiled when I was a kid.
2001 January
My First Birthday The first year of life is always magical. It’s when one learns the basics of life, discovers the world around them, and begins to recognize parents and relatives.My first birthday was a celebration of all of these accomplishments. I had a huge party that was two days long. My parents, especially my mom who planned the whole event. She tried to fulfill my dream birthday as much as she could. Till today I still watch my video and enjoy every little moment of it.
2001 December 4
I will never forget the day my brother was born. His name is Alif Hasan. I was not upset by the fact that he was getting all the attention that I had before. I was happy because when I was a kid I would always want to carry my dolls and treat it like it was my own baby.When he was born it was like having a real life baby doll. It felt like I finally had a playing buddy.
2001-2009
I had a joyful, normal childhood. One of the highlights of my childhood was when my papa used to take my whole family out every Friday. It used to feel like a holiday for us. My siblings and I used to wait the whole week for Friday. Papa used to take us out shopping, going out to eat, to the playground, boat riding, amusement parks, and water parks. He never missed a Friday since we were kids.
2007
I attended a wedding ceremony in Bangladesh in May 2005, which was with my aunt.I had attended a wedding ceremony for the first time in my life , but this one was the most interesting. It was the first Bangladesh traditional wedding ceremony that I experienced. The wedding was 4 days long. Everyday it was a different tradition and different types of fun.
2009
At the age of nine, my life was about to change forever. My mother received an approval from my father’s sponsorship letter that we were going to come to the USA very soon. I was raised in a country that not most people are familiar with, which means not that many opportunities are present to one to improve their future. My family decided to move to the United States for a better tomorrow. My brothers and I thought we were just coming here for a vacation and would go back to Bangladesh after a while. We were not aware that we were moving here for good. I was excited to meet my father after a long time, however, I wasn’t very happy about the news. All I can think about was leaving my family and friends behind, and starting a whole new life. On January 8th, 2009 My family and I packed 8 items of luggage worth of life stuff to start a new life. My first step out of my first plane ride of being in a plane for almost 24 hours felt like achieving a lifetime goal. It was the first time I was flying in an airplane where I saw snowfall. After taking a step out of the airport it seemed as if I was in a whole different universe where I saw all types of people that ever existed were black, Caucasian, Asians and others. Everyone had their own story and their unique way of presenting it to the world. The decision of coming to the USA to live an American Dream gives me a chance to live a better life than I would have back home.
Moving from Bangladesh to America has changed my life upside down. I used to be judged and bullied by my classmates. I was not used to the western lifestyle or the way they dressed here. As time passed by, I started going to school. I still remember how for the first few weeks I dressed up in my cultural clothes to go to school. I was never in a room with so many kids from different races. It was really hard for me to make friends at first because I didn’t know how to speak even a little bit of English. I would come home after school and cry to my dad every night before going to bed telling him to take me back to Bangladesh. I hated the fact that I had to learn a whole new language and believed it was unfair for me. Everyday at night after my dad would come from work being tired, he would still just listen to my complaints and all the obstacles I faced in school. I was bullied throughout elementary school. He would handle every situation very patiently and make me understand to be patient. He often told me that not everyday would be a bad day for you Baba. All the obstacles that I am facing now would build up my better days, and only make me stronger than before.
My brother and I went to a library across from our school. That was our first time ever going to a library. We were both amazed by how we were able to take out books for free and use computers. We started watching cartoons over and over again and talking with others. I started to speak English fluently. I started making new friends there and got a chance to meet some of the best people whom I’m still friends with till today.
2012
I met one of my best friends on the first day of class.Till now I remember How I was sitting alone during the homeroom section, she came in a little late and out of all the seats she decided to come sit next to me. Her name is Sadia Alfarure. That girl has changed my life since the day I met her. Life seemed full of joy and happiness. She was never stressed about anything in life. It felt as if I had a sister that I always wished for.This year was a very memorable year for us because we both received a letter in the first week of 7th grade that stated we both passed ESL.
2013
I was in a classroom with few of the people that used to bully me when I was in elementary school. I hated the fact that they were there. I was like here we go again, but I was like let me give them a chance because everyone changes as time passes by. However I was wrong. They wanted to become my friend because they wanted my HW and wanted to cheat me during exams. Even though they were the popular kids, I said no I’m better off being who I am and didn’t care if they would bully me again.
2014
I graduated from Middle School. It was a mixed feeling due to the fact that my best friend and I were about to get separated from each other due to the fact that we are both going to different High schools.
2014
In September of 2014 I started High School.I still remember taking the train for the first time in my life all by myself. It was a very scary experience. I was not used to traveling alone. I didn’t know my way at first but I got used to the commute.I started to make friends and some became my best friends till now. I made a lot of memories throughout my high school years. Some were happy but some were sad. I got to experience all types of people. I wasn’t the popular kid but a lot of people knew me for who I am. I had a lot of friends in high school from all types of different groups.
2016
One of my close cousins passed away. We were very close to each other when I was in Bangladesh. We always shared each other’s secrets and kept our bonding strong even after I moved to the USA. We didn’t see each other as cousins but we treated each other as if we were sisters. Even her dad used to buy me the same thing that he used to buy her. Every Eid our outfits used to be the same. Unfortunately I lost her oneday due to her medical condition.
2017
In the year 2017, I started my first job at a Urgent Care named LAMD Medical Group as a medical assistant. I prepare patients before drawing blood. Explaining blood draw procedures to patients and answering any questions about the process of the blood draws. I was assigned to take patients’ vitals, EKG, phlebotomy/blood collection, input new patients, paperwork, answer telephone, and doctor assistant with minor surgeries. In 2019, I became medical office manager in LAMD Medical Group. I was responsible for managing the flow of the office creating processes and systems to enhance company operations. Train new coworkers and give people time to understand the way how things are done. I loved working there, they were very sweet and kindest people I ever met.
2016
In 2016 I got into The National Honor Society. It was a very competitive thing during the High School year. I honestly didn’t think I would make it. This was also a memorable event for me because this is where I met my other bestie, Muskan Aryal. First time when I met her through a mutual friend of ours since she was a transfer student. As time passed by we started spending more time with each other and found out that we have a lot of things in common. She is one of the smartest and hardworking people who I have ever come across but is always stressing for no reason. However, I’m very lucky and blessed to have such a friend. Not only does she stress over her own career but thinks of mine as well.
2018
I took a ballroom dance class. I was always into dancing however I just never got the chance to be part of anything. I learned to live,love and dance from that class.I was able to connect with my other peers.We took it to the dance floor and got swept away by the music and by our soul taking us on a joyful journey of self expression while we performed in front of the whole school.
2018
The highlight of my highschool year was meeting this girl named Febie Ibrahim. She didn’t look too friendly at first. She had this mean face and I had her during my first which was math. I tried to put fear to a side and went to speak to her. Little did I know she would become a huge figure in my life. She is basically like my other half. I’m Beyond lucky to have her as a friend in my life. She is my first friend that I can be myself. I shared everything with her: my happiness, my sadness. She has been there for me since day one. Just like any relationship we also argue, fight but at the end of the day we both apologize to each other. She is my lifeline and I’m beyond blessed to have her part of my life.
June of 2018
I went to prom. It was one of the most fun parts of being in high school. I went with my best friend Febie. We got our hair and makeup done together. She is the reason why I ended up going because I didn’t want to go at first. I’m very thankful that I went slayed the whole night and had a blast. Now that I look back on my high school years.
2018
I graduated from High school and was about to step into adulthood. I was about to start college with my best friends. I was super excited but wasn’t ready to deal with the stressful life yet.
One thing that I love more than anything would be traveling. In 2018 I started to use my saved up money and started traveling. I love the excitement of traveling. I love the excitement of it all, feeling like an explorer and discovering new places, new languages, new money and all the little challenges that go along with it. When I travel, I don’t live for the future or the past just in the moment. I did go around different states in the USA and would visit my cousins back home in Bangladesh every two years. However, two of my favorite vacations were when I visited Singapore and Bali in January 2020 with my brother and cousins. It was my first trip without my parents, just us kids. It was a really nice bonding experience among us cousins. We loved the environment, the people, the food, the laughing moments, our adventures. It was simply just perfect. The next one was when my brother Alif and I went to Dubai. It was a very beautiful country. The difference in culture and atmosphere is something that unites a lot of people together. My favorite part was seeing the Dubai Fountains Water Show. There was nothing I loved more than sitting outside in the evening and just watching the world go by.
April 2021
As some might say, I’m lucky that I got a job at my dream hospital in the NYU Langone Hospital phlebotomist position. It was like a dream coming true. I never thought I would have gotten into a hospital job at my age. Therefore when people tell me oh you are lucky. I tell them there is no such thing as being lucky, I worked and fought with everything in me to achieve where I am right now.
June 10 2021
My family was planning on getting me married at the age of 21 but I said no. I want to be stable first and stand on my own feet. I want to finish my education first and then think about marriage. My uncle from my father’s side really wanted me to be a “good cultured girl” and that marriage meant everything to them. They were not just trying to converse with me but my parents as well. That was the first time in my life I felt so humbled and hopeless. I felt alone and no one understood me except for my younger brother Alif. He stood by my side every moment. He gave me strength to fight for myself. June 10, 2021 I made a huge decision. I decided to move out and live alone. Coming from an Asian Bengali family it wasn’t easy for me. My parents didn’t like the fact I made the decision by myself. They tried to stop but Alif stepped in and said don’t worry about it I will take care of my sister. I will move in with her. Just because she is a girl doesn’t mean she is weak. She has a bright future ahead of her and I want to be with her and support her every step of the way.
After we moved it wasn’t easy for us.The rent was way too expensive. Then goes the bills, food, and also going out and living our lives. We are both full time students and now we have rent, food and bills to worry about. Even though I was older than Alif, I’m emotionally a very weak person. Everytime I wanted to give up, he was there right by my side supporting me and lifting me up. Some people did tell us that “Look at you guys suffering now” or “You should have just stayed with your parents and dealt with the situation”. I want to open up to my family members and my patients eyes to the fact that life, and stepping up into adulthood isn’t always about getting married. Before coming to the USA and working full time, my mother was a housewife which isn’t an easy job however, women back home aren’t viewed as the same as men or given much power. My mother had me when she was 18 years old. Since the very first day, she had been raising my siblings and me with each bit of energy she has in her. She is my biggest supporter, best friend, and an amazing individual with the greatest heart. She reminds me of my worth every single day, she has taught me to be independent, and learn how to live and enjoy life. My mother is my role model, who inspires and motivates me to grow without any barriers in each step of my life. My mom always believed in me, pushed me to try my best over my limit and wanted the best for me. I am where I am right now because of my brother and my parents. I started to work hard and started to believe in myself that yes I can do it. Since then, I have started to go the extra mile in life and do whatever I have to accomplish my dreams. I have been working to manage two jobs and trying my best to finish my education on time.
The friend that I’ve in my life would always have a special place in my heart. They have taught me so many things such as to be yourself and not to be afraid of anything, not even failures. They motivate me and alway push me towards my success. We’ve made all types of memories together. We had some crazy and wild times together. They completed me and made me live through an experience full of joy and excitement. I met some of them from middle school, some from high school and some during college. They are my family now. They are the highlight of my life. Each one of them holds a very special place in my heart. There is nothing in this world that I would ever trade for them.
One thing that keeps me going everyday is my brother Alif. He always tells me no pain no gain. You have to go the extra mile to achieve your goals in life. When things get hard don’t just give up. Learn to stand up and fight for it. He always reminds me of a situation when we moved here to a whole new country not knowing anything but we still tried our best to get along with it and overcome my fear. Throughout my experience, I have learned that no matter what life makes you face up or down one should never give up, because anything is possible. I left everything in God’s hand and just went with the flow to see where I would end up. My dream is to become a PA if that doesn’t work, definitely becoming an RN oneday.
