The flexibility of medical assistants is very attractive. The ability to be able to change practices if situations arose where I needed different hours, needed to move, or simply wanted a change from the patients and conditions I observed is another factor in the decision to apply to PA school. Growing up, my stepfather worked in construction and would be gone for several periods at a time. I saw my mother feeling lonely during that time because she didn't have a job she could move into with my stepfather. Sometimes that period lasted for years with visits only on weekends or every three weeks. My mother had a job where she had to stay where she was because there weren't many opportunities for her profession in the whole country. If I ever find myself in a position where my spouse or other significant family members need to move, the ability to be able to move with them and still find work to generate income is very important. Medical mission trips have always been of interest, and as a provider, with the help of a team, making at least one trip to a place that is in desperate need of healthcare is a huge goal that I hope to achieve. Being able to provide care to those who can't afford it is something I hope to do more than once in my life