Its six o�clock, dinner is ready, and the table is set. The dog comes running inside the house from a long day of playing in the leaves while father was outside raking them. In the meanwhile mother is inside preparing dinner; salad, chicken, mashed potatoes, and even dessert! My sister and I are helping mother put all the food out on the table. Reality check -- This is not my family!

As a young girl growing up, and even now in adolescence, my family is not like one of the perfect American households seen today on commercial television. Although my family is not the first generation to come to this country, they did not keep closely in touch with former generations that arrived. Both my father and my mother work exceptionally hard to provide a high quality living for my sister and me. As a result, I here the same old catchphrase day following day, �Polina, you have to grow up and make something good of yourself...you can not work yourself as hard as we do... you have to study hard and work hard...�

Both my father and my mother, the strongest people I've ever known, sacrificed their entire lives for my sister and me. They packed up their lives into two suitcases, and then made the biggest move of their lives; a change in address from one country to another; Russia to America. They sacrificed all they had for my sister and me to make something superior of ourselves, and finally their wish is coming true.

Ever since I was in first grade, when I first began hearing I must work hard, I knew I wanted to become a doctor. As I got older, I never understood how one person could forfeit everything they have for another being, the way my parents surrendered everything they had for my sister and me. I never thought I could fully show my appreciation for everything my parents have done for me, except by becoming a doctor.

My parents are my inspiration. All of my motivation originates from what they have done for me and how hard they work to perfect my life. My goal is to show them that I listened to every word they said that I am working to become everything they have ever wanted me to be.

In my genes run the same motivation, dedication, and energy they have. We all try to work as hard as we possibly can. We all put in time and energy into striving to achieve our goals. My parents have given up great many things for me. In return when I become a doctor, I will give back to them, everything they gave to me.