I chose to attend graduate school at the University of Chicago in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics program for several reasons. Firstly, my time in the Research Experience for Undergraduates program in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology at the University of Chicago, which I completed during the summer between my junior and senior years of undergraduate studies, was overwhelmingly positive. I loved the collaborative community of faculty, students, and researchers. Secondly, the University of Chicago's distinguished reputation and state-of-the-art facilities assured me that I would receive a comprehensive education. Lastly, the city of Chicago itself was an exciting backdrop to enhance my graduate school experience. The city itself is beautiful next to Lake Michigan and filled with great restaurants and museums.