Could you tell us a little bit about your educational background?

I have a bachelor’s degree in business management. While completing my bachelor's, I decided to pursue my interest in medicine and simultaneously took genetic counseling prerequisite courses.

What first got you interested in the healthcare field as a career choice? There are a lot of career options in the field -nursing, physician assistant, etc., what made you decide that genetic counseling was the right practice area/career choice for you?

I always knew that I wanted a career where I could help others and be a lifelong learner. Healthcare encompassed both of these goals. While conducting undergraduate research, I noticed that there was a disconnect between the patients, research, and medical professionals. I began to seek out resources for patients with genetic disorders and found genetic counseling. I learned that genetic counselors provide patients with the information they need to make educated decisions about their health. As I began to learn more about the educational, research, and patient service aspects of the field, I knew it was the right career choice for me.

What type of obstacles have you had to overcome on the road to getting your education and in particular in pursuing your Genetic Counseling degree?

I had a few injuries during my undergraduate studies that led to taking a couple of semesters off. However, overcoming these obstacles further ignited my passion for medicine. As far as the pursuit of my genetic counseling degree, the biggest obstacle was finding opportunities to get experience in genetic counseling. Many genetic counselors were fantastic about explaining what the field entailed but hearing what genetic counseling is and experiencing what they do firsthand is very different. Fortunately, I was able to find a practice that allowed shadowing which solidified my decision to pursue a genetic counseling degree.

Once you decided to pursue a Genetic Counseling degree, how did you know that KGI was the right school for you?

As soon as I stepped on campus I could tell that KGI is a supportive, welcoming, and collaborative environment. The program seems adaptable to the needs of the student and the advancing genetic counseling industry and the teaching approach seems uniquely conducive to learning. The staff and students are intelligent, kind, passionate, honest, and inspiring. I know that it is a place that I can grow as a student and a person, and learn to be the best genetic counselor possible.

What are you most looking forward to about beginning your Genetic Counseling studies at KGI?

I am looking forward to learning in a supportive environment with like-minded individuals. I enjoy genetics and am excited to continue to move forward in a career that is ever evolving and advancing.

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

I know how to say basic greetings and ask, “do you speak English?” in six languages.