Could you tell us a little bit about your educational background?
I studied Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Colombia, my home country. Shortly after I graduated from college I moved to the UK where I worked in cancer research and where I completed a masters in Structural Biology at Birkbeck College, University of London.
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 have always been drawn towards the field of healthcare, first through my pharmacy studies and then through my work experience in the field of cancer genetics. After many years as a researcher, I came to the realization of how important the field of genetic counseling is in healthcare and how this field, in particular, is in need of people of diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
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?
As an immigrant, I have faced multiple obstacles but I have always had the support of my family. I am also someone who gets on well with people and have made many friends, who have also given me great support. I applied to the genetic counseling program after having three children and dealing with work and family responsibilities while preparing and applying for such competitive programs was also a challenge.
Once you decided to pursue a Genetic Counseling degree, how did you know that KGI was the right school for you?
This year I broaden my applications to the majority of schools in California and was very pleased to apply to the KGI program. I knew this was the right place when I attended the admission interview. All the people at KGI were kind and friendly and just what you expect from someone working in the field of counseling. At KGI I felt at home, very valued and appreciated.
What are you most looking forward to about beginning your Genetic Counseling studies at KGI?
I am really looking forward to being a student again, a bit nervous but also very excited about the many great courses in the program and the fabulous classmates and faculty that I will meet. I am very happy about the prospects of making new friends and interacting and learning from them and from our faculty professors.
What is one fun and interesting fact about you?
I grew up in Colombia in a very loving and loud family. I have now my little family of my husband, three beautiful children and our cat Golosa and I have been fortunate to travel the world and meet people from many places.
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