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

I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine in 2019.

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?

The ability to help patients through personal care and support instantly drew me to the healthcare field at an early age. I ultimately knew that genetic counseling was the right path for me, as it perfectly aligned with the many goals I had in mind for my future. Those included the opportunity to educate patients about their risks for genetic disorders, guide them through challenging moments, and advocate for them to improve the quality of their healthcare. The fascinating and ever-evolving field of genetics has also been my favorite branch of biology for as long as I can remember. I am continuously amazed by the impact of genetics from the molecular level to the psychological well-being of people.

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 a first-generation student, I felt nervous about starting college because I did not have much guidance going in. However, I learned to be resourceful and independent as I paved my own path. I also found it difficult to find information about the genetic counseling field when I first learned about it. I decided to join my college’s Genetic Counseling Special Interest Group, which gave me an incredibly valuable experience. I also made connections with members of the genetic counseling community, whose advice and support helped me solidify my dreams in becoming a genetic counselor.

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

There are so many amazing aspects of my studies, but I am particularly looking forward to developing my clinical skills and learning about pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. I am also ready to build close and lasting relationships with my peers and KGI faculty!

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

I grew up watching classic sitcoms like “I Love Lucy” and “Golden Girls,” and have been a huge fan of Old Hollywood films and TV shows ever since!