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

In a span of four years, I spent time at a “four-year” university in South Carolina, transferred back home to a California community college for a semester, and transferred again to my final “four-year” university. I graduated from CSUN in 2021 with a BA in Biology and my motivation intact!

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’ve always been motivated to help the people around me and have had a fascination with the human anatomy since I was in elementary school! I had been pursuing a different healthcare field for the longest time but was still uncertain if it was the right career choice for me.

When a family member’s hospital visit led us to be asked if we’d seen a genetic counselor, I found myself with another career option where I truly saw myself enjoying helping other people. Watching YouTube videos documenting genetic counselors in hospitals, I found that genetic counseling combines what I love: patient interaction and genetics. My passion for this field has only grown since joining KGI’s wonderful GC program!

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 female, first-generation American, I faced obstacles that are all too familiar to most of us today. But I found that reaching out when I did not understand something, and speaking up when I wasn’t treated right, was key to overcoming barriers set up to tear me down.

I spent most of my journey through higher education trying to navigate through the confusing system and trying to understand what options I had to pursue. Enduring consistent microaggressions from both professors and peers, I found myself becoming more and more passionate about helping those of us in disadvantaged situations. I made it my goal to initiate conversations, clubs, and events that would provide people with resources and opportunities to help bridge the gap between underrepresented communities and the path to higher education. These obstacles have only made me more excited to be part of an organization like KGI that reaches out and tries to cater to everyone!

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

I’m so looking forward to delving deeper into the genetics world! Genetic counseling is at the forefront of an ever-changing field and can help bridge the gap between underserved populations, minorities, etc., and necessary health care. Also, I’m beyond excited to get to know my cohort, advisors, and professors!

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

I love to dance and I’m looking into taking ballroom danI am an avid reader and find books to be the next best thing when I can’t travel. Hit me up if you ever need a book recommendation!ce classes to try something new in a new city!