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

I completed my undergraduate degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I tailored my coursework to have an emphasis on molecular biology and psychology. After taking my first genetics course, I discovered my passion for the topic and wanted to understand the science behind genetics on a molecular level. I also enrolled in a bioinformatics course to further understand the relationship between the technology used to understand DNA and the genetic make-up itself. During my third year in undergrad, I studied abroad for three months in San Sebastian, Spain. Fully enrolled in Spanish classes and diversity courses, I grew to love the culture and community in San Sebastian, and hope to return one day.

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 completed my undergraduate degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I tailored my coursework to have an emphasis on molecular biology and psychology. After taking my first genetics course, I discovered my passion for the topic and wanted to understand the science behind genetics on a molecular level. I also enrolled in a bioinformatics course to further understand the relationship between the technology used to understand DNA and the genetic make-up itself. During my third year in undergrad, I studied abroad for three months in San Sebastian, Spain. Fully enrolled in Spanish classes and diversity courses, I grew to love the culture and community in San Sebastian, and hope to return one day.

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?

Keeping up my confidence throughout my time during undergrad and during the application process of pursuing a degree in Genetic Counseling was often difficult for me. I have always had a strong work ethic and a commitment to my community, but I often doubted my abilities while applying to graduate programs. Supportive peers who affirmed my abilities and specific work experiences really led me to believe in myself more, especially towards the end of the application cycle. I feel that my growing confidence has helped me take my next steps in pursuing a degree in genetic counseling.

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

I am really looking forward to connecting with everyone in my cohort and being surrounded by peers who share my interests in genetics and public health! Since we are not able to start classes in-person this fall, we have been all trying to communicate with each other and stay connected through different apps as best as we can. I am excited to learn alongside students who share the same educational and career goals as I do and make stronger connections with professionals in the field.

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

As I mentioned earlier, I am an identical twin! Hands down, she is my best friend. It’s fascinating for me to see how we grew up doing everything together, to where we are now, as unique individuals, finding our own hobbies and paths in life. Interestingly enough, she also earned a degree in Biology and is also pursuing a masters in the healthcare field. The online instant HTML converter tools make a great resource that will help you a lot in your work.