What first got you interested in your field of choice?

My first experience with a “patient” was when I was around 10 years old. My abuelita had cut her hand while cooking and had me use a needle and thread to sew her cut. This was so impactful for me because I was able to see how with treatment, albeit it was unconventional, she was able to heal.

What type of obstacles have you had to overcome on the road to getting your education?

My parents are both immigrants from Mexico City, but I am not a first-gen college student. My mom had the opportunity to become a teacher and eventually earned a Master's degree. I am the first in my family to pursue medicine, and that has been a journey filled with trials and tribulations. Starting my college years as a student-athlete, I ended up dislocating my hip, and that led me down a spiral of figuring out what to do. After a couple of years at Mt. Sac and Cypress College, I transferred to SCU, where I completed my BS in Biological Sciences.

How did you know that KGI was the right school for you?

I knew that I wanted to attend grad school, but my GPA suffered tremendously in my undergrad. Therefore, I began looking for different post-bacc programs and was very pleased to find that there was a Pre-Physician Assistant specific program offered at KGI. I remember applying, and within a day, someone from admissions had reached out to me to see if I had any questions and reviewed my application with me. I had never experienced such tailored attention to the students in any of my undergraduate schools.

Why did you want to become an Admissions Ambassador?

I believe that there is a stronger connection that can be made between someone that you identify with. Therefore, I chose to become an Admissions Ambassador to reach out to those who are: first-gen medicine, pre-PA, considering a Masters degree as an older applicant, and for anyone who wants to know what a student’s perspective is like.

What is one fun and interesting fact about you?

I absolutely love cooking and hosting events. Dinner parties, brunches, etc. I used to work at Disney and was a part of the team that would plan the “cast-appreciation” events for those that worked hotel-side.