What first got you interested in your field of choice?
I’ve been interested in the complex nature of the human body for as long as I can remember, but I first became genuinely interested in medicine by way of my grandfather. He was always my closest friend and role model during my childhood, and seeing him continually struggle with his cardiovascular health definitely took a mental and emotional toll on me at times. When I was 12 and he finally passed, the visual of all the healthcare professionals involved, from the EMTs to his attending E.D. physician and the on-call cardiologist, all made me realize just how much of an impact medicine can have in people’s lives. My determination to become a physician hasn’t wavered since.
What type of obstacles have you had to overcome on the road to getting your education?
As someone on the autism spectrum, coming out of my own timid shell was undoubtedly the biggest hurdle I’ve ever had to jump. Especially having grown up in an era where both societal and scientific comprehension of ASD was still in its infancy, the comments I’ve received have run the gamut from derogatory to cloyingly sympathetic. However, at the end of the day, this is also what prompted me to venture into territory and seize opportunities that I otherwise never would have considered. As a future healthcare provider, I hope to use this as a source of inspiration for anyone – whether they, too, are on the spectrum or simply feel socially outcast – and show them that a niche will always open up with enough persistence.
How did you know that KGI was the right school for you?
I was initially attracted to KGI because, out of the dozens of postbac programs I scoured, it was the only one that approached the topic of healthcare education from a genuinely unique angle. The idea of being able to still take relevant classes while learning about the other aspects of health delivery was something I just couldn’t find anywhere else. Top that off with the amazing support that I got from Zach throughout my admissions process, and I immediately knew that I’d made the right choice!
Why did you want to become an Admissions Ambassador?
I’ve learned more about myself and have grown – both professionally and academically – at KGI more than I ever thought possible. Furthermore, I’ve seen this same change in virtually all my friends, regardless of their program, and stand firmly behind the school’s creed and methodologies. That being said, as a NorCal native, I would’ve never even heard about KGI had it not been for a friend at one of the other 7C’s. As soon as I realized there was an opportunity to spread KGI’s name and mission, there was no way I could pass it up!
What is one fun and interesting fact about you?
I come from an extensive performing arts background, and was a competitive dancer for 13 years – specifically in tap and musical theater. Although I don’t do either nearly as frequently now, you can still catch me breaking out into the occasional time step, singing “This is the Moment”, or doing the occasional voice impression.
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