Hometown: Corona, California
Undergraduate: Drexel University

Can you tell me a little about yourself before you came to Drexel?

I grew up in California and loved spending time in nature. I have been at Drexel for seven years now since I did my undergraduate studies here, majoring in biology with a concentration in physiology and a minor in medical sociology. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Philly, playing basketball, baking, and spending time with friends.

When did you know that you wanted to go into medicine?

I knew from a young age that I was intrigued by medicine, especially since I spent a lot of time in the hospital as a child. This curiosity grew stronger as I encountered more people who frequented hospitals. It wasn't until I started volunteering in senior citizen homes and hospitals that I solidified my desire to become a doctor.

Why did you choose to apply to Drexel’s Interdisciplinary Health Sciences (IHS) program?

The final factor that influenced my decision to choose IHS came from the interview experience. The student who interviewed me spoke highly about the program's amazing qualities. I was seeking the opportunity to improve in classes I struggled with during undergrad, have supportive faculty, and be part of a strong community. I found all of that in this program, and I couldn't be more grateful.

How is the program going so far?

I think the program went great, and I am graduating! This program helped me solidify my study habits, strengthen my test-taking abilities, and, truthfully, helped me grow as a person. I feel much more prepared to tackle the challenges of medical school now.

Have you been involved with any organizations or in any community service experiences since entering the program?

I served as the vice president for the Pre-Medical Pre-Health Graduate Student Association, worked as a co-coordinator/volunteer for PALS, and served as an IHS peer mentor.

Can you tell me about any research you have been doing?

Education shapes individuals’ economic and social outcomes, with factors such as socioeconomic status, race, and family dynamics influencing educational attainment. Philly Academic Learning Squad (P.A.L.S.) is a club that enhances the educational experience of inner-city elementary school students in Philadelphia by fostering curiosity and academic growth. Club activity is tracked across three schools: Spring Garden Elementary School, Samuel Powel Elementary School (Powel), and Science Leadership Academy middle School (SLAMS). Each school faces unique challenges, such as language barriers and low proficiency levels in math and reading. Volunteers focus on targeted interventions, including small group sessions and individualized support, tailored to each school’s needs. This research takes a deeper dive into the benefits of integrating volunteer support within the classroom on motivation and outcomes, particularly among students from low socioeconomic status. I have been volunteering with these schools for over a year and found low student motivation. Initially, it was very hard to keep students engaged, and to promote class participation and assignment completion. However, it was rewarding to see the progress students made as I consistently kept working with them. This study hopes to contribute to educational practices and policies to enhance student learning experience and academic achievements. Using observations and published data, my findings suggest a positive correlation between volunteer support, academic motivation and productivity. This research highlights the benefits of integrating volunteers, based on students successfully answering worksheets on their own, getting higher scores on their standardized tests, and feeling more confident answering questions working with me.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

I plan to apply to medical school after I graduate. In the meantime, I am seeking employment as either a medical assistant or a clinical research coordinator. Additionally, I would like to continue volunteering at low-income elementary schools.

What advice do you have for students who are considering coming to Drexel’s IHS program?

My advice is simple: do it. The effort you put into the program directly correlates with what you gain from it. The professors and faculty are truly exceptional, making the experience even more valuable. I now feel much more confident in tackling subjects I struggled with in the past. I had a strong support network that always pushed me to do my best. The community I built with my peers is perhaps the most valuable takeaway from this program. The bonds I formed are strong, and the supportive atmosphere kept me motivated. I highly recommend taking advantage of this outstanding program.