Class of 2016
Major: Biological Sciences
Minor: Psychology
Completed University of Connecticut Post-Baccalaureate Program
Studying at Tufts University in the MD Program
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?
I chose this path because healthcare was the perfect combination of my love for human interaction and the sciences.
Q: What are some meaningful extracurricular activities that you were involved in while at UConn?
KUBE: Mentoring younger students
Weightlifting: Building my body and mind
Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity Inc: Reinforcing my ability to grow as a leader
Q: What were some challenges you have faced along your healthcare journey so far, and how have you overcome them?
Through the entirety of my time as an undergrad, I felt like I never had enough money. Even when I found the cheapest rent in the area, It was only a matter of time before I ran out of funds, so I had to work throughout my undergrad and postbac. That being said, I appreciate the perspective gained from such an experience. I struggled with efficient study methods in the earlier years of my undergraduate work, and frequently doubted medical school as a viable option. After countless trials and errors, I eventually found what worked for me and stuck with it. Now in medical school, I find myself building off of that lesson, as I repeatedly refine my approach to match the changing demands of each passing day.
Q: What did you do during your growth year(s) and what did you learn?
I took a gap year after undergrad and another after my postbac. My main goal during these years was to expose myself further to the field of healthcare to see if I truly enjoyed the work or if I was just romanticizing the entire idea. During this time, I learned that I was DEFINITELY not a fan of working night shifts perpetually, but that I still loved being part of a team, focused on the shared goal of high quality patient centered care.
Q: What are some ways that you take care of your mental health and overall wellbeing?
Weightlifting Muay Thai, BBQ/Smoking Meats, and Meditation.
Q: What advice do you have for aspiring pre-health students?
Consistency over everything. Exercise regularly. Keep in touch with the professors/TAs that you admire/have a great connection with. Its ok if you don't ace everything, just keep pushing.
Q: What’s something that you wish you knew when you were in college?
No one has it all figured out, and no one is supposed to.