We had a chance to chat with her on Zoom about her pre-health journey.
What have been impactful events that have led you to this pre-health track?
My early exposure to medicine (mom was an OBGYN, dad is a medical patent lawyer) got me interested in diseases and what caused them. So, I started researching at the NIH when I was 15 until I was 19. Being in the lab taught me critical thinking skills - if something went wrong, why did it go wrong? I also saw how science can be applied to heal entire populations. What I missed from my research experiences was the humanistic side; this was something I found through service projects. I started my high school and Emory Autism Awareness Organizations. This gave me 8 years of experience truly understand what service and activism was.
Finally, my clinical experiences, volunteering and shadowing in the hospital, showed me how medicine was at the nexus of research and service. Being in the hospital made me realize I want to spend the rest of my life in the hospital environment.
What was the most difficult part of your pre-health career?
During my undergrad journey as a pre-health student, I have struggled a lot with balancing schoolwork, research, shadowing, volunteering, and finding time to spend time with friends. It always seemed like I had to sacrifice one for another. Having my peers and mentors support me along the way has been instrumental in making these the best 4 years of my life and being able to find the work-life balance.
What helped guide you to where you are now?
Being a pre-health student is hard. Always seek help from those who came before you and give sincere advice to those who were once in your position! Medicine is all about mentorship and being mentored.
What do you wish you knew 5 years ago?
What I would say to myself as a junior in high school - don't stress too much - if you are motivated and seek out opportunities, things will fall into place!
Did you have a specific mentor that inspired you to get to where you are now?
Dr. Catherine Rice, director of the Emory Autism Center. She opened my eyes to the unique struggles of those on the autism spectrum and gave me opportunities to expand my club, Emory Autism Awareness, that has truly guided much of my growth as a student and aspiring physician.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
As the founder of the Emory Autism Awareness Organization, I have faced many challenged of when people disagree with organizations we support such as Autism Speaks. Neurodiverse conditions are difficult to talk about. We need to approach each challenge with an open mind and humility.
What is the best advice you could give someone pursuing the same track as you?
Everyone has doubts and has a time where they question whether they can become a doctor. Don't let those doubts prevent you from pursuing opportunities. Never be afraid of asking for help!
What have been impactful events that have led you to this pre-health track?
My early exposure to medicine (mom was an OBGYN, dad is a medical patent lawyer) got me interested in diseases and what caused them. So, I started researching at the NIH when I was 15 until I was 19. Being in the lab taught me critical thinking skills - if something went wrong, why did it go wrong? I also saw how science can be applied to heal entire populations. What I missed from my research experiences was the humanistic side; this was something I found through service projects. I started my high school and Emory Autism Awareness Organizations. This gave me 8 years of experience truly understand what service and activism was.
Finally, my clinical experiences, volunteering and shadowing in the hospital, showed me how medicine was at the nexus of research and service. Being in the hospital made me realize I want to spend the rest of my life in the hospital environment.
What was the most difficult part of your pre-health career?
During my undergrad journey as a pre-health student, I have struggled a lot with balancing schoolwork, research, shadowing, volunteering, and finding time to spend time with friends. It always seemed like I had to sacrifice one for another. Having my peers and mentors support me along the way has been instrumental in making these the best 4 years of my life and being able to find the work-life balance.
What helped guide you to where you are now?
Being a pre-health student is hard. Always seek help from those who came before you and give sincere advice to those who were once in your position! Medicine is all about mentorship and being mentored.
What do you wish you knew 5 years ago?
What I would say to myself as a junior in high school - don't stress too much - if you are motivated and seek out opportunities, things will fall into place!
Did you have a specific mentor that inspired you to get to where you are now?
Dr. Catherine Rice, director of the Emory Autism Center. She opened my eyes to the unique struggles of those on the autism spectrum and gave me opportunities to expand my club, Emory Autism Awareness, that has truly guided much of my growth as a student and aspiring physician.
What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
As the founder of the Emory Autism Awareness Organization, I have faced many challenged of when people disagree with organizations we support such as Autism Speaks. Neurodiverse conditions are difficult to talk about. We need to approach each challenge with an open mind and humility.
What is the best advice you could give someone pursuing the same track as you?
Everyone has doubts and has a time where they question whether they can become a doctor. Don't let those doubts prevent you from pursuing opportunities. Never be afraid of asking for help!