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Mara Murphy

General information

Gender
Female

Hobbies & Interests

  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Running
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychology
  • Scrapbooking
  • Painting and Studio Art
  • Hiking And Backpacking
  • Exploring Nature And Being Outside
  • Journaling
  • Reading
  • Biking And Cycling
  • Biochemistry
  • Physics
  • Exercise And Fitness
  • Collaging
  • Global Health
  • Nutrition and Health
  • HOSA
  • Crossfit
  • Biology
  • Medicine
  • Mental Health
  • Meditation and Mindfulness

Reading

  • Academic
  • Classics
  • Thriller
  • Health
  • Book Club
  • Psychology
  • Romance
  • Horror
  • Short Stories
  • Action
  • Literary Fiction
  • Adventure
  • Fantasy

I read books daily.

Bio

Hi, nice to virtually meet you! My name is Mara, and I am a third year at the University of California, Davis pursuing a bachelor's degree in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior. My experience as an emergency medical technician (EMT) has influenced my passion for improving emergency medical services in the United States, especially in rural and underserved areas. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan on attending medical school with the eventual goal of becoming a physician specializing in either emergency medicine or neurology. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, running, and reading adventure novels. I am also the fundraising officer for UC Davis's cross country and track & field club team, which provides a competitive and supportive environment for all runners, from social joggers to competitive athletes!

Education

University of California-Davis

Bachelor's degree program

2023 – 2027

Majors:
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences
  • Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
  • Neurobiology and Neurosciences

Pleasant Valley High

High School

2019 – 2023

GPA4.0 GPA

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Touro University California
Majors of interest:
Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Medicine, Biopsychology
Medical school interest:
Yes
Test scores:
  • ACT32

Career

  • Physical Therapy Intern

    Hospital & Health Care · Physical Edge

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Junior Medical Scribe

    Hospital & Health Care · Chico Pediatrics, Chico CA

    Jan 2022 – Present

  • Babysitter and Housesitter

    Individual & Family Services · Self-Employed

    Jan 2018 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Hospital & Health Care
Dream career goals:
Physician
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
SnapWell Scholarship
When I started EMT training, I expected it to be intense. I knew it would mean long hours, high-stress situations, and a steep learning curve, not to mention the fact that I would be balancing my other undergraduate coursework at the same time. What I didn’t expect was how heavy it would feel emotionally. I was learning how to help people during the worst moments of their lives, and that responsibility weighed on me more than I’d anticipated. That’s when I knew something had to give. I realized I couldn’t keep pushing forward without taking care of myself, too. So I started running again. I’d run cross country in high school, mostly to get a bit of exercise and be a part of a team. I'd stopped when I first entered college, however. Between labs, lectures, and now EMT shifts, it felt like there just wasn’t enough hours in the day. But, despite my packed schedule, I squeezed in exercise whenever possible. At first, I didn’t really have a plan. I just ran. Sometimes it was only a mile; sometimes longer. Gradually, running became my routine. I’d get up early and run before my shifts, or head out after class to let the day go. I also joined the cross country and track & field club at UC Davis to motivate myself even more and to form a desperately needed sense of community. It didn’t solve everything, but it gave me space where I found calm and strength. I now realize how important it is to protect my mental health, not just in emergencies, but every day. Eventually, I added in something else: meditation. At first, it felt strange. Sitting still while my to-do list spun around in my brain didn’t feel productive. But over time, I started to look forward to it. Even ten minutes of silence made the rest of the day feel more manageable. Together, they helped me show up better, for my patients, my classmates, and myself. Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical stamina, especially in a demanding field like emergency medicine. And now, as I continue my undergraduate studies, I carry that lesson with me. And as someone preparing for a future in medicine, where burnout is all too common, I know I need to build healthy habits now. You can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself.
Mara Murphy Student Profile | Bold.org