My journey toward medicine has been shaped by the people I have cared for and the challenges that have taught me to keep moving forward. My experiences as a caregiver, CNA, and phlebotomist have shown me that caring for someone is about more than completing a task. It is about being present, earning trust, and recognizing when a patient needs someone to slow down and listen. As a phlebotomist, I have met patients who were nervous about a blood draw, frustrated by being in the hospital, or simply having a difficult day. I learned that small things matter. Explaining what I was doing, acknowledging a patient’s fear, or taking an extra moment to make them comfortable could change their experience. These moments made me realize that the kind of physician I want to become is one who never loses sight of the person behind the diagnosis. My commitment to service also extends beyond the clinical setting. Through church outreach, I have helped support people experiencing homelessness, which gave me a greater appreciation for the circumstances that can make accessing healthcare difficult. An example, on a faithful when we were set out to share food and drinks to the homeless people we saw on the street. As I made to give food and drinks, one of them broke down in tears and was appreciative of the fact that they could still be remembered. I was fulfilled not because it was the right thing to do but because, I was able to show kindness and make feel seen to people who least expect it. I have also learned the importance of showing up consistently for others. Whether I was caring for a patient, drawing blood, volunteering, or supporting someone in my community, I found meaning in being someone others could depend on. My path has not always been easy. Balancing school, work, family responsibilities, and my goals has challenged me in ways I did not expect. Instead of allowing those challenges to define what I could accomplish, I learned to adapt, remain disciplined, and keep going. Coming from a community college background and eventually graduating from UCLA with honors is one example of what that persistence has meant to me. The education I pursue will help me grow from someone who provides care into a physician who can understand, diagnose, and treat illness while advocating for the person experiencing it. I hope to use my education to serve communities where patients may face barriers to care and to mentor students who may question whether they belong in healthcare. I want my career to have an impact beyond the patients I treat. I want to make people feel seen, encourage others to pursue opportunities they may not have imagined for themselves, and give back to the communities that helped shape me.

As an unemployed mom of two daughters, stress is a daily frequency. After two bouts of COVID, both my husband and I agreed that I would put my employment behind me and focus on my education and the children as I regain full health. This decision was made in October of 2021. Since then, I have had to train myself to cope with stress and overcome mental obstacles. I can proudly say that I have developed a list of things that can help anyone clear their mind and elevate their mental state. My list is as follows: Trust in a higher power: As a devout Christian, my first piece of advice would always be to lay one’s trust in a higher power. During the COVID shutdown, my husband and I experienced great difficulties which lead to food shortages and depression but despite all of my difficulties, I always found the time to get on my knees and pray every day which gave me a calmness and serenity that I could not find anywhere else. Listen to Chill Beats: I listen to Chill beats music on iTunes. This playlist comprises mellow chill beats, chill hop, smooth lofi hip-hop & relaxing jazzy vibes. The playlist is updated weekly. I recommend this playlist for people who just need time in their day to shut out the outside world and relax. This music is also useful for studying or any do-it-yourself hobby to relieve yourself of stress and soothe your mind. Cuddle: Cuddling has always helped me clear my mind and calm myself just as it quells my baby’s cries. I read an article online (Psychology Today) which explained the benefits of cuddling; how it releases oxytocin which is a feel-good hormone. Sometimes, to get away from it all, I cuddle with my husband as we watch a movie or enjoy some wine. As a matter, of fact, cuddling with a loved one is good enough to top any list! Watch Motivational Videos/Movies: There are so many feel-good movies and motivational videos out there that all it takes to submerge oneself and gain a new mindset is merely the click of a button! Eat Healthily: At the beginning of 2022 I made the decision to start eating healthier and I have enjoyed the results so far. I lost 13 lbs. and I don’t feel bloated as I normally did throughout last year. Feeling heavy altered my mindset and made my mind a breeding place for stress and depression. Exercise: A 10-minute daily jog and some calisthenics have greatly improved my physique and, most importantly, my mental health. I found that it was easier for me to relax and deal with daily tasks after gifting my body with anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes of exercise. Oftentimes, exercise proved to be the perfect way for me to initiate a mental reset and gain extraordinary focus.