Carrying forward gratitude and hope for my future
This is where I stand.
Transition to College
For eighteen years, my life followed a predictable rhythm—a mechanical cycle that left little room for exploration. Moving to Penn wasn't just a change in geography; it was the shift from 'checking boxes' to building a life centered on purpose and medical ambition, supported by many talented peers. Penn became the launching point for a new version of myself, one that deviated so far from who I was before attending college.
My Love for Science
I struggled to identify which area of STEM I truly wanted to pursue as a career from the very beginning. I always believed I would be an engineer, having had extensive exposure to the wonders of various engineering disciplines throughout most of my life. It was when I was temporarily sidetracked by the rise of computer science and AI that I stumbled upon medicine, where I truly belong.
Clinical Experiences
On my first time behind the scenes, helping out with a kidney disease screening, I noticed how intricate patient interactions can be between a healthcare professional and a community member. The live conversations and viewpoints are extremely valuable for anyone who desires to pursue a career in medicine, as these interactions are at the center of adequate care.
Bioengineering and Pre-Med
Balancing both engineering and medicine can be chaotic, but I choose to take on this challenge because I see the value in my double life. Having the opportunity to learn about both fields may later lead me to a more specialized path, even if medicine dominates my primary career. From an entrepreneurial perspective, engineering may be the key to unlocking a whole new world within biotech & healthcare for me in the near future.
Future Direction
While my primary goal at the moment is to attend medical school for an MD degree, there are several considerations that arise from having gained diverse experiences throughout my pre-med journey. Currently, becoming a surgeon or pursuing an MD/PhD is a possibility, as is a potential accelerated master's program before medical school. Perhaps I successfully pitch a prototype into the world; I am at Penn, after all.