Future Leaders: Students Transforming Health Care

Class year: 2019

How did you decide to pursue a career in health care?

In general, I’m most proud of the fact that we are changing practice in ways other people have not challenged – all to save and improve lives. Whether that is bringing antidotes and therapies to market, taking care of solutions for our combat soldiers with our military research or just taking care of patients. 

Why did you choose CU?

I was born and raised in Colorado Springs, but spent my undergraduate years out of state. During my four years away, I realized that the beauty, culture and overall vibe of Colorado holds a special place in my heart. CU is on the cutting-edge of integrating learning with experience, humanism with knowledge — I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue a doctor of dental surgery degree here. 

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing?

As a native Coloradan, it’s difficult to keep me away from the mountains during any season of the year. Whether it is skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, I try to fill my free time with being outside and enjoying nature. 

What is one of your most memorable moments at CU so far?

I will always remember the moments when patients have looked to me with absolute trust to render treatment with their best interest in mind. What those patients may not realize is that my knowledge and skill stems from the excellence and passion of the CU faculty, the camaraderie of my classmates, and the constant support of the team members who work at CU Anschutz. 

What would you say to someone interested in giving to scholarships or supporting educational programs at CU?

True investments give rise to future capital, and the best capital lies in people. The future health care providers educated at CU represent some of the most valuable capital. I highly encourage anyone to support scholarships and educational programs at CU, because their return on investment will multiply and change countless lives for the better.

Class year: 2021

How did you decide to pursue a career in health care?

When I was a freshman in college, my aunt got really sick. She had a brain aneurism that had ruptured. I wanted to know anything and everything I could about what was going on with her care. I would watch surgeries on YouTube and they were the scariest things that I had ever seen. I watched pathophysiology explanation videos and pharmacology videos, and even though I was scared out of my mind, I was oddly inspired. It was amazing to me how complicated the human body was and how knowledgeable doctors were. I wanted that, so I solidified my decision to become a doctor. 

Why did you choose CU?

CU has anything and everything I wanted in a medical school. I wanted to go to a school that was on the cutting edge of research. I wanted to train somewhere where I knew that opportunities were going to be endless and I wouldn’t feel the strain of competition from my peers. I wanted to go to a school that I knew I was going to be supported, and I felt that from the moment I met Regina Richards and Dr. Zimmer at the SNMA conference. I also wanted to go to a school that wasn’t only about academics, a school that I would have the opportunity to delve into my interests outside of medicine, like health advocacy and policy. 

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing?

My favorite things to do are go shopping, watch make up tutorials. I like pageants, I love to dance and sing. I also enjoy blogging and social media. I have an advice page for Pre-Medical students of color on twitter, and it’s so nice to hear people’s stories and help them achieve their goals. 

What is one of your most memorable moments at CU so far?

One of the most memorable moments for me was getting to represent CU at the Student National Medical Association Annual Medical Education Conference. It was amazing to talk about the things that we are doing at CU to not only promote diversity, but foster an environment that supports our students of different backgrounds. It was so cool to see administration and students from other schools light up at what we are doing here at CU and want to follow suit. 

What would you say to someone interested in giving to scholarships or supporting educational programs at CU?

First and foremost, I want to say thank you, for believing in us and believing in our future. When you support a scholarships and education, you don’t just support us as students, you support the future of health care. You support our future patients. You are offering a hand in advancing the future of medicine, so thank you.

Class year: 2018

How did you decide to pursue a career in health care?

I decided to pursue a career in health care for several reasons. My initial inspiration came from my family, specifically my father who was a traditional healer and leader in our community. My desire to continue to pursue a career in medicine and public health stems from my passion and interest in the sciences as well as my deep commitment to standing in pragmatic solidarity with the humanity of others. 

Why did you choose CU?

The reason why I chose CU is because I know that my school values diversity, equity and inclusion. CU was the only school I applied to because I knew I wanted to be here. I knew I would get a rigorous education as well as meet some amazing life-changing people along the way. 

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing?

Outside of school I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I have a passion for the arts. I enjoy writing poetry, hitting the studio or even DJing at festivities. I also love spending time outdoors, living an active lifestyle and traveling the world. 

What is one of your most memorable moments at CU so far?

My most memorable moment at CU so far is hard to pick because they have all been memorable. I would have to say that the most memorable time was when I was a sophomore in college and I discovered my identity and my true passion. This is the time when I ended up switching from a traditional pre-med student to one that challenges the status quo. 

What does scholarship support mean to you?

Scholarship support to me means hope. It means the world to me, to know that people are invested in the future of our next generations leaders. One day, I hope that I can make an impact on someone’s life just as my donors have made an impact on mine. 

What would you say to someone interested in giving to scholarships or supporting educational programs at CU?

Every single penny that is spent on funding a student’s education, that otherwise would have not been possible is one of the best investments society can make to improve our future for many generations to come.

Class year: 2020

How did you decide to pursue a career in health care?

I always wanted a career that gave back to my community and integrated science. I wanted to help others and couldn’t imagine spending my days behind a desk. My mom is a physician, so I grew up looking at her medical books, which is what initially peaked my interest in health. However, I never felt drawn to the path of a physician. I wanted to be part of a profession that was grounded in serving and caring. The relationship a nurse has with a patient is unique among all other healthcare providers and has transformed me into the person I am today. I am more humble, understanding, and passionate about helping others achieve their goals. 

Why did you choose CU?

I chose CU because of the possibility to participate in the Urban Underserved Track, of which I am now a member. My passion lies in serving the underserved. To have the opportunity to be part of an interprofessional community of health students and community members dedicated to serving the same population I am passionate about is an incredible opportunity. During our seminars, I am constantly reminded of why I decided to go back to graduate school, making all the late nights and stress well worth it. 

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing?

Hiking, reading, biking, the mountains and my two pups! 

What does scholarship support mean to you?

Scholarship support allows school to be my priority, providing the means possible for me to work part time, and graduate without student loan debt. 

What would you say to someone interested in giving to scholarships or supporting educational programs at CU?

Everyday in the news there is a story about the crippling student loan debt American students graduate with. Scholarships provide the ability for students to pursue their dream careers, without the added stress of financial hardship, debt, and figuring out how we are going to pay for next semester.

Class year: 2018

How did you decide to pursue a career in health care?

My experiences traveling around the world, including during my military service, exposed me to a variety of different cultures and lifestyles. However, these experiences also showed me how many people are in great need of health care services both at home and abroad. Upon leaving military service, I decided to pursue a career in health care to help meet the needs I saw around the world. 

Why did you choose CU?

There are so many reasons! To name a few, I chose CU because of the incredible faculty and staff, interdisciplinary work, and educational opportunities available to CU students. The faculty at the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences were incredible mentors that made every effort to support my academic and extracurricular endeavors to further my future career in pharmacy. The interdisciplinary and educational opportunities provided me with unique and rewarding experiences in a variety of health care settings to prepare me to become an active member of the healthcare team and patient advocate. 

Outside of school, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy training and participating in obstacle races. It is a great way to stay in shape and connect with people from around the country. I also continue to play piano, travel, and enjoy a microbrew from time to time. 

What is one of your most memorable moments at CU so far?

I recently returned from a clinical rotation in rural Guatemala. While in Guatemala, I learned about the strong culture and values within their communities as well as how welcoming the community is. They truly opened up their homes and hearts to me. I feel this experience was eye-opening and will help me when working with immigrant and international communities. 

What does scholarship support mean to you?

Scholarship support was crucial for my academic success at CU. Scholarship support helped to relieve financial stress so that I could focus more on my studies. In this way, scholarship support enabled me to perform to the best of my abilities through my educational years. 

What would you say to someone interested in giving to scholarships or supporting educational programs at CU?

Your support is vital to ensuring the continued success of CU educational programs. Thank you for the support you have already provided and I hope you will continue to support students pursuing their goals and dreams at CU.