
AB in Anthropology, Class of 2021
Pursuing an MD/MPH at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, entering class of 2023
Pursuing an MD/MPH at the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, entering class of 2023
Major: Anthropology with a certificate in Global Health & Health Policy
Significant college activities: Pace Center Purposeful Partnership Associate, Service Focus Fellow, Forbes College Peer Academic Advisor, HPA Peer Adviser, IIP internships in Tanzania and Ecuador, DoroBucci Vice President & Social Chair, Princeton Club Soccer, Katz Summer Scholar at Lurie Children’s Hospital, and Senior Thesis Research (on the experiences of caretakers of children with rare neurological conditions)
Words of wisdom about being prehealth at Princeton: If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to not give up and believe in yourself throughout this whole journey. I often had imposter syndrome at Princeton, thinking I didn’t belong in a space with so many brilliant thinkers. However, I learned over time that I belonged at Princeton and understanding material at my own pace was okay. Try not to compare yourself to others and remember that you’ve done all the work to get here. You belong as well!
I will also say don’t pay attention to negative or scary things people may say about certain pre-med courses at Princeton. Go with an open mind and be patient about the learning process. I ended up really enjoying the classes I was initially scared of, and I made sure to attend office hours frequently to understand the material well. I also formed great relationships with my professors who all really wanted to see me succeed.
Additionally, I would encourage you to study and explore what truly interests you. As an Anthropology major and pre-med student, I had a well-balanced course load, and my major allowed me to understand health and illness through a unique lens. I even took some exciting courses on African art, music, and religion, which allowed me to embrace my multifaceted interests and explore my passions for music and art. Furthermore, I took advantage of the great opportunities Princeton offered and pursued my love for traveling and service through the International Internship Program (IIP), which added another rich layer to my Princeton experience.
My next biggest piece of advice would be to make mentors early. I went to McGraw tutoring one day and met someone who fit my picture of a great mentor. During my freshman year, we met and planned my whole course schedule for my four years at Princeton. She was integral to my journey at Princeton, and she is still my mentor to this day.
Also, HPA is the absolute best! I stopped by the office at least once a semester to check in, and I am so grateful for the encouragement I always received. All in all, don’t be too hard on yourself, and utilize your mentors and support networks to carry you along the way. Lastly, whenever you feel discouraged just remember to go back to your anchor. Ask yourself why are you on this journey and what does it mean to you? That answer for me has always motivated me to keep going.
Good luck and feel free to send me an email: [email protected].
HPA Peer Adviser Bio (2020-21)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Research: I am conducting clinical and ethnographic research on the role of early genetic testing in identifying genetic variants, to examine how health access affects families receiving genetic testing, and to explore how families respond to the dynamic nature of genetic testing to understand their child’s condition in areas other than biomedicine. I am conducting this research at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital.
Summer Activities: I am a Katz Summer Scholar at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital
Last Book Read for Fun: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Favorite Comfort Food: Thai Food
Alternative Concentration of Interest: Chemistry