When I try to look back on my four years at the University of Washington, I only faintly remember the long nights studying and stressful exams. I mostly remember the best friends I’ve made and the personal growth I accomplished. I’m incredibly grateful to UW because I feel like I’ve found my place in the world (as a future teacher and future doctor), lifelong friends, and a better understanding of my core values. Ever since I remember, I have been interested and passionate about helping people. I knew I wanted to be a doctor ever since I was in middle school and an educator came in to show us real bodily organs for a drug and alcohol class. Many of my classmates were grossed out by the sight of the organs, but I was intrigued and knew this was something I wanted to be involved with for the rest of my life. Coming into UW, I had a very different idea of what my time here would consist. I almost think I was living in a fantasy land, floating above reality. The most impactful thing to come out of my college experience was being involved in Dream Project. I can give credit to a close friend for getting me involved in DP. While she soon dropped the program, I dove in head first with 100% of my attention and effort. It was here I found a passion for education and equity. This organization opened my eyes to issues I previously didn’t even recognize happening all over my community and over the world. While my end goal of medical school stayed constant, Dream Project inspired my near future goals to shift slightly. I am a 2018 Teach for America Corp member in New Orleans and I will be teaching chemistry to high school students. UW taught me: passion for science, passion for education and equity, empowering women, and helped me find a path that combines all three of these things.
Link to a reflection I wrote after completing my 2014 freshman quarter: