It has been another eventful year for the books! Since my last update, I have continued to work as a medical assistant at an ophthalmology practice and still enjoy each day spent in the clinic working alongside many talented physicians. In the spring, I had the opportunity to get involved in clinical research organizing data for entry into a nationwide study analyzing the efficiency and effectiveness of a newer medical device that can be implanted during cataract surgery to slow the progression of glaucoma. Being able to work in healthcare, especially during the pandemic, has been an invaluable way to see how doctors care and advocate for the health of their patients, even in the most difficult of situations.

Over the past year, a large portion of my time was spent applying to medical schools. I am excited to say that after many essays and tests, I have officially been accepted into medical school and will be matriculating into the Class of 2026 next fall! I am still in the process of interviewing at different schools so my decision is not final as to where I will be going, but stay tuned. When I wasn’t busy working on applications, my free time was spent fostering a family of adorable newborn puppies, exploring new nature trails or kayaking along the bay, and virtually volunteering as a crisis counselor for the Crisis Text Line, a global non-profit organization that provides free short-term mental health services for those in crisis via texting.

Although these past few years have been challenging for everyone, I am hopeful and excited about the things that are to come. Thank you again, MVYouth, for all that you have done to help me get this far in my journey of becoming a physician.