What drew you to the field of medicine?

Visiting hospitals during my childhood was not a pleasant memory — the needles, the sterile smell, and the endless waiting rooms. At the time, it felt like the last place I would ever want to end up. But gradually, my perspective began to change. I started paying attention to the doctors who explained, the nurses who comforted, and the way entire teams worked together. What once felt overwhelming slowly turned into something that sparked my curiosity. Returning to the hospital as a volunteer gave me the chance to see that environment from a completely different perspective — as someone who could give back. Those experiences showed me that medicine is not only about science, but also about empathy, reassurance, and human connection — and that is what drew me to the field.

What are your plans after attending medical school?

I’m excited to explore the different specialties medicine has to offer, but I feel especially drawn to pediatrics. My goal is to be a physician who helps young patients see possibilities beyond their diagnosis and who reassures families during uncertain times. I also want to continue pursuing research that addresses health inequities, particularly in access to advanced treatments like clinical trials. Whether at the bedside or through research, I plan to use medicine to bridge gaps and serve patients with empathy and understanding.