I grew up spending my summers in rural Yerington, Nevada, with my great grandma and saw firsthand how difficult it was for healthcare to get there. She was so grateful my family had the capacity to be able to take her to Reno for all of her doctor appointments. I remember anytime we went to the clinic, my family would steal gloves for me to play doctor with my stuffed animals at home. On Christmas, I’d receive gifts like operation and science kits that I couldn’t wait to set up. Although my medical journey is now taking me out of Nevada, I hope to one day return and serve the same communities like the ones I grew up in with my great grandma.

Starting medical school in the midst of a global pandemic had me terrified I’d make no friends. I am a very social person and joined as many clubs as I could to meet people. During one club meeting, there was another first-year with me, and we started talking about how much we loved coffee creamer. It was such a silly conversation, but it sparked what is now a lifelong friendship. This past October, I had the honor of standing next to her as one of her bridesmaids at her wedding!

I first learned about the Rape Crisis Center during a presentation by sex workers about healthcare in Nevada. I became very interested in wanting to help victims of sexual assault since they often don’t have advocates on their side. After doing 50 hours of training, I became a hotline volunteer for anyone who needed me. I talked to people who needed help finding therapy appointments and to people who just needed an ear to listen to their stories. Looking back on my medical school career, being a hotline volunteer for the Rape Crisis Center is one of my biggest accomplishments and highlights.

I will be heading off to the University of Kansas Medical Center to train to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. I hope to continue in academics and help future learners in medical school and residency.