Class of 2022 - RVUCOM-CO
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2022
Campus Location
Colorado Campus
Hometown:
Camarillo, CA
Undergraduate studies:
Cellular and Developmental Biology, B.S. at University of California, Santa Barbara
What clubs and activities are you currently involved with?
SNMA Club, Global Medicine Honors Track, Peer Mentor, SIMS Scholars, Mass Casualty Incident Research, Ultrasound Club, ACOEP Club
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a first generation Japanese-Korean who was born and raised in Camarillo, CA. My parents own a small sushi restaurant, so I grew up learning to walk and talk while interacting with customers and watching my parents serve others. I attended Newbury Park High School where I obtained my Full International Baccalaureate diploma, and then graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2016 with my B.S. in Cellular and Developmental Biology. Afterwards, I scribed in the ED at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, CA for two years prior to matriculating at RVU!
What initially brought you to RVU? Why did you decide to pursue this degree?
I wanted to stay relatively close to California, and RVU was the furthest school "east" of California that I applied to. I ended up interviewing early, and on the flight from CA to CO, I saw the mountains from the window and just fell in love. Then I saw the campus and felt nothing but great vibes, and really liked how many windows and natural light came into the building. I felt immediately welcomed here, recognized the strong sense of community, and after I went back home, RVU was the school I compared all the others to. That's how I knew I wanted to be at RVU.
What do you enjoy doing when not at RVU (family life, interests and hobbies)?
I love spending time with my cat Millie, as well as playing strategic board games, reading fiction, doing puzzles, and watching movies! When I do get outside, I enjoy hiking and finding new restaurants to try! My fiancé moved out to Colorado with me, so it's been a new experience for both of us getting to discover a new state!
What is an interesting or little known fact about you:
Even though my parents have been in the sushi business since before I was born, I didn't start actually enjoying sushi until I was 20! Also, I am trained in both Hapkido and TaeKwonDo, and earned my 3rd degree black belt!
What is the best piece of advice you have been given by a professor or student while at RVU?
Be yourself. It sounds like such a cheesy phrase, but it's true. If you try too hard to conform and not embrace your strengths, then you won't be happy in your own skin, and you'll always try to meet others' expectations, but not your own. My StrengthsFinder results show that my number one strength is Achieving. It wasn't until my second year that I understood this and used my strength to its fullest capacity.
What are your medical interests?
My medical interests are Emergency Medicine... and Emergency Medicine. Haha
What is a favorite memory you have from being in RVU?
My absolute favorite memory was when SNMA collaborated with Children's Hospital of Colorado and Denver Health to bring 60 underrepresented high school students to RVU's campus to immerse them in the realm of osteopathic medicine. It took months of planning, cooperation from multiple student organizations and classes on campus, and applying for a grant to financially fund the event, but seeing the impact we made on those kids is something I'll never forget!
What advice do you have for prospective students?
When you're in medical school, your time is stretched thin between maintaining your personal wellness, doing well in school, and building your career identity. Think carefully about 1-2 things you want to brand yourself with, and build your career around that. Do not apply for positions or join an extracurricular or two to boost your CV, but do things that you are passionate about that will fill your cup in med school! Also, once you're here, don't forget the big picture. It's easy to get distracted by the next quiz, next exam, or next standardized patient encounter. However, it's so important to remember why you decided to become a physician in the first place. So remind yourself every day that you worked hard and earned your spot here. You belong!
What advice do you have for prospective students?
I can't say enough about all the support I've received from our faculty, staff, administrators, and peers. Without their guidance and encouragement, I wouldn't be where I am now. Though RVU is still growing and changing, I truly believe it's the place to be! I'm very blessed to be here, and I wouldn't trade my experience for the world.