In my family, there are currently three generations of engineers. I am poised to become the fourth. It may seem like I was always destined to be an engineer, but I spent years determining my career path, and even now I don’t feel that it’s set in stone. As a junior at the University of Arizona, I am working toward a degree in biomedical engineering. But I’m not stopping there. My ultimate goal is an MD/PhD, and I am well on my way.
I grew up around the north central area of Phoenix, Ariz., which is rather urban and crowded. Going into my senior year of high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in life. Even though I sometimes felt lost, I also felt calm. I knew that everybody eventually finds their path, and I would find mine. My time at Brophy College Preparatory taught me what it means to be a person for society, and I kept that knowledge close to my heart as I pursued a college degree.
Once I got to the University of Arizona, I was fortunate to connect with professors and research mentors who helped me solidify my interest in engineering. Through an internship with the Magnetic Resonance Imaging Group at MIT, I was able to observe seasoned researchers as they dealt with complex issues and problems. We were collaborating with the fetal MRI group at Boston Children’s Hospital, and while I enjoyed the project, I learned so much from the individuals I interacted with. It was fascinating to observe the way they think about problems. They are always in a state of constant inquiry, and I want to be that way too.
The MRI internship really helped me understand my passion and my path in engineering. I chose to major in biomedical engineering because it is the perfect synthesis melding the abstraction of mathematics and the world of medicine. Once I knew my path, I devoted myself to my studies and my community. I am involved in a variety of research labs and medical-related volunteer activities, including serving as president of the American Indian and Indigenous Health Alliance for the past two years, and as a member of AISES.
Throughout my studies I’ve had the opportunity to connect with and learn from researchers, mentors, and professors who are incredibly accomplished and want to foster my growth. I am so grateful to them because they have shown me what it means to be a good researcher and a professional. They are patient with me, help me learn, and assist me in my future endeavors.
Since I started college, I’ve intended to go to medical school. I did not plan on falling in love with the world of research, but I find it mentally malleable and very rewarding. At the same time, I still want to pursue an MD/PhD because I find so much value in the patient-physician relationship. I know that whether I end up practicing medicine or researching groundbreaking concepts for the betterment of the sick, I will have the support of my family, my mentors, and my colleagues.
I never lose sight of my goals, and I know that I would not have made it this far without discipline. I feel as if I’m an average individual, and so I attribute most of my success to discipline. There is an inherent separation between discipline and motivation. Motivation comes and goes. A lot of people have motivation in small spurts, but then it fizzles out. Discipline is an everyday promise to yourself, and I have promised myself that I will achieve my goals. I want to encourage others to achieve their goals as well. Time is our most precious resource — we should use it to do something we love. I spend every day doing what I love. You can too.
