I am a rising sophomore at Vanderbilt University majoring in Biomedical Engineering on the pre-med track. I am involved in a variety of clubs and organizations at Vanderbilt and throughout the greater Nashville area, ranging from academic and cultural groups to community service organizations.

Hometown

San Antonio, Texas

Major(s)

Biomedical Engineering

Minor(s)

Chemistry

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Younglife High School Leader, Younglife College Member, Society of Women Engineers Member, Biomedical Engineering Society, Association of Latin American Student General Body Meetings Co-Chair, Volunteers 4 Health Volunteer, Student Researcher

Describe your college experience

I have always wanted a school that would challenge me academically while also allowing me to pursue my passions outside of the classroom. One of my favorite aspects of Vanderbilt has been the unique combination of elite academics and SEC culture. One day I am camped out for College GameDay, and the next I am back in class preparing for an exam. Vanderbilt offers countless opportunities to get involved, whether through research, volunteering in the hospital, or serving the local community. Being located in Music City has also opened the door to so many experiences beyond campus, from concerts and local events to exploring nearby cities and states. The combination of academics, school spirit, and opportunities both on and off campus has made my college experience incredibly rewarding so far.

Tip for future students

Make sure to keep your academics first! It is easy to want to join every club on campus or spend every weekend having fun, but it is important to remember that you are here for school, and everything else comes second. The next tip I would share is to always make connections because you truly never know where a single conversation might lead. Whether it is a friendship, a mentorship, a research opportunity, or a future career connection, taking the time to meet new people can open doors you may never have expected.

Favorite class

My favorite class so far has been my Python computer science class! Growing up, I attended coding camps and always enjoyed them until I eventually reached a point of burnout. Throughout high school, I lost much of my curiosity for coding, so I was excited to have the opportunity to revisit it in college. My professor was truly passionate about helping his students succeed and always found ways to keep class engaging and enjoyable. He created a variety of resources to help us better understand the material and offered plenty of office hours to ensure that everyone had the support they needed to succeed. As a result, I am now much more well-versed in Python and am excited to apply it to future research and engineering projects.

Career goals

I am currently on the pre-med track and am truly passionate about medicine. My goal is to attend medical school after college, complete a residency and fellowship, and eventually become a practicing physician. I also have a strong interest in research, so I am considering pursuing a career as a physician-scientist, which would allow me to integrate research into my clinical practice.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I am a big country music fan, so living in Nashville is something I am truly grateful for! I love walking down Broadway, listening to live music, and attending concerts by some of my favorite artists. I am also a huge sports fan, so you can usually find me at Vanderbilt basketball and football games!

High school or secondary school

John Jay Science and Engineering Academy, San Antonio, Texas