Hi! I’m Leyna, an incoming junior on the pre-med track. I’m a Molecular and Cell Biology major with a minor in Global Health! Fun fact: I was originally a Biochemistry major, and I used to double minor! I’m originally from Sacramento, and decided to choose the furthest UC possible so I could expose myself to a newer environment! In other words, I didn’t want to see my high school classmates during passing period. I love to travel, and being at UC San Diego has actually introduced me the opportunity to intern abroad! The summer after my freshman year, I interned in Cape Town, South Africa! Next school year, I hope to study abroad in Argentina and Chile, but we’ll see how that goes. Outside of occasionally going to the gym, getting a drink at Starbucks and going to UTC, you may find me in the library or in my bed locked in, planning my entire next 2 years in a Google spreadsheet. I love planning coursework, and I love advising people. I pretty much know a lot of course codes and titles by heart. I’d be super excited to tell you about the courses offered through the School of Biological Sciences, the best dining halls, the best colleges (in my opinion), the best restrooms on campus, and the best places to get a smoothie (since I don’t drink coffee, matcha, or boba). I’d love to answer as many questions as possible that you have about the school, or about being pre-med​/​health at UCSD!

Hometown

Sacramento, CA

Major(s)

Molecular and Cell Biology

Minor(s)

Global Health

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I've been involved with the Revelle Judicial Board as the Revelle College Council representative, the Revelle College Council as the Revelle Judicial Board ex-officio, Biological Sciences Student Association as a committee member, the Brain Exercise Initiative as a volunteer and committee member, Summer Bridge as a scholar and welcome-back speaker, the Chancellor's Scholars Alliance as the freshman ambassador and director at large, and BUMMP as a mentee! I was also involved in AMWA as a reproductive health committee member.

Describe your college experience

My transition into college was pretty seamless; I had Summer Bridge to thank for that. Summer Bridge allowed me to take a short college class on the American Collegiate Experience, and connect with other incoming freshmen at UCSD. I loved every bit of that program because it taught me a lot about myself and the resources at this school. I still sometimes talk to some people that I met through the program! I'm pretty sure Summer Bridge allowed a lot of Summer Bridge students to house together, and I ended up being really lucky because my current roommates are going to be the same ones as my first year who were also in Summer Bridge. I came into my first quarter of college feeling confident and excited, and Summer Bridge really made finding a community of friends a lot easier. There are also so many clubs and events that take place, and I feel like having people around you who are in the know helps a lot with having things to do around UCSD. I found that a lot of people here are very kind individuals. There are also a lot of research opportunities here, but since UCSD is a research-heavy school, the competition to get into research is crazy. My scholarship also helped me get acclimated to the school by providing a community and resources. UCSD also has a mentorship program through the Mentor Collective and other opportunities to network, which is super helpful! I still keep in contact with my mentor through the Mentor Collective and I was able to have a sit-down Zoom chat with a forensic investigator and pharmacist--both UCSD alumnis!

Tip for future students

Before starting college, I wish I learned conflict management because there were a lot of times where I didn't confront someone even though what they did or said bothered me. This is skill that proves itself to be essential as you start doing group projects, form relationships, and live with other students. A tip that I have for future students is to make sure you secure a mentor, or ten. I had a lot of mentors throughout my first year--some that I kept and others that I've dropped. These mentors helped me pick classes, revise my resumes and cover letters, network, and learn more about the medical field and academic research. Sometimes, they also served as my support system. Another tip that I have is know when to say no, or at least do something each week to address your mental health. My first year, I joined so, so many clubs and I was completely burnt out by the end of my winter quarter. I neglected my mental health for so long, and I wasn't sure how to address it. By spring, I dropped a lot of clubs and kept only the ones I felt were meaningful to me or built on my experiences. I also worked with one of my mentors to identify ways in which I can build up momentum and prevent future burnout.

Favorite class

I really liked human physiology (BIPN 100) because we were learning about our bodies and the course involved a lot of problem-solving! It was the first course I learned how to properly study and enjoyed it!!

Career goals

Right after college, I plan to take two gap years to pursue research and clinical experience as a medical assistant. I'd also love to do medical mission trips abroad, if possible. Then, I would apply to medical school and pursue an MD or DO degree!

Ideal way to spend a free night

I'd love to go out to explore the city and have a dinner at a local restaurant with someone.

High school or secondary school

Sheldon High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite place might just be Geisel Library. On the eighth floor, all the tables and chairs are super comfortable. On the first floor, there are so many seating options, including these chairs that make for a good napping pod, and I love that they have a walking pad as well as adjustable standing tables. The first floor has one of the best views because it's mostly greenery since it's considered underground. I love that the library also has little bits of artifacts and pictures, as well as community puzzles.