One of my lifelong dreams has been to become a doctor. William & Mary has provided me with the tools and resources to explore the field of medicine and articulate my passion for health equity. In my freshman year, I joined Dr. Shantá Hinton’s cell biology lab and have since then worked on characterizing the role of MK-STYX in neuronal cells. The science fascinated me, but Dr. Hinton’s commitment to ensuring diversity and inclusion in STEM was even more enthralling. In my sophomore year, I self-designed my major, Social Justice in Medicine, which allowed me to follow an unorthodox pre-med path that emphasized the social determinants of health. As a junior, I worked as a scribe at Pariser Dermatology Specialists and as a patient advocate at the Lackey Clinic, two experiences that allowed me to observe the day-to-day practice of medicine. As a rising medical student, I am confident my W&M experiences will guide my future studies, research, and advocacy.
Harmony
Coming from a family of vocalists, actors, and instrumentalists, music was destined to be a core part of my time at William & Mary. During undergrad, I served as Music Director of the Gentlemen of the College, the college’s oldest tenor-bass acapella. My work through this organization allowed me to sharpen both my leadership and musical skills while singing alongside some of my closest friends. Through No Ceiling, I was introduced to competitive acapella, combining music with dance to tell meaningful stories through a cohesive set. Singing with the Botetourt Chamber Singers allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for traditional choral repertoire. Throughout it all, I always returned to my love of piano in my free time, offering a space to reconnect myself and escape the stress of college life.
