Year in Program: 1
As is the case for so many, it’s tough to focus in on one specific factor or moment that inspired me to pursue medicine. I have always been passionate about studying medicine, but it’s a long and difficult road—not only getting into medical school, but everything that comes after too. With that being said, I have spent the last few years working extensively in Indigenous health and education, much of it focused on improving safety and reducing barriers for Indigenous people trying to access the healthcare system. The initiatives, programs, communities, and people that I have had the privilege of working with over the years have inspired me to continue along this journey. I feel incredibly grateful as an Indigenous person to contribute to this work thus far and, with the love and support of my family, I’m looking forward to taking this next step in my educational journey and continuing this work. In the past few years, my family and I have been blessed with seven nephews and two beautiful nieces. It’s important to me that we all continue the work of improving the safety and accessibility for Indigenous people.
I chose UBC and the Island Medical Program specifically because I was born here on Vancouver Island. Most of my family lives on the island and, having spent so many years away from them during my undergrad and professional life, it was important for me to come a little closer to home. I’m not a particularly stoic person and need to feel connected to loved ones so that I can contextualize the work a little bit. It’s easy sometimes for me to get lost in my studies and forget the real world beyond our next set of learning objectives and what’s going to be on the final exam. Being connected to family and to communities I cherish helps me to maintain perspective.
Watching a Premier League game, preferably against Liverpool or Man City at Old Trafford.