Students

This year, I will be completing a dual degree in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies, and Spanish. Majoring in both of these fields has allowed me to do what I love—provide care to those less fortunate. While the two disciplines may appear unique, they actually share a lot in common. Here at USC, I have been fortunate enough to take part in a number of service opportunities abroad—in Mexico, Honduras and Bolivia—and around Los Angeles in such neighborhoods as West Adams, Skid Row and Watts. Thanks to my ability to communicate in two languages, I have had the honor of assisting over 2,500 individuals receive medical attention that would have otherwise not been provided. My work as a medical interpreter, educator, healthcare professional, and researcher has enriched my USC experience with a plethora of stories and smiles. As a result of my passion for medicine and service to Latin America, I plan to focus my honors thesis on the field of Medical Spanish.

If someone had told me a year ago that I would soon take my first international flight and visit three countries, I wouldn’t have believed him or her.  A year ago I applied for my first passport in the hope of finally making my dream to travel, to explore different cultures, and, most excitingly, to practice foreign languages a reality.  A year ago I was still "Undecided," but I had always loved Spanish, and I knew I wanted Spanish to always be a part of my life, so I became a Spanish major.  Within a matter of months I already had plans to participate in the Volunteer Center’s Alternative Spring Break in Guatemala as well as the USC summer program in Valencia led by my Spanish professor.  I’m so grateful for the financial aid I received through the university that made all of this a possibility for me.  I look back at the 5,000 pictures I took while abroad and I’m blown away by the change I recognize in myself.  I’m excited to continue working with the Latino community in Los Angeles through Alpha Phi Omega, the community service fraternity I belong to, and I can’t wait for my semester abroad this coming spring.