2023 Grad
PA, Stanford University
Health Profession Track: Physician Assistant
Hometown: Novato, California
Undergraduate School: San José State University
Why did you choose to attend the SFSU Post-Bac Program?
I chose to attend the SFSU Post-Bac Program for several reasons. The opportunity to study at an incredible institution in San Francisco, a city I truly treasure, was very meaningful to me. I was also drawn to the program’s passionate and knowledgeable faculty, the structured advising that helps students map out the prerequisites needed for their chosen healthcare careers, and the supportive environment the program fosters. Being close to my family in Marin County while pursuing the Pre-PA track made the decision even more meaningful and ultimately an easy choice!
What is/was your favorite spot on the SFSU campus and why?
One of my favorite spots on the SFSU campus was the grassy areas scattered throughout campus! My classmates and I would often spend time there before or after classes, lying in the sun–or under the fog brought in by Karl the Fog–to decompress and reset. Those moments gave us a chance to relax, connect with one another, and recharge before heading back to class or studying at the beautiful campus library.
Which SFSU Post-Bac class was your favorite and why?
My all-time favorite SFSU Post-Bac class was BIOL 328: Human Anatomy with Lab, taught by Professor Lyons! It was my first time taking an anatomy course, and although it was incredibly challenging, it was also exceptionally rewarding. I learned so much from Professor Lyons and my peers as I immersed myself in the material, gained hands-on experience through dissection and developed new study strategies to succeed in such a rigorous course. The knowledge and skills I gained in this class have stayed with me ever since, and I was even able to apply what I learned when I took anatomy again during PA school.
What is/was your favorite thing to do in SF?
One of my favorite things to do in San Francisco is try new restaurants throughout the city and spend time outdoors at places like Crissy Field, Golden Gate Park or Ocean Beach. The combination of incredible food and beautiful outdoor spaces is what makes San Francisco such a special place.
Tell us something you learned as an SFSU Post-Bac that is important to you.
One of the most important things I learned during the SFSU Post-Bac program was the value of collaboration and community. The program provided so many opportunities to learn alongside my peers, support one another and build meaningful friendships. Those connections made the academic challenges more manageable and created a support system that extended far beyond the classroom. I feel incredibly grateful for the friendships I formed and am fortunate to still stay in touch with many of my peers today.
What advice would you give to incoming post-bac students?
Don’t forget to water yourself! It’s easy to fall into a routine of wake, eat, study, sleep, especially in a rigorous program. While dedicating time and focus to your studies is essential, it’s just as important to take care of yourself along the way. Make time for your hobbies, spend time with friends and family and collaborate with your peers. Maintaining balance will help you stay motivated, healthy and successful throughout the program.
What resources have you used while a post-bac to help you reach your goals?
During my time in the SFSU Post-Bac program, I relied heavily on the support of the program’s advisors, faculty and my peers. The advisors were incredibly helpful in guiding me through the prerequisites for the Pre-PA track by providing an Excel sheet that mapped out each course for the appropriate semester until I completed the program. I also benefited greatly from collaborating with my classmates, whether it was forming study groups via Zoom due to COVID-19 or supporting one another through challenging courses. In addition, spending time studying at the campus library provided a great environment to stay focused and productive. These resources and support systems played an important role in helping me succeed and prepare for the next step in my journey to PA school.
Did you make meaningful friendships in the program? If so, tell us about them.
I made several meaningful friendships during the program. We spent countless hours studying together, supporting one another through challenging courses, and also making time to enjoy San Francisco along the way. Now, five years later, we are still close and continue to support one another in our personal and professional journeys. It has been incredibly special to stay in touch and watch everyone grow as they pursue their goals in healthcare.
If you are currently attending your health professions school, which program are you attending and what is your year in school?
I am currently a first-year student in Stanford University's Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (MSPA) program.