At UC Irvine, Diego is planning to double major in biology & medical anthropology in order to become a cardiologist.
Roadmap.
.jpeg)
" Understand that failure IS an option. Granted, it is not the OPTIMAL option or the option to SEEK. However, the hardships of life aren’t exclusive to a set amount of individuals. As many people constantly seek the assurance to propel them forward in their careers, failure is the turbulence to their trans-Atlantic flight."
Hear Diego talk about his college experience at UC Irvine and give advice to prospective students in this field!
.jpeg)
MILESTONES
My career roadmap has been somewhat defined.
A broad interest in a subject. While I’ve always liked the many fields of learning, the sciences have had a roundabout way of making me see the world differently.
Having a connection to the subject and personal life. My mother has taught me many stories and medical procedures from her time as an ER (Emergency) and BHU (Behavioral Health Unit) nurse.
Overcome “the hump” mindset. Admittedly, while I’m far from the “smartest” individual to come out of AOC, overcoming the need to compare myself with others has facilitated HOW I wanted to accomplish my end goal of becoming a cardiologist.
Finding meaning in loss and defeat. Misery comes in a variety of flavors. Whether it is the loss of a loved one or a failed class, it is important to use the moments of defeat as a platform to learn.
Exploring the world. By understanding the general direction that you’d like to go with your career, it allows for the flexibility of analyzing the different aspects of a given field.
Celebrate the small victories. Among the other milestones that I’ve laid out myself, I found it rewarding to recognize the progress that I’ve made in progressing towards my future career. Granted that I’m less than 50% of the way through, the 25% mark made huge strides in boosting my ego.
EXPERIENCE
Here are my extracurriculars relevant to this pathway
DURING MY HIGH SCHOOL CAREER
Project Linus
Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital
United Methodist Church of Glendale Sunday Service
AMSA
DURING MY COLLEGE CAREER
AMSA
P.U.S.O. (Filipino medical association based in Irvine)
CAREER
What I'm currently doing/hope to do
I am planning to graduate from the UCI in Spring of 2022. Currently, I’m at senior standing and I’ve decided to pursue another degree in Medical Anthropology after taking a class out of curiosity. Up until the start of the COVID-19 quarantine, I had planned to observe a cadaver at the Perelman School of Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania under the hosting of my uncle’s classroom. Currently, I am planning to start volunteering at an organization called “Karate For All,” a non-profit organization that is dedicated to teaching impaired children karate, and to continue looking for hospital volunteering opportunities in Irvine. My long-term plan is to eventually obtain the necessary licensure and certification to practice Cardiology, complete with an M.D., state licensure, and board certification.
ADVICE
How to maximize my time in high school?
Advice #1: Understand that failure IS an option. Granted, it is not the OPTIMAL option or the option to SEEK. However, the hardships of life aren’t exclusive to a set amount of individuals. As many people constantly seek the assurance to propel them forward in their careers, failure is the turbulence to their trans-Antlantic flight.
Advice #2: AOC is a unique environment that has allowed me to explore my career. It is important to maximize the opportunity by exploring the extent of your interests. Oftentimes I would sit in my CHEM 151 classroom contemplating if a life of tetrahedral electron geometries were right for me. In contrast, I’d sit on the edge of my seat while dissecting a worm and understanding the function of its eight heart ridges.
Advice #3: While it is cliche to mention the idea of time management, it is important to allocate the necessary hours towards your personal interests and finding a connection between your career and hobbies. For instance, one’s ability to cook a meal for their family can transition to studying the world of nutrition.
