Why did you choose to attend Wesleyan?
Wesleyan has a reputation for having a diverse student body filled with forward-thinking individuals. I was definitely attracted to this, but from the moment I stepped on campus, I was struck by how passionate each student was about their area of study. I knew this was the community I wanted to be part of.
What is one positive takeaway you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
While college life is relentlessly fast-paced, the pandemic forced us all to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. During the pandemic, I spent a previously unimaginable amount of time cooking and sharing food with family. Food has a unique way of bringing people together.
Did you participate in charity work or work on the frontlines in healthcare during the pandemic?
Yes! I started sewing masks and donating them to local homeless shelters.
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
Throughout my time at Wesleyan, I volunteered at Planned Parenthood as an abortion doula. In this position, I had the unique opportunity to provide non-judgmental emotional support to individuals who were undergoing abortion procedures. This experience was paramount in my decision to pursue a career in women’s health and reproductive care.
What is something you enjoy doing that you never get tired of?
Yoga. My mom is a yoga instructor and it has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
What has been your favorite class outside of your major?
A sociology class called Cultural Studies of Health because it analyzed classism and racism throughout the American healthcare system and thus provided a much-needed critical view of the history of medicine in the U.S.
Who is your favorite professor?
My favorite professor is Dr. Helen Treloar. After having her as my advisor and taking two of her classes, she has played a pivotal role in shaping my academic career. I am constantly impressed by her intelligence and grace.
Have you studied abroad during your collegiate experience?
I studied abroad in Bologna, Italy in the spring of 2020. Because of the pandemic, I was only able to stay in the country for two months. While my primary object was to study Italian, I took courses in history, theater, and psychology that were conducted in Italian.
What has been the most interesting part of your major?
The most interesting part of studying neuroscience and psychology is exploring the connection between neural circuits and the human mind. All of our thoughts and behaviors are rooted in neural activity; that said, the mind seems to be more than the sum of its part.
What is your favorite place on your campus?
The student-run café called Espwesso. I love coffee.
