2021 Grad
MD, UC Irvine School of Medicine
Health Professions Track: Academic Enhancer
Hometown: Foothill Ranch, CA
Undergraduate School: UC Davis
Why did you choose to attend the SFSU Post-Bac program?
It was local at the time, had a small and supportive cohort, and emphasized teamwork—just what I needed.
What is/was your favorite spot on the SFSU campus, and why?
Peet’s in the library! Honestly, it was another reason I came here. Great coffee and very convenient during late study sessions!
Which SFSU Post-Bac class was your favorite and why?
Neural Systems Physiology! It was definitely one of the more challenging classes, but Professor Tieber taught it so well and made the material feel super engaging. A lot of what I learned in that class came back in my med school courses, so it gave me a real head start. It also taught me how to manage my time better and study more efficiently, which was huge for me moving forward.
What is/was your favorite thing to do in SF?
Trying new restaurants and hiking!
Tell us something you learned as an SFSU Post-Bac that is important to you.
You don’t have to do this alone. Find your people—it makes a huge difference.
What advice would you give to incoming post-bac students?
Congrats on making it to this next step—it’s a big deal! This is such a valuable time to strengthen your application, grow as a learner and figure out what works best for you. Try not to fall into the comparison trap; everyone’s journey is different. And seriously, don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to ask for help—reach out early and often. Whether it’s classmates, professor, or advisors, you’re not in this alone!
What resources have you used while a post-bac to help you reach your goals?
Honestly, the professors and Lightfoot (the therapist) were game-changers. A lot of people focus just on grades or activities, but Lightfoot helped me focus on me. You’re human first—taking care of yourself helps you show up as your best self.