I graduated... now what?

I'm done! I'm officially a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Alumni!

I can't believe how quickly these 4 years have passed. I am so grateful to have attended such a prestigious University, and am honored to call myself a Tar Heel. I am thankful for all of the wonderful support from my family and friends, and the Carolina community.

One of the most important aspects of my undergraduate journey has been the Carolina Covenant Program (https://carolinacovenant.unc.edu/). The mentorships, opportunities and experiences that I gained from the Covenant Program are things that I could not have received anywhere else. My two mentors, Dr. Samuel Jones (Assistant Professor and Associate Director of NC Jaycee Burn Center) and Dr. Shiara Ortiz-Pujols (NC Jaycee Burn Center Fellow), have been one of the largest blessings in my life. Their resilience, perseverance, and commitment to helping others is truly an inspiration. No matter how many patients they see a day or what little sleep they have, they are always there to provide me with encouragement and guidance when I am in need. I am so thankful to have them in my life, and I hope that one day I can give back to them what they have given to me.



In addition to my wonderful mentors, the Carolina Covenant Program and a generous donor has granted me the opportunity to travel to Africa this summer! Through the UNC Medical Horizons Fellowship, I will be traveling with a first year medical student and a group of UNC physicians to Lilongwe to participate in UNC Project Malawi (http://www.med.unc.edu/infdis/malawi). More than twenty years ago, faculty from UNC Chapel Hill were invited by the Malawian government to help the country develop STD treatment protocols; UNC has been working in Malawi ever since (http://globalhealth.unc.edu/programs/africa/unc-project-malawi/). Their mission is to improve health in Malawi by providing research, training, and clinical care in areas such as: pediatrics, surgery, and pathology. For 2 weeks (July 12-27, 2013), I will observe and participate in these various projects that aim to improve patient care for the people of Malawi. Interacting with patients and working alongside some of the most remarkable physicians will strengthen my passion and understanding of the nature of science while touching others lives. Thanks Carolina Covenant, I can't wait!


 UNC Chapel Hill will forever hold a special place in my heart. Go Heels!