06/10/2025
"I wasn’t always the student I am today. At one point in college, my GPA dropped below a 2.0. I was lost, overwhelmed, and unsure if I even belonged in higher education, even yet, become a doctor. I carried the weight of being a first-generation Filipino-American, the pressure to succeed, and the quiet fear of failure.
But I didn’t give up. I leaned into my story—the little girl from a rural town in the Philippines who watched loved ones suffer from preventable conditions because healthcare simply wasn’t accessible. That memory became my why.
From those early struggles, I found strength. I pushed through, earned my degrees, obtained certifications, became a Medical Laboratory Scientist, and later led in the Blood Blank Department. I’ve prepped laboratory for inspections, collaborated with clinical teams and providers, and led projects during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—all while staying rooted in my mission: to lead with empathy and make healthcare better for all those who need it most.
Now, I’m proud to say I’ve been accepted into the Doctor of Health Administration program in my state—a huge milestone in my journey to become a healthcare leader and advocate for equitable, high-quality, and patient-centered care.
Every setback, every late night studying, and every challenge has led me here. My journey is far from perfect—but it’s mine. And it’s proof that purpose, resilience, and faith can carry you through anything (even as a working mother).
If you’re struggling, don’t let that define you. Let it refine you." 💪🏽🌿✨️
