Growing up in a single parent home wasn’t easy, at the age of three years lost my father in a motorcycle accident. However, by the love of my mother; her kindness and her hard work, I have been able to become the person I am today. I thank God for the teachers and role models I had growing up. I am proud to say that I’ve grown up experiencing much joy and happiness during my childhood. Although, there were times of sadness when I missed my dad, there have been a lifetime of wonderful memories. I am grateful to those who have shown much kindness to my mother and I as I grew up. Many of my role models are from my church community and schools.

Through out elementary school and high school I was only a “B” average student, however, I wanted to be a doctor. In 2009, I was accepted to Southern Adventist University in Tennessee for my undergraduate studies. As my goal was to be able to become a doctor, it meant that I had a lot of growing up to do. Moving away from my home in Vancouver, Canada was difficult, especially with moving to a place where I knew nobody. For the first time in my life, I was on my own and it took much discipline to learn to study and do the best I could with my classes. In 2013, I was able to begin my studies in medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. I am so thankful to my mom who has supported me through my journey to become a doctor. Currently, I’m in my residency training at Loma Linda Hospital after graduating in 2017.

My goal is to promote resiliency and to help others find ways of developing their ability to be resilient. I know many of you have your own life stories and memories of how you were challenged or faced hardship. It is my hope that you will be challenged and inspired to take it upon yourself to build your own resiliency on a day to day basis, so that you may stand up even in the face of adversity and hardship. I have found that as a young professional, it is important to keep a positive perspective and to live a balanced life in order to not become burnt out.

Let’s learn to live joyful and happier, even when facing challenges, adversity, and hardships.