Becoming a physician has always been the end goal for Katherine Gonzalez, a third-year health sciences student at the School of Health & Human Sciences (SHHS).
As an honors college student, 21st Century Scholar, member of the pre-medicine club, and member of the Latino Medical Student Association, Gonzalez knows what she needs to do to set herself apart when it comes time to apply to medical school. This smart, hard-working student hasn’t always had the confidence and savvy to navigate the college landscape. However, she did have the wisdom to seek guidance and the openness to trust others.
As a first-generation college student, Gonzalez knew nothing about the financial or academic aspects of college when she started her undergraduate journey. Scholarships and saving money while commuting from home have helped. Additionally, faculty and staff members like academic advisor Ashley Msikinya and clinical assistant professor Heaven Hollender helped her overcome uncertainty and succeed academically.
“Coming in as a freshman to a university was very scary, and both made the transition run so smoothly,” Gonzalez says about Hollender and Msikinya. “These mentors have made an enormous impact on my life, and I will take that with me for the rest of my time.”
By the time Gonzalez finishes her undergraduate experience and heads to the next leg of her academic journey, she will take with her the influence of her mentors and more. Gonzalez’s classes in health sciences have prepared her to become a knowledgeable future health-care provider, while the environment of SHHS has made her feel empowered to pursue her goals.
“SHHS has always been so welcoming to my family and me—and has pushed me to be the scholar that I am to this day. The professors, staff, and mentors are the best and will help you achieve what your heart desires,” says Gonzalez.
After she graduates, Gonzalez plans to get her master’s in biomedical sciences before starting medical school. As she transitions, she’ll emerge as a stronger and more capable candidate for med school, empowered by the positive mentoring she received from the people at SHHS.