Individualized Major: Health Policy and Racial Disparities
Graduation Date: May 2025

Why individualized? During high school, I became knowledgeable about healthcare disparities through a capstone project. I knew that I wanted to continue this work and build my knowledge in college. However, the courses I wanted to take regarding Health Policy were in numerous schools and colleges and there was no plan of study that really spoke to me. So, I decided to take the course on interdisciplinary studies and create my own plan of study to support my interests.
Most memorable course or project from your major? The most memorable courses from my major are classes taught by Professor Laura Mauldin, specifically Gender and Science in the department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Biotechnology, Disability, and the Family in the department of Human Development and Family Sciences.
An individual who inspired you? My Amma and Appa (mom and dad) inspired me to pursue this individualized major because at a time where I was unsure whether to pursue a major that's never been done before with no preexisting postgraduate opportunities provided by a school or college, they reminded me to take risks and make my own journey. They gave me the confidence and support to try new things and take college one day at a time.
Future plans? This is such a hard question even though graduation is not that far away, but, ideally, I hope to be working in spaces with health policy initiatives before I attend medical school. Whether that be through non-profit organizations, governmental agencies, or an MD/MPP, I know this knowledge will aid my service as a healthcare provider.

Episode Transcript