Why Pepperdine/Testimonials

With a passion for Physical Therapy, I have actively immersed myself in Pepperdine’s pre-health community and beyond. I serve as a First Wave Ambassador, Pepperdine Athletics Student Lead-Student Worker, Vice President of the Pre-PT Club, and Chair of Community Outreach for Love Does in Action. Additionally, I have engaged in sports medicine research and gained hands-on experience as a physical therapy clinic aide, hospital PT aide, and an athletic training clinic intern. One of my most impactful experiences was participating in a medical mission to Fiji, which deepened my commitment to patient care on a global scale.

One of the most valuable skills a pre-health student can develop is networking. The connections you make can be the key to unlocking incredible opportunities—whether in school, work, or beyond. No matter where you go, get to know the people around you and let them see the best version of you!

As a proud first-generation college student, I am passionate about paving the way for others and making the most of every opportunity. I would love to connect and share experiences—please don’t hesitate to reach out!

With aspirations of becoming an Orthopedic Physician Assistant (PA), I have taken an active role in the Pepperdine pre-health community as President of the Pre-PA Club and PASA, Secretary of Beta Psi Omega, and an active member of Koinonia Campus Mission and Delta Delta Delta. Additionally, I serve as a Motor Learning and Development teaching assistant, further immersing myself in the academic side of healthcare.

One of my most rewarding experiences was working as a COPE Health Scholar, where I assisted with vitals and basic patient care alongside nurses, physicians, and other clinicians. I had the privilege of rotating through multiple departments, including Med/Surg, Telemetry, ICU, Postpartum, and Labor & Delivery, gaining hands-on exposure to various areas of patient care.

My advice? Expose yourself to as many experiences as possible. Shadow different healthcare professionals to explore your interests—and just as importantly, to learn what fields may not be the right fit for you. It’s completely okay not to have everything figured out, but taking initiative and advocating for yourself will help guide your path.

This same mindset applies to your time at Pepperdine. Get involved. Join clubs, play intramural sports, take spontaneous trips to the beach—soak in every moment while being mindful of your limits. College goes by faster than you think, so cherish it!

I am always happy to connect—whether to chat about future career opportunities or just grab coffee! Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With dreams of becoming a pulmonologist, I am passionate about both science and community-building. At Pepperdine, I am involved in multiple organizations, including the Fashion Club, Pre-Med Club, LSA Club, Women in STEM Club, and Physics Club. I also serve as the women’s basketball team manager and actively conduct glass physics research and aerospace research alongside faculty.

While I am still building my pre-health experience, I have taken steps toward my goal by volunteering at Huntington Hospital and the Red Cross back home. I plan to secure an internship this summer to further immerse myself in the medical field. No matter where I go, I strive to build supportive communities, a value that will be essential in my future career as a physician.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a doctor. However, life isn’t always a smooth path. After being diagnosed with a breathing condition, I feared that my dream was out of reach. But instead of letting it define me, I used it as fuel to push forward. That experience taught me that challenges do not determine our capabilities—how we respond to them does.

My advice? Never let anything stop you from reaching your goals. No matter what obstacles arise, keep pushing forward. Time is precious—make the most of it, and don’t let doubts hold you back. Best of luck to everyone working toward their dreams!

I am also honored to be part of the POSSE Scholarship Program and always happy to connect with others on their journey. Feel free to reach out!

Passionate about Occupational Therapy, I am continuing my education at the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy to pursue a career dedicated to helping others regain independence and improve their quality of life. My time at Pepperdine played a key role in shaping my journey, providing me with valuable experiences that reinforced my commitment to the healthcare field.

I’m excited for the road ahead and encourage others to explore their passions, stay curious, and embrace the opportunities that come their way!

Passionate about osteopathic medicine, I am currently an OMS-1 at California Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine (CHSU-COM). My time at Pepperdine was filled with leadership and service, as I held roles such as Vice President of the Chemistry Club, Co-President of the Premed Club, and ICC Executive Vice President. I also worked as a General and Organic Chemistry lab teaching assistant and organized the Premed Club’s Red Cross blood drive.

Currently, I am conducting research on barriers to healthcare delivery in the cancer care cascade in my hometown of Fresno, California. This work aligns with my passion for improving healthcare accessibility and shaping my future in medicine.

My biggest advice? Be willing to step into uncomfortable experiences. In high school, I was shy and hesitant to try new things. But at Pepperdine, I challenged myself to seek out opportunities—even when it was difficult to ask. That willingness led me to incredible experiences that ultimately helped me get into medical school. Now, as a student doctor, I continue to apply this mindset, pursuing research and experiences that will strengthen my path toward residency. The worst thing someone can say is ‘no’—and that’s okay!

Currently pursuing a career as a Physician Assistant (PA), I am a PA student at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN, set to graduate in 2026. During my time at Pepperdine, I was actively involved on campus, holding multiple leadership positions in my sorority and the Pre-PA Club. My passion for healthcare grew through hands-on experiences, including an internship at a sports medicine office and working as a clinic assistant in a stroke and traumatic brain injury clinic, primarily focusing on cognitive rehabilitation.

My journey to PA school has reinforced the importance of patience and perseverance. It’s cliché, but trust the process—you’ll end up exactly where you need to be at the right time. Take a gap year (or two), go to the concert, and cherish time with loved ones. Everything will work out as it’s meant to.

I’m always happy to connect and support fellow pre-health students—please don’t hesitate to reach out!

With a passion for Physical Therapy, I am continuing my education at Hawai'i Pacific University to pursue my dream career. My time at Pepperdine helped shape my journey, providing me with valuable experiences and connections that fueled my dedication to the Pre-Health field.

My biggest advice? Follow your passion. It might feel uncomfortable or out of place at first, but keep going, you'll find your footing. Trust yourself and the journey ahead!