Senior Spotlight: Cristina Inboden (’25 Health Science) shares her unforgettable experience at Chapman From the Soccer Field to SGA: How Chapman Let Me Do It All

What’s one unexpected opportunity or experience you’ve had at Chapman that you never imagined before enrolling?

I never would have imagined being able to pursue a variety of things and be constantly encouraged to do so! I really enjoyed my time not only studying Health Sciences but also being a Tour Guide for the Office of Admission, a Field Training Officer for the first aid team, playing soccer, and being the Crean Senator for our Student Government Association. Chapman made it possible for me to explore many things beyond my major and whether it be my professors or peers in Crean, I felt like I always had all the support I needed to do whatever I wanted.

Can you share a moment when a professor, advisor, or classmate made a big difference in your college journey?

I remember one time during my sophomore year that I went to a professor because I was EXTREMELY stressed out and needed some advice. I was struggling a lot and kept telling this professor that I felt behind and that I was just not okay with not being my best 100% of the time. This professor reminded me that everyone is on a different path and enduring different struggles and that there is no linear path to achieve what I want to achieve. I felt like there was a weight lifted off my shoulders and over the past three years I have repeated “there is no linear path to achieve what I want to achieve” countless times and find so much comfort in that statement. I share it with practically everyone I know and this interact with this professor definitely altered my outlook on my college experience and I have built a fantastic relationship with them ever since.

What’s your favorite hidden gem on campus or around town that new students have to check out?

Probably not a hidden gem but I encourage everyone to try Contra whether you like coffee or tea or lemonade. I love studying there or meeting a friend for coffee! 

If you could describe your experience at Chapman in one word, what would it be—and why?

Unforgettable- every person I have met and every experience I have had will live rent free in my mind. I loved my four years here and I would not change any part of it! 

What are your future plans?

I am going to enter my gap year, starting with presenting my environmental geochemical research in the Czech Republic this summer, and then I am going to apply to a ton of medical schools to hopefully one day achieve my goal of becoming a physician!