Emi with Friends and signsWhat’s one unexpected opportunity or experience you’ve had at Chapman that you never imagined before enrolling?

Before coming to Chapman, I never would have imagined that I would have so many opportunities to do research. Research always seemed very intimidating to approach, especially since I had no prior experience. However, my professors at Chapman were always very encouraging and willing to help students like me find research opportunities and mentors that aligned with their interests. Having an encouraging environment with many opportunities to get involved in research allowed me to explore different types and fields of research, an experience I might not have had at a different university.

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

Dr. Tara Gruenewald made a big difference in my college journey when she reached out to me and agreed to be my faculty mentor for my senior capstone project. Conducting research with Dr. G introduced me to a type of research that differed greatly from the wet lab research I was more familiar with. With her guidance, I gained experience in operationalizing variables and conducting regression analyses, while learning more about the relationship between health behaviors and biological aging. Her support throughout this process helped me become more confident in my ability to ask meaningful questions, think critically, and carry out this type of independent research.

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

I’m not sure if I would call these places hidden gems but some places on campus that I really love are the terrace on the 4th floor of Leatherby libraries and the 3rd floor of Keck, which has balconies and large glass windows. Seeing the sunset from these places in the evening was always beautiful.

I also love the Chapman Law Library. It was one of my favorite places to study.

Emi with Friends on a couch

What activities etc do you enjoy (clubs you joined, people you met, internships, faculty mentors, sports etc)

At Chapman, I met many people through NSU and APSA. Learning dances and performing them with other club members at the APIDA celebration during my freshman year is one of my favorite memories. I also really enjoyed being a part of Chapman Young Life.

Outside of Chapman, I loved volunteering with kids and youth through my church, Mariners, which always welcomed me and made me feel at home. I also loved working as an EMT at CHOC and spending time with my coworkers between calls.

Emi at the Honda Center

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

I would describe my experience as transformative because Chapman helped me rediscover my love of learning and grow as a person. The collaborative environment, the enthusiasm with which my professors taught, and the encouragement I received from peers and faculty all helped make my Chapman experience transformative.

What are your future plans? Tell us more about what’s next after graduation!

After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to apply to medical school. I hope to become a doctor specializing in pediatric subspecialty care. Aside from applying to medical school, I plan to travel with some friends and spend time with my family.

 

 

Congratulations Emi!

Emi traveling by the sea