Briana with a friend

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

One of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had at Chapman University has been immersing myself in research, administration, and healthcare in ways that allowed me to learn, contribute, and grow alongside incredible mentors and peers. As a first-generation college student, these experiences have been especially affirming. I am deeply grateful for the guidance, support, and opportunities that helped me explore a career path aligned with my goals and passions. I know my younger self would be proud and excited by all that I have been able to experience.

From the very first day and week of classes as a freshman, I began my first professional role as a student administrative assistant for the Office of Legal Affairs. This position was a significant step up from the jobs I had worked at home in the Bay Area, and being entrusted with meaningful responsibilities immediately made me feel seen, supported, and capable. I was given the chance to contribute and shine from the start, and I continued in this role with growing responsibilities until I graduated in Fall 2025.

By October 2023, during my sophomore year, I was invited to join Dr. Brooke Jenkins’ Affect Regulation and Health Lab. This opportunity allowed me to engage deeply in research, collaborate with inspiring mentors and lab members, and bring my ideas, heart, and passion into my work in ways I had never imagined.

I was also honored to participate in a competitive six-week Healthcare Administration Micro-Internship with Kaiser Permanente. Collaborating with an incredible team of professionals, I helped design innovative solutions to improve patient-provider communication and enhance patient experiences. I learned so much from these mentors, contributed to impactful projects, and formed lasting professional connections that I continue to stay in touch with today.

These experiences have shown me the value of confidence, positivity, and putting yourself out there. My advice for incoming students is to embrace every opportunity, seek mentorship, and boldly explore areas that excite you. By staying open, genuine, and engaged, you can discover experiences that shape your growth and future in ways you never imagined.

Briana at Internship at Kaiser

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

One of the moments that made the biggest difference in my college journey involved a classmate and co-worker, Zoe Zadah, who I first met during our first week of classes. We quickly discovered that we would be working together as student administrative assistants in the Office of Legal Affairs, and that connection turned out to be incredibly meaningful. I remember walking down the street from the circle that first evening, both of us putting ourselves out there, introducing ourselves, and sharing our goals and dreams, her passion for law and my passion for healthcare. We talked as we walked to the dorm buildings, imagining where we might go for graduate school even before we had begun our undergraduate journeys.

That conversation stuck with me because it was the start of a friendship that has continued to inspire and support me throughout college. We still laugh about those first moments, celebrate the progress we have made, and continue to dream big together. We study together, enjoy coffee or matcha breaks, and encourage each other with new ideas and aspirations.

This experience has shown me the incredible power of connection and community at Chapman. I have met so many amazing friends with whom I can share inspiration, support, and big dreams, even across different majors or career paths. Genuine curiosity, openness, and encouragement allow meaningful relationships to flourish, enriching both personal and academic journe

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

A hidden gem I absolutely recommend for new students is Caffe In Coffee in the Orange Circle. I first discovered them because they have other locations, and I was happy when one opened here, making specialty drinks so much more accessible. This has quickly become my go-to spot. Their banana matcha and strawberry matcha are amazing, and the cream top lattes are truly special.

The vibe is cozy and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Everything feels fresh and thoughtfully made, making it a perfect place to relax, study, or catch up with friends. For anyone exploring Orange, it is definitely worth a visit!

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

The word transformative captures my experience at Chapman because my time here has reshaped not only my goals, but my sense of what is possible for myself. I arrived with hopes and curiosity, and I found an environment that encouraged me to step forward with confidence, take chances on myself, and grow into spaces I once thought were out of reach. Along the way, I was supported, challenged, and inspired, discovering strengths I did not yet know I had.

What makes this experience so powerful is not just the opportunities themselves, but how they changed how I see my potential. I learned that growth begins the moment you choose to show up, even when you feel uncertain. I learned that the people around you can uplift your vision, expand your thinking, and remind you that your dreams are valid and worth pursuing.

For anyone beginning their journey, I would say allow yourself to be open to transformation. Trust that you are capable of more than you think, and do not be afraid to take up space in rooms that challenge you. The experiences, connections, and risks you take will shape you in ways you cannot fully predict, guiding you exactly where you are meant to go. Chapman has been transformative because it did not just prepare me for what comes next. It helped me believe I am ready for it!

What are your future plans? What is next? 

Following my graduation from Chapman University in December 2025, I will be pursuing my Master of Health Administration as an Incoming MHA Candidate at the University of Southern California’s Sol Price School of Public Policy beginning Fall 2026. In this program, I will build expertise in healthcare finance, strategy, and organizational leadership while preparing for a residency experience within a healthcare system, where I will work on real administrative and operational initiatives. Being admitted with full graduate standing and awarded multiple scholarships is a privilege I deeply appreciate, and it inspires me to continue striving to make a lasting difference!

Before beginning graduate school, I will gain hands-on experience as a Summer 2026 intern with Health Career Connection at Stanford Health Care Tri-Valley. In this role, I will support medical education programs, including the Clinical Academy and Family Medicine Residency Program, by assisting with program coordination, onboarding, and educational and research operations. I will also collaborate with physicians, faculty, and administrators, gaining insight into how healthcare systems integrate patient care with medical education and operational workflows.

Briana at the beach with friend

Through these next steps, I am building toward a career in healthcare administration, with the goal of strengthening hospital systems, expanding access to care, and delivering exceptional outcomes for patients and communities.

Completing my undergraduate journey in just three and a half years makes this transition feel both exciting and deeply meaningful. While it is not easy to step away from a place that has given me so much growth, community, and purpose, I do so with a full heart. Chapman has shaped me in ways I will carry forward into every next step, and I am grateful for all that it has given me. I am stepping into what comes next with confidence and excitement, ready to continue growing, embracing new opportunities, and creating a positive difference in my journey ahead!

Congratulations Briana!!