Tell us about your background and why you chose UW?

I grew up in Washington, so staying near home and in a community I am familiar with was really important to me. At the same time, I have always loved big cities, so Seattle felt like the perfect place for me. The UW campus is also beautiful, which made the choice even easier. UW offered both the environment and academic opportunities I was looking for when choosing a college. 

What influenced you to choose Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health (FSNH) as a major?

I have always been interested in nutrition, but through this program I have become especially curious about how food corporations influence the way we understand and access nutritious foods as a community. I am also really interested in population health, which I think is often overlooked in traditional healthcare. As someone who wants to become a physician, I felt that studying Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health would give me a broader perspective and deeper understanding on how social and environmental factors shape health outcomes. 

What are you working on right now, or are looking forward to in the coming year of your program? 

Right now, I am focused on finishing my degree while also preparing for the transition to medical school. I am looking forward to taking everything I have learned in this program and applying it to the next stage of my education and career. 

What has been the most compelling thing you’ve learned so far in the program?

One of the most compelling things I have learned in the program is how much influence food corporations have on our food system and how we perceive what is “healthy.” 

For example, learning how food companies use marketing and labeling strategies to make ultra-processed foods appear healthy, such as highlighting claims like “reduced fat” or “high fiber” even when the product is still high in added sugars, sodium, or artificial ingredients. Before, I did not fully realize how much these labeling strategies could shape consumer perception and purchasing decisions, even my own.

How do you envision applying what you’ve learned in the program after your graduate?

After I graduate, I plan to apply what I have learned by taking a more holistic approach to patient care. I will consider how nutrition, food access, and broader social factors impact health. As a future physician, recognizing that not all people have equal access to healthy foods, and to incorporate that understanding into how I support and care for future patients.

What are your future goals?

My long-term goal is to become a plastic surgeon, where I can help people feel more confident and comfortable in their own bodies, whether that is through reconstructive or cosmetic procedures. I am especially interested in how physical changes impact someone’s overall well-being and quality of life. I also hope to give back by mentoring first-generation and pre-med students, since I understand how valuable guidance and support can be. Outside of my career, I would love to build a stable life for myself, owning a home with a big, safe yard where my cat and bunny can roam around freely. 

What do you like to do for fun?

I love hanging out with my cat and my bunny, they are a big part of my daily life. I also enjoy exploring new food spots around the city and trying different cuisines. Cooking is another hobby I have recently picked up. I enjoy making tiktoks recipes for meals I make. 

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I get along very well with the campus geese. 

I became friends with the geese that hang around Savery Hall. It took a few years to gain their trust, but now they let me get close enough to pet them. It started with one goose, and the others saw I was friendly, so they started to come around too. Now I like to grab an iced coffee, sit where they gather, and spend some time with them after class. The geese try to bite the straw on my coffee cup when I am not looking. 

What do you enjoy most about living in Seattle?

I enjoy the food scene, there are so many diverse and unique places to try, which makes it really exciting as someone who is a huge foodie. I also love the waterfront, it is a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy during the springtime. 

What advice would you give someone considering the Food Systems major?

I would recommend coming into the Food Systems program with an open mind and a willingness to learn from different perspectives. The field is very interdisciplinary, so staying curious about food, health, and the systems behind them will really help you get the most out of the experience. Connecting what you learn in the program to your own life will keep your curiosity growing, too.