Category: Student Spotlight

Can you tell us about your path to dentistry school?
My path to dentistry was shaped by both personal experience and cultural identity. Growing up in a low-income, immigrant household, I understood early on what it meant to live without dental insurance. One of my earliest memories was losing one of my baby teeth, only to learn from my mother that we couldn’t afford dental care. That moment stayed with me. It became a turning point that led to a deep sense of responsibility for my own oral health—and ultimately, a desire to care for others. In high school, I had the opportunity to shadow a dentist who was my friend’s uncle and that experience sparked my interest about having a future in dentistry. Over the years, I immersed myself in community service, shadowed various dentists, and built a clear vision of how I could one day give back to communities like mine.

What inspired you to become a Dentist?

My inspiration comes from both personal hardship and a commitment to health equity. As a child, I rarely visited the dentist due to a lack of dental insurance, but I knew that others were going through the same experience. My father’s dedication to helping others through his small business inspired me to think about how I might make a difference too. Shadowing in high school and discovering my passion for helping people made me realize that I could do the same through dentistry. Volunteering confirmed that my passion lies in caring for people and improving their quality of life. Seeing Dr. Koh—a dentist who serves his Korean community in their native language, opened my eyes to the power of representation and cultural competence in healthcare. I hope to offer that same sense of trust and familiarity to Hispanic communities.

How do you manage stress during the DDS program?

I manage stress by doing physical activities. I  like to exercise in the mornings before class, which helps me stay energized throughout the day. Golfing and running have both been important parts of my life, offering me time to relax and enjoy my time where I can recharge and temporarily step away from  dental school. I would also say that hanging out with friends after a stressful week is fun.

What do you wish you’d known as an undergraduate?

I wish I had known that it’s okay to ask for help and that success doesn’t follow a straight path. As a first-generation college student, I often felt like I had to figure everything out on my own. Now I understand how important mentorship, resources, and community truly are. Putting yourself out there and asking for help could have made the journey a little less difficult. Another thing I wish I had known is the timing of dental school. Once I learned about the dental school cycle, such as interview dates and application deadlines. I realized that applying during my senior year of undergrad would have allowed me to start dental school right after graduation.

What do you enjoy most about being an HCOP Ambassador?

Being an HCOP Ambassador allows me to lift others up while staying true to my roots. I love sharing my journey with students who may not see themselves represented in healthcare. It’s fulfilling to encourage others, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, and help them envision a future they didn’t think was possible. Empowering others and giving them tools I once lacked is one of the most rewarding parts of this role.

Can you tell us about your path to optometry school? I’m Yakin Ali from Seattle, WA. I earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. My interest in healthcare began in high school and grew through volunteering, working as a COPE Health Scholar, and later as an optometry technician. These roles taught me teamwork, patient care, and sparked my passion for eye health. I also engaged in research and community outreach, which strengthened my desire to advocate for accessible healthcare. These combined experiences led me to pursue optometry.

What inspired you to pursue the optometry profession? My first optometry visit sparked my interest, but real inspiration came from clinical experiences. I loved helping patients with contacts and seeing their joy. I admired how optometrists guide patients with compassion and serve as both educators and leaders. Their role in diagnosing health issues through eye exams and forming patient connections solidified my decision to join the field.

How do you manage stress during school? Hobbies like reading in a book club and motorsports photography helped me manage stress and build friendships. I also learned to adapt my study methods and found group study and office hours helpful. Having supportive communities kept me motivated during tough times.

What do you wish you’d known as an undergraduate? I wish I had understood the value of networking earlier, especially as a first-generation student. It took time to build relationships with mentors and professionals. I also wish I had developed a stronger self-care routine sooner, as balancing well-being with academics is essential.

What do you enjoy most about being a SHPEPLE student? SHPEPLE provided mentorship, outreach opportunities, and a supportive community. I gained valuable insights from medical students and participated in programs like Doctors for a Day, which exposed me to healthcare education and teamwork. The peer support and connections I’ve made have been a crucial part of my journey into optometry.

Can you tell us about your path to PA school?

I majored in psychology and worked as a CNA during the COVID-19 pandemic. After graduation, I worked in an inpatient rehab unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital and volunteered at a free clinic. I took two gap years before starting Physician Assistant (PA) school, which gave me valuable experience across different age groups and care settings. Volunteering in non-clinical roles also helped me grow personally and develop meaningful connections outside of healthcare.

What inspired you to pursue the PA profession?

While attending UW Seattle, I joined a club that brought students to rural communities to shadow healthcare providers. On a trip to Forks, WA, I observed both physicians and PAs, and I was drawn to the flexibility of the PA role. I’m interested in multiple specialties like psychiatry, pediatrics, and women’s health, and becoming a PA allows me to explore those areas throughout my career. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, I’ve also seen the healthcare disparities in our communities firsthand. I chose UW MEDEX Kona because of its strong mission to serve the underserved and its culturally grounded, community-based approach.

How do you manage stress during PA school? I carve out time to rest—Friday nights are for relaxing, not studying. After major exams, I give myself time to decompress before diving back in. Setting boundaries like these helps me stay grounded and avoid burnout.

What do you wish you’d known as an undergraduate?

It’s okay to feel unsure or take longer to reach your goals. Imposter syndrome is real, but you belong. Everyone’s journey is different; taking gap years was one of the best choices I made.

What do you enjoy most about being an HCOP Ambassador? I love the opportunity to learn more about rural and underserved populations. As someone who would like to practice primary care for underserved communities in Hawai’i this experience has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the patients I will be working with in the future. I also appreciate the support from the staff, I know that if I were struggling in any way, they would work to connect me with faculty within my program for support. It is nice to know that there are people in your