Student Profile

What kept you busy outside of your coursework?

I always enjoy yoga, hiking, traveling, playing tennis, learning new recipes, playing piano, hanging out with friends and family, and finding a good show on Netflix.

What inspired you to pursue a MHA degree?

My junior year of undergrad at UIUC, I took a course where we studied the Italian healthcare system and how it compares to the U.S. healthcare system. At the end of the semester, our class took a 2-week trip to Italy visiting many different healthcare facilities. It was amazing to learn so much about a completely different healthcare system than the one I grew up with. It made me realize that I truly want to make healthcare more accessible here in the U.S.

Why did you choose Illinois for your MHA?

I was lucky enough to extend my stay at UIUC for another 2 years being in the MHA program. I received my B.S. in Kinesiology from UIUC in 2019, so I was already familiar with the KCH department and faculty. I had a great undergraduate experience with the department and throughout my time there, realized I wanted to help others and work in healthcare.

What advice do you have for current students OR prospective students?

Create meaningful relationships with your peers and professors! Having a support system, especially people that are going through the same experiences or who have vast knowledge about the subjects, is so important during grad school. Also, don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone in your academic and/or professional endeavors. It was in those instances where I grew and learned the most!