Tell us a little about yourself?

I was born in the country of Malaysia, moved to Canada at age one and then to Corpus Christi at age 6. I came to UTPA as a student in 2005 as a part of the UTPA/Baylor College of Medicine B.S/M.D. Program. I knew I wanted to become a physician when I realized the hope that a doctor symbolizes in the eyes of each patient. My aspiration to become a doctor is rooted in the influence of my parents, Kelvin and Peggy, who would fascinate me with the recount of their day at work as nurses. I have two older sisters, Cindy, a pharmacist, and Wendy, who graduated from UTPA in 2006 as part of the same UTPA/BCM program and is now a third year in medical school. Her admittance into the UTPA/BCM program is the reason why I applied too and ultimately why I am attending UTPA. My favorite class at UTPA was biochemistry and Intro to Film. Away from school, I really love lounging around and conversing with my friends about any subject that happens to come up.

What motivated you to be a good student?

Mainly my own expectations of myself and the thought that one day in the future, all this work will eventually yield the results and rewards that I daydream (sometimes in class) about all the time. I know my own limits of what I can do and I’ll work as hard as I can to reach those boundaries. If I fail, I take comfort in the fact that the future will always give me another chance.

What is the best advice you have for current and future UTPA students?

You can never be too old, too wise, or too experienced to accept the guidance of others. If you choose to accept it, help is always out there in one form or another. Be humble and realize that while life owes you nothing, it will always give you a chance to succeed.

Who or what inspires you to succeed not only in your education, but in life too? Why?

Primarily my family and friends give me the inspiration to perform my best whether in school or in life. Their constant guidance and encouragement are the only reasons why I am here at this point in life. Lately I have been inspired by the people who work in the medical field from the techs in research to the doctors in the clinics. Knowing that the work of these people and the others before them results in the improvement of life keeps me focused and motivated to join their cause.

What are your plans for the future (jobs, travel, etc.) now that you have graduated?

I plan on attending medical school this fall at Baylor College of Medicine and hopefully attain a medical degree as a physician. I am not 100% certain of what I would like to specialize in. Though as of now, due to my experience in research, I am leaning toward oncology and cancer research.

How will you feel when you walk across the stage to receive your diploma?

I will feel humbled, relieved and happy that I made it through my undergraduate career having learned a tremendous amount both in academics and in life, and having gained an appreciation of and respect for science. I’ll also have the cautious feeling that while part of the journey is over; the most difficult roads in life are lying ahead.

What made your time at UTPA happy and successful?

I owe my success to many factors in my life: the care and consideration of my friends, family, and professors foremost. I have a close group of friends and we made sure to have fun and relax together to ease the pressure of school and other issues in life. The guidance and conversations of my family kept me grounded and centered on what I needed to do. My academic success is also due to my professors, primarily Dr. Hassan Ahmad, who gave me the opportunity to work in his research lab, guide me academically, and made sure to always give me his time even in the most demanding of times. My time in his research lab and the subsequent opportunities I received in research programs helped influence my preference for oncology.