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Kevin Tran (he/him) UCI '22

Major/Minor: Biological Sciences

Career Goal: Physician

Introduction: Hi my name is Kevin Tran. I like playing guitar and drawing. I'm currently in my gap years planning to apply for medical school this upcoming cycle.

Involvements: Research assistant for SCAN lab, student for integrative medicine research, back/front office medical assistant, MEMO intern and projects development coordinator, pre-health mental wellness board, COPE Health Scholar and leader

Extracurriculars: gym, drawing, guitar

What type of advice would you be giving?: med school timeline, research, gap year, volunteer + extracurriculars

Best piece of advice you have received?: observe and question everything

Preferred method(s) of communication: facebook messenger, email, instagram

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Rakesh Nemmani (he/him) UCSD '22

Major/Minor: Human Biology/Psychology

Career Goal: MD

Introduction: Hey, I am Rakesh, a second year at UCI School of Medicine. I hope to become a surgeon after four years (choosing between OB/gyn and general surgery), and look forward to staying at Orange County. I was a UCSD MEMO member for most of my undergraduate years, and was even an Outreach intern. I eventually became a Board of Directors member (Spon Director) during my gap year and went on the 14G mission trip. During my free time, I play some tennis and sometimes play chess as well. I have also started getting into hikes and the occasional Fortnite LOL. Anyways, I look forward to meeting you and am happy to help you as you like!

Involvements/Extracurricullars: - Research in 3 different labs during undergrad, with eventual publication - Outreach intern for MEMO and Spon Director for MEMO BOD - Helped plan 14G and attended the trip - IFT EMT for 6 months

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Enjoy undergrad while you can. Med, PA, nursing and other healthcare apps might seem daunting but your early 20s will never come back, so enjoy that time while you can. Give appropriate time for it as well.

Best piece of advice you have received: "Everything happens for a reason." These words have helped me get through many rejections and setbacks and I hope they will help you do the same.

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number

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Justin Nguyen (he/him/his) UCI '24

Major/Minor: Human Biology and Public Health

Career Goals: NP or PA

Introduction: Hi! My name is Justin Nguyen, and I just graduated from UCI. I am currently in my gap year trying to figure out what career path I resonate with more but I am learning more towards going the nursing route. I plan to take an extra gap year after this year to take time for myself, and actually take a break. I currently work full time as a medical scribe at a cardiologist office for both a doctor and a PA. It's been such a great learning experience to see both sides of the medical profession, and would definitely recommend scribing as it is very undermine. I also work part-time at a poke restaurant! In my free time (which is limited), I like to spend time with friends as a way of destressing. I love to try new food, new cafes, and honestly go on spontaneous adventures. Fun Fact: I am a boba fiend 😈. I've lost track of my boba count this year, but in the past years, I've had 200. I also like to take pictures and watch anime when I have time.

Involvements: ASUCI; Sage Scholar; UCGHI Student Ambassador; Medical Scribe

Extracurriculars: Photography; Working at a poke restaurant

What kind of advice would you give?: career; social

Best piece of advice you have received: "Feedback is a gift, not a judgment."

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number, facebook messenger, instagram

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Cassie Nguyen (she/her) UCLA '24

Major/Minor: Biology

Career Goal: Physician Assistant

Introduction: Hi my name is Cassie! I really love being active. I am really into weightlifting, snowboarding, hiking, and playing volleyball. I also enjoy making coffee and matcha as I am currently a barista. In my free time, I am usually at the beach or hanging out with friends/family.

Involvements: Research, dermatology medical assistant, certified nursing assistant, plastic surgery medical assistant, cardiology medical assistant, senior hospital assistant, founder of Phi Chi Prehealth Fraternity, Leadership on MEMO, prepa club, COPE health scholar, Western University health internship

Extracurriculars: Chaarg fitness member

What kind of advice would you give?: My biggest advise is to not compare yourself to others and to do what you’re passionate about! It’s very easy to get discouraged and give up, but it’s so important to take things one at a time.

Best piece of advice you have received: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support you

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number

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Katherine (Kat) Tang (she/her) UCSD '22

Major/Minor: Biochemistry/Chemistry, Psychology

Career Goal: Pediatrician

Introduction: Hello everyone!! My name is Katherine but I usually go by Kat! I graduated from UCSD in 2022 with a B.S. in Biochemistry/Chemistry and a minor in Psychology. I am currently in my first year at Western University of Health Sciences as a DO student (and so far I'm loving osteopathic medicine!) Happy to chat about osteopathic medicine and DO vs. MD schools with you! In my (limited) free time I love to do a variety of arts and crafts (embroidery, crocheting, bullet journaling, etc) as well as bake (way too much LOL), read, watch shows/movies, and collect succulents. I’m very passionate about mental health so if you ever find yourself struggling with burnout or just need somebody to talk to feel free to reach out to me! I’m always happy to chat about anything :)

Involvements: {Undergrad} The Preuss School UCSD tutor, Paper Airplanes English tutor, MEMO Outreach Intern/Chair, Lab Assistant, Mental Health Well-Being Peer Educator, Chemistry Instructional Assistant, RISE Ambassador, Teaching + Learning Commons Content Tutor for chemistry, biology, and stats, Palomar Pathmaker Intern {Gap years} Palomar Pathmaker Intern, MEMO Projects Development Director, MEMO Co-Executive Director, Medical Assistant for a Vein and Vascular Clinic, {Med School} Student Government Association - DO Class of 2028 Secretary, Pediatrics Interest Group, Pathways to Health Careers, Student Ambassador

Extracurriculars: Baking (I actually bake for my 200+ person cohort HAHA it is simultaneously fun and stressful), embroidering, binging shows/movies, going on boba runs, collecting succulents! Trying to get better at crocheting and reading more books :)

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Undergrad advice, applying for scholarships, MCAT studying, job interviewing, taking gap years (I’m a big proponent of gap years!!), med school app advice, general life advice :) Ask me anything!

Best piece of advice you have received: Fill your cup first! (basically it means that you should fulfill your own needs aka “fill your own cup” before pouring into other peoples’ cups since you can’t pour with an empty cup)

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number, email, facebook messenger, instagram

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Deena Le (she/her) UCI '19

Major/Minor: Biological Sciences

Career Goal: Physician Assistant

Introduction: Hello everyone! My name is Deena and I am a physician assistant. I was involved in MEMO for majority of undergrad and for a year post graduation. I recently finished PA school so I can definitely provide a lot of insight on what to expect. In my free time, I play games and most recently I picked up pickleball. I look forward to meeting my future mentee(s).

Involvements: Medical Assistant, Excellence in Research

Extracurriculars: Memo4lyfe :D

What kind of advice would you be giving: Career advice, what to expect in PA school, application advice (though probably not my strong suite because the application requirements have changed since I last applied)

Best piece of advice you have received: Not to worry about other people's accomplishments because everyone has their own timeline that they are following.

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number, email, facebook messenger

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Connie Tran (she/her/hers) UCI '23

Major/Minor: Public Health Sciences & Anthropology

Career Goal: Physician Assistant

Introduction: Hi everyone! My name is Connie and I graduated from UCI Fall 2023 with a double major in Public Health Sciences & Anthropology. I currently work as an MA full-time at a cardiology clinic. My goal right now is to accumulate a lot more PCE hours before I apply to PA schools in the 2026-2027 cycle! I also just want to live life a bit before going into PA school :) A fun fact about me is that I impulsively applied to compete in a Vietnamese scholastic pageant as of this past October and was accepted. Never in my life would I have imagined doing this, but it has been a fun new experience post-MEMO and a new outlet for me to find community post-grad 🫶 In my free time, I love exploring random markets and pop-ups that appear on my Instagram like Soul Real Market and MAUM Market. I most recently went to a matcha pop-up in Costa Mesa called Mix & Matcha with my pageant sisters and the matcha was so good. I also like to attempt to wiggle and dance in my free time but I definitely have a long way to go before becoming more advanced….lol. Hit me up if you ever want to go to Offstage together! :D

Involvements: • Served as intern, Co-Fundraising chair, Co-Sponsorship chair, & Co-President in MEMO at UCI • Volunteered in a student-run free mobile clinic called Cariño Student Outreach Clinic • Volunteered at St. Joseph hospital as a COPE Health Scholar • Led student-parent orientations as a SPOP staffer • Involved as mentee & mentor in AMP • Worked as a part-time front/back office MA at a pain management office • Attended 14G Mission Trip Post-Grad • Currently working as a back office MA at a cardiology clinic • Attended 15G Mission Trip

Extracurriculars: Dancing, exploring markets, watching k-dramas/anime, trying new food, bedrotting 🤓

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Job advice, getting involved

Best piece of advice you have received: Get out of your comfort zone and challenge your limits and see what life has to offer.

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number, facebook messenger, instagram

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Jordan Nguyen (he/him) UCSD '24

Major/Minor: Neurobiology

Career Goal: Physician of Anesthesiology

Introduction: Hello everyone, my name is Jordan. Born and raised in LA County, I am a carefree, calm + tranquil individual who enjoys chaos. I crave Korean Fried Chicken, love light pastel blue colors, and listen to Kpop. In my free time I enjoy playing tennis, watching K-Dramas, playing card games, and eating Korean Fried Chicken. I am also obsessed with Thai tea and had to train myself to enjoy drinking matcha. Fun fact about me is that I am a dual citizen of the US and Vietnam, but I can't speak Viet :(

Involvements: Undergrad: Marriage and Family Therapist Volunteer, Research intern at VNU University of Science, Hanoi, American Pacific Health Foundation Core Volunteer, MEMO Co-Social Intern + Co-Social Chair, Lab Assistant in an Osteoporosis Lab Post Grad: MEMO Board of Directors (Co-Executive Director), MEMO 15G mission trip goer, medical assistant at a psychiatric urgent care

Extracurriculars: Tennis, badminton, watching K-Dramas, intramural kickball for one quarter during college

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Undergrad involvements + gap year activities

Best piece of advice you have received: "You can’t control everything, but you can control how you react."

Preferred method(s) of communication: Phone number, email, facebook messenger, instagram

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Hallie Yong (she/her) USC '24

Major/Minor: Global Health, Natural Science and East Asian Languages and Culture.

Career Goal: Public Health Practitioner

Introduction: Hello! My name is Hallie, pronounced like 'alley' with an 'H'! I just graduated from USC this past May, and am currently a first year MPH student at UCI with a concentration in Community Health & Health Equity. Although I used to be pre-med, my current career goals lie in public health and I'm exploring different fields within it through my Master's program to see what I enjoy most. Outside of school and work, I'm an avid crocheter, novice knitter, and occasional baker! :)

Involvements: USC Real-Time Eating Activity and Children's Health (REACH) Lab; "eMOTION" study on using technology to measure the influence of psychological motives to promoting physical activity - USC Department of Population and Public Health Sciences; study on displays of e-cigarette and marijuana use on social media by microinfluencers and their influence on adolescents Undergrad Jobs: USC Student Health -- Wellbeing & Health Outreach Ambassador and Undergraduate Communications Assistant Current Job: Medical Assistant at a colorectal/general surgical center

Extracurriculars: USC MEMO lol, Keck Student Ambassadors (KSA) at USC

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Explore your interests, and don't be afraid to change your mind on things!

Best piece of advice you have received: Put yourself out there and don't be afraid to reach out! The worst someone can say is 'no'.

Preferred method(s) of communication: email, facebook messenger, instagram

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Jules Hoang (she/her) UCSD '24

Major/Minor: General Biology

Career Goal: Dental

Introduction: HAIIIIIII! I'm Jules and I graduated from UCSD last year in general biology! I'm currently in my gap year before dental school! I love going to different cafes to study and trying new drinks!! I am a matcha and coffee FEINNNN frfrfrfr. I also like drawing, reading webtoons/manhwas, watching anime, and shopping. I have two cats and i love seventeen!

Involvements: Orthopedic Surgery research volunteer for 3 years, MEMO Board for 3 years, Shadowed at a dental clinic, Mission Trip goer for 13G-15G, MEMO BOD this year, working at a dental clinic presently, going to dental school in the summer!

Extracurriculars: Playing golf, working out, and dancing!

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Don't compare yourself to others! Although it is harder said than done, we are all on different journeys and just focus on yours!

Best piece of advice you have received: Why do it later when it can be done now.

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number, facebook messenger, instagram

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Mathew Wong (he/him) USC '24

Major/Minor: Biological Sciences

Career goal: Optometrist

Introduction: Hi! I’m in my gap year, preparing to apply to optometry school while gaining hands-on experience at an optometry office. I enjoy finding joy in the small things, whether it’s on the tennis court, exploring new food spots, or relaxing with my favorite shows! (ATLA ;D) A fun fact about me is that I love pasta and can eat it everyday!

Involvements: I currently work in an optometry office where I assist with pretesting patients. During undergrad, I served as Vice President of Vision for Vision, where I helped promote eye health awareness through organized events. I also worked did research in an ophthalmology lab, developing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery in gene-editing applications.

Extracurriculars: Tennis, rock climbing, gaming, baking, anime

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Be curious! Explore opportunities, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try new things. That’s often how you find what you’re passionate about.

Best piece of advice you have received: Do the uncomfortable!

Preferred method(s) of communication: instagram, phone number

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Elaine Tran (she/her/hers) UCI '23

Major/Minor: Biological Sciences, Psychological Sciences

Career Goal: PA-C

Introduction: Why hello there! (if you know, you know the reference I’m talking about). Right now, I’m kind of just flowing through the wind. I’m a 24/7 daydreamer and I love being with my family and friends. One thing that you have to know about me is that I love asking philosophical questions and sharing lateral riddles. I’m working towards becoming a PA and will be living in Los Angeles, CA! I’m really excited to be in the Alumni Mentorship Program this year and to meet my mentee!

Involvements: {MEMO: 2019-2024} Co-Workshop and Outreach, Co-President, Co-Projects and Development Directors of BOD {Work Experience} MA at Newhope Joint and Spine for Dr. Phuong Tien (2022-2023), MA at Newport Heart Medical Group (2023-present) {Bio 199 Student: 2021-2023} Dr. Gall’s Anatomy and Neurobiology Department of the UCI School Medicine {COPE: 2020-2021}

Extracurriculars: Hiking, reading, playing musical instruments (violin, piano, ukulele, erhu, and more), puzzles, thrifting, exploring new places. I was in the Chinese Orchestra at UCI!

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Job advice, undergrad involvements

Best piece of advice you have received: Sometimes you might feel useless and discouraged when things don’t go your way or how you want it. You can’t change the world overnight, but the little things that you do to make change–from a small act of service–can go a long way and contribute to the pool of change that we are all working towards to. Just keep on being your passionate self.

Preferred method(s) of communication: Phone number, Facebook Messenger, Instagram

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Dylan Sims (he/him) UCI '24

Major/Minor: Psychology

Career Goal: Physician in Anesthesiology

Introduction: Hi everyone! My name is Dylan and I graduated with a degree in psychology. I’m currently on the pre-med track with aspirations of specializing in either anesthesiology or psychiatry. I was born in China and moved here when I was 6 years old. I was fluent in Chinese, but I forgot ALL of it. In my freetime I like going to the gym and working out chest and back (we skip leg day). My goal is to be able to do a handstand pushup and a muscle up. When I am stressed out, I enjoy folding origami while listening to simp music. I also like to shop when I am stressed. Additionally, I enjoy playing FPS games such as Valorant and watching psychological horror movies. Some of my favorite TV shows include The Boys, Game of Thrones, Suits, and The Simpsons. I am a big anime fan as well; some my favorite mainstream anime are naruto, bleach, and attack on titan.

Involvements: Sleep and Cognition Lab Assistant for 2 years, MEMO intern, MEMO Co-Sponsorship Chair, MEMO Co-Sponsorship, Director Current EMT

Extracurriculars: Bouldering, going to the gym, watching TV shows.

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Go at your own pace don’t compare yourself to others. Will help your mental health a lot.

Best piece of advice you have received: Take care of your physical and mental health by eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

Preferred method(s) of communication: facebook, instagram

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Jaimie Ng (she/her) UCI '24

Major/Minor in Undergrad: Human Biology, Medical Humanities

Career goal: Medical Doctor

Introduction: Hey everyone! Nice to get to know yall. I'm someone who is a huge homebody, but I also love going out with friends too! My friends and my 2 dogs are the only reason why I would leave the house to be honest. I used to rock climb a lot (bouldering!) but I stopped a while ago due to time restraints... I would love to go back though! In my free time, I'd be playing with my dogs since one of them is still a puppy and she's super active. Other times, I'd be napping or studying for the MCAT, and that's what takes up my time the most. I'm always down to chat about anything, professional or casual, and I'm excited to pick one or two of yall up as my mentees.

Involvements: In my undergrad, I was mostly a part of MEMO as a general member and intern, but I also started a club at UCI called Hearts for the Homeless. In addition, I was involved with Dr. Seiler's lab at UCI where we did research on blind rats and stem cells. As a graduate now, I'm still a part of MEMO as BOD, and I want to find a job soon as an EMT now that I have more time on my schedule.

Extracurriculars: An undergrad activity that I had the opportunity to experience was starting up Hearts for the Homeless and going through the whole process of gathering board members and partnerships with other organizations. It was definately a difficult task, but it was rewarding to see my efforts pay off as we were finally able to go out and provide free blood pressure screenings for the homeless population in Orange County. MEMO has been a large part of my extracurriculars in both my undergrad and post grad life. From being an intern to now being in BOD, I find it very rewarding to see how much gets done in MEMO from all of our fundraising efforts to our local services to our mission trip in Vietnam. These two organizations have made a large impact in my life and have helped me to realize the differences in how people in the world live whether it's locally or abroad.

What kind of advice would you be giving?: I know it's difficult to face rejection sometimes whether its being declined of a job opportunity, an interview or research position. Rejection is commonly experienced, and I am no stranger to that feeling as well. It's important to keep in mind that a rejection does not mean that you are inadequate in any way. Always continue to try again, and know that there are many other opportunities to reapply whether it's with a different approach or at a different time.

Best piece of advice you have received?: The best piece of advice is to keep on pushing. Even if things look bad now, they will go up eventually. Always look forward to those good times rather than reminiscing in the bad times now.

Preferred method(s) of communication: phone number, instagram

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Jenny Chiem (she/her/hers) UCSD '22

Major/Minor in undergrad: Human Biology, Global Health

Career Goal: Physician Assistant

Introduction: Hi everyone! My name is Jenny and I'm currently a first-year physician assistant (PA) student at Keck School of Medicine of USC. My passion for serving medically underserved communities definitely grew during my years in MEMO, and it's been exciting to continue that passion now as a PA student. I was born and raised in San Diego, and really enjoy going to the beach and trying yummy foods. As a first-generation student, I understand the challenges of trying to navigate undergrad and post-grad, so I'm excited to be giving back to the MEMO community.

Involvements: Undergrad: MEMO at UCSD (Sponsorship Intern, Secretary, Co-Fundraising Chair, Co-President), Marshall College Orientation Leader/Senior OL, Lab Assistant at Ginsberg/Shattil Labs, Pathmaker Internship, UCSD Health volunteer, Saltman Quarterly blogger, Triton Community Leadership Institute. Post-Grad: MEMO Board of Directors (Co-Executive Director), MEMO 14G mission trip, medical assistant at a private ear, nose, and throat clinic.

Extracurriculars: Hot yoga, painting (specifically paint-by-numbers haha), cooking, exploring nature, pickleball, taking care of house plants/succulents, camping, traveling, reading.

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Always remember your "why." At least for me, the journey to getting into PA school was not an easy one (and even now trying to get through PA school). However, what has kept me motivated is always remembering why I started this journey in the first place, and having gratitude for all the experiences that have led me to where I am now. Stay resilient and put in the work, but also remember to give yourself some grace and enjoy the ride :)

Best piece of advice you have received: Rejection is re-direction. I've become such a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and this piece of advice helped me to continue looking and moving forward instead of dwelling on one block in the road. They always say that when one door closes, another one opens. You will end up where you're meant to be.

Preferred method(s) of communication: Phone Number, Email, Facebook Messenger

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Steve Phan (he/him/his) UCI '21

Major/Minor in Undergrad: Sociology, Neurobiology

Career Goal: Doctor

Introduction: Hi everyone my name is Steve and I used to be pooper scooper. But, now I'm unemployed/pay to work. Fun fact, despite not fully understanding Spanish, I watched Dune Part 2 in Spanish because I couldn't find a pirated English version.

Involvements/Extracurriculars: Undergrad: MEMO & Post-Grad: Unemployed

What kind of advice would you be giving?: Med School Applications/Timelines, MCAT, Movie Advice

Best piece of advice you have received: "The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people" -Randy Pausch

Preferred Method(s) of communication: Phone number, Email, Facebook Messenger, Instagram

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Catherine Do (she/her/hers) USC '21

Major/Minor: Human Biology, Dance

Career goal: Physician

Introduction: hey i'm catherine but you can call me cat! i graduated from usc in 2021 and i am currently a second year medical student at keck at usc. some of my favorite things at the moment are matcha, snowboarding, legos, and lamps. excited to meet everyone!

Involvements: memo (usc and bod), research, medical assistant

Extracurriculars: dance team, snowboarding, gym, bobarista

What kind of advice would you be giving?: pre-med advice, gap year activities, medical school application, and mental health

Best piece of advice you have received: no matter how long it might take, you can do anything you put your heart to.

Preferred method(s) of communication: Phone Number, Instagram