In June 2010, I graduated from the Gallatin School of Individualized Study and NYU where I studied Jazz Guitar Performance and Creative Writing. Shortly after graduating, I began working as an ophthalmic technician at a private ophthalmology practice in Brooklyn and decided I wanted to pursue medicine.

I completed a post-baccalaureate program at CUNY Hunter College from Fall 2011 to Spring 2013. During this time, I completed two levels of courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics as well as one semester of calculus. I became involved in Hunter's Physical Sciences Center, where I went on to tutor students in chemistry, organic chemistry and physics. I also took on several private students in organic chemistry.

In the Fall of 2014, I matriculated at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in Long Island, where I will soon begin my second year.

When tutoring, I focus on laying down a strong foundation of understanding before delving into the nuances of different subjects. Students too often fall into a cycle of keeping up with material as a series of pieces of information, never understanding the core concepts and attempting to memorize individual facts. With science and math, it is important to dedicate a lot of time when beginning a subject to clearly understand these core concepts. I have found that successfully approaching these subjects in a bottom-up way can mean the difference between continuously struggling frustratingly through courses like organic chemistry and learning to love them.

Completing my first year of medical school has given me a new appreciation for the role that science plays outside of the classroom. I am passionate about these subjects and enjoy passing that passion onto students.