I graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. After working in the biotech field for 6 years, I decided that a career in advanced practice nursing would allow me to combine my love of science with my desire to work in the field of children's health care. One year after getting married, I applied to and was accepted into the Master's Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN) at the University of California, San Francisco. In June 2001, my husband became our sole financial provider, supporting my decision to enter graduate school to pursue a career in nursing.

As a second year graduate at UCSF in the program for Advanced Practice Pediatric Nursing, I look forward to graduating this June and beginning my career as a pediatric nurse practitioner. One of my goals is to return to my hometown to work with the local school district to provide school based health care and establish an effective health education program to promote healthy lifestyles. Also included on my list of goals is to pursue and interest in an academic career and possibly re-enter the research field. As a UCSF student, I have been privileged to learn from distinguished faculty and guest speakers. Each time a speaker is introduced before a lecture, I am in awe of what that person has accomplished. Each time also serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the endless possibilities of a career in nursing.