As a first-generation college student and a McNair scholar, I am personally driven to remove systemic barriers to education opportunities and support diverse learners. I saw an opportunity to expand access to anatomy education outside of my small upper-division class; to bring in a wider range of students to experience the process of anatomy education. My goal is to leave those students with a sense of belonging and empowerment to move forward toward their career goals in health care. Historically marginalized groups have often been excluded from places and experiences in science. Here I want to not only make sure students can feel that they belong, but that they have power in these spaces, and they can be leaders in these spaces.

As a first-generation college student, I wanted to create Anatomy for Change so that other students from underrepresented and diverse communities could find a place for themselves in medicine. By creating case studies around the anatomy lab we created a novel environment for them to feel confident in their abilities. With the support of the University of Washington Biology Department and volunteers from the UWSOM we were able to create a teaching team that furthered our goal of showing the place of diverse perspectives within medicine. In creating Anatomy for Change I hope that we can provide other students the reassurance that they’re on a path they can be successful in.

I was a peer facilitator for the Survey of Human Anatomy course at UW when I first heard about Anatomy for Change. I love learning and teaching anatomy. Interacting with the donors and learning from them is a huge privilege, one that I am extremely grateful for. I believe that every pre-health student should have the opportunity to interact with the donors; a mission that Anatomy for Change wonderfully strives to achieve. I am excited to be part of this program and to contribute to the mission. My goal is to empower students from underrepresented backgrounds to continue pursuing their goals, and to provide mentorship and support. I hope to continue fostering a supportive network where students feel curious and comfortable with learning human anatomy. Additionally, I am excited for students to build meaningful relationships with the medical students and with each other. 

I was eager to be part of the team at Anatomy for Change after attending events as a student and having the opportunity to learn from those who had once been in my shoes. This program opened up valuable opportunities to learn in a hands-on environment and connect with my peers over shared aspirations. The pathway to a career in medicine is competitive and seemingly intimidating. However, the foundation of this program as a community for students of all backgrounds to collaborate and connect with mentors has been vital to my confidence in pursuing a life in medicine. The mission of Anatomy for change is a cause I have become passionate about, and I hope to make an impact in the equitable accessibility of learning opportunities and resources in the field of medical education.