Name: Emily Torres
Year: 4th
Position: Treasurer
Major: Public Health Sciences
Biography: This being my first year as a DIM coordinator I hope to spread awareness and interest in the various topics discussed during the course to my peers. Improving the well-being of the community whether it be through medicine or legislation have always been the fundamentals behind my studies. This being, I hope to pursue a path in Sports Medicine or Immunology. Apart from school and DIM, I volunteer with the Red Cross Club, love attending sporting events, enjoy traveling and trying new foods.
What Diversity Means to Me: For me diversity equates to range: range in medicine, range in human races/ethnicities, range in social economic status, etc. I believe the diversity between people is what makes everyone unique, but the acceptance and appreciation of it is fundamental to ensure equality between all. Therefore, prioritizing the need for inclusivity of all genders, ethnicities, status, and ideologies is key to understanding the significance of diversity and is vital to succeed in any profession whether it be healthcare, law, or business.
What I Gained From the Class: Despite studying biology the past three years here at UCI, this is the first and only class that allowed what I learned in class to be presented by a professional that studies the subject for a living. This class connects the student to various topics revolving medicine and the effect it has on populations. It taught me that the well-being of people not only depends on medicine but also involves environment, finances, and policies. It also made me aware that disparities are not limited to only in developing worlds but are happening in our own community. Overall this course encouraged me to continue bearing through college in hopes of giving back and closing the gaps in my community.