Education and Life Influences: A Transformational Journey

My educational journey took me through various academic institutions, each playing a significant role in shaping my life and career path. From community colleges to prestigious universities, my educational experiences have profoundly influenced my professional and personal growth.

Community College Beginnings

My academic journey started at Santa Ana Community College, where I obtained my Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. This marked my first introduction to the college environment and the first time I had to work diligently to achieve academic success. This experience laid the foundation for my future educational endeavors.

The College Experience

I then moved to CSU Chico for my bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Public Administration. Living on campus and immersing myself in college life proved to be a wonderful experience. The Chico experience was especially enlightening, offering a tremendous learning opportunity.

During this period, I also earned a secondary teaching credential at CSU Fullerton, which helped me understand urban environments and commuter schools. While it was a good school, the atmosphere was more urban and less similar to Chico.

Advanced Academic Pursuits

I furthered my education at Pepperdine University, earning my Master of Business Administration (MBA). The program was rigorous and challenging but of extremely high quality. Moving again to Keller Graduate School for a Master of Project Management, while the quality was commendable, it was not on par with Pepperdine.

My educational journey did not stop there. I took additional classes in construction-related fields at Orange Coast Community College, which provided me with valuable preparation for both university transfer and trade programs.

From Primary School to Ivy League

My academic journey also includes a transformational transition from a small country primary school to an elite private school, The Pingry School, and then to a highly competitive university, Yale University. This significant step in my life’s history not only transformed my educational opportunities but also paved the way to the “Ivy League” labels and a rigorous, demanding education at those competitive schools.

After Yale, I pursued my Medical Degree at Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons and culminated my career as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Cornell Med and Medical Director of the NYPQ Cardiac Cath Lab.

Family Influence

My academic journey was not just my journey alone. My younger brother, who followed the same path, first attending The Pingry School and Yale and then Stanford for a PhD in English Literature, is now an Associate Professor at USC, and a published author.

Moreover, my mother made a vital decision to pull us out of the rural public school system after the 8th grade. She had a small inheritance and my father's hard work that helped fund our education at these prestigious schools.

In conclusion, my educational journey, spanning community colleges, prestigious universities, and teaching credentials, has been a transformative experience. It has not only provided me with a robust academic foundation but has also influenced my career path and my current professional standing.