We have continued to check in with the first graduating class of the Exceptional Youth Scholars, and we remain impressed by and proud of their accomplishments during their time in college. Join us in applauding these scholars and their remarkable achievements!
KARLA CORONADO
GSD: First off, please tell us what school you graduated from and what you majored in.
KC: UCLA, Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology
GSD: Did you receive any kind of honors or recognition during your time in college?
KC: In my first year of college, I was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. I was invited to join this honor society because I maintained a 3.5 grade point average or higher during my freshman year of college. I was also on the Dean’s Honor List for the entirety of my freshman year (September 2015 to June 2016) and Spring Quarter of my sophomore year (April 2017 to June 2017).
GSD: Were you a part of any research initiatives or major projects?
KC: I was a part of the Mobile Clinic Project during my junior year and senior year (June 2017 to June 2019). The Mobile Clinic Project is a student-run, nonprofit street-side clinic that aims to connect folks that are experiencing homelessness to the existing continuum of care. In the process of doing so, caseworkers (trained undergraduates) talk with and listen to our clients’ narratives and advocate for them. The three branches of the Mobile Clinic Project include undergraduates, medical students, and public health students. During my junior year, I was an undergraduate caseworker and during my senior year I was a co-chair for the Logistics Committee (one of the undergraduate committees).
I was also a research assistant for the Depression Grand Challenge during the end of my freshman year (April/May 2016) through the end of the fall quarter of my junior year (December 2017). The Depression Grand Challenge is one of UCLA’s grand challenges and its aim is to decrease depression rates in half by the year 2050. This research study is using a multidisciplinary perspective in order to find the source of depression in order to provide better treatment and ultimately decrease the rates of depression.
GSD: Now that you’ve completed your undergraduate studies, what’s next?
KC: I have officially started my first gap year before I apply to medical school. During my gap years, I will apply to work in the medical field to gain more clinical and hands-on experience. I will also be taking extra recommended courses, that are useful in the medical field, at my local community college. Lastly, I will be studying for the MCAT.
GSD: What did receiving the EYS award mean to you and what impact did it have on your college experience?
KC: When I received the email congratulating me for receiving the EYS award, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The week prior to that email, I had just graduated from high school; I was worried and anxious about having enough money to pay for housing, school supplies, and books. When I opened the email, a flood of emotions came over me. I was extremely excited and grateful for the EYS award. This award allowed me to buy all the books and school supplies I needed for the majority of my time at UCLA. Because of the EYS award, I didn’t have to worry as much about college expenses and was able to focus on my schoolwork and extracurricular activities.
GSD: Have you continued to be involved in community service?
KC: This summer, I took two classes and decided to focus all my energy on that. I finished last week and now I am currently looking into volunteering in my community, specifically something related to the medical field.
Karla, thank you so much for sharing your college experience with us! It sounds like you had an amazing time and made the most of your four years at UCLA. All of us at The Foundation for Global Sports Development are honored to have played a small part in your journey and wish you the best as you continue pursuing your career in the medical field. Please keep us updated on your progress!
