Blog 23: Helping 2013

Who did you interview: Zhailah Graza

What day and time: 4/20/12 11:30AM

(1) What ideas do you have for your senior project and why?

Zhailah's Answer: Pediatrics (Same topic, didn't even know when I chose her!)

My advice: If you know you are going to go into some sort of career in the medical field, choosing any kind of specialty whether it be pediatrics or cardiology is a great choice for a senior project. When I first chose pediatrics, I regretted it a little bit because I felt it was too specific. I wanted to change it to medical school or family practitioners. But over time I realized pediatrics was a great field because there is so much to learn besides how to become pediatrician or the job responsibilities that are required. My EQ is "what is the best way to become a successful pediatrician" so not only do I get to find out how to become a successful physician, but also one who has special traits that possibly no other specialty doctor has. So good choice!

(2) What do you plan to do to complete the 10 hours of service learning (working with an expert) which is due prior to senior year starting?  Note: They also have to complete the 50 hours during the school year?

Zhailah's answer: Possibly work in a hospital.

My advice: Basically if you choose pediatrics you will be required to work in a hospital or some sort of medical office and there isn't really any way to get around it. The GREAT thing about choosing a med topic is your independent component (60 hours total) and service learning (60 hours) can be completed at one place whereas other topics have to do be done in separate places. Apply to any and every hospital as soon as possible! Getting a volunteer position in large hospitals is very competitive because all seniors are trying to boost up their resumes for college. Most hospitals like huntington memorial or foothill require an application and an interview so be prepared. The only hospital I know that doesn't do that is San Dimas Community Hospital which is where I work. It is a great place to work because their hours commitment is only 40 whereas Kaiser, San Gabriel, and Pomona have a 100+ commitment. They also require a certain amount of hours per week while San Dimas Community is really flexible with your schedule as long as you notify them. 


Another good thing about pediatrics is it is really easy to find pediatricians to interview because they are everywhere. If you choose anesthesiology it's going to be a little more difficult because they are usually always in the OR or they jump from one hospital to another depending on where the patient is being operated on. Same goes for surgeons, or any sub specialty physician. Try contacting your pediatrician or a relatives pediatrician for opportunities to shadow. For insurance reasons I still have one so I just called her up and asked if I could see patients with her and she was definitely cool about it. 




To apply for a volunteer position at San Dimas, call (909) 599-6811.
Find out who their volunteer coordinator is or try to talk to Kathleen Rivera. She is the one who gave me a position. You are going to want to work in the OB department just because it deals with babies which is similar to your field. Don't expect to watch any births or hold babies though. You will be doing lab runs, storage room work, and phone services. Shadowing a pediatrician is where you'll get to see all the action. 

(3) What do you hope to see or expect to see when watching the class of 2012 present their two hour presentations?


Zhailah's answer: I just want to be able to learn new things and interact with the person's presentation. 


My advice: Just be open minded and try to switch into as many presentations that are similar to yours so you can get a feel on what activities you can do. 

(4) What questions do they have about senior project?  What additional recommendations would you give the 2013 student about senior project?  

Zhailah's questions: Is there anything else I should know?

My advice: Do as much as you can to set yourself apart from others because when the time comes to apply for colleges, you will need to fill out an application where you list why you're special basically. Take as many college classes as you can this summer because most kids will walk into college with around 50 units or more from AP and IB classes. The more units you have, the better it will look and you will be able to get priority when you register for classes. This means more units which means you'll be able to graduate on time. 


SAT SCORES! try try try to get at least a 2000, if not higher. Take classes, buy an SAT book, and start studying now! I know what it feels like to be lazy, especially when it still seems so far away but I was in your shoes and I procrastinated like crazy. Take ten minutes a day to go over 5 math problems. I was advised by a certain counselor that a 1920 was good enough but now I have to take 2 placement exams because my scores were off my 20 points. -___- Take the SAT's more than once and if you can, review for AP exams because they get you units! I'd say buy a precalc and self study early senior year. Then try to take a calculus class at ipoly or buy an AP calc book. For the essay portion of the SAT's, vocab is everything. Check out the book "Illustrated Vocabulary" by sparknotes. I bought this book last week and my vocabulary has improved immensely. Trust me, it'll help you. 


The reason these tips are so important for senior project is because the college you get accepted into can count for your product. You'll learn more about this later but just know that. Apply for some sort of major like chem, bio, or even my major which is Molecular, cell, and developmental biology. 


Also check out red cross and try to get involved with that. Cal poly science or math courses will count for hours for independent component which is cool. I think that is about it. Facebook me for any questions you have.