STEPHANIE TRAN

     Pursuing a career in healthcare is an extremely difficult undertaking, but the biggest and arguably, most important lesson AED taught me while I was pursuing medicine at UCI is the understanding that I didn't have to face these challenges alone. In AED, I networked with successful alumni in top programs across the nation, collaborated with inspirational student leaders, and most importantly, joined a family that will always be there, even after time and distance makes its mark. I can say with 100% confidence that the quantity and quality of resources and opportunities that AED provides are nothing short of phenomenal. 

     Despite no longer pursuing a career in healthcare, AED still stands as the best decision I made during my college career, and that is because beyond our proven track record of success lie much deeper, more intangible reasons why AED was, and still is, truly an investment in long-term success in the real world. 

     AED taught me how to rise up to a challenge. From working on a team with different personalities to determining how to provide quality opportunities as a Resource Chair, I learned how to take ownership of the issues that I faced, a vital skill to have in the professional world. AED taught me not only how to work hard, but how to work smart, and challenged me to develop a work-life balance - also another key to success in the professional world. Furthermore, AED provided a safe space for me to be myself, thus enabling me to reach my full potential during college. AED didn't just accept me - AED pushed for my growth professionally, academically, and personally, and motivated me to get back up whenever I fell down. This family picked me up when the pieces of my life fell apart, and they have supported me and continue to support me in every endeavor I have. 

 

     For me, rushing was something that happened by chance, but the decision to commit three years to AED was intentional. Going through a career change during the course of my time at UCI, it just goes to show that you never really know where life will take you, but as long as you are surrounded by the right people, you will never be alone in the journey, and I have AED to thank for that.