Before I came to Hopeworks, I had already heard about it from a friend who had started some time ago. At the time, I was more focused on school and maintaining my academic standing. With the events of 2020, namely the pandemic, the entire world shifted to online/remote school and work. While still a priority for me, my classes became more comfortable to manage online and opened up a lot of free time for myself. Jobs that were hiring were either unable to accommodate my school schedule or put me in roles that increase my risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19 to my family. Again, Hopeworks was mentioned to me, and I found out it took place remotely, so I jumped on the opportunity to join.
Hopeworks has opened up a new world of possibilities, experiences, and connections to me. While the technical skills I have learned won’t be applied explicitly to my field of study, they are very valuable. Hopeworks provides more than just the technical skills; there are also the interpersonal skills we develop by having open and honest dialogue with supervisors and peers alike. The trauma-informed approach is crucial to the Hopeworks experience for me, understanding why I feel the way I do, and how to manage and work through these complicated feelings. Hopeworks has also helped me speak with people in fields different from my own and see where they may be interconnected.
Presently, I am a pre-med student at Rutgers University in my final year of undergrad, preparing to take my MCAT and then applying to medical school. My dream is to become a pediatrician, and I believe the trauma-informed care taught at Hopeworks will help me better tend to my future patients as I heal them physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
A few weeks ago, I joined the GIS team as an intern at Hopeworks because geography plays an important role in understanding people. I hope to use the skills that I will learn in the future to analyze health trends, track the spread of infectious diseases, and better understand my patients through a different perspective.
You can view Luisa’s portfolio presentation here!
Join us for the 2nd Annual transformative experience at the H.O.P.E Summit on Friday, March 21, 2025, tailored to empower young professionals - proudly supported by The Campbell’s Company! This event provides tools, insights, and connections to excel in your professional journey. What to expect? Who should attend? A special thank you to our other sponsors: Holman (Mock […]
Throughout February, we honored Black pioneers who have shaped healthcare, GIS, and beyond. In case you missed it, here’s a look at some of the incredible leaders we highlighted: Black history is happening every day, and we’re proud to celebrate these trailblazers paving the way for future generations. Stay tuned for more #BHM highlights on our social media!
February has been a month of incredible achievements for Hopeworks young professionals and alumni! We’re thrilled to celebrate the successes of: Amidst these incredible achievements, we’re also shining a spotlight on Michael Nguyen, a talented young adult whose journey is a testament to growth and perseverance. Michael initially came to Hopeworks looking for a fresh start […]
