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Jodie Liang

925

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1x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hello! I am a first-generation college student at St. John's University pursuing doctor of pharmacy. I grew up immersed in art including visual arts and rhythmic gymnastics where I was able to explore dance, skill, technique, and people. I participated in graphic design contests, danced for charity shows, and coached gymnastics. The technical nature and my experiences of art allowed me to find a sense of community and detail and peak interest in medicine. With my interest in art and education, I aim to create more accessible opportunities to healthcare and spread awareness on health to my community.

Education

St John's University-New York

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2023 - 2029
  • Majors:
    • Medicine
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • GPA:
    4

Bard College

Associate's degree program
2021 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

Bard High School Early College Queens

High School
2019 - 2023
  • GPA:
    3.6

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Pharmaceuticals

    • Dream career goals:

    • Coach

      Empire Rhythmic Gymnastics
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Rhythmic Gymnastics

    Club
    2010 – Present14 years

    Awards

    • 2x Qualifications to Level 10
    • 5x State Champion

    Arts

    • Bard High School

      Graphic Art
      BARD DIVERSE NETWORK OF ACTION LOGO, Charity Club logo and marketing , Asian Student Union marketing, LLS SOY marketing
      2021 – 2023

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      SOY, LLS — Team Candidate Leader
      2021 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Bulchand and Laxmi Motwani Memorial Scholarship
    The menstrual cycle is a natural and essential process that women experience throughout their lives. However, for me and a majority of other women, this monthly occurrence brings about a range of uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating side effects. Most of my childhood was spent in ignorance, overlooking the unbearable pain and inconvenience that periods claimed over my sister and friends. I didn’t get my first period until much later than everyone else around me, hence why I struggled to acknowledge women’s health. Then, I was even excited to start menstruation, a sign of transitioning to womanhood. As I finally experienced periods, I began feeling miserable. The pain of my cramps gave me fevers and consequently, I suffered poor attendance; Every month I would be deprived of a week of school and gymnastic practices. Of course, I had experienced many other side effects. I then found myself dependent on painkillers five days per period. Growing up immersed in Chinese culture, my mother introduced me to Eastern medicine and painfully, I drank the medicine – a horrible-tasting concoction of brewed herbs. The approach of healthcare in Eastern medicine compared to the West is completely different as it views the body, mind, and spirit as interconnected and seeks to restore balance and harmony within the individual. Although those herbal remedies were hard to bear, they piqued my interest in medicine. There is a vast amount of different medicines and strategies ranging from acupuncture, moxibustion, use of essential oils, tuina, and so much more, all of which so many people are unaware of and don’t take advantage of. Even with the deficiency of discourse on traditional medicine in the West, I also found a persistent lack of health education in the West, especially on women's health. Throughout middle school and high school, health classes were predominantly on STIs but never on nutrition, diet, the reproductive system, intimacy, or even hygiene. Not limited to, I was never taught about how to use menstrual products or basic feminine hygiene. Nor were the menstrual products stocked up in schools. I pitched my thoughts and curiosity to my friends and teachers, and though this issue is highly recognized among my peers, they felt that these topics were assumed to already be known. However, for some people, information and certain products aren’t always so accessible. Although my education in pharmacy has just begun, my pursuit of pharmacy is not only a way to effectively learn and administer medicine but also to address the lack of education and awareness in the healthcare system. I hope to be a thriving advocate of this generation’s increasing recognition of the benefits of integrating Eastern and Western medicine to decrease the divide between the two cultures and to provide more comprehensive and patient-centered care. Integrative medicine embraces the strengths of each and combines both systems to optimize health outcomes. Additionally, I aim to understand, educate, advocate, and support women about female healthcare, providing guidance on self-care measures and lifestyle modifications addressing women's health concerns. Pharmacy offers an opportunity to address these issues directly, through education, research, and the development of innovative solutions aimed at alleviating the burden of bad period side effects. As a pharmacy professional, I can empower women to take control of their menstrual health to lead more fulfilling lives as well as contribute to a society where women no longer suffer in silence, but instead find solitude and relief through innovative solutions, like integrative medicine, and compassionate care.