Career Roadmap
Ericka's work combines: Medicine, Non-Profit Organizations, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Human Biology
Stanford University
Graduate Degree
Psychiatry Residency Program
Harvard University
Doctorate
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program
Harvard University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Psychiatrists:
High School
Bachelor's Degree: Human Biology
Graduate Degree: Psychiatry Residency Program
Doctorate: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Program
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I learned a friend was suffering from mental illness.
2.
I didn't want her to feel alone on the issue and studied on the subject in order to understand her.
3.
I became passionate on the topic of mental well being.
4.
At the same time I was in Girl Scouts and spent much time volunteering in the community.
5.
wanted to create change and better the lives of youth both in a national scale and abroad.
6.
I decided to pursue a life of service and guidance in hopes of improving the life of youth.
7.
I went to university and earned an MD in psychiatry with a focus on adolescent development.
8.
I began service projects and moved to a wider scale. I worked with Girl Scouts on these projects.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
"You can't be in more than one field" "You can't do that, you're a girl" "There's no money in that" "You aren't good enough" "There's always someone better, why try?" "Shouldn't you focus on getting married instead?""You're one person can't create change"
How I responded:
Find people who believe in you and your abilities. Find mentors in the fields of interest. Pursue your interests, be passionate, be resilient, and believe in yourself.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
We lost our house and were struggling with money. I had to say no to a lot of opportunities because there wasn't money to send me to these events. When there's a bit of extra money, invest in yourself. For me, GS and school was the best investment.
Neither of my parents went to college. I felt behind in my own application and struggled with hopelessness. Overcoming this hurdle was a constant struggle. It took the help of others for me to see my own ability and potential.