Boston Strong

"None of us including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful." ~Mother Teresa

Once upon a time.... I dreamed about being apart of a community who not only believed in innovation, possibility, and excellence, but a community who lived this by example in their daily lives. I dreamed about being apart of a team with one mission where everyone succeeds. A team who values and appreciates one another on a deeper level for their natural character, gifts and talents. A team who champions each other's success, empowers each other to perform at their highest potential and supports each other in every step of the process.

This dream became a reality for me during my dermatology research fellowship in Boston working with my AMAZING hair team at Massachusetts General Hospital. I couldn't have imagined a better team than this one I was so privileged to be apart of. Through our united commitment and dedication, together we were able to accomplish more than we thought possible. Most importantly, our strengths and personalities beautifully blended into a long-lasting friendship and family that I will forever cherish. I feel incredibly honored and blessed to have met each of them and want to give a special tribute of gratitude for the powerful life lessons they have taught me.

Special thank you to my wonderful PI, Dr. Maryanne Senna

Life Lesson: Be a "boss-lady", dress for success and always return kindness and support in the same beautiful way it was shown to you.

Boss-lady may be defined as an "empowering woman who takes control of her life and achieves her dreams." My PI is truly a living example of what it means to be a boss-lady. However what makes Dr. Senna especially wonderful is that she brings the same spirit of dedication, passion, love and excellence not only to her professional work as a dermatologist serving each of her cherished patients, but also to her family, friends and colleagues. She safeguards what is most important to her, and knows her priorities. She brings her best to everything she commits to. She treated me and my fellow team members as her own children, bending over backwards to support each of us and make us feel loved and valued, while allowing us to thrive in our authenticity. Thank you Dr. Senna for all of you have done and continue to do for so many people including myself.

When I first met Dr. Senna and the team over a wonderful outdoor dinner, she allowed us to try on her red bottom heels and was going to give them to whoever could fit them. Haha, right away I knew my size 12 foot would never fit them! However, because of her empowered life example, I now know that I can stand tall wearing the "red bottom heels" of confidence and strength that will always fit and I will never take off. Thank you for believing in me!

Special thank you to my wonderful research coordinator, Isa Pupo Wiss

Life Lesson: Sweet kind attitude + confidence, initiative and organization= unstoppable!

I believe that the research coordinator is the foundation of the entire research team. The coordinator ensures the time and place of all research activities are scheduled, facilitates research protocols and IRB submissions and follows up with countless emails to keep everything running smoothly. Isa definitely went far and above her job description to help each of us succeed. She kept each of us organized and on top of every task while always keeping her sweet attitude and willingness to help in any way possible. Not only that, she independently completed, presented and published her own research projects. Amazing! This girl may be little, but she is absolutely fierce. She takes initiative to get things done with confidence in her ability to do so. I can't wait to see all of the amazing things you will continue to accomplish. Thank you Isa for all of you have taught me and done for me during my time at MGH, I will always cherish our time together in the office and heartfelt conversations. Every time I order an iced vanilla almond chai from Starbucks, I will definitely be thinking of you with a big smile!

Special thank you to my co-fellow, Kelly Flanagan

Life Lesson: Always remain naturally curious, seek deeper understanding and make time for the people and things you love!

What I appreciate about my dear co-fellow Kelly, is that not only is she brilliant but she keeps a beautiful work-life balance. I truly believe that when brilliance co-operates with balance you can accomplish anything in life. Kelly did all of her work with so much dedication, thoroughness, excellence and elegance. Our team could always count on Kelly to update us on the next good book to read, the cutest restaurant for any meal and the most beautiful path to go on for a weekend run or walk. One minute I would see Kelly completing her clinic notes and the next minute she was in her running shoes and work out clothes to go for a run. Amazing! I know this girl will go on to do wonderful things not only with her excellent hard work but also with her daily practice and intention to make her joy a priority! Thank you Kelly for all you have taught me and done for me during my time at MGH, I will always cherish our time together, joy break walks outside between work tasks and our daily chitchats . I will definitely be packing up my ballet outfit or running shoes for after work, think of you and smile!

Special thank you to my co-fellow, James Pathoulas

Life Lesson: We rise by lifting others, make life fun and exciting, keep the end-goal in mind, and shine!

Anyone who has met James would tell you they immediately felt sincerely cherished and loved. James made it his mission to ensure we all stayed motivated and had the best music to listen to while completing daily goals . He was definitely our team cheerleader! What I appreciate about my dear co-fellow James is that not only is he gifted with a brilliant mind, he always goes out of his way to help and support his friends and colleagues. I always admired how James would take the time to call, zoom, and meet with his friends/colleagues to celebrate an event or help them in times of need. On match day for my residency, a few minutes before they revealed our match status, I received a prompt phone call from James to wish me the best of luck and his continued support no matter the outcome. Amazing! I know you will go on to accomplish great things with your life because you care so much for others. Thank you James for all you have taught me and done for me during my time at MGH. I will always cherish our belly laughters and think of you and smile when I see a four-leaf clover!

Special thank you to our wonderful MA, Yessie

Life Lesson: Your joy is contagious, laugh often and with others, and always be prepared to bring your best!

We all love Yessie! She radiates so much joy and energy that is truly contagious! The whole team could always count on Yessie to not only make sure we had everything we needed, but also to keep each day full of laughter, light and fun. Yessie has so much passion and love for her work and patients, is always prepared and definitely had our back if we needed anything. What I admire and appreciate about Yessie is that she also did far and above her job description to make sure we each felt loved, supported and celebrated through all of our team successes both professionally and personally. Thank you Yessie for always putting a smile on my face, for all you have done for me and for our entire team. I will always cherish our time together!

Shoutout and special thank you to my big brother Robbie

Life lesson: Live life to the fullest, take on a side hustle, and stay calm, you have all the time you need!

I had the honor and privilege of spending a full year with my brother Jared (I love you J!) in Maryland while completing my masters at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and another full year with my oldest brother Robbie in Boston while completing my research fellowship. This was sacred time that I will probably never have again in this same way.

What I appreciate about Rob is that he always makes time to do the things he loves from skiing, to running, to tennis, to hiking, to sailing, to organ lessons, to original inventions and 3-D printer innovations (https://www.walkerprojectslab.com) and more, no matter how tired he is after working countless hours as a neurosurgeon. Thank you Robbie for answering all of my questions each day and for compromising on our apartment decor, haha!. Thank you also for equipping me with my very own personalized "Leo Boards" to practice my suture and knot tying techniques for my surgery rotation (check it out: https://www.etsy.com/listing/817184794/the-leo-board-tying; https://www.etsy.com/listing/890309394/the-leo-board-suture?ref=pla_sameshop_listing_top-1). Not to mention my very own state of the art chargeable candle lighter so that I can keep my joy of having candles 24/7 for a peaceful experience. I love both of my brothers and couldn't have made it this far without them!!

There are no words to express all of the rich love and community of support I felt during my time in Boston and continue to experience during my new beginning at Loma Linda University for my residency. Thank you to all who have supported me and believed in me every step of the journey! I am excited and I know that the best is yet to come!!

Boston Strong! MGH Strong! JHU Strong! LLU Strong! God Strong!

Go team!

Cheers to a beautiful journey and bright future!