IsaVision

In this episode, I share tips about the secondary application, go over the most popular questions I encountered, and explain how I tackled them. I would definitely listen to this episode *right* after you submit your primary application.

In this episode, I dive into the personal statement piece of the medical school application! I share what the personal statement means to me, how I structured my essay, and read snippets of my essay. Of course, I had to end the episode with some tips. I hope this episode helps you write the best personal statement ever!

This episode is for anyone and everyone applying in a future cycle because if you're applying in the 23-24 cycle, you've better already gotten your letters in order! In this episode, I give advice about how to find letter writers, how to keep up with them, how to ask for a rec letter, and when to ask. Most importantly, I talk at length about the supplemental information packet I included in every rec letter request. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

This episode is essential for *anyone* applying to med school. The activity section is one of the most important parts of your application to medical school so if you're struggling or want extra advice, this one is for you. In this episode, I go over the basics of the activity section, share what strategy I used to write mine, read over two activity descriptions, and share necessary tips.

Hi everyone!! This season I will be discussing my application to medical school and what I did to be successful. In this episode, I give 7 tips that I think everyone MUST know going into this cycle. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

In this special edition two-part episode, I interviewed Sammantha Dorazio, a soon-to-be nurse practitioner who lives with seronegative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and pain amplification syndrome. This is part 2 (so make sure to go back and listen to part 1 if you haven't yet!) of our discussion about her decision to pursue the nurse practitioner route. Sammantha's story-telling is top-notch, that enough should convince you to listen! Social media mentioned: Instagram: @samdorazio8

In this special edition two-part episode, I interviewed Sammantha Dorazio, a soon-to-be nurse practitioner who lives with seronegative polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and pain amplification syndrome. We talked about how she first got sick and all the hurdles she had to jump through to get the help she needed. Make sure to tune in to part 2 for our discussion about her decision to pursue the nurse practitioner route. Sammantha's story-telling is top-notch, that enough should convince you to listen! Social media mentioned: Instagram: @samdorazio8

I had the privilege of interviewing Jessie Yutong Xie who is an up and coming multimedia creator! She was born and raised in China, but came to the United States for high school, college, and now grad school. She graciously shares about her journey and how she got to where she is today. Instagram accounts mentioned: @jessiexyt998 @xenon_insight @radii.china

I had the pleasure of interviewing Maame Oforiwaa Amoah-dankwah, literally the nicest and most supportive person I have ever met! She shared about how growing up in Ghana and her community helped her become who she is. If you're interested in learning about Ghanaian culture, the educational system in Ghana, and how Maame made it to medical school, definitely tune in! I know Maame didn't mention her professional Instagram, but it deserves a shout-out: @maame_360 Youtube mentioned: The Pre-Med Hub (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6RM6LX5LvI&t=11s) School mentioned: Wake Forest (https://school.wakehealth.edu/)

Today's interview is with Jennifer Esteves, a Portuguese graduate student studying biomedical engineering. She shares how growing up in Portugal in an Angolan family positively impacted her life journey and personal attributes! Tune in for this insightful conversation, especially about how she and her brother came to the conclusion to pursue their undergraduate education in the United States. Instagram highlighted: @rayraysphotos_

This week I interviewed Dr. Marco Antonio De Carvalho, a professor of computer science at Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto. He is the first in his family to pursue college and eventually a PhD in computer science. Coming from a rural small town and low socioeconomic background, he had to be persistent and consistent in order to reach his goal. Tune in to learn more about the academic system in Brazil and being first gen has impacted Marco.

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing Kally Oliveira. She is a first generation realtor who has her own company, Provision Properties. She shares about her journey to real estate. Kally shares amazing advice about how internships and being an assistant can be a great help in affirming your career trajectory. Organizations mentioned: Provision Properties Website: https://www.provision-properties.com/ Instagram: @provision.properties Kally's Instagram: @kallyta

This week, I interviewed Barbara Ellen Rodrigues. Barbara is my cousin and I knew her story would be perfect for this season. She is the first person in our family to pursue ministry. She shares her testimony and how she changed her career plans from pre-med, to ministry, to pastoral counseling. Barbara is super funny and down to earth! Organizations mentioned: Christ for the Nations Institute: https://www.cfni.org/ Dallas Baptist University: https://www.dbu.edu/ Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary: https://www.gordonconwell.edu/ Amirah: https://www.endslaverynow.org/amirah-inc-dba-amirah-new-england A21: https://www.a21.org/ New Life Live with Steve Arterburn: https://newlife.com/broadcasts/

Today's guest is Tsungai Jackson! Tsungai is a first generation researcher. She is an UMass Amherst alumnae and currently works at Pfizer. Tsungai talks about her journey to the STEM field and shares priceless advice about networking and internships. Truly an honor to have her on the podcast! Social Media mentioned: Tsungai's Instagram: @dark_angelxteex Tsungai's Tiktok: @SimplyTsungai Programs mentioned: Project Onramp, BAHEC through Boston Public Health Commission Link: https://www.bphc.org/whatwedo/Teens/boston-area-health-education-center/Pages/bahec.aspx YES for CURE Program Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Summer Program Summer Program to Advance Research Careers (SPARC) Link: https://cure.dfhcc.harvard.edu/#:~:text=The%20Summer%2DOnly%20Continuing%20Umbrella,science%20research%20at%20DF%2FHCC.

This week I interviewed Grace Wong. She is the first person in her family to work in the film industry. She shares about how she got interested in this field and what she has done to pursue her dream. She also discusses what she believes her purpose is. Grace is humble, kind, and God fearing! Organizations mentioned: Eight Parables https://www.eightparables.com/ Instagram: @eightparables Moving Works https://movingworks.org/ Instagram: @movingworks The Porch https://www.theporch.live/

This week, we'll be hearing from Madina Khudaynazar, an Afghan refugee who is now an American citizen. She shares her and her family's journey to America. She also discusses how other Afghans are currently fleeing the Taliban. We also talk about discrimination and the pressure we felt growing up. All in all, Madina was a wonderful guest who was gracious with her time and knowledge. Enjoy the final episode of the Coming to America Season! Social media of organizations mentioned: Sense of Humanity @senseofhumanity_ https://gofund.me/3045b61a Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center (RIAC) Boston @riacboston https://www.riacboston.org/ Kataluma https://www.kataluma.org/

This week, we're all learning about DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) (0.00-2:15). I brought on Luana Santos, a DACA recipient onto the podcast. Luana is very candid and upfront about her experience with DACA. She shares her struggles and the benefits from being a DACA recipient (2:15-30:21). Luana is funny, honest, and her willingness to help others really shines in this interview. Luana's instagram: @___luanasantos Sources: https://www.uscis.gov/DACA https://www.factcheck.org/2018/01/the-facts-on-daca/ https://www.factcheck.org/2018/01/daca-population-numbers/

This week, we'll be hearing from Mike Oliver, the director at the St. Marks Community Education Program. He shares why he loves working with immigrants, what St. Marks does, and his awesome vision for the future. Enjoy this behind the scenes look of how programs are helping out immigrants in Boston! Website mentioned: https://www.stmarksesol.org/

This week, I brought on Liat Shapiro, a Korean-American adoptee. She shares the benefits of being a part of two different cultures and how she incorporates Korean culture into her volunteer work. Liat's sweet nature and love for others stands out in this interview, you don't want to miss this! Social media organizations mentioned: Korean Kids and Orphanage Outreach Mission (KKOOM): Website: https://kkoom.org/ Instagram: @koreankids_07 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoreanKids/ Twitter: @koreankids Mustard Seed Generation (MSG): Website: https://www.mustardseedgeneration.org/ Instagram: @msgeneration Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MustardSeedGeneration/

I couldn't imagine a better way to kick off this season than by interviewing my Dad, Vinicius Coutinho, the whole reason why I was given the chance to become an American citizen. In the intro to the season, my dad shares about how he went from being undocumented to a green card holder to a US citizen. I also talk about why things might sound a little different this season. All in all, it's a quick episode but a really good one!

To wrap up the Women in Power season, we invited Barbara Coelho to talk about her life experiences as a fitness trainer, podcaster, and entrepreneur. We talked about the struggles of being children of immigrants and managing their expectations with our own desires. Barbara is incredibly kind, inspiring, and insightful. Definitely don't want to miss this! This episode was recorded on March 5th, 2020

This week, Isabella and Belle interview Dr. Becky Miller, a biochem professor at UMass Amherst. She shares her trajectory to becoming a professor and gives very valuable advice that everyone, especially students, need to hear!

This week, Belle and Isabella interviewed Dr. Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, a scientist in comparative genomics. Dr. Lindblad-Toh shared how she got interested in human genetics and what her favorite part of her job is. She is kind, intelligent, and her research is super interesting! Check out the link to her lab and her latest project. https://lindbladtohlab.org https://zoonomiaproject.org/the-project/

In this week's episode, Belle and Isabella interview Kat and Nicolle. Two amazing women working hard to make it in the film industry. Both women share how they got involved in producing and directing, their favorite parts about their work and challenges they have faced along the way. And of course, they share advice and their visions for the future.

In this episode, Belle and Isabella interview Birukti Tsige. Birukti talks about growing up in Ethiopia and Malden, MA. She shares her experience with activism and going to school at Harvard during a pandemic. Birukti shares the story of how she ended up on the Boston Globe after visiting the White House. Birukti is captivating, kind and a great story teller. You do not want to miss this episode!

This week, Belle and Isabella discuss their experiences with sexism. They also highlight different people they plan on bringing onto the podcast.

In this week's episode, Belle and Isabella interview Dr. Sonji Johnson-Anderson. Dr. Johnson-Anderson discusses how the move from Jamaica to America impacted her personal life and career as an educator. We learn about how difficult it was to try and teach in New York and how she ended up at UMass Amherst. All three women also discuss STEM Ambassadors Program, a program that Dr. Johnson-Anderson started out as a graduate assistant and later became assistant director.

In this episode, Belle and Isabella interview Ababa. Ababa is a social worker, life coach and youth leader. She shares testimony, her journey with God, and gives advice regarding life post marriage. All in all, Ababa's laugh and triumphs made for a great interview.

In this episode, Belle and Isabella interview Mtali Banda, a PhD student and musician at UMass Amherst. Mtali shares with us challenges he had to overcome including moving to three different states during critical points in his life, all with very different environments. Mtali has been very reflective during his journey and it has been imperative to his musical career.

In this episode, Isabella and Belle interview Ivan Rosario, a PhD student at UMass Amherst. We learn about how he grew up, how a plea deal forced him to go to college, and how community organizing led him to pursue a PhD. He discusses what it's like to raise his son in Amherst and different goals he has once he gets his PhD. It's an incredible story that displays resilience, the power of knowledge, and how mentorship is impactful.

During this episode, a special guest named Alinne Butcher discussed sexual exploitation in the US and other countries.

Isabella and Belle give an introduction to the next season, talk about next week's guest and apologize for a mispronunciation on episode 4.

In this episode, Belle and Isabella discuss the history of mental health in the Black community from the 1840's to present time.

In this episode, Belle and Isabella discuss the history of mental health from the 1800's to present time.

In this episode, Isabella and Belle ask Marisa Vasquez about her journey with mental health. They discuss her diagnoses and how that impacts her life.

In this episode, Isabella and Belle open up about their mental health stories.

Get to know us a little bit better :)