Noorda-COM faculty, students, and staff are more than their job title or student status. They’re also parents, novelists; professional athletes–and the list goes on! That’s why we created “Get to Gnome Me”: to spotlight our campus members’ personalities, achievements, and lives beyond Noorda-COM.
Introducing Julian J., a second-year medical student at Noorda-COM!
What motivates me every day, on my journey to becoming a physician?
I have a picture of someone very special on my desk—a picture that tells a beautiful story of love and basketball. Whenever I need a little extra motivation to push further, I glance at that photo of her, taken when we were at Santa Monica beach together. Even though it’s been a few years since she passed, her memory continues to inspire me every day.
One thing I am most proud of is…
Seeing how far I have come since being that little boy, dreaming of an NBA career. I am most proud of my journey, because of the little to no support, I had. From being cut from my high school basketball team and being told I would not excel by my coach, to eventually being a collegiate athlete with a national team selection. Similarly, when choosing to leave athletics, and focus on my education, support was very scarce in my choice to pursue medical school. But eventually, with the support from one academic counselor and one research principal investigator, I am finally achieving my dream of becoming a physician. There is so much beauty in the journey, that I implore everyone to take a minute and realize how far we have all come, especially in the face of our unique adversities.
____ has had the greatest impact on my life…
My father… Every first-generation, non-traditional kid can relate to seeing their parent work tirelessly day and night to help them succeed. Watching my father face the odds taught me how to persevere, stay determined, and remain hopeful. These qualities will translate into my practice, and I hope to make the same impact on those around me and the community I hope to serve in the future.
Jefe, if you’re reading this. I cannot express how thankful for everything you have done. And I cannot wait to see your face as I walk across the stage, being the first Doctor in the family. Te amo, Papa.
I’m most passionate about…
The transformative nature of health and fitness on the body.
One thing I wish people knew about osteopathic medicine is…
How often we incorporate it into our daily lives without realizing it.
Currently, I’m looking forward to…
The next exam. This might get a lot of negative reactions, but it’s something we should always look forward to. As medical students, every exam brings us one step closer to our ultimate goal—graduating with ‘Dr.’ in front of our names.
My motto for life is…
“Mamba Mentality.” What better way to live than by striving to get better every single day and inspiring the next generation in the process? This motto resonates deeply with me because I know the impact I’ve had on my community back in Los Angeles. I’ve been fortunate to inspire many athletes to pursue higher education alongside their athletic pursuits. Since the image of minorities is often limited to athletic opportunities, I hope to shift that narrative by showing that student-athletes can pursue professional careers. Now, as a medical student, I aim to motivate and inspire even more people, regardless of their background, to always strive for greatness—just like the late, great Kobe Bryant.
