Student Services
Student Spotlights
One of the most impactful lessons I received was from Dr. Angela Davidson, a guest speaker in one of my classes. While I won’t reveal the specifics of her stories, as I believe they are best experienced firsthand, her account underscored the immense responsibility we have as chiropractic professionals and highlighted the potential to make life-saving differences. This experience profoundly shifted my perspective on chiropractic care. It instilled in me a deep commitment to excellence, a commitment that I carry with me every day, recognizing that our knowledge and skills can directly impact someone’s health and well-being.
One of my most memorable experiences at SCU was the white coat ceremony in May. It was a moment of immense pride and significance, marking a significant milestone in my journey. As the only African American participant in the ceremony, I experienced a mix of emotions. It was a realization that brought both joy and sorrow. Joy, because it symbolized my dedication and hard work; sorrow, because it highlighted the underrepresentation of African Americans within our institution. Despite this, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride not only in my achievement but also in the camaraderie of my fellow students. This moment encapsulated the challenges and triumphs of my time at SCU, reaffirming my commitment to excellence and my desire to pave the way for future African American students in chiropractic care.
For those just starting or interested in this program, I advise building connections with like-minded individuals who share your passion and drive. Creating a solid study group and building a supportive network of peers make the challenging aspects of the program more manageable and even enjoyable. Collaborate on schoolwork, share insights, and hold each other accountable. Engaging with your peers outside academics can provide a well-rounded and fulfilling experience. Embrace the opportunity to learn from and grow together.
After graduation, I plan to establish my wellness center in Los Angeles or the San Gabriel Valley. This center will be a comprehensive hub for holistic health, integrating various specialties under one roof, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. By catering to diverse patient needs, I aim to create a supportive and healing environment where patients can access a wide range of therapeutic options, promoting their health and vitality through integrated, personalized care.
David Olushola Awolowo, DC
Student, Doctor of Chiropractic
The most impactful lesson I’ve learned at SCU came from my amazing faculty mentor, who reminded me daily that “you are much more resilient than you may think.” When I first began taking on leadership roles at SCU, I was out of my comfort zone and doubted my ability to balance all my responsibilities with the academic demands of the program. My mentor assured me that this feeling is completely normal and that immersing myself in these roles would help me learn quickly and prepare for even greater challenges. This perspective shift has allowed me to see my responsibilities not as daunting but as opportunities for growth.
One of my favorite and most memorable moments at SCU was volunteering with the Makapo Aquatics Project in Newport Beach as part of our Fieldwork class. We spent the day with para outrigger athletes and community members on the water in canoes, ensuring everyone was having fun and staying safe. It was my first time in an outrigger canoe, and meeting the athletes and seeing them in their element was incredible. The experience sparked my interest in adaptive sports and highlighted the therapeutic benefits and physical challenges of paddling. It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time in the program so far.
For those just starting or interested in this program, my advice is to remember that your cohort is your lifeline. Aside from friends and family, your classmates are the only ones who truly understand what you’re going through. They can provide invaluable support and comfort and have unique life experiences you can learn from. Befriend your cohort, create a central communication space (like Discord, Teams, or GroupMe), and ensure everyone is included. You’re all in it together!
As for my plans after graduation, I find this question challenging because I’m interested in several areas of OT. Many of us enter the program with a clear idea of what we want to do, but it often changes once we see all the exciting possibilities OT offers. I am passionate about community-based work, working with kids, sports, and mental health. While I’m still exploring my options, I know my career will always have a greater purpose: promoting occupational justice and health equity. My dream is to one day open my own multidisciplinary pediatric clinic, but until then, I am open to any opportunities that come my way.
Jade Hernandez, OTD
Student, Doctor of Occupational Therapy
My interest in acupuncture began when I watched my father, a Compounding Pharmacist, visit his Acupuncturist seasonally for his severe asthmatic symptoms. His Acupuncturist would send him home with bags of herbs that, when boiled, would fill the house with unique and intriguing scents. The contrast between my father’s career in pharmacy and his choice to use traditional medicine for himself left a lasting impact on me as a young adult. This fascination ultimately led me to pursue my education at SCU.
Throughout my time at SCU, I have been fortunate to learn from incredible instructors who have become life mentors. While the entire ACM staff and faculty have been supportive, Dr. Thomas Lee, Dr. Jonathan Law, and Dean Yu stand out as pivotal figures in my educational journey. They have fundamentally changed my understanding of medicine and encouraged me to embrace discomfort and growth, especially by taking on challenges that may seem daunting. Their commitment to lifelong learning has inspired me to remain diligent in my own growth, and though I will leave SCU in the fall, they will always feel like family to me.
My most memorable moments at SCU have been those that allowed me to serve the community. Volunteering through the Healing Hands for Humanity club, providing free healthcare services, and working with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center during the AIDS/LifeCycle event were transformative experiences. These opportunities ignited a passion for service that I know will last throughout my entire career.
For anyone interested in the ACM programs at SCU, I highly recommend touring the campus and connecting with current students to gain a real insider perspective. For those just starting their journey, introduce yourself to the incredible academic and support staff, professors, and higher-term cohorts as soon as you can. Building these connections early on is crucial to fostering a supportive network that will greatly benefit your success and well-being.
After graduation, I’m excited to take a break from the classroom and travel throughout Asia while completing my board review course. Upon returning to the United States in the spring to take my board exams, I aim to sign a contract with a yacht line and practice as an Acupuncturist on board.
Madison SeongHe Park, DACcHM
Student, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
If I had to choose the most impactful course at SCU, it would be the Differential Diagnostic courses. These courses have provided an exceptional learning experience and have been incredibly beneficial to me as a clinical student, even though it’s hard to pick just one because most of the courses complement each other.
One of my most memorable moments at SCU occurred during Term 1 when my study group was preparing for our General Anatomy class over Zoom. We had planned for Dr. Daniel Blake, one of the TAs at the time, to join us, but he was running late due to assisting in another class. Despite his busy schedule, he joined our Zoom call on his phone as soon as he finished. His willingness to go the extra mile to help us made me realize that I was in the right place.
For those interested in this program or just starting, my advice is to always stay curious and open-minded. Embrace every learning opportunity, seek out mentorship, and actively participate in the school community. Building strong relationships with your peers and instructors will greatly enhance your educational experience.
After graduation, my goal is to continue developing my skills and knowledge in a clinical setting, integrating my chiropractic and pharmacy degrees to provide high-quality care to my patients.
Peter HalimFarag Shahat, DC
Student, Doctor of Chiropractic