Health Services: Research Assistant
Health Services
Research Assistant: Christy Gilman
By Mike Yoshiura
With her youthful looks, Christy Gilman can still pass as a high school student, but don't be fooled, this 21-year-old is wise beyond her years. As a receptive teenager, Christy wholeheartedly dedicated herself to getting the most out of her education, and in turn for her efforts she has been rewarded with prestigious accolades and grades that would make any parent ecstatic. And, it all started with two unassuming math teachers.
"In intermediate school, I had two math teachers who instilled my drive to succeed," Christy says as she braids her long, black hair. "I could tell that math was something they loved. Their passion kept me interested in my schoolwork. After taking their classes, "B" grades were out of the question. I wanted to get an "A" in everything. By the time I entered high school, I was prepared to get good grades."
The former Searider maintained a 4.0 GPA, and earned the honor of summa cum laude. As a senior, Christy was the highest ranked student in her graduating class, which also earned her the title of class valedictorian.
Even Christy, as passionate and driven as she was, struggled to find the right college major at the University of Hawai'i. Although she displayed exceptional talent in math, her heart belonged to science. After a flirtation with chemistry, she found her calling-biology. "Some people know what they want to do from beginning to end; some just have to find out. I like college because you learn what you're good at and then you can build from there." In 2006, she was chosen to be the Albert J. Simone Presidential Scholar, a distinction given to the highest-ranked scholar.
Christy's passion for biology and kids led her to pediatric medicine. She will apply to medical school in fall 2009. "I'll probably be in school until I'm 30," she smiles. "There's so much to know out there and I just love learning."
In preparation for medical school, Christy is working as a part-time research assistant with the Cancer Research Center of Hawai'i at the John A. Burns Medical School. She is helping Dr. Jun Panee in her research of breast cancer prevention. "In biology class, it's easy to get lost in all the reading," Christy says. "I like doing the research because I can take what I learn in the classroom and apply it to my lab work."
When searching for a career, Christy believes that hard work and a never-say-die attitude pays off in the long run. "Set goals for yourself. Set big goals and set little ones that you'll be able to achieve along the way. Then, when you reach those goals, set new ones for yourself. It's a cycle. Even if you face adversity along the way, keep going."