Natalia Malagon has been kept busy in the transition from high-school to her post-secondary studies at Simon Fraser University. With a focus in biomedical physiology, Natalia hopes to one day achieve a career in medicine. Read more about Natalia’s journey to becoming a Beedie Luminary below.
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
Biomedical Physiology – because it is the intersection between pure sciences such as chemistry/biochemistry/etc and the relationship with the human body -physiology/anatomy courses. I believe this program is perfectly fitting to my current interests as well as my future career goals in medicine.
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
I was born in Colombia and moved to Canada the week I turned 1. In high school I had a point where I struggled, however, through my hard work and dedication I was able to gain my grasp on the material and continue to love it (specifically chemistry and math). Growing up I did all sorts of extra curricular such as dance, karate, soccer, badminton, piano, singing lessons, scouts, swimming, volleyball, and more. Over time, as school became slightly more rigorous I began to narrow down my activities, primarily sticking with dance and karate (completing my black belt).
During my 12th grade year, I was diagnosed with cancer and couldn’t continue my extracurriculars or academics as expected. Despite this, I attended school and exercised occasionally for mental stimulation, social interaction, and physical health benefits.
In my “13th” year of high school, I maintained good academics, recovered healthfully with occasional setbacks, and resumed dance, gym workouts, and volunteering. I continued with long-term commitments and new roles, including the Canadian Cancer Society youth council, hospital fundraising speaker, Burnaby MoreSports Society, SFU MBB research lab, and GEMS girls club counselor.
Who inspires you, and why?
Christine Tulloch, a women who was brave, courageous, humble, and despite her horrible (yet made beautiful by her) battle with cancer was able to start an organization, the “she defines strength foundation” in order to uplift, support, and energize young women who have or are facing cancer. She had a positive energy that emanated from her miles away and that energy stays with her legacy, her organization, and all the people she impacted.
What motivates you, and why?
The power I have to create meaningful change in a positive way for future generations.
What are your goals for the upcoming school year?
Maintain healthy habits – exercise, healthy eating, mental health, and sleep. Academics – good grades, long term understanding of the material, engage with the material in a way that will help me for my future goals, and gain from all the experiences university has to offer. Altruism – helping others when I can, search for small ways in which I can impact/help others, continue volunteering.
What is one thing you learned in high school that you will take with you to post-secondary?
Health over academics, because if academics (or anything else) comes before health then I will come out with no gain in either.
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