From living by society’s expectations, battling high-functioning stress and perfectionism, and navigating hormone imbalances to redefining success and embracing natural wellness—this is my journey.

Growing up, I was fascinated by science and how our bodies worked. I devoured medical shows on the Discovery Channel, and by high school, Grey’s Anatomy had me hooked. Christina Yang was my role model, and I was determined to follow in her footsteps.

I excelled in school, graduating as salutatorian of my high school class and preparing for a future in medicine. My goal was clear: attend Vanderbilt University for medical school and become the best general surgeon. Competitive by nature, I thrived on the idea of challenges and hard work. But life had other plans.

In college, I chose an unconventional path, creating my own major focused on race and ethnicity with an emphasis on the Hispanic population in the U.S. These interests were the first subtle signs that my purpose might lie elsewhere. Still, I stayed on the medical school track, even completing a master’s degree at Vanderbilt in Medicine, Health, and Society to strengthen my application.

During that program, my perspective shifted dramatically. Through research on alternative healing methods like acupuncture and yoga, I began questioning my beliefs about healthcare and Western medicine. At the same time, my MCAT scores fell short, leaving me feeling disillusioned and lost. What kind of doctor could I be without the ‘right’ test scores?

Desperate to salvage my dream, I applied to a public health PhD program, believing it would allow me to make an impact. But instead of fulfillment, I found frustration. I discovered the biases in research, the hidden agendas, and the rejection of alternative methods I had grown passionate about. Professors dismissed my desire to study natural stress relief as “pseudoscience,” and I felt my purpose slipping further away.

The turning point came when I found the courage to tell my immigrant mom I no longer wanted to be a doctor. I was terrified of disappointing her—and myself. But speaking my truth was liberating, and it set me on the path to discovering my real purpose.

Since then, I’ve immersed myself in studying nutrition, energetics, and mindset, intentionally healing my mind and body. Along the way, I found what truly fuels my soul: empowering others to positively transform their lives through intentional wellness practices.

Our bodies speak what our minds silence. So, what are you silencing?