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Natalie Gulan

Double Major
LAS; Biology

Photo: Natalie Gulan

Degree: Double Major in Biology and Latin American Studies

Expected Graduation: Spring 2019

What drew you to the Latin American Studies program?

I'm interested in Latin American Studies because of amazing culture that there is to learn about and be involved in. I've always enjoyed helping people and knew that I wanted to be a pediatrician for many years, but I knew that I wanted to do more than that. I became very interested in Brazil and would love to be able to study abroad there at some point in my education as well as work there through internships or volunteer work. I would love to be involved with Doctors Without Borders at some point in my life, hopefully helping people located in Brazil, but anywhere in Latin America would be just as wonderful. This program has really allowed me to open my eyes to a new culture and new opportunities so I can be involved in something bigger.

What has been your most rewarding experience while in the program?

I'm very grateful to have had professors who are so passionate about their field of work. Being able to be in a classroom learning about different aspects of Latin America from professors who are really interested and involved in the studies of Latin America has really shaped my learning and understanding. Dr. Bieber specifically has opened my eyes and provided me with a new love for learning about colonial Latin America. Her teaching, passion, and knowledge of the subject has sparked a deeper interest of the subject in me. There are endless resources this school has provided me with to engage and learn as much as I possibly can.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Hopefully I will be accepted into the medical school here at UNM and be on my way to becoming the pediatrician I want to be. From there I hope to begin work in Albuquerque, specifically being involved in a practice that can cater to the needs of people whose first language isn't English, making it easier for their children to get help. I hope to be able to go down and work in Latin America eventually, specifically Brazil. It would be a pleasure to be able to work through a nonprofit organization such as Doctors Without Borders.