Loretta Myers
"I truly believe that all those interested in studying medicine should have a strong background in psychology. How better to understand your patient in their entirety as a unique individual?"
- Alumni of: 2007 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program
- Hometown: Pleasanton, CA
- Community College: Las Positas College
- Four-year College or University: University of California, Berkeley
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Health Care, Liberal Arts, Psychology / Therapy, Sciences
- Other Interests: Health Care, Honor Society, Languages, Leadership Development, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Performing Arts / Theatre, Sciences, Student Government, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work, research
Biography
For many years, Loretta Myers trained as a dancer. "I was heavily involved in the performing arts, as I spent all of my youth and teenage years being groomed for a career in classical ballet. At the age of 12, I was awarded a full Endowment Scholarship at San Francisco Ballet School. While I was lucky enough to dance several solo roles, it is the precise movement of the corps dancing that holds special meaning to me in its mirroring everyday life. In this slow dance, we were representing identical reflections of one girl, so it was imperative that every dancer be synchronized to perfection with the other thirty girls. Much of life is a group effort which requires individual skill along with a role you must play to accomplish the group's goals."
The reality of her untraditional childhood impressed on Loretta the importance of support and collaboration. Loretta's aunt raised her niece from the age of two, when Loretta's biological parents abandoned her. Then the family incurred astronomical medical costs when Loretta's grandmother fell into a coma. Loretta graduated high school but postponed college, dividing her time between employment and caregiving.
Loretta describes her grandmother's aneurysm as "the one experience that had the greatest impact on my life." The event instilled in Loretta "a personal interest in the mysteries of the human body, desire to help my family, and strong empathy towards all those who come to a hospital trusting that they will receive help."
Many activities balance Loretta's classroom excellence. She supervised at-risk high school students in a community nature project, and became active in the campus environmental club and recycling program. Loretta explores her affinity for medicine through extensive volunteering at the local hospital. "My volunteer work within the emergency room makes me anxious for the day that I have the knowledge and ability to help these people with the passion and concern that they deserve."
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