Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
Scholars in the Arts
"I am fascinated by the breadth of Art History and by how painting teaches a culture about itself."
Rebekah Marie Tolopilo
“The honing of my academic ambitions has been a long process; however, the most pivotal moment in defining my goals occurred in 2010 when I traveled to Haiti with a volunteer medical team. I had an inclination toward the medical field prior to that trip, but getting to see doctors and nurses in action and assist them in applying medical knowledge to a community in need solidified my goals.”
- Program: 2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Temecula, CA
- Hometown: Temecula, CA
- Age: 22
- Community College: Mt. San Jacinto College
- Four-year College or University: University of California, Los Angeles
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Medical Practitioner, Sciences, Physician’s Assistant
- Other Interests: Church / Religious Organization, Literature, Mathematics, Volunteer Work, Music (Piano), Reading, Crocheting
Biography
Profile: When the Foundation asked Rebekah Tolopilo how and why she became such a stand-out student, not to mention a young lady dedicated to community service, she responded by saying the journey began at a very early age. “It started at home,” she responded. “I was homeschooled from first grade through high school and this context of learning taught me to dig deep into subjects, to think things through and ask the important questions.” It was also in this environment where she learned about the importance of helping others and putting their needs above her own interests. During her high school years, Rebekah became involved in several community service and church activities and started working with an orphanage in Mexico. It was then on to nearby Mt. San Jacinto College for the first “formal” education of her young life . . . and she found she was more than prepared for the challenge, graduating with honors. She’ll transfer to UCLA, where she will major in chemistry with an emphasis in biology. “This undergraduate major is actually a stepping stone to a Physician's Assistant degree. From the time I was in high school, I knew I wanted to pursue a degree that would enable me to assist others in a palpable way.”
Inspiration: Rebekah said she had “some amazing professors and mentors” at Mt. San Jacinto, but the individuals who influenced her the most were her parents. “My dad and mom have been hands-on with my education; they have pushed me to go beyond my comfort zone; they have provided a loving and supportive context for me to grow and pursue my goals.,” said Rebekah. Her parents not only taught her what it means to live well, “they have set an amazing example for me . . . I would not be the person I am today without them.”
Aspiration: Rebekah is pursuing a major in chemistry with an emphasis in biology on her path toward a career as a physician’s assistant.
Making a Difference: During the summer of 2010, Rebekah joined a volunteer medical team that went to Haiti after the earthquake there. While in Haiti, Rebekah worked with doctors and nurses conducting medical clinics in several villages. She saw a wide variety of patients from those who simply needed vitamins and nutrition, to those who needed minor surgeries, to complicated cases that were referred to local hospitals.
Accolades: Rebekah received the Outstanding Academic Achievement in Biology Award at Mt. San Jacinto College and was the Phi Theta Kappa Low-Tech Challenge Essay competition winner, also at Mt. San Jacinto College.
Interesting Fact: One of Rebekah’s favorite pastimes is watching Jane Austen movies with her three brothers.
Other Scholars Like Rebekah
Noah Smith
Graduate Scholar
University of California, Berkeley
Ulugbek Baymuradov
Graduate Scholar
Stanford University
Rene Yves Kouassi
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Claremont McKenna College
Theresa Taylor
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
The College of Saint Rose