Title: Census Coordinator
Project Mission
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau must do a headcount of everyone living in all the 50states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. The next census occurs in 2010,and getting an accurate count is vitally important to our community.Census data is used to ensure that each state is fairly represented in Congress, and to drawequitable political boundaries at the state and local level. Census data is also used to distribute$300 billion in federal funds, which support schools, families, affordable housing, CommunityDevelopment Block Grants, road construction, and emergency food and shelter. There is almostno other single project which, if successful, will have a lasting impact on the Berkeleycommunity.
Job Description: The City of Berkeley is committed to a full and accurate Census count of all ofour residents, and a student intern would be required to commit to this project through Spring of2010. This project offers a tremendous opportunity to work with City staff, community membersand leaders, elected officials, and other leaders at the local, county, state and federal level. Youwould be able to learn about how media, government, and resource allocation work.The right student will be involved from the beginning to develop the City’s outreach messagesand strategies, identify and track outreach resources, and work directly with community leadersto encourage responses to the Census questionnaire when it is mailed in March 2010.
Work will be done will City staff support, but the goal is for the student to independently manage parts ofthe project.Experience and qualification include:
• Has experience in community organizing and/or volunteer coordination;
• Can write and speak to a wide audience;
• Likes working with people of all perspectives and backgrounds;
• Can work independently to accomplish goals on a tight timeline.
Responsibilities and duties include:
• Working with City staff to organize a Complete Count Committee made up ofcommunity organizations who collectively represent Berkeley’s diverse community;
• Tracking and reporting on the work being done by the organizations;
• Organizing and distributing information about the Census and the City’s work;
• Responding to queries from the public;
• Helping to connect volunteers with appropriate community organizations;
• Assisting in the planning and execution of “Get Counted” events;
• Working with organizations to identify what resources they need to reach theirconstituency groups and assist in locating those resources.
Assignment: Applicant must commit to 20 hours a week from June 1, 2009 - May 15, 2010.
Pay is $20 an hour.
To Apply
Submit one-page cover letter, resume and at least 3 references to mcluniesross@cityofberkeley.info or fax (510) 981-7099 by Friday, May 22, 2009.
"So just be mindful on how our community has been when it comes to visibility or lack there of and know that this management position is a way that yall can help advocate for your self, your parents, your extended family, your community."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
blog spotlight: "sacred geographies: mapping places of peace and power"
Going off of my earlier post on faith and health, a friend of mine from school recently started a project exploring place and spirituality. Her blog is called "Sacred Geographies: Mapping Places of Peace and Power." In addition to regular posts, the blog also contains gorgeous photography and action alerts in the newsletters that she sends out. For more info, check out the Statement of Purpose.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
5th Annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration
Hey everyone! Just ran across this little tidbit and thought I would share it with anyone who wants a break from studying....
* When:Sat 5/16 (11AM)
* Where: Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
* Address: 200 Larkin St. San Francisco, CA Map
* Cost: FREE!
SAN FRANCISCO—(U.S. ASIAN WIRE)— The largest gathering of Asian Pacific Americans in the nation is back and bigger than ever, featuring Asian American artists, DJs, martial arts, today's Asian pop culture, j-cars, a Muay Thai kickboxing ring, scrumptious food, a karaoke contest, children's area, cultural procession, arts and crafts, anime, free hepatitis B screenings and more! The 5th annual Asian Heritage Street Celebration will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009 in San Francisco, in front of the Asian Art Museum, leading up to the Little Saigon District.
Official Site: http://www.asianfairsf.com/
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Research Assistant for Health Through Action at APIAHF
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Research Assistant, Health Through Action
05/11/09
Organizational Description The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program and research efforts to improve the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. APIAHF has five policy priorities: expand access to healthcare, improve quality of healthcare, ensure a diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce, increase data and research, and increase investment in community-based health programs. Founded in 1986, APIAHF advocates on health/healthcare challenges of these communities, provides technical assistance and training towards capacity development, provide health and U.S. Census data analysis and information dissemination, and convene regional and national conferences.
The Research Assistantship program is part of the APIAHF policy priority to support pipeline and workforce diversity. The strategy mentors individuals and builds their capacity to develop data, research, policy, and/or advocacy initiatives and strategies that address Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Most importantly, the program will result in the development of a cadre of young people who will exercise leadership in the field of data, research, policy, and/or advocacy related to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. To ensure ongoing capacity building, APIAHF staff will meet and engage in communication with the Research Assistants on a regular basis (at least semi-annual) through listservs, online groups, luncheons, etc. after end of Research Assistantship.Research Assistants will be selected from a wide range of disciplines including public health, social works, health services, social sciences, etc.
Title: Research Assistant, Health Through Action
Hours: 20-37.5 hours per week (now through September 2009)
Reports to: Community Capacity
Program Director Location: 450 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Salary: $15-$18/hour
Job Summary The Research Assistant will review literature and data, and write articles and other products that will be used to raise visibility of the health issues of these communities with researchers, funders, and policymakers at national, state, and local levels. The Research Assistant will work directly with an evaluation researcher and health economist. This Research Assistantship is also a great opportunity to network with APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.Duties and Responsibilities Review literature and data, especially related to health services and health economics.Develop and produce print and electronic documents (at least one journal article, fact sheets, briefs, data charts, etc.).Data coding, entry, and analysis. Participate in related meetings, events, and other functions.Network with APIAHF staff and APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.Perform other duties as assigned (e.g. photocopying, mailings, administrative work).
Required Qualifications
Graduate (Master’s - 2nd year; PhD – any level) in public health, social work, social sciences, health services, or related fields;
Proficiency in conducting literature and data review;
Proficiency with general personal computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and internet applications in a Windows environment;
Proficiency in manipulating spreadsheets and databases (e.g. Excel, Access, etc.);
Proficiency in analyzing data, especially quantitative data (using Excel, SPSS, STATA, SAS, etc.);
Ability to work independently.
Desired Qualifications
Good writing skills;
Ability to analyze qualitative data (e.g. using EpiInfo, etc.);
Experience, knowledge, and/or desire to gain experience in data, research, policy, and advocacy issues of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
If interested, please send cover letter and resume (email preferred) to:
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Attn: HR – HTA Research Assistant
450 Sutter Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94108
Email: hr@apiahf.org
Fax: 415-954-9999
Research Assistant, Health Through Action
05/11/09
Organizational Description The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program and research efforts to improve the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. APIAHF has five policy priorities: expand access to healthcare, improve quality of healthcare, ensure a diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce, increase data and research, and increase investment in community-based health programs. Founded in 1986, APIAHF advocates on health/healthcare challenges of these communities, provides technical assistance and training towards capacity development, provide health and U.S. Census data analysis and information dissemination, and convene regional and national conferences.
The Research Assistantship program is part of the APIAHF policy priority to support pipeline and workforce diversity. The strategy mentors individuals and builds their capacity to develop data, research, policy, and/or advocacy initiatives and strategies that address Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. Most importantly, the program will result in the development of a cadre of young people who will exercise leadership in the field of data, research, policy, and/or advocacy related to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. To ensure ongoing capacity building, APIAHF staff will meet and engage in communication with the Research Assistants on a regular basis (at least semi-annual) through listservs, online groups, luncheons, etc. after end of Research Assistantship.Research Assistants will be selected from a wide range of disciplines including public health, social works, health services, social sciences, etc.
Title: Research Assistant, Health Through Action
Hours: 20-37.5 hours per week (now through September 2009)
Reports to: Community Capacity
Program Director Location: 450 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Salary: $15-$18/hour
Job Summary The Research Assistant will review literature and data, and write articles and other products that will be used to raise visibility of the health issues of these communities with researchers, funders, and policymakers at national, state, and local levels. The Research Assistant will work directly with an evaluation researcher and health economist. This Research Assistantship is also a great opportunity to network with APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.Duties and Responsibilities Review literature and data, especially related to health services and health economics.Develop and produce print and electronic documents (at least one journal article, fact sheets, briefs, data charts, etc.).Data coding, entry, and analysis. Participate in related meetings, events, and other functions.Network with APIAHF staff and APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.Perform other duties as assigned (e.g. photocopying, mailings, administrative work).
Required Qualifications
Graduate (Master’s - 2nd year; PhD – any level) in public health, social work, social sciences, health services, or related fields;
Proficiency in conducting literature and data review;
Proficiency with general personal computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and internet applications in a Windows environment;
Proficiency in manipulating spreadsheets and databases (e.g. Excel, Access, etc.);
Proficiency in analyzing data, especially quantitative data (using Excel, SPSS, STATA, SAS, etc.);
Ability to work independently.
Desired Qualifications
Good writing skills;
Ability to analyze qualitative data (e.g. using EpiInfo, etc.);
Experience, knowledge, and/or desire to gain experience in data, research, policy, and advocacy issues of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.
If interested, please send cover letter and resume (email preferred) to:
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Attn: HR – HTA Research Assistant
450 Sutter Street, Suite 600
San Francisco, CA 94108
Email: hr@apiahf.org
Fax: 415-954-9999
Health Through Action Intern at APIAHF
INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT
Intern, Health Through Action
05/11/09
Organizational Description The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program and research efforts to improve the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. APIAHF has five policy priorities: expand access to healthcare, improve quality of healthcare, ensure a diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce, increase data and research, and increase investment in community-based health programs. Founded in 1986, APIAHF advocates on health/healthcare challenges of these communities, provides technical assistance and training towards capacity development, provide health and U.S. Census data analysis and information dissemination, and convene regional and national conferences.
The internship program is part of the APIAHF policy priority to support pipeline and workforce diversity. The strategy mentors individuals and builds their capacity to develop data, research, policy, and/or advocacy initiatives and strategies that address Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health issues. Most importantly, the program results in the development of a cadre of young people who will exercise leadership in the field of data, research, policy, and/or advocacy related to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. To ensure ongoing capacity building, APIAHF staff meets and engage in communication with the interns on a regular basis (at least semi-annual) through listservs, online groups, luncheons, etc. after end of internship.
Interns will be selected from a wide range of disciplines including public health, social works, social sciences, health services, etc.
Title: Health Through Action Intern
Hours: 20-37.5 hours per week (now through September 2009)
Reports to: Community Capacity Program Director
Location: 450 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Salary: $10/hour
Job Summary The Intern will learn the health/healthcare needs and challenges of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, review data and literature and develop related products. These products will be used to raise visibility of the health/healthcare issues of these communities with researchers, funders, and policymakers at national, state, and local levels. This internship is also a great opportunity to network with APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.
Duties and Responsibilities
Learn how a national policy advocacy organization addresses the health and healthcare needs and challenges of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Review data and literature on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health.
Assist with developing and producing print and electronic documents (e.g. briefs, fact sheets, data charts, etc.).
Data coding, entry, and analysis.
Network with APIAHF staff and APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.
Participate in related meetings, events, and other functions.
Perform other duties as assigned (e.g. photocopying, mailings, administrative work).
Required Qualifications
Undergraduate (at least 2nd year) or Graduate (any level) in public health, social work, or related fields.
Proficiency with general personal computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet applications in a Windows environment.
Desired Qualifications
Experience, knowledge, and/or desire to gain experience in data, research, policy, and advocacy issues of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.Interested in underserved population issues.Ability to work independently.
Experience with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Publisher, and Access.
If interested, please send cover letter and resume (email preferred) to:
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Attn: HR – HTA Intern450 Sutter Street, Suite 600San Francisco, CA 94108
Email: hr@apiahf.org
Fax: 415-954-9999
Intern, Health Through Action
05/11/09
Organizational Description The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) is a national advocacy organization dedicated to promoting policy, program and research efforts to improve the health and well-being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. APIAHF has five policy priorities: expand access to healthcare, improve quality of healthcare, ensure a diverse and culturally competent healthcare workforce, increase data and research, and increase investment in community-based health programs. Founded in 1986, APIAHF advocates on health/healthcare challenges of these communities, provides technical assistance and training towards capacity development, provide health and U.S. Census data analysis and information dissemination, and convene regional and national conferences.
The internship program is part of the APIAHF policy priority to support pipeline and workforce diversity. The strategy mentors individuals and builds their capacity to develop data, research, policy, and/or advocacy initiatives and strategies that address Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health issues. Most importantly, the program results in the development of a cadre of young people who will exercise leadership in the field of data, research, policy, and/or advocacy related to Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders. To ensure ongoing capacity building, APIAHF staff meets and engage in communication with the interns on a regular basis (at least semi-annual) through listservs, online groups, luncheons, etc. after end of internship.
Interns will be selected from a wide range of disciplines including public health, social works, social sciences, health services, etc.
Title: Health Through Action Intern
Hours: 20-37.5 hours per week (now through September 2009)
Reports to: Community Capacity Program Director
Location: 450 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Salary: $10/hour
Job Summary The Intern will learn the health/healthcare needs and challenges of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, review data and literature and develop related products. These products will be used to raise visibility of the health/healthcare issues of these communities with researchers, funders, and policymakers at national, state, and local levels. This internship is also a great opportunity to network with APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.
Duties and Responsibilities
Learn how a national policy advocacy organization addresses the health and healthcare needs and challenges of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
Review data and literature on Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander health.
Assist with developing and producing print and electronic documents (e.g. briefs, fact sheets, data charts, etc.).
Data coding, entry, and analysis.
Network with APIAHF staff and APIAHF’s partner organizations across the country.
Participate in related meetings, events, and other functions.
Perform other duties as assigned (e.g. photocopying, mailings, administrative work).
Required Qualifications
Undergraduate (at least 2nd year) or Graduate (any level) in public health, social work, or related fields.
Proficiency with general personal computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet applications in a Windows environment.
Desired Qualifications
Experience, knowledge, and/or desire to gain experience in data, research, policy, and advocacy issues of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.Interested in underserved population issues.Ability to work independently.
Experience with Adobe InDesign, Adobe Publisher, and Access.
If interested, please send cover letter and resume (email preferred) to:
Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
Attn: HR – HTA Intern450 Sutter Street, Suite 600San Francisco, CA 94108
Email: hr@apiahf.org
Fax: 415-954-9999
Technical Assistance and Training Coordinator
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Technical Assistance & Training CoordinatorPosted May 7, 2009
Organizational Description: The Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), founded in 1986, is a national policy advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
The Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence is a national resource center and clearinghouse on gender violence in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. It serves a national network of advocates, community members, organizations, service agencies, professionals, researchers, policy advocates and activists from community and social justice organizations working to eliminate violence against women. The API Institute is part of the APIAHF.Primary activities of the Institute include convening national, regional, and local trainings and meetings, providing technical assistance, developing culturally relevant models and materials, maintaining a clearinghouse of information on gender violence and a resource center on interpretation and language access.
Title:
Technical Assistance and Training Coordinator, 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours/week)
Salary range: Low to mid 50k
Reports to: Director, Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence
Start Date: June 15, 2009
Job Summary: The Technical Assistance and Training Coordinator serves as an information specialist on domestic violence in Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities; specifically providing technical assistance to a national network of domestic violence programs; developing and maintaining the API Institute’s resource center/clearinghouse; coordinating regional, national, statewide and/or local trainings and workgroups; and collaborating with other national organizations. Applicants are expected to be knowledgeable, show initiative and be versed in fundamental research and information delivery. Duties and Responsibilities: · Provide and organize all technical assistance delivery and conduct necessary research in response to queries on a range of topics including organizational capacity-building for community-based programs.
· Develop and coordinate trainings for network of advocates including web-based trainings, conferences, workshops, and roundtable discussions.
· Collaborate with national or local partners to plan regional, state-wide or national conferences, teleconferences or webinars.
· Manage and maintain the Institute’s Resource Center, website, listserves and databases. · Assist in the preparation and dissemination of publications and other materials.
· Maintain a national network of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander domestic violence service providers through outreach and regular communication including listserves.
· Assist with grant-writing including logistical support, electronic uploads, data collection
· Coordinate and monitor program objectives and activities including report-writing, following work-plans/ timetables, tracking TA requests and utilization, and evaluating trainings.
· Work closely with the API Institute’s steering committee members.
· Serve in advocacy role, including public speaking.
· Travel to domestic violence organizations and other sites as needed throughout the U.S.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Required Qualifications:
· Undergraduate degree in a related field;
· Knowledgeable about domestic violence; gender-based violence; Asian, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander communities; cultural competency;
· Experience working in the domestic violence field: minimum 3 years;
· Experience working with Asian, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander communities: minimum 1 year;
· Experience researching and providing general and tailored technical assistance: minimum 1 year;
· Experience in planning meetings, conferences and trainings including familiarity with internet-based methods;
· Demonstrated ability to organize information, ascertain constituents’ needs, respond to complex issues;
· Excellent oral communication and demonstrated public speaking skills;
· Demonstrated excellence in writing skills that includes the ability to compose varied correspondence in a precise, accurate, and easily understandable manner;
· Excellent problem solving skills;
· Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work with diverse groups of people and to handle difficult or sensitive situations and people tactfully;
· Strong initiative, creativity and motivation, including ability to work under pressure and with deadlines; and
· Ability to travel as part of work responsibilities.
Desired Qualifications:
· Experience providing training, in-person and/or web-based;
· Experience in national advocacy or technical assistance work;
· Bilingual and/or bi-literate in an Asian or Pacific Islander language
To apply, please submit the following to: hr@apiahf.org (preferably) OR mail to: APIAHF, Attn: HR - DV Coordinator, 450 Sutter St., #600, San Francisco 94108 · Curriculum vitae/resume · Cover letter that specifically references required and desired qualifications enumerated above · One writing sample Application deadline: May 22, 2009 __._,_.___
Technical Assistance & Training CoordinatorPosted May 7, 2009
Organizational Description: The Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), founded in 1986, is a national policy advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and well being of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities.
The Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence is a national resource center and clearinghouse on gender violence in Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. It serves a national network of advocates, community members, organizations, service agencies, professionals, researchers, policy advocates and activists from community and social justice organizations working to eliminate violence against women. The API Institute is part of the APIAHF.Primary activities of the Institute include convening national, regional, and local trainings and meetings, providing technical assistance, developing culturally relevant models and materials, maintaining a clearinghouse of information on gender violence and a resource center on interpretation and language access.
Title:
Technical Assistance and Training Coordinator, 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours/week)
Salary range: Low to mid 50k
Reports to: Director, Asian & Pacific Islander Institute on Domestic Violence
Start Date: June 15, 2009
Job Summary: The Technical Assistance and Training Coordinator serves as an information specialist on domestic violence in Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities; specifically providing technical assistance to a national network of domestic violence programs; developing and maintaining the API Institute’s resource center/clearinghouse; coordinating regional, national, statewide and/or local trainings and workgroups; and collaborating with other national organizations. Applicants are expected to be knowledgeable, show initiative and be versed in fundamental research and information delivery. Duties and Responsibilities: · Provide and organize all technical assistance delivery and conduct necessary research in response to queries on a range of topics including organizational capacity-building for community-based programs.
· Develop and coordinate trainings for network of advocates including web-based trainings, conferences, workshops, and roundtable discussions.
· Collaborate with national or local partners to plan regional, state-wide or national conferences, teleconferences or webinars.
· Manage and maintain the Institute’s Resource Center, website, listserves and databases. · Assist in the preparation and dissemination of publications and other materials.
· Maintain a national network of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander domestic violence service providers through outreach and regular communication including listserves.
· Assist with grant-writing including logistical support, electronic uploads, data collection
· Coordinate and monitor program objectives and activities including report-writing, following work-plans/ timetables, tracking TA requests and utilization, and evaluating trainings.
· Work closely with the API Institute’s steering committee members.
· Serve in advocacy role, including public speaking.
· Travel to domestic violence organizations and other sites as needed throughout the U.S.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director.
Required Qualifications:
· Undergraduate degree in a related field;
· Knowledgeable about domestic violence; gender-based violence; Asian, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander communities; cultural competency;
· Experience working in the domestic violence field: minimum 3 years;
· Experience working with Asian, Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander communities: minimum 1 year;
· Experience researching and providing general and tailored technical assistance: minimum 1 year;
· Experience in planning meetings, conferences and trainings including familiarity with internet-based methods;
· Demonstrated ability to organize information, ascertain constituents’ needs, respond to complex issues;
· Excellent oral communication and demonstrated public speaking skills;
· Demonstrated excellence in writing skills that includes the ability to compose varied correspondence in a precise, accurate, and easily understandable manner;
· Excellent problem solving skills;
· Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work with diverse groups of people and to handle difficult or sensitive situations and people tactfully;
· Strong initiative, creativity and motivation, including ability to work under pressure and with deadlines; and
· Ability to travel as part of work responsibilities.
Desired Qualifications:
· Experience providing training, in-person and/or web-based;
· Experience in national advocacy or technical assistance work;
· Bilingual and/or bi-literate in an Asian or Pacific Islander language
To apply, please submit the following to: hr@apiahf.org (preferably) OR mail to: APIAHF, Attn: HR - DV Coordinator, 450 Sutter St., #600, San Francisco 94108 · Curriculum vitae/resume · Cover letter that specifically references required and desired qualifications enumerated above · One writing sample Application deadline: May 22, 2009 __._,_.___
Monday, May 11, 2009
Cancer (from a patient's view)
Where to begin? Life has taken sharp left, crashed through the guard rail, and is now free-falling. I was a completely healthy 21 year old with one more semester before graduation. I had just submitted my applications in hopes of entering pharmacy school in the Fall of 2009. Though I was stressed, I had a good, lazy life. In fact, right after finals, I spent an incredible week in Vegas bonding with my close friends from high school. A good life indeed.
Recently, I began noticing a lump. Initially I didn't think much of it. I mean, who would? It's easy to just cruise along when you think you're an indestructible guy-- living it up as at the tender age of 21. The lump began to grow larger and larger and definitely caught my attention. I promised myself that I would head straight to the doctor after my Vegas trip. That's how I always thought--"I'll do that right after this..."
When I returned from Vegas, I went to see my primary doctor. I will never forget the look on his face as he examined the growing mass on me. He immediately stopped the examination and told me I needed to head straight to the emergency department to receive scans. I called up my family and told them what was going on. They went to the emergency room with me, unsure of what was about to unfold; unsure of how our world would be shaken off its foundation. After spending a few hours of waiting for my turn to go under the CT machine (I will save my frustrations from another post), I finally had my first scan of any sort, ever... While my family waited in the waiting room, I couldn't help but wonder how life-changing this scan may be. The culmination of 21+ years of experiences, relationships, thoughts could be changed with one scan.
It took two hours for the radiology department to produce results for the ER doctor. The doctor came into my room and closed the door somberly. I knew this would be a moment I will remember for the rest of my years. He sat down beside me and explained everything: "You have masses all over your abdomenal area. While this may not be malignant, it does not look good. Would you like me to break it to your family?" I sat there stunned, upset, and downright broken. Somehow I gathered the strength to utter, "No, I will tell them." He ushered my family into the room and closed the door as he left. In my 21 years of life, this was the most difficult situation I had ever encountered. Without hesitation, in Taishanese, I told them I might have cancer. My mom and my brother began to cry hysterically. All I could do was shed a stream of tears that enveloped the lower portion of my face. In that moment, I lost everything. All I had were my tears.
I spent the next week in the oncology ward. They performed multiple biopsies to check for malignancy. While I held out hope that the process that was causing these lumps was not cancer, I knew the chances were slim (to none). Around the fourth day in the oncology ward, the doctor, a graduate of my beloved UC Berkeley, came into my shared room and sensitively said, "The reports have shown that your masses are malignant. To make things worse, they are unable to determine what type of cancer you have, which makes creating a treatment plan extremely difficult at this point. However, we will run further tests to figure out the primary for this cancer. I'm sorry." This time I didn't cry. Over the past few days, I prepared myself mentally and emotionally for this moment. I was tired of feeling sorry for myself the day after my initial visit to the ER. I realized that feeling sorry for myself was counter-productive. While I was stranded in the oncology ward for a few more days, I was strangely calm. While my side of the room had no windows, I took walks into the hall and stared out of the sixth floor window at the beautiful San Francisco skyline. Admiring the lush views of the bay and the awe-inspiring buildings of The City, I vowed to myself that if life were to give me one more chance, I would do it right this time. I would take time to appreciate everyone and everything around me.
While this is far from a fairy tale, life actually began to send signs of resurgence. On the day the doctor told me the biopsy reports confirmed that I had cancer, my brother called me after returning home. He said I had received a letter in the mail from UCSF, my dream school. I asked him to open it and to read it to me. Life can be funny and cruel at the same time: I had received an invitation to interview at my dream school. When the future became muggy and despondent, this letter became my glimmer of hope. The interview was scheduled to occur two months from that day. In another slice of bittersweet reality offered by life, my new oncologist came into my room an hour after that phone call. The previous day, he came in and told me, "I don't know what's going on right now. All I know is that you will not die today. You will not die tomorrow. You will not die two months from now." However on the next day, he backed down from that promise after completely reviewing my scans and reviewing the biopsy report. In a very rehearsed fashion, he said, "You will not die today. You will not die tomorrow." What happened to two months from now? Two months! That's when I was scheduled to interview at UCSF! My mind was dashing at 100 miles per hour with no end in sight. Before I was able to let his prognosis sink in, I was again offered a glimmer of hope, "The good news is that we have narrowed your primary down to rectal or anal. We are pretty sure it is most likely rectal cancer." With that statement, I finally had a treatment plan. In one day, I was given two earth-shattering, life-altering realities. I could die within the next two months. Or I will survive and be given a chance to pursue the future I had always imagined for myself--a chance to make good on that vow by the window.
How will this story end or ascend? How will my life unfold or fold? I hope I will be able to share with you my many journeys as I venture on with my so-called life.
Oh! By the way, this is now 5 months, 9 rounds of chemotherapy, 1 UCSF interview, and 1 UCSF acceptance later. My health, my energy, and my view of life are improving. A good life indeed.
Recently, I began noticing a lump. Initially I didn't think much of it. I mean, who would? It's easy to just cruise along when you think you're an indestructible guy-- living it up as at the tender age of 21. The lump began to grow larger and larger and definitely caught my attention. I promised myself that I would head straight to the doctor after my Vegas trip. That's how I always thought--"I'll do that right after this..."
When I returned from Vegas, I went to see my primary doctor. I will never forget the look on his face as he examined the growing mass on me. He immediately stopped the examination and told me I needed to head straight to the emergency department to receive scans. I called up my family and told them what was going on. They went to the emergency room with me, unsure of what was about to unfold; unsure of how our world would be shaken off its foundation. After spending a few hours of waiting for my turn to go under the CT machine (I will save my frustrations from another post), I finally had my first scan of any sort, ever... While my family waited in the waiting room, I couldn't help but wonder how life-changing this scan may be. The culmination of 21+ years of experiences, relationships, thoughts could be changed with one scan.
It took two hours for the radiology department to produce results for the ER doctor. The doctor came into my room and closed the door somberly. I knew this would be a moment I will remember for the rest of my years. He sat down beside me and explained everything: "You have masses all over your abdomenal area. While this may not be malignant, it does not look good. Would you like me to break it to your family?" I sat there stunned, upset, and downright broken. Somehow I gathered the strength to utter, "No, I will tell them." He ushered my family into the room and closed the door as he left. In my 21 years of life, this was the most difficult situation I had ever encountered. Without hesitation, in Taishanese, I told them I might have cancer. My mom and my brother began to cry hysterically. All I could do was shed a stream of tears that enveloped the lower portion of my face. In that moment, I lost everything. All I had were my tears.
I spent the next week in the oncology ward. They performed multiple biopsies to check for malignancy. While I held out hope that the process that was causing these lumps was not cancer, I knew the chances were slim (to none). Around the fourth day in the oncology ward, the doctor, a graduate of my beloved UC Berkeley, came into my shared room and sensitively said, "The reports have shown that your masses are malignant. To make things worse, they are unable to determine what type of cancer you have, which makes creating a treatment plan extremely difficult at this point. However, we will run further tests to figure out the primary for this cancer. I'm sorry." This time I didn't cry. Over the past few days, I prepared myself mentally and emotionally for this moment. I was tired of feeling sorry for myself the day after my initial visit to the ER. I realized that feeling sorry for myself was counter-productive. While I was stranded in the oncology ward for a few more days, I was strangely calm. While my side of the room had no windows, I took walks into the hall and stared out of the sixth floor window at the beautiful San Francisco skyline. Admiring the lush views of the bay and the awe-inspiring buildings of The City, I vowed to myself that if life were to give me one more chance, I would do it right this time. I would take time to appreciate everyone and everything around me.
While this is far from a fairy tale, life actually began to send signs of resurgence. On the day the doctor told me the biopsy reports confirmed that I had cancer, my brother called me after returning home. He said I had received a letter in the mail from UCSF, my dream school. I asked him to open it and to read it to me. Life can be funny and cruel at the same time: I had received an invitation to interview at my dream school. When the future became muggy and despondent, this letter became my glimmer of hope. The interview was scheduled to occur two months from that day. In another slice of bittersweet reality offered by life, my new oncologist came into my room an hour after that phone call. The previous day, he came in and told me, "I don't know what's going on right now. All I know is that you will not die today. You will not die tomorrow. You will not die two months from now." However on the next day, he backed down from that promise after completely reviewing my scans and reviewing the biopsy report. In a very rehearsed fashion, he said, "You will not die today. You will not die tomorrow." What happened to two months from now? Two months! That's when I was scheduled to interview at UCSF! My mind was dashing at 100 miles per hour with no end in sight. Before I was able to let his prognosis sink in, I was again offered a glimmer of hope, "The good news is that we have narrowed your primary down to rectal or anal. We are pretty sure it is most likely rectal cancer." With that statement, I finally had a treatment plan. In one day, I was given two earth-shattering, life-altering realities. I could die within the next two months. Or I will survive and be given a chance to pursue the future I had always imagined for myself--a chance to make good on that vow by the window.
How will this story end or ascend? How will my life unfold or fold? I hope I will be able to share with you my many journeys as I venture on with my so-called life.
Oh! By the way, this is now 5 months, 9 rounds of chemotherapy, 1 UCSF interview, and 1 UCSF acceptance later. My health, my energy, and my view of life are improving. A good life indeed.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
mother's day/it takes a village...
Mother's Day always had this weird tension for me. Even though my brother, yipo (maternal great aunt), and I had this yearly tradition of making my mom breakfast in bed (that always ended in my dad eating most of it), there was always this artificial quality to it. My mom and I didn't have the best relationship growing up, much of it I think due to culturally-based miscommunication. It's gotten better in recent years.
The one thing I always regret is not doing anything to celebrate my yipo (who lived with me for 17 years) or any of the other relatives who've taken on the difficult task of raising me over the years. Both of my parents spent a good chunk of my childhood as PhD students which meant that at various times of my childhood I lived in China with my dad's family, hung out at daycare, or was taken care of by my yipo. Not that I want to contribute to anymore profit-driven Hallmark holidays, but I hope that all of the other people involved in raising us--such as family members and child care providers--can be recognized as well.
For an interesting short story on this topic, check out "Mrs. Sen's" by Jhumpa Lahiri in her book Interpreter of Maladies.
The one thing I always regret is not doing anything to celebrate my yipo (who lived with me for 17 years) or any of the other relatives who've taken on the difficult task of raising me over the years. Both of my parents spent a good chunk of my childhood as PhD students which meant that at various times of my childhood I lived in China with my dad's family, hung out at daycare, or was taken care of by my yipo. Not that I want to contribute to anymore profit-driven Hallmark holidays, but I hope that all of the other people involved in raising us--such as family members and child care providers--can be recognized as well.
For an interesting short story on this topic, check out "Mrs. Sen's" by Jhumpa Lahiri in her book Interpreter of Maladies.
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