Maika Paquin

I have been studying and playing ice hockey at the NCAA level at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York, since last year. In order to finally fulfill my dream of becoming an ENT specialist, I am now pursuing two degrees, one in Biomedical Science and one in Public Health, as well as a minor in Pre-Med. I am also in the process of getting my EMT certifications.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have had an insatiable intellectual curiosity and the love of helping others. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness at the age of five years old, which has introduced me to many facets of this profession and enabled me to see the benefits of medical advances for patients and doctors alike. I want to help those around me to improve the health of others, and thus give back to the community, in the collective interest.
I also started working with "different" children as soon as I was old enough to have a summer job. For three years, I worked as a facilitator in a community organization with a clientele with a diagnosis of intellectual disability, anger issues, and many other associated diagnoses. I had the pleasure of dancing, singing, playing, laughing, consoling and most of all learning with them. I myself am affected by this issue, as I have a younger brother with autism. I've always seen my brother's challenges as a strength and a springboard for gaining a better understanding of human beings in all their specificities.
There's no doubt that playing sport brings me many benefits, both physically and psychologically. However, playing a team sport brings me a lot more, as I find it easier to communicate and work with my colleagues to achieve a common goal. As a future doctor, I know it's going to be important to communicate effectively, and team sport has been an excellent way for me to learn how to do this.