Zion Desta (she/her), an international student, is a second-year Biology major with plans to attend medical school and pursue a career in neurosurgery. She is passionate about the brain and hopes to contribute to the field by not only performing life-changing surgeries but also developing innovative techniques to improve patient outcomes. Before college, Zion volunteered with the Red Cross and at a hospital in Ethiopia, where she gained hands-on experience in healthcare and strengthened her commitment to the field of medicine. As a Peer Health Educator (PHE), she is excited to support her peers, promote well-being, and learn more about health and wellness. She looks forward to applying this knowledge in her future medical career to better serve and care for others. Outside of academics, Zion enjoys watching YouTube, soccer, and reading books in her free time.
Mia Cordova (she/her) is a third-year Kinesiology major with a concentration in Pre-Physical Therapy. Mia is an active member of the women's soccer team and participates in the Kinesiology Club on campus. As a PHE she is looking forward to working with students to act as a guide on their personal wellness journey. With a strong passion for sports and helping others through recovery, she aspires to become a chiropractor. Her interest in the field was sparked through conversations with other chiropractors and her own experiences as a student athlete. Outside of academics, she enjoys spending time at the beach, listening to music, snowboarding, staying active at the gym, and participating in a variety of outdoor activities.
Arsema Haile (she/her) is a second-year international student from Ethiopia, currently studying Biology on the pre-med track at Whittier College. Her goal is to become a cardiologist, with a short-term focus on building a solid academic foundation and gaining clinical and research experience. She has volunteered in various healthcare settings, which has deepened her interest in cardiovascular health and strengthened the desire to pursue medicine. Beyond academics, she enjoys listening to music, nature walks and spending time with friends and family. In the long term, she hopes to advance heart health and improve access to heart care in underserved communities, especially in Ethiopia. As a PHE she aspired to empower her peers with accurate health information, promote wellness, and foster a supportive and informed campus community.
Aidan Chaidez (he/him) is a third year student majoring in Kinesiology with a concentration in pre-physical therapy (and minoring in Religious Studies), hoping to pursue a career as a physical therapist or athletic trainer. Aidan has been a track and field athlete, a member of the Brotherhood Leadership Program, volunteered his time at PIH hospital in Whittier, and enjoys working in his community on and off campus. As a PHE, he hopes to create an environment of wellness and safety by focusing on students' physical and spiritual well being. His overall career goal is to work with athletes in the field of sports medicine to support their rehabilitation and get them game ready with confidence. For fun, Aidan likes to go to the beach, go biking, go to concerts, engage in photography, and hang out with friends.
Angelina Leon (she/her) is a second-year student majoring in Biology. Her goal after receiving her undergraduate degree is to attend medical school, followed by a dermatology residency. On campus, Angelina is a member of the Pre-Health and Sustainability Clubs. Outside of academics, her hobbies include running, hiking and gardening. She currently works part-time in a day program for special needs adults where she assists individuals with physical, developmental, behavioral, and emotional disabilities. As a peer health educator (PHE) she hopes to connect and support peers to develop self care practices and strategies for work/life balance.
Ava Melendez (she/her) is a second-year Biology major student on the pre-med track. On campus, she is involved in Pre-Health club, Women in STEM club, and holds the position as Engagement Officer in the Sustainability club. Off campus, she volunteers in the oncology department at PIH Whittier Hospital. Ava aspires to become a Dermatologist to provide care and services to others. For fun, Ava likes to play guitar, try new coffee shops, listen to music, and watch movies. As a Peer Health Educator (PHE), she wishes to utilize the skills and resources granted to her to support wellness for others, both on and off campus.
Barbara Lozano (she/her) is a fourth-year Biology major and Spanish minor who aspires to become an Optometrist specializing in pediatric care and vision therapy. On campus, Barbara serves as an executive board member of the Pre-Health club, a SHPEP (Summer Health Professions Education Program) Ambassador, and a musician in the Whittier College Jazz Ensemble. She has also served as a student notetaker for the Student Accessibility Services (SAS), and a translator for the Center for Latinx and Latin American Arts and Culture. As a PHE, her goals include learning more about her major, meanwhile creating a positive, fun, and safe environment for our diverse student community, educating them on the importance of mindfulness, positivity, and self-care. Beyond her academic pursuits, Barbara enjoys musical activities, trips to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Christian Wondossen (she/her) is an international student from Ethiopia currently in her second year, majoring in Pre-med/Biology and minoring in Political Science with aspirations of becoming an ophthalmologist. On campus, she served as a POET Intern, where she promoted the 8 Dimensions of Wellness including mental wellness, emotional health and more through creative outreach and programming. As the President of the Habeshan Club, Christian models embracing and promoting her culture on campus while creating community amongst international students. She is also involved in Model United Nations, representing Africa on topics like climate, finance and global development. Beyond campus, she supports international students by sharing resources on scholarships and visas through her online platform. Her current academic goals include expanding her knowledge in both medicine and global policy, while gaining hands-on experience in public health and advocacy. As a PHE, her goals are to develop intellectually and to support students' wellness on campus. Outside of academics, she enjoys journaling, selfcare, and going out with friends.
